These are difficult economic times. Jobs are hard to find, debts are difficult to pay, houses are difficult to sell and government at the national to local levels has significant deficits. But in Arizona, a gloomy economy isn't stopping police from spending a whopping $1 million on some special DUI enforcement vehicles.

It's that time of the year, again, when Arizona law enforcement is rallying to catch as many suspected drunk drivers as possible. The holiday season can quickly turn from joyful to stressful this time of year due to the DUI enforcement presence on the streets. This year, look for something a bit different: DUI processing vehicles.

According to reports, officers won't just be out in their standard patrol cars this holiday season. They have used a $1.1 million grant to get six large vehicles wherein drunk driving suspects will be able to be processed and tested. Rather than having to be taken somewhere to have his blood tested for alcohol, a DUI suspect can be tested right in the government-funded vehicle.

Sources do not report where these DUI processing vehicles will be specifically located. But it would be wise to keep an eye out for them and to make plans for safe, sober transportation. Of course, mistakes and misunderstandings happen, leading to DUI arrests this time of year.

Anyone who is arrested for driving under the influence shouldn't hesitate to contact an experienced DUI defense attorney. A first DUI can mean more than $1,000 in fines, driver's license suspension, 10 days in jail and a requirement to pay for having an ignition interlock device in a first-time offender's car. It's a serious charge, and an aggressive defense attorney is necessary to help mitigate the consequences.

Source

Arizona Republic: "Arizona agencies gear up for holiday DUI task force," William Hermann, Nov. 30, 2011