Phoenix Felony DUI Lawyer
When DUI charges escalate from a misdemeanor to a felony, an already serious situation can easily become a five-alarm fire from a legal perspective. Defendants face the full weight of the District Attorney’s office coming down on them. Defendants need a lawyer who can help them fight back. They need a lawyer who understands the system inside and out and has an extensive familiarity with the finer points of law, procedure, and the best methods for investigating and challenging evidence.
That’s the kind of felony DUI lawyer you can find in the Phoenix office of The Koplow Law Firm. I’m Attorney Lawrence Koplow and I have over 20 years of experience. That includes time as a prosecutor. I know firsthand that the D.A.’s case isn’t always as airtight as they let defendants believe, and I know where to look to find common mistakes made by authorities.
Furthermore, I’m the lawyer that other lawyers turn to for advice on DUI cases. I give training seminars on DUI defense throughout Arizona and I’ve received multiple awards for my legal defense work.
Call (602) 560-7837 or contact me online today to set up a free consultation. I meet with clients both in person or through video conference.
Understanding Felony DUI Charges in Arizona
A felony in Arizona is categorized by severity, ranging from Class 1 to Class 6, with Class 1 being the most serious. The penalties grow more severe as the class number decreases, meaning a Class 1 is the most serious.
Under Arizona law, felony DUIs are categorized as Class 4 or Class 6 offenses. Examples include DUIs committed on a suspended license or third DUI offenses, which are Class 4 felonies. Whether the charges filed are for Class 6 or Class 4 will depend on the specific circumstances of each individual case.
The Consequences of a Felony DUI Conviction
Depending on the charges and the defendant’s prior record, the penalties for conviction can include:
- The loss of civil rights: This might include voting and owning or purchasing firearms. These restrictions remain in place unless steps are taken to restore these rights after the sentence is completed.
- Employment challenges: Many employers conduct background checks and avoid those with felony convictions. Certain professions, like teaching or healthcare, may disqualify those with felony DUIs.
- Difficulty securing housing: Landlords are also known to conduct background checks and might reject applicants with felony convictions. Public housing programs also impose restrictions on those with felony convictions, forcing many to settle for lower-quality housing options.
- Social stigma: Being labeled a felon carries a significant social burden, often straining personal relationships and creating barriers to community support. Judgments from others can lead to feelings of isolation, making it difficult to reintegrate and rebuild.
- Financial burdens: Felony DUI convictions usually bring long-term challenges, such as skyrocketing insurance rates and limited access to credit. Combined with employment difficulties, these economic impacts can persist for a long time.
See How We’ve Helped Others
Trusted by Clients Across Arizona
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"Great trial attorney."
Lawrence is tenacious, relentless, and extremely passionate about his clients and their cases. He leaves no stone unturned in his investigations, and his cross examinations are grueling. His knowledge of the science of DUI's and the testing procedures is unsurpassed. Great trial attorney.
- Jesse S. -
"Unquestionably one of the top DUI/ criminal defense attorneys in Arizona."As a practicing attorney in DUI and criminal defense, and as a former prosecutor who went against Lawrence on several cases, I can attest that the State knows they will have their hands full when Lawrence is on the case.- Ryan M.
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"You cannot go wrong with Lawrence."
Great attorney! Lawrence thinks outside the box and goes above and beyond for his clients and the legal community at large. If you are looking for aggressive representation, you cannot go wrong with Lawrence.
- Charity C. -
"No other lawyer knows the science of DUI like Lawrence does."Lawrence is the best lawyer I have ever met. If your career is on the line then he is the guy. No other lawyer knows the science of DUI like Lawrence does. I will be forever grateful!- Greg S.
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"It was miracle!"
It was miracle!... A lot of people don't really understand the benefit of having an attorney who used to be a prosecutor. They know all the little tricks and scare tactics the state has as opposed to just hiring an attorney who is a little fish in a big pond.
- Joe C. -
"One of the best."Lawrence Koplow is one of the best DUI and vehicular defense attorneys in the state of Arizona. Anyone would be extremely fortunate to have him as their advocate.- Jack L.
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"You cannot go wrong with Lawrence."Lawrence thinks outside the box and goes above and beyond for his clients and the legal community at large. If you are looking for aggressive representation, you cannot go wrong with Lawrence.- Charity C.
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"Nobody knows the court and laws better than him."Lawrence represents very high-profile clients who greatly depend on a good outcome, and this guy will deliver. This is a prosecutors' worse nightmare, and it should be that way if you need an attorney.- David E.
Legal Defense Strategies in Felony DUI Cases
Every case is different, and the precise approach I use will depend on the circumstances of your case. Common defense strategies include:
- Challenging the test results: Breathalyzer and blood test results may be unreliable due to equipment errors or improper handling procedures. If such flaws are exposed, the prosecution’s case could significantly weaken and perhaps even collapse.
- Questioning police procedure: Law enforcement must meet strict legal requirements during DUI stops and arrests, and any deviation can invalidate charges.
- Disputing officer observations: Subjective judgment by law enforcement officials is often part of DUI cases, from the decision to pull you over to interpreting the field test. Dashcam footage from the police car must be made available for your legal defense.
Second Chances Matter
No one disputes the dangers of drinking and driving. DUI laws exist to protect lives, enforce accountability, and encourage safe, responsible decisions. However, what about those who make a mistake? Perhaps it’s a first offense after an otherwise clean record, or a momentary error in judgment that doesn’t reflect someone’s true character. Sometimes, good people just have a bad day.
Furthermore, those same truths apply to our police officers. A good officer can still have missteps in procedures, improper use of testing equipment, or incorrect assumptions during stops, which can unfairly impact a person’s case. That’s why having a skilled felony DUI lawyer who understands the complexities of the law and criminal procedure is so important.
Call (602) 560-7837 today. The Koplow Law Firm serves defendants in Phoenix and throughout the Scottsdale area. I’m available 24/7.
DUI Library
The best DUI defense stuff that only a few know and none want to share. A one of a kind annotated resource for lawyers, people accused, or anyone who wants to see what’s going on in our justice system with DUI cases… and how to fix it.
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Scottsdale DUI Definitive GuideScottsdale DUI Definitive Guide
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The Definitive Guide to Defeating an Arizona DUIThe Definitive Guide to Defeating an Arizona DUI
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Field Sobriety Tests in Arizona DUI CasesField Sobriety Tests in Arizona DUI Cases
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Traffic Stops in Arizona DUI CasesTraffic Stops in Arizona DUI Cases
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Warrantless Blood Draws in Arizona DUI CasesWarrantless Blood Draws in Arizona DUI Cases
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Right to Counsel in Arizona DUI CasesRight to Counsel in Arizona DUI Cases
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Failure to Preserve EvidenceFailure to Preserve Evidence
