Charged With A DUI Offense? Whether This Is Your First, Second Or Third Violation, Our Team Is Here To Represent You.
If you have been charged with driving under the influence (DUI), our founder, Matthew Lopez, and our team will work to protect your rights and vigorously advocate for you, from the start of your case to its final resolution. Being arrested for drunk driving is a very serious situation, and a conviction can result in negative effects on not only your future but those of your loved ones as well.
At Matthew Lopez Law, PLLC, our lawyers understand this kind of crisis and will leverage their experience and extensive education in Arizona DUI laws and defenses on your behalf. They will investigate your circumstances thoroughly to determine the most appropriate DUI defense in Arizona. Mr. Lopez and our team will take the time to study all elements of the case to make sure that your rights were not violated in any way during your arrest. Contact our office immediately for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Our lawyers will help you understand the charges, your rights and the potential outcomes.
What Should You Do First After A DUI Arrest?
First, you need to stay calm. As upsetting as the situation may be, you do not want to allow yourself to say or do anything that could make your situation worse. With that in mind, here are the next steps you should take:
- Exercise your right to remain silent. Do not try to explain yourself or talk the police out of the arrest. You can only hurt your case. Once an officer has committed to an arrest, they will not change course, and your words can later be used against you.
- Carefully look at the paperwork you are given. In most cases, the officer will take your driver’s license and give you some papers that include a notification that your license will be suspended in 15 days unless you ask for an administrative hearing on the issue with the Arizona Department of Transportation (DOT) Motor Vehicle Division office.
- Write down everything you can recall. You want to try to commit to paper as many details as you can remember about the events leading up to your traffic stop, during the stop itself and after your arrest. That information can prove invaluable for your defense down the line.
- Call an experienced DUI attorney. Too many people think that a conviction is a foregone conclusion once they are arrested for DUI. You need strategic guidance both to request the administrative hearing regarding your license and to mount a solid defense to your charges. Your lawyer will help you explore your defense options and work to maintain your driving privileges.
Finally, make sure that you listen carefully to your attorney’s guidance. Your attorney has your best interests at heart, so you can trust them to help you navigate through all the important steps you need to follow, whether the case is ultimately dismissed, negotiated to a close through a plea agreement or settled at trial.
How Expensive Is A Phoenix DUI Attorney?
The cost of hiring a DUI attorney in Phoenix varies significantly depending on the specifics of your case and the attorney’s skill and experience. Typically, you might expect to pay between $4,000 and $10,000 for comprehensive legal representation. This price range generally covers the various aspects of handling a DUI case, including navigating the legal process, representing you in court and negotiating plea deals if necessary. Factors that can influence the cost include the complexity of the case, the number of court appearances required and the amount of evidence involved for effective criminal defense.
However, it’s crucial to recognize that these legal fees are only one part of the overall expense associated with a DUI charge. A DUI conviction often comes with severe penalties, such as mandatory jail time, hefty fines and a permanent criminal record. Beyond these immediate costs, the long-term financial impact can be substantial. A DUI criminal conviction can lead to increased insurance premiums, significantly affecting your finances over time. Insurance companies view DUI convictions as high-risk, and this can lead to higher rates for several years.
Additionally, a Phoenix DUI can result in the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, making it difficult to commute or perform job duties that require driving. This loss of mobility can disrupt your daily life and potentially harm your career prospects, especially if your job involves driving or requires a clean criminal record.
To get a clearer picture of how these factors might specifically affect you, consider scheduling a free consultation with Matthew Lopez Law, PLLC. This initial consultation will provide you with a detailed understanding of the potential costs related to your case and help you assess the broader financial implications. By discussing your situation with an experienced attorney, you can better prepare for both the immediate and long-term expenses associated with a DUI charge, helping ensure you are fully informed and able to deal with the legal process more effectively.
Our Team Helps DUI Clients Build Strong Defenses
At your initial consultation, Mr. Lopez and our team will find out the details surrounding your arrest in order to make sure that you were taken into custody legally. They will work with you to develop a strategy aimed at helping you move toward a positive outcome in your case. Often, rights have been violated, processes and procedures have been ignored and mistakes have been made. At Matthew Lopez Law, our lawyers will provide you with the legal representation you can count on.
Our team handles the following DUI-related legal issues, among others:
- Ignition interlock violations
- Underage DUI offenses
- Repeat DUI charges
- First-time DUI arrests
- Drugged driver DUI charges
- Driver’s license suspensions
- DUI charges against out-of-state drivers
Call Today For A Free Legal Consultation
To learn more about what you can expect throughout each phase of your DUI case, attorney Lopez and our team invite you to contact our office to arrange your free first consultation. Don’t wait another second to protect your future. Call 602-960-1731 right now to speak with one of our attorneys. Someone is standing by 24 hours a day, every day of the week, to take your call.