Scottsdale Police conduct late-night DUI patrols in Old Town. Illustrative scene, not tied to a specific incident.

DUI Task Force vehicle used during saturation patrols across Scottsdale. Illustrative image, not tied to a specific incident.

Old Town Scottsdale entertainment district, a common focus area for weekend DUI enforcement.

Jessica Hernandez, JD, Senior Attorney at The Valley Law Group, provides rapid-response DUI defense consultations.

Reception area at The Valley Law Group’s Arizona office where clients check in for consultations.

Scottsdale Police increase DUI patrols. The Valley Law Group expands rapid-response criminal defense in Scottsdale with same-day and after-hours consults.

SCOTTSDALE, AZ, UNITED STATES, October 17, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Scottsdale Police and regional partners are ramping up DUI and holiday enforcement patrols through multi-agency task forces and saturation details. These efforts, coordinated with the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, mark the start of the Valley’s annual “holiday crackdown” period on impaired driving.

During last season’s WM Phoenix Open and other major events, Scottsdale Police reported year-over-year increases in calls for service and arrests -trends that typically extend into the busy winter months. In response, The Valley Law Group (TVLG) has expanded its Scottsdale criminal defense team, offering same-day and after-hours consultations and broader courtroom coverage so residents can act quickly on testing decisions, license deadlines, and early court dates.

WHY SCOTTSDALE DUI ENFORCEMENT IS TIGHTER
Scottsdale’s civic calendar is packed with high-profile events and busy holiday weekends. During the 2024 WM Phoenix Open, Scottsdale Police reported more calls for service, more arrests, and more ejections than in the prior two years, serving as an on-record reminder that event weeks can dramatically increase enforcement activity and court exposure for visitors and locals alike.

Beyond event surges, Arizona agencies routinely coordinate holiday saturation patrols. The Arizona Department of Public Safety’s DUI Enforcement Unit regularly partners with the East Valley DUI Task Force, a multi-agency effort dating back decades and frequently cited as a model for saturation-patrol strategy. Scottsdale PD, for its part, publicly promotes holiday enforcement pushes under the “Get a ride, not a DUI” message, often in collaboration with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) and ADOT. Together, those deployments create stricter enforcement cycles and more frequent stops, tests, and referrals to prosecutors.

On the prosecution side, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) maintains a public data dashboard tracking referrals and case activity, offering transparency into the steady pipeline of criminal matters countywide. While numbers fluctuate week to week, the dashboard underscores the value of timely legal guidance when enforcement spikes and cases move quickly through intake.
For residents, these surges condense crucial choices, including testing, hearings, and release terms, into a matter of days.

TOP 5 MOVES IN YOUR FIRST 72 HOURS
1) Call a lawyer early. Quick advice changes outcomes.
2) Protect your license. Ask about MVD/EHO hearing deadlines and Implied Consent.
3) Save evidence. Request body-cam, preserve texts/photos, list witnesses.
4) Know your date. Initial appearance can be within 24 hours.
5) Follow terms. Bond and protective-order rules start immediately.

MINI LEGAL DUI GUIDE FOR SCOTTSDALE RESIDENTS
- During a stop or arrest: Be respectful; provide license/registration/insurance; you may ask for a lawyer.
→ avoid arguing facts on the roadside; those are for court.

- Implied Consent & testing: Arizona’s rules can suspend your license based on test results or refusal;
→ there are short windows to request MVD hearings; ask how the choice you make affects your license and case.

WHY FASTER LEGAL HELP MATTERS IN A DUI CRACKDOWN
When police run saturation patrols and event-week task forces, the timeline for important decisions gets very short. Most people see a judge for an initial appearance quickly; Arizona rules require this within 24 hours, or the person must be released. During this appearance, charges are discussed. The judge can also set release conditions, such as bond, no-alcohol orders, GPS, or check-ins. Having a plan early can influence what those conditions look like and how soon someone can get back to work and family.

For DUI cases, the clock starts immediately on driver’s license issues, which are separate from the criminal case. Arizona’s Admin Per Se/Implied Consent system can suspend your driving privilege based on test results or a test refusal, and key deadlines arrive fast. If you’ve been served with Admin Per Se/Implied Consent paperwork, you generally have a short window to request a hearing with ADOT’s Executive Hearing Office (EHO); missing it can trigger an automatic suspension. A refusal carries especially serious consequences under state law, including a one-year suspension for a first refusal (longer for subsequent refusals within the look-back). These administrative rules sit on top of any criminal court dates, which is why people often need guidance in the first 24–72 hours to keep options open.

