Top-Rated Surprise DUI Attorneys

# 5.5

Based on 343 Google Reviews

#
  • # Free 30 Minute Phone Consult
  • # Student/Military Discounts
  • # No Upfront Fees for Injury Cases

Surprise DUI Defense Attorney

If you have been pulled over and arrested for drunk driving in Arizona, you need to secure assistance from a qualified attorney as soon as possible. At The Law Offices of John Phebus Surprise Criminal and Personal Injury Lawyer, our Surprise DUI Defense Attorney is ready to get to work on your case immediately, beginning with a hearing with the DMV to delay or prevent your driver’s license suspension. By hiring a DUI defense lawyer right away, you are protecting yourself from saying or doing anything that could incriminate you.

Get In Touch With Us

start your free consultation

(623) 847-7117

Navigate This Page

Why Do You Need The Law Offices of John Phebus Surprise Criminal and Personal Injury Lawyer?

Being charged with DUI is scary, but having a skilled Surprise DUI Defense Attorney by your side can help alleviate some of the pressure. The Law Offices of John Phebus Surprise Criminal and Personal Injury Lawyer are here for you.

  • Our team has more than two decades of combined legal experience handling DUI cases throughout Surprise, AZ.
  • Our Surprise DUI attorneys are familiar with the courts and prosecutors throughout Surprise, AZ.
  • Every client we take receives personalized attention for their case. Your attorney will be there from the very beginning to the conclusion of your case.

Contact our office by filling out our online form or call us at (623) 400-5675 to start working on your case.

What Is Driving Under the Influence?

It is illegal to drive impaired by alcohol or other substances in Surprise, Arizona. Under A.R.S. 28-1381, driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, drug or vapor-releasing substance is against the law. In Arizona, there are various ways that a person can face DUI charges:

  • BAC of .01 to .08. Drivers under the age of 21 can face an underage DUI in Glendale if they have any alcohol in their system. They could also be charged with minor in possession or minor in consumption, which can have serious effects on their ability to keep their driver’s license.
  • BAC of .08 to .149. This is considered a regular DUI offense.
  • BAC of .15 and up. This is classified as an Extreme DUI in Arizona.
  • BAC of .2 and up. This is classified as a Super Extreme DUI in Arizona.

Note that an individual does not necessarily have to be driving to get a DUI in Surprise. Being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while impaired – even if it is parked with the engine shut off – is enough to potentially lead to a DUI arrest.

Surprise, Arizona Has the Most Severe DUI Penalties in the Country

If you are convicted of driving under the influence in Surprise, you could be facing major penalties. A DUI sentence can vary according to the level of the charge, whether or not this is the defendant’s first DUI, and if the DUI involved a car accident. Potential DUI penalties for a first-time offender can include: 

  • Impaired to the slightest degree, standard DUI or drug-related DUI: 10 days jail time, $1,500 fine and 90-day license suspension. Note that 9 of the 10 days in jail could be suspended upon successful completion of an alcohol evaluation/treatment program.
  • Extreme DUI: a minimum of 30 days in jail, a fine of approximately $2,800, and mandatory drug or alcohol counseling. Note that 21 of the 30 days in jail could be suspended by agreeing to have an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for one year.
  • Super Extreme DUI: a minimum of 45 days in jail, a fine of approximately $3,300, and mandatory drug and alcohol counseling. Note that 31 of the 45 days can be suspended by using an ignition interlock device for one year.
  • Aggravated DUI: up to two years in prison, hefty fines and fees, license revocation for one year, and mandatory drug or alcohol counseling. While the above-listed DUI charges are Class 1 misdemeanors, an aggravated DUI is a Class 4 to Class 6 felony.

Second and subsequent offenses for any DUI charges will lead to enhanced penalties. An experienced Surprise DUI lawyer can help you build a solid defense case and may even be able to have the charges dismissed or reduced. If this is not possible, your lawyer can still negotiate a plea deal to minimize your sentence. 

