Courthouse
brian sloan profile picture

How to Get Your DUI Charge Reduced to a Lesser Offense in Arizona

Getting a DUI charge dismissed in Arizona can be tricky. Nobody wants to deal with a DUI, as it carries several social ramifications and consequences that can follow the individual for the rest of their life. A good and qualified DUI Defense Attorney can dismiss the case or get a DUI reduced to a lesser offense. In most cases, if the attorney can get all the evidence suppressed, the prosecutor will have nothing to go forward on, and the DUI charges will be dropped.

The Seriousness of Driving Under the Influence in Arizona

Getting charged with DUI in Arizona can have serious consequences that can overwhelm individuals and result in significant financial expenses. The costs associated with fines, legal fees, and court expenses can quickly add up, putting a strain on their finances. Moreover, depending on the circumstances of the DUI offense, individuals may face possible jail time, which can add even more stress and disruption to their lives.

Additionally, a DUI conviction can temporarily or permanently mark their criminal record, which can impact their professional life. When employers conduct background checks, the DUI arrest and conviction will appear, potentially making it challenging for individuals to secure employment opportunities. This can adversely affect their career prospects and make it difficult to find a job.

A DUI charge in Arizona is serious, with potential consequences like financial strain, license suspension, and harm to both personal and professional life. Legal representation is critical to navigating the process and striving for the most favorable result.

The Law Offices of Brian D. Sloan has been dedicated to defending and representing clients facing a DUI charge in Arizona. Contact his office at 480-900-0384 or 602-900-0384 for a Free Initial Consultation.

Can You Beat a DUI Charge Through a DUI Lawyer?

Yes, it is possible to beat a DUI charge, and having a good DUI lawyer can greatly impact the case outcome. A skilled DUI Defense Attorney understands the ins and outs of Arizona’s DUI laws and can use their knowledge and experience to challenge the prosecution’s case.

Having a competent DUI Attorney by your side can make a significant difference when facing a DUI charge. One effective strategy they may use is seeking a reduction to a lesser offense. Through skillful negotiations with the prosecutor, the attorney can work to get DUI charges dropped to Reckless Driving, sometimes referred to as a  Wet Reckless charge, which carries milder penalties and offers a chance for a more favorable outcome.

In some areas of Arizona, a proficient DUI attorney in Phoenix can even explore the possibility of getting the case dismissed entirely. Certain city courts may dismiss the charge rather than pursue a Reckless Driving plea, providing another opportunity to overcome the DUI charge. A knowledgeable Attorney will be well-versed in different city courts’ specific rules and practices and may be able to get the best result for their client.

Dealing with a DUI case can be challenging. Still, with the right DUI Attorney, individuals can have a dedicated advocate fighting for their rights and interests. The attorney’s skill in examining evidence, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and presenting compelling arguments improves the chances of achieving a positive outcome. This may include reduction, dismissal, or other advantageous resolutions.

Can a DUI be Dismissed in Arizona?

Getting a DUI charge dismissed in Arizona is possible but challenging. The success of dismissal largely depends on the circumstances of the case and the strength of the defense presented. A skilled DUI lawyer in Phoenix can explore legal avenues to challenge evidence and uphold the defendant’s rights. 

Possible paths to get out of a DUI include suppressing unlawfully obtained evidence or demonstrating factual insufficiency. However, Arizona law generally disfavors dismissing DUI charges, and certain city courts may prefer either reducing the charge to a lesser offense, like Reckless Driving or resolving the case as a civil traffic violation.

How to Get a DUI Dismissed

Getting DUI cases dismissed can be tough to achieve and requires a proactive and strategic approach. One method is challenging the arrest’s legality and any evidence obtained during the stop. A skilled DUI Defense Attorney will thoroughly examine the police report, field sobriety tests, and breathalyzer results to identify potential flaws or violations of the Defendant’s rights. 

Any instances of an improper procedure or unlawful actions by law enforcement can be used to argue for the suppression of evidence. As a result, the prosecution’s case is weakening and increasing the chances of dismissal.

