OUI Lawyer in Phoenix

Support When An Operating Under the Influence Arrest Changes Everything

In Phoenix, an OUI (Operating Under the Influence) refers to operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances under Arizona law. Arizona commonly uses the term DUI, but OUI is sometimes used interchangeably to describe impaired driving. Charges can arise from alcohol, prescription medications, illegal drugs, or any substance that affects a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. An OUI is not limited to cars. Impaired operation laws can apply to other vehicles as well, including motorcycles and boats.

An OUI arrest in Phoenix can affect far more than one night. You may be worried about court, your driver’s license, your job, and if you are not a United States citizen, your immigration status. In this stressful moment, you need clear information and calm guidance, not judgment.

At Kanu & Associates, P. C., we help people facing OUI charges and are concerned about how a criminal case could affect their lives here. Our firm has more than 20 years of legal experience, and our founding attorney, Solomon O. Kanu, is a first-generation immigrant who understands firsthand how fragile immigration plans can feel after an arrest.

When you work with us, you speak with an attorney who listens to your story and explains what your options may be. We strive to provide honest, realistic advice about your OUI case, the Arizona process, and potential immigration consequences, so you can decide what to do next with better information.

Rely on the expertise of a skilled OUI attorney. Contact us or call (602) 353-7795 now to arrange your consultation without delay.

Why Immigrants Trust Our Firm

If you are an immigrant facing an OUI charge, you may feel like you are fighting two battles at once. The criminal case can bring fines, classes, or jail, and at the same time, you may be afraid that any conviction could affect your visa, green card, or future immigration applications. That fear is real, and it is one we understand.

Our founding attorney is a first-generation immigrant who has personally gone through the immigration system. This experience shapes the way we practice law. We know that for many clients, an OUI is not only about a court date in Phoenix. It is about whether they can stay with family, continue working, or continue a path toward permanent status or citizenship.

When you hire our firm, your case is handled directly by an attorney, not pushed down to less qualified staff. We take time to learn about your immigration history and your goals before we discuss legal options. Our goal is to connect the OUI defense strategy with your broader immigration picture, so you can see how different possible outcomes may affect your future.

We also commit to transparency. That means we explain in plain language what is happening, what documents you are receiving, and what may come next. You should never feel like just a case number. You should feel informed and supported as we work through a difficult situation together.

What To Do After An OUI Arrest

The hours and days after an OUI arrest in this area can feel chaotic. You may be released with paperwork that lists a court date and location, possibly in a Phoenix municipal or justice court, and you may receive information related to your driver’s license. It is common to feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start.

Here are practical steps that can help protect your rights after an OUI arrest:

• Save all papers you received after the arrest, including any citation, release conditions, and license notices, and keep them together in one place.
• Write down what you remember as soon as you can, including where you were stopped, what the officer said, and any tests that were requested.
• Avoid discussing details of the incident on social media, text messages, or with anyone other than your attorney.
• Be cautious about making statements to police officers or immigration officers without legal advice, especially about alcohol, drugs, or your status.
• Contact an OUI attorney so you can review deadlines, court dates, and license issues.

In many cases, there are short timelines tied to license hearings or court appearances. If you reach out to us early, we can review your paperwork, help you understand what each document means, and discuss how your immigration history may interact with the criminal process. That first conversation can give you a clearer picture of where you stand and what choices you may have.

How We Approach OUI Cases

Every OUI case is different, and our approach starts with understanding your specific situation. In Arizona, an OUI charge can involve a criminal case in a trial court and separate issues with the Motor Vehicle Division related to your driver’s license. In the Phoenix area, this can mean appearing in a municipal or justice court in Maricopa County, depending on where the arrest occurred.

When you meet with us, we review the paperwork with you and talk through what happened before and during the stop. We look at details such as the reason for the traffic stop, the way field sobriety tests were handled, and any breath or blood testing. We consider how that evidence may be challenged or interpreted, and we discuss how different case outcomes may intersect with your immigration situation.

