Chandler DUI Lawyer

Being arrested for a DUI in Chandler can throw your life into chaos overnight. Arizona DUI laws carry mandatory jail time, steep fines, a suspended driver’s license, and a criminal record that could haunt you for years to come.

Our Chandler DUI lawyers have decades of combined criminal defense experience fighting for clients charged with DUI throughout Maricopa County. We know the local courts, the prosecutors who handle these cases, and the weaknesses that can derail the state’s evidence against you.

Call AZ Defenders now at (480) 456-6400 or contact us online to speak with an experienced DUI lawyer in Chandler. We will fight aggressively to protect your freedom, your record, and your future.

Why Choose AZ Defenders as Your Chandler DUI Attorney?

DUI arrests in Chandler are prosecuted relentlessly. The Chandler Police Department maintains DUI task forces, especially near areas with heavy nightlife and events, such as:

• Downtown Chandler, along Arizona Avenue, is known for its bars, restaurants, and events like the Chandler Art Walk
• Chandler Fashion Center near Loop 101 and Loop 202, a major shopping and dining hub
• Tumbleweed Park, home to annual festivals like the Ostrich Festival and Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular
• Desert Breeze Park, which draws families and late-night gatherings
• Price Road Technology Corridor, with commuters working late hours at Intel and other tech companies

The Chandler Prosecutor’s Office pushes for harsh penalties in these cases, even for first-time offenders. You need a law firm that knows how to fight back.

When you choose AZ Defenders, you get:

• 20+ Decades of combined DUI defense experience
• Former prosecutors who know prosecution tactics inside out
• Aggressive defense strategies tailored to your case
• Local knowledge of Chandler courts, judges, and prosecutors
• Clear communication so you always know what’s happening in your case

We don’t believe in pushing quick plea deals that hurt your future. Our attorneys investigate every detail of your arrest to uncover the flaws that could lead to dismissed or reduced charges.

Understanding Arizona DUI Law

Arizona has some of the toughest DUI laws in the United States. Even a first-time conviction carries mandatory jail time, fines, license suspension, and an ignition interlock requirement. 

Legal representation can help fight against DUI charges and present a DUI defense that may help when facing severe penalties, especially if you have prior DUI convictions.

Regular DUI: A.R.S. § 28-1381

A regular DUI is charged when:

• Your BAC is 0.01% to 0.149%, with non-commercial drivers being presumed to be impaired at 0.08% or greater and just 0.04% or higher for commercial drivers
• You’re impaired to the slightest degree by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both

Penalties for a first offense:

• 10 days in jail (9 days may be suspended with alcohol screening and education)
• Fines and fees totaling over $1,500
• 90-day driver’s license suspension
• Ignition interlock device installed for 12 months
• Alcohol screening and treatment program

Your attorney can present evidence to prosecutors and the judge to mitigate the consequences in some cases. 

Extreme DUI:  A.R.S. § 28-1382(A)(1)

An Extreme DUI is charged when your BAC is greater than 0.15% but less than 0.20%.

First offense penalties include:

• 30 days in jail
• Fines and assessments exceeding $3,500
• 90-day license suspension
• 12-month ignition interlock device
• Mandatory alcohol counseling and treatment

High BACs result in harsher consequences. 

Super Extreme DUI: A.R.S. § 28-1382(A)(2)

A Super Extreme DUI is charged when your BAC is 0.20% or higher.

Penalties include:

• 45 days in jail
• Substantially higher fines and fees
• 18-month ignition interlock requirement
• Mandatory alcohol counseling

This is the highest level of misdemeanor DUI in Arizona. 

Aggravated DUI (Felony DUI): A.R.S. § 28-1383

An aggravated DUI is a felony charge. It is filed when:

• You commit DUI while your license is suspended or revoked
• It is your third DUI within seven years
• You are arrested for DUI with a child under 15 in the vehicle
• You are subject to an ignition interlock device restriction on your driver’s license and are arrested for DUI in a vehicle not equipped with an ignition interlock device

Penalties for felony DUI include:

• Minimum jail of one day (for Class 6 felony Aggravated DUI) up to a minimum of four months in state prison (for Class 4 felony Aggravated DUI)
• Felony criminal record
• Revoked driver’s license
• Long-term ignition interlock
• Mandatory alcohol education and treatment

A felony DUI conviction affects your rights for life, including voting, firearm possession, housing, and future employment.

