A meeting recently took place at the State Capitol where members from many different Arizona law enforcement agencies convened to announce and discuss holiday DUI enforcement plans. DUI enforcement tools were on display and recent DUI statistics were shared to help reiterate the lack of tolerance Arizona law enforcement has towards driving while impaired.
This meeting came on the heels of a statement issued by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety regarding DUI enforcement plans that are scheduled throughout the month of December and into the first part of January. These plans include saturation patrols across Arizona.
A list of these saturation patrols shows that the East Valley will be heavily patrolled by its DUI Task Force at many different locations and on multiple dates and times throughout the holiday season. In fact, the East Valley DUI Task Force looks to be twice as busy as their West Valley counterparts with over twice as many patrols.
Department of Public Safety Director Frank Milstead made a statement at the event where he pointed out that these saturation patrols and task forces are not about arresting people, “but making sure the men and women serving in blue and tan make it home safe to their families and that a drunk driver does not ruin their life.”
In a statement to the public, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Director Alberto Gutier said:
“This holiday season, law enforcement officers will be out in full force looking for drunk and impaired drivers. We want to remind people to enjoy the holiday season, but do so responsibly by getting a sober designated driver, not a DUI.”
Arizona is well known for its harsh stance against DUI offenders. Not only does law enforcement spend millions of dollars each year cracking down on impaired motorists, but offenders face fierce prosecution and heavy punishment in the court system. According to Phoenix Police Chief Joe Yahner, the Phoenix Police Department alone makes over 4000 DUI related arrests every year.
Those who are arrested for DUI in the East Valley or anywhere in Arizona need to call an attorney as soon as possible. In a DUI case, timing is everything. There are many components to a good DUI defense that come down to specific details. The shock of being arrested and charged with DUI can easily throw you off and prevent you from remembering those details days or even hours later. The sooner you are in contact with an experienced DUI attorney, the better chance your attorney has at collecting data and evidence that can be used in your defense.
We share this news about the upcoming holiday DUI crackdown in the East Valley for 2 reasons – first as a reminder to avoid drinking and driving this holiday season. Reports show that half of all driving deaths in Arizona involve drugs or alcohol. Secondly, to remind you to please call Naegle & Crider Criminal Defense Attorneys if you or someone you love is facing a DUI this holiday season. You can call 480-245-5550 anytime day or night.