[column width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]
In our blog of July 9, 2012 entitled Underage Drinking in Arizona 2012, we pointed out the various charges that may result from alcohol being consumed by minors. We also noted that law enforcement had resorted to using undercover teens to discover and prosecute violations. The undercover practice has apparently expanded.
Wittmann is the home of Speedworld, and is a popular spot for Arizona teens interested in motocross events, a form of motorcycle racing on off-road tracks. It is apparently also a popular location for underage drinking. Last Saturday night, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department decided to do something about it. According to the report we read, what initially sparked the investigation was the discovery that boys, some as young as 12 years old, were in the audience while “half-naked” women paraded before them in wet T-shirt contests. Before the operation was launched, there were 20 undercover police, and an undisclosed number of additional officers, involved in the case.
It must have been quite a scene. After all, Wittmann is a small “census-designated place” outside of Phoenix. According to the 2010 census figures, the population is only about 800 people. The tally of arrests, during the five hour period of the operation, was as follows:
- 25 people were arrested for underage drinking, a violation of A.R.S. 4-244(9);
- Another six people were arrested on outstanding warrants;
- Five people were cited for driving under the influence;
- There were two drug arrests; and
- Police issued tickets for 15 traffic violations.
Quite a haul, we’d say. On the other hand, maybe a platoon of sheriff’s officers was a bit on the heavy side. We’d also like to point out that Sheriff Joe Arpaio is quoted, when interviewed about the raid, as saying “underage drinking is a serious problem and somebody out there is obviously selling alcohol to these kids. We’re going to find out.” Well, Joe, maybe you did and maybe you didn’t. But nowhere in the article cited above, or in any other article we read, is there any mention of a single arrest for selling alcohol to minors.
If you or your child is charged with an alcohol-related offense, contact an experienced Phoenix criminal lawyer today.
Law Offices of David A. Black
40 North Central Avenue #1850
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(480) 280-8028
[/column]