arizona dui arrests

Phoenix – Veteran Scottsdale DUI attorney and founder of Corso Law Group, Christopher Corso, says Valley residents will be under extra scrutiny during Arizona’s DUI crackdown this New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Police are increasing saturation patrols in Phoenix, the East Valley and the West Valley throughout the holiday weekend and New Year’s Day, according to a statement by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

The program is tasked with lowering the number of intoxicated drivers on the road with patrols and traffic stops that resulted in 14,079 sober, designated drivers contacted to escort impaired drivers home in 2014.

Corso says Valley residents can expect to see DUI patrols and stops in the days leading up to New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

“Law enforcement officials are well aware that New Year’s Eve ranks as one of the deadliest holidays, and they’re taking action,” Corso said. “Police will be on high-alert for drunk drivers and won’t hesitate to give out citations or make arrests for traffic violations.”

In recent years, Arizona officials have steadily increased their numbers during New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, sending a message to the public that drunk driving will not be tolerated during the holidays, when approximately 42 percent of traffic fatalities are related to drinking and driving, according to the National Safety Council.

Roads are particularly dangerous after midnight toasts and during the early hours of New Year’s Day, the day of the year with the highest percent of alcohol-related deaths. On New Year’s Day, the percentage of deaths involving a car accident increases by 51 percent.

“If New Year’s Eve festivities end in legal trouble, Valley residents can count on Corso Law Group to provide the defense they need,” Corso said.

Corso Law Group is an experienced team of legal professionals who have handled thousands of Arizona DUI cases. Founder Christopher Corso is a former Maricopa County prosecutor who can help with drunk driving cases as well as other criminal defense needs such as criminal speeding, CDL tickets, photo radar tickets, felony charges, drug possession, weapons possession, violent crimes and more.

Free consultations are available with Corso Law Group by visiting https://corsolawgroup.com or calling (480) 471-4616.

Corso Law Group, PLLC is located at 17470 N. Pacesetter Way Scottsdale, AZ 85255.

Arizona DUI lawyer Christopher Corso was featured in The Huffington Post during Thanksgiving to comment on the social phenomenon known as “Blackout Wednesday.”

Drunk driving accidents increase by 30 percent during the four-day period spanning Thanksgiving Eve through the following Sunday, MADD reports. In fact, Thanksgiving Eve is a particularly dangerous time to drive and is commonly referred to as “Blackout Wednesday” or “Drinksgiving.”

“There’s no getting around the fact people are drinking way too much over the Thanksgiving holiday,” Corso said. “We’ve seen the numbers increase over the last several years and it really drives home the point Thanksgiving is a very dangerous time of the year. Instead of just focusing on New Year’s Eve, people need to remember Thanksgiving.”

With more than 50 years of criminal defense experience, Corso Law Group is an experienced team of legal professionals who have handled thousands of Arizona DUI cases. Founder Christopher Corso is a former Maricopa County prosecutor who can help with drunk driving cases as well as other criminal defense needs such as criminal speeding, CDL tickets, photo radar tickets, felony charges, drug possession, weapons possession, violent crimes and more.

To schedule a free consultation with Corso Law Group, please call (480) 471-4616.

Arizona has the strictest DUI laws in the country. Make sure you know your rights in case you’re ever pulled over on suspicion of drinking and driving in the Grand Canyon State.

Corso Law Group has handled thousands of DUI cases in Arizona. Founder Christopher Corso has previous experience as a prosecutor for Maricopa County, so he and his team of legal professionals know what it’s like on both sides of a DUI case.

This step-by-step guide by Corso Law Group explains how to react if you’re pulled over, how to behave in the presence of an officer and important DUI rights every Arizonan needs to know.

What to do when you see flashing lights:

• Once you realize you’re getting pulled over, slow down.
• Pull over to the right and park as far into the shoulder of the road as possible to keep both you and the officer safe from oncoming traffic.
• Use your blinker. This may seem obvious, but it’s an easy step to avoid any further traffic violations.
• Turn off the car.

How to interact with an officer:

• Keep both hands on the wheel so the officer is at ease.
• Keep your window rolled up until the officer addresses you. You don’t have to go to the extreme and try the Fair DUI Flyer method, but you should only roll it down enough so that you can hear each other and pass your information along. Keeping a barrier is an important step to prevent incriminating yourself. An officer can charge you because he says he smells drugs or alcohol in the car or on your breath.
• Keep talking to a minimum. You should narrate your actions and let the officer know where your license, registration and insurance are and when you’re reaching for them. Answer basic questions like your name and address. However, do not answer any other questions about how much you’ve had to drink or how fast you were going. It’s your right to remain silent.
• Ask to speak to your attorney in private.
• Be polite. Be cooperative. Know your rights. Try to remain calm and avoid rude or aggressive behaviour.

