What you need to know about sobriety checkpoints

Dec 04 2012

Law enforcement agents will frequently set up drunk driving checkpoints along highways and other roads as a way to try and catch intoxicated drivers. In most cases, these checkpoints are set up as part of a “no-refusal” weekend, where drivers do not have the option to refuse being tested for intoxication. Typically, officers at a checkpoint will question a driver about their night and if necessary, ask the driver to submit to a breathalyzer test or in some cases, a blood test, to try and determine if he or she is under the influence of alcohol.

In order to adhere to Constitutional guidelines, these checkpoints have to follow a number of rules and guidelines when it comes to talking to drivers, submitting tests, and arresting individuals if they are believed to be above the legal limit. If you have been arrested at a DUI checkpoint, you may be able to lessen your sentence or have your case dismissed if you can prove the officer acted outside of the law.

Rules for Sobriety Checkpoints

Many people have raised concerns over the legality of these checkpoints; however, the courts have upheld the legality of these checkpoints as a necessary and legitimate screening process time and time again. Fortunately, you may have a case if the officer violated any of the basic regulations governing these checkpoints such as:

  • Warning signs must be posted and visible
  •  The checkpoint is at a reasonable location
  • Supervisors make final decisions
  • The public has to be warned of the checkpoint before it is put in place

If a law enforcement officer or agency does not meet the above requirements, they may violate an individual’s rights to protection against unlawful search and seizure. With the help of a skilled legal professional, an individual may be able to have the charges against them reduced in severity, or in some instances, eliminated altogether. To learn more, get in touch with a DUI lawyer today to talk about your legal options and rights or click here.

Woody Thompson

 

 

 

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Nursing home linked to two abuse cases

Jun 21 2012

St. James Place, a nursing home in St. Louis, is facing two nursing home negligence lawsuits after the visitors began noticing bruises and other injuries on their loved ones.

One 82-year-old woman was found with a great deal of bruising on her arms. Her daughter called the police, who are now investigating the home. The elderly woman had to stay in a hospital for two days to recover from her injuries.

Similarly, another resident of the home, aged 68 years, who was recovering from a fractured elbow, was found in poor condition by her daughter-in-law. The injured arm had begun turning green. When the home was informed, they neglected to call for emergency medical attention for a period of two hours.

Nursing home abuse is a startlingly common occurrence. If you have loved ones living in such facilities, be sure to check on them periodically to make sure they are happy and well-tended to.

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Arizona strip mall fire destroys nine businesses

Apr 12 2012

A strip mall fire in Arizona destroyed nine businesses and fire officials in the area are continuing to investigate what caused the devastating fire.

According to police officials, the fire began at a business park on E. Main Street just before 12:30 p.m. The blaze was so large, the fire officials from two different departments had to respond to put the fire out. Nearby homes were evacuated, but there were no injuries reported as a result of the fire.

Multiple places in the business park were destroyed including Ace Flooring, Next Generation Worship Center,Mesa Academy of Pet Grooming, 64th Street Auto Repair and Abel Clock Co. A police officer that was at the scene was treated for smoke inhalation.

Investigators stated that the heavy winds in the area helped the fire to spread quickly and made it that much more difficult for fire crews to stop the blaze. Many of the business owners have stated that they think that the fire will have resulted in a total rebuild of the business.

When beginning to rebuild a home or office, there are many aspects to consider. If it is a total rebuild, finding an experienced company that can help you construct the building of your dreams will take some time.

If the fire only partially damaged the building, but you need cleaning or rood specialists, the Austin carpet cleaners recommend that you have your carpet professionally cleaned with a steam cleaner in order to remove the smell of smoke or ash.

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Phoenix medical school does not receive additional funds

Mar 01 2012

Even though more students are enrolled in the medical school at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, the legislature did not reserve any additional funds for college budgets in the 2013 fiscal year.

When it was initially created in 2006, the legislature set aside nearly $13 million and planned for funding to be added each year. Since then, the budget has been cut nearly $10 million since then.

“We can’t grow, number one, without an increase in funding and we cannot sustain the quality we’re at right now. Certainly we need to, for the university’s sake and for the state’s sake,”  Stuart Flynn, the dean of the college said. “The state won’t get another chance, nor will the university, to design and build another medical school in an environment such as this.”

