DUI Cases — How it Flows
How a DUI case moves through the Arizona courts, step by step, from arrest to resolution.
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Client Representation – Information regarding DUI Cases
Thank you for choosing Tamou Law Group for your representation. As a client of our firm, we would like to provide you with this comprehensive checklist to help you better understand your case and the legal procedures involved. Given the numerous possibilities that could arise in a DUI case, this list may not apply to every client’s situation. Each case is unique, but by reviewing this list and considering the specifics of your case, you will be able to determine which items are relevant. This checklist pertains primarily to your driver’s license and is intended for first-time DUIs or those with one prior DUI within 84 months. Please note that this
information supplements our defense of your criminal case. Let’s begin:
The Criminal Case – Hearings and How it Works
Your First Court Appearance: The Arraignment
The arraignment is your first official court appearance, during which the charges against you will be formally read. At this stage, the judge asks how the defendant wishes to plead to which we will always enter a plea of “not guilty.”
In most cases, depending on when we were retained, your attorney from Tamou Law Group will file a motion, which may eliminate the need for the court date, meaning you won’t have to appear. This motion informs the court that our client understands the nature of the charges they face (such as DUI charges) and that we are entering a not guilty plea, ready to proceed to the Pretrial Conference stage.
While your appearance is sometimes required, this is not often the case. We will stay in contact with you throughout the process to ensure you are aware of whether you need to appear. If you are unable to attend, we will typically appear on your behalf.
Pretrial Conference(s): For Evidence Review and Negotiations
After the arraignment there will be a pretrial conference. You will not be required to attend this court date unless stated otherwise by your attorney. The goal is for your life to be as uninterrupted as possible while we fight this case. The Pretrial Conference gives an opportunity for your attorney to engage in discussions with the prosecutor to explore whether an agreement or plea deal can be reached. This is a critical point in your case, and your attorney will be negotiating on your behalf to secure the most favorable outcome possible. You will not need to attend this meeting; however, we will keep you informed of all developments and will thoroughly explain any potential plea offers, including their benefits and risks. If we are unable to reach a satisfactory resolution, we will continue preparing your case for trial.
Gathering and Reviewing Evidence
During this time, we will be engaging in an important back-and-forth process with the State, requesting all necessary evidence. This includes police reports, body-worn camera footage, breath test results, blood test results (if applicable), and any other evidence we believe is essential to ensure your case is thoroughly defended. There will generally be multiple pretrial conferences as we review the evidence and follow up on anything that remains undisclosed due to delays on the State’s end.
Continuing the Process
As evidence is missing or delayed, we will continue the matter to ensure the State has provided everything necessary. This is critical, as if your case proceeds to trial, we want to ensure the State is fully prepared and cannot claim any surprise evidence that might hinder your defense. This is one of the most important phases of the process because it is where the bulk of our time is spent carefully analyzing every detail of your case.
Case Evaluation: The Next Steps
Once all evidence has been received, we will thoroughly review it and provide you with our analysis. If your case presents strong defenses for trial, we will advise you to proceed in that direction. However, if the evidence against you is substantial, we will begin negotiations with the State to seek a reduction in charges or, at the very least, aim for the minimum penalties under the law.
Generally our aim is in this order: 1) Dismissal; 2) Reduction in Charges; and 3) Entering a Plea to Minimum Penalties.
Every case is unique, and we won’t fully understand the specifics of yours until we’ve gathered all the necessary information. If negotiations result in the state deciding to pursue the DUI conviction, we will work to secure the most favorable plea possible and determine whether it aligns with your best interests. If a favorable plea cannot be reached, we will proceed according to your preference, including the option of going to trial. Our primary goal is to achieve the best possible outcome, minimizing the impact on your life so you can return to normalcy.
Awards & Recognition
Our recognition for Phoenix DUI defense is independently verified, click any award to confirm it:
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
- Elite Lawyer 2026 – Criminal Defense
- Super Lawyers – Southwest
- National College for DUI Defense (NCDD)
When you are looking for the best Phoenix DUI lawyers, these are the independently verified credentials that matter, earned by Founding Attorney Michael Tamou and a full team of attorneys, including former prosecutors.
What Clients Say About Tamou Law
Real Google reviews from clients we have defended across Phoenix and Maricopa County. Every review is from a criminal defense client, never padded with non-legal work.
Two Arizona Offices, One Team
We serve all of Maricopa County and the surrounding area, with free, confidential consultations 24/7 by phone and in-person meetings at either office by appointment.
Case Results Disclaimer: The results described on this page are based on specific facts and circumstances and do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case. Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee future results. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this page or submitting a contact form until a written fee agreement has been signed. Tamou Law Group, PLLC is licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona. This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.