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FREE CASE EVALUATION
What happens after a DUI arrest in Arizona?
- Motor Vehicle Hearing: To preserve your right to drive in
Arizona, you must request a hearing within 15 days after your license
has been taken from you by an officer or within the time set by Motor
Vehicle in a suspension letter. A hearing must be initially scheduled within
XXX days.
If you
had a valid license when stopped, you are qualified for a temporary
license to drive until the hearing. You will be mailed a notice of the hearing
about three weeks after your request. You can plan on at least 30-45 days
of driving. If you lose at the hearing, you can not drive after the
hearing. It is our opinion you should requests the officer's presence
at the hearing. Crucial defenses can be developed at the hearing.
- Arraignment: This is the date on your ticket, about 30 to 60 days after
your arrest. If you have an
attorney and are not on bond, you do not have to appear. It is
primarily for advisement of rights. If you have an attorney, he will
advise you. If you do not have an attorney, you must appear at the arraignment.
- Pre-trial Conference: Your attorney will discuss your case with the
District Attorney and begin to negotiate the best possible plea bargain. It will
happen about 6 weeks after arraignment. The date is set by the
Court and your attorney on his calendar. There are typically 2-3 pre-trial hearings.
- Suppression Hearing: The Court may suppress some or all of the
evidence against you if your constitutional rights have been violated.
Your attorney will file motions to suppress. It occurs anywhere 6 weeks to 3 months
after the first pre-trial conference.
- Trial: Almost always a trial to a jury of six. Trial must be held
within six months after your plea.
- Sentencing: The Court imposes a sentence after a conviction at
trial or after a plea bargain is accepted and a plea entered. Sentences
for DUI include jail time, alcohol
classes, license suspension and fines. Extreme DUI convictions require an ignition interlock.
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