Phoenix DUI Lawyer

If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence, every decision you make next matters. Your license, your freedom, and your reputation are all on the line. As a Phoenix DUI lawyer who has successfully defended hundreds of clients across Arizona, I, Attorney Joshua A. Lopez, Esq, understand what’s at stake. My approach is simple but powerful — Smart Defense. Strong Results.

Unlike law firms that treat every DUI the same, I use strategic defense tactics tailored to your unique situation. Whether it’s a first-time DUI, an aggravated DUI, or a case involving multiple prior offenses, I analyze every detail — from the traffic stop to the breath or blood test — to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Why Choose a Smart Defense Approach?

DUI law in Arizona is complex and unforgiving. The state has some of the toughest DUI penalties in the country — including mandatory jail time, license suspension, and steep fines. But a smart, tactical defense can turn the odds in your favor.

Here’s how a strategic approach makes the difference:

• Challenging the stop: Was there probable cause for pulling you over?
• Testing errors: Were the breath or blood samples properly handled and analyzed?
• Police procedure: Did the officer follow Arizona’s required arrest protocols?
• Mitigation: Are there personal or medical factors that could influence sentencing?

My defense strategy focuses on uncovering every possible procedural or factual flaw. This is how my clients often avoid convictions, minimize penalties, or get their charges reduced or dismissed altogether.

What Makes Attorney Josh Different

Many attorneys promise aggressive representation — but aggression without strategy is like fighting blindfolded. What separates my practice from others is my ability to combine tactical intelligence with courtroom strength.

• Smart Strategies: Every case begins with a comprehensive evidence review. I use advanced forensic analysis, cross-examine arresting officers, and challenge inconsistencies in the prosecution’s narrative.
• Strong Results: With over 165 5-star Google reviews, my results speak for themselves. Clients describe my work as meticulous, relentless, and focused on outcomes.
• Personal Representation: You will never be handed off to a junior associate. Every case is personally managed and defended by me — Joshua A. Lopez, Esq.
• Full Transparency: You’ll always know where your case stands and what the next steps are.

When you hire me, you get more than a Phoenix DUI lawyer — you get a strategic partner dedicated to protecting your future.

Understanding DUI Charges in Arizona

DUI charges in Arizona fall under A.R.S. §28-1381 through §28-1383 and vary based on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and prior record. Understanding what you’re facing is the first step toward building a strong defense.

1. Standard DUI

A standard DUI occurs when your BAC is 0.08% or higher (or 0.04% for commercial drivers). Penalties include:

• Minimum 10 days in jail (can be reduced)
• Fines over $1,200
• Mandatory ignition interlock device
• License suspension up to 90 days

2. Extreme DUI

If your BAC is 0.15% to 0.199%, it’s considered an Extreme DUI, with:

• 30+ days in jail
• Up to $2,500 in fines
• One-year ignition interlock requirement

3. Super Extreme DUI

A BAC of 0.20% or higher falls into this category, carrying even tougher penalties:

• 45 days in jail (minimum)
• Fines over $3,000
• Long-term license suspension

4. Aggravated DUI

If your DUI involves:

• Driving with a suspended license
• A child under 15 in the car
• A third DUI offense within 7 years
  You may be charged with a felony DUI, which can lead to prison time, loss of civil rights, and a permanent criminal record.

Your Rights After a DUI Arrest

The moment you are pulled over and arrested, law enforcement begins building a case against you. Knowing your rights is critical:

1. You have the right to remain silent.
   Do not discuss your case with officers beyond basic identification.
2. You have the right to refuse certain tests — but be aware.
   Refusing a chemical test can trigger an automatic one-year license suspension, even if you weren’t over the limit.
3. You have the right to legal counsel immediately.
   Call a qualified Phoenix DUI lawyer as soon as possible. The earlier you involve a defense attorney, the stronger your defense will be.

