As a board-certified criminal trial lawyer in Tampa, Florida, I, W.F. Casey Ebsary Jr., have extensive experience defending DUI cases across Pasco County. With aggressive enforcement efforts from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol, DUI arrests in this area are surprisingly high compared to more populated counties. Understanding the key locations and enforcement strategies can help drivers navigate these challenges and defend their rights effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Pasco County Florida DUI
What are the most common locations for DUI arrests in Pasco County?
The most frequently targeted areas include: Interstate 75 US Highway 19 The Suncoast Parkway (State Road 589) US Highway 301 US Highway 41 State Road 54 State Road 52 State Road 56
What is the Selective Traffic Enforcement Patrol (STEP) Unit?
STEP is a specialized unit within the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office focused on aggressive DUI enforcement, particularly during nighttime hours when DUI-related crashes are most common.
Does Pasco County conduct DUI checkpoints?
Yes, but some have been invalidated in court due to procedural errors. DUI checkpoints must follow strict legal guidelines to be considered valid.
Why does Pasco County have such a high number of DUI arrests?
Despite having a smaller population, Pasco County has been known to aggressively enforce DUI laws, often leading the state in DUI arrests.
How can a DUI defense attorney help if I’m arrested in Pasco County?
A knowledgeable DUI lawyer can challenge the arrest, examine procedural errors, question checkpoint validity, and seek to reduce or dismiss charges based on legal defenses.
Top DUI Arrest Locations in Pasco County
Location
Primary Enforcement Agency
Special Enforcement Tactics
Interstate 75
Florida Highway Patrol, Pasco Sheriff
Wolf Pack Saturation Patrols
US Highway 19
Florida Highway Patrol, Pasco Sheriff
DUI Checkpoints, STEP Unit Patrols
Suncoast Parkway (SR 589)
Florida Highway Patrol, Pasco Sheriff
High-Visibility Patrols
US Highway 301
Florida Highway Patrol, Pasco Sheriff
Saturation and STEP Patrols
State Road 54
Florida Highway Patrol, Pasco Sheriff
Random DUI Checkpoints
For those facing DUI charges in Pasco County, seeking legal representation is crucial. Contact me, W.F. Casey Ebsary Jr., at (813) 222-2220 for a consultation and experienced DUI defense.
Interstate 75
According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, they enforce DUI Laws, “[b]y using a data driven approach specific areas that have been identified as high crash locations are selected for saturation patrols which are also known as Wolf packs. The STEP Unit aggressively patrol these areas to locate and arrest impaired drivers. Wolf Pack operations may be conducted at any time or place with or without prior warning.” We thought we would run down a list of the most frequent locations where we find DUI cases in Pasco County, Florida. Interstate 75, US Highway 19, The Suncoast Parkway State Road 589, US Highway 301, US Highway 41, State Road 54, State Road 52, and State Road 56.
The Pasco County Sheriff and the Florida Highway Patrol are the primary enforcers. The Sheriff has noted, “The Selective Traffic Enforcement Patrol Unit (S.T.E.P.) The S.T.E.P. Unit is part of the Traffic Enforcement Section of the Sheriff’s Office which also contains the Motor Unit. The S.T.E.P. Unit uses six deputies to actively enforce traffic laws in Pasco County mainly during the nighttime hours which have a higher rate or alcohol and/or drug related crashes. The unit’s goal is to reduce the collisions involving alcohol and narcotics. The unit’s main function is the detection and apprehension of drivers who are suspected of driving while under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. The cops in Pasco will frequently sign their names to DUI citations with a notation that they are “STEP” deputies (Selective Traffic Enforcement Patrol Unit).
Florida Highway Patrol – Pasco County DUI Arrest Contest
Pasco County’s Florida Highway Patrol Troop has proudly claimed the title for most DUI arrests in the State of Florida. This is troubling, since the county only has a population of around 470,000. Hillsborough County has 1,250,000, Miami/Dade has 2,500,000, and Orange County has 1,200,000 residents. How can this small county cause trouble for so many residents?
Florida Highway Patrol spokesman for the highway patrol’s Tampa Bay area troop says, “Pasco County does not necessarily have a higher number of DUI drivers, but more are arrested in Pasco County . . . .” We have noticed an extraordinary number of DUI arrests in Pasco County. Trooper Ron Evans is a winning contestant in this rather serious game. We ask how can a small Florida county “win” this contest repeatedly?
One media source reports,”troopers made 942 DUI arrests in Pasco, compared to 294 in Hillsborough County.” The report also noted, “While Evans was a finalist for the award in 2010 he was bested by Trooper Michael Hollis, Jr. who also works in the Land O’ Lakes area, with 203 DUI arrests in 2009. In 2008, their colleague Terry Goswick Jr. captured the award with 190 arrests in 2009.”
Pasco County DUI Checkpoint Invalidated
This small county is also known for having conducted invalid DUI checkpoints when defense attorneys, watching video of the operation noted violations of rules established by the courts. The procedural method requires the stopping of vehicles according to a precise previously-announced plan of action. DUI charges in thos cases were tossed by the Judge(s).
According to the Sheriff, “Sobriety checkpoints are an effective law enforcement tool involving the stopping of a specific sequence of vehicles, at a predetermined fixed location to detect impaired drivers. These operations not only serve as a specific deterrent by arresting impaired drivers who pass through the checkpoints, but more importantly, as a general deterrent to persons who have knowledge of the operation. Local law enforcement agencies and the Florida Highway Patrol participate in regular DUI Checkpoints.” Unfortunately for some drivers, who may not have had lawyers, their convictions may be on their record to this day.
