arizona dui

Arizona categorizes felony offenses into six different classes based on the severity of the crime. The smaller the number, the more severe the offense. A class 4 felony falls close to the middle of the spectrum. It is more severe than class 5 and 6 felonies, but less severe than class 3, 2 and 1 felonies. Many different crimes in Arizona are categorized as class 4 felonies.

Class 4 Felony Crimes in Arizona

In Arizona, there are infractions, misdemeanors and felonies, with felonies being the most serious type of crime. A felony conviction of any class can lead to a permanent criminal record, the loss of certain constitutional rights, and jail or prison time. The specific penalties and repercussions, however, depend on the class of the felony and other circumstances.

Nearly 100 crimes in Arizona can be categorized as class 4 felonies. Examples include:

• Aggravated DUI: driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol if there are aggravating factors such as prior DUI convictions.
• Burglary in the third degree: breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony if it is in the third degree, meaning it does not involve breaking into a home or using a deadly weapon.
• Criminal damage: recklessly or intentionally damaging another person’s property if it results in more than $10,000 worth of damage.
• Fraud schemes or forgery: white-collar crimes that involve knowingly defrauding others or forgery offenses.
• Misconduct involving weapons: unlawful possession, use or carrying of weapons, including firearms and prohibited weapons.
• Possession of dangerous or narcotic drugs: possessing substances that are classified as dangerous or narcotic drugs, such as cocaine, LSD, heroin and methamphetamine.
• Robbery: theft that involves force or the taking of property directly from a victim.

A complete list of every crime that is categorized as a class 4 felony in Arizona can be found on the Arizona State Legislature website. This list includes certain racing, kidnapping, and aggravated assault violations, as well as attempt of a class 3 felony and negligent homicide.

How Are Class 4 Felonies Punished in Arizona?

The exact penalties that will be included in a sentence for a class 4 felony conviction depend on the case. Various factors can affect a defendant’s sentence, including his or her criminal history, whether the defendant is a first-time offender, the severity of the crime committed, and whether there are aggravating factors.

Arizona sets a prison sentencing range for each felony class. The range for a class 4 felony is between 1 and 3.75 years in prison for a first offense, in most cases. However, this range can increase to up to 15 years if a defendant has multiple prior felony convictions. Additional penalties can include fines and probation.

How Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help With a Class 4 Felony Charge?

If you are being charged with a class 4 felony in Arizona, it is essential to protect your rights by hiring an experienced Phoenix criminal defense attorney. Your attorney can provide crucial assistance and a strategic legal defense to help you avoid the most serious penalties associated with your charge.

A lawyer may be able to negotiate the class 4 felony down to a class 5 or class 6 felony, for example, depending on the circumstances. Case dismissal or acquittal may also be possible. If you are convicted of a class 4 felony, your lawyer can work to minimize your sentence as much as possible.

Overall, an attorney can play a critical role in defending you and protecting your future if you have been charged with a class 4 felony offense. Contact the Corso Law Group to request a free consultation today.

A “wet and reckless,” often shortened to wet reckless, is a type of plea bargain where a prosecutor in Arizona agrees to reduce a misdemeanor driving under the influence (DUI) charge down to a reckless driving charge. This can result in lesser penalties and reduced impacts on the defendant’s life, freedom and future.

What Does it Mean to Be Charged With a Wet and Reckless?

A wet and reckless charge, like a standard DUI, is a misdemeanor criminal offense in Arizona. However, it generally carries less serious penalties than a DUI. It falls under Arizona’s reckless driving statute (Arizona Revised Statute Section 28-693), which defines this crime as “a person who drives a vehicle in reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property.”

A wet and reckless charge on a person’s criminal record will be a reckless driving charge that includes a note that the offense involved alcohol or the use of drugs. This is the “wet” part of a wet reckless. Negotiating a driving under the influence charge down to a wet reckless can help an individual avoid having a DUI conviction on his or her permanent record.

What Is the Difference in Penalties Between a DUI and a Wet Reckless?

Reckless driving in Arizona is a class 2 misdemeanor that is generally punishable with a maximum of four months in jail, $750 in fines and two years of probation. By contrast, a DUI conviction can be sentenced with a mandatory 10 days in jail (up to 45 days for a super extreme DUI), a fine of at least $1,250 (plus substantial fees and surcharges), and mandatory driver’s license suspension.

