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    Archives for June 2014

    New NFL policy hits harder on DUI

    New NFL policy hits harder on DUISome people believe that current DUI laws and penalties are too hard.  For others, the laws are not tough enough.  Well, now the National Football League — an organization that oversees some of America’s “toughest” — is tightening up its penalties for those who incur a DUI:.

    In accordance with imposing more stringent policies on substance abuse – including steroids such as human growth hormone (HGH)  — by players, the NFL is proposing an automatic suspension plus a monetary fine equal to one game’s paycheck, for a first-time DUI conviction.  Though the new rule is not yet in place, it represents a change from the current NFL rule on DUI, which is a fine of two game paychecks for first offenders and suspension for a second offense.  The NFLPA is also involved in negotiations regarding these revised rules for players.

    My readers may wonder why the activities of the NFL would find a place in this particular blog.  Well, I can think of many reasons.  One, to show that both alcohol and drug-related DUIs have become a serious enough problem to warrant more, and stricter penalties.  Two, to demonstrate that even celebrities are not exempt from accountability for their actions.  And perhaps most importantly, to show that in the near future, the professional football players we watch and admire will be held to standards that are even stricter than “regular” drivers.  Why do I say that?  Because with the new policy, not only would a player convicted of a DUI be subject to penalties under the law, but he would also be subject to penalties from his employer, so to speak.  Players’ livelihoods will be directly affected, more so than under previous rules.

    So whether you have a famous face, a record for yards rushed, or just a high school championship trophy, the Arizona law enforcement officer that stops you on suspicion of DUI won’t be impressed enough to let you drive away.  The laws apply to everyone, and for some offenders, additional penalties await.

    If you or someone you know has questions about how Arizona DUI laws may apply to you, please contact an experienced DUI attorney at Zachary Law Group.  We offer a FREE 30-minute case evaluation, to get a good start on finding solutions to your legal issues.  Whatever your concerns, we will do our best to identify your rights, find the best possible legal solution, and “Zach-It”!  Remember, DUI penalties are far more serious than five yards and a yellow flag.  So give us a call soon, at 1-855-Zach-law.

    Drug DUI classes: lessons in prevention

    Drug DUI classes: lessons in preventionOne of our recent blog postings focused on the classes that can be required in the penalty phase of a DUI conviction.  Online or in-person classes can be ordered for the offender, with the length and extent of the classes based on the offense and conviction.  Since “drugged driving” is included in Arizona DUI laws, this blog will focus more on the classes required for that offense.

    The term “DUI classes” is used most often, as an umbrella term for this type of education.  For drug-related offenses, these classes are also called “drug use reduction classes.”  To be absolutely literal, “reduction” is not the ideal result of the classes:  “elimination” or “never again” is more descriptive.  But the importance is to educate, inform, and monitor offenders so that their risky behavior changes to something safer.

    As with other DUI courses, drug DUI classes must be court-approved and licensed through the Arizona Department of Health Services.  They may be offered in classrooms or online, and the goal is to make the learning as accessible as possible.  The classes themselves may cover how drugs affect the body, what exactly the laws regarding drugs are, and there also are classes just about marijuana.

    A FAQ is:  do drug classes have drug tests?  Obviously, not the online classes.  And a classroom instructor is not permitted to give drug tests, but if the judge requires drug testing as part of an offender’s sentence, those tests must be taken when and where the court specifies.  The classroom is not one of those places, but if an instructor suspects a student is impaired, that student may be reported and required to go for testing right away. That’s an easy lesson:  don’t go to class high or stoned.

    When classes are completed satisfactorily, the offender receives documentation; failure to “graduate” can add jail time to an offender’s sentence, or revoke parole in some instances.

    At Zachary Law Group, we work on our clients’ behalf to establish and protect their legal rights as related to DUI situations.  If you need help, please get in touch with us for a FREE 30-minute case evaluation.  Together we will find a solution to your legal issues, including finding help for drug-related problems.  Bring your questions and we’ll do what we can to “Zach-It”! Don’t wait for your problems to go away by themselves.  Take this important first step by calling 1-855-Zach-law.

    Driving While Cool vs DUI

    Driving While Cool vs DUIThe words “iconic” and “cool” are definitely overused by a lot of us, but the Mustang has every right to own those adjectives.  Driving or riding in a Mustang has been cool since day one.  Now the car is iconic, legendary, inspiring all kinds of feelings from owners and collectors.

    What does this have to do with DUI, you ask?  Well, everything and nothing.  For the purposes of discussion we could say that anyone who cherishes a vehicle like a Mustang would never drive one in an impaired state, because the vehicle means so much to them.  But that point is not my point.  People love or value their vehicles and their passengers, and still drive impaired.  And whether that impairment goes on to cause injury to people or to vehicles, the driver carries the responsibility, whatever his or her reason was for drinking or using drugs before getting behind the wheel.

    The definition of what’s cool changes almost daily.  The Ford Mustang is now 50 years old, and as cool as ever.  Some people, unfortunately, still seem to believe that driving while impaired is cool, or at least, it is something that’s okay to do.  And the laws, and myself as a DUI attorney, are here to tell those people:  it isn’t.  Not ever.

    You don’t have to own a legendary car to want to drive safely and protect your passengers as well.  The vehicle you’re driving won’t affect the potential charges or penalties if you are stopped for a DUI.  Should that happen to you or someone you know, you are well advised to talk to an experienced attorney at Zachary Law Group. You may want to come in for our FREE 30-minute case evaluation, to help provide answers to your questions about your legal rights.  When we represent you, we’ll do everything we can to find the best possible solution to your situation, and “Zach-It”!  Give us a call soon, at 1-855-Zach-law.

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