If you are facing DUI or criminal charges in Tempe, Arizona, finding an experienced defense attorney who knows the local courts is essential. Tempe Municipal Court, Maricopa County Superior Court, and the surrounding justice courts each have their own procedures, judges, and prosecutors — and a lawyer who practices there daily has a critical advantage. At Oliverson Law DUI & Criminal Defense, our Tempe office at 60 E Rio Salado Pkwy, Suite 900, is led by founder Derek Oliverson — a former judge, former prosecutor, and former police officer who has spent 17 years in Arizona courtrooms. Call (480) 582-3637 for a free consultation.
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Key Takeaways
- Local Court Knowledge Matters: Tempe cases are heard in Tempe Municipal Court and Maricopa County Superior Court. A local attorney knows the judges, prosecutors, and procedures that shape outcomes.
- DUI Defense Is Time-Sensitive: You have 15 days after a DUI arrest to request an MVD hearing to fight license suspension. Missing this deadline makes suspension automatic.
- Experience from Every Angle: Derek Oliverson served as a police officer, prosecutor, and city court judge before dedicating his career to criminal defense — giving our team unmatched perspective.
DUI Defense in Tempe
Tempe is a college town with one of the highest DUI enforcement rates in the Valley. ASU events, Mill Avenue nightlife, and Tempe Town Lake gatherings all create heavy DUI patrol activity. Arizona State University students, young professionals, and visitors are frequently caught up in DUI checkpoints and targeted enforcement operations. A DUI conviction in Tempe carries the same mandatory minimums as anywhere in Arizona — 10 days jail for a first standard DUI, 30 days for extreme, 45 days for super extreme.
Tempe Municipal Court DUI Process
Misdemeanor DUI cases in Tempe are heard at Tempe Municipal Court at 140 E 5th Street. The process begins with arraignment, where you enter your plea and receive discovery. Pretrial conferences follow, where your attorney negotiates with the Tempe city prosecutor and files motions to suppress evidence. If the case cannot be resolved, it proceeds to trial before a judge. Having an attorney who regularly appears in this court gives you a significant strategic advantage.
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Criminal Defense in Tempe
Beyond DUI, our Tempe office handles the full spectrum of criminal defense — assault, domestic violence, drug crimes, theft, fraud, and felony charges. Whether your case is in Tempe Municipal Court or Maricopa County Superior Court, our team brings the same aggressive, experienced defense. We understand how Tempe police build cases, how the city prosecutor’s office evaluates charges, and what strategies work in these specific courts.
Why Choose Oliverson Law in Tempe
Our founding attorney Derek Oliverson has spent 17 years in Arizona’s criminal justice system — as a police officer who made arrests, a prosecutor who filed charges, and a city court judge who decided cases. This combination of experience is unmatched in the Tempe legal community. We have maintained a 4.9/5 rating from 150+ client reviews and have handled over 3,000 cases. Our Tempe office at 60 E Rio Salado Pkwy provides convenient access for clients throughout the East Valley.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is your Tempe office located? Our Tempe office is at 60 E Rio Salado Pkwy, Suite 900, Tempe, AZ 85281 — conveniently located near Tempe Town Lake and minutes from Tempe Municipal Court.
Do you handle cases at Tempe Municipal Court? Yes. Our attorneys regularly appear at Tempe Municipal Court for DUI, assault, domestic violence, and other misdemeanor cases. We also handle felony cases at Maricopa County Superior Court.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer in Tempe cost? Fees depend on the charges and complexity. We offer free consultations and transparent fee discussions. Many cases are handled on flat-fee arrangements so you know your total cost upfront.
Should I hire a lawyer for a first-offense DUI in Tempe? Absolutely. Arizona’s mandatory minimums apply even for first offenses — 10 days jail, $1,500+ fines, license suspension, and ignition interlock. An experienced attorney can often reduce or avoid these consequences.
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