Domestic-violence-related arrests and protective orders also create quick-moving milestones. If someone is served with an Order of Protection, the restrained party is typically entitled to one hearing on written request, and courts commonly set that hearing within about 10 days (faster when certain firearm or residential-exclusion issues are involved). Those hearings can affect living arrangements, child-exchange logistics, and employment access. Therefore, getting organized early with witnesses, texts, and body-worn camera (body-cam) requests is crucial.

All of this unfolds while the court is weighing release conditions and, where applicable, pretrial supervision. In Maricopa County, Pretrial Services provides judges with information and monitors compliance when ordered. Missed check-ins or violations can lead to bond reviews or stricter terms. Knowing exactly what’s required (and documenting compliance from day one) can help avoid setbacks.

In short, during crackdown periods like holiday weekends, big events, or coordinated task forces, everything moves faster. In just a few days, people may be deciding about chemical testing, facing MVD deadlines, receiving court dates and protective-order terms, and managing bond conditions. Early counsel is crucial for preserving evidence, such as requesting body-cam footage or calibration records. It also helps with mapping the license pathway, including hearing requests and eligibility for restricted or ignition-interlock options, and preparing for first appearances and protective-order hearings. The aim is straightforward: take the right steps, in the right order, before the window closes.

SCOTTSDALE CRIMINAL DEFENSE CASE EXAMPLES: EARLY LEGAL ACTION THAT WORKS
=======================================================================
Names, dates, and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy. These examples are for general information only. Every case is different; outcomes vary, and no result is guaranteed.

[ DUI STOP NEAR THE EVENT VENUE ]
>> LICENSE CLOCK (WITHIN 24–72 HOURS): ACTING WITHIN 24 HOURS PRESERVED LICENSE OPTIONS AND IMPROVED LEVERAGE.
- A Scottsdale visitor was stopped after the WM Phoenix Open for a lane-change violation. A portable breath test and later blood draw followed. Within 24 hours, the family called for help; counsel immediately requested body-cam and calibration records, flagged handling gaps, and filed MVD hearing paperwork to stay the Admin Per Se/Implied Consent action pending the hearing. After reviewing discovery and negotiating on testing issues, prosecutors agreed to a reduction with education and monitoring. (Outcomes vary; no result is guaranteed.)

[ DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ALLEGATION DURING HOLIDAY WEEKENDS ]
>> HEARING PATH: EARLY ORGANIZATION (WITNESSES, TEXTS, BODY-CAM) SHAPED THE PROTECTIVE-ORDER HEARING AND DAY-TO-DAY LIVING TERMS.
- A Scottsdale resident was arrested after a neighbor called in a noise complaint. Police issued a no-contact term and served a protective order. Attorneys organized texts and witness statements, obtained body-cam footage, and requested a hearing on the order of protection within the statutory window. At the hearing, the evidence clarified the timeline, and the order was modified, allowing structured child-exchange and access to the residence. The criminal case was later resolved with diversion. (Outcomes vary; no result is guaranteed.)

[ DRUG POSSESSION DURING HOLIDAY SATURATION PATROL ]
>> MOTION STRATEGY: CHALLENGING AN EXTENDED STOP CAN EXCLUDE EVIDENCE AND CHANGE THE CASE POSTURE.
- During a December holiday DUI task force weekend, a Scottsdale driver was pulled over for a cracked taillight. After brief questioning, the officer extended the stop and requested a search; a K-9 sniff followed, and a small amount of a controlled substance was seized. The legal team challenged the stop extension and the scope of the detention, citing the timeline on the body cam and dispatch logs. A motion to suppress (asking the court to exclude evidence obtained unlawfully) argued that there was no independent reasonable suspicion to prolong the stop before the sniff. The court suppressed the seized evidence; the State moved to dismiss. The client completed a short education program and kept their job and license intact. (Outcomes vary; no result is guaranteed. Facts anonymized; not legal advice.)
=======================================================================

24/7 SCOTTSDALE CRIMINAL DEFENSE ACCESS AND RESPONSE
[ ] Rapid response & availability: Same-day callbacks for new criminal inquiries; extended consult hours during known surge periods (holiday weekends, large events).
[ ] Transparent communication: Plain-language updates after each major court event; written scope and fee terms; a single point of contact for status.
[ ] Helpful tools: Secure portals, e-signature, calendar scheduling, and text/email reminders for court dates and MVD timelines.

