What happens after a DUI arrest in Arizona?
I start with the paperwork, the charge and the questions you have. Arizona's DUI law addresses driving or actual physical control while impaired to the slightest degree, as well as other grounds for a charge. The allegation needs to be read alongside the evidence. A charge by itself does not tell me everything I need to know about your case.
Court proceedings and driver-license matters can both need attention. Keep the papers you received, including any court date and MVD notice, so I can understand what is pending. The Arizona courts describe the stages of a criminal case, and MVD explains its separate suspension process. I will talk through the information that needs review rather than ask you to work it out from a general webpage.
A.R.S. § 28-1381Arizona Judicial Branch: how a case moves through courtArizona MVD: DUI and license suspension
What makes a DUI extreme or aggravated in Arizona?
Extreme DUI and aggravated DUI are different legal categories. A.R.S. § 28-1382 addresses alcohol concentration in 2 ranges: 0.15 or more but less than 0.20, and 0.20 or more. The statute includes a 2-hour timing requirement and conditions about when the alcohol was consumed. I review the testing and the allegation together.
A.R.S. § 28-1383 addresses aggravated DUI. Its listed circumstances include certain license restrictions or suspensions, qualifying repeat offenses, a person under 15 in the vehicle, an ignition-interlock requirement, and wrong-way driving on a highway. Those are summaries, not a determination of your charge. I need to review the applicable provision and the facts before explaining what it means in your case.
A.R.S. § 28-1382: extreme DUIA.R.S. § 28-1383: aggravated DUI
How I handle a DUI case
On the first call, you speak with me. The consultation is free, and I explain my flat fee. I will not yet have the police reports or discovery, so I will be clear about what I know and what I still need to see. I take time with that conversation and answer your questions honestly.
Once hired, I file a notice of appearance, obtain the reports and discovery, and look for legal issues. I conduct interviews, consider motions, work with the prosecution and present defenses and mitigation. Mitigation means information about you and your circumstances that may matter in resolving the case. I discuss any available plea agreement or lesser-charge option while you decide about exercising your right to a trial.
Chris's confirmed client inputs, October 22, 2026Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 6.3Arizona Judicial Branch: how a case moves through court
What can affect a DUI case?
The reason for the stop, the officer's observations, the timing and handling of testing, and the other available evidence all need careful review. Arizona's DUI statutes set out what the state is alleging. I compare the reports and evidence with the particular charge and look for legal issues that may need to be raised.
A question about a test or a report is a starting point for investigation, not an answer about the outcome. I explain what the evidence supports and what remains uncertain. If there is information about you that may matter, I consider that as part of mitigation. The aim is a clear understanding of your options, whether the case involves a dismissal, lesser charge, plea agreement or trial.
For a DUI case, I want to know what happened before the testing as well as what the result says. I review the account in the police report, discuss the questions it raises and consider what further information is needed. I take that work one step at a time and explain it to you in plain English.
A.R.S. § 28-1381: DUI and evidenceA.R.S. § 28-1382: extreme DUIArizona Judicial Branch: how a case moves through court
General information only. This practice-page draft requires Chris's review before publication.
