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Are the Penalties in Arizona Very Harsh for DUI Offenders?

Interviewer: Around Arizona, there are a few counties where it seems pretty popular for the legislature to say if you’re arrested for DUI, you can expect to receive the maximum penalties. What are they talking about specifically in regards to DUI? Is it reasonable to surmise that some of the people arrested should expect to have the “book thrown at them” and they’re going to be sentenced to the max on all charges?

Brian: I’ve never had a client who has done the max on anything. Technically the penalties could refer to jail time, or could refer to prison time, and they could refer to the amount of fines and fees.

Arizona’s Penalties for Misdemeanor, Aggravated and Felony DUI Charges

On any misdemeanor DUI, the maximum sentence is 6 months in jail. On any class 6 aggravated DUI, the maximum sentence for a first time offender is 2 years. On any aggravated DUI charged as a class 4-felony, the maximum sentence is 3.75 years.

For misdemeanors, the maximum fine is $2,500 plus an 83% surcharge. On any felony, the maximum fine is $150,000 plus an 83% surcharge. I have never had any of my clients receive anywhere close to the maximum on anything.

Misdemeanor DUIs can also have a maximum amount of probation of 5 years, and an aggravated DUI can have a maximum probation term of 10 years. I’m not sure if I ever have had a client that was sentenced to the maximum amount of probation. As far as hearing, “Expect the max;” I believe that is a scare tactic, and the statement is especially untrue when I’m representing someone.

Most of the time I successfully get the minimum sentence for my clients. Now, that is only in cases where I am not able to negotiate a more beneficial plea agreement other than the minimum sentence on the charge that they are originally charged with. “Expect the max” is kind of a fallacy.

By Brian Douglas Sloan

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Brian Douglas Sloan

DUI ATTORNEY


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Best DUI Lawyer in Phoenix

Why DUI Attorney Brian Douglas Sloan?

19+

19+ Years SOLELY Focused on DUI Defense

4,200+

4,200+ DUIs Successfully Defended

Top Accolades

  • Only DUI "Power Lawyer" in the Nation Featured in USA Today, 2022

  • Top 10 in Arizona

Top 1%

Top One Percent in the Nation

Superb 10/10

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Preeminent
4.9 / 5.0

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“I am one of only a handful of Phoenix DUI Lawyers that focuses solely on DUI Defense representation.”

I have spent my entire career focused on Arizona DUI Defense representation, having personally defended over 4,200+ DUI clients in the past 19+ years.

If you’re looking for a divorce attorney, tax attorney, or civil attorney, I can comfortably say, "I’m not the one for you."

Coming up with traditional, as well as outside-the-box motions and defenses for my clients, often with good results, is the hallmark of my practice.

Lawyers that say they are "aggressive" or "will fight for you" are a dime a dozen. They use these phrases because they think people want to hear them. Being "aggressive" isn’t the same as being good and is often used to put on a show to hide the fact that they aren’t doing anything meaningful for the client.

The same is true for the lawyers claiming to do DUI Defense, Criminal Cases, Accident Cases, and Divorces. A Jack-of-all-Trades is a master of none! By handling all sorts of cases, they take away from their ability to truly focus on DUIs, and keep up to date on the latest changes in Phoenix DUI Defense Representation.

What I offer is intelligent, quality DUI Defense at an exceptional price.

I have not only taught other lawyers how to do DUI Defense Representation at statewide seminars, but I produced DUI Legal Guides used by defense lawyers across Arizona.

I am one of Arizona's most award-winning DUI Defense Lawyers, recognized nationally, including in a 2022 issue of USA Today.

There are no other private DUI Defense Lawyers in Arizona that have personally defended more DUI cases than I have. And as a bonus, I offer a flat rate for my legal services without any hidden charges. This guarantees that I offer some of the most competitive rates among all Arizona DUI Attorneys, while being the preeminent leader in the field of DUI Defense Representation.

Over the years, countless people have come to me after discovering that their first lawyer made a mistake, gave them false hope or false promises, or simply took their money and didn't do much to advance their case. And you would be surprised at how often this happens.

So, instead of wasting time and money on the wrong DUI Defense Attorney, do yourself a favor and get the proven and documented best DUI Lawyer in Phoenix and the surrounding areas of Maricopa County.

You can reach me on my cell phone: 480-720-7839.


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Brian Douglas Sloan

DUI Attorney

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2 N. Central Ave Suite 1929
Phoenix, AZ 85004
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