Understanding DUI Charges in Mesa, Arizona
Driving under the influence (DUI) in Mesa, Arizona is a serious charge with consequences that can impact your freedom, finances, and future. Arizona enforces some of the toughest DUI laws in the nation, and Mesa police are proactive in their enforcement, especially in high-traffic areas and near Arizona State University. If you’ve been charged with DUI in Mesa, it’s critical to understand the laws, penalties, and defense options available.
At Rideout Law Group, our Mesa-area DUI defense attorneys bring years of courtroom experience, including former prosecutorial insight, to defend clients facing these life-altering charges.
What Counts as a DUI in Arizona?
Under Arizona Revised Statutes §28-1381, DUI charges apply if you are:
- Operating or in physical control of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both
- Driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher
- Operating a commercial vehicle with a BAC of 0.04% or higher
- Under 21 years old with any alcohol in your system
This means that even “slight impairment” can result in a DUI arrest in Mesa.
Types of DUI Charges in Mesa
Arizona recognizes multiple levels of DUI, each carrying different penalties:
- Standard DUI: BAC of 0.08%–0.149%
- Extreme DUI: BAC of 0.15%–0.199%
- Super Extreme DUI: BAC of 0.20% or more
- Aggravated DUI: Felony DUI for repeat offenses, driving with a suspended license, or having a child under 15 in the car
DUI Penalties in Mesa
Arizona law imposes mandatory penalties for DUI convictions, including:
- First Offense DUI: At least 10 days in jail (9 may be suspended), $1,500+ in fines, license suspension, and an ignition interlock device
- Extreme DUI: 30 days in jail, thousands in fines, mandatory interlock device
- Aggravated DUI: Felony conviction, up to 2 years in prison, license revocation, and possible vehicle forfeiture
These penalties often extend beyond the courtroom—impacting employment, insurance, and professional licensing.
Where Are DUI Cases Heard in Mesa?
If arrested for DUI in Mesa, your case may be heard in:
- Mesa Municipal Court (misdemeanors)
- Maricopa County Superior Court (felonies and aggravated DUI)
Having a DUI attorney familiar with Mesa courts, judges, and prosecutors can be a key advantage in building a strong defense.
DUI Defense Strategies
While DUI charges in Arizona are serious, they are not unbeatable. At Rideout Law Group, our defense strategies may include:
- Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
- Questioning the accuracy of breath or blood tests
- Examining police procedures for constitutional violations
- Proving you were not in “actual physical control” of the vehicle
Attorney Brad Rideout, a former prosecutor, brings insider knowledge to every case, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
Take the First Step with Rideout Law Group
Being charged with DUI in Mesa doesn’t have to define your future. The sooner you act, the better your chances of protecting your rights and limiting penalties.
📍 Serving clients across Mesa and Maricopa County
📞 Call (480) 584-3328 or contact us online to schedule your free DUI case review today.