Aggravated DUI Attorney in Scottsdale
Serious DUI Charges, Focused Defense When You Need It
If you are facing an aggravated DUI in Arizona, you are not dealing with a routine traffic case. You are looking at a felony charge that can threaten your freedom, your license, and your future. As an aggravated DUI attorney in Scottsdale, my role is to step in and bring order to the chaos.
My name is Lawrence Koplow, and since 2005, I have focused my practice on DUI and drug-related defense. Aggravated DUI charges are some of the most stressful cases a person can face, especially when they have never been inside a criminal courtroom before. My job is to explain what is happening, protect your rights, and guide you through each step so you do not feel alone against the system.
I bring nearly two decades of criminal law experience and a background as a former prosecutor. That means I know how these cases are built within the Maricopa County criminal justice system and what to look for in the police reports, forensics, and paperwork.
A felony charge requires an elite defense. Contact an aggravated DUI attorney in Scottsdale at The Koplow Law Firm to protect your freedom. I offer 20 years of experience and innovative and tailored defense strategies. Call (602) 560-7837 or contact me online today.
Understanding Aggravated DUI Laws in Arizona
In Arizona, "Aggravated DUI" (A.R.S. § 28-1383) is the legal term for any DUI charge that has been elevated to a felony. It is vital to understand that the "aggravation" isn't necessarily about your blood alcohol level; it is about the circumstances surrounding the incident. Under Arizona law, you can be charged with an aggravated DUI if you commit a DUI under any of the following conditions:
- Suspended or Revoked License: If you drive under the influence while your license is suspended, canceled, or revoked for any reason.
- Third Offense within 84 Months: If you have two prior DUI convictions within a 7-year "look-back" period. Arizona counts the dates of the offenses, not the dates of the convictions.
- Minor in the Vehicle: If you are impaired while a person under the age of 15 is a passenger in the vehicle.
- Wrong-Way Driving: If you are driving the wrong way on a highway or controlled-access road while impaired.
- Ignition Interlock Violation: If you are required to have an IID and are caught driving under the influence without one.
Most aggravated DUIs are Class 4 felonies, though having a minor in the car is typically a Class 6 felony. As your Scottsdale aggravated DUI lawyer, I meticulously audit the "aggravating" factor. If I can prove your license suspension was invalid or that a prior conviction doesn't meet Arizona’s strict legal standards, I can often get the felony dismissed entirely.
Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Aggravated DUI in Arizona
The penalties for a Scottsdale aggravated DUI lawyer to fight are severe because a conviction carries a mandatory prison sentence in the Arizona Department of Corrections.
Criminal Penalties
- Mandatory Prison: A first-time Class 4 aggravated DUI carries a mandatory minimum of 4 months in prison.
- Extensive Fines: You will face thousands of dollars in assessments, including a mandatory $1,500 for the prison construction fund and $1,500 for the public safety equipment fund.
- License Revocation: Your driving privileges will be revoked for at least 3 years.
- Ignition Interlock: Upon reinstatement, you must use an IID for at least 12 to 24 months.
Collateral Consequences
Beyond the courtroom, the license consequences alone can change daily life. Arizona MVD may suspend or revoke your driving privileges for an extended period after an aggravated DUI conviction. You may face ignition interlock requirements, vehicle impound issues, and a complicated path back to legal driving. For many people in Scottsdale and throughout this part of Maricopa County, losing the ability to drive makes it very hard to keep a job, care for children, or attend treatment and probation appointments.
A felony record can follow you long after the case is over. It can affect employment opportunities, professional licenses, security clearances, housing applications, and, in some situations, immigration status. Aggravated DUI convictions can also influence family law matters, such as custody disputes, where a court is evaluating a parent’s judgment and stability.
When I defend an aggravated DUI, I am not only thinking about the number of days the court could order. I also look ahead to how this case could affect your ability to work, to maintain your license, and to rebuild your life. My mission is to protect your liberty and your dignity while working toward outcomes that limit the long-term damage as much as the facts and the law allow.
Why Choose Me For Aggravated DUI
Before you spend hours reading Arizona statutes, you deserve to know who will actually be standing next to you in court. I founded The Koplow Law Firm in 2005 and made a deliberate choice to limit my work to DUI and drug-related defense. I do not run a high-volume, general criminal practice. I concentrate on the science, procedure, and strategy that drive DUI prosecutions, including aggravated DUI.
Earlier in my career, I served as a prosecutor. I handled criminal cases from the other side of the aisle and saw firsthand how aggravated DUI files are assembled, charged, and negotiated. Today, I use that insight to anticipate how the state may approach your case, which aggravating factors they may focus on, and where weaknesses in their evidence might exist. My approach is heavily forensic. I have training in DUI blood and breath testing, vehicular crimes, and complex drug cases, and I am frequently asked to teach other attorneys in Arizona and in other states how to handle these matters.
When you hire this firm, you hire me. Your aggravated DUI will not be passed off to a junior associate you have never met. You and I will talk directly about your goals, your concerns, and your priorities. My representation is judgment-free. I see my clients as good people who are going through a very hard moment, not as case numbers on a docket. I also understand that things rarely happen at convenient times, which is why I offer 24/7 availability, free consultations, and virtual meetings if coming into an office in Scottsdale is difficult for you.
Over the years, my work in DUI defense has been recognized by my peers. I have received the Outstanding Contribution to DUI Defense Award from Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice, the President’s Commendation from the same organization, and recognition in Southwest Super Lawyers. I mention these as signals that my career has been devoted to the kind of case you are dealing with right now.
