Yes. An experienced DUI attorney explores every available option, secures all of your rights, appears in court on your behalf, and files motions and pleadings for you. This is especially critical if your case proceeds to trial, where having skilled criminal defense counsel is essential.

Beyond the courtroom, an attorney helps you understand every step of the legal process and can often handle appearances so you do not have to take time off work.

For most courts and most appearances prior to the trial or disposition hearing, I can handle court on your behalf — so you typically do not have to appear and can avoid taking time off work. Requirements vary by court, so it is worth confirming your specific courthouse.

Yes. I am a sole practitioner — the only attorney in my firm. When you hire Gordon Thompson, I personally handle your case from start to finish. Your matter will never be handed off to an associate or a paralegal.

I send clients texts and emails whenever anything happens in the case. All information — including body camera videos from law enforcement — is shared with you as soon as I receive it. You are encouraged to call me at any time with questions. Communication is my top priority.

Flat fee: $2,800 in Maricopa County · $3,100 outside Maricopa County.
No down payment required. Monthly payment plans available based on income.

My fee is flat — not hourly — so you will never receive a surprise bill. Payment plans are structured around what you can realistically afford.

The flat fee covers everything: the initial MVD (license) hearing arising from the arrest, all pretrial proceedings, motions, the trial itself — including a jury trial if needed — and post-conviction assistance completing all court and MVD obligations. I consider it my responsibility to ensure clients successfully meet every legal requirement.

Not immediately — but the clock starts ticking the moment you are arrested. Law enforcement often issues a license suspension order alongside the DUI ticket. That order is filed with Arizona ADOT/MVD and automatically takes effect 30 days after it is issued, unless you request a hearing before that deadline.

Sometimes the suspension order is filed directly by law enforcement, and ADOT/MVD mails notice to your last known address. Acting quickly to request a hearing is critical to protecting your driving privileges.

Yes. In many cases I can ensure an Arizona-licensed driver retains full driving privileges without restrictions. For drivers licensed in another state, it is more complicated — but depending on the circumstances, it is often still possible.

A formal hardship license is available in limited situations; however, in many Arizona DUI cases it is no longer necessary. Many drivers qualify for a restricted license that allows them to drive anywhere and at any time — the only condition being that the vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Interlock Device.

If your vehicle is impounded on a DUI hold, the standard hold period is 20 days. Early release is possible in certain circumstances — and when there is a legal basis to pursue it, I always help clients attempt to get their vehicle back sooner.

Arraignment is the hearing at which you enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. If you plead not guilty, the case is continued to one or more pretrial conferences before being set for trial. In most cases my clients do not need to appear at arraignment, or the first pretrial conference — I can handle it on their behalf.

The State is not legally required to offer a plea deal, but in practice it typically does. Unlike most attorneys, I put every plea offer in writing and send it to you so you can make a fully informed decision. Keep in mind that once a case is set for trial, some prosecutors withdraw the offer entirely.

There is no universal answer — it depends on the facts of your case and the specifics of any plea offer.

A plea may make sense if the prosecution offers a reduced charge such as Reckless Driving, which carries significantly lower consequences than a DUI conviction.

A plea may offer little benefit if the offer is to plead to the most serious charge — for example, Extreme DUI at .15% — because mandatory minimum jail time often does not increase meaningfully after a trial conviction. In those situations, there may be little to lose by going to trial.

This decision deserves thorough discussion with your attorney based on your specific circumstances.

No. Arizona does not offer a diversion program for DUI cases. Some states — including Illinois and Washington — do have diversion options, but Arizona does not. If you have been charged with a DUI in Arizona, you cannot avoid prosecution through diversion.

For a conviction, Arizona law imposes mandatory minimum jail time — but the actual time served is often far less than the headline number. For a first offense, the law requires 10 consecutive days but suspends 9 of them upon completion of substance abuse screening and counseling, meaning the minimum served is typically 1 day (as little as 5 hours), depending on the court.

Depending on the court and circumstances, actually serving jail time can sometimes be avoided even when the law technically requires it.

A DUI conviction in Arizona is permanent — it does not automatically expire or fall off your record. However, you may petition to have your records sealed from public view 3 years after all court obligations have been completed.

Yes, it can — and the impact often shows up in ways people do not anticipate at the time of sentencing. No one should plead guilty assuming it will not matter later. An experienced attorney can walk you through employment-specific implications based on your industry and situation before you make any decisions.

If you are booked into the Maricopa County Fourth Avenue Jail, your mugshot may appear on the Sheriff’s Office website and a handful of other sites. However, within the first few days after booking it becomes significantly harder to locate any particular person’s photo online.

Possibly — but it is critical that you do nothing without first consulting your attorney. Some actions that seem helpful can actually harm your case. Talk with your lawyer about the specific facts and circumstances before taking any independent steps.

Professional attire is always best. No shorts. No flip-flops. Dressing as you would for a job interview signals respect to the judge and court — which matters.