Increased DUI Patrols in Arizona Over the Holidays

December 14, 2012

It is not uncommon for holiday festivities to include alcoholic drinks with friends and family. This season, however, authorities ask Arizona residents to drink responsibly. If you decide to partake in the holiday merriment, drink in moderation and do not to get behind the wheel.

Driving under the influence is much more prevalent during the holidays. The winter season involves Christmas and New Year's parties, which often result in a dramatic increase in DUI arrests during this time of year.

This year, state authorities are combining efforts to crack down on inebriated motorists. For example, the Pima County Sheriff's Department has announced an increase in DUI enforcement over the next couple of weeks.

Set sobriety checkpoints will be placed over the latter part of December 2012. Checkpoints are used by law enforcement agencies to stop traffic on public streets and highways for the purpose of evaluating motorists for intoxication. The state will also implement saturation patrols. These are used by authorities to organize additional police officers to targeted roadways during select times to apprehend impaired drivers.

Financial consequences of a DUI conviction

Cpl. Scott Borgstadt of the Sierra Vista Police Department has done some research regarding the financial penalties associated with a DUI conviction. He has found that the fines, fees and other costs total more than $10,000 over a three-year period. For example, a mandatory night in jail and the costs of alcohol screening or counseling fees can be over $500. These expenses increase for those with a higher blood-alcohol content (larger fines and longer jail time).

Other expenses include the installation and maintenance of a mandatory vehicle interlock device, totaling almost $650. Furthermore, premiums for drivers with a DUI conviction can triple within three years, resulting in thousands of additional dollars.

Additionally, while .08 may be the legal blood-alcohol content level in Arizona, this number is not required for a DUI conviction. If an officer can demonstrate that the operator of a vehicle was impaired at the time, a BAC level of .05 is sufficient for a citation. Moreover, this conviction carries the same fines, fees and penalties associated with .08 BAC or higher.

The Southeastern Arizona DUI Task Force is scheduled to be out during the last week of December.

Take appropriate precautions when you celebrate this holiday season. If you are arrested for DUI, you should retain an experienced criminal law attorney. A lawyer can help you fight your case and any financial consequences associated with a conviction.

Article provided by Law Office of Vladimir Gagic PLLC
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