Facing DUI charges can be an overwhelming experience. There are many implications that can come with a conviction; you may lose your ability to transport yourself to work, pick up your kids from school, and more, which can affect your ability to secure a job and even retain custody of your children. However, not every DUI allegation is substantiated, and an accusation does not necessarily lead to a conviction. Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in your case.
Why Choosing the Right DUI Attorney Matters
Arizona is well known for having some of the toughest DUI laws in the nation. Whether it is your first time facing DUI charges or you have a slew of convictions on your record, finding the best DUI attorney in Arizona can be precisely what you need to find success in your current DUI case.
A DUI conviction can affect your freedom, your driver’s license, your career, your finances, and so much more, but only if you are found guilty. So much is at stake when you face criminal DUI charges that working with the top DUI lawyers in Arizona may prove to be a vital decision.
At The Valley Law Group, you will find experienced DUI attorneys, as well as a former prosecutor turned DUI lawyer. We take your case seriously, listening to your side of the story, examining the evidence, and drawing attention to the potential flaws in the prosecution’s case. Whether you are unfairly accused or simply need to minimize the impact of your mistake on your future, you will be treated with respect and dignity. Our DUI defense team will help protect and represent you, your rights, and the outcomes you hope to achieve.
Whether it’s your first offense or you’re facing felony DUI charges, hiring the right legal team can mean the difference between jail time and case dismissal.
What Is Considered a DUI in Arizona?
When you are charged with a DUI in Arizona, it means that a law enforcement representative suspects you of operating a vehicle under the influence of an illegal amount of alcohol, dangerous prescription drugs, and/or controlled substances. ARS §28-1383 states that it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, level of 0.08% or higher. If you are below the legal drinking age, a BAC of any amount is considered illegal and can lead to zero-tolerance DUI charges.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one drunk driving-related death happens roughly every 45 minutes in the United States. (CDC, 2024) It is because of statistics like this that Arizona takes driving laws incredibly seriously. Without the help of an experienced DUI attorney in Phoenix, you may find yourself facing penalties that mirror this severity. The Valley Law Group is ready to apply the strategies that have won our DUI attorney 5-star reviews for these cases.
Five Signs You Are Hiring the Best DUI Attorney in Arizona
With so many DUI attorneys ready to take on your case, it can be hard to determine which one is best for you and your situation.
There are, however, a few steps you can take to find the best DUI attorney in Arizona for you.
1. Proven Experience Fighting DUI Charges
As with every other profession, the more experience a person has with something, the more skillful techniques they gain, so they can use those acquired insights to bring about consistent success. Simply put, the more experience a law firm has, the better. The Valley Law Group is ready to apply the decades of experience our lawyers have obtained to help you build a strong case that will withstand the most formidable prosecution.
Experience can also be measured in the number of cases a law firm has taken on and successfully handled. At The Valley Law Group, our attorneys have handled hundreds of DUI cases, including felony DUI, extreme DUI, and DUI with injury. With 25+ years of combined experience, our attorneys know Arizona’s DUI laws inside and out. It is because of this that we will be able to help you both effectively and efficiently with your case.
2. Former Prosecutors Who Understand the System
Famous war strategist and writer Sun Tzu once said, “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained, you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”
When you hire a lawyer with previous prosecutorial experience, you gain a serious advantage for your DUI case.. Not only will your lawyer know how to craft a compelling defense from their years as a DUI defense attorney, but they can also anticipate strategies the prosecution will use during your case. Their experience serving on both sides may allow them to accurately strategize and deliver your defense in a way that the prosecution may find difficult to refute.
Through prosecutorial experience, your DUI attorney has gained knowledge about how the prosecution works and what they would do if they were still serving as a prosecutor. Now, they can build your DUI defense and use this knowledge to succeed. The Valley Law Group is proud to employ former deputy attorneys who have worked on both sides of the courtroom, uniquely equipping them to craft and deliver a defense on your behalf. In short, we know how prosecutors think – because we’ve been there.
3. Hundreds of 5-Star Reviews From Satisfied Clients
Our clients trusted us to get the job done, and when we delivered, they decided to share their success with the world. The Valley Law Group stands at a five-star rating based on 812 Google reviews and counting, not to mention the nearly 30 awards and memberships associated with our law firm. Our repeated success can be used to help you with your DUI case, showing that our methods work and withstand the test of time.
They saved my license and kept me out of jail. The best legal team I’ve ever worked with.
Actual Client4. Available 24/7 With Free Consultations
While it can be tempting to believe that emergencies will happen within a schedule that fits our needs, they rarely do. When you enlist the help of The Valley Law Group, you will have access to around-the-clock service and free consultations.