The DUI Arrest Process in Chandler

The Traffic Stop

Most DUI cases begin with a traffic stop initiated for:

• Speeding
• Weaving or drifting between lanes
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Making a “wide turn”
• Failure to maintain lane
• Equipment violations, such as a broken headlight or expired registration

After the stop, Chandler police will observe your behavior, speech, and appearance for signs of impairment. They may ask if you’ve been drinking and request field sobriety tests.

Field Sobriety Tests

The standardized field sobriety tests include:

• Horizontal gaze nystagmus (eye test)
• Walk-and-turn
• One-leg stand

Officers look for “clues” of impairment, but these tests are subjective and can be influenced by fatigue, medical conditions, balance issues, nerves, uneven pavement, or inappropriate footwear.

Breathalyzer or Blood Test

If officers believe you are impaired, they will ask you to submit to a breathalyzer and/or blood test. Under Arizona’s implied consent law, refusal to expressly agree to the test or tests can lead to an automatic one-year driver’s license suspension.

Arrest and Booking

If your BAC exceeds the legal limit or officers determine that you are impaired, you will be arrested and taken to jail for booking and processing.

Release

Depending on your record and case facts, you may be released with a citation and court date or held until your initial appearance.

The DUI Court Process in Chandler

Arraignment

Arraignment is usually your first court appearance for misdemeanor DUI charges. It takes place in Chandler Municipal Court. If you are arrested for felony DUI, it will be held in the Maricopa County Superior Court.

In most cases, you will enter a plea of not guilty and will receive future court dates thereafter.

Pretrial Conferences

During pretrial conferences, your attorney will:

• Request and obtain all the items of evidence obtained by law enforcement in its investigation of you
• Review all police reports, videos, and lab results
• File motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence
• Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges, dismissal, or alternative sentencing arrangements

Some individuals choose to plead before their case goes to trial. 

Suppression Hearings

If your attorney identifies constitutional violations, such as an illegal stop, improper search, or flawed testing procedures, they can file motions to suppress evidence. Successful suppression can weaken the state’s case or lead to outright dismissal.

Trial

If no resolution is reached in the pretrial phase, your case will proceed to trial before a jury. AZ Defenders will:

• Cross-examine officers and lab technicians as to the truthfulness of their testimony
• Challenge the prosecution’s evidence
• Present defense witnesses and expert testimony, where necessary
• Argue for acquittal based on the presence of reasonable doubt

We prepare every case from the very beginning as if it will proceed to a jury trial. 

DUI Expungement and Set Aside Eligibility in Arizona

Many people charged with DUI in Chandler want to know if their conviction can ever be removed from their record. Arizona does not offer true “expungement” of DUI convictions as some other states do.

Instead, the state allows certain offenses to be “set aside” under A.R.S. § 13-905 once all sentencing requirements are completed.

A set aside does not erase your DUI conviction. However, it changes your criminal record to reflect that the judgment of guilt has been set aside. 

This means:

• The court officially notes that you fulfilled all penalties, including jail time, fines, probation, and treatment requirements.
• The record shows the conviction was set aside, which can improve your chances of gaining employment, housing, or professional licensing.

Background checks will still show the conviction, but it will display that the offense has been set aside.

Who is eligible for a set aside?

Eligibility depends on your specific case. In general, set asides are not available for certain violent felonies, offenses involving victims under 15, or certain sexual offenses. 

However, DUI offenses are often eligible if you have completed:

• All jail or prison time
• All fines and fees
• Mandatory treatment programs
• Probation or community supervision

A set aside does not restore your gun rights automatically, nor does it remove the conviction from view entirely. However, it can demonstrate rehabilitation and compliance with court orders.

How AZ Defenders can help with set asides

Our attorneys can:

• Determine your eligibility for a set aside under Arizona law
• Prepare and file the necessary petitions and supporting documentation
• Represent you at set set-aside hearings if the prosecutor objects or if the court requires oral argument
• Advise you on how a set aside may improve your professional and personal future

Can I Seal a DUI Record in Chandler, Arizona?

