Mesa DUI Lawyer

If you are facing DUI charges in Mesa, Arizona, it's imperative to have a Mesa DUI attorney by your side every step of the way. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can make the difference in your case, whether it is by conducting a thorough investigation, negotiating with prosecutors, or arguing your case in front of the judge. At the Law Office of James E. Novak, we have more than 25 years of experience defending good people who’ve been accused of DUI and know what it takes to secure the best possible result in even the toughest cases. A DUI conviction can have serious and lasting consequences, so make sure you get the legal help you need to ensure the outcome you’re looking for.

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, there are an average of more than 20,000 DUI arrests annually. While most Arizona DUIs involve drivers with a blood-alcohol content between .08 and .15, there are also a significant number of drug DUIs, extreme DUIs and super extreme DUIs.

Arizona has some of the strictest DUI laws in the country. For example, even if your BAC is below the legal limit of 0.08%, you can still face DUI charges if law enforcement officers believe your driving is impaired. Mesa, in particular, sees hundreds of DUI arrests each year, as local law enforcement has created specialized DUI task forces designed to identify impaired drivers.

Mesa has become a hub for DUI enforcement in Arizona, and local police departments work diligently to catch drivers under the influence. Several DUI checkpoints and targeted patrols are regularly set up throughout the city to curb impaired driving. Some of the most common hotspots for DUI enforcement in Mesa include:

• US-60 and Loop 101: This high-traffic area sees frequent DUI patrols, especially during weekends and holidays.
• Dobson Road and Southern Avenue: Known for its busy nightlife, police often patrol this area for drivers leaving bars or restaurants.
• Main Street and Alma School Road: A common location for DUI checkpoints, especially during major events or holidays.
• Superstition Springs Mall area: Due to heavy shopping traffic and nearby restaurants, law enforcement often monitors this area for signs of impaired driving.

Mesa police use breathalyzers and field sobriety tests to determine drivers’ blood-alcohol content, and officers are specially trained to detect drivers who may be under the influence of drugs. Of course, even the most experienced officers make mistakes.

Arizona imposes harsh penalties for DUI convictions. Even a first-time offense can carry significant consequences, including:

• Fines and Fees: First-time DUI offenders can face fines of up to $1,500, along with additional court and legal fees.
• Jail Time: Arizona law mandates jail time for DUI offenders, with a minimum of 10 consecutive days for a first offense. The court may reduce the sentence to one day with the completion of an alcohol education program.
• License Suspension: A DUI conviction will result in the suspension of your driver’s license for at least 90 days.
• Ignition Interlock Device: After a DUI conviction, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, which prevents it from starting unless you pass a breathalyzer test. This requirement can last up to one year for a first offense.
• Alcohol Counseling: DUI offenders may also be ordered to attend mandatory alcohol or drug counseling programs.

For aggravated DUI cases, such as those involving minors in the vehicle, high BAC levels, or repeat offenses, the penalties become even more severe. Aggravated DUIs can result in felony charges, longer jail time, higher fines, and extended suspension of your driving privileges. Convictions can also lead to difficulty finding employment, increased insurance premiums, and a permanent criminal record.

At the Law Office of James E. Novak, we understand how overwhelming a DUI charge can be, and we are here to help you effectively deal with the charges that have been brought against you. As a former prosecutor, James E. Novak brings a unique perspective to DUI defense, allowing him to anticipate how the prosecution will approach your case and devise the best strategies to challenge the charges against you.

When you work with our firm, we will carefully analyze every aspect of your arrest, including whether proper procedures were followed during your stop, field sobriety tests, and any chemical tests administered. If we find any violations of your rights or errors in the evidence collection process, we will use this to your advantage to build a strong defense. Our goal is to get the best possible outcome for your case, whether that means getting your charges reduced, dismissed, or fighting for an acquittal in court.

If you are facing a DUI charge in Mesa, don't wait to seek help. Contact the Law Office of James E. Novak today for a free consultation. You can reach us at 480-413-1499 or through our secure online contact form.