Wednesday, November 22, 2017

First Offense DUI: What to Expect in Arizona

Drunk drivers, to put it simply, face harsh penalties and fines in the State of Arizona. The state has some of the harshest DUI laws in the US. In Arizona, you are guilty of DUI if at least one of the following applies to you pursuant to A.R.S. § 28-1381(A)(1)-(4):

  • You are impaired to the slightest degree while under the influence of impairment-causing drugs, a vapor- releasing substance containing a toxic substance or any combination of liquor, drugs or vapor- releasing substances.
  • You have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more within two hours of driving.
  • You have any drug or its metabolite as defined in A.R.S. § 13-3401 in your system.
  • You have a BAC of 0.04% or more and were stopped driving a commercial vehicle.
Note that even if your Breathalyzer or blood test results show that your BAC is under 0.08%, the officer who stopped you may charge you with DUI if he/she deems that you are unfit to drive. You are automatically charged with DUI if the test shows your BAC is 0.08% or more.  

Penalties for First-Time Misdemeanor Offenders

A first time DUI under A.R.S. § 28-1381 is a Class 1 misdemeanor. If you are convicted of a first time misdemeanor DUI, you will be sentenced to the following:
  • A jail term of 10 consecutive days or more, with a maximum of up to 90 days. The court may suspend 9 of the 10 days if you complete a court-ordered alcohol or other drug screening education or treatment program.
  • A fine of $1,250.
  • Installation of a certified ignition interlock device in your car at your own expense.
You may also be sentenced to the following:
  • Community service hours
Your conviction will trigger a 90 day suspension of your privilege to drive.  

What to Do When Stopped for a Possible DUI

When an officer asks you to pull over for a possible DUI, you must:
  • Safely pull over to the right side of the road.
  • Switch your engine off.
  • Politely refuse to answer any questions.
  • Hand over your registration, license, and insurance to the officer.
  • Politely refuse to take any field sobriety tests if asked.
  • Submit to a Breathalyzer or Blood test.
  • Remain silent if you are arrested.
  • Politely request that you be allowed to speak to your lawyer.
If you have had a few drinks, it can be stressful if you are pulled over. Just stay calm and follow the steps above.

What to Do if Charged with Your First DUI

Anyone can be found guilty of a misdemeanor DUI. When it happens, you must be ready and know the consequences. As a Class 1 misdemeanor, a first DUI conviction comes with daunting punishments. Don’t lose hope! An experienced DUI lawyer like Gary Rohlwing can help find ways to possibly have the case dismissed, challenge the accuracy of the Breathalyzer or blood test results, prove that you were not impaired, and minimize the penalties. Remember that your future may be at stake. Therefore, you need to have a competent lawyer by your side at all times.   If you are facing your first DUI charge in Arizona, it’s best to get in touch with the Law Offices of Gary L. Rohlwing immediately. He has been protecting the rights of clients charged with DUI for many years. He will work hard to make sure that you get the best results possible for your case. You can read more about his practice areas here.

The following article First Offense DUI: What to Expect in Arizona Read more on: Law Offices of Gary Rohlwing - criminal-duiattorney.com/

Law Offices of Gary L Rohlwing

7112 N 55th Ave

Glendale, AZ 85301

(623) 937-1692

https://goo.gl/maps/vntMC15aMUG2



from http://www.criminal-duiattorney.com/blog/dui/first-offense-dui-what-to-expect-in-arizona/

Friday, November 10, 2017

Handling the Stress when a Loved One has Pending Charges

Having a loved one with pending criminal charges is extremely stressful. Here are some practical ways to deal with that stress. Be there emotionally for your loved one but set healthy boundaries. Your loved one needs you now, more than ever so that he or she can vent, cry, complain, and otherwise process what happened. Allow this to occur but then take breaks so that you can recharge. You’re not helping your loved one if you allow the negative emotions to take over your life. Show your loved one that you love him or her by not putting your lives on hold just because charges are pending. Continue to live legally and morally. Plan fun events that are legal and moral that you and your loved one can enjoy together now. Talk to your loved one about ways to make extra income to pay for the attorney, fines, and fees. If he or she doesn’t want to talk about it, brainstorm on your own. For example, you and/or your loved one could get a job, take on extra work, get a second job, obtain a home equity line of credit, or sign up for contract work through guru.com. Discuss with your loved one the potential problems that a criminal conviction can cause and try to solve them now. For example, you may need to get a job if he or she receives a prison sentence. You should begin looking for a job now instead of waiting until after the sentencing. Explore how to eliminate unnecessary spending with your loved one. Unnecessary spending causes additional stress that you don’t need. Some examples are cable TV, designer clothes, the latest iphone, gym membership, Starbucks coffee, buying DVDs and eating out all the time. Brainstorm how to get needs and wants met for little or no money with your loved one. For example, you need and want to keep watching new DVD movies but have decided it’s unnecessary to keep buying them. Apply for a public library card and start checking them out for free instead. Hire an experienced defense attorney. His experience and compassion can help relieve a great deal of stress. Attorney Gary Rohlwing has over three decades of experience. Call him today for a free consultation.   My Specialty Practice Areas: Criminal DUI Domestic Violence   My Office is in Glendale, AZ Law Offices of Gary L Rohlwing 7112 N 55th Ave Glendale, AZ 85301 (623) 937-1692

Handling the Stress when a Loved One has Pending Charges is courtesy of Law Offices of Gary Rohlwing - criminal-duiattorney.com/

Law Offices of Gary L Rohlwing

7112 N 55th Ave

Glendale, AZ 85301

(623) 937-1692

https://goo.gl/maps/vntMC15aMUG2



from http://www.criminal-duiattorney.com/blog/criminal/handling-the-stress-when-a-loved-one-has-pending-charges/