Local familiarity matters. Our firm has practiced for many years in Arizona courts, including courts in Phoenix and across Maricopa County. That experience helps us understand typical scheduling, how hearings are usually handled, and how to prepare you for what the judge may expect. We work to make sure you know what will happen at each hearing so that you do not walk into court with unanswered questions.

Communication is a central part of our approach. We explain options in straightforward language instead of legal jargon. We talk with you about what is most important to you, whether that is limiting jail exposure, protecting driving privileges where possible, or understanding how any plea or outcome might appear in future immigration filings. Our role is to give you informed guidance, not pressure you into a choice.

Arizona OUI Penalties and Immigration Risks

Arizona OUI laws are strict, and an arrest in Phoenix can lead to several types of consequences. Depending on the specific charge, people commonly face potential penalties such as fines, mandatory classes, possible jail time, ignition interlock requirements, and issues with their driver’s license. The exact range varies based on factors such as prior history, test results, and any aggravating circumstances.

For immigrants and noncitizens, these penalties are only one piece of the picture. A criminal record from an OUI can appear on background checks that some immigration authorities and consuls review. In some situations, certain types of convictions can affect eligibility for immigration benefits or can raise questions in future interviews. The impact is influenced by your current status, prior history, and the specific charge and outcome.

Our firm’s focus on immigrants means we pay close attention to how your OUI case might affect your plans. During our conversations, we ask about pending applications, upcoming consular appointments, or planned travel. We then work to explain how different potential outcomes could interact with those plans, while being clear that we cannot guarantee a particular result in criminal or immigration systems.

Early evaluation is important. When we have time to review your criminal case and your immigration background together, we can better help you prepare for both. That may include discussing how to organize records, what to share with your immigration counsel if you have one, and what questions to anticipate so you are not caught off guard later.

Connect with an experienced OUI attorney in Phoenix without delay. Submit an online form to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will an OUI charge affect my immigration status?

An OUI charge can affect immigration status in some situations, depending on the specific charge, your history, and your current status. We review your criminal paperwork and immigration background together, then explain possible risks in plain language so you can plan your next steps with better information.

How quickly should I contact a lawyer after my OUI arrest?

It is usually best to contact a lawyer as soon as you can after an OUI arrest. There are often early deadlines for court and license issues. Speaking with us early helps you understand those dates, protect your rights, and consider how the case may affect immigration plans.

Will an attorney at your firm handle my OUI case personally?

Yes, at our firm, an attorney handles your case directly. We do not simply hand your matter to less qualified staff. You work with an attorney who learns your story, reviews your documents, and talks with you about how your OUI case and immigration situation may connect.

What should I bring to our first meeting about my OUI?

Bring any papers you received from the police, the court, and the Motor Vehicle Division, along with identification and immigration documents that may be relevant. These materials help us see deadlines, charges, and your status so we can give more precise guidance during the consultation.

Do you understand how Phoenix courts handle OUI cases?

Our firm has practiced in Arizona for many years and is familiar with how courts in Phoenix and Maricopa County generally process OUI cases. We explain what to expect at each step, from arraignment through later hearings, so you do not feel unprepared when you enter the courtroom.

Talk With Our Phoenix OUI Lawyer

An OUI charge here can affect your daily life, your work, and, for immigrants, your ability to remain in the United States or continue your plans. You do not need to sort through the criminal system and immigration worries alone.

At Kanu & Associates, P. C., we bring more than 20 years of legal experience and the perspective of a first-generation immigrant attorney to every OUI case we handle. Our goal is to give you clear, honest guidance about your options and the possible impact on your future. When you contact us, we explain what a consultation involves and answer your questions without pressure.

If you are searching for an OUI attorney who understands both your charges and immigration concerns, we invite you to speak with our team. We are here to help you understand where you stand and what you may be able to do next.

Call (602) 353-7795 to talk with our experienced OUI lawyer about your case.