Felony DUI Attorney in Flagstaff

Facing Felony DUI Charges in Flagstaff? Get Knowledgeable Support

Dealing with a felony DUI accusation brings overwhelming uncertainty. At The Zickerman Law Office, PLLC, we help you face these high-stakes charges with clarity and confidence. Our felony DUI lawyer in Flagstaff serves clients throughout Flagstaff, Arizona, guiding you through the legal process and focusing on solutions that protect your rights and future. 

Being charged with felony DUI in Flagstaff involves far more than simply defending yourself in court. The emotional weight, impact on your family, and risk to your employment can feel immense. We understand how urgent and personal these situations are. 

Our team calms the chaos by clearly explaining your options and taking purposeful steps to address each challenge you face. With our local knowledge of the Flagstaff courts and agencies, we anticipate common issues unique to this region and help you understand the path ahead, so you can regain a sense of control at every stage.

Do not risk prison and the loss of your rights. Secure a skilled Flagstaff felony DUI lawyer today. We offer bilingual services in English and Spanish to protect your freedom. Call (928) 323-0910 or reach out online now.

Understanding Arizona Felony DUI Laws

In Arizona, a DUI becomes a Felony DUI not due to the level of intoxication alone, but when specific aggravating factors are present. This offense is codified in A.R.S. 28-1383 and is typically charged as a Class 4 or Class 6 Felony.

Triggers That Elevate DUI to a Felony

A person is guilty of felony DUI if they commit a standard DUI (A.R.S. 28-1381) or an Extreme DUI (A.R.S.28-1382) and any of the following factors exist:

• Prior Offenses: The current offense is the person's third or subsequent DUI within 84 months (seven years). (Class 4 Felony)
• License Status: The DUI occurs while the person's driver's license or privilege to drive is suspended, revoked, canceled, or refused. (Class 4 Felony)
• Child Passenger: The DUI occurs while a person under the age of 15 is in the vehicle. (Class 6 Felony)
• Ignition Interlock: The DUI occurs while the person is required to use an ignition interlock device and commits a violation of the interlock requirement. (Class 4 Felony)
• Wrong-Way Driving: Committing DUI while driving the wrong way on a highway. (Class 4 Felony)

The presence of even one of these factors subjects you to the mandatory prison sentences reserved for a felony DUI attorney in Flagstaff cases.

Potential Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a Felony DUI Conviction in Flagstaff

The penalties for felony DUI in Arizona are among the nation's most severe and include mandatory prison time. A successful defense is essential to protect you from the maximum penalties.

Mandatory Prison Sentences

A first-time felony DUI conviction (typically a Class 4 Felony for a suspended license or third offense) carries a mandatory minimum punishment of four months in the Arizona Department of Corrections (prison). This sentence cannot be suspended or served in county jail. For a second Felony DUI, the mandatory prison term increases significantly to a minimum of 2.25 years in state prison.

Additional Direct Consequences

Beyond prison, a conviction for felony DUI also mandates:

• License Revocation: Loss of driving privileges for three full years.
• Financial Penalties: Fines and assessments totaling up to $4,670 or more.
• Probation: Up to 10 years of supervised felony probation.
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Mandatory installation of an IID for a minimum of two years upon license reinstatement.
• Treatment: Mandatory substance abuse screening, education, and treatment.

Permanent Loss of Rights

A felony DUI conviction in Flagstaff results in the permanent loss of fundamental civil rights and opportunities:

• Permanent Felony Record: The conviction is permanent and cannot be expunged.
• Civil Rights: Loss of the right to vote and the permanent inability to possess or own firearms.
• Professional Licenses: Severe risk of losing any state-issued professional license (e.g., medical, legal, finance).
• Immigration: Mandatory deportation or denial of immigration benefits for non-citizens.

Our Aggressive Flagstaff Defense Strategy

The Superior Court in Coconino County handles felony DUI cases with heightened seriousness. Our firm intervenes immediately to fight the charge and secure the best possible outcome.