What are your Arizona DUI rights:

• Do not agree to participate in any field sobriety tests. This includes walking in a straight line, reciting the ABCs, touching your finger to your nose, standing on one leg and more. These types of test aren’t required and may be subjective depending on environmental factors and the officer’s depiction of your results. You do not want your performance during these tests to be used as evidence against you.
• Do agree to a blood, breath or urine test. These tests are required by the Implied Consent Law, which means that anyone with an Arizona driver’s license has agreed to consent to this type of test if lawfully arrested for DUI. If you refuse, your license will automatically be suspended for at least 12 months, even if your blood alcohol level was under the legal limit, and you weren’t drunk driving.  
• Do not allow an officer to search your car without a warrant. Don’t be fooled by questions like, “You don’t mind if I have a look in your car, right?” You don’t have to agree to a search, unless the officer has probable cause to search your car or obtain a warrant.

Once you’ve been released, contact a criminal defense attorney at Corso Law Group at (480) 471-4616. We’ll fight to protect your rights.

Arizona DUI attorney Christopher P. Corso and his team of DUI lawyers at Corso Law Group expect increased DUI checkpoints and DUI arrests this Fourth of July, the Scottsdale law firm announced today.

The Arizona attorney, who previously prosecuted DUIs for the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, bases this prediction on the state’s aggressive DUI prosecution in recent years.

In 2014, 389 people were arrested in Arizona on suspicion of drunk driving over three days during the July 4th holiday weekend, ABC 15 reports. The number of arrests increased 27 percent from 2013 due to the large increase in police saturation points.

“A rise in police activity means that more officers are on the roads paying close attention to driver behavior,” Corso said. “Police know Phoenix residents will be out drinking on the Fourth, and they won’t tolerate intoxicated driving or any other traffic violation – even minor offenses.”

Thousands of law enforcement officials worked overtime in 2014 to form an expansive DUI task force that reached across the Valley with 2,237 participating officers and deputies, according to The Arizona Republic. That’s a 55 percent increase from the 1,445 participants in Arizona in 2013.

For many, celebrating Independence Day means backyard barbecues, ball games, fireworks and beer, which is consumed 40 percent more on the Fourth of July, according to Marketplace by American Public Media.

“It’s easy to get carried away and not realize just how much you’ve had to drink,” Corso said. “People get behind the wheel thinking they’re fine to drive, not realizing the harm they could cause to themselves and others.”

If the potentially deadly consequences of drinking and driving aren’t reason enough to plan ahead on the Fourth of July, Corso Law Group suggests considering the severe legal consequences of an Arizona DUI.

Arizona has some of the strictest drunk driving laws in the country, with at least 24 hours of required jail time for all offenders, even first time offenders, as well as high fines and license suspension.

“Understanding the physical and legal harm associated with drunk driving, and taking the initiative to never drive while under the influence is a preventative measure we all can take to stay safe,” Corso said.

Additionally, Corso recommends Arizona residents know important Arizona DUI rights such as the right to remain silent; only provide certain documents such as insurance, registration and identification; and refuse to submit to all field sobriety tests. Blood and alcohol tests are the only tests DUI suspects should agree to.

To schedule a free consultation with Corso Law Group, please visit https://corsolawgroup.com or call (480) 471-4616.

Corso Law Group, PLLC is located at 17470 N. Pacesetter Way Scottsdale, AZ 85255.

Prom and graduation seasons are here, which means teens around the country are preparing for nights of fun and celebration. While this is a joyful time, it’s important for teens and parents to understand the dangers of underage drinking and intoxicated driving.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in America, which means preparing young adults with the safety information they need is crucial, especially this time of year when they may be tempted to make troublesome decisions like drunk driving or riding in the car with an intoxicated driver.

In fact, starting in April, when prom and graduation season begins, the number of fatal car accidents involving teenagers increases, with an average of 246 deaths per month until class begins again in late August and September.

Findings from the most recent study on young drivers by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report that 28 percent of drivers 15 to 20-years-old who were killed in car accidents had alcohol in their systems.

Many crashes involving teens happen late at night on the weekends, with 49% of teen deaths from car accidents occurring between 3 p.m. and midnight on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

Knowing these facts, parents and teens need to work together to create a plan for prom night and graduation parties that encourages making the right choices and asking for help if they need it.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving said that almost half of all 10th grade students drink alcohol, so even if you don’t think your child will be drinking on prom night or after graduation, establish guidelines and discuss safe options with them just in case.

Arizona is one of the top-five states with the most effective drunk driving laws, according to a report by Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

The report highlights which states have the best laws and programs to prevent drunk driving, as well as the ones that need to do more to prevent the offense.