Arizona allows certain DUI convictions to be sealed under A.R.S. § 13-911. If eligible, sealing a DUI record means it won’t show up on most background checks, and individuals can legally state that the arrest or conviction never occurred in most situations. 

However, not all DUI cases qualify. You must meet specific requirements, including completing all terms of your sentence and waiting the required period, which is usually several years. 

Chandler residents must file the petition in the Maricopa County Superior Court.

How a Chandler DUI Attorney Can Help You

Hiring a DUI lawyer in Chandler is essential to protecting your rights and building a strong defense. Your attorney can:

• Determine if the traffic stop was legal
• Challenge field sobriety test results and officer conclusions
• Dispute breathalyzer and/or blood test accuracy
• File motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence
• Negotiate for plea reductions or dismissal
• Represent you in MVD hearings to protect your driving privileges

At AZ Defenders, we examine every detail of your case, from officer departmental reports and body camera footage to maintenance records for breathalyzer devices and lab protocols for blood testing.

Common DUI Defense Strategies

While every DUI case is different, common defenses include:

• No reasonable suspicion for the stop
• Improperly administered field sobriety tests
• Breathalyzer calibration errors or operator errors/interference
• Blood sample mishandling or contamination
• Medical conditions mimicking intoxication symptoms
• Violation of constitutional rights during the stop, collection of evidence, and/or questioning while in custody

Our experienced DUI attorneys know that experienced legal representation is key, even for misdemeanor charges. Our law office will tailor your defense strategy to the unique facts of your case and aggressively pursue every angle that could weaken the state’s case.

DUI Arrests Near Chandler Landmarks

We frequently represent clients arrested near:

• Downtown Chandler restaurants and bars
• Chandler Fashion Center and the surrounding nightlife
• Chandler Center for the Arts after evening shows
• Intel Ocotillo Campus near Dobson Road and Ocotillo Road
• Tumbleweed Park during festivals and community events
• Loop 202 Santan Freeway
• Price Road Technology Corridor offices and facilities

These areas see heavy DUI enforcement, especially on weekends, holidays, and after local events.

Real-Life DUI Consequences

A DUI conviction can impact nearly every aspect of your life:

• Employment: Many employers terminate or refuse to hire candidates with DUI convictions, particularly in education, healthcare, transportation, or public service roles.
• Professional licenses: Teachers, nurses, realtors, and other licensed professionals may face disciplinary action or suspension.
• Auto insurance: Premiums can double or triple after a DUI conviction. Some insurers cancel coverage altogether.
• Immigration status: Non-citizens may face visa denials, revocation, or deportation, especially for aggravated DUIs.
• Housing applications: Landlords often reject applicants with criminal records.

These consequences make it critical to fight your charges strategically and effectively. 

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Time is essential in DUI cases. Hiring an attorney immediately allows you to:

• Request an MVD hearing within 30 days to contest your pre-conviction administrative license suspension
• Preserve crucial evidence
• Begin negotiations with prosecutors early, when the state’s case is still developing
• Build a thorough and aggressive defense strategy while details remain fresh your mind

Delays can limit your legal options and negatively impact your case.

How AZ Defenders Protects Your Future

At AZ Defenders, we take a comprehensive approach to DUI defense. When you hire us, we will:

• Conduct a meticulous investigation of every aspect of your arrest
• Challenge field sobriety and chemical test results with expert analysis
• File suppression motions to exclude unlawfully obtained evidence
• Negotiate firmly with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges
• Advocate for alternative sentencing options, such as work release, home detention, or suspended jail time
• Represent you at MVD hearings to fight for your driver’s license for pre-conviction administrative penalties facing your driving privileges
• Keep you informed and supported at every stage of your case

Our goal is simple: present a solid defense, protect your rights, keep you out of jail, prevent a criminal conviction from hitting your record, minimize fines and collateral consequences, and preserve your reputation in the community.

Contact a Chandler DUI Lawyer at AZ Defenders Today

If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Chandler, don’t wait to get legal help. Every day that passes can limit your defense options and impact your case outcome. Let the legal team at AZ Defenders fight for you.

Call (480) 456-6400 today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Chandler DUI lawyer. We are ready to protect your freedom, your record, and your future.