Scottsdale, AZ – The Maasen Law Firm (MLF) has the perfect gift for those who like to imbibe during the holidays: the MLF Keychain Breathalyzer. Alcohol intoxication is legally defined by the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level and in Arizona, a state with one of the toughest DUI laws in the nation; the legal limit is 0.08 percent. With a simple breath test, the MLF Keychain Breathalyzer immediately indicates a drinker's level of intoxication: a green light signals alcohol level under 0.02 percent; yellow light for over 0.02 percent; and red for over 0.05 percent. According to the American Medical Association, alcohol causes impairment at BAC of 0.05 percent and above.

The unique key ring alcohol breath testers are available on the Maasen Law Firm website (www.maasenlaw.com) for only $10, a small investment when compared to the average cost of a first-time DUI. According to Arizona's DUI task force, first-time offenders can expect to pay about $3,200, including fines, fees and jail costs – not to mention the installation of an ignition interlock system and attorney fees.

"Our message is simple and clear – drink responsibly and know your level of impairment," notes Scott Maasen, Founder of the firm that is AV® rated; the highest possible rating by Lexis Nexis Martindale-Hubbell®. "The MLF Keychain Breathalyzer is a fun way to increase the serious issue of DUI awareness, especially during this season of holiday parties."

The tougher DUI laws seem to be working. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 13,000 deaths involved motorists with a blood alcohol content at or above the .08% legal limit for intoxication. That is about a 4% drop from last year's total of nearly 13,500. Arizona drunk driving fatalities have dropped by 63 deaths.

Since September 26, all persons in Arizona convicted of extreme DUI (.150 or more) will have to serve a minimum of 30 consecutive days in jail. The Judge no longer has the power to suspend any of the 30-day sentence.

"If you're over the limit, expect the max," warns Sheriff Joe Arpaio. "Knowing your level with a green, yellow or red light may save your life, or that of a loved one – and it may also keep you from wearing pink in Tent City."

The State Bar of Arizona’s Board of Governors and Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Committee has selected Craig Hunter Wisnom, attorney for Bogutz & Gordon, P.C., as the 2008 recipient for the CLE Award.

The CLE award is given to the State Bar member who has made outstanding contributions to Continuing Legal Education efforts by devoting time and expertise to CLE projects, which may include authoring or editing publications or planning and delivering quality CLE seminars.

Wisnom will be congratulated at the State Bar’s Annual Luncheon on Friday, June 20, 2008, which will be held in conjunction with the Annual State Bar Convention at the Westin La Paloma at 3800 E. Sunrise Drive in Tucson.

A certified specialist in estate and trust law by the State Bar of Arizona, Wisnom has practiced law for 12 years in Arizona in the areas of estate planning, estate and gift taxation, probate and trust administration. He currently serves on the Estate and Trust Advisory Committee, Board of Directors of the Southern Arizona Estate Planners Council. Wisnom is also the past chair of the Probate and Trust Section for the State Bar of Arizona.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE - Although there has been progress over the last two years in funding domestic violence shelters in Arizona, roughly 2/3 of all women seeking shelter are still turned away due to lack of space. Both the Governor and the legislature support an appropriation of least $3 million to increase the number of shelter spaces and help to end turn-aways. $3 million is reportedly included in the Senate draft budget. Domestic Violence WHAT'S GOING ON?

Lots going on! $3 million for additional shelter beds seems very likely to be included in the final state budget. More immediately, SB1227, which allows victims of domestic violence to terminate their lease for safety reasons, has passed and is ready to go to the Governor- thanks to all who sent emails! SB1424, which allows for enhanced penalties for repeat domestic violence offenders, has passed, and is headed for the Governor's desk as well.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO ARIZONA WOMEN?

Both bills will keep victims safer, and send an important message to abusers that Arizona takes domestic violence seriously. WHAT CAN I DO? Contact Sponsors Senator Jim Waring and President Tim Bee. These men are heroes who fought off powerful interest groups in order to get these two bills passed. Thank them for helping SB1227 and SB 1424 go all the way. Jim Waring jwaring@azleg.gov Tim Bee tbee@azleg.gov

The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law announced today the establishment of a nonpartisan national research center to honor the legacy of the late Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist. The William H. Rehnquist Center on the Constitutional Structures of Government (The Rehnquist Center) will be devoted to nonpartisan academic research, policy analysis, national and international judicial exchange, and educational outreach on three primary themes: separation of powers, federal-state relations, and judicial independence.

Sally M. Rider, who currently serves as Administrative Assistant to Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., has been named Director of the Rehnquist Center. Rider is a 1986 graduate of the Rogers College of Law and worked with Chief Justice Rehnquist for five years. She will assume her position in late September 2006.

“We plan to create a vibrant community of policymakers, judges, lawyers, and scholars who will focus on important constitutional issues, including the balance of power between the states and the federal government, separation of powers, and the role of the American judiciary, particularly as it has evolved over the last 30 years,” said Toni M. Massaro, Dean of the Rogers College of Law. “It’s only natural that it be located in Chief Justice Rehnquist’s adopted state, at the law school where he taught for more than a decade. He approved the Center concept personally, and spent a lifetime advancing these constitutional themes.”

UA President Peter Likins called the creation of the Rehnquist Center a major undertaking for the University. “It will be a unique place for students, policymakers, jurists, and legal scholars to examine some of the most profound questions of law in America. It is the perfect tribute to Chief Justice Rehnquist’s long and distinguished service to the American people, and an honor for the University of Arizona.”

Sally M. Rider is the Administrative Assistant to the Chief Justice of the United States, a position she has held since August 2000. She serves as the Court’s chief of staff and assists the Chief Justice in his overall management of the Court and with his other responsibilities as head of the Third Branch of government. Ms. Rider is Executive Director of the Supreme Court Fellows Program and serves on the Judicial Conduct and Disability Act Study Committee, a committee appointed by Chief Justice Rehnquist that is evaluating how the federal judicial system is dealing with judicial misbehavior and disability.

From 1986 to 1987 Ms. Rider served as staff counsel to the United States House of Representatives Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs. From 1987 to 1990 she was a trial attorney in the Civil Division of the Department of Justice. She was an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Columbia from 1990 to 1995 and from 1995 to 1998 she was an Attorney Adviser and then Deputy Assistant Legal Adviser at the Department of State. Prior to working for the Chief Justice, Ms. Rider was Deputy Chief of the Civil Division in the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia. Ms. Rider received a B.A. from the University of Arizona, graduating Phi Beta Kappa, with high distinction, in 1980. She received her J.D. with high distinction in 1986 from the University of Arizona College of Law.