Joshua A. Lopez, Esq.

Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney Serving Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Maricopa County

Smart Defense. Strong Results.

Attorney Josh

Mesa DUI Lawyer

Mesa sees significant DUI enforcement as Arizona’s third-largest city, with over 500,000 residents and major attractions including Sloan Park (Chicago Cubs Spring Training), the downtown entertainment district, and extensive freeway corridors. Mesa Police conduct regular DUI patrols, saturation operations, and holiday checkpoints throughout the city. A DUI conviction carries mandatory jail time, license suspension, ignition interlock requirements, and long-term consequences for employment and insurance.

Attorney Josh Lopez represents clients facing DUI charges throughout Mesa, with experience in Mesa Municipal Court and the Southeast Regional Superior Court.

→ For comprehensive Arizona DUI information, see: Arizona DUI Laws

Arizona DUI Classifications

Standard DUI (ARS § 28-1381)

BAC of 0.08% or higher, or impaired to the slightest degree.

Offense	Classification	Minimum Jail
1st Offense	Class 1 Misdemeanor	10 days (9 suspended)
2nd Offense (within 84 months)	Class 1 Misdemeanor	90 days (60 suspended)

Extreme DUI (ARS § 28-1382)

BAC of 0.15% or higher.

Offense	Classification	Minimum Jail
1st Offense	Class 1 Misdemeanor	30 days
2nd Offense	Class 1 Misdemeanor	120 days

Super Extreme DUI (ARS § 28-1382)

BAC of 0.20% or higher.

Offense	Classification	Minimum Jail
1st Offense	Class 1 Misdemeanor	45 days
2nd Offense	Class 1 Misdemeanor	180 days

Aggravated DUI (ARS § 28-1383)

Felony DUI when:

Third DUI within 84 months
DUI with suspended/revoked license
DUI with ignition interlock requirement
DUI with passenger under 15
Wrong-way driving while DUI

Offense	Classification	Prison Range
Aggravated DUI	Class 4 Felony	4 months – 3.75 years

Mesa DUI Enforcement

Sloan Park and Spring Training

Mesa hosts the Chicago Cubs for Spring Training at Sloan Park (2330 W. Rio Salado Parkway). During February and March, increased enforcement targets:

Post-game traffic on Rio Salado Parkway
Parking lot patrols
Routes between Sloan Park and downtown Mesa
Entertainment areas near the stadium

Downtown Mesa Entertainment District

The revitalized downtown area along Main Street generates DUI arrests:

Bars and restaurants in the downtown core
Light rail stops and surrounding areas
Weekend night enforcement
Special event patrols

Major Roadway Enforcement

Mesa’s extensive road network sees regular DUI enforcement:

US-60 (Superstition Freeway) — High-speed corridor through Mesa
Loop 202 (Red Mountain) — North Mesa freeway
Main Street / Apache Trail — Major east-west arterials
Country Club Drive / Mesa Drive — North-south corridors

DUI Checkpoints

Mesa Police conduct sobriety checkpoints, particularly during:

Holiday weekends (New Year’s, July 4th, Labor Day)
Spring Training season
Major Mesa events
Weekend nights in entertainment areas

Mesa Municipal Court

Location: 225 E. Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85201

Mesa Municipal Court handles misdemeanor DUI charges arising within Mesa city limits, including:

Standard DUI
Extreme DUI
Super Extreme DUI

The Mesa City Prosecutor’s office handles high volumes of DUI cases and maintains specific policies on plea negotiations and diversion eligibility.

Southeast Regional Superior Court

Location: 222 E. Javelina Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85210

Felony Aggravated DUI cases are handled at the Southeast Regional Center of Maricopa County Superior Court, located in Mesa.

Administrative License Suspension

Admin Per Se (15-Day Deadline)

After a DUI arrest, you have only 15 days to request a hearing to challenge automatic license suspension:

Failure to request hearing = automatic suspension
Suspension begins on day 16
Hearing can preserve driving privileges during case

Suspension Periods

BAC Level	1st Offense	2nd Offense
0.08% – 0.149%	90 days	1 year
0.15%+	90 days	1 year
Refusal	1 year	2 years

DUI Penalties Summary

First Offense Standard DUI

Minimum 1 day jail (10 days, 9 suspended typical)
Fines and fees: $1,500+
90-day license suspension
Ignition interlock device (12 months)
Alcohol screening and treatment
Traffic survival school

First Offense Extreme DUI (0.15%+)

Minimum 30 days jail
Fines and fees: $2,500+
90-day license suspension
Ignition interlock device (12 months)
Alcohol screening and treatment

First Offense Super Extreme DUI (0.20%+)

Minimum 45 days jail
Fines and fees: $3,000+
90-day license suspension
Ignition interlock device (18+ months)
Alcohol screening and treatment

Defense Strategies

Challenging the Stop

Officers need reasonable suspicion for a traffic stop:

Was there a valid reason for the stop?
Did you actually commit a traffic violation?
Was the checkpoint properly conducted?

Field Sobriety Test Issues

Standard field sobriety tests have known problems:

Medical conditions affecting performance
Environmental factors (uneven surface, lighting)
Officer administration errors
Age, weight, or physical limitations

Breathalyzer Challenges

Breath test results can be challenged:

Calibration and maintenance records
Operator certification
15-minute observation period
Medical conditions (GERD, diabetes)
Mouth alcohol contamination

Blood Test Issues

Blood draws must follow proper procedures:

Qualified phlebotomist
Proper storage and chain of custody
Lab analysis procedures
Rising blood alcohol defense

Constitutional Violations

Miranda violations
Illegal search
Denial of right to counsel
Improper questioning

Ignition Interlock Requirements

Arizona requires ignition interlock devices for all DUI convictions:

Offense	Minimum IID Period
Standard DUI (1st)	12 months
Extreme DUI (1st)	12 months
Super Extreme DUI (1st)	18 months
2nd DUI	12 months
Aggravated DUI	24 months

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens after a DUI arrest in Mesa?

You’ll be booked, given a court date, and released (usually). You have 15 days to request an MVD hearing to challenge license suspension. Your case will be assigned to Mesa Municipal Court (misdemeanor) or Superior Court (felony).

Will I go to jail for a first DUI in Mesa?

Arizona has mandatory minimum jail for DUI. First offense standard DUI typically results in 1 day served (10 days with 9 suspended). Extreme and Super Extreme DUI have higher minimums (30-45 days).

Can I get a restricted license after DUI?

Arizona doesn’t offer true “restricted” licenses, but you can often drive immediately if you install an ignition interlock device, even during the suspension period.

How long will a DUI affect my record?

DUI convictions remain on your criminal record permanently. For enhancement purposes (determining if subsequent DUI is a “second offense”), Arizona looks back 84 months (7 years).

Should I refuse the breath test?

Refusal triggers automatic 1-year license suspension and can be used as evidence against you. However, refusing may limit evidence available to prosecution. This is a complex decision best discussed with an attorney.

How much does a DUI cost in Mesa?

Total costs typically range from $5,000-$15,000+ including fines, fees, screening, treatment, ignition interlock, insurance increases, and attorney fees.

Contact a Mesa DUI Defense Attorney

A DUI charge threatens your license, freedom, and future. The 15-day deadline to challenge license suspension makes quick action essential. Attorney Josh Lopez defends DUI charges throughout Mesa.

Scottsdale Office:
6991 East Camelback Rd, Suite D-300
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Phoenix Office:
2601 N 3rd Street, Suite 301
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Call (480) 386-1824 for a free consultation.