When a person is charged with a DUI in Arizona, it is common for the police to serve an Admin Per Se/Implied Consent Affidavit to the driver. The service of this Affidavit can affect the person’s eligibility to operate a motor vehicle and is separate from any Court proceedings that may arise as a result of the DUI charges filed …
STAY OFF THE NAUGHTY LIST FOR THE HOLIDAYS THIS YEAR
The holidays traditionally are a time of peace and joy, but often result in stress, over-shopping, and overindulgence. Unfortunately, the number of shoplifting and alcohol related crimes tend to increase during this time of year too. Some of us fall to the pressure of obtaining gifts we cannot afford and resort to shoplifting. Other simply make errors in judgement due …
DUI Defendants can Finally Serve Jail Time at Home
On July 22, 2020, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors finally authorized home detention for misdemeanor DUI Defendants charged in Justice Courts. This comes after many years of unfair and disproportionate treatment for DUI Defendants throughout Maricopa County. Years ago, the legislature recognized that current misdemeanor DUI sentences in Arizona are extremely harsh compared to other misdemeanor crimes, and even …
Am I Required to Give Police My Password in Today’s Digital Age?
Living in the 21st century, new technologies are created regularly that offer services and experiences virtually rather than in person. With this constant evolution into a digital world, Federal and State Courts are presented with the struggle of how to interpret a Constitution hundreds of years old, and to apply it to present day innovations. As technology advances and our use …
Wrong Way Impaired Driving is the Right Way to End up in the Slammer
In 2018 Arizona enacted legislation in an effort to combat wrong way driving. These are changes that everyone should be aware of. Specifically, a provision was added to the Aggravated Driving Under the Influence (Aggravated DUI) statute, A.R.S. §28-1383, that now makes it felony Aggravated DUI to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, “while driving …
Don’t Get Tricked This Halloween!
Trick-or-treating did not become a Halloween tradition until the 1930’s. Back then, people who complied with kids’ requests for treats were left alone, but those who did not comply were punished with a trick. Unfortunately, law enforcement is not handing out treats this Halloween. They could be handing out tickets, or worse, taking you to jail. DUI enforcement does not …
DON’T LOSE YOUR FREEDOM THIS INDEPENDENCE DAY!
July 4th is a day to celebrate our country’s freedom. Many choose to celebrate the holiday by cooling off at the lake, gathering with family and friends at backyard BBQs, or by taking a vacation to beat the heat. Given the abundance of alcohol at these events, it is especially important to drink responsibly and find a designated driver, as …
HOUSE BILL 2066 – THE CHANGE IN AGGRAVATED DUI PENALTIES FROM MANDATORY PRISON TIME TO JAIL TIME : IS IT ALL ABOUT THE MONEY?
House Bill 2066, as of the date of this blog, looks destined to soon become a law governing Aggravated DUI penalties. As written, this Bill could create some very unexpected and expensive consequences, while offering no real benefit to the community or to the Defendants, most of whom are in need of counseling not expensive incarceration. (Full Legislative history of …
Cinco de Mayo Phoenix AZ 2017
For our amigos and amigas who are going to fiesta on cervezas and margaritas this Cinco de Mayo, here are a few tips to celebrate safely and legally! The Cinco de Mayo holiday is one of the leading holidays for DUI arrests in Arizona. Police will be in full force around the holiday so don’t allow yourselves to throw caution …
How to Avoid Criminal Charges at the Final Four
Final Four Madhouse Hits the Valley This Weekend! The moment we’ve all been waiting for starts this weekend: The NCAA Final Four. Already, we’ve seen road blocks and structures pop up throughout downtown and in Glendale, making it harder to navigate through our busy city streets. Things are only going to get busier as thousands flood downtown and to Glendale, not only …
The FBI’s Controversial Investigation Tactics for Internet Sex Crimes Calls for Change in Law
Last week, a dismissal of a highly controversial Federal District Court case involving child pornography out of Tacoma, Washington heightened debates over whether the need exists to modernize the Fourth Amendment’s language in order to better address our ever changing technological era. United States v. Jay Michaud arose from an investigation by the FBI into website, Playpen.com, a site that …
The Use of Personal Drones and The Change in Arizona Law
Change in Arizona Law to Include the Use of Personal Drones and the Requirement to Register You or someone you know has most likely received a drone as a gift or purchased one for recreational use. They seem to be everywhere, in both conversation and day-to-day life. Amazon is using them to deliver packages. We’re giving them to our children …
Beware the AZ DUI Task Force
This blog is entitled Beware of the AZ DUI Task Force and this is why. This is a really, really big month for us here in the valley. We’ve got the Waste Management coming up this weekend. We also have obviously the Super Bowl so everybody’s out at Super Bowl parties, out at the bars, having a good time, and …
New Year’s Eve Weekend DUI’s: Plan Ahead to Avoid a DUI
