As Glendale is gearing up to host the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots on February 1^st we want to welcome an estimated 100,000 out of town visitors expected to visit the Valley of the Sun for Super Bowl XLIX. According to AZCentral.com, Phoenix area airports (including Scottsdale Airport, Phoenix Deer Valley Airport, Goodyear Airport, Glendale Municipal Airport, Mesa’s Falcon Field Airport, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, Chandler Municipal Airport, and of course Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport) have been preparing for this increased air traffic for several months, anticipating over 1,000 additional private aircraft along with commercial and charter jets.

The NFL will be hosting the Super Bowl Experience activities at the Phoenix Convention Center the week leading up to the super bowl. According to azsuperbowl.com – along with the many interactive attractions, games, exhibits and other activities, fans will also be able to find many other venues and activities around town including the 2015 Pro Bowl on January 25^th at University of Phoenix Stadium, the 2015 Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale (1/26/15-2/1/15), Super Bowl XLIX Media Day (1/27/15), Verizon Super Bowl Central – a free, family-friendly, football themed outdoor fan fest taking over Downtown Phoenix (1/28/15-2/1/15), along with many other events leading up to the big game.

And of course with any event of this scale, law enforcement agencies from around the valley are coordinating efforts to ensure the safety of all residents – both locals and visitors alike. With a week filled with Super Bowl events spread across the valley between Glendale, Phoenix and Scottsdale, police officers from Glendale PD, Phoenix PD and Scottsdale PD will be working off-duty shifts in addition to all regularly scheduled shifts in these departments. Additionally, other agencies – both local and federal, are providing the assistance of their officers, including Gilbert PD, Tempe PD, Mesa PD and Prescott PD, along with regional cooperation of over 50 agencies. The City of Phoenix is hosting the major events – both Super Bowl Central covering several blocks in downtown Phoenix, as well as the Super Bowl Experience at the Phoenix Convention Center. The City of Scottsdale will be hosting many out town visitors in local resorts both for the Super Bowl and the WM Phoenix Open. The Super Bowl itself as well as the Pro Bowl will be played at University of Phoenix Stadium in the City of Glendale.

Whether you’re participating in some of the many Super Bowl activities in Phoenix and around the valley, or taking time out to enjoy our fantastic weather with a hike up Camelback Mountain, a stroll through the Phoenix Desert Botanical Gardens, dining or shopping along historic Mill Avenue in Tempe, or checking out Historic Downtown Glendale – there will be no shortage of activities to fill your days. Enjoy the festivities, celebrate responsibly and remember to use a designated driver, utilize the light rail, taxi service or Uber.

In the event you find yourself facing DUI charges during super bowl week, it is critical to seek the advice of competent legal counsel before making any decisions in your case as Arizona has some of the toughest DUI laws in the country. Outlined below are some of the common DUI violations along with associated penalties:

Misdemeanor DUI (1^st Offense) – BAC between .08% – .149%

Minimum Penalties include 10 days jail (9 can be suspended if court ordered alcohol classes are completed successfully), over $1,500.00 in fees/fines (plus jail costs), vehicle ignition interlock device and a 90-day license suspension.

Misdemeanor Extreme DUI (1^st Offense) – BAC between .15% – .199%

Minimum Penalties include 30 days jail (all but 9 days can be suspended with the installation of ignition interlock for 12-months), over $2,500.00 in fees/fines (plus jail costs), vehicle ignition interlock device and a 90-day license suspension.

Misdemeanor Super Extreme DUI (1^st Offense) – BAC at or above .20%

Minimum Penalties include 45 days jail (all but 14 days can be suspended with the installation of ignition interlock for 12-months), over $3,000.00 in fees/fines (plus jail costs), vehicle ignition interlock device and a 90-day license suspension.

