Experienced DUI Lawyers in Peoria

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Peoria DUI Lawyer

Arizona has strict laws against driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. If you get arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), you may face serious consequences such as jail time and the loss of your driving privileges. It is important to hire an attorney in Peoria who has experience defending clients during DUI cases. Having a lawyer by your side can help you minimize the effect that this arrest has on your life and future.

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If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Peoria, Arizona, contact a criminal defense lawyer at the Law Offices of John Phebus to schedule a free consultation. Our Peoria DUI defense lawyers can discuss your options and protect your legal rights.

Charged With a DUI? The Law Offices of John Phebus Glendale Criminal and Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

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Why Choose Our Peoria DUI Defense Attorneys?

  • We have many years of experience defending clients from DUI charges in Peoria. We can help if you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications, or if you are under the age of 21.
  • Our DUI defense attorneys personalize their defense techniques for each individual client. This ensures that you achieve the best possible results for your DUI case. We will listen to your story, gather all relevant information and custom-tailor a defense plan for you.
  • We understand how stressful it is to be arrested for an alleged DUI. Our Peoria DUI Defense Attorneys can answer your legal questions and provide legal support during this difficult time. You will have direct communication with your attorney every step of the way.

Why You Need to Hire a Peoria DUI Attorney

Throughout your DUI defense case, a lawyer will search for ways to protect your rights and make your life easier. Your defense attorney can help you reinstate your driving privileges if your license gets suspended after your arrest, for example. Your lawyer can also handle all communications and negotiations with the prosecution, such as arranging a plea deal that lightens the sentence you face. You can trust your DUI defense lawyer to look out for your rights and best interests when you need help the most.

Understanding Arizona’s DUI Laws in Peoria

In Peoria, Arizona, an individual can get arrested for driving under the influence under Arizona Revised Statute 28-1381 if he or she is pulled over by a police officer and blows a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level at or above 0.08 percent. For a commercial driver, the legal BAC is 0.04 percent. If the driver is under the age of 21, any discernible amount of alcohol can result in a DUI arrest. A BAC is the percent of alcohol in a driver’s bloodstream. It is typically collected through a breathalyzer test, where the driver breathes into a device.

With a BAC at or above the legal limit, a driver can get arrested for a “per se DUI” in Peoria, Arizona. This means that no further proof of intoxication is necessary to make an arrest. Even with a lesser BAC, however, a driver could get arrested for being impaired even to the slightest degree by drugs or alcohol. An officer could make an arrest based on the driver’s actions and behaviors that point toward intoxication, such as reckless driving or slurred speech.

What are the differences between DUI and extreme DUI charges in Peoria, Arizona?

In Peoria, Arizona, there are two types of drunk driving offenses: 

  • DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
  • Extreme DUI

The main difference between the two is the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level required for each charge. 

A DUI charge is typically applicable if a driver has a BAC level of 0.08% or higher. On the other hand, an extreme DUI charge is applicable if a driver’s BAC level is 0.15% or higher. The penalties for an extreme DUI charge are generally more severe than those for a standard DUI charge.

Various Drinking and Driving Charges Our DUI Lawyers Handle

Peoria, Arizona law has several different types of DUI charges. The potential penalties you are facing after being arrested for a DUI will depend in large part on the classification of the charge. At the Law Offices of John Phebus, our attorneys can defend your rights against various drinking and driving charges in Peoria, including:

