Chandler DUI Lawyer

In Arizona, a DUI arrest is a serious criminal offense that can carry lasting consequences, including jail time, fines, license suspension, and a permanent mark on your record. Many people who are arrested for DUI are not hardened criminals, and in fact, most have never been in trouble with the law before. What they are, however, is scared and unsure of what happens next. That uncertainty is often the hardest part. At The Weingart Firm, PLLC, we help clients in Chandler, across The Valley, and in surrounding communities understand what they are facing and what steps can be taken to protect their future. If you’re facing a DUI charge, contact a Chandler criminal defense lawyer from The Weingart Firm, PLLC for a free consultation today.

How DUI Investigations Work

Many people are unsure what actually happens during a DUI investigation, and that uncertainty alone can make the situation feel even more stressful. While every case is different, most investigations follow a fairly predictable sequence of events. A typical DUI investigation may unfold as follows:

• The traffic stop begins: An officer may stop a vehicle for speeding, drifting within a lane, a broken taillight, or another minor violation that initially has nothing to do with alcohol.
• Initial observations are made: The officer will usually ask routine questions while observing speech, coordination, and any odors that may be present.
• Field sobriety tests may be requested: These tests are designed to evaluate balance, coordination, and the ability to follow instructions, though many factors unrelated to alcohol can affect performance.
• A preliminary breath test may be administered: This is typically a handheld device used at the roadside, and it is different from the evidentiary tests conducted later.
• An arrest may occur: If the officer believes probable cause exists, the driver may be taken into custody and transported for further testing, which often involves a blood draw.
• Administrative and court processes begin: After the arrest, both criminal proceedings and administrative license actions may move forward, sometimes simultaneously.

The Two Cases You Face After a DUI

One of the most confusing aspects of a DUI arrest in Arizona is that you are not dealing with just one case. You are actually dealing with two separate legal matters at the same time, and each one has its own rules, deadlines, and consequences.

The first case is the criminal case, which takes place in court. This is the case that determines whether you are convicted and what penalties may be imposed. In these proceedings, several issues are often examined closely, including:

• Whether the officer had legal grounds to stop your vehicle in the first place
• Whether field sobriety tests were conducted properly and interpreted fairly
• Whether breath or blood testing equipment was calibrated and used correctly
• Whether the prosecution can prove impairment or an unlawful blood alcohol concentration beyond a reasonable doubt

The second case is the Motor Vehicle Division license case, which is administrative rather than criminal. This process begins quickly, and many people do not realize how little time they have to act. Some key things to understand about the MVD case are as follows:

• There is a strict deadline to request a hearing after a DUI arrest
• If no hearing is requested, a suspension can automatically go into effect
• The issues reviewed are limited and focus primarily on probable cause and test results
• The result can directly affect your ability to commute to work, school, or Arizona State University

Contact a DUI Lawyer in Chandler, Arizona Today

A DUI charge can feel overwhelming, however, it is important to remember that an arrest is not a conviction, and there are often defenses and strategies available that may not be obvious at first. By speaking with an experienced Chandler DUI lawyer at The Weingart Firm, PLLC, you drastically increase your chances of obtaining a positive outcome. If you would like to speak with an attorney, simply contact us for a free initial consultation today.