Mesa DUI Lawyer

DUI Attorney Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe & the Entire East Valley

In every state, including Arizona, it is a crime to operate a vehicle if the effects of either drugs or alcohol impair your ability to safely operate that vehicle. These types of offenses are commonly referred to as DUI (Driving Under the Influence), DWI (Driving While Intoxicated), or OUI (Operating Under the Influence). Regardless of how the offense is referred or described, the basic principal is that it is unlawful for an individual to operate a vehicle if the effects of alcohol, drugs, or prescribed medications impair the driver's ability to safely operate the vehicle. If you have been arrested for DUI, DWI, or OUI, contact a Mesa DUI attorney with the Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, P.C. to discuss your legal options. See below for more information:

DUI Penalties
In Arizona, for a first time DUI you could be sent to jail for up to ten days. Not only that, but you could lose your drivers' license for up to one year as well as pay heavy fines. If you have been accused of a felony DUI, your penalties will be more severe. You could be facing over three years in prison and lose your license for five years. Read more on DUI Penalties

DUI with Injury
If you have been accused of DUI that caused an injury, you could be facing more severe penalties. Dangerous offenses have mandatory prison time as well as fines of up to $150,000. You could also lose your driver's license for three years. Read more on DUI with injury.

DUI & Drugs
Most people think that driving under the influence refers only to alcohol, but it also refers to drugs. Any drug, legal or illegal, that causes impaired driving can result in a DUI conviction. Some prescription and over the counter drugs can lead to impairment. Read more on DUI & drugs.

Aggravated DUI
If you are caught driving while intoxicated with a suspended or revoked license, you could be charged with aggravated (felony) DUI. Also, if there was a child under the age or fifteen or it is your third DUI in a period of five years, you could also be charged with aggravated (felony) DUI. Read more on aggravated DUI.

Breath & Blood Tests
Many people do not realize that breath and blood tests are not always accurate. Errors can occur both in the administration of the test as well as in the interpretation of the test's results. If you believe a mistakes was made in your case, contact a Mesa DUI attorney from the firm. Read more on breath & blood tests.

Extreme DUI
Extreme DUI refers to a driver who had a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of 0.15% to 0.199% within two hours of driving. This can lead to six months in jail and five years of probation. You may also have to be screened for alcohol as well as attend counseling sessions. Furthermore, a vehicle interlock device may be placed on your vehicle. Read more on extreme DUI.

Field Sobriety Tests
Standardized field sobriety tests include the one legged stand, the walk and turn test, and Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test. The first two tests are divided attention tests where the individual is asked to stand on one leg or walk in a straight line while counting out loud. The HGN test examines the gaze of the driver to see it there is any involuntary jerking of the eyes. Read more on field sobriety tests.

First Time DUI
You can be convicted of driving under the influence if your blood alcohol concentration or content was 0.08% or higher. If you were found to be driving impaired by drugs, you may also be charged with DUI. A conviction can lead to fines, time in jail, alcohol classes, ignition interlock device, and loss of driving privileges. Read more on first time DUI.

Leaving the Scene
If you have been involved in an accident that has caused property damage or injury to another driver, you are legally required to remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives. If you have been found to leave the scene of an accident while impaired by drugs or alcohol, you should seek the advice of a Mesa DUI attorney for legal counsel. Read more on leaving the scene.

Minor in Consumption
If you have been accused of drunk driving while under the age of twenty-one, you could be facing harsh penalties. If convicted of DUI, you could lose your drivers' license for up to two years as well as attend alcohol awareness classes and perform community service. Read more on minor in consumption.

MVD Hearings
Within fifteen days of being charged with DUI, you are required to schedule a hearing with the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). If you fail to do so, your driver's license will be automatically suspended. An experienced DUI attorney from our Firm can represent you at this hearing to present arguments on behalf of retaining your driving privileges. Read more on MVD hearings.

Super Extreme DUIIf you have been found to be driving with a blood alcohol concentration or 0.20% or above, you could be charged with super extreme DUI. The minimum penalty for this charge is forty-five days in jail as well as ninety days suspended license. Read more on super extreme DUI.

Suspended Driver's License
When it comes to DUI charges, there are numerous reasons your driver's license could be suspended. If you are found to be driving while your license is suspended, it is a criminal violation that could remain on your license for the rest of your life. Read more on suspended drivers' license.

Underage DUI
Arizona has a zero tolerance stance towards minors drinking and driving. As it remains on your criminal record, it can seriously hinder your ability to get into a university or be hired for a job. You may also have to spend time in jail and have your license suspended for up to two years. Read more on underage DUI.

Vehicle Impoundment
One of the consequences of extreme DUI and super extreme DUI is vehicle impoundment. Sometimes the vehicle is forfeited and taken permanently by the U.S. government. If your vehicle has been impounded or forfeited, talk to a Mesa DUI attorney at the firm as soon as possible. Read more on vehicle impoundment.

Vehicle Interlock Device
An ignition interlock device is a tool installed on a vehicle that does not allow the driver to start the car until they have measure their blood alcohol content. By blowing into the device, it is able to detect whether the driver has a BAC of 0.08% or above. Read more on vehicle interlock device.

Mr. Buckallew is committed to defending your rights and pursuing all possible defense strategies to successfully resolve your case. Not only did he focus on criminal and DUI defense during law school, Mr. Buckallew also subsequently obtained his Master's of Forensic Science (M.F.S.) degree, giving him unique background and knowledge in litigitating complex criminal and DUI cases. Given the increasing involvement of forensic science in criminal litigation, having an attorney trained in both of these areas is invaluable. He understands the complexities of the science behind the evidence, including breath and blood tests as well other scientific evidence inherent in a DUI case. This is also applicable for DUI with drugs and the understanding of both criminal law as well as forensic science is critical to a well prepared DUI defense. Mr. Buckallew will work vigorously to protect your rights and defend your case.

Defending DUI Charges

A solid DUI defense requires a thorough investigation of all the facts and evidence associated with your case. This can include the validity of your arrest, field sobriety tests, chemical tests, other evidence against you and whether or not it can be proven that you had actually been driving the vehicle. An experienced attorney will be able to identify legal or factual deficiencies in your case and then aggressively negotiate and/or litigate a successful resolution to your case. You should seek legal assistance for any kind of DUI charge, including underage DUI or complicated incidents such as those that involve leaving the scene. The Law Office of Trent R. Buckallew, P.C. can also defend minor in consumption charges as well as represent individuals at MVD hearings.

Contact a Mesa DUI lawyer for legal counsel and defense of your DUI charges.