As a result of the COVID 19 pandemic, a severe backlog of criminal cases developed in Maricopa County. Specifically, there has been a long delay between investigations submitted to the County Attorney's Office for review by local police departments and the filing of criminal charges by the Prosecutor.  In fact, it has been well publicized that several thousand criminal cases are in the que and soon, many people will be receiving notices to appear in court and answer for their alleged criminal conduct.

Perhaps the largest number of cases yet to be filed concerns individuals who are suspected of Aggravated DUI.  These types of crimes are reviewed and prosecuted by the Vehicular Crimes Bureau of the County Attorney's Office.  Delays in filing charges often result from pending blood test results, huge numbers of cases submitted for prosecution and incomplete police reports.  However, because Aggravated DUI's are felony offenses, there is a seven years statute of limitations from the date an offense was committed.  Consequently, a person may be arrested for Aggravated DUI in Maricopa County and not prosecuted for two years or more.   Unfortunately, individuals charged with charged Aggravated DUI will face harsh consequences ranging from mandatory jail or prison terms, probation, a driver's license revocation and huge fines and fees.

There are several types of Aggravated DUI in Arizona.   A Class 6 Aggravated DUI will occur if a driver is alleged to be impaired by alcohol or drugs while operating a motor vehicle and a passenger under the age of 15 is in the car.  More serious Aggravated DUI's occur when a driver already has been convicted of two prior DUI offenses within a seven year period,  is driving an automobile on a suspended or revoked license or is driving in the wrong direction on a highway when they are suspected of being impaired.

You should immediately contact an experienced DUI lawyer upon receiving a summons to appear in court concerning an Aggravated DUI charge.  There are many defenses which can utilized to fight a DUI charge and an attorney who regularly practices DUI defense can help you obtain the most favorable result possible.  

Call (480) 833-8613 for Immediate Help

Raymond A. Kimble specializes in DUI defense and has a working knowledge of all the city, justice and superior courts in Arizona. Through his experience, Mr. Kimble can assess and evaluate your particular situation and provide the best possible defense strategy. Mr. Kimble is always able to resolve DUI cases with the least amount of jail time, fines, etc. Mr. Kimble is able to expose weaknesses in a prosecutor's case which results in a dismissal or reduction of DUI charges and has successfully defended many DUI cases at trial. Raymond A. Kimble is a former police officer and DUI Prosecutor who has successfully defended thousands of people charged with DUI in Arizona over the last twenty years.