Are You Eligible for a Wet and Reckless Plea Deal?

Not everyone who is arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in Arizona is eligible for a reduction to a wet and reckless. While each situation is unique, a DUI defense attorney is more likely to be able to successfully negotiate a wet reckless plea if his or her client:

• Is a first-time DUI offender
• Had a relatively low blood alcohol content (BAC) level
• Has no history of prior traffic offenses or moving violations
• Did not cause a car accident or any property damage
• Did not have aggravating circumstances, such as a child under the age of 15 in the vehicle

If a defense attorney believes that pursuing a wet and reckless charge is in a client’s best interest, the attorney can submit this plea during negotiations with the prosecution. If accepted, the defendant will have to accept responsibility by pleading guilty (or no contest) to the crime of reckless driving. The court will then dismiss the DUI charge.

The Benefits of a Wet and Reckless Plea Bargain

While trading one misdemeanor for another may not seem like it does much, if you have been charged with a DUI, accepting a wet and reckless plea deal can come with significant benefits. A wet reckless will come with a lighter sentence, such as:

• No mandatory driver’s license suspension
• No mandatory suspension of a commercial driver’s license
• A shorter jail sentence
• Less mandatory jail time if you are a repeat offender
• A shorter probation period
• Reduced fines and fees
• Less mandatory hours in an alcohol education program
• No mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device

In addition, a wet and reckless charge on your criminal record does not look as serious as a DUI. Taking this type of plea deal can help you avoid damage to your reputation as much as possible, which could benefit your relationships with friends, family, employers, schools and landlords.

Discuss Your DUI Defense Options With an Attorney in Arizona

While a wet reckless can come with many advantages over a DUI conviction, it can also have disadvantages. Some of the cons of a wet and reckless conviction include having to admit guilt, getting stuck with a criminal record and having it count as a prior if you get charged with a second DUI in the future. Discuss your legal options with an Arizona DUI attorney  for advice about your specific situation. Contact Corso Law Group today.

Scottsdale, Arizona — With 240 DUI arrests during last years St. Patrick’s Day, Arizonans can expect an increase in DUI enforcement for this year’s celebration, according to Phoenix DUI lawyer Christopher Corso.

Widely celebrated across the country, St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most dangerous holidays due to the number of drunk drivers on the road. In 2013, 40 percent of all crash fatalities involved drunk drivers during St. Patrick’s Day weekend, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

As Arizona law enforcement gears for up St. Patrick’s Day, DUI patrols will be out in full force in order to combat DUI’s and other alcohol-related arrests.

“When it comes to holidays, like St. Patrick’s Day, law enforcement takes a closer look at the roads to stop drivers,” said Christopher Corso, founder of Corso Law Group “The police are ready to make these DUI arrests and that can come with deep consequences.”

In Arizona, DUI consequences are harsh. First time DUI offenders can face up to 10 days in jail, expensive fines, mandatory alcohol education, community service and the installation of an ignition interlock.

As well as the legal consequences, a DUI conviction can also come with increased car insurance premiums. According to Nerdwallet, after a DUI conviction, drivers face an average increase of $857.53 a year for insurance.

“If you plan on drinking during St. Patrick’s Day, understand that Arizona has some of the strictest DUI laws in the country,” Corso said “We always ask people to stay responsible during this holiday, however, if you find yourself in legal trouble, know that the experienced DUI lawyers at Corso Law Group are here to help.”

Corso Law Group is an experienced team of legal professionals who have handled thousands of Arizona DUI cases. Founder Christopher Corso is a former Maricopa County prosecutor who can help with drunk driving cases as well as other criminal defense needs such as criminal speeding, CDL tickets, photo radar tickets, felony charges, drug possession, weapons possession, violent crimes and more.

Free consultations are available with Corso Law Group by calling (480) 471-4616.

Corso Law Group, PLLC Arizona offices are located at 8655 E. Via De Ventura, Suite F-165 in Scottsdale, Arizona 85258. The firm’s Texas offices are located at 5177 Richmond Ave., Suite 1250 in Houston, Texas 77056.

