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The 2019 DUI TASK Force is in Full Swing

"Have fun during the Thanksgiving break, but not too much. Beginning Wednesday night, extra patrol officers will be stationed on roads across metro Phoenix to watch for impaired drivers"

That was the warning issued recently to people who plan to attend holiday gatherings between Thanksgiving and New Years Day.  Similar to recent years, police put extra emphasis on patrolling the streets and highways in the greater Phoenix area during the holiday season to stop drivers who may be impaired by alcohol or drugs.  Generally, two DUI Task Forces are formed with the goal of investigating, arresting and prosecuting people who consume alcohol and operate a motor vehicle.  The East Valley Task Force is usually comprised of officers from Arizona State University, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community while the West Valley DUI Task Force is staffed by police from Avondale, Buckeye, El Mirage, Goodyear, Peoria, Surprise, Tolleson and Wickenburg.  Officers from Phoenix and Glendale as well as the Maricopa County Sheriff and Department of Public Safety are expected to increase DUI enforcement in their jurisdiction as well. 

What to Do if Your Stopped for DUI

Of course, the best practice you can follow is to avoid drinking and driving at all times, including the holiday season.  Designated drivers, taxis and rideshare services should be used when you consume alcohol and decide to visit another location or return home.  By doing this, you can avoid the possibility of being arrested and prosecuted for DUI and avoid being a threat to the safety of other motorists and pedestrians.  DUI convictions in Arizona results in significant fines, jail, loss of drivers license, ignition interlock devices and alcohol education classes.  If you are involved in an accident while impaired by alcohol or drugs and someone is injured or killed, you will likely be charged with Aggravated Assault, manslaughter or even murder.

If you happen to consume alcohol and are subsequently stopped by police, here are a few tips to should follow: 

Be Polite - Don't argue with officers as that will be used as further evidence of impairment.  Simply provide your license, registration and insurance

Don't Participate in Field Sobriety Tests -  Officers will usually ask you to participate in tests such as Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, the Walk and Turn or One Leg Stand. These tests are completely voluntary.  You should inform the officer that you do not intend to participate in them.

Request to Speak with a Lawyer -  Anyone suspected of DUI has the right to consult with a lawyer to determine whether they should take a breath, blood or urine test, arrange for independent testing or gather exculpatory evidence.  You should request an immediate and private consultation witha lawyer upon being arrested for DUI.

Remain Silent - Officers will always ask you about alcohol consumption, impairment to drive, etc. upon being stopped and after being arrested.  Politey advise the officers that you do not wish to answer any questions.

Blood Breath or Urine Tests - Unless you are being investigated for a second DUI offense within seven years, an Aggravated DUI or a DUI resulting in someone's injury or death, you are usually well advised to provide a sample of your blood breath or urine at the officer's request.  If you refuse to do so, you risk losing your licsne for one year.  Also, officers will simply obtain a court order and trake a blood sample via court order.   

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