Can a Phoenix DUI Lawyer Help Reduce Your Charges?

Have you been charged with a DUI in Phoenix, Arizona? Contact Phoenix DUI Lawyer Stewart Salwin today at (480) 702-1789. We’ll provide a 100% confidential review of your case during your free consultation.

One of Phoenix’s Top-Rated DUI Attorney Who Wins

Salwin Law Group is proud to have earned the title of one of the best DUI law firms in Phoenix.

We are committed to an aggressive and intelligent defense of for each of our clients who has been arrested or charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Because of our commitment to our clients and our aggressive DUI defense, we have been voted one of Arizona’s top firm by lawyer review site’s Avvo, Justia, and Expertise.

Our experience and positive reviews speak for themselves.

Stewart Salwin grew up in Phoenix. He graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School and is a former DUI prosecutor who has handled thousands of misdemeanor and felony DUI cases on both sides of the courtroom. He knows how the prosecution thinks, and he will put that experience to work for you to fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

When should you hire a Phoenix DUI Lawyer?

It is no secret that Arizona has some of the harshest DUI laws in the entire United States. Being impaired by drugs or alcohol, even to the slightest degree, is enough for the prosecution to secure a conviction.

If you are facing DUI charges, it is in your best interest to hire an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible.

Even the lowest level DUI carries with it mandatory jail time and thousands of dollars’ worth of fines. A person convicted of DUI may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in order to drive and purchase expensive SR-22 insurance as a result of the DUI conviction.

If you have been arrested for DUI in Phoenix and are facing criminal charges either from the prosecutors at Maricopa County Attorney’s Office or the City of Phoenix, you need an experienced DUI attorney who can speak their language. Mr. Salwin has been practicing in Maricopa County Superior Court and Phoenix Municipal Court for over a decade.

Phoenix DUI Charges and Potential Penalties

If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Phoenix, understanding the penalties you face is crucial. Arizona has some of the toughest DUI laws in the country, with mandatory jail time, hefty fines, and long-term consequences for even a first offense. The severity of the penalties depends on your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) and any prior DUI convictions. Below is a breakdown of DUI offenses, their penalties, and the Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) that govern them.

Standard DUI (BAC 0.08% – 0.14%)

• Definition: Driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
• Legal Reference: ARS § 28-1381(A)(1).

First Offense Penalties:

• Jail Time: Minimum 10 days (may be reduced to 1 day with alcohol screening).
• Fines & Costs: At least $1,250.
• License Suspension: 90 days.
• Other Requirements:
  • Mandatory alcohol screening, education, or treatment.
  • Ignition interlock device (IID) required.
  • Community service.

Second Offense Penalties:

• Jail Time: Minimum 90 days (60 days may be suspended with treatment).
• Fines & Costs: At least $3,000.
• License Revocation: 1 year.
• Other Requirements:
  • Alcohol screening, education, or treatment.
  • Ignition interlock device required.
  • Community service.

Extreme DUI (BAC 0.15% – 0.199%)

• Definition: Driving with a BAC of 0.15% or higher but below 0.20%.
• Legal Reference: ARS § 28-1382(A)(1).

First Offense Penalties:

• Jail Time: Minimum 30 days.
• Fines & Costs: At least $2,500.
• License Suspension: 90 days.
• Other Requirements:
  • Mandatory alcohol screening, education, or treatment.
  • Ignition interlock device (IID) required.
  • Community service.

Second Offense Penalties:

• Jail Time: Minimum 120 days.
• Fines & Costs: At least $3,250.
• License Revocation: 1 year.
• Other Requirements:
  • Alcohol screening, education, or treatment.
  • Ignition interlock device required.
  • Community service.

Super Extreme DUI (BAC 0.20% +)

• Definition: Driving with a BAC of 0.20% or higher.
• Legal Reference: ARS § 28-1382(A)(2).

First Offense Penalties:

• Jail Time: Minimum 45 days.
• Fines & Costs: At least $3,300.
• License Suspension: 90 days.
• Other Requirements:
  • Alcohol screening, education, or treatment.
  • Ignition interlock device (IID) required for 18 months.
  • Community service.

Second Offense Penalties:

• Jail Time: Minimum 180 days.
• Fines & Costs: At least $4,600.
• License Revocation: 1 year.
• Other Requirements:
  • Alcohol screening, education, or treatment.
  • Ignition interlock device required.
  • Community service.

Aggravated DUI (Felony DUI)

• Definition: A DUI is classified as Aggravated DUI if:
  • The driver commits a DUI while driving with a suspended, revoked, or canceled license.
  • The driver has a third DUI offense within 84 months.
  • The driver commits a DUI with a child under 15 years old in the vehicle.
  • The driver refuses a BAC test while under an ignition interlock device requirement.
• Legal Reference: ARS § 28-1383.

First Offense Penalties:

• Prison Time: Up to 2 years.
• Fines & Costs: Substantial fines (varies by case).
• License Revocation: 1 year.
• Other Requirements:
  • Alcohol screening, education, or treatment.
  • Ignition interlock device required.
  • Community service.