Golf fans at the 2016 Waste Management Phoenix Open will be under intense police scrutiny with strict DUI enforcement, Valley-wide DUI task forces and a special DUI campaign all creating the potential for increased arrests, according to Scottsdale DUI attorney Christopher Corso.

Corso, founder of Corso Law Group, says police activity and DUI checkpoints will saturate TPC Scottsdale and the surrounding area. In recent years, officers have been positioned at points of entry to the Phoenix Open to intercept visibly intoxicated guests, offer Breathalyzer tests as part of the “Know Your Limit Campaign” and look out for any additional violations.

“Law enforcement is well aware that crowds of people will be drinking all day and are prepared to act on any criminal activity they come across, especially drunk driving,” Corso said. “As criminal defense lawyers, we’re here to defend your rights and to make sure the police don’t violate your civil liberties.”

Golf fans will be dealing with more than just Scottsdale police officers during the tournament.

The tournament draws thousands of attendees every year – in 2015, a record-breaking 564,368 people attended the open – leading police departments from Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert and Tempe to work together to crack down on drunk driving throughout the state.

A majority of arrests at the Phoenix Open are typically alcohol related, and 646 of 1,856 people who participated in breath tests during one day of the event in 2015 blew over the legal limit,  ABC15 reports.

“This is an event people look forward to all year, and it definitely draws a lively crowd,” Corso said. “If things get out of hand, we’re here to defend the rights of anyone who ends up in a tough legal position.”

Corso Law Group is an experienced team of legal professionals who have handled thousands of Arizona DUI cases. Founder Christopher Corso is a former Maricopa County prosecutor who can help with drunk driving cases as well as other criminal defense needs such as criminal speeding, CDL tickets, photo radar tickets, felony charges, drug possession, weapons possession, violent crimes and more.

Free consultations are available with Corso Law Group by calling (480) 471-4616.

Corso Law Group, PLLC is located at 17470 N. Pacesetter Way Scottsdale, AZ 85255.

Experienced Arizona DUI attorney Christopher Corso says Arizonans can expect zero leniency from police on Super Bowl Sunday this year – especially when it comes to drunk driving.

The Super Bowl is a big day for drinking, with an estimated 323.5 million gallons of beer consumed and 49.2 million cases sold on Super Bowl Sunday in the U.S.

The annual event brings with it plenty of parties and festivities, meaning saturation points and patrols will be out in full force to combat drunk driving accidents and DUIs, which can be up to twice as likely on Super Bowl Sunday than any other Sunday, The Los Angeles Times reports.

“Law enforcement knows the Super Bowl is one of the most dangerous days for drinking and driving, and they’re stepping up their presence by enforcing DUI laws and punishing violators to the highest degree,” Corso said. “Even if you’re under the legal limit, Arizona law states that you could still be apprehended.”

Arizona is the strictest state in the nation when it comes to DUI laws. It’s also a no-tolerance state, which means police can arrest anyone who they believe is showing signs of impairment, even if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is less than the legal limit of .08 percent.

For those who are arrested for DUI on Super Bowl Sunday, the consequences can be severe. Even a first-time DUI offense can mean up to 10 days in jail, a 90-day license suspension and the required installation of an ignition interlock device in Arizona.

Previous DUI offenses and high BACs could lead to even more intense penalties as multiple-offenses and extreme DUIs result in increased jail time, higher fines, counseling, community service and longer license suspensions.

“This isn’t a time to gamble with your freedom,” Corso said. “If’ you’re arrested for a possible DUI during Super Bowl weekend, having the experienced DUI attorneys at Corso Law Group onyour side can make a big difference.”

Corso Law Group has extensive experience with all types of Arizona DUIs, including misdemeanor and felony DUI charges.

“Our attorneys are well-versed in Arizona’s strict DUI laws, and we understand how challenging DUI defense,” Corso said. “We’re here to assist Arizonans who find themselves in a difficult legal situation on high-risk days, like Super Bowl Sunday, and on any other day of the year.”

Corso Law Group is an experienced team of legal professionals who have handled thousands of Arizona DUI cases. Founder Christopher Corso is a former Maricopa County prosecutor who can help with drunk driving cases as well as other criminal defense needs such as criminal speeding, CDL tickets, photo radar tickets, felony charges, drug possession, weapons possession, violent crimes and more.

Free consultations are available by visiting https://corsolawgroup.com or calling (480) 471-4616.

