DUI, OUI, DWI Lawyer
Serving the Kingman, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, AZ and Laughlin, NV Areas
DUI
In the cases when you’ve been pulled over for drunk driving, you face a hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and a criminal trial for the crime of DUI (also known as DWI).
Here we will request a DMV hearing on your behalf and work to avoid the duration of your license suspension. We will also fight charges through trial advocacy and negotiation as necessary.
We are experienced in handling not only alcohol related drug offenses, but DUIs that allegedly stem from the following sources:
- Methamphetamines
- Speed
- Marijuana
- Vicodin®
- Valium®
- Percocet®
- Darvocet®
It may be that the evidence against you is faulty or was seized illegally. If so, we will fight to get the charges dismissed. We can also negotiate over issues such as rehabilitation and probation rather than jail time.New Paragraph
Assault and aggravated assault
Since we’ve spent the last 3 decades successfully defending clients against major criminal charges, we know what we’re up against. If you’ve been involved in an altercation involving bodily harm, dangerous firearms or a physically violent interaction, you can be charged with aggravated assault, sometimes leading to prison sentences of up to 15 years.
We are committed to minimizing your legal consequences by outwitting prosecution teams that want to increase your sentence. We always ask important questions such as:
- Were you acting in self-defense?
- Were you acting in defense of a third person?
- Does the individual accusing you of assault have a history of violence?
- What are other witnesses saying?
- Could this be a case of mistaken identity?
Violent crimes
Our team regularly handles routine violent assault charges including:
Assault/aggravated assault
Domestic violence
Child abuse
Kidnapping
Burglary
Gun crimes
Gang crimes
Murder/manslaughter
Let us help you handle your criminal defense case today in Kingman, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Arizona and Laughlin Nevada areas.
Common Questions
As a Business and Commercial Lawyer serving clients across Bullhead City, Kingman, Lake Havasu, and Parker, Arizona, I frequently guide entrepreneurs and established companies through a wide range of legal challenges and opportunities. Understanding the legal landscape is crucial for success, and many common questions arise. Here are answers to 15 of the most frequent inquiries I receive, offering insights relevant to operating a business in our Arizona communities:
What's the best legal structure for my new business in Arizona?
Choosing between entities like a Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), or Corporation is a foundational decision. It impacts your personal liability, how your business is taxed, its management structure, and its potential for future growth or investment. For many small and medium-sized businesses in Arizona, an LLC is a popular choice due to its balance of liability protection for owners and flexible tax treatment.
Do I really need a lawyer to start a business, or can I do it myself?
While you can certainly handle some initial steps yourself, consulting a business lawyer is highly recommended. We help you select the optimal legal structure, draft crucial internal agreements like operating agreements or partnership agreements, navigate state and local licensing requirements specific to Bullhead City or Lake Havasu, and proactively avoid common legal pitfalls that can be costly later on.
What are the key contracts my business absolutely needs to have in place?
Beyond the foundational documents for your business entity, essential contracts often include operating agreements (for LLCs), partnership agreements, employment agreements, independent contractor agreements, vendor contracts, and client service agreements. Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are also vital for protecting sensitive business information. These documents are the backbone of your business relationships and protect your interests.
How can I effectively protect my business's intellectual property (IP)?
Protecting your IP involves various strategies. This includes registering trademarks for your brand names, logos, and slogans with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), securing copyrights for original creative works like website content or marketing materials, and implementing measures to safeguard trade secrets such as unique processes or customer lists. A strong IP strategy is crucial for maintaining your competitive edge.
What is contract review, and why is it so important for my business?
Contract review involves a lawyer meticulously examining any proposed agreement before you sign it. This process identifies potential risks, clarifies ambiguous terms, ensures the contract aligns with your business objectives, and confirms its legal enforceability under Arizona law. It’s a critical preventative measure that can save your business from costly disputes, misunderstandings, and unfavorable terms down the line.
If my business has a contract dispute, what are the typical steps to resolve it?
If a contract dispute arises, the first step is usually to review the contract thoroughly to understand the rights and obligations of all parties. Then, direct communication with the other party to seek an amicable resolution is often attempted. If that fails, options typically include alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation or arbitration, or, as a last resort, commercial litigation. Legal counsel can advise on the most strategic path to protect your business’s interests.
What are my main legal obligations as an employer in Arizona?
As an employer in Arizona, you must comply with a complex web of state and federal laws. This includes regulations regarding hiring practices, minimum wage and overtime rules, anti-discrimination laws, workplace safety standards, proper classification of employees versus independent contractors, and lawful termination procedures. Staying compliant is essential to avoid costly penalties and lawsuits.
Do I need a lawyer if I'm looking to buy or sell an existing business?
Absolutely. Buying or selling a business, whether in Bullhead City or Kingman, is a highly complex transaction. It involves extensive due diligence (investigating the business’s financial and legal health), negotiating and drafting intricate asset or stock purchase agreements, understanding tax implications, and navigating potential liabilities. A lawyer ensures your interests are protected throughout the entire process.
What exactly does "commercial litigation" involve?
Commercial litigation refers to legal disputes that arise in a business context. This can encompass a wide array of issues, including breaches of contract, partnership disputes, intellectual property infringement claims, unfair competition allegations, or disputes over business torts. When these conflicts cannot be resolved through negotiation, they may proceed to court.
What are the most effective ways for my business to avoid lawsuits proactively?
Proactive legal measures are your best defense. This includes ensuring all your contracts are clear, comprehensive, and well-drafted, implementing robust internal policies and procedures, conducting regular legal reviews of your business practices, and promptly addressing and attempting to resolve minor disputes before they escalate into formal legal action. An ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure.
What is corporate governance, and why is it important for my company?
Corporate governance refers to the system of rules, practices, and processes by which a company is directed and controlled. It defines the relationship among management, the board of directors, shareholders, and other stakeholders. Good governance ensures legal compliance, ethical operation, transparency, and accountability, which are vital for long-term stability and investor confidence.
How often should my business review and update its legal documents?
It’s wise to review and update your business’s foundational legal documents at least annually. Additionally, you should conduct a review whenever there are significant changes to your business (e.g., new partners, expansion into new services in Parker, major investments), changes in relevant state or federal laws, or if your business encounters any significant disputes.
What are some common legal pitfalls that small businesses frequently encounter?
Many small businesses fall into traps such as using inadequate or generic contracts, failing to properly protect their intellectual property, misclassifying employees as independent contractors, neglecting to comply with industry-specific regulations, or lacking a clear strategy for resolving disputes. These oversights can lead to significant financial and legal headaches.
How can a business lawyer assist with regulatory compliance for my specific industry?
A business lawyer helps you understand and adhere to the myriad of specific laws and regulations that govern your particular industry. Whether it’s local zoning ordinances in Bullhead City, state licensing requirements in Arizona for your profession, or federal consumer protection laws, we ensure your business operates within legal boundaries, minimizing the risk of fines or sanctions.
What's the very first step I should take if I have a legal question about my business?
The most crucial first step is to contact an experienced Business and Commercial Lawyer. We typically offer initial consultations to discuss your specific concerns, assess your situation, and provide preliminary advice on the best legal path forward for your business, whether you’re operating in Bullhead City, Kingman, Lake Havasu, or Parker, Arizona. Early legal advice can save you significant time and resources.
Contact Our Kingman Business Litigation Attorneys Today
We invite you to contact Knochel Law Offices, P.C., today at 928-542-4218, or toll free 866-674-4003, to schedule a confidential consultation about your appeal. Our law office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evening and weekend appointments are available upon request. We offer many of our services for flat fees rather than billing by the hour. Our firm accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit cards.