New Year’s Eve Weekend DUI’s make this one of Castillo Law’s least favorite holidays. It’s a time for getting rid of the bad and welcoming the endless possibilities of the new year. For our clients, it means the possibility for rehabilitation and the ability to turn over a new leaf and lead a positive lifestyle. With that being said, we …
How Prescription Drug Use Can Lead to a DUI: What You Need to Know
Many individuals who are of drinking age, and even some who are not, have likely taken precautions to avoid a DUI. These precautions can include designating a responsible and sober driver, using a ridesharing app like Uber or Lyft, or choosing to imbibe at home. With all these precautions focusing on alcohol, have you ever thought that your prescribed medication …
Better a Cruel Truth than a Comfortable Delusion: How to Improve the Use of Axon Body Cameras
A Call for Law Enforcement Reform With the 2016 presidential election creating more and more buzz each day, many of our readers have undoubtedly heard discussion about law enforcement reform. This is a tangential response to movements nationwide, both on social media and in the community, calling for more transparency and accountability when it comes to police officer behavior and …
How to Avoid Stress and Criminal Charges During The Holidays
Season’s Greetings from Castillo Law It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes, or bags. Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps . . . means a little bit more!–Dr. Seuss The holidays are a time to show the special people in our lives how much we care about them. While we’re …
Tips for a Safe and Fun Halloween from Castillo Law
When Black Cats Prowl and Pumpkins Gleam, Keep the Criminal Charges away this Halloween! It’s time for everyone’s favorite holiday! Although the leaves aren’t changing, there’s a cool breeze shaking the cactus needles, and people are busy deciding whether or not dressing as Pizza Rat will finally score a win at the costume contest this year. As with any holiday …
Drivers Beware: Failure to Remain Silent Could Result in False Reporting Charges
Right to remain silent: Use It! Drivers Beware: Here is yet another reason why you should only provide your driver’s license, registration, and insurance, and nothing more. If you are stopped by an officer conducting a traffic stop and you have been drinking, do not make any statements. Your words will be used against you. An East Valley prosecuting agency …
Stay thirsty but designate a driver this Memorial Day on the Salt River
Stay Cool and Safe on the Salt River and lakes of Arizona: Avoiding Negative Police Contact As the Arizona summer is starting to heat up, we are all thinking of ways to stay cool despite the scorching sun. Relaxing and taking in the first bright rays of summer, feeling the lingering cool breeze, is the perfect thing to do this …
OUI aka Boating DUI in AZ
Video: OUI aka Boating DUI in AZ Start Transcript: OUI aka Boating DUI in AZ It’s that time of year again when Arizon-ians are fleeting to the lakes of Arizona, whether it be Saguaro Lake, Lake Roosevelt, Lake Pleasant, Lake Powell. Any of the lakes here in Arizona, a lot of people tend to try to get away for the …
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Have Fun and Stay Safe!
Some important reminders for a safe St. Patrick’s Holiday! Keep the images of shamrocks, leprechauns, pots of gold, and good luck on St. Patrick’s Day! Today, March 17 marks the arrival of Christianity in Ireland as well as the death of the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. For many Americans, both Irish and non-Irish, St. Patrick’s Day is a …
Phoenix DUI: No Fowl Play on Turkey Day
Thanksgiving is a joyous time to give thanks and focus on friends and family. The extended time off work comes as a huge relief to most, the anticipation of a savory Thanksgiving Dinner and the long weekend with our loved ones cannot come soon enough! Before cracking open your first beer, popping open the champagne or uncorking a bottle of …
Labor Day and Potential Legal Issues in Arizona
Staying Informed Means Staying Safe and Out of Jail Labor Day was created to pay tribute to all workers who have contributed to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our great nation. In Arizona, Labor Day enthusiasts pay tribute through backyard barbeques and swim parties, salt river tubing, and boating at one of Arizona’s recreational lakes. For many, Labor Day …
Video Blog: Marijuana DUI Update for AZ
Start transcription of Marijuana DUI update in AZ Hi, my name is Cindy Castillo with Castillo Law. Today I’d like to talk to you about a new Arizona Supreme Court opinion regarding Carboxy-THC. In the Shilgevorkyan case, which is the Arizona Supreme Court case, the court was considering whether or not it is illegal for an individual to drive while …
AZ Spring Training 2014: play it safe and avoid a DUI
Winter in Arizona. When the rest of the country is miserable, buried under feet of snow, and bundled up in layers upon layers, we are casually walking around in our sunny 70 degree weather. Naturally, this lends itself to having visitors come from across the nation to partake in the enjoyable weather. AZ Spring Training 2014 However, in March, visitors …
DUI and Child Custody in Arizona
DUI and Child Custody in Arizona Start Transcription Hi! My name is Cindy Castillo with Castillo Law. Today, I’d like to talk to you about if you’ve been charged with a DUI, whether or not you might lose custody of your children. In Arizona, there is a rebuttable presumption. If you are in the process of getting a divorce and …
How does your case get to Misdemeanor Court in Arizona?
