DUI Arrest Rate Drops For The First Time In A Decade

DUI Arrest Rate Drops For The First Time In A Decade

In January of 2014, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety announced that DUI arrests have dropped for the first time in over a decade. Officers who worked with the task force made over 29,000 DUI arrests in 2013. This was a decrease of more than 3,000 from 2012’s total, according to the Office of Highway Safety. Official sources state that officers made nearly 4,000 DUI arrests during the 2013 holiday season. The task force’s total traffic stops fell in 2013, from more than 875,000 in 2012 to about 765,000 in 2013.

Arizona DUI Mandatory Penalties

On January 1, 2012, the new Arizona DUI mandatory penalties went into effect for individuals charged with operating a vehicle under the influence. The creation of mandatory DUI penalties has made it much more difficult for any driver stopped and charged with driving under the influence. Even standard DUI convictions now carry mandatory license suspensions and jail time. For a complete overview of the mandatory penalties involved, please see our article entitled Arizona DUI Mandatory Penalties.

What to do if pulled over

Contacting an experienced attorney can help you face felony or misdemeanor DUI charges. We can also help you retain your rights during an ”Extreme DUI” or “Super Extreme DUI” crisis. The police have the right to stop drivers of motor vehicles if a traffic offense is observed. Only reasonable suspicion to believe that a traffic violation has occurred is required to justify the stop. Among the more common reasons for stopping a vehicle are speeding, illegal turn or following too closely. Police will often ask a motorist they suspect of being involved in criminal activity a series of questions designed to develop evidence. What you need to remember is that you are under no obligation to answer such invasive questions. Under Arizona law, you must provide the officer with your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.

You can refuse to take any roadside sobriety test without penalty. You can also refuse to take a breathalizer, but the officer on scene can apply for an immediate warrant to draw blood without your permission. This also adds additional penalties. Do not admit to anything. Anything you say to a police officer can and will be used against you in court. The best practice is to remain silent.

To protect your rights, and your future, Call (602)889-6273 for a initial consultation with an experienced Enholm Law, PLLC Arizona DUI Attorney today.