There’s no place like home for the holidays, but be careful, Arizona, and the greater Phoenix Area in particular, have rigorous DUI saturation patrols near Hanukah, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
The holiday season, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is a dangerous time as those consuming too much alcohol, marijuana and other drugs get behind the wheel of a car. The police are less likely to give a driver the benefit of the doubt during this time of year and investigative problems are more likely to arise during saturation patrols. If you find yourself arrested for DUI, you need to consult with an attorney immediately, especially of you have been involved in a DUI/DWI task force investigation.
During the holiday season, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrests increase dramatically. Accidents, injuries and deaths from DUI drivers are substantially increased. Arrests for DUI increase by over 25% from the next highest DUI holiday, Memorial Day.[1] It’s important to behave responsibly anytime you drive, but one should be increasingly vigilant during the holidays. Many of us are aware that as the night goes on, the drinks seem to go down easier.
In addition to the inherent dangers of DUI there is a large increase in law enforcement control. DUI checkpoints, task forces and saturation patrols are put into action for the specific purpose of stopping impaired drivers. DUI checkpoints are legal in Arizona and result in numerous arrests every year. Not all charges at a checkpoint are for DUI. Other charges resulting from a stop might include; minor in possession of alcohol, driving on suspended license, drug or drug paraphernalia, and many more.
Of course, there are many ways to avoid a DUI and DUI checkpoint or task force including,
- Don’t ever drink if you plan to drive, and don’t ever drive if you’ve had a drink.
- Having a designated sober driver to take you home if you anticipate drinking any alcohol during an event.
- Contact a ride-share like Uber or Lyft, call a cab or check if there are any Safe or Sober ride programs that provide free rides home for intoxicated people.
- Arrange to spend the night if possible or make reservations at a hotel with a shuttle or driver that can pick you up. If your event is being held at a hotel event center, make a room reservation at the hotel well before the event.
Though avoiding a DUI altogether is the best course, human beings make mistakes. Convictions for DUI and/or other charges resulting from a stop can result in criminal penalties that include jail, loss of driving privileges, fees, fines, substance abuse counseling, ignition interlocks, and more. Representation by an experienced and qualified criminal defense attorney is your best chance of minimizing unusually harsh consequences.
Mr. Califano will defend your rights, make sure you are treated fairly, and in some instances may be able to apply legal defenses that will lead to a favorable outcome that might include reducing or avoiding jail time, reducing charges, partial dismissals or full dismissal of charges. He will discuss with you the evidence in your case and decide with you whether a trial might bring a more favorable outcome than a plea.
It’s always better to avoid a problem, but if you find yourself in a situation where a holiday task force, saturation patrol, or check point results in you being charged with a crime, ask to speak with an attorney. Mr. Califano is an experienced criminal defense attorney with over 12 years of criminal defense experience. He responds to calls day or night, weekend or holiday from every part of Arizona.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU AND YOURS
THE LAW OFFICE OF KRISTOPHER R. CALIFANO, PLLC