  • Impaired to the slightest degree: a BAC under 0.08 percent, but still too impaired to legally drive. Even if you are not feeling too drunk to drive, you may be over the legal limit or appear intoxicated to a police officer.
  • Underage DUI: driving or actual physical control of a vehicle with any BAC level as someone who is under the legal drinking age of 21. Arizona is a Zero Tolerance state for underage drinkers.
  • Standard DUI: a BAC of 0.08 percent to 0.14 percent for a standard driver, or 0.04 percent for commercial motor vehicle drivers in Glendale. This is a misdemeanor charge. Arizona’s “per se” DUI law means that someone driving over the legal limit can be found guilty of DUI even without evidence of impairment.
  • Extreme DUI in Glendale: a BAC of 0.15 percent to 0.19 percent. An extreme DUI means that a driver was essentially operating a motor vehicle (or in actual physical control) with double the legal BAC limit.
  • Super Extreme DUI: a BAC at or above 0.20 percent. This serious type of charge is reserved for cases where the individual was in control of a motor vehicle with a “super extreme” BAC level that exceeds 0.20 percent. 
  • Aggravated DUI: a DUI with aggravating circumstances, such as a car accident with bodily injuries, is charged as a felony in Arizona. This is a serious charge that can result in prison time.

Our attorneys can assist you with other alcohol-related charges, as well, such as open container, furnishing alcohol to a minor, and using a false ID to obtain alcohol. Even if you have been arrested for a first-offense DUI, you could be facing life-changing penalties, such as jail time and the suspension of your driver’s license. It is important to always contact an attorney to defend you against DUI charges.

Can a Peoria DUI defense attorney assist with a case involving prescription drugs?

Yes, a Peoria DUI defense attorney can assist with an impaired driving case involving prescription drugs. While DUI cases are commonly associated with alcohol, they can also involve driving under the influence of drugs, including prescription medications. The prosecution must prove that the driver’s ability to operate a vehicle was impaired by the drugs. 

A skilled DUI defense attorney can challenge the validity of the drug test results or argue that the medications did not impair the driver’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Our DUI Drug Attorneys Can Help With Substance Driving Violations

DUI laws in Peoria, Arizona, extend beyond alcohol; they also prohibit driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of drugs, including prescription medications. This applies in both Glendale and Peoria, and offenders can face arrest and jail time if they do not have a valid prescription. Any controlled substance found in your system at the time of an arrest could lead to a DUI. Although marijuana is now legal in Arizona, it remains prohibited for drivers in Glendale or Peoria to operate vehicles under the influence of marijuana or any other controlled substances, regardless of their legal status.

At the Law Offices of John Phebus, we can help you protect yourself against drug DUI charges in Peoria with sound legal strategies. For example, we may be able to argue a lack of probable cause for the traffic stop or arrest, an illegal search of your vehicle, police misconduct, civil rights violations, or lack of actual physical control of a motor vehicle. Our attorneys can argue against the accuracy of drug tests performed or look for issues in the chain of evidence, such as missing test results or illegally confiscated drugs. We will advise you on the best course of action for your situation – going to trial or seeking a plea agreement – to achieve a positive outcome.

What should I do immediately after being arrested for a DUI in Peoria, Arizona?

If you are arrested for a DUI in Peoria, Arizona, it is important to take the following steps:

  • Remain calm: Stay composed and do not make any incriminating statements. Invoke your right to remain silent if police try to question you.
  • Request legal representation: Invoke your right to an attorney and refrain from answering any questions without your legal counsel present.
  • Document details: Take note of the circumstances surrounding your arrest, including the behavior of the arresting officer and any potential violations of your rights.

Contact a Peoria DUI defense attorney: Seek the assistance of a skilled DUI defense attorney as soon as possible. They will guide you through the legal process and work towards building a strong defense on your behalf.

How do DUI penalties differ for commercial drivers in Peoria, Arizona?

DUI penalties for commercial drivers in Peoria, Arizona differ from those for non-commercial drivers. Commercial drivers, such as truck drivers or bus drivers, are held to a higher standard due to the potential risks associated with their occupation. If a commercial driver is caught driving under the influence, their commercial driver’s license (CDL) may be suspended or revoked. The penalties are generally more severe, and the legal BAC limit for commercial drivers is lower, usually 0.04% compared to 0.08% for non-commercial drivers.

Is a DUI a Felony in Peoria, Arizona?

