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Protecting Your Rights And Your Driver's License

DUI Defense Attorney In Yuma, AZ

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A DUI arrest in Yuma can turn your life upside down. You're facing license suspension, jail time, thousands in fines and a permanent criminal record. The stress and fear are real. But here's what the prosecution doesn't want you to know: you have defenses. Breathalyzer tests can be wrong. Officer procedures can be flawed. Constitutional rights can be violated.

Mr. Cordova is a member of the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD), an elite organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of DUI defense. This specialized training gives him the knowledge to challenge breathalyzer results, blood test procedures and field sobriety tests in ways most attorneys cannot. When you're facing DUI charges in Yuma County, this expertise makes a difference between conviction and acquittal. Learn more about Mr. Cordova's credentials and NCDD membership.

Time is critical. You have only 30 days from your arrest to request an MVD hearing to protect your driver's license. Every day you wait is a day lost. Call (928) 783-0112 now for immediate legal help. We answer DUI emergency calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, because we understand that DUI arrests happen at all hours. Don't face this alone. Contact our office for a confidential consultation about your DUI defense.

 

DUI Emergency Line - Available Now

Don't let the 30-day MVD deadline pass. Call our emergency line for immediate DUI defense help.

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DUI Cases We Defend In Yuma County And Throughout Arizona

Arizona has some of the toughest DUI laws in the nation. Cordova Law PLC defends clients facing all types of DUI charges in Yuma County, from first-time misdemeanors to felony aggravated DUI. Every case is different, and we investigate every detail to build the strongest possible defense.

 

Standard DUI (First Offense)

Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or impaired to the slightest degree. First-time DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor with mandatory jail time, fines, license suspension and ignition interlock requirements. We challenge breathalyzer accuracy, officer observations and the legality of the traffic stop to fight these charges.

Extreme DUI

BAC between 0.15% and 0.19% carries enhanced penalties including longer jail time and higher fines than a standard DUI. The difference between a standard DUI and extreme DUI can be the result of improper breathalyzer calibration or testing procedures. We challenge the accuracy and reliability of BAC results.

 

Super Extreme DUI

BAC of 0.20% or higher results in the most severe misdemeanor DUI penalties in Arizona. Mandatory minimum jail time increases substantially, along with fines and license revocation periods. These cases often involve technical defenses related to blood draw procedures and testing protocols.

Aggravated DUI (Felony)

A Class 4 or Class 6 felony charge that applies when you get a third DUI within seven years, drive DUI with a suspended license, have a child under 15 in the vehicle, or violate ignition interlock requirements. Prison time is mandatory. This requires an aggressive felony defense with experienced trial representation.

 

DUI With Accident Or Injury

DUI charges become more serious when an accident is involved, especially if someone is injured. These cases may result in additional charges like aggravated assault or endangerment. The prosecution will aggressively pursue these cases, requiring an equally aggressive defense strategy.

License Suspension Defense

Separate from criminal charges, the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) will suspend your license administratively. You have only 15 days to request an MVD hearing to challenge this suspension. We represent clients at MVD hearings to protect driving privileges while criminal charges are pending.

 

How We Defend DUI Charges

Defending a DUI requires technical knowledge, courtroom experience and aggressive investigation from the moment of arrest. Here's how we fight for our clients at every stage:

 

1. Immediate Consultation And Case Review

When you call our 24/7 emergency line, we provide immediate legal advice. We review the circumstances of your arrest, what evidence the police collected and the timeline for protecting your license. This includes guidance on the 15-day MVD deadline and what to expect at your arraignment.

2. Request MVD Hearing To Protect License

Arizona law gives you only 30 days from date of incident to request an administrative hearing with the Motor Vehicle Division. If you miss this deadline, your license will be automatically suspended. We file the hearing request immediately and represent you at the MVD hearing to fight the administrative suspension.

 

3. Thorough Investigation Of Your Case

We investigate every detail that could help your defense. This includes reviewing police reports for inconsistencies, examining breathalyzer calibration and maintenance records, analyzing blood draw procedures, reviewing dash cam or body cam footage, and identifying constitutional violations like illegal traffic stops or improper field sobriety test administration.

4. Challenge Breathalyzer And Blood Test Results

As an NCDD member, Mr. Cordova has advanced training in the science behind breath and blood testing. Breathalyzers can produce false readings due to improper calibration, mouth alcohol, medical conditions or operator error. Blood tests can be compromised by improper collection, storage or analysis. We challenge the reliability of these test results.

 

5. File Pre-Trial Motions

Before trial, we file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, challenge the admissibility of breath or blood test results, and attack weaknesses in the prosecution's case. A successful motion to suppress can result in reduced charges or complete dismissal. Many DUI cases are won during the pre-trial stage.

6. Negotiate Or Go To Trial

We negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges when appropriate. In some cases, we can get DUI charges reduced to reckless driving or other lesser offenses. When the prosecution won't offer fair terms, we're prepared to take your case to trial. Mr. Cordova has extensive trial experience defending DUI cases in Yuma County.

