Myths about Facing a DUI Charge in Arizona

Being charged with driving under the influence is a serious legal matter in every state. All states have unified the .08 blood alcohol content level as a presumption of intoxication but the associated legal penalties with a conviction differ significantly from state to state. Sometimes penalties are relatively administrative and standard for a first conviction, then they are enhanced with subsequent convictions. In addition, look back periods for determining the enhancement of charges is also not consistent, ranging from 7 to 10 years depending on the state. Most defendants do not realize the severity and potential long-term outcome of a DUI conviction, and often they attempt to deal with their court dates without solid legal representation and merely plead guilty as though they have no defense in the case. It is always essential to have an experienced DUI attorney when going to court for impaired driving because the outcome has a significant impact on the future of all defendants. Here are a few myths people accept regarding DUI cases in Arizona.

Intoxicated driving is a standard traffic charge.

A charge of driving under the influence is not a mere traffic violation. It is a serious criminal charge in the state of Arizona, and prosecutors are serious about making the charges stick. There are also mandatory minimum penalties in every aspect of the punishment, which is a comprehensive approach in Arizona. Prosecutors often have little room to plea bargain a conviction down, and most will not even consider this without solid legal counsel.

The law applies equally to all drivers.

The standard for a charge conviction in a typical passenger vehicle case for an individual over 21 years of age is set at .08 BAC.  But any level of intoxication while driving is a violation of Arizona law due to the restrictions on alcohol use for those under age 21. And commercial drivers are held to a .04 BAC standard when operating a vehicle, and this does not necessarily apply only to those driving tractor-trailer rigs. There are varying degrees of commercial driver licenses, and all classes are set at the .04 BAC standard.

First offenders do not receive a jail sentence.

Arizona impaired driving law is indeed one of the strictest, if not the most restrictive, in the United States. All convicted individuals are required to spend a minimum of one day in jail, along with nine additional suspended days of jail. However, judges have upward latitude regarding potential incarceration periods, and it is possible to receive the full 10-day sentence recommended by the prosecutor and accepted by the court without having an experienced criminal defense lawyer representing the case. The allowed 9-day suspension is not mandatory.

Minimum penalties are the standard for first offense charges.

Courts in Arizona are not required to issue the basic minimum punishments for a conviction, and prosecutors often have set policy for dealing with cases that exceed minimums in every aspect. Penalties are determined by the specifics of the case, and reasonable doubt is difficult to establish without solid legal counsel.

Defendants are not required to have legal representation.

All defendants in an impaired driving charge in Arizona are required by law to have legal counsel because some jail time is mandatory.  This is actually set by federal precedent for anyone who may receive a jail term of any amount in the United States. It is an adequate counsel requirement. A defendant can waive that legal right to counsel  A public defender will be appointed to represent a defendant, but only if the defendant is financially eligible under the court’s guidelines. Public advocates often have huge caseloads and limited time to devote to one particular case. It’s always best to have a private criminal defense lawyer who understands the implications of an intoxicated driving charge, who can spend the proper time on a case. These are just a few of the concerns and myths that defendants should consider before deciding to plead guilty to an impaired driving charge regardless of the strength of the state's case. In fact, the more severe cases require the most effective and aggressive criminal defense measures. A conviction assuredly has a lasting effect on the life of the defendant, including completing alcohol or drug education and having an ignition interlock device installed in the vehicle at their own expense. Never accept the idea that you have no defense in your case. If you are charged with a DUI in Arizona, you should call Robert A. Dodell, Attorney at Law, for solid and aggressive legal representation.

Myths about Facing a DUI Charge in Arizona is republished from Robert Dodell owner of azcrimlaw Robert A. Dodell, Attorney at Law

10601 N Hayden Rd, #I-103

Scottsdale, AZ 85260

(480) 860-4321

httpss://goo.gl/maps/diwY4pu8X5m

How COVID-19 Has Changed Law Enforcement?

The COVID pandemic has brought forth numerous changes. One group experiencing major alterations is law enforcement. Arizona-based criminal attorney Robert A. Dodell invites interested parties to continue reading to learn about how the Coronavirus has changed the ways police conduct important business.

Limiting Arrests

In an effort to prevent the virus's spread, local, state, and national government and health organizations have instituted numerous safety guidelines. These safeguards, such as the practicing of social distancing, have rendered a formerly simple and straightforward activity, like executing arrests, far more challenging. Obviously, this action necessitates close contact between law enforcement official and offending individual. However, as more health mandates have entered into effect, policing agencies have been encouraged to detain fewer criminals or only arrest those committing more serious offenses.

Reduced Incarcerations

Another common pandemic spread prevention technique instituted by governing authorities is the limitations on gatherings or introducing new subjects into a given location. This edict has exerted a significant impact upon the nation's jail and prison systems. Some institutions are capping the number of new inmates to be accepted. In many cases, those convicted of mild to moderate offenses or those handed down short sentences are not always being subjected to incarceration. Moreover, in certain states, government officials have even released prisoners. Occasionally, individuals let out of jail or prison possessed serious records. Moreover, there have been reports that a percentage of these convicted felons have committed other acts of malfeasance upon their release.

