DWI Attorney in Scottsdale

Arrested For DWI In Scottsdale?

A sudden DWI arrest can turn your life upside down. You may be worried about jail, losing your driver's license, and what this will mean for your job and your future. You are also facing a complicated Arizona criminal process and an Arizona MVD system that can move quickly. If you find yourself in this situation, our DWI attorneys in Scottsdale can help.

At Ramos Law Firm, we help people through this exact situation. Our firm is based in Scottsdale, and we defend clients against DUI and related charges across Arizona. 

Our practice is led by attorney Paul A. Ramos, a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist with more than 30 years of criminal defense experience. He has taken more than 100 cases to trial and has earned top ratings from respected legal organizations. We invite you to reach out for a free consultation, including virtual meetings when that is easier for you.

To discuss your situation with a DWI attorney in Scottsdale and get clear next steps tailored to your case, contact Ramos Law Firm today for a free consultation. You can also call us at (480) 470-2062.

Why Drivers Turn To Our Firm

When you are facing a DWI charge, you do not just need information about the law. You need to know who will stand beside you in Scottsdale City Court or in a Maricopa County courtroom, and who will help you navigate Arizona’s strict DUI penalties. That decision often turns on trust, experience, and personal attention.

At our firm, our DWI lawyers in Scottsdale work directly with people whose careers, families, and reputations are on the line. Clients frequently tell us they appreciate that we listen first, that we explain options in plain language, and that we treat them with respect regardless of the allegation. Every case is personal to the person living through it, and we approach it that way.

Attorney Ramos has been Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization. This designation is held by a limited number of Arizona criminal defense lawyers and reflects advanced training and experience in criminal cases, including DUI and DWI matters. For someone deciding which DWI attorney Scottsdale to call, this credential offers assurance that criminal defense is a central focus of our work.

Our attorney has more than 30 years of practice and has taken more than 100 cases to trial. This background matters if your case involves complex facts, if you have prior convictions, or if the prosecutor is seeking penalties you believe are too harsh. We are prepared to negotiate when that is in your interest, and we are also prepared to take a case to trial when you choose to contest the charge.

Independent organizations have also recognized our commitment to quality representation. Attorney Ramos holds 10.0 Superb ratings on Avvo for both Criminal Defense and DUI and DWI, an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell, and has been rated by Super Lawyers. He has been named in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers and in the Nation’s Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

In addition, he is a member of the National College for DUI Defense and several defense and bar associations, and serves as a faculty member and presenter for the Maricopa County Bar Association. Our firm also maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Together, these facts show that both clients and peers place trust in our work.

Understanding Arizona DWI Charges & Penalties With Our DWI Attorneys in Scottsdale

To make informed decisions, it helps to understand what you are actually facing under Arizona law. Although people sometimes use the term DWI, Arizona statutes refer to driving under the influence and impaired driving in several specific ways. The details can be confusing, especially in the days following an arrest.

In general, Arizona law allows the state to charge someone based on alleged impairment while driving, based on alcohol concentration, or both. The alcohol concentration-based charges often involve levels such as standard, extreme, or higher tiers, which can affect potential penalties. Drugs and certain medications can also support DUI charges, even when no alcohol is involved.

For many people, a first DUI charge is a misdemeanor. Even so, the potential consequences can include mandatory jail time, substantial fines and assessments, alcohol screening and classes, a period of license suspension or restriction, ignition interlock requirements, and other conditions. The exact range depends on the type of charge, test results, and other factors defined in Arizona statutes.

Penalties can increase when someone has prior DUI or DWI convictions, when the alleged alcohol level is very high, when there is a collision with injury, or when a minor is in the vehicle. In some situations, the state can pursue felony charges, which carry more severe possible consequences and longer-term effects on civil rights and future opportunities.

If you are arrested in or around Scottsdale, your criminal case may be filed in Scottsdale City Court or in a Maricopa County court, depending on the circumstances. At the same time, the Arizona MVD may begin a separate administrative process that can affect your driver's license regardless of what happens in the criminal case. There are often strict time limits to request hearings or challenge certain actions.

Every case is different. The law provides ranges and minimums, but outcomes depend on the facts, the quality of the investigation, the strength of the evidence, and how issues are presented to the court. A DWI attorney in Scottsdale can help you understand what those ranges may look like in your specific situation and what options may exist to limit the impact.

Our Approach To DWI Defense

Knowing that you have an experienced legal team working for you can reduce some of the stress of a DWI case. Our approach begins with careful listening. During your first consultation, we want to hear what happened from your perspective, review the paperwork you received, and outline the immediate deadlines that apply to both court and MVD issues.

