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If you’re a Flagstaff local who was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), it can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. You may be wondering, “What happens right after I’m arrested for DUI in Flagstaff?” Following an arrest, taking proactive steps during this window is critical in protecting your rights and freedoms.
Right after a Flagstaff DUI arrest, you typically may have to interact with law enforcement. Usually, you may be subjected to field sobriety tests. Arizona uses the three National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) to check for impairment during DUI stops. These include:
These tests are designed to evaluate balance, coordination, and a driver’s ability to follow instructions. Although Arizona drivers can refuse to participate in field sobriety tests, doing so often results in an immediate arrest. Depending on the results of the investigation, you will either receive a citation or be taken into custody and booked into jail for processing before an arraignment, which typically occurs within 24 hours.
If you have a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or have prior DUI convictions, you may be taken to jail for booking. If you’re booked, you can expect a mugshot, fingerprinting, and a personal search. At that time, you’ll be allowed at least one phone call, which you should use to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Speaking with a DUI lawyer in Flagstaff, AZ, immediately can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
During a DUI stop, there are certain steps you can take to protect your rights. In the U.S., 804,926 Americans were arrested for suspected DUI in 2024, accounting for about 11% of all arrests nationwide. One DUI can cost up to $30,000 in legal fees and penalties. You can avoid becoming part of these statistics and steer clear of the most serious consequences for a DUI conviction when you call a lawyer immediately.
Do not make statements to the Flagstaff Police Department without legal counsel present. Your attorney can protect your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and help you avoid making any negative statements against yourself. Your lawyer can also review the legality of the traffic stop, challenge testing procedures, and request a hearing to contest the automatic suspension of your driver’s license.
Hiring an attorney is a critical step as soon as you are arrested for a Flagstaff DUI. When you partner with a lawyer, they can discuss the potential penalties for a conviction. Depending on the specific charges you face and the context of your arrest, a first-time DUI offense with a BAC between .08% and .149% typically results in:
If there are subsequent offenses or aggravating factors, DUI penalties increase. Arizona maintains strict DUI laws. If you find yourself in a position where you need reliable legal assistance, contact an experienced attorney familiar with Flagstaff’s complex DUI laws.
Yes, your license may be suspended almost immediately after a DUI arrest in Arizona. If you refuse a blood/breathalyzer test or fail the test, it typically leads to an automatic administrative suspension of your driver’s license. A knowledgeable Flagstaff DUI attorney can help you request a hearing and pursue limited driving privileges.
No, you’re not required to hire an attorney for a DUI arrest in Arizona. However, many people find that an attorney can provide invaluable assistance after the arrest. An attorney can challenge the evidence that’s used against you, identify procedural errors by the Flagstaff Police Department, and work to reduce charges, penalties, and jail time
An attorney builds a DUI defense by analyzing the traffic stop, arrest procedures, testing methods, and evidence handling. Their goal is to minimize or eliminate penalties and protect your future. While a DUI conviction cannot be expunged in Arizona, an attorney can help reduce the long-term impact on your driving record and criminal history.
It can be hard to estimate what it might cost to hire a lawyer right after a DUI arrest in Flagstaff since each attorney determines their own attorney fees and costs. However, all attorneys base their costs on their level of experience and the complexity of your case. That means you can set up an initial consultation to discuss expected costs and what’s included in their fees so that there aren’t any surprises
If you need to hire a DUI Lawyer, call The Kaiser Law Group. We are a trusted Flagstaff-based firm with over 80 years of combined legal experience in representing DUI clients. Locals across Arizona count on us to build their solid DUI defense cases. We have handled a wide variety of DUI cases in this area, and we know all of the ins and outs of Arizona DUI law in order to benefit you.
If you have questions, we are here to help. Whether you were arrested near Downtown Flagstaff or around the NAU campus, we can work to help you get your driver’s license back. Our team may also be able to help you have your DUI record expunged to give you a fresh start.
The Kaiser Law Group office is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Flagstaff, right off the U.S. Highway 180, Historic Route 66, and I-40. Contact us to set up your initial consultation with a trusted DUI attorney today so we can discuss your legal options, protect your future, and help you better understand what happens right after you’re arrested for DUI in Flagstaff.
718 N Humphreys St
Suite 100
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
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