Backyard barbecues are a staple of Memorial Day weekend. The traditional start of summer in Arizona, the long three-day weekend can also be the start of a very long and costly Arizona DUI charge.

Scottsdael, AZ, US, May 14, 2012 -- Backyard barbecues are a staple of Memorial Day weekend. The traditional start of summer in Arizona, the long three-day weekend can also be the start of a very long and costly Arizona DUI charge.

And according to the DUI defense lawyers at Corso & Rhude, it doesn’t need to be a wild night of partying that triggers the Arizona DUI charge. Backyard barbecues and pool parties on Memorial Day usually include a last-minute trip to the store for hot dog buns or propane. It’s then that many people usually find themselves getting arrested for a DUI.

“DUIs are very common during the summer months,” said Christopher Corso, of the Law Office of Corso & Rhude. “And many times they happen very close to home, when you relax your standards and don’t think twice about driving to the store after having a couple of beers.”

Corso and his law partner John Rhude know from experience the problems that can arise from backyard barbecues with family during Memorial Day weekend. Both attorneys previously prosecuted DUIs, DWIs and OUIs for the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Combined, Corso and Rhude have handled more than 15,000 DUI cases as prosecutors and defense attorneys.

Since Memorial Day is typically associated with a long three-day weekend and the start of summer, drivers are commonly distracted and many times inebriated. In fact, more than 300 people were cited for DUIs during Memorial Day weekend last year in Arizona.

“Memorial Day is one of the deadliest holidays to drive each year,” Rhude said, citing a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report. “Adding alcohol to that mix is a recipe for disaster.”

Arizona law requires that any person found guilty of drinking and driving (even a first offense) serve jail time. And DUI convictions can also include extensive fines up to $2,500, suspension of driving privileges and the installation of an ignition interlock device – even for first offenders.

“That’s a lot of hassle and expense to put up with just because you ran out of propane,” said law partner Christopher Corso.

The Arizona DUI defense attorneys at the Law Office of Corso & Rhude do everything in their power to protect defendant’s families and advocate for their rights. They have the experience and expertise to deal with DUI charges in Arizona and will fight to get the charges dismissed and preserve their family.

Every DUI defense case in Arizona is different, however, and the outcome is dependent upon the specific facts and circumstances surrounding the DUI charges, which makes having an experienced Arizona DUI defense attorney even more important.

The Law Office of Corso & Rhude has quickly built a reputation for its vigorous defense of clients, using its lawyers’ previous experience with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and other prosecutorial agencies to assist its clients with their criminal defense cases.

In addition to DUI defense, the Law Office of Corso & Rhude handles all criminal defense cases, including domestic violence defense, possession of drugs, felony drug charges, photo radar, criminal speeding, disorderly conduct and marijuana possession.

The experienced criminal defense lawyers at Corso & Rhude serve clients throughout Arizona, including the cities of Ahwatukee, Avondale, Buckeye, Chandler, El Mirage, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sun City, Surprise, Tempe, Tolleson and Youngtown.

To schedule a free consultation, please visit www.corsorhude.com or call (480) 471-4616. The Law Office of Corso & Rhude, PLLC is located at 14500 N. Northsight Blvd., Suite 116 in Scottsdale, Arizona, 85260.