Mesa DUI Lawyer

Published on: May 24, 2013

Mesa PD Memorial Day DUI Task Force

By Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC

According to a recent news release by the Mesa Police Department, they will be participating in the annual East Valley Memorial Day DUI Task Force. These operations will consist of both sobriety checkpoints as well as DUI saturation patrols throughout the East Valley. The task force will be employing a zero-tolerance approach to any driver found to be impaired either by alcohol and/or drugs, and also any underage driver or passenger with alcohol in their system. Law enforcement is reminding people to enjoy the holiday, drink responsibility and either designate a sober driver, call a cab, or ride the light rail.

If you have been arrested for a DUI or any other criminal violation, it is important to understand your rights. Before police begin questioning a suspect, he/she is required to read you a Miranda warning, reminding you of your rights. Listed below is an example of typical language used in a Miranda warning:

You have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions. Anything you say may be used against you in a court of law.
You have the right to consult an attorney before speaking to the police and to have an attorney present during questioning now or in the future.
If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you before any questioning if you wish.
If you decide to answer questions now without an attorney present you will still have the right to stop answering at any time until you talk to an attorney

Whether you are in custody, or out of custody, it is important to understand that you should not speak with anyone about your case except your attorney. This is especially true if you are in custody, as all of your communications can be monitored, especially communications on jail telephones. Communications with your attorney are protected and privileged, including communications over the jail telephones. Therefore, do not communicate with anybody about your case other than your attorney. This applies to individuals who are in custody and out of custody.

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Published on: March 7, 2013

Can you be Charged with Vehicular Homicide in Arizona?

By Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC

If you are involved in a DUI collision which results in a fatality of another individual, there are a few different statutes that you may be charged under, depending on the severity and nature of the incident. Depending on how you are charged, you could be facing anywhere between 1 and 22 years in prison for a vehicular homicide related offense.

Under Arizona law, DUI fatalities can be charged as negligent homicide, which can result in a range of up to 8 years in prison. This type of fatality could also result in manslaughter charges, which are punishable by 7 to 21 years in prison. Finally, under extreme circumstances, a person could be charged with second degree murder, resulting in anywhere between 10-22 years in prison, if convicted.

Arizona and North Dakota are the only two states that do not have a specific vehicular homicide charge which can be applied to situations regarding DUI drivers and fatalities. If you are involved in a vehicular manslaughter-type incident, it is advisable to seek advice from an experience Mesa DUI lawyer as these are very serious allegations with exposure to significant prison time, if convicted.

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Published on: September 14, 2012

Scottsdale Amps Up DUI Enforcement

By Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC

The Scottsdale Police Department was recently awarded a $150,000 grant from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety. They plan to use these funds to ramp up DUI enforcement operations such as DUI checkpoints, cracking down on drunk driving during local events, and costs incurred from Scottsdale's participation in the East Valley DUI Task Force. They also intend to train more officers to become "drug recognition experts" to better enable officers to identify the upward trend of drug-impaired drivers. Additionally, more officers will become certified phlebotomists so they can draw blood on scene instead of transporting suspects to local hospitals. With more funding and resources dedicated to DUI enforcement, and focusing on areas such as the downtown district in Scottsdale with nearly 50 bars within a few square miles, officers hope to increase awareness around "knowing your limits" and using designated drivers.

In the event you are charged with a DUI in Scottsdale, or any surrounding areas, this Firm can help. Mr. Buckallew has extensive experience in litigating DUI cases and has handled all types of DUI's ranging from misdemeanor 1st Time DUI charges to complex felony Aggravated DUI cases. He has successfully resolved countless DUI cases over the course of his career, including acquittals after trial, pre-trial dismissals and negotiating plea agreements resulting in a reduction of charges. Mr. Buckallew belongs to many professional criminal and DUI organizations, such as the National College for DUI Defense, in order to stay abreast of changes in DUI laws and to keep apprised of best practices within the legal community.

The penalties and long term consequences of a DUI conviction can be extremely burdensome and can include the possibility of jail time, probation, significant court fees and fines, ignition interlock requirements (plus the cost to rent the device), loss of driving privileges, possibility of increased insurance rates, criminal record, and in some cases a felony criminal record. Having a criminal record can jeopardize certain career aspirations, including various licensed professions and a felony record results in a loss of certain civil rights, such as the right to vote, right to hold public office, and the right to possess a firearm. If you have been charged with any type of alcohol or drug related DUI charge, this Firm can help. Given the significant consequences of a DUI conviction, it is critical to seek the advice of an experienced Scottsdale DUI Attorney before making any decisions in your case. There are many possible defenses for DUI cases, including Procedural Defenses — such as illegal stop, illegal detention, illegal arrest, and/or illegal search; Factual Defenses —such as not under the influence, not operating vehicle, mistaken identity, blood alcohol level not greater than .08 within 2 hours of driving, necessity, mechanical defects of vehicle; and Forensic Defenses — such as testing methodology failure, incompetent lab technicians, contaminated blood draw, breath machine failures and limitations, contamination issues.

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Published on: June 14, 2012

East Valley Extreme DUI

By Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC

An extreme misdemeanor DUI includes driving under the influence of alcohol with a BAC above a .15, but less than .20 (ARS 28-1382). If you have been charged with an extreme misdemeanor DUI charge, the government may impose harsh penalties, if convicted. The maximum jail time for an extreme DUI is 6 months. The minimum jail time is 30 days (21 may be suspended if ignition interlock device is installed on vehicle for 12 months). Fines and fees for an extreme DUI can total nearly $3,000 (including a $250.00 fine, plus 84% surcharge, $250.00 DUI Fund, $1,000 prison fund, $1,000 Public Safety Equipment Fund, and other fees). Additional fees can include jail costs, probation fees, and cost for interlock ignition device (approx. $800-$1000 for 12 months). In addition to financial penalties, an extreme DUI conviction may result in a 90-day license suspension (30-day full suspension; then 60 days restricted driving permit to drive to/from work/school). Other penalties following a DUI conviction can include, possibility of probation (up to 5 years), alcohol / drug screening and classes, community work service, possibility of SR22 insurance (increased insurance rates), and interlock ignition device requirements (for alcohol related DUI).

When facing DUI charges and the significant consequences if convicted, it is critical to consult with an experienced attorney regarding your legal options before you make any decisions regarding your case. Mr. Buckallew is an experienced DUI lawyer with extensive trial experience in both DUI and criminal cases. The Firm will vigorously advocate on your behalf, and has a proven track record in successfully resolving serious and complex criminal and DUI cases. The Firm handles DUI cases in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, West Valley cities and throughout the State of Arizona.

Contact the Firm today for a free consultation, with an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney, regarding your DUI case.

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