• Attacking the Aggravating Factor: We focus heavily on the specific felony trigger. For a "suspended license" charge, we argue that the MVD failed to provide proper notification of the suspension. For a "prior DUI" case, we challenge the validity or constitutionality of the previous conviction.
• Challenging the Underlying DUI: We scrutinize the arresting officer's procedures, the breathalyzer calibration logs, and the blood draw chain of custody. We are prepared to argue that the stop was illegal, or the chemical evidence is unreliable.
• Negotiation for Misdemeanor Reduction: Given the mandatory prison time, our firm's primary goal is to negotiate a reduction from a felony to a misdemeanor DUI or a non-DUI traffic offense (like reckless driving), saving you from prison and the loss of your civil rights.

We offer bilingual services in English and Spanish to ensure nothing is lost in translation during police interviews, discovery review, or court testimony. This is a crucial advantage for non-native speakers facing complex felony charges.

Why Trust Our Felony DUI Defense Attorneys in Flagstaff

When you work with our felony drunk driving lawyers in Flagstaff, you gain a dedicated team with deep knowledge of both prosecution and defense strategies. Attorney Zickerman’s recognition as former Felony Prosecutor of the Year means we know how the state builds its cases—and how to find the weaknesses in those cases. 

Our approach combines careful analysis, thorough preparation, and a team mindset aimed at challenging the prosecution every step of the way. We believe a strong defense starts with listening to your story and building a strategy that anticipates the opposition’s moves. Our clients value our proactive communication and our unwavering dedication to upholding constitutional protections.

By actively drawing from our experience with both prosecution and defense, we build smarter strategies tailored to the nuances of Coconino County’s legal landscape. For anyone seeking an experienced felony DUI attorney in Flagstaff, our knowledge and preparation provide a clear advantage when navigating the detailed procedures of Flagstaff’s criminal justice system.

How Our Felony Drunk Driving Lawyers in Flagstaff Defend Your Case

From the first conversation, our felony DUI lawyers in Flagstaff evaluate the details of your arrest and the prosecution’s approach. We draw on Attorney Zickerman's experience as a former prosecutor to anticipate how the state will build its argument. 

Our team reviews all circumstances, from the justification for the initial stop to the reliability of field sobriety testing and the accuracy of lab results. We educate you about the process and provide clear updates, so you always know where your case stands.

• Initial consultation: We listen to your account of the events and review documentation to identify immediate concerns.
• Case assessment: Our knowledge of Flagstaff courts helps us evaluate local legal procedures, judicial tendencies, and common prosecutorial approaches.
• Strategic planning: We build your defense by considering every angle—from constitutional issues to inconsistencies in the prosecution’s evidence.
• Ongoing communication: We keep you informed about developments and answer all of your legal questions along the way.

Take the Next Step with a Felony DUI Lawyer in Flagstaff

With our team’s dedication and understanding of the local court system, you receive support tailored to your circumstances. Whether this is your first experience with the criminal justice process or you have faced charges before, you will see your options and the road ahead with greater clarity. When you reach out, you can expect responsive support, straightforward answers, and a Flagstaff felony drunk driving lawyer who is committed to protecting your rights at every stage.

If you are facing felony drunk driving charges in Flagstaff, you do not have to navigate the legal system alone. Call (928) 323-0910 to schedule a confidential consultation with a felony DUI defense attorney in Flagstaff. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a DUI a felony in Arizona?

Certain aggravating factors raise a DUI to felony status, including having prior DUI convictions, driving on a suspended license, involvement in an accident with injury, or having a passenger under 15 years old.

What penalties can I face for felony DUI in Flagstaff?

Felony DUI convictions can involve prison time, loss of your driver’s license, substantial fines, mandatory alcohol treatment, and a permanent record.

Will I lose my driver’s license automatically after a felony DUI arrest?

Arizona law allows the Motor Vehicle Division to initiate administrative license suspension. The outcome may depend on your case’s specifics and the court’s decisions.

Can a felony DUI charge ever be reduced?

The possibility of charge reductions depends on the evidence, circumstances, and negotiations. Discuss all options with your defense lawyer based on the facts of your case.

How soon should I contact a defense attorney after an arrest?

As early as possible. Prompt legal advice is crucial when facing felony DUI charges, protecting your rights from the very first stages of the case.

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