THE SHAME GAME

If you are convicted of getting behind the wheel while legally intoxicated, be prepared to say “Cheese!”

In an effort to discourage and prevent people from drinking and driving, the county’s chief prosecutor will expose any convicted Valley DUI offender with an online mug shot and a detailed case description.

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will post offenders’ photos at stopduiaz.com.

County Attorney Andrew Thomas introduced the new campaign Sunday on the front steps of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

“Day after day, our prosecutors deal with cases involving intoxicated drivers who destroy lives,” Thomas said.

“This campaign represents an appeal to all drivers to think of the consequences of drinking and driving,” he said.

High-visibility billboards displayed along freeways and streets throughout the Valley warn motorists that if they drink and drive, there are more than legal consequences to be faced.

Thomas said he hoped offenders would learn from the embarrassing, shameful repercussions of their convictions, too.

The online posts will expose drivers convicted of a DUI offense not only through their mug shots, but also with case information, fines and jail sentences, Thomas said.

Total cost of the campaign is just under $700,000, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. A majority of the campaign is funded by convicted criminals.

Assets seized through Racketeering Influence and Corrupt Organization (RICO) statutes are helping to underwrite the anti-DUI drive, Thomas said.

“It’s an added benefit that we are able to use money seized from criminals to prevent crime in this manner,” he said.

Thomas urged all motorists to report drunken drivers. Procedures can be found on the program’s Web site by accessing “How to Report” under the “Prevention” drop-down menu.

Gilbert, Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale, Phoenix and Peoria are identified on the site as participating communities.