James E. Novak
Published on:

By

With spring just arrived and summer only months away, many of us look forward to the longer days and hours of outdoor entertaining. Whether casual BBQs and picnics or more formal affairs, warm weather celebrations can often include alcohol. As a responsible party host, you might wonder what you can to ensure that your guests do not drive under the influence. Nationally, there are over one million DUI arrests every year, with approximately 30,000 DUIs in Virginia alone. If you find yourself needing legal representation by a Fairfax DUI Lawyer or a Leesburg DUI Lawyer, please contact us .Drivers under the influence of alcohol are often impaired, with slowed reflexes and the related inability to react to other cars and obstacles in the road thus endangering their life, that of their passengers, and others on the road.

To ensure that your guests do hit the road when their driving may be impaired, arrange in advance for some guests to remain sober as designated drivers. Collect car keys from the rest of your guests and don’t return them to anyone who appears intoxicated. Make sure that sober driver volunteers, and other party goers, have plenty of beverage options to choose from besides alcohol. Some good alternatives are soda waters garnished with lemon or lime, soft drinks, non-alcoholic beers, and sparkling ciders. If you’re hiring a bartender or asking a friend to handle the duties, explain that it’s important to you that guests are not over-served. If someone seems past their limit, ask that they not be served any more alcohol. For those choosing to imbibe, moderation is crucial. Finally, arrange for “last call” in advance of the party’s end. Give about an hour of breathing room and alternate beverage choices before guests start heading home. Remember that hot weather can be dehydrating—and alcoholic beverages may hit harder than usual.

Keep in mind that impaired driving and drunk driving may coincide, but aren’t necessarily the same thing. A person is considered to be driving under the influence in Virginia, or drunk, when their blood alcohol content (BAC) is at or above 0.08. However, even with a BAC lower than 0.08 a person’s coordination, judgment, and reflexes can be negatively impacted.

Continue reading →
Published on:

By

If you were arrested for DUI or charged with a crime, you should have a complaint or citation. This document will provide information about the location and name of the court that you are required to appear. This is hearing is called an “Arraignment”. All misdemeanors are heard in the lower courts which are City or Justice courts, in the municipality where you were cited or arrested.

If you are required to appear in Tempe Municipal Court, for a misdemeanor or preliminary hearing for a felony for DUI or criminal charges.  Below is the location and telephone number for that criminal court:

Tempe Municipal Court‎

Continue reading →
Published on:

By

An arrest is not a conviction. You should always invoke your right legal representation for your charges. Here are a few of your initial rights following an arrest in Chandler, you should preserve in your defense:

  • Advise the arresting officer that you with to invoke your right to remain silent following your arrest, if you are questioned or interrogated about the criminal charges, until your attorney is present;
  • Plead “Not Guilty”. It is best to allow your attorney to enter this plea for you;
Continue reading →
Published on:

By

The first 24-48 hours of your arrest are crucial with regarding to your criminal defense. Many people arrested for DUI feel polarized and overwhelmed by the events. Below are proactive steps you can take which will enable you to regain control of the situation, your future and freedom. They will also increase your chances of getting a good outcome in your case.

10 Things to do after a Scottsdale DUI Arrest

In order to reduce the adverse impacts of your DUI, and increase the chance of getting favorable resolutions to your case, here are some things you should do:

Continue reading →
Published on:

By

Jurisdiction as it relates to criminal charges, and the court which has the authority to hear the criminal case. Each court has designated jurisdictional authority over specific types of cases such as Felonies or Misdemeanors. The Court in where the case will initially be heard, should appear on the Citation or Complaint document they received at the time of their arrest or by mail. Arizona law extends jurisdictional authority to certain courts for specific types of cases as follows:

1)      Felony charges are heard in Arizona Superior Court.  AZ Superior Court is considered one entity. However, there are different locations serving Arizona, and Maricopa County.

2)      Misdemeanor cases are held in lower courts including municipal Courts, city courts and Justice Courts.

Continue reading →
Published on:

By

Theft charges may be brought as Misdemeanors or Felonies. Felony Thefts are those where the values or dollar amount of stolen property exceed a specified amount by law. Other factors are also considered including the nature or type of items stolen. Felony thefts will be charged under ARS § 13 – 1802  if the value of stolen property is:

  • Equal or more than $1,000.00;
  • Under $1,000.00, if the stolen property is a Firearm;
Continue reading →
Published on:

By

“When a defendant pleads “not-guilty” due to a “justification” defense, they are basically affirming that they used force against another person, for a justifiable reason described under A.R.S. § 13-411; and thus, their actions did not constitute a criminal defense.”

Justification laws are sometimes referred to as “Stand Your Ground” laws. They refer to actions of another resulting from self-defense, or force needed by a person to prevent criminal conduct against them. Some Arizona laws that relate to Justification defenses are found under

A.R.S. § 13 – 205 and A.R.S § 13 – 411. Arizona is one of more than 20 states who have enacted such legislation involving “Stand Your Ground” laws. The states that have such laws, use their own variation of language and provisions. In Arizona a person may lawfully use force  in self-defense:

Continue reading →
Published on:

By

Misdemeanor assault charges are raised to felony or assault charges, when certain aggravating factors surround the assault. Aggravated assault charges are taken very seriously in Arizona because they are crimes that harm or injure another person or victim. All Felony Assault charges carry prison sentencing if convicted in Arizona. You will need an experienced assault defense attorney to legally represent you to assure you will be treated fairly;  protect your rights; and defend your charges.

Arizona Aggravated Assault: A.R.S. § 13-1204 (A) Classification

A person may be charged with aggravated assault under A.R.S. § 13-1204 (A) if the person  knowingly, recklessly, or intentionally provoke, injure, insult, cause physical injury or harm to another person. Specifically a person may be guilty of felony assault or aggravated assault if they:   

Continue reading →
Published on:

By

“Constitutional rights should be recognized and restored, no matter what the cost”

Arizona HB 2284 – DUI; Jury Trial Rights Signed into Law

Arizona legislation signed into law April 11, 2012, has restored jury trial rights to first-time DUI offenders. AZ HB 2284 was signed into law by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer. Under the act, a provision was put in place to make it retroactively effective to December 31, 2011.

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

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Please do not include any confidential or sensitive information in a contact form, text message, or voicemail. The contact form sends information by non-encrypted email, which is not secure. Submitting a contact form, sending a text message, making a phone call, or leaving a voicemail does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Copyright © 2017 – 2025, The Law Office of James E. Novak
JUSTIA Law Firm Blog Design