A DUI is typically charged as a misdemeanor crime in Peoria, Arizona. It can be elevated to a felony, however, if there are aggravating circumstances. Arizona Revised Statute 28-1383 lists the following for an aggravated DUI:

  • If the driver’s license is suspended, revoked, restricted, or canceled.
  • If this is the driver’s third or subsequent DUI in an 84-month period.
  • If a person under the age of 15 was in the vehicle.
  • If the person was ordered by the court or otherwise required to equip the motor vehicle with an ignition interlock device.
  • If the individual was driving the wrong way on a highway at the time of the offense.

If you are convicted of a felony DUI in Peoria, you could face a minimum of four months (and up to three years) in prison, plus $4,000 or more in fines and fees. It is critical to contact an attorney to aid in your defense if you are facing felony DUI charges.

How does a DUI conviction impact my driver’s license in Peoria?

A DUI conviction can have severe consequences on your driver’s license in Peoria. Upon conviction, your license may be suspended or revoked for a certain period. The length of the suspension or revocation will depend on the specific circumstances of your case, including any prior DUI convictions. 

Additionally, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle, which requires you to pass a breathalyzer test before starting your car. Seeking legal representation from a skilled Peoria DUI defense attorney can help mitigate the potential impact on your driver’s license.

Penalties for a DUI in Peoria, Arizona

Being convicted of a DUI in Peoria, Arizona can come with life-changing consequences. A conviction for a first-time DUI is a minimum of 24 hours and a maximum of 10 days in jail, plus a $250 base fine and license suspension from 90 days to one year. For a second offense, these penalties are increased to 30 to 90 days in jail, a $500 base fine, and license suspension for one year. A third or subsequent offense comes with a minimum of four months in jail, a $750 base fine, and license suspension for one year.

Anyone convicted of a DUI must also install an ignition interlock device on his or her vehicle at the driver’s expense. This device requires a driver to blow a BAC level below the legal limit before the vehicle’s engine will start. It will also test the driver periodically throughout the drive and automatically send the results to the administration in charge of overseeing the device. Mandatory drug or substance abuse counseling may also be part of a DUI sentence.

How Long Is a DUI On Your Record in Peoria, Arizona?

In addition to the legal trouble that comes with getting a DUI, you may face lasting effects from having a DUI conviction on your record. In Peoria, Arizona, a DUI remains on a person’s driving record for five years. It also puts eight points on the driver’s license for three years. Even worse, a DUI stays on a driver’s criminal record and appears on background checks forever. Under Arizona law, however, you may qualify to have your DUI record “set aside,” which is similar to expungement and blocks your DUI record from appearing on background checks.

Get In Touch With Us

If you would like to discuss options on your case and how we can provide legal help, contact The Law Offices of John Phebus Glendale Criminal and Personal Injury Lawyer today and connect with one of our highly experienced Glendale criminal defense attorneys.

How does a prior DUI conviction affect my current DUI case in Peoria?

A prior DUI conviction can have a significant impact on your current DUI case in Peoria, Arizona has strict penalties for repeat DUI offenders. If you have a prior DUI conviction within the last seven years, you may face enhanced penalties for your current offense. 

These penalties can include increased fines, longer license suspension periods, mandatory alcohol treatment programs, and even longer jail sentences. Having an experienced Peoria DUI defense attorney on your side can help potentially minimize the impact of a prior conviction.

What are the potential defenses for a DUI charge in Peoria, Arizona?

There are various potential defenses for a DUI charge in Peoria, Arizona. Some common defenses include:

  • Challenging the validity of the traffic stop
  • Questioning the accuracy of the breathalyzer or blood test results
  • Arguing that the driver’s impairment was due to factors other than alcohol or drugs
  • Questioning the field sobriety test procedures and results

An experienced Peoria DUI defense attorney can evaluate the specifics of your case and determine the most effective defense strategy.

What should I expect during the DUI court process in Peoria, Arizona?

The DUI court process in Peoria, Arizona typically involves the following:

  • Arraignment: You will be formally charged with a DUI, and you will enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
  • Pretrial hearings: These hearings aim to resolve any preliminary matters, such as discovery motions, evidentiary issues, and possible plea negotiations.
  • Trial: If no resolution is reached during pretrial hearings, the case may proceed to trial, where evidence will be presented, and the judge or jury will determine your guilt or innocence.
  • Sentencing: If convicted, the court will impose appropriate penalties, such as fines, probation, mandatory alcohol education programs, or jail time.

