Underage Drinking

Published on: July 9, 2012

4th of July DUI

By Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC

Arizona DUI task force patrols were in full force across the state over the 4^th of July holiday, nabbing drunken drivers. According to the director of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, Alberto Gutier, around 50 agencies participated in the patrols during the week of July 4^th. Included in the East Valley DUI task force were Gilbert, Tempe, Mesa and Chandler police departments, focusing on the eastern suburbs of metro Phoenix, including roads leading to Lake Pleasant.

According to local news reports, the statewide DUI task force led to 108 arrests, and 33 of those arrests were for extreme DUI, meaning the drivers blood-alcohol content (BAC) was between a .15 BAC (but less than .20 BAC).

If you have been charged with a DUI, the penalties can be significant and will depend upon many factors, including your blood alcohol content (BAC), prior history of DUI convictions, minor children in the car at the time of the DUI, involved in a car accident at the time of the DUI, or driving on a suspended/revoked driver's license at the time of the stop. The penalties for a first time DUI can include jail time, fees and fines, possible probation, alcohol/drug screening and classes, community work service, SR22 insurance, and ignition interlock device. The penalties increase if your DUI involved other factors, as mentioned above. Given the harsh penalties resulting from DUI charges in the State of Arizona, it is important to seek legal advice and ensure you understand your options before making any decisions regarding your case.

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Published on: May 30, 2012

Memorial Day Weekend DUI Task Force

By Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC

According to recent reports by the AZ Republic, police made nearly 550 arrests of suspected drunken drivers over this past holiday weekend. The state's DUI Task Force had over 1,800 officers from many agencies working DUI checkpoints across the state, including the East Valley DUI Task Force and law enforcement officers from Mesa Police, Chandler Police, Gilbert Police, Phoenix Police, ASU Police, Department of Public Safety (DPS), and Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO). Of those arrested, 148 were charged with Extreme DUI (BAC of 0.15 or more) and 19 were charged with Underage Drinking. In addition to DUI enforcement, law enforcement agencies across the valley are also looking to raise awareness about seat belt use, and the "Buckle Up Arizona …. It's The Law" campaign includes police departments from Phoenix, Glendale, Goodyear, Peoria, Buckeye and the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO). These efforts will run through June 3^rd and authorities aim to increase awareness about seat belt use and not drinking and driving.

If you were charged with DUI, Extreme DUI, Super Extreme DUI, Aggravated DUI, Underage DUI, Minor in Consumption, Minor in Possession, or any other alcohol related violation, you may be able to defend these charges in court. 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 DUI related charges can include jail time, significant fees/fines, community work service, alcohol classes and treatment, license suspension, interlock ignition requirements and other long lasting consequences.

Mr. Buckallew is not only experienced in DUI and criminal defense, with extensive trial experience, he also holds a Master's in Forensic Science (M.F.S.) degree, giving him unique insight and expertise in challenging the scientific evidence inherent in DUI cases. The Firm will vigorously advocate on your behalf, and has a proven track record in successfully resolving serious and complex criminal and DUI cases. Early involvement by the Firm is critical to ensure that your rights are protected throughout every stage of the case. The attorney will conduct a thorough investigation of the discovery in your case, including police reports, blood/breath/urine tests, field sobriety tests, witness statements, photographs, audio/video recordings, and any other evidence the state plans to present. Through the course of his investigation, the attorney will identify any potential legal, factual or procedural weaknesses or any constitutional violations in the case and determine the best course of action in resolving the case under the most favorable terms possible. Every case presents with a unique set of facts and you should consult with an experienced attorney to determine how best to proceed in your case.

