The Dirty Little Secret (of Arizona DUI First Offense)
Here is the math used in Arizona: INCREASED JAIL + DUI PROBLEM = REDUCED DUI PROBLEM. It makes perfect sense, right. Who would risk more than a month in jail for a few drinks.
Apparently - lots of people. Maybe even more people now, than when the penalties were previously lower. Unfortunately the State's math is flawed. Let me give you some anecdotal evidence.
A few weeks ago I was sitting in an arraignment with a client waiting for our case to be called. Before the judge started calling cases he told the packed court room about Arizona's DUI penalties. After going through the sentencing schemes he also made the following disclosure in open court. He stated, these DUI penalties have become harsher and harsher ever since he had been practicing law (and by grey color of his remaining hair that appeared to be a long time). "However, my courtroom still stays full." He went on to say that "we all know" the new DUI penalties have not reduced the number of DUI cases but it is the law. "Fair or not these are the laws I am required to follow."
Well it is not everyday a judge, in open court, makes such a candid admission. Moreover, the judge's speech was absolutely correct about the Arizona DUI laws. Those of who are involved in Arizona DUI cases, "all know" the math is wrong. We all know, law enforcement included, raising penalties does not reduce the number DUI cases. One reason is the real consequence of a DUI is not jail, but taking someone's life. If that is not enough to stop someone from driving impaired, then long jail terms that no person really knows the specifics of (until after they are charged), certainly will not have a great impact.
However, I have an idea of what may work. In part two of this post I make my case for how I believe we should address the problem. That is, if we are serious about solving it - which I hope we are.
Lawrence Koplow