Second Offense Penalties:

• Prison Time: More severe sentencing (varies by case).
• License Revocation: 3 years.
• Other Requirements:
  • Mandatory alcohol screening, education, or treatment.
  • Ignition interlock device required.
  • Community service.

Underage DUI (Zero Tolerance DUI – Under 21)

• Definition: Drivers under 21 years old with any detectable alcohol in their system.
• Legal Reference: ARS § 4-244(34).

First Offense Penalties:

• Jail Time: Up to 6 months.
• Fines & Costs: Maximum $750.
• License Suspension: 2 years.
• Other Requirements:
  • Possible community service.

Second Offense Penalties:

• Jail Time: Harsher penalties depending on BAC level.
• Fines & Costs: Higher than first offense.
• License Suspension: 2+ years or permanent revocation.
• Other Requirements:
  • Ignition interlock device may be required.

Key Takeaways

• Arizona has some of the strictest DUI laws in the U.S.
• First-time DUIs come with mandatory jail time, fines, and ignition interlock requirements.
• Second-time DUIs increase jail time, fines, and license suspension periods.
• Aggravated DUIs are felony offenses with prison time and long-term consequences.
• Underage DUIs have a zero-tolerance policy, meaning any detectable alcohol can lead to charges.

If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Phoenix, call Salwin Law Group at (480) 702-1789 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Can a Phoenix DUI Lawyer Help Reduce Your Charges?

If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Phoenix, you might be wondering whether your charges can be reduced or dismissed. The answer depends on several factors, but an experienced Phoenix DUI lawyer can often negotiate a more favorable outcome.

Ways a DUI Lawyer Can Help Reduce Charges

A skilled DUI defense attorney may be able to reduce your charges through:

• Challenging the Traffic Stop – If the stop was unlawful, the case could be dismissed.
• Disputing BAC Test Results – Breathalyzers and blood tests can be inaccurate due to improper calibration or contamination.
• Negotiating a Plea Deal – In some cases, a DUI can be plea-bargained down to reckless driving (often called “wet reckless”), which carries fewer penalties.
• Identifying Police Errors – If law enforcement made procedural mistakes, evidence could be thrown out, weakening the prosecution’s case.

When Are DUI Charges More Likely to Be Reduced?

A reduction in charges is more likely if:

• This is your first DUI offense
• Your BAC was close to the legal limit (0.08%)
• There were no accidents or injuries involved
• You cooperated with law enforcement
• There are weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence

What If My DUI Can’t Be Reduced?

Even if your charges can’t be lowered, an aggressive DUI defense lawyer can fight for:

• A lighter sentence with reduced jail time
• Alternatives like home detention or alcohol treatment programs
• Preserving your driver’s license
• Avoiding a felony conviction for aggravated DUI cases

Speak With a Phoenix DUI Lawyer Today

If you’re facing DUI charges in Arizona, don’t leave your future to chance. Salwin Law Group can review your case and explore options to reduce or dismiss your charges.

Call (480) 702-1789 or schedule a free consultation online today.

Why hire a local DUI attorney?

DUI charges can have a major impact on your life, so it’s important to hire an attorney who is experienced in handling these types of cases. A local DUI attorney will be familiar with the laws in your state and can help you navigate the legal process.

The criminal justice system is complicated in Arizona.

If you find yourself facing DUI charges, the difference between a conviction and an acquittal can come down to the skill of your attorney.

A local DUI attorney will know the ins and outs of the court system in your area and will be able to provide you with the best defense possible.

You need an attorney who is well-versed in the nuances of the Arizona criminal justice system and will fight for your rights.

What Makes Our Law Firm Different?

Stewart Salwin is the only DUI attorney in Arizona who is a Harvard Law graduate and former DUI prosecutor. When you hire Salwin Law Group, you get an elite defense. Your case will be handled directly by Mr. Salwin, not an associate attorney.

Every client receives Mr. Salwin’s cell phone number. You will have direct access to a lawyer who is here to help you. We know this is can be a frightening time in your life, and Mr. Salwin will not only be your attorney but also your partner to help you make it through this crisis.

What Our Former Clients in Phoenix Have to Say About Us

Navigating legal issues can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, which is why we at Stewart Law Group prioritize offering our clients guidance and support throughout the entire process. We have a track record of success across a range of criminal defense matters, and we are committed to providing superior legal work.

Don’t just take our word for it – read on for testimonials from former clients who have worked with us:

Work with a Top Phoenix DUI Attorney & DUI Defense Lawyer at Salwin Law Group

Facing DUI charges? Get a free consultation with a skilled Phoenix DUI attorney at Salwin Law Group. Call (480) 702-1789 or schedule your case review online.

At Salwin Law Group, we know DUI defense inside and out. Founding attorney Stewart Salwin is a former Maricopa County prosecutor and has handled Arizona DUI cases from both sides of the courtroom. He understands the legal system and fights aggressively to protect your rights and future.

One call ends the stress!

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. If we’re the right fit, we’ll fight for you. If not, we will personally refer you to a trusted Phoenix DUI attorney.

We want what is best for you.

This is the philosophy of Salwin Law Group—honest guidance, aggressive defense, and elite legal representation.

Call (480) 702-1789 or contact us online to get started.