The holidays are a time for celebration, travel, and gathering with friends and family — but they also bring an increase in DUI enforcement across Arizona. Understanding your rights and what typically happens during a DUI investigation can help reduce confusion, fear, and misunderstandings during roadside encounters.
This public service announcement explains the difference between detention and arrest, why police may transport someone to a station before deciding on formal charges, and what rights apply at each stage.
1. There Are Two Different Stages in a DUI Stop
During a typical DUI investigation in Arizona, there are two main phases:…
Continue Reading Holiday Season PSA: What to Expect if You’re Stopped for a DUI Investigation in Arizona

Morning After DUIs
Most people think DUI charges only happen when someone is actively out drinking and driving late at night.

A surprising number of Arizona DUI arrests happen the morning after, when someone wakes up, feels “okay,” gets behind the wheel, and then suddenly finds themselves in handcuffs.
At the R&R Law Group, we call these cases “hang-arounds.” Why? Because they’re not traditional hangovers. The issue isn’t that you feel hungover, it’s that alcohol is still hanging around in your system from the night before.
Why Morning-After DUIs Happen?
We frequently talk to clients who tell us a similar…
Continue Reading Morning-After DUIs: What “Hang Around” Charges really mean in Arizona

Understanding the Harsh Reality of the Criminal Justice System
One of the more difficult questions we receive at R&R Law Group is: “Why do innocent people take plea deals?”

It’s a heartbreaking question and one that sheds light on some of the toughest realities of our criminal justice system. While it might seem unthinkable that someone would plead guilty to something they didn’t do, the truth is that this happens far more often than most people realize.
The Pressure of Harsh Legal Penalties
In Arizona, criminal penalties can be severe especially for felony charges. Mandatory sentencing laws mean that if…
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Continue Reading How Is A DUI Defined In Arizona?

If you’ve been charged with reckless driving in Arizona, you may be wondering how serious the charge really is and whether it could even be considered a felony.

Let’s break it down.
Reckless Driving as a Misdemeanor
Reckless driving in Arizona is classified as a Class 2 misdemeanor. To put that into perspective:

• Class 1 misdemeanors (the most serious) include charges like DUI.
• Class 2 misdemeanors are mid-level, which is where reckless driving falls.
• Class 3 misdemeanors are the least serious.

So reckless driving sits in the middle tier of misdemeanor offenses.
Can It Become More Serious?
Reckless driving itself…
Continue Reading Can Reckless Driving Be a Felony in Arizona?

The Real-World Impact of a DUI in Arizona (Beyond Just the Money)
Getting charged with a DUI in Arizona affects far more than your wallet—it can alter the course of your life.
A DUI conviction can:
Damage your reputation – A criminal record is public and can affect your standing in your community.
Jeopardize your employment – Some employers conduct background checks, and a DUI can limit job opportunities—especially in fields requiring driving, professional licensing, or a clean record.
Create ongoing stress and uncertainty – Navigating the court process, MVD requirements, and legal obligations can be overwhelming and mentally exhausting.
Continue Reading What is the cost of a DUI conviction in Arizona?

Missing a Court Date in Arizona Can Have Serious Consequences.

At R&R Law Group, we often hear the question: “What happens if I don’t show up to court?” The answer depends on your situation, but in most cases, failing to appear can lead to a warrant for your arrest and additional penalties. Here’s what you need to know.

When You Have an Attorney
If you’ve hired an attorney, many times they can appear in court on your behalf, especially for misdemeanor cases. Your lawyer can request a continuance, negotiate with the prosecutor, or handle routine hearings without requiring your presence.
Continue Reading What Happens if You Miss a Court Date in Arizona?

At R&R Law Group, one of the most common questions we hear is: Are Arizona DUI laws too harsh?
The short answer? Yes, they are strict.
Arizona is known for having some of the toughest DUI penalties in the country, with mandatory minimum jail sentences and steep fines, even for first-time offenders. While these laws are designed to deter dangerous behavior, many believe they don’t leave enough room for discretion or rehabilitation.

Why Arizona DUI Laws Feel Harsh
Unlike some states that offer diversion programs for first-time DUI offenders, Arizona does not. That means even someone with no criminal history…
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At R&R Law Group, we often hear this question:
“If I plead not guilty but then get found guilty at trial, will my sentence be worse than if I had taken a plea deal?”
The short answer: Usually, no.

What Happens if You Plead Not Guilty but Are Later Found Guilty?
Understanding the Basics
When you plead not guilty, you’re exercising your constitutional right to a trial. In most cases, judges will not punish you more harshly simply for going to trial. This is sometimes referred to as avoiding a “trial tax”.
For example, in a first-time DUI case:

• If

…
Continue Reading What Happens if You Plead Not Guilty but Are Later Found Guilty?

Can Felony Charges Be Reduced in Arizona? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’ve been charged with a felony in Arizona, you might be wondering: Is there any way to reduce these charges? The short answer is—yes, in many cases, Arizona felony charges can be reduced. But how that works depends on the type of felony, the specific facts of your case, and the legal strategies available.

Understanding Felony Classes in Arizona
Felonies in Arizona are categorized into six different classes, with Class 1 (F1) being the most serious and Class 6 (F6) being the least severe. Here’s a…
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No Contest Pleas in Arizona
At R&R Law Group, our attorneys often receive questions about the different types of pleas available in criminal cases. One that tends to cause the most confusion is the “no contest” plea—also known as nolo contendere. So what does the plea really mean, and in which circumstances does it apply?

No Contest vs. Guilty vs. Not Guilty

In Arizona, and in most jurisdictions, you typically have three options when entering a plea:

• Guilty
• Not Guilty
• No Contest (Rare)

While guilty and not guilty pleas are straightforward, a no contest plea means that you are not…
Continue Reading What Does a “No Contest” Plea Really Mean in Arizona?

I was mailed a photo speeding ticket for driving 11 miles over the speed limit (56 in a 45 mph zone) while I was visiting Scottsdale last month. How should I proceed?

We are sorry to hear about your ticket! The first question is whether or not you got an actual traffic ticket or just a traffic violation notice. If it says something like “Notice of Violation” or “Traffic Violation Notice” then this can be completely ignored. However, if it says “Arizona Traffic Ticket & Complaint” at the top, then it is an actual traffic ticket and you have a…
Continue Reading How I Proceed With Speeding Ticket for Driving Over Speed?

It happened. You were charged with a crime. You did everything you possibly could to work your way through it. You went to trial, and you presented your evidence. The judge heard it; the jury heard it, but they came back with a guilty verdict and you lost!
As an attorney, this is a scenario that I have been a part of, and it’s something that I have witnessed on behalf of our clients. It’s not a fun experience and it’s a devastating blow. Especially when you fought so hard, invested so much energy and were convinced that there was…
Continue Reading How to file Notice of Appeal in an AZ Misdemeanor Criminal Court Case