A DUI arrest is intimidating. From the flashing lights in your rearview mirror to the reality of facing criminal charges in court, it’s easy to feel like your life is over. But in Arizona, being charged with DUI doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted. There are defenses, and there is hope.

Understanding Arizona DUI Law

Arizona has some of the toughest DUI laws in the nation. You can be charged if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, or even below that if an officer believes you were “impaired to the slightest degree.”

Consequences can include:

Jail time.

Driver’s license suspension.

Expensive fines.

Counseling

MADD VIP class

Ignition interlock requirements.

Common Defenses in DUI Cases

• Challenging Breath Test Results: Machines can be mis-calibrated or influenced by health conditions.
• Illegal Traffic Stops: If the officer lacked reasonable suspicion, the stop may not hold up.
• Problems with Blood Tests: Mishandled samples or lab errors can make results unreliable.
• Unreliable Field Sobriety Tests: Balancing on one foot or walking a line isn’t always fair evidence of impairment.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Prosecutors rely on people giving up or pleading guilty quickly. A strong defense attorney can:

• Expose flaws in the state’s case.
• Negotiate reduced penalties.
• Sometimes get the case dismissed entirely.

As a former judge, I’ve seen DUI cases for decades from the bench and the defense table. That perspective helps me craft defenses that work in Tucson courts.

Final Thoughts

A DUI arrest is serious, but it’s not the end. You still have rights and options. With the right defense, you can fight to protect your license, your freedom, and your future.

Original Publication: https://medium.com/@taylorlawgroup/dui-defense-in-tucson-what-you-need-to-know-before-court-708b6bf4397b