Common Mistakes People Make After a DUI Arrest

Many people unknowingly harm their defense within hours of being arrested. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Admitting guilt or apologizing to the officer — this can be used against you in court.
• Posting about your arrest online — prosecutors often monitor social media.
• Delaying hiring an attorney — crucial evidence (like bodycam footage) can disappear quickly.
• Assuming guilt means conviction — even strong evidence can be challenged by an experienced attorney.

Smart defense is about making informed moves at every stage — from arrest to final verdict.

How I Build a Strong DUI Defense

Each DUI case is different, but my proven defense process ensures no stone is left unturned:

Step 1: Initial Review and Strategy

We begin with a deep analysis of the police report, breath or blood test, dashcam video, and arrest records. I look for violations of your constitutional rights, procedural errors, and inconsistencies in the officer’s account.

Step 2: Evidence Evaluation

Testing methods are not foolproof. I examine calibration records, chain of custody, and lab procedures to expose errors that can invalidate results.

Step 3: Negotiation and Pre-Trial Motions

Before trial, I often file motions to suppress evidence obtained unlawfully or through technical violations. Strategic pre-trial work can lead to dropped or reduced charges.

Step 4: Trial Defense

If your case proceeds to trial, I deliver a clear, credible defense supported by facts, expert testimony, and legal precedent — ensuring the jury sees the flaws in the prosecution’s case.

When to Hire a Phoenix DUI Lawyer

You should hire a DUI lawyer immediately after arrest — ideally within 24–48 hours. Early intervention allows me to:

• Request DMV hearings before your license is suspended
• Collect time-sensitive evidence
• Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
• Prevent costly legal missteps

A smart and timely response can make the difference between freedom and a criminal conviction.

Defending All Types of DUI Cases

I represent clients across all levels of DUI charges, including:

• First-time DUI offenses
• Multiple DUI offenses
• Aggravated felony DUIs
• Underage DUI
• Prescription drug DUI
• Marijuana or drug-related DUI
• Commercial driver DUI

Each type of case demands a different approach — and I tailor my defense to fit the exact legal, factual, and personal circumstances involved.

Client-Focused, Results-Driven Representation

Your case is more than a file number — it’s your life, your career, and your reputation. I take every DUI personally and fight to achieve the best possible result.

My clients often tell me they felt supported, informed, and confident throughout the process. That’s because my firm is built on three pillars:

1. Communication: You’ll always get direct access to me, not a paralegal.
2. Transparency: I explain every legal option clearly so you can make informed decisions.
3. Results: My record of case dismissals, reduced penalties, and trial victories speaks for itself.

The Cost of a DUI Conviction

Beyond fines and jail time, a DUI conviction can have long-term consequences:

• Increased insurance rates
• Job loss or professional license issues
• Immigration complications
• Public record of conviction

That’s why hiring a smart Phoenix DUI lawyer is an investment in your future. My strategic defense isn’t about paperwork — it’s about protecting your life, reputation, and freedom.

How I Use Strategy to Win

Every DUI case tells a story — and I make sure the court hears your side, not just the prosecution’s. My strategic approach includes:

• Using psychological framing during negotiations to influence how prosecutors view your case.
• Employing data-driven jury selection to identify sympathetic jurors.
• Building narrative-based trial strategies that focus on reasonable doubt rather than technicalities.

That’s how I’ve earned my reputation for achieving strong results through smart defense.

Serving Phoenix and Surrounding Areas

I proudly serve clients throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, and Glendale. My office is accessible, my communication is direct, and my representation is personal. Whether you’re a local resident, student, or out-of-state visitor, you’ll receive the same level of dedication and strategic defense.

How We Can Help

If you or a loved one has been charged with DUI in Arizona, don’t face it alone. The penalties are serious — but so is my commitment to protecting your rights.

At the Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, Esq, I focus on delivering Smart Defense. Strong Results. I will review your case, explain your legal options, and build a personalized strategy to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Call  480-386-1824 today for a free consultation and take the first step toward regaining control of your future.