At this time, there are 48 medical students enrolled and they plan to expand this number to 80 or even 120 in the future.

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Red Sox pitcher, Jenks, reports on surgical error

Feb 24 2012

Bobby Jenks, the relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox has now discussed a surgical error that caused him pain and a follow up emergency surgery in December.

According to Jenks, he went into Massachusetts General Hospital on December 12 in order to have two bone spurts removed from the top of his spine. A third bone spurt was then partially removed, leaving an incision in his spine.

“I don’t know whose fault it was, but there was an error done inside,’’ Jenks said. “I had four bone spurs on my spine. We talked about taking the top two out. The third one was started and not finished. So basically there was a serrated edge that sliced me open in two different spots and I was leaking spinal fluid.”

He was rushed into surgery in order to treat the incision on Dec. 30. A second surgery in order to treat the incision was done immediately and this could mean that Jenks is out for the season. Whether or not Jenks will take legal action is being discussed now.

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Arizona celebrates 1st Annual Beer and Cocktail festival

Feb 17 2012

Cocktail and Beer week is currently going on now in Arizona and bars and restaurants across the state are now celebrating.

Arizona Beer Week offers more than 250 events for residents to participate in. This is the first annual beer and cocktail week and the events begin on Feb. 18. First, the Ska Brewing Co.’s St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Cruiser Ride takes place this Sunday at the biker bar and pub and continues on to a pub crawl throughout the city.

Also, Beckett’s Table is going to host a Beer & Bacon Dinners this weekend. The event features a three-course meal and beer served at an 18-person table. Dinners are to occur on  Feb. 19, 22, and 23. Other events include the Girl’s Pint Out with Bell’s Brewing, Brewing Up Hope, and the Four Peaks Kilt Fest.

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Spirit Airlines will now fly out of Phoenix-Mesa Airport

Feb 09 2012

Spirit Airlines will now be offering flights out of the Phoenix-Mesa Airport.

The first arrival for a flight was today at 11:30 a.m. and it will be from Las Vegas. According to officials with the airline, there will be flights from Phoenix to Las Vegas, on certain days in February and March, that will be less the $20.

This airline does charge for carry on and checked baggage as well as seat assignments and in-flight snacks. Spirit Airlines has been said to be one of the least expensive airlines to fly out of the East Valley.

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Traffic delays expected with Phoenix Open

Feb 02 2012

Traffic is expected this weekend in the Scottsdale area because the Phoenix Open is taking place this weekend in the TPC Scottsdale Golf Course.

Officials that are planning the event have stated that if you are not attending the event or can avoid the area, it may be a good idea to do so. There will be major road closures due to the event and drivers are urged to pay attention to signs because of the potential legal issues.

There will signs to tell drivers which areas are closed as well as signs that will tell attendees where they can park. Major closures will be at Hayden Road near Loop 101, Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, and Bell Road. The first round of the event begins today.

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Prescott woman takes plea deal for DUI, drug charges

Jan 26 2012

A Prescott woman that was charged after a car accident while allegedly driving under the influence of methamphetamine has now entered a plea bargain with the Yavapai County Superior Court.

Before the plea bargain, the woman was facing a possible sentence of 119 years in prison and decided to enter the plea bargain after she was found guilty of the crime. According to court records, the 31-year-old woman was involved in the accident in May 2010 after she struck a truck head-on.

The 70-year-old driver of the truck and the Prescott woman were both flown the hospital in order to be treated. The woman also had her two children, ages 5 and 6, in the car at the time. In June, the woman was indicted on nine counts as a result of the accident.

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Car crashes into wall near Phoenix neighborhood

Jan 19 2012

A car recently crashed into a wall near a Phoenix neighborhood leaving one teenager injured.

According to police officials, the teenager was driving near the intersection of 63rd Avenue and Indian School Road when his car went off the side of the road and into a wall near home. A witness to the crash ran over to help the teenage driver and called 911.

The driver was trapped in the upside down car and the witness stayed with him until rescue crews arrived. When emergency crews arrived at the scene, the teenager was examined by crews and stated that he will be making a full recovery. Police are continuing to investigate the accident at this time.

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