Recent Blog Posts in March 2010

What could have been a typical DUI arrest quickly escalated when the suspect, believed to be intoxicated, assaulted two Department of Public Safety officers.

The incident occurred at the scene of a pickup truck accident on Interstate 10. The suspect became uncooperative at the scene and began assaulting the officer. When the officer’s partner arrived at the scene, she assaulted him as well.

The officers were able to arrest the suspect and bring her into custody. In addition to DUI charges, she also faces two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer and one count of resisting arrest. The suspects also faces four counts of aggravated assault in connection with causing an accident while intoxicated with four passengers in the vehicle.

It’s very important for anyone confronted, questioned, or investigated by the police to remain calm and act police. Being disrespectful, let alone being abusive, will only make your situation worse. Not only do you stand to be charged for the crime you are suspected of, but you also could face enhanced penalties and charges for resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

At the Knowles Law Firm, we offer aggressive DUI defense representation and service to people throughout the Phoenix-metro area. We understand that everyone makes mistakes and bad decisions. If you had a lapse in judgment and were arrested for drinking and driving, you can depend on a Phoenix DUI attorney at our office to help you fight your charges from all angles to increase your chances of securing a favorable outcome at the MVD hearing and in criminal court.

To discuss your DUI charges with an attorney at our firm, please call (888) 332-5621 or (602) 702-5431 today!

According to the California Highway Patrol, a professional football player has been arrested and charged with driving under the influence after crashing his motorcycle in Grass Valley, a small town north of Sacramento.

Spencer Harvey, a tight end and linebacker for the Green Bay Packers, was driving his 2007 Kawasaki motorcycle on a private road when he lost control and crashed. He was not wearing a helmet at the time and suffered multiple injuries, including cuts, abrasions, and a broken shoulder.

Harvey was taken to Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital. At the hospital it was discovered he was under the influence of a controlled substance, and was consequently arrested for DUI.

Police and sheriff’s deputies may have new protocol to follow when a driver is pulled over on suspicion of DUI.

The Arizona Supreme Court will consider whether law enforcement authorities must obtain a search warrant in order to conduct a blood test of a DUI suspect if the suspect doesn’t give clear consent to have his or her blood withdrawn.

A Court of Appeals ruling found that it wasn’t enough under state law that a man didn’t object when officers moved to take a blood sample while in a police DUI van. The appeals court said the law in question is called the “implied consent” law because drivers must consent to have their blood drawn or they will be subjected to a civil driver’s license suspension for a refusal. The appeals court did say in their ruling that drivers do have the right to withhold consent for a “non-warrant search.”

A Phoenix police officer has been charged with DUI and failure to obey an officer following a incident that took place January 3.

At about 10:30 a.m. on January 3, a Gilbert police officer found Seth Samuel Castillo of the Phoenix Police Department slumped over the passenger seat, unconscious behind the wheel of this jeep. The Gilbert officer made several attempts to rouse Castillo but to no avail. Once Castillo woke up, the officer ordered him to step out of the car and place his hands on the hood of the vehicle.

In his report the officer said Castillo made a motion like he was reaching for something around his wasit, instead of putting them on the vehicle. Fearing that Castillo was reaching for a weapon and unaware that he was a police officer, the officer tasered Castillo. It wasn’t until Castillo had fallen to the ground that he told the officer he was an off-duty Phoenix police officer.

Castillo eventually admitted that he had consumed two 24-ounce beers and took Ritalin, a prescription drug. Lab results indicated Castillo’s blood alcohol concentration at the time of the incident was .172, more than twice the legal limit.

Despite his charges—one for DUI and one for failure to obey an officer—Castillo is still on active duty while both the criminal and internal investigations are underway.

With years of experience in Arizona DUI law, the Knowles Law Firm has the knowledge, resources, and practice to provide any client with effective DUI defense representation. If you need help fighting your DUI charges, you can trust a skilled Phoenix DUI lawyer at the Knowles Law Firm to protect your interests and aggressively defend your case at both the MVD hearing and in criminal court.