Decreased Community Presence

Social distancing mandates have forced numerous law enforcement agencies to scale back their community presence. Community and police leaders throughout the nation have expressed reservations about this action. These individuals subscribe to the safety in numbers and community-based presence theories and opine that a decline in police presence could serve as an invitation for some individuals to engage in an increased amount of criminal activity.

Altered And Limited Training Programs

Another major COVID spread prevention effort has been the shut-down of practically every business or industry. Many states have begun the reopening process. However, the educational sector is reluctant to move with the expediency that other notable professions have. The continued lockdowns of schools and other educational institutions has a profound impact upon the law enforcement community. These closures have included many police training academies, in addition to colleges and universities offering criminal justice degrees. Some of these entities have offered courses online. However, certain police training methods are difficult to provide instruction for through such methods. Law enforcement officials fear an ongoing closure of educational establishments could ultimately result in fewer individuals pursuing careers as police officers.

Reliance On Personal Protective Equipment

Health officials warn that being out amongst people significantly increases one's risk of contracting this potentially deadly pathogen. Therefore, as a means of protection, those who must venture out are firmly cautioned to don personal protective equipment, such as face masks and gloves. Though necessary, outfitting law enforcement officials with these items may still place a financial strain on many departments.

Reduced Civilian Workforce

Those not familiar with the inner workings of law enforcement agencies might not realize that said establishments often employ a discernible percentage of civilians to carry out needed tasks. Social distancing and shelter at home policies have limited the number of such individuals permitted to perform their jobs at agency headquarters. Ergo, they must execute these duties online if applicable, or uniform staff is forced to handle these responsibilities. When uniform staff must expend time completing non law enforcement-related issues, said personnel are spending less time fighting crime.

A Greater Emphasis on Community Involvement

One possible positive to emerge from these circumstances is a greater degree of cooperation between police agencies and the communities within which said entities serve. A diminished community presence of law enforcement officials will force agency authorities to rely on concerned community members to help identify and snuff out criminal activity. The relationships between police and certain communities has not always been stellar. However, if the two groups are forced to work together, observers are hopeful such newly forged partnerships will eventually result in safer and better communities for all concerned parties.

Contacting Mr. Dodell

Individuals charged with any type of offense are encouraged to contact criminal lawyer Robert A. Dodell. Mr. Dodell is a former prosecutor possessing more than 30 years of experience dealing with a host of criminal cases. More information about his firm can be found by visiting https://www.azcrimlaw.com/.

How COVID-19 Has Changed Law Enforcement? is republished from AZ Crim Law – Robert Dodell Robert A. Dodell, Attorney at Law

10601 N Hayden Rd, #I-103

Scottsdale, AZ 85260

(480) 860-4321

httpss://goo.gl/maps/diwY4pu8X5m

Violent Crimes Have Serious Legal Consequences

Being arrested for a crime can be a frightening and harrowing experience. If you have done nothing wrong, you may be bewildered by the event. The truth is that innocent people are taken into custody all the time. And, if this has happened to you, falling into a helpless malaise or protesting with anger and indignation will do nothing. You must take the accusations seriously. You must fight to preserve your rights and gain your freedom. You can begin by hiring a criminal attorney.

The Consequences of a Conviction

Crimes connected with violence have the most serious consequences. If you are convicted of murder, manslaughter or an aggravated assault you can face serious time in prison. If you are convicted of assault, including domestic violence, you face fines, incarceration, probation, and even the possibility of a civil suit. In some instances, the consequences of a civil suit for assault can be even more burdensome than the criminal conviction. That is why you must clear your name in the criminal proceeding. It will make it harder for your accuser to pursue successful civil litigation. If you are convicted of a domestic violence offense, you may be ordered to undergo counselling. You may be prohibited from speaking with or seeing your child for several months, or lose custody of them. You can also lose your right to purchase and keep a firearm. Your career will also be impacted by an assault conviction. Even an arrest for assault can lead to your dismissal from work. And, if you are convicted, you may find it hard to get another job, as the conviction will show up in any background check.

Defending Yourself

You should say nothing to the police after your arrest. You have a Fifth Amendment right not to turn in evidence against yourself and you should exercise it. You should instead call a criminal lawyer and let them do the talking for you. If the lawyer believes it is your best interest to cooperate with the police investigation, you should do so only under the guidance and with the consultation of your lawyer. The first thing your attorney will do is review the evidence the police have against you.  Based upon your attorney’s independent investigation, the attorney will recommend a course of action, including the option of a trial. The job of a criminal defense attorney whether during plea negotiations or a trial is to find gaps and inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case. Your attorney will gather the evidence, expert testimony, and witness statements necessary to raise reasonable doubt. If you are guilty of committing a violent crime and the state can prove it, your attorney can work with the prosecutor to reduce the severity of your punishment, whether or not you are not a first-time offender.  If the evidence is thin or if your lawyer finds your legal rights have been violated, your lawyer may be able to get the case thrown out. Protect your rights.  Get the best defense you can.  Contact Robert A. Dodell, Attorney at Law, for a free consultation.

Violent Crimes Have Serious Legal Consequences See more on: get in touch with us Robert A. Dodell, Attorney at Law

10601 N Hayden Rd, #I-103

Scottsdale, AZ 85260

(480) 860-4321

httpss://goo.gl/maps/diwY4pu8X5m