Arizona DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog

Published on: March 3, 2023

Super Bowl LVII Arrests in Phoenix, Arizona

By Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC

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With multiple events going on in February, including Super Bowl LVII, the Waste Management Open, and the Barrett Jackson Car Auction, hundreds of thousands of people descended upon the Valley of the Sun. According to the Super Bowl Host Committee, close to 300,000 visitors came through the NFL Experience in downtown Phoenix, including nearly 25,000 fans in Margaret T. Hance Park for the Super Bowl Sunday watch party. (Fox 10 Phoenix 2/23/23)

Other Super Bowl events were held throughout the valley, including the Old Town Scottsdale Main Street Tailgate, a Super Bowl Gospel Celebration in Mesa, a Super Bowl Music Fest in Phoenix, and of course the Super Bowl itself took place in Glendale, AZ at the State Farm Stadium.

Sky Harbor International Airport broke records on Monday, the day after SBLVII as over 200,000 fans were returning back to their hometowns after the big game. (AZCentral.com 2/16/23)

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Published on: August 18, 2020

Criminal Defense for ASU Students

By Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC

Criminal Defense Lawyer | ASU Students

The fall semester is upon us and ASU students are resuming classes this week, with many joining the ranks of college for the very first time. As students are getting moved into dorms or local apartments, and situated for the start of the school year, we want to remind students and families to keep safety in mind both on and off campus. Some common safety tips to remember include bicycle safety, locking your bicycle to prevent theft, locking car doors, not leaving valuables in your car, and using the ‘buddy system’ when walking around campus at night. See ASU’s website for additional safety tips and to learn more about other campus safety protocols.

It is not uncommon at the start of a new school year to see both Tempe Police and ASU Police ramp up their patrols in and around campus to ensure the safety of students and residents. Some of the high traffic areas these police agencies will be focusing on include, University Drive & College Avenue, Apache Boulevard and College Avenue, and Apache Boulevard and McAllister Avenue. The officers try to educate and spread awareness initially and we usually see them giving warnings for certain infractions before they begin issuing citations, whether it be traffic citations or other violations. We also anticipate that both Tempe and ASU Police will be participating in DUI Task Forces throughout the year, cracking down on alcohol related violations such as Underage Drinking, Underage DUI, Minor in Consumption, and Minor in Possession. With over 50,000 students enrolled at the Tempe Campus, and a notable night life with restaurants, bars and entertainment along Mill Avenue and Tempe Beach Park nearby, and numerous large events in Tempe throughout the year, there is an increased potential for impaired drivers and other criminal violations, such as Assault, Theft, Underage Drinking, Disorderly Conduct, and other similar alcohol violations. Remember to stay safe both at home and on campus, as well as at parties, riding your bicycle and driving your car. Drink responsibly and always use a designated driver.

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Published on: April 9, 2019

Country Thunder DUI & Underage Drinking Tickets

By Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC

Desert-Image-e1554843646540-225x300 It’s that time of year again for the biggest music festival in Arizona – Country Thunder, which is held at Canyon Moon Ranch in Florence, Arizona (Pinal County), situated about 60 miles southeast of Phoenix. The festival runs April 11^th -14^th (Thursday-Sunday) this year. Nearly 30,000 people are expected to attend the festival each day and many people reserve on-site campsites for the weekend of festivities. Some of the headliners this year include Brett Eldredge, Tim McGraw, Phoenix native Dierks Bentley, and for the very first time at AZ Country Thunder – Chris Stapleton, among other popular country music stars.

As in years past, multiple law enforcement agencies will have a presence during the festival weekend, ensuring safety and security of all festival participants as well as patrolling the roadways leading into and out of Canyon Moon Ranch. The primary law enforcement agencies who usually have a presence each year at Country Thunder include the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) and the Arizona Department of Liquor License/Control – both uniformed officers as well as undercover officers.

According to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, they responded to a total of 227 calls within the campground and concert areas last year (2018), which resulted in 16 arrests (18 charges). Of those charges, there were 7 Disorderly Conduct violations, 4 Assaults, and then 1 each of Possession of Narcotic Drugs, Criminal Damage, Resisting Arrest, Misconduct Involving Weapons, Hit and Run with Injury and Liquor Violations. According to a recent article in AZCentral.com, there were 85 other arrests for Underage Drinking violations.

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Published on: May 22, 2018

Memorial Day DUI Checkpoints – What Should I do if I am Stopped on Suspicion of DUI?

By Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC

Every year law enforcement agencies across the State of Arizona participate in special DUI task forces and checkpoints over Memorial Day weekend with their stated goal being to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities by enforcing DUI and traffic laws. Last year, according to the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, more than 550 drivers throughout the state were arrested on suspicion of DUI, including arrests for extreme DUI (blood alcohol content of 0.15% or greater). Other citations and arrests included aggressive driving violations, Underage DUI violations (under the age of 21), and DUI drug violations.

What Should I do if I am stopped at a DUI Checkpoint?

Slow down and safely enter the DUI checkpoint area.
Stay in your car and follow the officer’s instructions.
Do cooperate with the officer and provide your driver’s license, insurance and registration. However, once you have provided your identification, remember, you do have the right to remain silent and should let the officer know that you wish to exercise your right to remain silent. You also have the right to contact your lawyer – do let the officer know that you wish to contact an attorney.
If you are asked to step out of your car to perform field sobriety tests (such as the finger-to-nose test or the walk-and-turn test), you are not required to participate in these field sobriety tests. These tests are subjective and can be used to build evidence which can be used against you.
While you do have the right to refuse the field sobriety tests, that does not mean you should refuse all other tests. Under Arizona’s implied consent laws, a person who operates a motor vehicle gives consent to test(s) of the person’s blood, breath, or urine to determine alcohol concentration or blood content for any allegations of driving or actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs. Failure to consent to a chemical test will result in a 12-month license suspension. Even if you refuse to submit to the test, the officer will likely end up obtaining a search warrant which will require you to allow the blood draw anyways and will still result in a 12-month license suspension.
You have the right to consult with an attorney and it is advisable to do so as soon as possible after you become a target of any criminal investigation.

