Phoenix DUI Lawyer — Direct Access to Fred Thomas
Making the Law Personal.
If you were just arrested for DUI, two clocks are already running: your court case, and a much shorter deadline to protect your driver's license. Thomas Law PLLC represents clients throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Maricopa County in DUI matters, working directly with attorney Fred Thomas from the first call forward.
DUI Defense in Phoenix & Across Maricopa County
Thomas Law PLLC represents clients facing DUI charges throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, and the rest of Maricopa County. Every case is handled directly by Fred Thomas — not a rotating team.
Talk Directly With Fred
What Phoenix Metro Clients Say About Working With Fred Thomas
Why Choose Thomas Law PLLC for a DUI Charge?
Direct Access to Your Attorney
Fred personally handles the DUI cases he accepts. Clients work directly with the attorney reviewing their case, not a case manager.
Decades of Arizona Courtroom Experience
Fred has spent 22 years practicing law across Phoenix and Scottsdale, with direct knowledge of how Maricopa County's courts and MVD process actually work.
A Composed, Direct Approach
A DUI arrest is stressful enough without a lecture. Fred explains the charges, the process, and the realistic options clearly and without judgment.
Free Consultation
DUI consultations are free — stated plainly, with no obligation to hire the firm afterward.
Talk to Fred Thomas Directly
Meet Phoenix DUI Attorney Fred Thomas
"A DUI arrest moves fast, and the questions that come with it are usually the same: what happens to my license, what happens in court, and what should I do right now. My job is to walk through all three clearly and help you understand exactly where things stand.
I've spent 22 years practicing law across Phoenix and Scottsdale. When you call, you're reaching me directly — not an intake specialist — and I stay your point of contact through the case."
— Fred Thomas
Talk to Fred Thomas Directly — (480) 582-1549
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Arizona — And Why Timing Matters
A DUI arrest starts two separate processes at once, on two different timelines:
Your driver's license. Under Arizona's admin per se law (A.R.S. § (480) 582-1549, your license is subject to automatic suspension by MVD — but you have only 15 days from the date of arrest to request an MVD hearing that puts the suspension on hold pending that hearing. Missing this window generally means losing the chance to contest the suspension before it takes effect.
Your criminal case. Arizona charges DUI under a tiered structure: standard DUI (A.R.S. § (480) 582-1549 and Extreme or Aggravated DUI (A.R.S. § (480) 582-1549, which apply based on blood alcohol content and other factors and carry increasingly serious mandatory penalties. The specific charge, prior history, and circumstances of the stop all affect what's realistically at stake.
Because the license-suspension clock is so short, the practical first step after an arrest is often simply understanding what deadline is already running — before deciding anything else.
This is general information, not legal advice for any specific situation — DUI charges and their consequences depend on the specific facts of the arrest, prior record, and other circumstances.
Find Out Where You Stand
What Happens When You Call Thomas Law PLLC?
Tell Fred What Happened
The date of the arrest, the charges, and whether an MVD hearing deadline is already running.
01
Fred Reviews the Timeline
Including how many days remain to request an MVD hearing, if that window hasn't already closed.
02
Understand the Charges and Options
Fred explains what the specific charge involves and what a realistic path forward looks like.
03
Decide How to Proceed
There's no obligation to continue after the free consultation.
04
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to request an MVD hearing after a DUI arrest in Arizona?
Standard DUI is charged under A.R.S. § 28-1381 and applies when a driver's blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 or above, or when a driver is impaired to the slightest degree by drugs or alcohol. Extreme DUI, charged under A.R.S. § 28-1382, applies at higher blood alcohol levels and carries increased mandatory minimum penalties, including additional jail time and a longer ignition interlock requirement. Aggravated DUI applies in more serious circumstances — such as a third DUI within a set period or a DUI committed with a suspended or revoked license — and is charged as a felony rather than a misdemeanor.
Is the initial DUI consultation free?
Yes. DUI consultations with Fred Thomas are free and confidential, regardless of whether it's a first offense or a repeat charge, with no obligation to move forward afterward.
Do I need a lawyer for a first-offense DUI in Arizona?
Even a first-offense DUI carries mandatory minimum penalties in Arizona, including jail time, fines, and license consequences — so "it's just a first DUI" doesn't mean the impact is minor. The specific penalties depend on blood alcohol level, prior record, and the circumstances of the stop, and an attorney can help clarify what's actually at stake and what options, if any, exist to reduce that impact.
Will I lose my license after a DUI arrest in Arizona?
Not automatically, but a license suspension process begins immediately after arrest under Arizona's admin per se law, separate from and running alongside the criminal case. The window to contest that suspension by requesting an MVD hearing is only 15 days from the arrest, so acting quickly is the only way to challenge it before it takes effect.
Is there a DUI lawyer near me in Phoenix or Scottsdale?
Yes. Thomas Law PLLC represents DUI clients throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, and the rest of Maricopa County. Consultations are free and confidential, with options available based on the circumstances of the arrest and how quickly the MVD hearing deadline is approaching.
Will I need an ignition interlock device after a DUI conviction in Arizona?
In most cases, yes. Arizona law generally requires an ignition interlock device for a set period after a DUI conviction — typically around 12 months for a standard first-offense DUI or a first Extreme DUI, and longer for a first Super Extreme DUI involving a higher blood alcohol level. In limited circumstances, a standard first-offense requirement may be shortened if specific compliance conditions, such as a clean testing record and completed alcohol education, are met. The exact requirement depends on the charge, blood alcohol level, and prior record.
Can a DUI charge be reduced to reckless driving in Arizona?
Sometimes, though it isn't automatic or guaranteed. A reduction from DUI to a "wet reckless" (reckless driving) charge generally happens through negotiation with the prosecutor, and is more realistic when there are weaknesses in the evidence — such as questions about the traffic stop, field sobriety testing, or the blood alcohol results — or other strong mitigating factors. Prior DUI history, whether an accident with injuries was involved, and the blood alcohol level at arrest all affect how realistic a reduction is in a given case.
Get a Direct Answer About Your Situation
Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale & Maricopa County
Thomas Law PLLC represents clients throughout Phoenix and surrounding Metro communities, including Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, and other areas of Maricopa County.
Service Area Links:
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Arrested for DUI? Talk to Fred Thomas Directly
The clock on your license starts the moment you're arrested. If you're facing a DUI charge in Phoenix, Scottsdale, or anywhere in Maricopa County, contact Thomas Law PLLC for a free, confidential conversation with attorney Fred Thomas.