Legal Considerations & Holiday Advice
Thanksgiving in Arizona is a time for family, food, and gratitude—but it’s also one of the most legally complex weekends of the year. From increased DUI patrols to family custody disputes, it’s important to understand how Arizona law intersects with your holiday plans. At Rideout Law Group, we want to help you stay safe, informed, and legally protected during the season of thanks.
Arizona DUI Laws and Thanksgiving Weekend
Thanksgiving weekend is one of the most heavily patrolled times for DUIs across Arizona. Law enforcement agencies in Scottsdale, Lake Havasu, and other cities set up DUI checkpoints, especially near nightlife areas, major highways, and festival zones.
Arizona has strict DUI laws, including:
- Standard DUI: BAC of 0.08% or more
- Extreme DUI: BAC of 0.15% or more
- Aggravated DUI: Multiple offenses, driving on a suspended license, or with a child in the vehicle
If you’re stopped at a checkpoint, remember:
- You must provide your license, registration, and proof of insurance.
- You have the right to remain silent and to request legal representation.
Rideout Law Group has defended countless DUI cases in Scottsdale City Court, Maricopa County, and Mohave County. If you’re facing DUI charges over the holiday, we’re here to protect your rights immediately.
Family Law and Holiday Custody in Arizona
Thanksgiving can also be a point of contention for families navigating custody and parenting time agreements. Arizona courts encourage fair holiday sharing through parenting plans, which often alternate major holidays annually between parents.
However, disagreements can arise, especially with last-minute travel changes or conflicts over extended family plans. If you’re dealing with a custody issue or need to file an emergency order before Thanksgiving, Rideout Law Group can assist with:
- Enforcing custody agreements
- Emergency custody modifications
- Preventing unlawful withholding of children
Our attorneys—including Steve Eckhardt, Brad Rideout, George Hibbeler, and Carolyn Keist-Gilbert—are well-versed in resolving holiday disputes quickly and compassionately.
Holiday Safety and Civil Liability
Beyond criminal and family law, Thanksgiving also brings increased risk for personal injuries, especially from:
- Slip-and-fall incidents at crowded stores
- Drunk driving accidents
- Holiday cooking fires and in-home injuries
If you’re injured due to another party’s negligence, our personal injury team can evaluate your case and help recover damages. Whether it’s a grocery store slip or a highway collision on your way to see family, we provide aggressive legal representation to hold responsible parties accountable.
Why Rideout Law Group?
With offices in both Scottsdale and Lake Havasu City, Rideout Law Group provides experienced, localized legal services during the holidays and year-round. We offer:
- Free criminal consultations
- Same-day custody support
- DUI defense by former prosecutors
- Local knowledge of Arizona courts and legal procedures
Our attorneys live and work in the communities we serve, making us uniquely positioned to support your legal needs during the holidays.
Stay Safe, Stay Informed
While Thanksgiving should be a time of connection and reflection, unexpected legal issues can quickly disrupt your plans. Whether you’re hosting family in Scottsdale or heading to Lake Havasu for a weekend getaway, knowing your rights and having trusted legal counsel can make all the difference.
If you need immediate legal help this Thanksgiving, call our Scottsdale office at (480) 584-3328 or Lake Havasu office at (928) 854-8181. Rideout Law Group is ready to support you—before, during, and after the holiday.
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal guidance specific to your situation, please contact a licensed attorney at Rideout Law Group.