Corso Law Group, PLLC is located at 17470 N. Pacesetter Way Scottsdale, AZ 85255.

Phoenix – Veteran Scottsdale DUI attorney and founder of Corso Law Group, Christopher Corso, says Valley residents will be under extra scrutiny during Arizona’s DUI crackdown this New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Police are increasing saturation patrols in Phoenix, the East Valley and the West Valley throughout the holiday weekend and New Year’s Day, according to a statement by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

The program is tasked with lowering the number of intoxicated drivers on the road with patrols and traffic stops that resulted in 14,079 sober, designated drivers contacted to escort impaired drivers home in 2014.

Corso says Valley residents can expect to see DUI patrols and stops in the days leading up to New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

“Law enforcement officials are well aware that New Year’s Eve ranks as one of the deadliest holidays, and they’re taking action,” Corso said. “Police will be on high-alert for drunk drivers and won’t hesitate to give out citations or make arrests for traffic violations.”

In recent years, Arizona officials have steadily increased their numbers during New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, sending a message to the public that drunk driving will not be tolerated during the holidays, when approximately 42 percent of traffic fatalities are related to drinking and driving, according to the National Safety Council.

Roads are particularly dangerous after midnight toasts and during the early hours of New Year’s Day, the day of the year with the highest percent of alcohol-related deaths. On New Year’s Day, the percentage of deaths involving a car accident increases by 51 percent.

“If New Year’s Eve festivities end in legal trouble, Valley residents can count on Corso Law Group to provide the defense they need,” Corso said.

Corso Law Group is an experienced team of legal professionals who have handled thousands of Arizona DUI cases. Founder Christopher Corso is a former Maricopa County prosecutor who can help with drunk driving cases as well as other criminal defense needs such as criminal speeding, CDL tickets, photo radar tickets, felony charges, drug possession, weapons possession, violent crimes and more.

Free consultations are available with Corso Law Group by visiting https://corsolawgroup.com or calling (480) 471-4616.

Corso Law Group, PLLC is located at 17470 N. Pacesetter Way Scottsdale, AZ 85255.

Arizona DUI lawyer Christopher Corso discussed “Blackout Wednesday”, the evening before Thanksgiving day, and the shocking drunk driving statistics which accompany the holiday with Price of Business host, Kevin Price.

According to U.S. Department of Transportation, approximately 91 percent of travel will take place by personal vehicle over Thanksgiving, one reason why “Blackout Wednesday”, or commonly referred to as “Drinksgiving”, is a very dangerous time to drive. According to MADD, 40 percent of highway deaths in the U.S. are caused by alcohol-related crashes over the Thanksgiving holiday, starting on “Blackout Wednesday”.

Drivers should also be aware of being ticketed for other traffic violations.

“Travel contributes to Thanksgiving being one of the deadliest holidays of the year,” Corso said. “Nationwide, these numbers are also similar but out West, especially states with No-Refusal, that’s where you’re going to see an increase in DUIs. You just need to remember to be safe out there.”

Listen to the full interview here:  http://bit.ly/1XIcgjM.

With more than 50 years of criminal defense experience, Corso Law Group is an experienced team of legal professionals who have handled thousands of Arizona DUI cases. Founder Christopher Corso is a former Maricopa County prosecutor who can help with drunk driving cases as well as other criminal defense needs such as criminal speeding, CDL tickets, photo radar tickets, felony charges, drug possession, weapons possession, violent crimes and more.

To schedule a free consultation with Corso Law Group, please call (480) 471-4616.

Arizona DUI lawyer Christopher Corso was featured in The Huffington Post during Thanksgiving to comment on the social phenomenon known as “Blackout Wednesday.”

Drunk driving accidents increase by 30 percent during the four-day period spanning Thanksgiving Eve through the following Sunday, MADD reports. In fact, Thanksgiving Eve is a particularly dangerous time to drive and is commonly referred to as “Blackout Wednesday” or “Drinksgiving.”

“There’s no getting around the fact people are drinking way too much over the Thanksgiving holiday,” Corso said. “We’ve seen the numbers increase over the last several years and it really drives home the point Thanksgiving is a very dangerous time of the year. Instead of just focusing on New Year’s Eve, people need to remember Thanksgiving.”

