Glendale is getting a lot of media attention surrounding DUIs lately, but not for reasons that seem so obvious.
We blogged Monday about how over 100 volunteers in the Glendale DUI task force save the city police department nearly a half million dollars annually.
And now, we’re reporting that Glendale motor officer David Vidaure has recently been honored for his dedication to removing tipsy drivers from the streets of Arizona.
The Arizona chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving presented Officer Vidaure, age 31, with one of its 2010 DUI Enforcement Awards for his “outstanding commitment” to reducing drunken driving.
Following in the footsteps of his father, a retired DPS motor officer, Vidaure said he was drawn to police work at a young age. Vidaure actively pursued a position with the DUI squad after starting with the Glendale department as a patrol and neighborhood traffic officer in 2003.
Vidaure was nominated for the award by his supervisor, Sgt. Mark Malinski, who wrote a glowing four-page letter to MADD explaining why Vidaure deserves recognition.
Apparently Sgt. Malinksi has a way with words.
Vidaure was selected for the “outstanding commitment” award not only because of the outstanding letter his Sgt. wrote, but also because of his high number of DUI arrests and professionalism on the job.
In recognition, he was given an honorary plaque and honored at MADD’s banquet in February along with about 20 other officers from throughout the state.
In 2009, Vidaure had a highly successful year. He arrested 128 suspected impaired drivers, the most of any Glendale officer. Aside from arrests, he volunteered his time speaking at local schools on the risks of impaired driving or driving while texting. Vidaure’s peers also selected him to receive the award for Glendale Motor Officer of the Year.

When you are pulled over for suspected drunk driving and given field sobriety tests, one popular eye test may be questioned as an accurate indication of intoxication. The purpose of the test, referred to as Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), is to determine if your eyes are “jerking” when you look from side to side. The arresting officer may wave one finger or a pen and ask you to follow it with your eyes. If the officer correctly administers the “eye test” and finds unacceptable HGN, it could count against you as evidence of intoxication in a DUI case.

But HGN has many causes unrelated to alcohol consumption:

• Disruption of circadian rhythms from shift work, jet lag, etc.
• Flu
• Multiple sclerosis
• High blood pressure
• Vertigo
• Inner ear disorder
• Overuse of nicotine or caffeine
• Certain vitamin or nutritional deficiencies
• Astigmatism
• Fumes from dry cleaners

One important factor to remember is that you are not required to take the HGN eye test, or any other sobriety field test in Arizona. You cannot lose your license for refusing to take these tests. However, Arizona law states you must agree to undergo a blood-alcohol test such as a breathalyzer or blood test, in order to determine your blood-alcohol content. If you do not consent to that, you will lose your license for one year whether or not you were in fact driving under the influence.

Also, if you suspect you have conditional or chronic HGN, take steps to assure your safety of the safety of your fellow drivers. Consider seeing a doctor or optometrist. Check online for more specifics regarding additional medical aspects and causes of HGN. If you have an affliction such as MS or other serious conditions that can affect your vision and, therefore, driving, consider lifestyle adjustments such as driving only in familiar areas or during daylight hours, etc.

If you have already failed the HGN eye test, and you were unaware of certain predispositions and conditions that can cause HGN, consult with a reputable Arizona DUI lawyer. At Beauchamp Law Office, our attorneys ensure your rights are protected.

It’s bad enough for a man to get a DUI. But if that man is wearing high heels, a skirt and a push-up bra, he’s got even more explaining to do. If it does happen to you, try not to fumble for your purse, of course.

Federal Judge Robert Soma, (now former judge) was driving his Mercedes-Benz E320 when he rear-ended a pick-up and tested over .08 for blood-alcohol content. And, the cross dresser tore his fishnets and lost his balance when he couldn’t properly stand in his heels when he got out of the car.

Surely the New Hampshire arresting officer was taken aback. Makes you wonder if it’s worth it (for both men and women) to carry some flats to slip into just in case?

In all seriousness, keeping your license and registration handy in your car is very important because the officer will be paying very close attention to how easily (or poorly) you produce these materials. Promptly retrieving the documents gets you off on the right foot, even if you’re wearing heels.

On a more somber note, the Orlando Sentinel recently reported a young woman received 15 years in prison, and more than $7,000 in fines, for a DUI resulting in manslaughter. And to make matters worse, she chose to resist the officer with violence, fled and was eventually caught.

According to the Dec. 4, 2009 edition of the Sentinel, Erika Selman “was sentenced to five years in prison, to run concurrent with the 15-year sentence, for the resisting violence charge…”

Nothing good can happen when you get arrested for a DUI, so much of what must be done is to minimize the damages. When you try to resist or run, it only makes matters worse. It is highly likely that a person who shows respect and remorse, and does not flee, will receive a more acceptable sentence. Although Ms. Selman may not look like a bad person in her jail photo, there’s no doubt that alcohol can have extreme effects.

Remember to always be prepared and respectful if you are pulled over for DUI in Arizona, or any state for that matter. And, be sure to find yourself a DUI lawyer who can ensure your rights are protected.

It’s one thing to get a DUI in the Phoenix area, or anywhere in Arizona for that matter. But if you find yourself traveling and are faced with a DUI arrest, it could raise a whole new set of questions and concerns. Here is some advice to follow on out-of-state DUIs:

Check that state’s motor vehicle department website regarding the status of your license. Also check the website of the applicable district court where you were arrested. Look for information regarding local and state laws, and how the DUI process works in that jurisdiction.

Typically, the state in which you obtained your license will decide criminal and civil penalties. But almost all states have an interstate compact to share information, which means you need to follow the procedures in both Arizona and the state in which you were arrested.

More States With Tough DUI Laws

Some of the toughest states for DUI are Arizona (of course), New York (perhaps even tougher than Arizona), California, Washington, Illinois and Minnesota.

The harrowing thing about getting arrested for DUI outside of the state in which you reside is that you have to follow the same DUI process as if you are a resident of that state. This means it is wise to find a DUI lawyer from the state in which you were arrested. You will initially have to go to their court. However, if you are very polite and do not possess a prior record, the judge may allow you to follow up in absentia through your attorney.

If you are required to attend a traffic school, make sure the school is approved by the state where you were arrested. Also, check for online classes.

Helpful Resource

One helpful resource for those arrested for an out-of-state DUI is the unofficial DMV guide. The site is sponsored by insurance companies, and we are not necessarily endorsing it. But it does link to forms and relevant websites nationwide. Stay well-informed through your DUI attorney if you are arrested for an out-of-state DUI, and always conduct yourself as instructed. This will help you get through the process as smoothly as possible.