Things to Do After Getting a DUI in Arizona

In a moment of lapsed judgment, you decided to drive while drunk. Now you are facing the consequences, including a mandatory jail sentence for the first-time there are 3 tiers of DUI offenses in Arizona and other serious penalties. If you have been arrested for a DUI in Arizona, there are several things you should do immediately to comply with the law and put this incident behind you.

Obtain a lawyer

You should speak with an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible after your arrest. Your attorney will be able to review the circumstances of your case and advise you of the best next steps.

Document everything

Write down as much as you can remember of the events leading up to and following your DUI stop, arrest, and test. Your memory will be much better following the event than months later. This may include what you were doing right before the police stopped you, the location of the stop and test, the amount of alcohol that you drank before driving, whether you were read your Miranda rights, the field sobriety tests you took, whether you agreed to provide a breath or blood sample, and other facts and details.

If you were notified that your driver’s license was suspended after the DUI stop and arrest, it is important to request a hearing with the MVD within 15 days of the date of suspension. Failing to do so will result in your license being automatically suspended for one year or more, depending on the severity of your case.