With more than 50 years of criminal defense experience, Corso Law Group is an experienced team of legal professionals who have handled thousands of Arizona DUI cases. Founder Christopher Corso is a former Maricopa County prosecutor who can help with drunk driving cases as well as other criminal defense needs such as criminal speeding, CDL tickets, photo radar tickets, felony charges, drug possession, weapons possession, violent crimes and more.

To schedule a free consultation with Corso Law Group, please call (480) 471-4616.

Scottsdale, Ariz. – Traditionally, Halloween is a time that conjures up visions of costumes, candy and trick or treating. But the Arizona DUI lawyers at Scottsdale-based Corso Law Group know Halloween can also mean something far more serious: a Halloween DUI arrest.

Christopher Corso, founder of Corso Law Group, knows from experience the dangers a holiday weekend can bring. The lawyers at his firm have more than 60 years experience prosecuting and defending DUI offenders and they know when a holiday like Halloween falls on a weekend, there will be an increase in DUI arrests.

“Halloween isn’t just for the kids,” Corso said. “Adults often celebrate too with costume parties and a night out. When this type of event takes place over a weekend, people are more willing to drink and drive, which creates a dangerous situation on Arizona roads.”

Drunk driving accidents skyrocket when holidays fall on the weekend, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. An estimated 31 percent of all fatal drunk driving accidents occur over the weekend and at night when deadly crashes are four times higher.

Saturday nights, like Halloween this year, are the most dangerous times to drive as more people, including drunk drivers, are on the road, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports. Specifically, the highest number of drunk drivers are out between midnight and 3 a.m.

“Whether you’re going out on Halloween or know your kids will be out, understand that law enforcement will be patrolling for DUIs and other traffic violations,” Corso said.

Last Halloween, police set up saturation patrols throughout the Valley during Halloween weekend, with an especially large patrol engaged in Tempe, home to thousands of students at Arizona State University and entertainment venues on Mill Avenue.

Additional patrol units and motorcycle officers were visible in neighborhoods and on city streets, deployed to keep trick-or-treaters safe while curbing driving under the influence.

“It’s important that you safeguard your family this Halloween and think twice before drinking and driving,” Corso said. “A night of drinking and driving will definitely not end with a treat.”

Corso Law Group is an experienced team of legal professionals who have handled thousands of Arizona DUI cases. Founder Christopher Corso is a former Maricopa County prosecutor who can help with drunk driving cases as well as other criminal defense needs such as criminal speeding, CDL tickets, photo radar tickets, felony charges, drug possession, weapons possession, violent crimes and more.

To schedule a free consultation with Corso Law Group, please visit https://corsolawgroup.com or call (480) 471-4616.
Corso Law Group, PLLC is located at 17470 N. Pacesetter Way Scottsdale, AZ 85255.

About Corso Law Group
Founded by former prosecuting attorney Christopher P. Corso, Corso Law Group represents clients facing serious legal matters in Arizona and Texas. The firm uses its criminal defense experience to seek the best possible outcomes for its clients, with each case overseen by a team of experienced legal professionals dedicated to helping clients find their voice within the country’s judicial system. For more information, please visit www.corsolawgroup.com.

Arizona is one of the top-five states with the most effective drunk driving laws, according to a report by Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

The report highlights which states have the best laws and programs to prevent drunk driving, as well as the ones that need to do more to prevent the offense.

The MADD website includes an interactive map showing how many stars each state has, with each representing a different measure that it enforces, such as the requirement of an ignition interlock device, DUI checkpoints, enhanced child endangerment penalties, No-Refusal events and license revocation.

Arizona enforces all five of these regulations, making it one of the states with the strictest drunk driving laws, along with Utah, Illinois, Kansas and Nebraska.

MADD praised Arizona for its 46 percent decrease in drunk driving fatalities over the years, and stressed the significance of ignition interlock devices, which are required for all DUI offenders in the state, even if it’s a first-time offense.

In contrast, Michigan, Montana, South Dakota, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania only have one star each to represent their efforts to prevent drunk driving.

The report was released by MADD to honor the fifth year of The Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving.

If you’re ever arrested for drunk driving in Arizona, get in touch with an attorney who has experience with the state’s strict DUI laws.

Call the criminal defense attorneys at Corso Law Group anytime at (480) 471-4616.