County attorney reports significant bump in felony DUIs

The Pinal County Attorney’s Office is launching a safe-driving campaign to help curb an uptick in felony DUIs across the county. 

The campaign, “Drive Drunk or High, People Might Die,” will be featured at events, on community handouts and as part of county messaging. “A single impaired driver puts other families at risk, and it’s not acceptable,” said County Attorney Kent Volkmer. “Given the rise we’re seeing, we are very concerned with how many people are getting behind the wheel when they shouldn’t.” 

In 2022, the County Attorney charged 243 felony DUI cases, roughly a 75% increase over 2021.  

Already in 2023, the County Attorney has charged more than 115 felony DUIs, well ahead of last year’s pace.  

“We hope an increased focus on this issue helps people think harder about the decisions they make and decide against getting behind the wheel while impaired, whether it be alcohol, illicit drugs or even prescription medication,” Volkmer said.  

Over the past several years, law enforcement has begun issuing more drug DUI citations than alcohol related.  

Felony DUI is defined as driving under the influence while:  

• The driver’s license is suspended, canceled, revoked, refused, or if there is a DUI-related restriction. 
• It is the third DUI within 84 months (7 years). There is a person younger than 15 in the vehicle. 
• The driver is required to have an ignition-interlock device installed. 
• Driving the wrong way. 

The Pinal County Attorney’s Office encourages everyone to designate a sober driver.  

“Please realize just one bad decision could be your last,” Volkmer said. “Or it could kill someone else.” 

An aggravated or felony DUI conviction results in a minimum prison sentence of 120 days, according to Michael Pelton, a public information officer for the Pinal County Attorney’s Office. Pelton noted many cases result in plea agreements. Consequently, that 120-day sentence is not always applicable. There are also various levels of felonies, in which penalty ranges differ.