DUI Operation Results In 190 Citations, 53 Criminal Charges

Many people celebrate the holidays with alcohol.

Law enforcement officials are fed up with the increases in drinking and driving around the holidays. This behavior often leads to serious accidents and lives lost.

Because of this, law enforcement agencies in Pinellas County implemented a sting operation just before the July 4 holiday. Named “DUI Wolf Pack,” the operation resulted in 190 citations and 53 criminal charges in just one night. The operation started at 7 p.m. on July 1 and lasted until 5 a.m. on July 2.

That 10-hour period was quite eventful for police officers. Due to the sting operation, 30 people face driving under the influence charges. An additional 30 people were given DUI citations. Other criminal charges included driving with a suspended or revoked license as well as felony drug offenses. Intoxication was not the only criminal offense, though. Police officers also issued 53 speeding tickets.

DUI Wolf Pack is part of the Pinellas County Sheriff Department’s ongoing commitment to reduce property damage, injuries, and deaths due to impaired driving. The goal of the Wolf Pack is to create public awareness about the dangers of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Besides the Pinellas County Sheriff Department, other agencies participated in the operation, including the Florida Highway Patrol and police departments in Pinellas Park, Largo, Gulfport, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater.

Are DUI Checkpoints Legal?

Many drivers are concerned about DUI checkpoints and wonder if they are even legal. Under federal law, DUI checkpoints are legal if they are done for roadway safety reasons. They cannot be discriminatory.

DUI checkpoints are temporary roadblocks that police officers use to screen motorists for drunk driving offenses. While DUI checkpoints are prohibited in some states, Florida is not one of them. Florida law allows police to run DUI checkpoints because they are considered to be legal and constitutional.

Seek Help for Your DUI Case

Drinking and driving is a common occurrence on Florida roadways and law enforcement is trying to crack down on it to save lives. Sting operations are common, especially around the holidays.

Have you been arrested for a DUI? Was the process done properly? Let a Dade City & Zephyrhills DUI defense attorney from Madonna Law Group assess your case. But you need to act quickly to save your driver’s license. Schedule a free consultation today by filling out the online form or calling (800) 557-0411.

Source:

tampabay.com/news/breaking-news/2023/07/02/pinellas-dui-wolf-pack-operation-results-dozens-arrests-ahead-july-4/