Scottsdale Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Every day, people everywhere make mistakes, and while the consequences of some of those missteps are easy enough to shrug off, others can have an impact on the rest of a person’s life. Being accused of driving while intoxicated is an example of the latter. If you are facing DUI charges in Arizona, a Scottsdale drunk driving accident lawyer can help.

While you can hire any Scottsdale drunk driving accident lawyer, choosing the right Scottsdale car accident attorney for your case is important. Not only can it set you up for success, but it can also lead to a more peaceful and strategic process in which you can rely on your lawyer instead of your own resources.

For over 25 years, personal injury attorney Luis P. Guerra has helped clients just like you protect their livelihood after being involved in a drunk driving incident. Instead of forcing his clients to fit into a preconstructed mold, Luis P. Guerra does everything he can to tailor his approach to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual client we represent.

Luis P. Guerra, L.L.C., can help you advocate for your rights, protect your future, and obtain a desired outcome in your Scottsdale drunk driving case.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that roughly one drunk driving accident fatality occurs every 39 minutes in the US. In 2024, there were 1,288 DUI arrests made in Scottsdale alone.

The legal limit for a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) in Arizona is 0.07%. If you exceed an 0.08% BAC, you can be charged with a Standard DUI. If you are involved in an accident and are determined to have an elevated BAC over 0.15%, you could be charged with an Extreme DUI and face additional penalties. If you are caught driving with a BAC of 0.20% or higher, you can be charged with a Super Extreme DUI.

The state of Arizona takes drunk driving very seriously, and consequently, the penalties for first-time offenders can prove to be incredibly steep. Here are some examples of penalties you may be facing if you are charged with a first-time DUI:

• Serving time in jail. Even if it is your first DUI, it falls under the category of a Class 1 misdemeanor, and you could end up spending up to 10 days in jail. A second DUI  offense warrants jail time from 30 days to 90 days. For a third offense, the minimum jail time is four months.
• Having to pay fines. The initial fine for your first-ever Class 1 misdemeanor DUI is typically $250, but fine amounts increase with repeat offenses. The base fines for a second and third DUI offense are $500 and $750, respectively.
• Facing license suspension. License suspension is mandatory for a DUI. A first offense brings a license suspension from 90 days to one year. Both a second and a third DUI can result in a license suspension of one year. If you are found to be intoxicated at the time of an accident, you could be facing a license revocation.
• Needing to use an Ignition Interlock Device. Whether it’s your first, second, or third DUI, an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is mandatory for one year or longer, depending on the charges you are convicted of.
• Dealing with other penalties. Alternatives to jail are also an option in some cases. Community service, mandatory alcohol screenings, alcohol education classes, and probation are possible penalties in some cases. It is highly recommended that you hire a Scottsdale drunk driving accident attorney to negotiate your charges and penalties.

You may feel overwhelmed handling your DUI accident case on your own. With so much at risk, one of the smartest things you can do for your case and your future is to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer.

It is relatively common for the Arizona court system to have some degree of involvement in drunk driving accident cases. When you have a lawyer represent you, they can also handle your case more effectively, manage your hearings, and properly apply legal strategies according to state drunk driving accident laws.

DUI accident cases are handled at the Scottsdale City Court (also called the Scottsdale Municipal Court), located on North 75th Street in Scottsdale within the Scottsdale Justice Center, or the Maricopa County Superior Court, located in the Central Court Building on West Jefferson Street, in Phoenix. There, your lawyer can plead your case on your behalf and provide legal advice that can be crucial to your case outcome.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Arizona?

The precise amount that it costs to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer varies by case in Arizona. Certain variables that are unique to a case can ultimately impact the cost of a lawyer.  For instance, the amount of time it takes to complete your case, the experience level of your attorney, the region you live in, and other factors. The severity of your charges and the level of complexity that your case involves can also affect legal costs.

Will I Serve Jail Time for My First Drunk Driving Accident in Arizona?

Yes, in most cases, if convicted, offenders do have to serve some jail time. If you are convicted of a Standard DUI with a BAC higher than the legal limit of 0.08% but lower than 0.15%, the minimum sentence is 10 days in jail. It is very likely that you could be facing some jail time. Having an attorney represent your drunk driving accident case to prosecutors can significantly improve your odds of getting a lighter sentence.

When Should I Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer for My Case in Arizona?

Yes, as it is always a smart decision to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer if you have been involved in an accident. In fact, the moment you have access to a phone after being charged, you should reach out to a DUI lawyer. Fortunately, you can hire one at any point prior to sentencing, but it is generally helpful to do so right away to avoid unnecessary issues and stressors.

How Long Will My Drunk Driving Accident Case Take to Finalize in Arizona?

The amount of time it takes to finalize a drunk driving accident case depends on various factors, such as the schedule of your local courthouse, the availability of the parties involved, and how long it might take to conduct investigations if necessary. If multiple parties were involved, it could take even longer, especially if there are additional civil proceedings filed against you.

If you’re facing a DUI accident charge, you have everything to lose. Don’t underestimate how seriously your case can be. While it doesn’t happen with every client, the negative impacts of a DUI conviction can be minimized with the right attorney. Contact the office of Luis P. Guerra, L.L.C., to discuss the potential of your case.