What happens if I am charged with a DUI?

If you have been arrested for DUI, you will likely be transported to the police station or a DUI Task Force van to have your blood alcohol levels tested either through a blood draw and/or a breathalyzer test (and in some cases a urine test). Usually you will then be released, and someone can come and pick you up. In some cases, if the charges are more serious you may be held and booked into jail where you will see a Judge within 24 hours for an initial appearance and to determine release conditions.

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Published on: April 6, 2018

Country Thunder Underage Drinking Tickets

By Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC

Every year Florence, AZ is host to Country Thunder, the biggest outdoor country music festival in the state. The festival is sure to draw in thousands of fans young and old. With temperatures this weekend forecasted in the 90’s, you will want to be sure to have plenty of water, hats, and sunscreen! Above all, have a great time and be safe.

According to local news outlets, there will be an increased presence of Sheriff’s Deputies, undercover officers and security to ensure the safety and security of everyone attending the festival. Keep in mind, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), the AZ Dept. of Liquor License/Control, and the Florence Police Department in years past have issued hundreds of citations over the course of the 4-day weekend, particularly involving underage drinking related violations, including Minor in Consumption and Minor in Possession, as well as using fake ID’s to buy alcohol and furnishing alcohol to a minor. We have also seen numerous DUI/DWI cases occur as attendees leave the festival.

If you were arrested by the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), Florence Police Department, AZ Dept. of Liquor License/Control, or any other agency during Country Thunder weekend, contact the Firm to arrange a free evaluation regarding your case. We have handled countless Country Thunder citations over the years and are familiar with the local courts as well as the typical violations we see coming out of this festival each year. Depending on the agency you were arrested by, your case will likely be cited into either the Florence-Coolidge Justice Court located at 400 South Central Avenue in Florence, AZ or at the Florence Municipal Court located at 775 North Main Street in Florence.

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Published on: February 12, 2018

Mesa Municipal Court Criminal Cases

By Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC

Mesa Municipal Court Criminal Cases

If you were cited and/or arrested on a misdemeanor criminal violation by the Mesa Police Department, you will likely be appearing in the Mesa Municipal Court. The Mesa Municipal Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor offenses such as DUI (1st Time DUI, Extreme DUI, Super Extreme DUI, Underage DUI), Assault, Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Damage, Domestic Violence and other criminal misdemeanor charges as well as traffic violations, Orders of Protection and Injunctions Against Harassment. Mr. Buckallew has handled countless cases in the Mesa Municipal Court, is very familiar with the Judges and Prosecutors over there and has experience in handling all types of criminal and DUI cases in this Courthouse. The Courthouse is nearby our Tempe office and is located one block south of Main Street and one block west of Mesa Drive at:

Mesa Municipal Court

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Published on: July 27, 2017

Apache Junction Municipal Court Criminal Cases

By Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC

Apache Junction Municipal Court Criminal Cases

If you were cited for a misdemeanor criminal violation by the Apache Junction Police Department, within the city limits of Apache Junction, you were likely cited into the Apache Junction Municipal Court. The types of cases which could be cited into this court could include, DUI (1st Time DUI, Extreme DUI, Super Extreme DUI, Underage DUI), Assault, Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Damage, Domestic Violence or any other criminal misdemeanor charges. The courthouse is located at:

300 East Superstition Boulevard, Apache Junction, AZ

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Published on: June 21, 2017

Mesa 1st Time DUI Penalties

By Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC

First Time DUI Penalties in Mesa

If this is the first time you have ever been arrested for a DUI, you are probably wondering whether you will have to serve any time in jail, whether your driver's license will be suspended and what types of fines/fees and other costs you might be subject to if you are convicted.

The penalties for a 1st time DUI offense (within 84 months), a Class 1 Misdemeanor, will depend upon your blood alcohol content (BAC):

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Published on: April 12, 2017

Pinal County Felony Case Progression

By Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC

Felony Case Progression in Pinal County Superior Court

If you have been arrested in Casa Grande, San Tan Valley, Florence, Apache Junction, the City of Maricopa, Town of Superior, or any other city/town in Pinal County, you may be wondering what to expect going forward. If you were arrested and told that you are being charged with a felony crime, your case will likely end up in the Pinal County Superior Court, if you were arrested by a state agency – whether it was Casa Grande Police, Maricopa Police, Florence Police, Apache Junction Police, Pinal County Sheriff's Office, Arizona Department of Public Safety, or any other city/town police agency. This Firm has significant experience in handling all types of felony crimes, including (but not limited to) – Aggravated Assault, Aggravated DUI, Disorderly Conduct, Drug Crimes, Probation Violations, Theft, Weapons Violations, Fraud, Forgery, Domestic Violence, Homicide, 1^st Degree Murder and many other felony offenses. Mr. Buckallew is aBoard Certified Criminal/DUI Defense Attorney (certified by the State Bar of Arizona). Contact the Firm today for a free evaluation of your case.

Felony Criminal Investigation

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Published on: March 10, 2017

Posting a Bond at 4th Avenue Jail

By Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC

How to Post Bond at 4^th Avenue Jail

If a friend or member of your family has been arrested and booked into jail in Maricopa County and the Judge ordered that a bond be posted for their release, you may be wondering how to go about posting this bond. Bonds can be paid at the 4^th Avenue Jail (north side of the building), located at:

Maricopa County 4^th Avenue Jail

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