Contact a Peoria DUI Defense Lawyer Today

Driving under the influence is a serious crime in Arizona. In an effort to protect the public and prevent drivers from making this reckless mistake, Arizona punishes this crime severely. It is imperative to hire an experienced DUI lawyer if you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Peoria.

An attorney can take over your case and negotiate for a more positive outcome, whether this is having the charges against you dismissed entirely, reducing the charges (e.g., negotiating a felony down to a misdemeanor) or minimizing your sentence upon conviction. Your Peoria DUI lawyer will explore all available strategies to use in your defense.

For more information or advice about what to do after a DUI arrest in Peoria, contact the Law Offices of John Phebus to request a free consultation. Call (623) 400-5675 today.

Neighborhoods We Proudly Serve

Peoria, Sun City, Youngtown, El Mirage, Cobblestone Village, Bumstead, Pivotal Peoria Center, Cottonwood Ranch, Foxwood,
Sweetwater Ridge, Sweetwater Estates, Foxfire, Copperwood, Deer Creek,Sun Air Estates, Fairmont, Pinecrest, Suntown, Park View West, Braemar, Barclays Suncliff , Suncliff, West Olive Farms, West Green EstatesCrosspointe, Glen Harbor, County Meadows

Resources for DUI Defense Victims

Are the Penalties for a DUI Involving Drugs the Same as Those for Alcohol?

Does a DUI Show Up On a Background Check?

Understanding the Role of Treatment Programs in DUI Cases

What Factors Influence a DUI Sentence in Arizona?

Can You Expunge a DUI Conviction in Arizona?

Are There DUI Diversion Programs in Arizona?

Common Defenses for Those Accused of a DUI

DUI Attorney Near Me

John Allen Phebus – Experienced Personal Injury & Criminal Defense Attorney

John Phebus is a seasoned attorney specializing in personal injury and criminal defense law. With a focus on DUI defense, vehicular crimes, and serious injury cases, John has been fiercely advocating for his clients, ensuring they receive the representation and compensation they deserve. His expertise and dedication have led to numerous successful outcomes. If you’re seeking a knowledgeable and passionate attorney who will fight for your rights, John Phebus is here to help.

Years of experience: +30 years


Client Reviews

What our clients are saying about us

Rose Mary G

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It was absolutely an immense pleasure working with The Law Offices of John Phebus. My attorney,John Phebus , gave the case for my family member all the time and attention that was needed to be successful with their appeal. He is an amazing person and excellent attorney. He has a calming and confident presence with his practice. I never once was treated as anything other than a valuable client by Mr.Phebus. I very much appreciate the knowledge and support I received through his Law firm. John’s team is highly experienced and helpful. Most importantly they treated our case with much care. Extremely impressed by their dedication and professionalism.

Frequently Asked Questions

A DUI Attorney in Peoria is well-versed in the laws and regulations pertaining to DUI cases in Arizona. We have the knowledge and experience to examine each aspect of your case to identify potential weaknesses or mistakes that could lead to reduced charges or even dismissal of your DUI charges.

One way a DUI Defense in Peoria can help is by challenging the legality of the traffic stop. We will review the circumstances surrounding the stop to determine if there was probable cause or reasonable suspicion to pull you over. If it is found that the traffic stop was unlawful, any evidence obtained during the stop, such as field sobriety test results or breathalyzer readings, may be suppressed and deemed inadmissible in court.

Additionally, a Peoria DUI Attorney can scrutinize the accuracy and reliability of breathalyzer and blood tests. We will assess whether proper procedures were followed during the testing process and examine any potential factors that could have skewed the results, such as faulty equipment or improper handling of samples. If any discrepancies or errors are found, we can present a strong defense to challenge the validity of the test results.

