Pinellas County “DUI Wolf Packs” | 3 Things to Know

According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol caused over 750 fatal car accidents across Florida in 2020. With driving under the influence being such a prevalent issue, it is reasonable to understand the great measures local law enforcement takes to keep drivers safe.

One of the latest Pinellas County initiatives to reduce drunk driving has been dubbed the “DUI Wolf Pack.” During times when incidents of impaired driving increase (including holiday weekends such as Memorial Day weekend and Fourth of July weekend), officers are organized into patrol groups called “wolf packs,” whose main job is to crack down on DUIs with increased patrol and arrests throughout Pinellas County.

While reducing the number of drivers who get behind the wheel while under the influence is an important effort, even more important is ensuring Pinellas County drivers are protected and treated fairly by law enforcement. In this article, the top DWI lawyers in Clearwater with Russo, Pelletier, & Sullivan P.A. explain three things you should know about “DUI Wolf Packs.”

1. DUI Wolf Pack Initiatives Occur Multiple Times a Year

These operations occur numerous times a year and consist of large-scale patrol units that pull over drivers suspected to be under the influence. During these stops, officers will test your blood alcohol content no matter the reason and file charges according to the results. Often times, the “wolf packs” will look to pull over as many drivers as possible on those evenings to increase the chances of locating and arresting impaired drivers. Common reasons for traffic stops include expired registration, stopping in front of a stop bar at a light or stop sign, or failing to maintain a single lane.

If you are pulled over by one of these wolf pack patrols, it is essential to know your rights when it comes to submitting to a breathalyzer test and other field sobriety tests (FSTs). In Florida, the FSTs are not mandatory, but if you refuse, you risk the officer making a decision to arrest and charge you with a DUI based on various other factors.

Our seasoned attorneys received the same certifications as Pinellas County law enforcement officers for both the breathalyzer test and field sobriety tests. We are able to analyze the results of those tests and determine if they were administered correctly and fairly.

2. DUI Wolf Packs Serve as a Deterrent

The goal of DUI Wolf Packs is not to arrest more people for DUIs, but to serve as a deterrent, and to make one think twice about drinking and driving. For this reason, DUI Wolf Packs in Pinellas County are typically announced to the public. Be sure to pay attention to the local news and follow us on Facebook to know when the next DUI Wolfpack operation will be in effect.

In a recent DUI Wolf Pack Initiative during the 2022 Fourth of July weekend, wolf packs throughout Pinellas County made 25 DUI arrests. In addition, 25 people were cited for driving without a license, four for not having car insurance, and two for violations of driver’s license restrictions. Law enforcement officers also issued 36 speeding tickets, 30 non-moving violations, and 46 moving violations.

As the top DWI lawyers in Clearwater, the team at Russo, Pelletier, & Sullivan, P.A. is equipped to handle any case that results from a DUI Wolf Pack operation.

3. Charged With a DUI? Hire Russo, Pelletier, & Sullivan, P.A.

If you’re charged with a DUI, we will thoroughly evaluate your case and utilize our expertise to obtain the most favorable outcome. Our DWI defense lawyers in Clearwater will review your case and create a strategy to protect your rights, and your future.

Do not become another statistic in the Pinellas County criminal justice system; reach out to our DWI defense lawyers in Clearwater immediately. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.

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Pinellas County “DUI Wolf Packs” | 3 Things to Know

1. DUI Wolf Pack Initiatives Occur Multiple Times a Year

2. DUI Wolf Packs Serve as a Deterrent

3. Charged With a DUI? Hire Russo, Pelletier, & Sullivan, P.A.

FREE
CONSULTATION

St Petersburg Office:

Clearwater Office:

Pinellas County “DUI Wolf Packs” | 3 Things to Know

1. DUI Wolf Pack Initiatives Occur Multiple Times a Year

2. DUI Wolf Packs Serve as a Deterrent

3. Charged With a DUI? Hire Russo, Pelletier, & Sullivan, P.A.

FREE CONSULTATION

St Petersburg Office:

Clearwater Office:

FREE
CONSULTATION