Reader’s Question:

I was browsing the internet to find some important facts about Arizona DUI laws because I have a friend who has been charged with DUI and I want to help him. I came across a website wherein you can see names and mug shots of Arizona DUI offenders. What seems to be the purpose of this kind of website and how do they acquire all the information?

Sylvia

Glendale, AZ

I have also seen that particular website which shows names, mug shots and blood alcohol content (BAC) levels of people who have been convicted for DUI in Maricopa County, Arizona. For some people, this will cause others not drive after drinking out of a fear of such shame. According to the creator of this website, the shame that people would feel from this website is a by-product and not the intent of the campaign.

They acquire the information through the municipal courts from the cities in Maricopa County, Arizona which forward information from DUI convictions to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. They described the said program as a new means of tackling DUI and encourage better behavior.

The website has also raised concerns and received criticisms. A certain group questioned if shaming will lead to a better behavior as a person who may be drunk and ready to drive, and may not be in the right frame of mind to think about right versus wrong. They say that the website will not make the roads safer.