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Federal DUI Attorney in Arizona for Grand Canyon & National Park Charges

A DUI or Criminal Charge on Federal Land Is Different — You Need a Lawyer Who Handles Federal Cases

If you were cited or arrested in Grand Canyon National Park, Sunset Crater, Glen Canyon, or any other federal land in Northern Arizona, your case will be prosecuted in federal court — not state court. This process is very different from a typical Arizona DUI or misdemeanor and often surprises out-of-state visitors who assumed it was a “regular” citation.


Federal DUIs are usually filed as federal misdemeanors, but they still carry serious consequences: potential jail time, fines, probation, license issues, and a federal conviction. The procedures, timelines, and court expectations are unique — including the fact that many federal DUIs are handled by bench trial only, not jury trial.


The good news? With an attorney who is licensed in U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, you can navigate this unfamiliar system with confidence.

What We Help With

Federal DUI in National Parks

We represent visitors and locals charged with DUI in:



  • Grand Canyon
  • Glen Canyon / Lake Powell
  • Sunset Crater
  • Wupatki
  • Walnut Canyon
  • Coconino National Forest


These cases follow federal rules, federal sentencing structures, and are prosecuted by federal attorneys.

Federal Criminal Charges on Protected Lands

In addition to DUI, we handle:



  • Disorderly conduct
  • Possession offenses on federal land
  • Boating offenses at Lake Powell
  • Traffic or safety violations issued by federal officers

Out-of-State Visitor Defense

Most people charged in national parks do not live in Arizona. We work to minimize or eliminate the need for repeated travel and handle as much as possible on your behalf.

Representation in Federal Court Proceedings

We appear in federal court in Flagstaff and, when necessary, in Grand Canyon Magistrate Court, addressing citations, arraignments, negotiations, and dispositions.

Cases Overlapping Tribal or Reservation Borders

When an incident occurs near tribal land or crosses jurisdictions, we help identify the proper venue and advise on next steps.

Mistakes That Can Make a Federal Case Much Worse

  • Ignoring a federal citation after leaving Arizona.
    Federal charges will not disappear — missing court is a federal offense.


  • Assuming federal penalties will be extreme.
    Federal DUIs are serious, but many resolve similarly to state DUIs when handled properly.


  • Hiring a lawyer not licensed in federal court.
    Only certain attorneys may practice in U.S. District Court.


  • Treating a federal DUI like a state DUI.
    Federal rules, timelines, and procedures are entirely different.



  • Waiting too long to hire counsel.
    Federal summons deadlines and response requirements move quickly.
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What the Federal DUI Process Looks Like

Optional Steps:

01

Citation Review & Court Scheduling

Most federal DUIs start with a citation directing you to appear weeks later. We handle scheduling and filings.

02

Negotiation With Federal Prosecutors

Many cases resolve through negotiations before trial — even in federal court.

03

Evidence Challenges

Field tests, probable cause, breath and blood testing procedures, and ranger reports can be challenged just like in state DUIs.

04

Minimizing Travel for Out-of-State Clients

We often appear for clients at early stages, reducing or eliminating the need for repeated trips to Arizona.

05

Federal Sentencing Advocacy

We present mitigation such as clean records, good character, and proactive steps like alcohol education.

 If You’re Not Sure What to Do Next

If you were cited while visiting Arizona

We will handle communication with the court and prosecutors so you don’t have to travel unnecessarily.

If you’re confused by the federal process

We explain every step — citations, summons, bench trials — so you understand exactly what comes next.

If you fear federal jail time

Most federal DUI cases are negotiable and often resolve with manageable penalties for first-time offenders.

If the charge happened at Grand Canyon or Lake Powell

We regularly defend visitors charged in these locations and know the rangers, procedures, and court routines.

If you also received related charges

We address accompanying citations such as disorderly conduct, traffic violations, or underage issues.

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Common Questions About Federal DUI & Criminal Charges

  • How is a federal DUI different from an Arizona DUI?

    It is prosecuted in federal court, follows federal procedures, and may involve different rights (like bench trials instead of jury trials).

  • Will I have to return to Arizona for court?

    Sometimes — but often only once, or not at all for certain resolutions. We aim to minimize travel for out-of-state clients.

  • Are penalties harsher in federal court?

    Not always. They can mirror state penalties, and negotiation is often possible.

  • Is a federal DUI a felony?

    Typically no — most are misdemeanors unless aggravating factors exist.

  • Can I fight breath or blood test results?

    Yes. Scientific challenges apply in federal cases just as they do in state court.

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Charged on Federal Land? Get Defense From a Local Federal Attorney

From Sedona to Williams, Page, Tuba City, and Winslow, the Law Office of Matthew J. Poirier, PLLC helps visitors and residents handle the complex process of federal DUIs and criminal charges.


Whether your incident occurred in Grand Canyon National Park or any federal area in Northern Arizona, you deserve experienced representation in a system few lawyers navigate daily.