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    DUI

    How’s my driving? Ask my car!

    How’s my driving? How’s my driving? Ask my car! Thanks to the ever-amazing world of technology available to us now, keeping tabs on a driver’s behavior behind the wheel is taking on a whole new significance.

    As of this writing, two major vehicle insurance providers are utilizing data from auto industry telematics – that is, portable devices that can monitor driving habits. These devices plug into a car and provide information that can be collected remotely, about the vehicle (and driver’s) performance on the road.

    These devices are, right now, completely voluntary, but drivers who elect to use them can earn discounts on their vehicle insurance. In addition to these plug-in devices, cell phone apps are also in use that can provide the same kind of information to insurers. So good drivers get discounts. No news there.

    But let’s look at it from a different angle. Can these devices detect DUI or impaired driving? An ignition interlock device can. Right now,  telematic devices can detect things such as speeding. And if they don’t already, perhaps someday they will be like flight recorders-the “black boxes” on airplanes, and record information about accidents as well,  This information could be pertinent to DUI charges and convictions as well as to insurance companies, if they provide evidence of unsafe/impaired driving. Law enforcement already has many sophisticated tools at its disposal to help detect and prevent unsafe and impaired driving. These plug-in monitoring devices are some of the newest that could be added to the “arsenal,” so to speak.

    My final point: Technology can now both help detect – and hopefully, help to prevent – impaired driving. But ultimately, it is the driver’s decision whether to climb behind the wheel after becoming intoxicated on drugs or alcohol. After that single decision is made, the next series of decisions may be made by others, and may not go so well for that driver, if s/he is stopped and charged with DUI.

    As an experienced Arizona DUI attorney, I’m here to provide answers and legal guidance. If you, or someone you know, find you need help regarding a DUI situation, I encourage you to get in touch with Zachary Law Group. You may want to take advantage of our FREE 30-minute case evaluation. First thing we’ll do is look at your legal issue from every possible vantage point, and work toward the best possible solution. Bring your questions and concerns, and we’ll do our best to evaluate your situation and “Zach-It”! Simply give us a call at 1-855-Zach-law.

     

    A new definition of drug charges

    A new definition of drug chargesHere is a new definition of drug charges:  can you imagine buying marijuana on your credit card?  Regular readers of this blog know by now that medical marijuana is legal is 21 U.S. states, and that two states, Colorado and Washington, allow recreational use of marijuana. We have also discussed topics relating to the commercial, marketing, and economy-impacting aspects of the marijuana industry, so to speak.

    Here comes another revelation: In states where marijuana sales are legal one can purchase the drug and put it on your credit card.  Two major credit card providers, however, do not permit their cards to be used for the purchase of marijuana. And a third major card company allows their card to be used for marijuana purchases only in states in which the drug is legal. These credit card companies’ positions on marijuana sales, however, continue to evolve, as do the laws regarding marijuana itself. And as news stories and blogs continue to point out, debit cards are another story entirely.

    This topic is merely a jumping-off point: we all know that marijuana is legal in some places and some cases. Some people buy it illegally. Some people use it to excess. Some financial product providers make it more difficult to buy marijuana with their cards; others do not.

    Drug DUI is a very real offense, with very real penalties and consequences. Whether the drug itself is legal or not, the officer who stops your vehicle on suspicion of drug-impaired driving isn’t going to check your credit card receipts. He will, however, check for other physical signs of impairment. And if you are charged and convicted of drug DUI, you could very well end up with a lot more trouble than just a case of buyer’s remorse.

    Call this a cautionary tale, or blog, or anecdote. But if you would like more information about how Arizona DUI laws may affect you, or you are seeking legal advice regarding a DUI situation, please contact Zachary Law Group. We offer a FREE 30-minute case evaluation, to get started on the way to resolving your legal issues. We can provide answers to your questions, find solutions that can help you, and represent you in court, if need be. Worried about your legal problem? Let us “Zach-It”! Just get in touch with us by calling 1-855-Zach-law.

     

    Arizona DUI and the other kind of bars

    Arizona DUI and the other kind of barsStephen King set his “Shawshank Redemption” and “The Green Mile” stories in prison environments. Elvis swiveled his hips in striped pants and sang in “Jailhouse Rock.” “Orange Is The New Black” is one of the hottest TV shows around. “OZ” paved the way for other iconic HBO series.  What is it about jails and prisons that inspires so much drama?

    I believe that jails, penitentiaries and prisons fascinate people who are “watching” from the outside. Why? Horror, compassion, curiosity, and relief that it’s somebody else, just to name a few. But whatever feelings this subject elicits, I am not here to make generalizations, point fingers, or render any kind of judgment, personal or legal. My intent is to inform, educate and maybe even promote discussion about the subject of DUI.

    DUI and jail. DUI and prison. They go together like law and order. My extensive experience as a DUI attorney necessarily includes knowledge of Arizona DUI sentences. Even a first conviction can require jail time. Aggravated DUI convictions carry prison terms. Repeat offenders receive harsher penalties. It only gets worse from there, so let’s hope you never find out firsthand.

    And while you may enjoy reading about prisons, or have a favorite jail-centered TV show or movie, let’s agree on one point: it isn’t glamorous. It isn’t romantic. It isn’t fun. And the rest of the adjectives I would use in describing the experience of incarceration are all negative ones.

    Is being locked up once enough to put off an offender from committing another DUI? Again, I would say, let’s hope so. Unfortunately, the fact that the penalties get tougher for repeat offenders would seem to indicate that not everyone learns from experience.

