A DUI arrest can put your license, livelihood, and future at risk. The Law Office of Joel Chorny represents clients facing DUI and criminal traffic allegations in Tucson and throughout Arizona, with attention to the evidence, court process, and driver-license consequences.
Serving Tucson, Pima County, and clients throughout Arizona.
An Arizona DUI case may involve two separate processes: criminal charges in court and administrative action affecting your driving privileges. Important deadlines can arise before a case reaches trial, so understanding both tracks matters.
Attorney Joel Chorny evaluates the circumstances of each case, including the reason for the traffic stop, how evidence was collected, and which defenses or procedural issues may apply. No lawyer can promise a dismissal, but informed preparation can help you understand your choices.
Arizona's primary DUI offenses are defined by A.R.S. § 28-1381, with separate provisions for extreme and aggravated DUI.
The applicable statute, alcohol or drug evidence, prior history, and other circumstances can materially change the potential penalties. These are common categories, not a substitute for evaluating the actual charging document.
Under § 28-1381, charges may involve impairment to the slightest degree, an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more in the relevant time window, or other specified drug-related circumstances. Some commercial or for-hire drivers face a 0.04 threshold.
Under § 28-1382, an alcohol concentration of 0.15 to below 0.20 falls within one extreme-DUI tier; 0.20 or more falls within the higher tier. Mandatory sentencing provisions may apply after conviction.
§ 28-1383 addresses specified felony circumstances, including certain repeat offenses, driving while a license is suspended, driving the wrong way, or DUI involving a passenger under age 15.
Important: A person can face impairment-based DUI allegations even when a test result is below 0.08. The legal elements and evidence must be reviewed together.
Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) actions are separate from the criminal case. Depending on testing and other circumstances, a driver may face an administrative suspension even before a court decides the criminal allegation.
Under Arizona's implied-consent law (A.R.S. § 28-1321), refusal to complete a legally required chemical test can lead to substantial license consequences. Different rules can apply when a driver takes the test.
The Arizona Department of Transportation's DUI guidance explains suspension, restricted driving, interlock devices, and administrative hearing requests. Read the deadline on your own notice immediately; it may not match a criminal court date.
• Citation, complaint, or arrest paperwork
• MVD suspension or temporary license notice
• Chemical-test or refusal paperwork, if supplied
• Court hearing dates and release conditions
• Contact information for possible witnesses
A lawyer can help determine which deadlines and requests apply to your specific situation.
Arizona A.R.S. § 28-693 addresses driving in reckless disregard for the safety of people or property. Depending on prior history and statutory factors, criminal penalties and license consequences may apply.
Some traffic citations are civil matters, while others allege criminal conduct. The classification matters when evaluating court appearances, potential penalties, driving records, and defense options. Examine the actual citation rather than assuming every traffic ticket is a misdemeanor.
For more information about Arizona misdemeanor classifications, see our misdemeanor defense practice area.
A thoughtful defense starts with the facts—not a prediction of the result. Depending on the allegations, relevant issues may include:
Reviewing the stated reason for the stop and the officer's recorded observations.
Examining field sobriety procedures, video recordings, and witness accounts.
Evaluating collection methods, timing, maintenance records, and the reliability of chemical evidence.
Assessing motions, negotiations, trial preparation, and any parallel MVD issues.
A case can also involve an initial court appearance. Read our guide to Arizona first appearances for background on the early criminal-court process.
In this video from the existing Chorny Law DUI page, Joel discusses a common mistake people can make in conversations during police stops. The video provides general educational context; it is not individualized legal advice or a substitute for following lawful instructions.
Watch the video, then discuss the actual facts of your traffic stop with counsel when evaluating potential defenses.
Watch on YouTubeConsequences depend on the charge, prior convictions, and the court or administrative process. A qualifying DUI conviction may involve a combination of the following:
Jail or prison in cases where the law requires it, fines and assessments, treatment or education requirements, and other court orders.
Suspension or revocation, ignition-interlock requirements, and restricted-license eligibility based on the applicable MVD rules.
Transportation, employment, insurance, and professional-license concerns may arise depending on the circumstances.
No guaranteed result: Whether a charge is challenged, reduced, dismissed, or tried depends on evidence, law, and case-specific decisions. See the firm's DUI reduction and dismissal discussion for related context; that article's claims should be evaluated independently, and no statewide outcome percentage is promised here.
Attorney Joel Chorny represents people navigating criminal charges in Tucson. An initial discussion can help identify the type of allegation, upcoming deadlines, evidence worth preserving, and questions to consider before the next court event.
Bring your citations and notices so the conversation can focus on the facts of your case.
Answers to common questions about DUI charges, attorney fees, potential outcomes, and driver's-license concerns.
These links lead to official Arizona legal and transportation resources. The applicable law and administrative procedures should be evaluated against the specific charge, notice, and case history.
Arizona's standard DUI statute and impairment-related offenses.
Alcohol-concentration tiers and associated criminal provisions.
Specified aggravated DUI circumstances and felony classifications.
Chemical testing, refusal consequences, and administrative procedures.
Arizona reckless-driving elements and classification.
Official state guidance about suspension, hearings, reinstatement, and interlock requirements.
This page is for general educational information only and does not create an attorney-client relationship or provide advice for a specific case. Requirements and deadlines can change. Review current official materials and consult an Arizona attorney about individual circumstances.
Facing DUI or criminal traffic allegations? The Law Office of Joel Chorny can help you understand the documents you received, the questions your case raises, and the legal process ahead.