If you have been arrested in the middle of the night on a Saturday, members of our team will always be available and easily accessible to protect you from damaging your case, as well as any potential miscarriages of justice that may occur if you try to handle your case alone.
You can reach us at (480) 300-6012. Call us anytime — even if you’ve just been arrested.
5. Track Record of Case Dismissals & Pretrial Diversion
A strong track record and a history of success are two of the greatest testaments to whether a DUI lawyer will be able to help you win your case or have it dismissed altogether. Pretrial diversions can also be a useful tool.
Simply put, a pretrial diversion is a court-sanctioned option that offers accused individuals, often first-time offenders or those with minor charges, the opportunity to participate in a supervised program relevant to said charges. For example, if you have been charged with a DUI for the first time and your BAC was well below the felony limit, the Arizona court may permit you to participate in a rehab program that will eventually lead to the dismissal of your charges. This can be an alternative way to win your case.
The Valley Law Group has helped dozens of clients avoid jail time through legal alternatives such as the aforementioned example, and we may be able to do the same for you. We work hard to help our clients achieve fair and reduced charges so that a conviction is far less detrimental than it could have been. If you qualify for pretrial diversion, we’ll fight to keep you out of jail and protect your record.
What is at Stake in a DUI Case in Arizona?
There is a great deal at stake if you are facing a potential DUI conviction, including the following penalties:
- License suspension
- Jail or prison time
- Mandatory placement of an ignition interlock device
- SR-22 insurance
- A permanent criminal record
- Immigration or employment consequences
A DUI conviction in Arizona can lead to struggles with job security and financial stability, as well as your ability to come and go as you please. Hiring The Valley Law Group can help you prevent these and other negative impacts on your future.
Arizona DUI FAQs:
DUI charges can trigger many questions, and our team is here to help answer them all. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions regarding DUI charges and DUI defense.
Why You Should Choose The Valley Law Group to Represent Your DUI Case
Choosing the right lawyer can make all the difference in your case. Choosing the Valley Law Group is the right decision. Our knowledge and experience with DUI cases allow us to put the needs of our clients first, no matter what circumstances they may be facing.
Additionally, our team has:
- 25+ years of combined DUI defense experience
- A staff featuring former prosecutors
- Over 400 five-star client reviews
- 24/7 access
- Free consultations
- Offices in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Peoria
Secure Strong Representation for Your Arizona DUI Case Today
Arrested for DUI in Arizona? Do not risk your future. If your case is in Phoenix, our team understands the local courts and procedures and moves fast to protect your rights. We also serve clients across the Valley, including Gilbert, Scottsdale, and Peoria, and can meet wherever is most convenient.
Making a mistake or being wrongfully accused can feel devastating, but it does not have to define your life. At The Valley Law Group, we listen, investigate, and build a defense designed to minimize the impact on your record, employment, and license. From the first call, we get to work requesting reports, examining the stop and testing, and identifying leverage to seek a reduction or dismissal where possible.
What we do right away
- Review the police report and body-cam footage for errors or rights violations
- Challenge probable cause and testing procedures
- Protect your MVD rights and address license issues on deadline
- Outline clear next steps so you know what to expect in court
Ready to take the next step? Schedule a free consultation and talk directly with a DUI defense attorney about your options. Prefer to read up first? Visit our Criminal Defense Resources for checklists, FAQs, and court-prep tips, then contact us when you are ready.
Areas we serve: Phoenix and the surrounding communities, including Gilbert, Scottsdale, and Peoria. If Phoenix is not your closest office, we will meet you at the location that works best.
Sources:
- Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-1383. (n.d.). Aggravated driving or actual physical control while under the influence; violation; classification; definition. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/01383.htm
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, March 15). Impaired driving: Get the facts. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/impaired-driving/facts/index.html
- Arizona Department of Transportation. (n.d.). Future financial responsibility (SR-22/26). Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/driver-services/license-reinstatement/future-financial-responsibility
Jon McCarty has broad experience in a wide variety of criminal defense and family law matters. After graduating from the University of Illinois College of Law with the highest honors, Jon served as Law Clerk to The Honorable David Briones in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas. After running a successful practice of his own for many years, Jon relocated to Maricopa County where he has continued to strive for excellence through aggressive yet compassionate representation of each client. Jon has been named to the list of Super Lawyers in the area of family law multiple times, and has been recognized for his outstanding commitment to Equal Access to Justice through providing pro bono representation to numerous clients.