James E. Novak
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“Never underestimate the power of an effective pre-trial motion.”

Pre-trial Motions Defined

Rule 16 of the Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure governs Pre-trial motion practices for both the prosecution and defense in DUI or criminal case. They take place following the defendant’s arraignment and prior to trial, and set limits or boundaries for trial. After a pre-trial motion has been filed, a short hearing will be held with the Judge, prosecutor, and defense attorney. The court will allow both sides to argue their position, and then the judge will rule on it (grant or deny). Trial may not commence until the issue (s) raised in the pre-trial motion are resolved.

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Motions to Dismiss

Under Arizona Rules of Procedure, which govern criminal cases, your defense attorney may be able to file a motion your DUI or criminal charges based on facts surrounding your case. In order for the presiding judge to grant a dismissal, the request must be make in writing, it must be justified and supported by Arizona law, legal case citation, or specified constitutional right.

Types of Motions that may lead to dismissal of Chandler DUI charges

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Standard Field Sobriety Test v. Field Sobriety Test

Field Sobriety Tests in Arizona are a battery of preliminary roadside test that police use to screen impaired drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has only three approved  roadside tests referred to as Standard Field Sobriety Tests (SFST)s which are sponsored and developed to assist police offers in early detection of DUI and DWI suspects. Police officers must be formally trained and accredited to administer the tests. The three standardized tests are:

  1. The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN)
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Tempe AZ Driver’s License Revocation

If your Tempe driver’s license was revoked it means your Arizona driving privileges have been withdrawn indefinitely. Driver’s license revocation usually results from serious DUI or criminal convictions that involved driving a vehicle. For many people, license revocation is more than just an inconvenience. It can be devastating for them and their families. This article provides insight into what types of Tempe DUI or criminal charges have the potential to result in driver’s license revocation in Arizona, and how you can get it reinstated.

Criminal Convictions that Result in Revocation of Driver’s License

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Initial Appearance in Tempe City Court

Following a Tempe DUI arrest, you will be taken into police custody. The “Initial Appearance” is a brief hearing usually held within 24 hours of your detention. It is brief hearing and the first time you will appear before the court regarding the matter. The court will inform you of the charges against you. The presiding judge then sets your release conditions, if it is determined that you are eligible.

Release Conditions – What the Judge Considers

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Defending Domestic Violence Charges – Misdemeanor and Felony

Common defenses for Misdemeanor Domestic Violence and  Felony Domestic Violence charges are basically the same.  However, since Felony Domestic Violence charges carry prison sentencing, (Misdemeanors do not)  the level of defense that is most critical, if a person is convicted, is the sentencing phase.  Since prison terms apply and prison terms can be lengthy,  the best criminal defense attorneys will tenaciously look for mitigating factors to present that will reduce the prison sentencing terms.  Depending on the circumstances in some cases, the defense attorney may be able to get the charges reduced to Misdemeanor, so that prison sentences may not apply and be avoided completely.

10 Defenses for Felony/Aggravated Domestic Violence Charge 

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Arizona Public Records Release Law

Under Arizona’s Freedom of Information Laws pursuant to A.R.S. § 39 – 121 is entitled to request their DUI police incident report. Your report is required to be released to you  when it is available and upon receipt of the required fee by the police department

How to request a copy of your DUI incident report

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Felony Assault v. Misdemeanor Assault charges in Mesa, AZ

There are two main differences between Felony Assault charges and Misdemeanor Assault charges:

  1. Aggravated Factors – Circumstances which are involved in Aggravated assault that are not present in Misdemeanor assault. Assault charges will be raised from a Misdemeanor to a Felony if at least one of 10 aggravated factors surround the offense;
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Arizona Drug DUI – Medication DUI Charges

In Arizona, you may be charged with Drug DUI under A.R.S. § 28-1381. Under this law, a driver can be arrest for DUI even if they have not consumed any alcoholic beverage. If convicted, a person will be exposed to the same or similar penalties as those that apply to drunk driving convictions. Even the simple presence of a drug in your system is enough for the Gilbert Police to charge you, if they have  probable cause to believe you were driving “impaired to the slightest degree”. Drug DUI offenses charged as Class 1 Misdemeanors. A conviction carries penalties that include 10 days in jail; suspension of driver’s license for 90 days; probation; drug and alcohol counseling and education program participation; and fines, fees, costs and assessments that exceed $1,200.00.

Drug DUI Defenses Arizona

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Contact Information
Law Office of James Novak, PLLC
4500 S Lakeshore Dr #352
Tempe, AZ 85282
Phone: (480) 413-1499Text: (602) 908-8123

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