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DUI Saturation Patrols Are Planned for Cinco de Mayo

Posted by Raymond Kimble | May 02, 2023 | 0 Comments

Every year people in the greater Phoenix area gather at local bars and restaurants to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.  The entire weekend of May 5th has become a time for people to eat Mexican food and consume margaritas, tequila and beer.  Not coincidently, police saturate patrols and look for drivers who may be impaired.   Undoubtedly, 2023 will be no different.  Officers in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert and Mesa will establish local task forces aimed at detecting, arresting and prosecuting drivers who may have consumed to much alcohol before getting behind the wheel.

Unfortunately, impaired driving continues to be a significant problem in the greater Phoenix area.  In fact, a recent news story mentioned that Arizona ranks very high with respect to deaths caused by drunk driving accidents.  Consequently, police are much more likely to focus efforts aimed at impaired drivers and enforce the "zero tolerance" policy this State is well known for.  

Aside from the safety risks and potential for injury or death associated with drunk driving, people should be aware that Arizona imposes some of the harshest penalties in the country upon individuals convicted of DUI.  If treated as a misdemeanor DUI, Extreme DUI or Supe Extreme DUI, the punishment can involve:

  • Up to 45 days or more in jail
  • Probation
  • Fines of Several Thousand Dollars
  • Mandatory Classes
  • Loss of Driver's License
  • Required Ignition Interlock Device in Your Car

A second offense within seven years or prosecution for a felony, Aggravated DUI can result in more jail time, increased fines and the possibility of a prison sentence.

What to do if Suspected of DUI

If stopped by police and investigated for a DUI, there are a number of important steps you can take to protect your rights.  Although you might not avoid being arrested, it is best not to provide information which can later be used by the prosecution.  You should:

1. Stay Calm - Provide required documents to police when requested and be polite.  If you are aggressive or panicked, police will be more likely to further an investigation

2. Remain Silent - You are not required to answer any questions about your activities, your destination or alcohol consumption.

3. Refuse Field Sobriety Tests - Participation in the field sobriety tests is completely voluntary.  Consequently, you should politely refuse to do any field tests.

4. Don't Make a U-Turn to Avoid a Checkpoint:  - Unless there is a parking lot nearby to enter, do not make a U-Turn to avoid a DUI checkpoint.  Doing so will probably be a traffic violation in itself and result in you being stopped by police.

5. Call a Lawyer - If arrested for DUI in Arizona, you have the right to consult privately with an attorney prior to taking a blood, breath or urine test. You should request to speak with a lawyer immediately upon being arrested. Consultation with an attorney can help you  decide whether to participate in a breath or blood test, arrange for independent testing and avoid serious MVD consequences.  You should meet with and retain a lawyer after being released.

Can a DUI Charge Be Defended?

Although DUI cases are difficult, an experienced attorney can be of great benefit in helping you achieve the most favorable outcome possible.  Some potential issues and defenses which must be examined include:

1. Lack of Driving or Actual Physical Control
2. No Reasonable Suspicion to Stop You
3. No Probable Cause to Arrest You
4. Improperly Administered Field Sobriety Tests (FST's)

5. Denial of Your Right to Speak with an Attorney

6. Violation of Miranda Warnings
7. Inaccuracy of the Breath Testing Device
8. Inadmissibility of Portable Breath Testing Device (PBT) Results:
10. Inaccurate Blood Test Results
11. Denial of or Interference with an Independent Test:

Call (480) 833-8613 For Help With Your DUI Case

Undoubtedly, a DUI conviction will result in very severe penalties. If you are charged with DUI in any city within the greater Phoenix area, you should immediately consult with an experienced DUI lawyer for assistance.  Attorney Raymond Kimble is a former police officer, DUI and felony prosecutor and has represented thousands of people charged with DUI in Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Phoenix and other cities throughout Maricopa and Pinal Counties over the last twenty years. Ray Kimble  will have a clear understanding of all the circumstances in your case, along with the knowledge, skill and experience to protect your drivers license and achieve the best possible outcome for you.   

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About the Author

Raymond Kimble

About Raymond Kimble Attorney Raymond Kimble has built his law practice on the philosophy that each client deserves consistent individual attention. Ray realizes that being charged with a DUI or criminal offense is one of the most stressful events in a person's life. A DUI, felony or misdemeanor arrest can involve prison or jail time, probation, huge fines and a criminal record. Consequently, people who face DUI, felony or misdemeanor charges in Arizona are placed at risk of losing employment or being barred from future job opportunities. Ray works to lessen his client's anxiety by ensuring that they have direct access to him at all times and can reach him by e-mail, cell phone or text during normal business hours as well as nights or weekends if they have a pressing question or concern. Raymond Kimble is a dedicated DUI and criminal defense lawyer who has built a reputation of working tirelessly to protect his client's constitutional rights, their future and liberty. Ray strives to provide the strongest defense possible for each client despite the obstacles they may face. Put Experience to Work for You Raymond Kimble's twenty years of experience with respect to DUI, misdemeanor and felony criminal charges extends well beyond law school where he graduated within the top ten percent of his class. Ray was a police officer for ten years prior to becoming an attorney. As a police officer, Ray was trained in both DUI and criminal investigation and his personal involvement in criminal cases while a police officer certainly gives him a unique perspective when reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses and challenging physical evidence. Ray often identifies legal issues or mistakes made by police during an investigation through his own personal experience as a patrol officer. In addition to his police experience, Raymond Kimble worked as a prosecutor with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office where he was responsible for prosecuting DUI, felony and misdemeanor crimes. During his tenure as a prosecutor, Ray conducted a number of jury trials and hearings related to the admissibility of evidence. Through his involvement with these cases as a prosecutor, Ray learned how to properly evaluate the strength and weaknesses of a DUI, misdemeanor or felony charge and became skilled in jury selection, argument, and the direct and cross examination of both civilian witnesses, experts and police officers. Of course, Raymond Kimble's expertise extends beyond his experience as a police officer and prosecutor. Specifically, Ray has successfully represented thousands of people during the last fifteen years throughout Maricopa County, Arizona. To best serve his Clients, Raymond remains current on changes in the law as well as police tactics by regularly attending seminars focused on defending criminal charges and reading the latest articles and books related to DUI and criminal defense. Ray also regularly writes criminal defense blogs and posts so that people faced with a criminal charge are better informed about their rights.

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