    If you or someone you know is dealing with a DUI-related issue, please do not hesitate to give us a call at Zachary Law Group. Speak to an experienced attorney, FREE 30-minute case evaluation. We are here to help you, whether it’s to answer questions, establish your legal rights, and represent you in court. We have the knowledge and the experience to take on your legal problem and “Zach-It”! Do the smart thing and contact us soon, at 1-855-Zach-law.

    Palcohol and underage DUI

    Palcohol and underage DUIA new alcohol product on the market has many organizations and lawmakers concerned, notably Mothers Against Drunk Driving, particularly in relation to a new perceived threat to underage drinkers. The product, known as Palcohol, is a powdered form of ingestible alcohol. There are already many kinds of alcohol-“spiked” products on the market, such as alcohol/caffeinated beverages and even alcohol-infused whipped cream. Powdered Palcohol presents some new potential problems and/or advantages, depending on your point of view.

    Powered alcohol, obviously, is more easily portable in its one-ounce packets, and more easily hidden. This might make it very tempting for underage drinkers. It can be formulated in different flavors, but though it doesn’t create an instant beverage, it can also be abused like other drugs in powdered form, such as cocaine. And as readers of this blog know, even legal products can, and usually will be, abused by someone, somewhere. Unfortunately, when it comes to impairment, where there’s a will, there’s a way. Especially among teens experimenting with risky behavior in every possible form.

    As of this posting, the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau has not formally approved the Palcohol products. Initial “label approval” was rescinded this past April, but only time will tell whether the products will gain approval for sale in the U.S. And if Palcohol becomes legal, no doubt Arizona law enforcement officers will be trained regarding its formulations and effects, pertaining to DUI situations.

    Knowledge of new products and new laws is part of my responsibility as an Arizona DUI attorney. The more we know, we better we can help those in need of legal advice. If you, or someone you know, has any questions relating to DUI laws, or are facing a drug or alcohol DUI situation, please contact Zachary Law Group. We offer a FREE 30-minute case evaluation, to get started on resolving your legal issues. We will identify, establish and assert your legal rights, and work toward the best possible outcome. So don’t waste time worrying. Pick up your phone and talk to an experienced attorney, at 1-855-Zach-law.

    DUI and drunk dialing

    DUI and drunk dialingSome people, when they drink too much alcohol, can be seized by the impulse to communicate, by phone or cell phone, with people in their lives. Unfortunately, these communications can be as “impaired” as the person relaying them. Too much information? Too much emotion? Too many expletives? Let’s say that the “morning after” drunk dialing can include a large serving of regret.

    Now, how do you make an episode of drunk dialing or texting even worse? Do it while you are driving: that is, while driving impaired by alcohol. Driving while distracted can cause accidents. Driving while impaired is already dangerous in itself; add another element to distract the driver, and the results could be deadly.

    Change is the only constant. Languages and laws both change, and evolve, right along with the rest of the elements of daily living. At present, the state of Arizona does not have statutes that ban hand-held cell phone use while driving, or any laws in force that forbid texting while driving.  (Arizona school bus drivers are an exception; they may not use any type of cell phone while driving.)  Some states ban all cell phone use while driving; some concentrate only on younger or inexperienced “novice” drivers. It’s possible, maybe even likely, that these laws will change down the road.

    Arizona laws do forbid driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol, and people continue to need legal help in DUI-related situations. So please bring us your questions, concerns, and problems. At Zachary Law Group we provide a FREE 30-minute case evaluation. We’ll talk about your legal rights, find a solution that’s best for you, and help resolve every issue. That’s how we “Zach-It”! So don’t wait for problems to escalate. Call us soon at 1-855-Zach-law.

    Arizona group helps prevent holiday DUIs

    Arizona group helps prevent holiday DUIsGenerally this blog discusses DUI from a legal point of view, focusing on the subjects of legal responsibility and accountability for those who drive while impaired, as well as the actions of those who enforce the DUI laws and work to prevent repeat offenses.

    That’s why I believe this topic is a breath of fresh air, so to speak.  It’s about the actions of a particular Arizona group, and how their actions work to prevent DUI-related accidents.  And this good work is not done with a profit motive, but with public safety in mind.

    Since 2009, AAA Arizona has sponsored their Tipsy Tow Service during holiday periods.  The service offers a free one-way ride and tow, for a driver, one passenger, and a vehicle, to the driver’s home within a 10-mile distance.  I consider this a brilliant preventive measure that elps keep impaired drivers (and passengers) off the roads.  And that helps avoid accidents, injury, and property damage.  The AAA Arizona website also mentions that calls for Tipsy Tow Service can come from bartenders, party givers, restaurant managers, or anyone needing help for themselves and others.  And the service is available to everyone, even without AAA membership.

    As recently as Memorial Day Weekend here, the Tipsy Tow-ers were hard at work, and July 4th is not far off.  Of course, holiday weekends bring additional DUI checkpoints and extra officers on the watch for impaired drivers.  And all over Arizona, the Tipsy Tow Service will be standing by as well, at 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357).  Their mission and dedication is something to be respected and admired!

    The experienced attorneys at Zachary Law Group are here to provide answers to your questions, concerns and legal issues regarding DUI-related situations.  We offer a FREE 30-minute case evaluation, to get a good start on evaluating your options and establishing your legal rights.  Please do not hesitate to contact us if you or someone you know needs help.  We will do all we can to find the best possible solution to your problem, and “Zach-It”! Give us a call soon, at 1-855-Zach-law.

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