How I Approach Aggravated DUI Defense in Scottsdale
Defending an aggravated DUI charge requires a careful, individualized strategy built on facts, forensic analysis, and a practical understanding of how prosecutors evaluate these cases. I begin by listening to your account, identifying your concerns and goals, and then conducting a thorough review of the evidence and the specific aggravating factors involved. Every step of my approach is tailored to your situation and focused on protecting your future.
- Client-Focused Case Foundation: I start by understanding your version of events, your concerns, and your objectives before developing a strategic defense plan.
- Thorough Evidence Review: I conduct a detailed examination of police reports, video, and testing records to assess the strength of the prosecution’s case.
- Traffic Stop and Investigation Analysis: I evaluate whether there was a lawful basis for the stop, how field sobriety tests were administered, and whether proper procedures were followed during any blood draw or breath test.
- Forensic and Laboratory Scrutiny: Using my training in DUI and vehicular crime forensics, I assess instrument calibration, chain of custody, and whether laboratory protocols were properly followed.
- Examination of License-Related Allegations: When a suspended or revoked license is alleged, I review records from the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division to determine how the status was created, whether proper notice was issued, and whether documentation errors exist.
- Review of Prior Convictions: If the charge is aggravated based on prior DUIs, I analyze the underlying case records to confirm how those matters were resolved and whether they may lawfully be used as alleged.
Talk With Me—Your Aggravated DUI Lawyer in Scottsdale
When you contact me, you get a DUI-focused attorney with a former prosecutor’s insight, training in DUI forensics, and a commitment to one-on-one representation. I offer free consultations, 24/7 availability, and virtual meetings so we can connect in the way that works best for you. My goal is to defend your dignity, protect your liberty, and help you regain control at a time when everything feels uncertain.
To discuss your aggravated DUI with me directly, call (602) 560-7837 or reach out online now.
What To Do After An Aggravated DUI Arrest
Here are some practical steps I often recommend:
- Keep every document you were given after the arrest, including citations, release paperwork, and any notice related to your driver’s license.
- Note all court dates and deadlines on a calendar so nothing is missed, including any hearings that may be scheduled in a justice court or superior court.
- Avoid discussing the details of the incident on social media or in texts. Anything written can be taken out of context and used against you later.
- Be cautious about making statements to law enforcement or insurance companies regarding the incident before you have legal advice.
- Gather information about your work schedule, family obligations, and any medical conditions, since these may be relevant to planning your defense and addressing potential sentencing issues.
Reaching out to a lawyer early can make a real difference in how the case is managed. The Arizona MVD process for license issues often runs on a separate track from the court case, with its own time limits. By contacting me promptly, you give me a chance to start reviewing the traffic stop, testing procedures, and aggravating factors while everything is still fresh.
Don't let the state take your liberty without a fight. Hire a Scottsdale aggravated DUI lawyer who understands the science of the case. Call me at (602) 560-7837 or reach out through my contact form to start your defense.
Hear From the People We’ve Helped
Testimonials and Reviews
At The Koplow Law Firm, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Great trial attorney."
Lawrence is tenacious, relentless, and extremely passionate about his clients and their cases. He leaves no stone unturned in his investigations, and his cross examinations are grueling. His knowledge of the science of DUI's and the testing procedures is unsurpassed. Great trial attorney.
- Jesse S. -
"Unquestionably one of the top DUI/ criminal defense attorneys in Arizona."As a practicing attorney in DUI and criminal defense, and as a former prosecutor who went against Lawrence on several cases, I can attest that the State knows they will have their hands full when Lawrence is on the case.- Ryan M.
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"You cannot go wrong with Lawrence."
Great attorney! Lawrence thinks outside the box and goes above and beyond for his clients and the legal community at large. If you are looking for aggressive representation, you cannot go wrong with Lawrence.
- Charity C. -
"No other lawyer knows the science of DUI like Lawrence does."Lawrence is the best lawyer I have ever met. If your career is on the line then he is the guy. No other lawyer knows the science of DUI like Lawrence does. I will be forever grateful!- Greg S.
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"It was miracle!"
It was miracle!... A lot of people don't really understand the benefit of having an attorney who used to be a prosecutor. They know all the little tricks and scare tactics the state has as opposed to just hiring an attorney who is a little fish in a big pond.
- Joe C. -
"One of the best."Lawrence Koplow is one of the best DUI and vehicular defense attorneys in the state of Arizona. Anyone would be extremely fortunate to have him as their advocate.- Jack L.
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"You cannot go wrong with Lawrence."Lawrence thinks outside the box and goes above and beyond for his clients and the legal community at large. If you are looking for aggressive representation, you cannot go wrong with Lawrence.- Charity C.
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"Nobody knows the court and laws better than him."Lawrence represents very high-profile clients who greatly depend on a good outcome, and this guy will deliver. This is a prosecutors' worse nightmare, and it should be that way if you need an attorney.- David E.
DUI Library
The best DUI defense stuff that only a few know and none want to share. A one of a kind annotated resource for lawyers, people accused, or anyone who wants to see what’s going on in our justice system with DUI cases… and how to fix it.
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Scottsdale DUI Definitive GuideScottsdale DUI Definitive Guide
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The Definitive Guide to Defeating an Arizona DUIThe Definitive Guide to Defeating an Arizona DUI
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Field Sobriety Tests in Arizona DUI CasesField Sobriety Tests in Arizona DUI Cases
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Traffic Stops in Arizona DUI CasesTraffic Stops in Arizona DUI Cases
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Warrantless Blood Draws in Arizona DUI CasesWarrantless Blood Draws in Arizona DUI Cases
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Right to Counsel in Arizona DUI CasesRight to Counsel in Arizona DUI Cases
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Failure to Preserve EvidenceFailure to Preserve Evidence