SECURE CLIENT PORTALS AND COMMUNICATION TOOLS
TVLG uses secure client portals and e-signatures for faster document exchange. Clients receive calendar links and reminders for court dates, MVD timelines, and plain-language updates after each significant step: initial appearances, pretrial conferences, evidentiary hearings, and negotiations. The aim is to keep stress and surprises low while giving clients clear choices at each fork in the road.

THE VALLEY LAW GROUP EXPANDS SCOTTSDALE CRIMINAL DEFENSE TEAM
More attorney firepower. TVLG has added experienced trial lawyers with backgrounds in DUI, drug offenses, domestic-violence matters, assault, and felony litigation. The larger bench strengthens motion practice, evidentiary challenges, and trial posture across Scottsdale City Court and Maricopa County Superior Court.
Faster intake, when time matters most. The Scottsdale office has expanded same-day and after-hours consultations and streamlined digital intake for time-sensitive needs (e.g., post-arrest release conditions, protective-order questions, Admin Per Se/Implied Consent paperwork, and ignition-interlock guidance). The goal is simple: answer quickly, triage issues, and build a plan that fits Scottsdale’s procedures.

Broader courtroom coverage. Additional attorney availability improves coverage for initial appearances, pretrial conferences, evidentiary hearings, and trial settings, allowing clients to spend less time waiting and more time executing strategy.

The firm is bolstering resources for blood/breath testing challenges, Admin Per Se/Implied Consent guidance, and extreme/super-extreme DUI handling. Event-week readiness includes rapid evidence requests and reminders keyed to Scottsdale-area enforcement practices.
Client education & community outreach. TVLG will host periodic know-your-rights webinars and publish Scottsdale-specific guides on first-72-hour steps, protective orders, and license timelines - plain-language materials that help residents act before windows close.

“The first few days set the tone. Our job is clear steps and a plan that fits Scottsdale,” said Jonathan Roeder, Managing Attorney at The Valley Law Group.

CRIMINAL LAW ATTORNEY SPOTLIGHT: Jessica Hernandez, JD
Jessica Hernandez, JD — Senior Attorney.

Jessica Hernandez is a bilingual (English/Spanish) litigator and skilled trial lawyer with over 23 years of legal experience. Her practice focuses on criminal defense, white-collar and administrative investigations, and dependency matters. She graduated with honors from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. Her background includes two federal clerkships—one with the U.S. District Court and one with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals—as well as experience working as a prosecutor. She regularly presents continuing-legal-education programs on topics including LGBTQ+ issues, same-sex marriage law, diversity, equity, and inclusion, intersectionality, cultural competence, professional development, and trial advocacy. Her professional service includes the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association (board member and officer), Los Abogados, Community Comadres (board member), and founding member of the Arizona LGBT Bar Association.

+ EXAMPLES OF CAPABILITIES (not exhaustive): DUI (standard/extreme/super-extreme); domestic violence; drug possession/transport; early evidence requests; license-timeline guidance (EHO/MVD).

→ Selected early-stage support: EHO/MVD hearing requests; body-cam and dispatch records; initial-appearance preparation.
→ Background & approach: Former prosecutor; seasoned in suppression practice and testing scrutiny.
→ Language access: Offers Spanish consultations as well.

“We’re ready to move quickly, and consultas en español are available.”

SCOTTSDALE DUI AND ARREST TRENDS: WHAT THE DATA SHOWS
· During the 2024 WM Phoenix Open, Scottsdale Police reported higher calls for service and more arrests than the prior two years.
· The East Valley DUI Task Force conducts saturation patrols, often on holidays and event weeks, in concert with state and local agencies.
· Scottsdale PD promotes “Get a ride, not a DUI” operations for holiday weekends with GOHS and ADOT.

If you or a family member is facing DUI charges in Scottsdale or anywhere in Phoenix and the East Valley, receiving timely information can help you make better decisions. The Valley Law Group offers same-day and after-hours consultations for criminal cases arising from a DUI arrest.