Will My Driver’s License Be Suspended Due to a DUI in Surprise? 

If you refuse to take a blood, urine or breath alcohol test, your driver’s license will automatically be suspended for one year. If you agree to the testing, your license will be suspended for 90 days. This occurs even if you are not convicted of a DUI crime. If you are convicted, your license may be suspended or revoked for an additional amount of time, depending on the charge. With help from an attorney, you could qualify for a restricted license to continue driving to work or school. However, you have to act quickly, as you have a short time limit to request this hearing. 

Can I Get My Car Out of Impound in Surprise?

Your car may be impounded for a DUI in Arizona if you were under the age of 21, driving on a suspended license, or arrested for an extreme or aggravated DUI. The impoundment can last up to 30 days, although you may be able to pick your vehicle up sooner with assistance from an attorney. You can request a hearing to ask for immediate release in qualifying circumstances. You will need to pay an administrative fee and a daily charge of $15 to retrieve your vehicle.

Can a DUI Charge in Surprise Be Defended? 

Yes. With the right attorney, you can defend against a DUI charge in Surprise with a smart and aggressive legal strategy. Your lawyer will personalize your defense based on your circumstances to fight for the best possible case results. This can include arguing the following:

  • Lack of actual physical control of a vehicle
  • You were stopped improperly by the police
  • Police did not follow proper field sobriety protocol
  • The BAC sample analysis was incorrect
  • There were medical conditions that caused DUI-like symptoms
  • No probable cause to arrest
  • Miranda rights violations

Your lawyer will seek every opportunity to challenge the prosecutor’s evidence against you and poke holes in their case. This may include filing motions to suppress evidence, negotiating a favorable plea deal with the prosecution, or establishing to a jury that the prosecutor does not have a strong enough case to result in a conviction at trial.

How Can a Surprise DUI Attorney Help With My Case?

There are various ways in which an attorney can formulate a winning defense strategy for your DUI case. Your lawyer will analyze the case against you, investigate how you were treated by the police and take your criminal history into account to craft a strong defense strategy on your behalf. Your lawyer will do what it takes to reduce the charges and penalties you could be facing, even for a first-time DUI. The earlier your Surprise DUI defense attorney gets involved in a case, the quicker they can begin obtaining all evidence necessary to properly defend you in court.

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.

Call Our Surprise DUI Defense Attorneys Today For a Free Consultation

If you or somebody you care about is facing a DUI charge in Arizona, you need to seek assistance from a skilled attorney as soon as possible. At The Law Offices of John Phebus Surprise Criminal and Personal Injury Lawyer, our qualified DUI attorneys have vast experience handling these offenses for clients. We will investigate every aspect of your case in order to formulate the best possible defense strategy. When you need a Surprise DUI Defense Attorney, you can contact us online for a free consultation or call us at  (623) 847-7117.
Call Our DUI Attorneys

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

Surprise DUI Lawyer 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

star-img 1 month ago
review-quiet

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 Surprise DUI Lawyer 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 Surprise DUI attorney 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 Surprise 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 Surprise DUI attorney 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 a Surprise DUI attorney.
  • Do not speak with authorities or plead guilty without defense representation.

Remember, time is of the essence in DUI cases. Contacting a reputable Surprise DUI attorney promptly will allow us to build your defense and gather important evidence before it becomes unavailable.

For underage drivers in Surprise, 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 Surprise, 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 Surprise DUI attorney is crucial to minimize the impact of these charges and protect the driver’s future.

Yes, a DUI Defense Attorney in Surprise is especially critical if you refuse 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 Surprise DUI attorney will carefully examine the circumstances surrounding your refusal and build a defense strategy accordingly.

Challenging a DUI charge in Surprise, Arizona, involves several steps, and it is crucial to have a knowledgeable Surprise DUI attorney 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 the guidance of a Surprise DUI attorney, 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 DUI Attorney Surprise AZ 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 Surprise, 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

Request Free Consultation

Take the first step to protect your future.
Tell us about your case to receive a free
and confidential consultation.