Like a gushing movie reviewer, or a president solemnly decorating a general’s starched uniform, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers also bestows stars for excellence. In the case of MADD, the stars are awarded to states for their efforts to prevent DUI offenders from harming others.
Arizona was recently given five stars by the organization for its efforts in the five categories MADD considers crucial in their crusade.
According to the organization’s website, the five crucial areas are the following:
- Ignition interlock laws that require installation of the devices for first-time DUI (aka DWI) offenders. In Arizona, the devices must be installed and maintained at the offender’s expense. As you know, the devices can detect alcohol in the breath of a driver and prevent the vehicle from being started.
- Sobriety checkpoints must be legal in the states that get a star in this category. MADD says the checkpoints at which all drivers are stopped to check for impairment are “the primary way to protect the public.” Thirty-eight states allow the enforcement tactic, including Arizona.
- Driver’s license revocation must also be a part of enforcement efforts, the organization says. When police officers can immediately confiscate the license of a suspected DUI driver, the state is awarded a star by MADD.
- Child endangerment laws are also considered crucial by the group. In our state, a DUI can become a felony if a minor is in the vehicle.
- Expedited warrants are also a part of the enforcement approach favored by MADD. These states will have prosecutors and judges available to speed up the warrant process for no-refusal events.
No one doubts Arizona’s efforts to crack down on drunken driving, which is why it’s so important to those charged with the offense to have an attorney experienced in DUI defense analyze their case and help them pursue the best available legal options.