 

Why You Need A DUI Defense Attorney

Some people think they should just plead guilty to DUI and accept whatever sentence the court imposes. This is almost always a mistake. Here's why you need an experienced DUI defense attorney:

  • Arizona DUI Penalties Are Severe: Even a first-time DUI conviction requires mandatory jail time (minimum 10 days with 9 suspended), thousands in fines and fees, license suspension, ignition interlock installation, alcohol screening and classes, and probation. These penalties increase dramatically for extreme DUI or multiple offenses.
  • Breathalyzer Results Can Be Challenged: Breath test machines must be properly calibrated and maintained. Operator error, medical conditions and environmental factors can cause false high readings. An experienced DUI attorney knows how to challenge these results.
  • Blood Test Procedures Must Be Followed: Blood draws must follow strict protocols. The blood must be stored properly, analyzed by qualified personnel, and tested using approved methods. Violations of these procedures can result in suppression of evidence.
  • Officer Mistakes Can Lead To Dismissals: If the officer lacked probable cause for the traffic stop, failed to read your rights properly, or violated other constitutional protections, the entire case can be dismissed.
  • The 30-Day MVD Deadline Is Strict: Without an attorney, most people miss the 15-day deadline to request a hearing to protect their driver's license. Once this deadline passes, your license will be automatically suspended regardless of what happens in the criminal case.
  • A DUI Conviction Stays On Your Record Permanently: In Arizona, DUI convictions cannot be expunged or set aside. A conviction will affect employment, professional licenses, insurance rates and future criminal penalties if you're arrested again.

 

Advanced DUI Defense Training - NCDD Member Attorney

Mr. Cordova is a member of the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD), the nation's premier organization for DUI defense attorneys. NCDD membership requires extensive specialized training in the science and practice of DUI defense, including:

  • Breath Testing Science: Understanding how breathalyzer machines work, how they can malfunction and how to challenge their results in court.
  • Blood Testing Procedures: Knowledge of proper blood draw protocols, storage requirements and laboratory analysis methods to identify errors and violations.
  • Field Sobriety Test Administration: Training in how these tests should be conducted and common officer errors that invalidate results.
  • Pharmacology And Toxicology: Understanding how alcohol and drugs affect the body and how medical conditions can affect test results.
  • Trial Advocacy: Advanced techniques for cross-examining officers and expert witnesses, challenging evidence and presenting defense cases to juries.

This specialized training is a major differentiator when choosing a DUI defense attorney. Most attorneys handle DUI cases without this advanced education. NCDD membership shows a commitment to staying current with the evolving science and law of DUI defense.

 

Arizona DUI Penalties Are Serious

Understanding what you're facing helps you appreciate why aggressive defense is necessary. Arizona DUI penalties are among the harshest in the nation:

 

First DUI (BAC 0.08-0.149%)

  • Minimum 10 days jail (1 day served, 9 suspended)
  • Fines and fees: $1,250 minimum plus surcharges
  • License suspension: 90 days minimum
  • Ignition interlock device required
  • Alcohol screening and classes
  • Probation up to 5 years

Extreme DUI (BAC 0.15-0.19%)

  • Minimum 30 days jail
  • Fines: $2,500 minimum plus surcharges
  • License suspension: 90 days minimum
  • Ignition interlock device required
  • Alcohol screening and classes
  • Probation

Super Extreme DUI (BAC 0.20%+)

  • Minimum 45 days jail
  • Fines: $2,750 minimum plus surcharges
  • License suspension: 90 days minimum
  • Ignition interlock device required
  • Alcohol screening and classes
  • Probation

 

Aggravated DUI (Felony): Third DUI within 7 years, DUI while license is suspended, revoked or cancelled, DUI while driving the wrong way are Class 4 Felonies and result in mandatory 4 month prison, felony conviction on permanent record, and license revocation for 1-3 years. A DUI with child under 15 in the vehicle is a Class 6 felony. Learn more about aggravated DUI defense →

 

These penalties can be reduced or avoided with proper defense. Charges can be reduced, evidence can be suppressed, and cases can be dismissed when constitutional violations or procedural errors occurred. Don't accept these penalties without fighting back.

 

Serving All Of Yuma County And Arizona

Cordova Law PLC represents clients facing DUI charges throughout Yuma County, including Yuma, San Luis, Somerton, Wellton, and Fortuna Foothills. We practice in courts throughout Yuma County, including Superior Court for felony cases and justice courts for misdemeanor cases.

Whether you were arrested by Yuma Police Department, Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Arizona Department of Public Safety, San Luis Police, Border Patrol, or any other law enforcement agency in Yuma County, we can defend your DUI case. Our local court knowledge and relationships with prosecutors benefit our clients throughout the DUI defense process.

 

Common DUI Defense Questions

Below are answers to frequently asked questions about DUI defense in Arizona. For specific advice about your case, call (928) 783-0112 for a confidential consultation.

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Don't Face DUI Charges Alone

NCDD member attorney with specialized training in DUI science. We're available 24/7 because DUI arrests don't wait. Protect your license, your freedom, and your future.

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