Chandler DUI Defense Lawyer

Few people get behind the wheel knowing that they are unsafe to drive. Yet, each year, more than 1,000 end up arrested for a Chandler DUI offense. If convicted of a DUI, you’ll not only face the very real possibility of jail time, but you may also be confronted with fines, probation, a suspended driver’s license, and a permanent criminal record. However, an experienced Chandler DUI defense lawyer may be able to help you avoid the worst consequences of a conviction.

At the Law Office of James E. Novak, our Maricopa County DUI defense attorney has over 25 years of hands-on experience successfully representing good people faced with charges related to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. We are familiar with the best DUI defenses in Arizona and will do everything possible to ensure that your case doesn’t impact the rest of your life.

Following a DUI arrest by the Chandler Police, you will typically be charged and released within a few hours. Upon release, you'll either receive a complaint form or a DUI citation, requiring an appearance at the Chandler Municipal Court, located at 200 E. Chicago St., Chandler, AZ 85225, for an arraignment.

If you don’t have a Chandler DUI defense lawyer, your presence will be required at your arraignment on the specified date and time. Failing to appear is a serious matter, which typically results in the judge issuing a warrant for your arrest.

If you opt to proceed without a lawyer (though this is generally advised against), it is crucial to arrive at the correct courthouse at the correct time. Once at your arraignment, the judge will inform you of the charges against you and what rights you have and will then schedule a pre-trial conference for your DUI case.

Hiring a Chandler DUI defense attorney who is familiar with the Chandler court system can be beneficial. Often, your lawyer will be able to eliminate your need to appear at the arraignment. They will also provide guidance to minimize the impact of the case on your daily life and schedule.

Police in Chandler are always on the lookout for impaired drivers; however, law enforcement will engage in targeted enforcement operations over certain weekends. Typically, these involve holiday weekends when it’s expected that people will be out celebrating. For example, the following holidays tend to have a higher-than-average number of DUI arrests:

Fourth of July 2023: During this holiday weekend, Arizona reported a total of 493 DUI arrests, which was almost the same as the 494 arrests made in 2022. Of these, 94 were classified as extreme DUIs, indicating a blood alcohol content (BAC) of at least 0.15%.

Labor Day Weekend 2023: There were 411 DUI arrests in Arizona, a decrease from 471 arrests in 2022. The arrests included 89 extreme DUI cases.

Holiday Season 2023: In December 2023, there were 1,550 DUI arrests across Arizona, a decrease from the 1,736 arrests in December 2022. The number of extreme DUI arrests also dropped from 378 in 2022 to 310 in 2023. Additionally, DUI drug arrests decreased from 480 in 2022 to 397 in 2023.

If you were recently arrested for a drug DUI or alcohol DUI in Chandler, your next move should be to call the Law Office of James E. Novak to schedule a free consultation. At our Chandler DUI defense law firm, we handle countless DUI cases each year for clients from all walks of life. We understand your situation, as well as what needs to be done to minimize the impact of your arrest on the rest of your life. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with our Chandler DUI defense lawyer today, call 480-413-1499. You can also reach us through our secure online contact form.