Additionally, building a strong defense based on factual inaccuracies or inconsistencies in the Prosecution’s case can also contribute to obtaining a dismissal. This might involve the Phoenix DUI Attorney investigating the arrest’s circumstances, questioning witness testimony, or presenting alternative explanations for the observed behavior.

How to Get A DUI Dropped to Reckless Driving

The chances of getting a DUI charge dropped to Reckless Driving is possible. A Felony DUI can occasionally be reduced to an ARS 28-693 Reckless Driving charge. However, that is more rare and depends on finding severe legal or factual issues. 

According to Arizona law, a DUI is not supposed to be dismissed unless it is factually insufficient. Certain city courts in Arizona will not offer Reckless Driving in lieu of a DUI in any situation. Phoenix is one of those courts. These courts would prefer to dismiss the case instead of pleading out Reckless Driving, but convincing the Prosecutor to fully dismiss a case is still quite rare.

Reducing The DUI Charge

If you are looking to have a DUI charge reduced in Arizona, there are a number of factors to consider. The case’s legal and factual issues will be considered along with the blood alcohol result. In other rare cases, the outcome of the case will depend on the officer involved in the case, the phlebotomist that draws the blood, the scientist who tests the blood, and sometimes the specific circumstances of the Defendants themselves.

Every DUI case is unique. The police report is different in every case, and so are the circumstances which lead to the arrest. An experienced DUI Defense Attorney knows what to look for in the police report, and they know which hidden details to search for. An inexperienced Attorney may miss out on those details.

The City of Phoenix, the largest City Court in Arizona, refuses to reduce a DUI charge to Reckless Driving. All the other City Courts are open to it under the right legal and factual scenarios. Depending on the circumstances of the case, the individual’s Arizona DUI lawyer may approach the prosecutor for a deal if they feel a plea bargain is a better option for their client.

Get the best legal assistance for your DUI with a Phoenix DUI Lawyer. Call the Law Offices of Brian D. Sloan at 480-900-0384 or 602-900-0384 for a Free Initial Consultation if you are facing a DUI charge in Arizona.

Benefits Of Having A DUI Charge Reduced

Having a DUI or DWI charge on someone’s criminal record makes life difficult in many ways. Occasionally, a DUI / DWI conviction will make it difficult for the individual to keep their current employment, seek higher studies, or travel to certain countries. A DUI charge can also lead to higher insurance premiums, carries other fines and fees, and will also lead to spending time in jail.

If the DUI charge is reduced to Reckless Driving or a Wet Reckless charge, the individual faces less serious charges and lighter penalties. Fines are also reduced, and there is less possibility of jail time. Moreover, the driver’s license will likely not be suspended or revoked due to a conviction of Reckless Driving.

Reduced DUI charges can have significant benefits beyond the immediate legal consequences. For instance, a DUI conviction can tarnish an individual’s reputation, affecting personal relationships and community standing. Reducing the charge of Reckless Driving can help mitigate the social stigma associated with a DUI and allow individuals to move forward with their lives more smoothly.

Additionally, the impact of a DUI conviction on employment prospects cannot be understated. Many employers conduct background checks, and a DUI on one’s record might lead to disqualification for certain job positions, especially those that involve driving or working with vulnerable populations. By obtaining a reduced charge, the individual may have a better chance of securing employment opportunities and maintaining their current job.

Furthermore, the financial burden of a DUI can be overwhelming. Besides the fines and legal fees, individuals might face increased insurance premiums that could strain their finances for years. A reduced charge can result in lower fines and reduced insurance costs, providing some financial relief.

In some cases, having a DUI reduced to Reckless Driving or Wet Reckless might also lead to the opportunity to participate in alcohol education courses instead of facing a DUI conviction. These programs can be valuable in helping individuals address any underlying issues related to alcohol use and improve their chances of avoiding future legal troubles.

