Fewer Arizona Cinco de Mayo DUI arrests this year

Posted On May 14, 2014 Drunk Driving Charges

Facing charges related to drunk driving can be very upsetting for residents across Arizona. Drivers know that we are not supposed to get behind the wheel after drinking, but people can make mistakes. Unfortunately, authorities are very aggressive in their pursuit to arrest people for these mistakes and they implement various initiatives in an attempt to curb the number of alcohol related incidents.

Each year, the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety announces a Cinco de Mayo drunk driving task force. This year was no different. Over 1,800 officers from across the state participated in the task force from May 1st through May 5th, actively seeking out violators of the state’s DUI laws.

This year during that period, 25 fewer DUI arrests were made than last year. Additionally, the average blood alcohol level of those arrested decreased slightly.

During the task force operation, officers made contact with many people, and citations increased for non-DUI violations, such as failure to wear a seatbelt and improper child restraints. These are among the violations that may seem minor but can give police the opportunity to pull over a driver. If that driver is intoxicated, any minor offense can end up resulting in a serious – and costly – DUI charge.

Driving while intoxicated carries with it many serious consequences, including jail, probation, license suspension, fines and court costs.

Cinco de Mayo is not the only holiday that traditionally involves celebrating with alcohol. St. Patrick’s Day and the Fourth of July can also be known for higher levels of alcohol consumption by those celebrating. Whether publicized or not, law enforcement officials typically step up their efforts to cite drunk drivers during such holidays.

If you do find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being charged with a DUI-related offense during a holiday or any other time, it is a good idea to speak with a DUI attorney in Glendale who may be able to guide you through the criminal justice process. Defending against the charges could prove to be an effective way of minimizing your exposure to punishment and protecting your future.

Source: KTAR, “Arizona Cinco de Mayo DUI arrests dropped in 2014,” May 6, 2014