Start Transcript: Hi my name is Cindy Castillo of Castillo Law. Today I would like to talk to you about how your case gets to a misdemeanor court. The obvious one is that you have been contacted by a law enforcement officer and he issued you a citation and it says right on the citation “you need to present yourself …
Scottsdale DUI Crime Lab Instrument Problems
In August of 2013 a Maricopa County Superior Court Judge issued a ruling suppressing the blood results of several DUI defendant’s whose blood was tested on an instrument in the Scottsdale Crime Lab. Stating that “the scientific” principles and in particular, the “scientific” methods were not properly applied.” This ruling will potentially have compounding effects on many more defendants in …
What does Actual Physical Control mean?
This video explains what Actual Physical Control of a vehicle means in Arizona and how it can affect whether you are charged with a DUI or not. Start Transcript Hi my name is Cindy Castillo with Castillo law. I often get asked the question: “I wasn’t driving can I still be charged with a DUI?” The answer is yes and …
Can you get a DUI on a bicycle or horse in Arizona?
This video was created to answer a commonly asked and regularly confused question: Can you get a DUI on a Bicycle or Horse in Arizona? Start Transcript Hi my name is Cindy Castillo with Castillo Law. I often get asked the question: “Can I get a DUI on a bicycle?” The answer the question is: No, you cannot be charged …
What is a Felony or Aggravated DUI for cancelled suspended or revoked license?
Have you been arrested for a felony or aggravated DUI in Arizona because your drivers license was cancelled, suspended, or revoked at the time? Criminal defense lawyer Cindy Castillo explains what this charge means and what fines and penalties you are facing if found guilty.
What is a Felony or Aggravated DUI Child in the car in Arizona?
Have you been charged with a felony or aggravated DUI in Arizona because there was a child under 15 years of age in the car? Criminal defense lawyer Cindy Castillo explains what this charge means and what fines and penalties you are facing if found guilty.
What is a Felony or Aggravated DUI with multiple DUIs?
Have you been arrested for a Felony or Aggravated DUI in Arizona due to having multiple DUI’s? Criminal defense lawyer Cindy Castillo explains what this charge means and the fines and penalties applied if found guilty.
How a DUI case is handled by Castillo Law
Have you been charged with a DUI in Arizona? Criminal defense lawyer Cindy Castillo explains her process for defending you against your DUI charges.
What is a Second Offense DUI?
Have you been charged with a second offense DUI in Arizona? Criminal defense lawyer Cindy Castillo explains what the charge means and the possible fines and penalties if found guilty.
What is a ‘Set Aside’ in Arizona?
What is a ‘Set Aside’ in Arizona? Criminal Defense lawyer Cindy Castillo explains what a set aside is in Arizona and how it may be required if you want to get a job.
What to do if pulled over for DUI in Arizona
Have you ever wondered exactly what you are supposed to do if you get pulled over for a DUI in Arizona? DUI and criminal defense lawyer Cindy Castillo explains what you should and should not do to ensure you get the best chance of defending yourself in court. This video does not condone driving under the influence nor does it …
What is a super extreme DUI in Arizona?
Have you been charged with a super extreme DUI in Arizona? DUI and criminal defense lawyer Cindy Castillo explains what the charge means and possible fines and penalties faced if convicted.
What is an Extreme DUI in AZ?
Have you been charged with an Extreme DUI in Arizona? DUI and Criminal defense lawyer Cindy Castillo explains what the charge is for and what penalties you face if convicted.
Race or Power Trip for DUI Arrest?
Simply put, Mr. Thorton has fallen victim to an over-zealous officer who sought to put numbers before common sense. All too often, many officers who have been given tools in the academy to assist with arrest decisions refuse to consider any other possible reason a person might be demonstrating signs similar to alcohol/drug impairment. This officer could have ended his …