After we are retained, we take a structured look at each stage of the encounter that led to your arrest. We examine the basis for the traffic stop, the way field sobriety tests were conducted, the arrest itself, and how any breath or blood testing was handled. Our membership in organizations such as the National College for DUI Defense reflects our ongoing attention to legal developments and issues surrounding chemical testing.

Attorney Ramos has represented people in a wide range of DUI matters, including first-time misdemeanor cases, repeat charges, alleged drug-related DUIs, and cases that attracted local or national media attention. This variety of experience helps us anticipate prosecution strategies and identify potential weaknesses in the state’s case. It also allows us to explain, in real terms, what different paths can look like for clients in Arizona courts.

Trial capability is an important part of our defense mindset. With more than 100 trials completed, our attorney is comfortable in the courtroom and understands what it takes to present arguments effectively to judges and juries. Not every DWI case will go to trial, but having a lawyer who is prepared for that possibility can influence how a matter is approached from the start.

Throughout the process, communication is a priority. We work to keep you informed about upcoming court dates, negotiations, and any motions or hearings. We explain options and likely next steps in everyday language, so you can make informed decisions about how to move forward in a way that fits your goals and responsibilities.

When we take on a DWI case, typical steps may include:

• Reviewing police reports and video, when available, to understand exactly what occurred.
• Evaluating whether the stop, detention, and arrest followed constitutional and statutory requirements.
• Scrutinizing field sobriety exercises and any breath or blood testing for potential legal or scientific issues.
• Advising you on options related to plea discussions, hearings, and trial, based on the strengths and risks in your case.

Our goal is to protect your rights at each stage, to look for ways to reduce the harm a DUI charge can cause, and to stand beside you in court if the case proceeds to that point.

After A DWI Arrest In Scottsdale

The days immediately following a DWI arrest can feel overwhelming. You may have received a stack of paperwork, a temporary license, or notices that refer to Arizona MVD actions. It is common to worry that you might miss a deadline or say something that makes the situation worse.

Arizona law and MVD regulations create strict time limits in many situations, such as the period to request a hearing on certain license actions. If your arrest occurred within Scottsdale, paperwork may direct you to appear in Scottsdale City Court or another court in Maricopa County, depending on who issued the citation or handled the arrest. Acting promptly can help preserve your ability to contest parts of the case.

Helpful steps to consider after a DWI arrest include:

• Gathering all documents you received, including citations, release conditions, and any temporary license or MVD notice.
• Writing down your recollection of events as soon as you can, including what you ate or drank, medications, and interactions with officers.
• Avoiding social media posts or conversations about the incident outside of privileged discussions with your lawyer.
• Contacting a DWI attorney in Scottsdale promptly to discuss your options before important dates or deadlines pass.

Our office is located in Scottsdale, and we represent clients facing DUI and related charges across Arizona. We offer free consultations and virtual meeting options for people who live outside the immediate area, have demanding schedules, or simply prefer to speak from home. When you contact us, we explain how the process works and what you can expect in the near term.

Call (480) 470-2062 to speak with our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I Go to Jail for a First DWI?

Arizona law includes mandatory jail provisions for many first-time DUI convictions, but the actual time served can vary based on the charge, test results, and other facts. We review your situation, explain the ranges that may apply, and discuss realistic options for addressing potential custody exposure.

Can I Keep My License After a DWI Arrest?

A DWI arrest can trigger Arizona MVD actions that affect your license, sometimes before the criminal case is finished. In many situations, there is a limited time to request a hearing or seek other options. We explain what applies in your case and help you respond within the required time frames.

How Can Your Firm Help With My DWI Case?

We review the stop, testing, and evidence, advise you on the law, and speak for you in court. With Board Certification in Criminal Law, more than 30 years in practice, and extensive trial experience, attorney Ramos works to protect your rights and pursue the most favorable outcome available.

What Will My First Meeting With You Be Like?

During a free consultation, we listen to your concerns, review the documents you have, and outline the next steps in both court and MVD processes. You can ask questions in a confidential setting. We also offer virtual consultations if meeting at our Scottsdale office is difficult.

Do You Handle Repeat or High BAC DWI Cases?

Yes. Attorney Ramos has handled a wide range of DUI matters, including repeat offenses, cases involving high alcohol levels, and drug-related DUIs. We explain how prior convictions or high test results can affect potential penalties and what defense strategies may be available in those situations.

When you contact us after a DWI arrest, our goal is to provide clear guidance, steady support, and a plan for what comes next.