Ultimately, hiring a DUI Legal Expert in Peoria protects your rights and ensures that every possible avenue is explored to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Being arrested for a DUI can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. However, it is important to remain calm and take the following steps to protect your rights:

  • Cooperate with law enforcement.
  • Invoke your right to remain silent.
  • Contact Peoria DUI Law Services.
  • Do not speak with authorities or plead guilty without defense representation.

Remember, time is of the essence in DUI cases. Contacting a reputable DUI Defense Specialist Peoria promptly will allow us to start building your defense and gathering important evidence before it becomes unavailable.

For underage drivers in Peoria, Arizona, the legal drinking age is 21. Any driver under the age of 21 who is convicted of DUI faces stricter penalties compared to drivers who are of legal drinking age.

In Peoria, underage DUI offenders may face the following penalties:

  • License suspension: The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) may suspend the driver’s license for up to 2 years for a first-time offense.
  • Ignition interlock device (IID): If the driver’s license is not suspended, the court may require the installation of an IID in the offender’s vehicle. This device measures the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) before allowing the vehicle to start.
  • Alcohol education/treatment programs: Underage DUI offenders may be required to complete alcohol education or treatment programs as part of their sentence.
  • Fines and fees: Fines for underage DUI convictions can range from $500 to $2500, depending on the circumstances of the offense.
  • Probation: The court may impose probation, requiring the offender to comply with certain conditions, such as regular check-ins, random drug tests, and attendance at counseling sessions.

Seeking the assistance of a skilled Peoria DUI Defense Attorney is crucial to minimize the impact of these charges and protect the driver’s future.

Yes, a Drunk Driving Lawyer Peoria is especially critical if you refused a breathalyzer test. By refusing to take a breathalyzer test, you may face consequences such as a driver’s license suspension. However, it does not automatically mean that you are guilty of DUI. A skilled DUI Lawyer in Peoria will carefully examine the circumstances surrounding your refusal and build a defense strategy accordingly.

Challenging a DUI charge in Peoria, Arizona, involves several steps, and it is crucial to have a knowledgeable DUI Defense Lawyer in Peoria by your side to guide you through the process. Here are the general steps involved in challenging a DUI charge:

  1. Investigation and evidence gathering
  2. Pre-trial motions
  3. Negotiation or plea bargaining
  4. Trial preparation
  5. Trial and verdict

With our guidance, you can have confidence in your defense strategy and work toward achieving the best possible outcome for your case.

Every DUI case is unique, and the defenses available will depend on the specific circumstances surrounding the arrest. A skilled Peoria Drunk Driving Lawyer will assess the details of your case to determine the most effective defense strategy. Here are some common defenses that may be used in DUI cases:

  • Improper traffic stop: If the officer lacked reasonable suspicion or probable cause to pull you over, your attorney can challenge the legality of the traffic stop. If successful, any evidence obtained during the stop, such as breathalyzer test results or field sobriety tests, may be suppressed and deemed inadmissible in court.
  • Inaccurate breathalyzer or blood test results: Your attorney can question the accuracy and reliability of breathalyzer or blood test results. They may examine whether proper testing procedures were followed, if the equipment was properly calibrated, and if the person administering the test was qualified. Any errors or irregularities can be used to challenge the validity of the test results.
  • Medical conditions or medications: Certain medical conditions and medications can produce symptoms that mimic the effects of alcohol impairment. If you have a medical condition or were taking medication that could have affected your performance on sobriety tests, your attorney can present evidence to support this defense.
  • Violation of Miranda rights or due process: If your rights were violated during your arrest, such as failure to advise you of your Miranda rights or lack of due process, your attorney can challenge the admissibility of any statements made or evidence obtained as a result.

A DUI conviction in Peoria, Arizona, can result in severe consequences for your driver’s license. ADOT imposes administrative penalties that are independent of any criminal penalties imposed by the court. Here are some potential consequences of a DUI conviction on your driver’s license:

  • License suspension
  • Ignition interlock device (IID)
  • SR-22 insurance

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