Get DUI Charges Dropped with the Help from a DUI Defense Attorney

Overall, seeking to have a DUI charge reduced can lead to more favorable outcomes, positively impacting an individual’s personal, professional, and financial well-being. Getting legal help from a competent Phoenix DUI Defense Attorney is vital in going through the legal process and working towards achieving the best possible result for the individual’s situation.

If you are facing a DUI charge in Phoenix, Arizona, you must seek help from an experienced DUI defense attorney. A reckless driving conviction looks better on your record instead of a DUI. It also does not carry harsh penalties and the stigma that a DUI would carry. Contact the Law Offices of Brian D. Sloan at 480-900-0384 or 602-900-0384 for a Free Initial Consultation to reduce or dismiss your charges.

city view

Call me today for an
‘In Depth’ Free Consultation

brian sloan profile picture
Brian Douglas Sloan

DUI ATTORNEY


aerial view of arizona
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

AVVO.com

Preeminent
4.9 / 5.0

Martindale-hubble

brian sloan on the cover of attorney at law magazine

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

I have spent my entire career SOLELY focused on Arizona DUI Defense Representation, having personally defended more than 4,400 Driving Under the Influence (DUI) clients in the past 19+ years.

If you’re looking for a Divorce Attorney, Tax Attorney, Civil Attorney, etc., I can comfortably say, "I’m not the one for you." I ONLY defend DUI cases in most of Maricopa County, Arizona.

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 it is a proven advertising phrase. 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, and Criminal Cases, and Accident Cases, and Divorces, etc. 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 DUI Defense Representation.

What I offer is intelligent, quality DUI Defense at an exceptional price. Unlike many other law firms, if you hire The Law Offices of Brian D. Sloan, you actually get me representing you, doing all the work, and working the case. You aren’t hiring one guy with all the experience, but getting the underling with very little knowledge or experience.

I work seven days a week on my client’s cases, and spend hours laying all my thoughts out for my clients in writing, so they can understand their options, and my recommendations. No other DUI Lawyer in the state does this. I try to do what I can to go above-and-beyond for my clients. I hate when the businesses I deal with nickel-and-dime me with hidden costs, and I take pride in not doing that to my clients.

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

I am one of Arizona's most award-winning DUI Defense Lawyers, as well as being recognized nationally. I was the only DUI Defense Lawyer in the United States named a "Power Lawyer" in a 2022 issue of USA Today

There are no other private Lawyers in Arizona that have personally defended more DUI cases than I have. And as a bonus, I offer a very reasonable flat rate for my legal services, with a payment plan, and without any hidden charges. This guarantees that I offer some of the most competitive rates among all Arizona DUI Attorneys, while being a well-documented and 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 well-recognized best DUI Lawyer in Phoenix and the surrounding areas of Maricopa County.

You can reach me on my personal cell phone at 480-720-7839 for a Free ‘In Depth’ Consultation.

I personally defend DUI cases in urban Maricopa County City, Town, and Justice Courts, including:

Ahwatukee / Agua Fria / Arcadia Biltmore / Avondale / Buckeye / Chandler / Country Meadows / Desert Ridge / Dreamy Draw / Downtown / East Mesa / El Centro / Encanto / Gilbert / Glendale / Goodyear / Guadalupe / Highland / Kyrene / Litchfield Park / Maryvale / McDowell Mountain / Mesa / Moon Valley / North Mesa / Peoria / Phoenix / Queen Creek / San Marcos / San Tan / South Mountain / Scottsdale / Tempe / University Lakes / West McDowell / West Mesa / White Tank

For any other Courts in the State of Arizona, including Felony cases, I would recommend my associates on The Arizona DUI Team, whom I work closely with, but I am not the one personally representing the client.


dui attorney brian sloan headshot

Brian Douglas Sloan

DUI Attorney

Free Initial
Consultation

small mail icon
Email address:
Sloan@ArizDUI.com
small location icon
2 N. Central Ave Suite 1929
Phoenix, AZ 85004
triangle pattern