Act fast: remain polite, invoke your right to remain silent, and ask for an attorney. Contact a Scottsdale DUI lawyer immediately and have them request an MVD hearing within 15 days to fight the automatic license suspension. Write down everything you remember (timeline, location, witnesses, officer statements, tests performed) and save documents/receipts; promptly recover an impounded vehicle to avoid...
Continue ReadingIn Arizona, a DUI conviction stays on your criminal record permanently unless it’s later sealed under limited circumstances (A.R.S. 13-911); a set-aside does not erase it from public view. On your driving (MVD) record, the DUI remains visible long term; while points drop after 12 months, prosecutors can use a 7-year look-back to enhance future charges. Insurance surcharges typically...
Continue ReadingA public defender is a court-appointed lawyer for defendants who can’t afford counsel; a private attorney is hired directly. Key differences: cost (public defenders are free; private attorneys charge fees), choice (public defenders are assigned; private attorneys are chosen), caseload (public defenders typically carry heavier dockets), and resources (private firms may offer more time and investigative/expert support). Both are...
Continue ReadingRight away, Arizona imposes administrative actions: your license can be suspended and you’ll have about 15 days to request an MVD hearing; your vehicle may be impounded and you’ll likely need SR-22 insurance to reinstate driving. The criminal case follows with arraignment, discovery, and potential penalties that can include fines and surcharges, alcohol screening/treatment, community service, probation, jail (with...
Continue ReadingWhen you searched for “Phoenix DUI lawyer” on Google, you probably encountered several directory websites that claim to provide “unbiased ratings and information” on DUI law firms. To help streamline your search, we have compiled our own list of the best DUI lawyers in Phoenix. Arizona has some of the harshest DUI laws in the entire United States. The...
Continue ReadingWhen you’re facing contested vs uncontested divorce in Arizona, one of the first distinctions you’ll encounter is whether your case will be contested or uncontested—and this classification will shape every aspect of your experience. A contested divorce happens when you and your spouse can’t agree on major issues like property division, child custody, or spousal support, while an uncontested divorce occurs when both parties reach mutual agreement on all major...
Continue ReadingWhen you’re facing child support proceedings in Arizona, the question of Do I Need a Lawyer for Child Support weighs heavily on both your mind and your budget. You’re not legally required to hire a divorce lawyer for child support matters in Arizona, and many straightforward cases can be handled using the state’s standardized forms and guidelines. However, complex situations involving variable income, business ownership,...
Continue ReadingIf you’re wondering how to prepare for divorce, start by gathering financial documents, securing separate housing arrangements, and consulting with a qualified divorce attorney before filing any paperwork. The process involves organizing bank statements, tax returns, property deeds, and employment records while documenting assets and debts accumulated during the marriage. Taking these preparatory steps protects your legal rights and helps ensure a smoother transition through the divorce process. What Should You Do First When Preparing for Divorce?...
Continue ReadingIf you’re searching for what an uncontested divorce is, in Arizona it is a dissolution of marriage where both spouses agree on all major issues, including property division, debt allocation, child custody, and spousal support. This streamlined approach allows couples to avoid lengthy court battles and reach a resolution more quickly and affordably than traditional contested divorce proceedings. Unlike contested divorces that can drag on for months or...
Continue ReadingTo start the divorce process in Arizona, you must file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the Superior Court in the county where you or your spouse reside and pay the required filing fee. Arizona requires at least one spouse to have lived in the state for 90 days before filing, and the process officially begins when you serve the divorce papers to...
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