The starting point for most DUI investigations is the stop of the defendant’s vehicle by a police officer. An officer must have a legally acceptable reason to stop a vehicle. If a judge decides there was not a legally acceptable
Gordon Thompson DUI & Criminal Attorney Blog
The Gordon Thompson DUI & Criminal Attorney Blog focuses on legal issues related to DUI and criminal defense in Arizona. It covers topics such as felony and misdemeanor DUI charges, jury trials, sentencing procedures, and the implications of failing to appear in court. The blog also discusses administrative aspects like restricted permits and licenses during suspensions or revocations. Additionally, it addresses case-specific matters such as the proper joining of charges for trial and changes in jail sentencing locations. The content is aimed at providing insights into the practical and procedural aspects of DUI and criminal law in the Arizona legal system.
Latest from Gordon Thompson DUI & Criminal Attorney Blog - Page 5
What is Wrong Way Driving on a Highway Felony DUI?
A DUI in Arizona is what a jury says it is. All DUI defendants have either a constitutional (Felony) or statutory (Misdemeanor) right to a jury trial. By looking at appeals from convictions we can see the facts that lead…
Mesa City Court Defendants Go to Maricopa County Jail
There has been a recent change for defendants sentenced to jail in the Mesa Municipal court. Defendants may now serve their jail sentences again in the Mesa City Jail or the Maricopa County ITR Jail (Intake, Transfer, Release Facility)…
4 Years Prison for Failing to Appear at Arraignment
Arizona can be a very harsh state for Criminal & DUI cases. A defendant in Navajo County recently found out how harsh in a recent Court of Appeals decision. In March 2023, the defendant was involved in a car crash…
DUI Restricted Permits & Licenses
DUI Restricted Permits & Licenses Restricted Driver’s Permits and Licenses are available during suspensions or revocations. For the most part this is limited to Arizona licensed drivers. The MVD does not permit drivers licensed in another state to drive…
Agg DUI Properly Joined for Trial with Theft Charge
A defendant’s Aggravated DUI and Theft charges were properly joined for trial. The Facts The Tempe Police Department received a report of a stolen vehicle. The vehicle was reported to and be in a certain area. The police stopped the…
DUI Case Studies | Why they Matter
DUI case studies provide practical insight into how particular DUI cases are resolved. These case studies are for misdemeanor DUI cases only. Felonies are far different and are not discussed in the case studies. Real Life Situations These DUI…
Court says Wrong Way DUI Drivers can go to prison even if they don’t know they are driving the Wrong Way
Arizona Wrong Way DUI Law In 2018 the Legislature added a new felony DUI offense, 28 A.R.S.§ 1383.A.5, Driving the Wrong Way on a Highway While Impaired. The mandatory minimum sentence includes 4 months in State Prison. If an impaired…
Agg. DUI Convictions Upheld but Sentence Reduced
Defendant’s 2 Agg DUI convictions upheld but sentence reduced State v. Seantain Leroy Cook Seantain Leroy Cook appealed his 2 aggravated DUI convictions. The basis for the cases was driving with a suspended license in two separate DUI incidents in…
Deportation for Misdemeanor Arizona DUI?
Legal residents are now generally not deportable for one Arizona misdemeanor DUI conviction. Legal residents can be deported for one DUI if it involves Controlled Substances, and these substances include Marijuana and Prescription Medications, even if legally prescribed. Arizona Felony…