Verde Valley News – On February 4, 2025, a Yavapai County jury convicted David Michael Mendivil, 40, of Phoenix, of Driving Under the Influence and Excessive Speed. Sentencing is set for February 20, 2025 in the Verde Valley Justice Court in Cottonwood, Arizona.
Yavapai County Attorney Dennis McGrane thanked the jurors for their careful attention to the facts, and commended Deputy Yavapai County Attorneys Darci Osther and Michael Walsh for carefully preparing and presenting the case at trial. County Attorney McGrane stated “Driving impaired, whether by alcohol or drugs, is a selfish and dangerous act that places the entire community in danger. If you are going to drink or ingest marijuana or other drugs, the answer is simple: do not drive, do not place your neighbors and community members in danger, even if you believe you can drive home safely.”
McGrane also commended the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office for catching and removing a dangerous driver from the road. Shortly before midnight, an alert YCSO Deputy observed Mendivil driving at a high speed with no headlights on while in a 50 MPH zone on Cornville Road. After being stopped, Mendivil appeared irate and insisted he was driving on Interstate 17. Two open beers were found in the car, and Mendivil was found to have both alcohol and marijuana in his body. Mendivil faces up to six months in jail at his sentencing.