With the Christmas and New Year holidays coming up, there will be no shortage of fun things to do: family gatherings, parties, concerts, and plenty of NCAA bowl game watching. If you decide to drive to any of these events and you consume alcohol, be very conscious of the amount of alcohol you drink. Drinking and driving can put you and other innocent people at risk of injury, and also comes with very heavy penalties to the offender.
Did you know that Arizona has the strictest DUI laws in the country? In fact, all DUI convictions in the state of Arizona require mandatory jail time, as well as a minimum fine of $250, 90-day license suspension, and a one-year mandatory interlock ignition device on your vehicle. And note, there is no leniency for first time offenders.
Here are some important safety tips:
· Buy a breathalyzer and keep it in your car. Numbers don’t lie so do not get behind the wheel if you blow over the legal limit.
· If you have had too much to drink, call a driving service such as AAA Tipsy Tow or call Uber or Lyft.
· Do not decide to drive even though you think you “didn’t have that much to drink.” For some people, it often takes very little alcohol to become legally drunk and certain physical characteristics such as weight, gender and body fat percentage can all be factors in the equation.
Don’t take your chances this holiday season with drinking and driving. Arizona law enforcement officials will be out in full force conducting saturation patrols and checkpoints across the state. That means police officers from multiple cities will join together in an effort to stop DUI offenders from travelling on the roadways.
We here at Torgenson Law hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful holiday season and stay safe. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a DUI accident, contact the attorneys at Torgenson Law. We have the experience to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Give us a call at (602) 726-0747.
John Torgenson is a highly experienced personal injury lawyer with over 20 years of practice in Arizona. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and his Juris Doctor from Notre Dame. John has a proven track record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements, including an $8.25 million recovery for a gunshot injury victim. His expertise has earned him AVVO ratings and recognition as a Super Lawyer.
John is also a sought-after lecturer on personal injury law, sharing his extensive knowledge with peers and aspiring attorneys. Beyond his legal practice, John is an avid golfer and actively supports organizations like the Military Assistance Mission, Arizona School for the Arts, Page Balloon Regatta, University of Arizona Foundation, Junior Achievement of Arizona, and the Tim Huff Pro Bono Golf Classic.
Passionate about advocating for injury victims, John dedicates his career to battling insurance companies and corporate interests, ensuring that the rights of those who are hurt are vigorously defended.
