Arizona is known for its tough DUI laws. Being charged with a DUI means that you are facing not only mandatory jail time if convicted but steep fines, probation, an ignition interlock, a driver’s license suspension, counseling and even restitution. These penalties can get much harsher if you have previously been convicted of a DUI or if you were tested and the alcohol level in your blood was measured to be substantially over the legal limit. As a prosecutor, Aaron handled hundreds of DUI cases. Because of his extensive knowledge in this field, he understands the best ways to defend your rights and limit your exposure to these harsh penalties.

Driving on a Suspended License in Arizona is considered a class 1 misdemeanor and, accordingly, is subject to a $2500 fine with a surcharge as well as a potential of up to 6 months in jail. Often, if you are charged with this offense, your vehicle will be towed, also incurring an additional expense. Aaron understands the intricacies of defending such cases and the potential options available to you.

In Arizona, a speeding ticket can also be a class 3 criminal misdemeanor offense if the officer cites you going above 85 miles per hour anywhere in the state. You can also receive this charge if you are going 20 miles over the posted speed limit or going over 35 in a school zone. Being cited with this offense exposes you to potentially having a criminal record along with points on your driving record.

If you are charged with Aggressive Driving, a class 1 misdemeanor, you are facing potential jail time of up to six months, a fine of $2,500 plus a surcharge and up to three years of probation. In addition to this, if convicted, a defendant would also be required to attend traffic survival school and receive 8 points on their driving record.
This offense requires the prosecutor to prove a few elements:

1. Defendant was speeding; and
2. Created an immediate hazard to another person or vehicle by their driving; and
3. Did two of the following:
   1. Failed to obey a traffic control device
   2. Overtook and passed another vehicle on the right or drove on the pavement
   3. Unsafe lane change
   4. Followed another vehicle too closely
   5. Failed to yield to the right-of-way

Reckless Driving is more of a catch-all offense that is often used by officers when citing and is difficult to define. The law states that a “person who drives a vehicle in reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty or reckless driving.” This offense is a jury trial eligible offense and may be difficult for a prosecutor to prove. A look at the particular circumstances surrounding this charge would be a good thing to do with a qualified defense attorney.

This offense is a catch-all for law enforcement and can be difficult to define. A misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct is a class 1 misdemeanor and is defined as:
A person commits disorderly conduct if, with intent to disturb the peace or quiet of a neighborhood, family or person, or with knowledge of doing so, such person:

1. Engages in fighting, violent or seriously disruptive behavior; or
2. Makes unreasonable noise; or
3. Uses abusive or offensive language or gestures to any person present in a manner likely to provoke immediate physical retaliation by such person; or
4. Makes any protracted commotion, utterance or display with the intent to prevent the transaction of the business of a lawful meeting, gathering or procession; or
5. Refuses to obey a lawful order to disperse issued to maintain public safety in dangerous proximity to a fire, a hazard or any other emergency.

If you have been charged with this offense and it was alleged to have been committed against a family member or roommate, it will have a designation as a domestic violence offense. If convicted, this offense would require mandatory domestic violence classes and subsequent domestic violence offenses would mean a ratcheting up of consequences. If charged with a domestic violence offense, call Aaron today to discuss your options.