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Published on: April 30, 2012

Tempe Underage Drinking Enforcement Campaign

By Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC

Tempe Underage Drinking Enforcement Campaign

According to recent reports by the AZ Republic, police have made 270 alcohol-related arrests as a result of Tempe's Youth Alcohol Enforcement campaign targeting underage drinking and drunk driving. The Tempe Police Department, along with ASU Police and other state law enforcement agencies kicked off the campaign in an effort to reduce crimes often associated with alcohol and DUI violations, such as violence, disorderly conduct or disturbance of the peace (i.e. loud parties and gatherings) as well as injury or fatal auto collisions and other criminal violations. The crackdown included 184 underage drinking/minor in consumption arrests, 45 for possession of alcohol by a minor/minor in possession, nine for providing alcohol to minors, 17 DUI arrests, one aggravated DUI arrest, two DUI under 21 arrests, 22 loud party responses and the seizure of seven kegs. The enforcement campaign will conclude the first week of May, after ASU graduation ceremonies/parties and police will be highly visible in downtown Tempe and patrolling throughout the city during this time.

If you (or your child) have been charged with Underage Drinking, Minor in Possession/Minor in Consumption of Alcohol, Public Intoxication, False ID, DUI, Disorderly Conduct / Disturbing the Peace or any other violation related to Underage Drinking, you may be able to defend these charges in court. 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. With a strong East Valley presence, the Firm has represented countless individuals, including many ASU students, who have been charged with criminal misdemeanor and alcohol related violations in Tempe and surrounding cities throughout the Valley. Contact the Firm today for a free evaluation of your case.

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Published on: April 26, 2012

Underage Drinking Arrests at Country Thunder

By Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC

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.

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Published on: March 29, 2012

Criminal and DUI Charges in Tempe

By Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC

The Tempe Municipal Court is located in downtown Tempe, home of Arizona State University (ASU). With a strong East Valley presence, the Firm has represented countless individuals, including many ASU students, who have been charged with criminal misdemeanor violations in the Tempe Municipal Court. The Firm handles all types of criminal matters in the Tempe Municipal Court including Underage Drinking, DUI/DWI, Minor in Consumption, Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Damage, Aggressive Driving, Reckless Driving, Assault, Shoplifting, Drug Offenses, Domestic Violence, Sex Crimes, and ANY other criminal charge. Mr. Buckallew has extensive experience as a criminal defense attorney, having handled criminal cases at all levels, from simple misdemeanor violations to complex felony jury trials.

A class 1 misdemeanor in Arizona carries a maximum penalty of up to 6 months in jail and $2,500 fine (plus surcharges). In addition to the possibility of fines, jail time and/or probation, a criminal record can have long lasting consequences. For college students, a criminal record can impact future scholarship opportunities, extra-curricular and athletic involvement, and future career aspirations. To better understand the serious consequences of a criminal record and discuss your legal options, contact an experienced attorney for a free evaluation of your case.

The Tempe Municipal Court is located at 140 East 5th Street in downtown Tempe, which is two blocks east of Mill Avenue on 5th Street near Sun Devil stadium and historic 'A Mountain'.

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Published on: February 21, 2012

Crackdown on Underage Drinking

By Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) was recently awarded a $20k grant from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, which will enable officers to receive overtime pay to crack down on Underage Drinking (AP 2012). In related news, with ASU and its large student population, the City of Tempe is also ramping up efforts to curb underage drinking and recently revised an ordinance known as 'Nuisance Parties and Unlawful Gatherings'. The ordinance holds adults responsible for serving alcohol to underage children (other than their own), according to local media outlets. Both Tempe and ASU Police Departments routinely target apartment complexes in Tempe for underage drinkers, particularly if they've received multiple complaints from a specific complex. If you (or your child) have been charged with Underage Drinking, Minor in Possession/Minor in Consumption of Alcohol, Public Intoxication, False ID, Underage DUI or any other violations related to Underage Drinking, you may be able to defend your charge in court. The consequences can be significant and leave a permanent mark on your criminal record so you should seek the advice of counsel to determine your legal options. 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. It is critical that you understand the consequences of the charges you are facing and seek the advice of counsel before making any decisions in your case. 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 in your case. Contact the Firm today for a free evaluation of your case.