PHOENIX, AZ--(Marketwire - Nov 29, 2011) - The Arizona DUI lawyers of Thompson & Volquardsen, P.C. are prepared to help individuals who have been charged with driving under the influence. Recently, the Arizona legislature passed legislation affecting DUI punishment in the state. The bill, SB 1200, which was signed into law by Governor Brewer on April 29, details a number of changes to potential penalties for DUI conviction. The most important change involves ignition interlock devices, which were previously mandatory for a one-year period following DUI convictions for non-extreme offenders. The new law reduces the requirement to a six-month period. Other changes include permitting the use of home detention and alcohol monitoring programs instead of imprisonment and allowing restricted driving permits to some drivers whose licenses are suspended.
In spite of these changes, Arizona still has some of the nation's toughest criminal penalties for DUI crimes. Furthermore, other aspects of the law may negatively affect those arrested for DUI, particularly the revocation of a first-time non-extreme offender's statutory right to a jury trial. The right to trial by a jury of one's peers is an important constitutional right that this law may negatively impact.
For those who have been accused of DUI, it is important to obtain legal representation in order to ensure that the individual's rights are given the fullest protection under the law. The Arizona DUI attorneys of Thompson & Volquardsen, P.C. are prepared to offer legal assistance to all Arizona residents who have been accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
About The Firm
Thompson & Volquardsen, P.C. is a law firm based in Phoenix, Arizona that provides legal representation to Arizona residents who have been arrested for DUI, OUI, and other criminal charges. For more detailed information about your rights as a criminal defendant, visit http://www.tandvlaw.com.