The MADD website includes an interactive map showing how many stars each state has, with each representing a different measure that it enforces, such as the requirement of an ignition interlock device, DUI checkpoints, enhanced child endangerment penalties, No-Refusal events and license revocation.

Arizona enforces all five of these regulations, making it one of the states with the strictest drunk driving laws, along with Utah, Illinois, Kansas and Nebraska.

MADD praised Arizona for its 46 percent decrease in drunk driving fatalities over the years, and stressed the significance of ignition interlock devices, which are required for all DUI offenders in the state, even if it’s a first-time offense.

In contrast, Michigan, Montana, South Dakota, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania only have one star each to represent their efforts to prevent drunk driving.

The report was released by MADD to honor the fifth year of The Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving.

If you’re ever arrested for drunk driving in Arizona, get in touch with an attorney who has experience with the state’s strict DUI laws.

Call the criminal defense attorneys at Corso Law Group anytime at (480) 471-4616.

Last May, 500 drunk drivers were arrested in Arizona, according to KTAR News, during Cinco de Mayo and the weekend before the holiday, which is commonly celebrated with Mexican fare, including a troublesome mix of margaritas, tequila and beer.

Police proved just how serious they were about keeping drunk drivers off the roads in 2014 with a very effective DUI campaign that lead to more overall traffic stops and fewer DUI arrests, Arizona DUI attorneys Corso Law Group said.

Arizona’s DUI task force was 1,880 officials strong in 2014, up from 1,420 the year before, with officers and deputies making more than 11,000 traffic stops and arresting 500 drivers on suspicion of drunk driving over the holiday weekend from Thursday, May 1 to Monday, May 5, The Arizona Republic reports.

Of the 500 arrests, which was 25 fewer than in 2013, 51 were aggravated DUIs and 155 were extreme DUIs, meaning blood-alcohol contents were over .15 percent, according to statistics released by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. The average BAC during Cinco de Mayo and the preceding weekend was .146 percent.

“Plenty of people plan on engaging in alcohol-related activities on Cinco de Mayo,” said Christopher Corso, Corso Law Group’s founding partner. “Unfortunately, several don’t think about how they’re getting home before they start drinking. That’s a big mistake that can land you in jail.”

In Arizona, all DUI offenders, even first offenders, face jail time and expensive fines. Not only are the charges serious but also the potential harm drunk drivers can cause to themselves and anyone else on the road is massive. However, all of this can be prevented by never getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Corso Law Group has handled more than 20,000 DUI cases as defense attorneys and as former prosecutors for the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

“Knowing the law and what could happen if you were arrested for drunk driving is an important step Arizona citizens can take,” Corso said. “Being aware of the physical dangers of drunk driving and the legal consequences that could follow should motivate Arizona residents to be safe this Cinco de Mayo.”

Important rights Arizona residents need to know according to Corso Law Group, are their rights to remain silent; only provide certain documents such as insurance, registration and identification; and refuse to submit to all field sobriety tests. In addition, blood and alcohol tests are the only tests DUI suspects should agree to.

To schedule a free consultation with Corso Law Group, please visit https://www.corsolawgroup.com or call (480) 471-4616. Corso Law Group, PLLC is located at 17470 N. Pacesetter Way Scottsdale, AZ 85255.

St. Patrick’s Day means an increase in Arizona DUI arrests, which is why Corso Law Group warns Valley residents to enjoy the holiday responsibly or face the costly consequences.

Last St. Patrick’s Day, alcohol-fueled events and parties led to dangerous roads. Arizona DUI task forces reported 3,900 arrests over the weekend with 233 related to drunk driving. That number was up from St. Patrick’s Day weekend in 2013, when 212 DUI arrests were made.

Of the 233 people arrested in 2014, 81 reported blood-alcohol levels of 0.15 percent or higher, which is considered an extreme DUI in Arizona, and 10 were underage DUI arrests.

Drunk drivers have the potential to hurt themselves and anyone around them. The only way to prevent these types of accidents from occurring is to never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

“Police departments know that holidays, especially those typically celebrated with alcohol like St. Patrick’s Day, result in an increased number of DUIs, and they’re prepared to make the extra arrests,” said Christopher P. Corso, the founding attorney of Corso Law Group.

Corso understands the threats of drinking and driving. He has experience as prosecutors for the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, working closely with DUIs, DWIs and OUIs. Combined, they have handled more than 20,000 DUI cases as prosecutors and defense attorneys.

“Knowing what could happen if you were arrested for drunk driving is an important preliminary caution that all Arizona residents should take,” Corso said.

Significant information to know for those suspected of a DUI in Arizona include the right to remain silent; only providing certain documents such as insurance, registration and identification; and refusing to submit to all field sobriety tests. Blood and alcohol tests are the only tests DUI suspects should agree to, according to an attorney at the firm.

