“A growing percentage of arrests statewide for driving under the influence are related to prescription and illicit drugs, not alcohol, authorities say. Overall DUI arrests are down, but authorities attribute the surge in DUI drug arrests to a combination of better enforcement and the continuing fallout from the prescription-drug epidemic. Arizona has nearly 500 officers trained to recognize the symptoms of drug impairment, compared with only a few two decades ago.
While the number of DUI arrests dropped more than 13 percent in 2012 from 2011, the number of DUI drug arrests increased 12 percent, according to Governor’s Office of Highway Safety statistics. The percentage of DUI arrests that were drug-related increased to 14 percent in 2012 from 11 percent a year earlier.”
If interested, there’s more on the topic and number here:http://www.azcentral.com/community/gilbert/articles/20130114arizona-drug-related-duis-rising.html
Charlie Naegle is a Gilbert DUI lawyer who knows and understands DUI law in Arizona. It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible when charged with any of types of DUI charges. If you’re facing DUI charges in Mesa Arizona, it is still possible to escape punishment or have the charges significantly reduced through the help of a capable Criminal Defense Attorney from Naegle & Crider Criminal Defense Attorneys.