When you start looking for a lawyer, you may wonder whether you should look for someone outside of your area or for local attorney services. Generally, a local attorney is going to be the best option unless you’re searching for a firm that does highly specialized work. Someone from a small town would probably have a heck of a time finding someone versed in aviation law, for example, but there’s a good chance they hire a quality criminal lawyer locally.…
Being read a Miranda warning is an inevitable part of all arrests. The right to remain silent goes back to a major Constitutional right in the Fifth Amendment and is meant as a form of protection against being questioned without the benefit of counsel. This right is not just important but is largely misunderstood. Here you can read more to learn some facts that you may have missed about the right to remain silent during a law enforcement action.…
You might have heard that the law goes easy on first-time driving under the influence (DUI) offenders. Unfortunately, even when the law does give some first-timers a break, the results can still be harsher than expected. DUI convictions and punishments are among the worst – particularly when you consider that the offenders are often charged with a misdemeanor. To get a better idea of what to expect with a first-time DUI charge, read on.…
Divorce can cause a total upheaval to your life. There are so many things that need to change after a divorce. Unfortunately, one necessary change is often overlooked; the estate plan. In the rush to finalize divorce proceedings, many people fail to update their estate plan once the marriage ends. This mistake can have disastrous effects on the family that’s left behind, especially if the necessary changes are never made. If you’ve recently been through a divorce, you need to sit down with an estate attorney right away.…
The US Constitution protects us from the law enforcement brutality that routinely occurs in other countries, but it pays to understand your rights. There are only limited circumstances under which the police can barge into your home to perform a search without a warrant. There are also varying scenarios under which permission to search property can be granted upon a knock at the door by law enforcement officers. For an overview of some common warrant and search situations, read on.…
Being charged with a single DWI is one thing, but when you’re facing multiple DWI charges, your situation will be much different. Unfortunately, with the court system as backed up with cases as it is, it can take months before you receive your court date and have to appear in front of a judge or magistrate. Many people don’t fully grasp the severity of the first DWI because they haven’t felt the legal repercussions yet – so, they continue to live life the way they did before the first DWI charge only to end up with another DWI.…
When a person is stopped for driving under the influence, they will likely face criminal prosecution. While this is a serious offense to face, individuals rarely prepare themselves for this potential risk by becoming more informed about this particular criminal charge and the punishments it can bring.
Are There Consequences For Refusing To Undergo A Sobriety Test?
During a traffic stop where the police officer suspects that the driver is over the legal limit for intoxication, they may request the driver to undergo a sobriety test.…
Mitigating circumstances are frequently used in criminal cases to help reduce punishment once the defendant has been found or pleaded guilty. An effective mitigation defense can reduce the amount of time a defendant is incarcerated or, in some cases, can mean the difference between life and death. Although several issues can be used for mitigation, they are not always effective and can increase perceived dangerousness and culpability.
Mental Illness
The public often erroneously believes the issue of mental illness is frequently used as an “…
If you are frequently enjoying a night out on the town and are having drinks here and there, getting home can be difficult. You must never drive home while under the influence. If you need a reminder that you should not be drinking and driving, one option is to purchase a breathalyzer that will inform you of just how drunk you are. However, you will need to be selective in the breathalyzer that you purchase.…
The consequences of a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction are dire. Therefore, when facing such an accusation, it’s imperative to avoid these three mistakes that may lead to harsh sentencing:
Assuming You Can’t Win the Case
This is a common mistake people make when they know they were actually driving under the influence. However, driving while intoxicated is one thing, and getting convicted for it is a different thing altogether.…
