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    drug 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.

     

    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.

    Arizona online DUI classes

    Arizona online DUI classesReaders of this blog know we have discussed the penalties associated with drug or alcohol DUI convictions.  To date, we have not really addressed some of the specific requirements, other than fines and jail time that can be part of a DUI sentence. Specifically, the court can require what are known as “DUI classes,” in the interest of better education and, ideally, prevention of repeat offenses.

    DUI courses have required lengths; they also must be court-approved and licensed through the Arizona Department of Health Services.  The student is responsible for paying the course fees, and unless you are at the “maximum” end of things, these fees appear to be less expensive than DUI fines.  Another notable aspect is that DUI classes are available both as classroom courses, and online. Why should this matter?  Because jobs, families, health problems, and responsibilities can be at issue.  Also, if your license was suspended, that can make it more difficult to get to class. Offering online classes is certainly a way to make compliance with the law easier.

    What is covered in these classes?  That varies with the type of offense and sentence.  Generally, the topics covered can include the effects of alcohol and drugs on the human body, the specific DUI laws in your state, and case studies of how DUI, alcohol and drugs have impacted actual victims and their families.  Yes, there can be homework and tests.  Yes, you must do it all to receive documentation that you have completed your required classes.  Noncompliance can result in jail time or parole revocation.

    More serious offenses and sentences require more in-depth classes, longer terms, plus drug testing and substance abuse counseling.  Ideally, though, one “term” of DUI classes would be sufficient to discourage an offender from repeating any form of DUI offense.

    At Zachary Law Group, experienced attorneys work to establish, assert and protect your legal rights as related to DUI issues.  If you, or someone you know, needs information, please contact us.  We offer a FREE 30-minute case evaluation, to help provide answers. Bring us your legal problem, and we’ll “Zach-It”! Give us a call soon, at 1-855-Zach-law.

    Medical marijuana and DUI

    Medical marijuana and DUI

    Medical marijuana has been widely legalized; 21 states allow it.  But recreational marijuana, as of this writing, is still only legal in a few states, notably, Colorado and Washington.  And sure enough, human ingenuity has produced another market-conscious product:  a medical marijuana vending machine.  In fact, the company that invented it is here in Arizona.

    No, you don’t just drop in a quarter and pull a lever.  From reports on the machine’s debut in Colorado, there is a more involved protocol.  First, medical marijuana customers must be admitted through security measures at the dispensary.  Then, they must swipe their medical marijuana ID card through a device on the vending machine.  State laws regulate the prices and the amount of product a customer may buy. Any question as to customer age or eligibility will stop the machine from dispensing.

    It’s hard not to admire this fusion of low- and high-tech machinery.  That being said, though, I can’t help wondering how long it will take for someone to find a way to misuse this new machine.  Even though it is legal to use marijuana in certain situations, users or abusers who choose to drive impaired may still face charges and possible conviction.  And to the best of my knowledge, there’s no button, lever or card scanner that will make those DUI consequences go away.

    As an experienced Arizona DUI attorney, I’m here to provide answers and legal guidance.  If you, or someone you know, are facing a drug or alcohol 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, to help provide answers to your questions.  Whatever your concerns, we will do our best to manage your legal situation, and “Zach-It”!  Don’t wait and worry about the worst that could happen.  Give us a call soon, at 1-855-Zach-law.

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