Holiday time usually equals a high law enforcement presence on Arizona roads.

The holidays are a fun time. A time when family and friends get back together to celebrate, and maybe party. When alcohol is present at the party, the risk for a DUI charge on the way home is high. Holiday time usually equals a high law enforcement presence on Arizona roads.

Arizona has incredibly strict DUI laws, some of the strictest in the nation. Holidays are a time when police are looking their hardest for those who they believe are intoxicated, even if they've barely had a drink. Arizona has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to drinking and driving.

Nearly 500 DUI Arrests Over the 2017 Labor Day Weekend

Speaking of holidays, one great holiday is the celebration of this country's workers: Labor Day. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and a cold beer on a hot day go a long way toward a good time. However, for many Arizona drivers, the drive home can and has changed their lives forever.

Across the state, Arizona law enforcement arrested nearly 500 people in 2017 for offenses relating to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in 2017. According to the Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety:

• 490 arrests were made in Arizona between September 1 through 4.
• The majority of the offense were for first time DUI..
• More than 4 dozen arrests for Aggravated DUI were made.
• 114 arrests were for Extreme DUI (blood alcohol content of 0.015% or higher).
• 20 of the 490 DUI arrests were for drivers who were under 21 years old.

The number of arrests for DUI was less than in previous years, which many attribute to Arizona's strong enforcement of its zero tolerance policy towards drinking and driving.

Almost 100 DUI checkpoints were set up across the state to catch intoxicated drivers, resulting in a great many arrests. Inevitably, Arizona law enforcement will participate in similar enforcement measures this coming up Labor Day weekend. If that enforcement resulted in a DUI charge, an experienced Arizona DUI attorney will fight for your rights.

Increased Labor Day Patrols

In 2018, patrols will be stepped up over the Labor Day weekend as part of an enhanced DUI enforcement. For example, the Kingman Police Department is able to provide this enhanced enforcement because of a grant from the Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety. The department posted this news on its Facebook page, with a request from other Arizonans to call in if they see impaired driving.

Defending Your Northern Arizona DUI

With the help of an experienced attorney, there are ways to defend your case to protect your constitutional rights. In some cases, you may be able to reduce your charges or even have them dismissed.

• Challenge the constitutionality of any DUI checkpoint;
• Prove inaccuracies with breath, blood, or urine test;
• Challenge the results of a field sobriety test;
• Present evidence of police misconduct or failure to follow proper procedure during arrest;
• Challenge the reason for the stop (pretextual stops);
• Negotiate lesser charges in exchange for a favorable plea.

Without a proper defense, you face serious DUI penalties which can affect your finances, your ability to drive, and your freedom.

Consult an Arizona DUI Attorney

If you have been charged with DUI in Arizona, an experienced attorney at the Law Offices of Shawn B. Hamp can represent you in your defense.

We serve clients in Mohave, Yavapai, La Paz, and Coconino Counties, including the communities of Kingman, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, Parker, Prescott, Williams and Flagstaff, Arizona. Contact us today for a free consultation.