ABOUT THE VALLEY LAW GROUP
The Valley Law Group is an Arizona law firm representing clients in criminal defense, family law, and personal injury. With offices serving Scottsdale, Phoenix, Peoria, and Gilbert, the firm is known for client-first counsel, strategic negotiation, and courtroom advocacy. Learn more at thevalleylawgroup.com.

SOURCES:
Arizona Department of Public Safety. (n.d.). DUI enforcement. Retrieved October 10, 2025, from https://www.azdps.gov/services/enforcement-services/dui-enforcement
City of Scottsdale. (n.d.). Get a ride, not a DUI (holiday DUI enforcement announcement). Retrieved October 10, 2025, from https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Page19243.aspx?ArticleId=32952&SourceId=2
ABC15 Arizona. (2024, February 14). Scottsdale police make dozens of arrests at 2024 WM Phoenix Open; calls for service up vs. prior two years. https://www.abc15.com/news/region-northeast-valley/scottsdale/scottsdale-police-make-dozens-of-arrests-at-2024-wm-phoenix-open
FOX 10 Phoenix. (2024, February 14). WM Phoenix Open: Scottsdale PD gives arrest, ejection, trespass numbers for 2024. https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/wm-phoenix-open-scottsdale-pd-gives-arrest-ejection-trespass-numbers-for-2024
The Valley Law Group. (n.d.). Scottsdale family law, criminal defense, and personal injury attorneys. Retrieved October 10, 2025, from https://thevalleylawgroup.com/about-us/scottsdale-location/
The Valley Law Group. (n.d.). Arizona criminal defense attorneys. Retrieved October 10, 2025, from https://thevalleylawgroup.com/practice-areas/criminal-defense-law/
Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. (n.d.). Data dashboard. Retrieved October 10, 2025, from https://www.maricopacountyattorney.org/419/Data-Dashboard
Arizona Judicial Branch. (n.d.). Steps in a criminal case. Retrieved October 10, 2025, from https://www.azcourts.gov/legalinfohub/Legal-Info-Sheets/Criminal/Steps-in-a-Criminal-Case
Arizona Court Rules. (n.d.). Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 4.1 (Procedure upon arrest). Retrieved October 10, 2025, from Westlaw: https://govt.westlaw.com/azrules/Document/NAE19F471C26711EDB369B4CE4C4B9980 (Public backup excerpt confirming 24-hour IA requirement: https://rulesforum.azcourts.gov/DesktopModules/ActiveForums/viewer.aspx?attachmentid=9169&moduleid=23621&portalid=229&)
Arizona Department of Transportation. (n.d.). Executive Hearing Office. Retrieved October 10, 2025, from https://azdot.gov/mvd/executive-hearing
The Valley Law Group. (n.d.). Top DUI defense attorneys in Arizona. Retrieved October 10, 2025, from https://thevalleylawgroup.com/practice-areas/dui-vehicular-crimes/
Arizona Legislature. (n.d.). A.R.S. § 28-1321: Implied consent; tests; refusal to submit; order of suspension; hearing; review. Retrieved October 10, 2025, from https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/01321.htm
Arizona Legislature. (n.d.). A.R.S. § 13-3602: Order of protection; procedure; contents; arrest for violation; penalty; protection order from another jurisdiction; definition. Retrieved October 10, 2025, from https://www.azleg.gov/ars/13/03602.htm
The Valley Law Group. (n.d.). Top drug crime attorneys in Arizona. Retrieved October 10, 2025, from https://thevalleylawgroup.com/practice-areas/drug-crimes/
Arizona Judicial Branch — Adult Probation Services Division. (n.d.). Pretrial services. Retrieved October 10, 2025, from https://www.azcourts.gov/apsd/PreTrial-Services
Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County. (n.d.). Adult Probation Department. Retrieved October 10, 2025, from https://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/departments/probation-offices/adult-probation/
The Valley Law Group. (n.d.). Arizona precharge investigation defense attorney. Retrieved October 10, 2025, from https://thevalleylawgroup.com/practice-areas/precharge-investigation/
Arizona Judicial Branch — Adult Probation Services Division. (2023, November). ACJA § 5-201: Evidence-based pretrial services [Administrative Code]. https://azcourts.gov/Portals/0/0/admcode/pdfcurrentcode/5-201%20Evidence%20Based%20Pretrial%20Services%2011-2023.pdf

Jon McCarty
The Valley Law Group, LLC
+1 623-900-1611
info@thevalleylawgroup.com
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