In Arizona, DUI consequences are severe, even for first offenders. Anyone found guilty of drinking and driving is required to serve at least 24 hours in jail. Other penalties include expensive fines, suspension of driving privileges, probation and the installation of an ignition interlock device. If any damages or injuries resulted from a DUI accident, these penalties will intensify.

“A DUI offense is serious,” Corso said. “The physical dangers and legal penalties that could arise from drinking and driving should inspire people to plan ahead and stay safe on St. Patrick’s Day.”

To schedule a free consultation with Corso Law Group, please visit www.corsolawgroup.com or call (480) 471-4616. Corso Law Group, PLLC is located at 17470 N. Pacesetter Way Scottsdale, AZ 85255.

The Waste Management Phoenix Open is one of the most popular PGA tour stops in the country, known for top-notch golf and even more serious partying, which has led Arizona police departments to monitor the event more closely.

“It’s become an iconic sporting event in our country,” said Dan Calihan, the 2015 Tournament Chairman. “It’s a show. It’s an event as much as it’s a golf tournament.”

Many drink all day, which is why Valley police departments from Mesa, Scottsdale, Gilbert and Tempe have joined forces the past several years to crack down on drunk driving near the event with the “Know Your Limit” campaign.

Police at the event warn attendees to find a safe way home after the Open, going as far as offering breathalyzer tests to show impaired partygoers that they can’t get behind the wheel.

The Scottsdale Police Department offered 2,100 Breathalyzer tests in 2014 and 60 DUI related arrests, Sgt. Tom Jensen said, according to ABC 15 in Phoenix. The previous year, approximately 600 tests were taken, leading to 120 arrests.

The Phoenix Open is notorious for rowdy spectators drinking at the 16th hole, where thousands of fans can get up and close and watch celebrity athletes, as well as the Coors Light Birds Nest where big-name performers take the stage several nights in a row.

“There’s no denying the Phoenix Open gathers a fun-loving crowd,” said Christopher P. Corso, founding partner of Corso Law Group. “It’s just a matter of keeping everyone safe once the events are over and done with. We help plenty of people with DUI charges after the Open, it’s our job to defend their rights.”

This year, police will continue to increase patrols and monitor DUI checkpoints near the TPC Scottsdale golf resort.

The experienced Arizona DUI lawyers at Corso Law Group are well versed in the law and will do everything in their power to fight for you and your family. If you or a loved one is facing DUI charges in Arizona, contact Corso Law Group.

To schedule a free consultation, please visit www.corsolawgroup.com or call (480) 471-4616. Corso Law Group, PLCC is located at 17470 N. Pacesetter Way Scottsdale, AZ 85255.

The arrest of ASU English professor Ersula Ore caught the nation’s attention last year, and now she’s fighting back with a $2 million claim against the university.

On May 20, 2014, Ore was arrested on charges of aggravated assault on a police officer, criminal damage, refusal to provide truthful name and obstructing a public thoroughfare. She later pleaded guilty to one count resisting arrest, and the other charges were dropped.

Ore was sentenced to nine months probation.

The notice of claims she filed in November accuses ASU Police Officer Stewart Ferrin of excessive force, false arrest and violation of her federal rights to due process, azcentral reports.

Financial, emotional and psychological damages resulted from the arrest in May, according to the claim, and Ore said she feels degraded and humiliated.

“She also continues to suffer from confusion and anxiety that she is not safe in the presence of uniformed officers,” the claim states.

Ore was crossing a street on the ASU campus in Tempe when Officer Ferrin stopped her and asked for identification. She refused to give ID and questioned why she was stopped, sparking confrontation between the two.

“Personally I’m wondering what about me seemed to be a threat, so much so that it warranted an officer touching me and violating me,” Ore said before Superior Court Commissioner Julie Mata last year.

Ore reportedly kicked the officer in the shin, and Ferrin threatened to “slam” her onto the hood of the police car.

Witnesses of the confrontation called police when the Ferrin became aggressive, throwing Ore to the ground.

The police car’s dashboard camera recorded the confrontation, and the video made national headlines leading civil groups to believe that racial profiling was involved in Ore’s arrest.

ASU recently notified Ferrin that he would be fired, but Ore’s attorney, Daniel Ortega, said his client will continue to press charges regardless of the result of Ferrin’s termination hearing.

The university is currently reviewing the claim, ASU spokesman Mark Johnson said.

The experienced attorneys at Corso Law Group understand that cases involving assault are complicated and require professional attention. Our team will hear your story and defend your rights to our best ability, all while treating you with respect every step of the way.

For help with Arizona DUI charges, please call Corso Law Group at our Phoenix office at (480) 471-4616, or reach us at our Houston office at (713) 231-0499 for Texas DWI charges.