Felony Aggravated DUI (1^st Offense)

While many DUI charges are classified as misdemeanors in the State of Arizona, there are some circumstances which can result in DUI charges being classified as a felony, or ‘Aggravated DUI‘. The primary factors in felony Aggravated DUI charges include:

Class 4 Felony:

• Driving on a restricted, suspended or revoked license at the time of the DUI
• Two prior DUI/DWI/OUI convictions (in any state) within the past 84 months

Minimum Penalties include 4 months in prison, over $5,500.00 in fees/fines, 3 year license revocation, mandatory drug/alcohol evaluation and treatment program, up to 10 years’ probation and vehicle ignition interlock device.

Class 6 Felony:

• Driving with a minor child (under the age of 15) in the car at the time of the DUI

Minimum Penalties include a minimum of 10 days jail but increases based on BAC levels, over $4,500.00 in fees/fines, 3 year license revocation, up to 10 years’ probation, drug/alcohol evaluation and treatment program and vehicle ignition interlock device.

Please visit our Arizona DUI website for more in depth information regarding Arizona DUI charges and penalties. The Firm handles all DUI cases throughout the entire State of Arizona – both misdemeanor and felony, including 1st Time DUI, Extreme DUI, Super Extreme DUI, Aggravated DUI, DUI – Drugs, DUI Involving an Accident, Underage DUI or any other drug or alcohol DUI you may have been charged with. The Firm handles cases in City/Municipal Courts in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale and throughout the entire valley. The Firm also handles cases in all Maricopa County Justice Courts throughout the valley as well as the Maricopa County Superior Court. The Firm also handles ANY criminal charge in Phoenix and throughout the State of Arizona, including (but not limited to) Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Damage, Assault, Littering, Shoplifting, Drug Crimes, Juvenile Crimes and Reckless Driving.

If you are facing DUI charges in Phoenix, contact the Firm today for a free evaluation of your case. Mr. Buckallew is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist and has significant experience in litigating DUI cases in Phoenix courts and throughout the State of Arizona.

**This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact the Firm to schedule a consultation regarding your case.

Underage Drinking Arrests at Country Thunder

Country Thunder is an annual event held at Canyon Moon Ranch just east of Florence (Pinal County) – centrally located between Phoenix and Tucson. According to local news outlets (CBS5/AP), 189 people were arrested at this month’s Country Thunder music festival for underage drinking-related crimes. The Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control officers worked with local law enforcement during the 4 day event as a result of ongoing problems at this event in years past. According to Liquor Control officers, many of the arrested underage drinkers had blood-alcohol levels more than twice the legal limit of .08 percent and the youngest person arrested was 15 years old. The violations for those arrested included, minor in possession of alcohol, using a fake ID to buy alcohol, or furnishing alcohol to a minor.

If you were arrested by the AZ Dept. of Liquor License/Control, Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), Florence Police Department, or any other agency during Country Thunder, contact the Firm to arrange a free consultation regarding your case. Depending on the agency you were arrested by, your case will likely be heard in the Florence Justice Court – Precinct 1 in Florence, AZ. The consequences can be significant and leave a permanent mark on your criminal record so it is critical to seek the advice of counsel to determine your legal options before you make any decisions regarding your case. Penalties associated with Underage Drinking/Underage DUI related violations can include, jail time, community work service, alcohol classes and treatment, license suspension, fees/fines, and even possible suspension or expulsion from school and/or athletic teams. Some of the legal factors a defense attorney will explore include, determining whether you actually violated any city or state law; whether the arresting agency followed the law; whether or not your conduct constitutes a criminal violation and whether you have any other legal, factual or procedural defense(s) in your case.

The Firm has handled countless cases involving underage drinking, minor in possession/minor in consumption, furnishing alcohol to a minor, public intoxication, fake ID, as well as DUI/DWI cases and other alcohol related violations. Mr. Buckallew has a reputation for zealously representing each client and has a proven track record in successfully resolving cases. With a statewide practice, the Firm handles cases in Florence – Pinal County, Maricopa County and throughout the State of Arizona. Contact the Firm today for a free evaluation of your case.

**This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact the Firm to schedule a consultation regarding your case.