Green Valley DUI Defense Attorney

Lawyers for Drunk Driving Arrests in Green Valley

Each year, more than 30,000 people are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Arizona. Approximately 75 percent of those who are arrested are convicted of DUI. Due to the severe penalties that Arizona imposes for DUI convictions, it is critical to have a seasoned Green Valley, AZ DUI defense lawyer advocating for you against the power of the prosecutorial system and protecting your rights.

At The Behan Law Group, P.L.L.C., we understand how stressful and overwhelming it can be to face these charges. A conviction brings not only criminal consequences but also ramifications for your personal and professional life, both in the present and in the future.

Immediate Consequences of a DUI Conviction

In Arizona, every DUI conviction includes mandatory sentencing, depending on the defendant's prior criminal history. Some of the immediate consequences of a conviction include:

• Jail time – Arizona law requires even a person who is convicted of a first-offense DUI to serve a minimum of 10 days in jail. Second and subsequent convictions increase the amount of time to at least 90 days. If you are convicted of extreme DUI, you can plan on spending a minimum of 30 days in jail, while an aggravated DUI conviction may result in up to two years in jail.
• License suspension – The number of previous DUI convictions and the type of charge will determine how long you will lose your driving privileges, from a minimum of 90 days up to one year. Imagine the difficulties of getting to work, taking your children where they need to go, or even doing simple errands like grocery shopping without the ability to drive.
• Fines and fees – Hefty fines are also mandatory for a DUI conviction, and they can range from $1,250 to $3,250. There are also court and legal fees that will need to be paid. These amounts can cause serious financial hardship, especially if a DUI conviction leaves you without a job.
• Mandatory substance abuse screening and treatment – Every DUI conviction also carries a mandatory screening for alcohol or drug abuse. The defendant is also required to undergo whatever treatment recommendations are made by the professionals who conduct that screening, including both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation.

Collateral Consequences of a DUI Conviction

In addition to the impact a conviction can have as detailed above, there are also potential long-term issues that can affect a person:

• Ignition interlock device (IID) – IIDs are a requirement in every DUI conviction. These devices connect the vehicle's ignition to a breathalyzer device that measures the driver's BAC content before the vehicle will start. The costs associated with these devices – the initial installation and the monthly fee – all fall to the defendant.
• High insurance rates – If you have a DUI conviction, insurance companies consider you a high risk, which means your insurance premiums will skyrocket. Some companies may even declare you too high of a risk to insure.
• Loss of employment – If you work at a job that requires driving, you will no longer be able to fulfill your job duties while your license is suspended. Even if you are able to obtain a restricted license, your employer may still terminate your employment.
• Loss of professional license – If you work in a profession that requires a professional license (physician, nurse, etc.), a DUI conviction can result in the board overseeing your license taking administrative action against you, including suspending or revoking the license.
• Family law issues – A DUI conviction can interfere with parenting time or custody issues. If you are a co-parent, losing your license means you will not be able to drive to pick up your child from the other parent's home, school, activities, etc. The other parent may even use the conviction against you in a child custody action.

Contact Our Green Valley, AZ DUI Defense Lawyers

A DUI conviction can follow you for years to come, long after you have paid your debt to society. Do not risk a conviction's far-reaching consequences on your personal and professional life. Call The Behan Law Group, P.L.L.C. at 520-220-5047 or fill out an online contact form to schedule a free and confidential meeting with one of our seasoned Green Valley DUI defense attorneys. We can also help clients who have been charged with CDL DUI and underage DUI. Do not delay contacting our office so we can begin fighting for your future.