JCOHS Lawyers and Attorneys

DUI which stands for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol, is a serious criminal offence. It is also sometimes referred to as DWI – Driving While Intoxicated. Depending upon the state you live in, the consequences of such criminal charges can be very severe. The laws vary from one state to another. Therefore, it is advisable to hire a DUI attorney who is experienced in handling such cases in your state only. Though a lawyer may have license to take dui cases on national level, but a local lawyer will definitely have more knowledge on how the jurisdiction works in your area. So, they can better defend your case in the court. Some states have zero tolerance laws that impose much harsher penalties on the accused.

The Process    

The traffic police officer has the right to stop you if they suspect you are driving while drunk. In order to determine your BAC level, they will ask you to take a sobriety test that may include urine, breath, or blood test. Refusing to take the test may mean harsher consequences, including license suspension and monetary fines right on the spot. Besides that, they can still take you into custody. So, it is advisable that you co-operate with them. If the BAC level is found over the limit, you will be brought to the police station. Before you get into deeper trouble, it is always wise to give a call to your DUI attorney. You can use the phone at the police station, as it is your legal right to defend yourself.

The Possible Consequences   

Following are some possible consequences that you may face if you are found guilty of driving while intoxicated.

*  The court may order to put you on a parole.

*  You may be imprisoned for a certain period of time.

*  You may be asked to participate in community service or drunk driver education programs.

*  Your insurance premium is likely to increase.

*  Your license may get revoked or suspended either by the court or by the Motor Vehicle Department.

*  Certain fines, including driver responsibility taxes may be imposed on you.

How Can A Lawyer Help?

 

You can avoid consequences or at least lower their severity by hiring an experienced DUI attorney to defend your case. The lawyer will help you understand the specific legal situation you are caught in and the most suitable plan of action to get out of the trouble. They will manage the complete legal process on your behalf, including handling the state department of motor vehicle, which can be very time-consuming and frustrating if you do it on your own. Your lawyer will make all the necessary arrangements and fulfill the legal formalities in the best possible way. They will efficiently represent you in all hearings pertaining to your case.

 

If you have been charged with dui charges several times, you should definitely hire a DUI attorney otherwise things can get very difficult for you. In fact, even if it is the first time you have been stopped for drunk driving, you must have a lawyer by your side.   



By: Linda49818a

About the Author:

Shopping around for an Oakland DUI Attorney can be a hard task at hand. If you have some time to look for a lawyer, then one way you can find a reliable and good one is to ask friends and family members that have been in the same situation. This was one way that I was able to avoid the lawyers that were bad. From talking to friends and family, I heard about a lawyer who I was considering to hire, and from experience of friends, they told me that he did nothing and was horrible.

Because you are spending your money on a DUI lawyer, you want to make sure that you are getting your money’s worth. You do not want to pay out a lot of money to find out that your attorney is realtively inexperienced in the DUI defense field. If you are looking for an Oakland DUI attorney, you can search for one and then check his or her credentials on MartinDale.com. Sometimes are you able to find the attorney’s name on the internet along with some reviews and ratings. You can also get recommendations from other attorneys on who might be able to help you the best.

Ask the Oakland DUI attorney how many successful cases he or she has won. Also, another important fact is how many times the charges were reduced because of the attorney’s work. Sometimes the lawyers will have a section on their website stating how many cases they have won, and a brief description of what the client was up against.



By: Anthony Burton

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Driving under the Influence or Driving while intoxicated are the charges that instigate an immediate need of expert legal counsel. The first thing that an accused of these cases can do is to contact an attorney who specializes in handling DUI cases. The government has become increasingly strict about prosecuting DUI cases and the accused may be levied with a hefty fine, may face a license suspension or even may even have to spend time in jail or on probation.

 

If one is ever pulled over by the traffic police under the suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or any other drugs, following few steps recommended by DUI attorneys must be kept in mind:

 

1. One must be careful about their pullover gesture.  The officer’s report on the behavior of the trespasser begins the minute he signals for a pull over. Therefore, it is always advisable that one pulls over very smoothly and at a safe place.

2. One ought not to make any sudden movements which may alarm the police officers. It is suggested for the driver to remain in the car only with hands on the wheel until asked by the officer to come out of the car.

3. Politeness is the key to get favorable reports.  Hostile or provoking attitude of the trespasser may result in the filing of an inaccurate report by the traffic police officers.

4. If the accused feels at any point of interrogation that answering the questions asked may incriminate him/her in the future, they can politely refuse to answer. Such questions may include how much amount of alcohol was consumed by the driver and the like. 

5. The officer may then try to administer an FST or Field Sobriety Test. One must know that these tests are 100% voluntary and he/she is under no obligation to take one. Such tests are very subjective and will depend upon the officer’s judgment of the driver’s condition.

6. The officer will then attempt to administer a hand-held breath analyzer test. Although the officials may endorse that a breath-analyzer or a blood test is a must yet the accused may refuse for the same as well. This is because the device is highly inaccurate.

7. These tests are further followed by a Chemical test at the police station, which is advised against a blood test to measure the alcohol levels in the body of the accused, versus a breath analyzer test. This is because a blood test can be verified at a later stage which can go against the accused in court. However, a DUI attorney will find it easier to contest or prove the inaccuracy of a breath analyzer test. However if  one is absolutely certain that he/she is  under the legal alcohol limit then opting for a blood test may aid the case greatly.

8. Last but not the least; one must make accurate notes about what happened before being detained by the police after getting released. These notes may include what one had to drink, how much, how the officer behaved, and what was said, etc. These notes will definitely come handy to the DUI attorney in putting together a strong case for his/her accused clients.

 

To sum up, a DUI attorney must be contacted as soon as possible after the pulling over incident by a traffic police inspector. The attorney can advise the accused about the case and would also help to contact the DMV or file any forms in order to procure a speedy hearing. It is therefore reiterated time and over again to hire an attorney with proven experience in dealing with DUI cases in the state.



By: Linda49818a

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When you are searching for a Philadelphia DUI attorney to help you with your DUI arrest, one of the most important things to consider is experience. You have to remember that there are some serious penalties involved for a first time DUI conviction. But the penalties are even worse and could be life changing if you already have a DUI conviction before. So it is vital that you carefully choose a Philadelphia DUI attorney. A good representation by an excellent Philadelphia DUI Attorney is what you need for a positive outcome of your DUI case.

But most of the time, a lot people who with a DUI case are having a hard time searching for the best Philadelphia DUI Attorney. They just don’t have enough experience during these situations, and they just don’t know where to look. If they fail to find a good Philadelphia DUI Attorney, the consequences are nothing short of disastrous. Your driving license will be confiscated; you will have to pay steep fines, and worse you might even end up serving some jail time. The length of jail time for a DUI conviction has been increased dramatically over the last few years. And even if you avoid being incarcerated, you could face steep fines. So finding the right Philadelphia DUI Attorney is the key.

In some states, a DUI conviction means you have to give up your car to the state. There are places where a penalty for DUI involves raising the rates of your car insurance for years. So in order to avoid this terrible mess, you need to find the most qualified Philadelphia DUI attorney. When you find a good Philadelphia DUI Attorney, you are assured that he or she will help you navigate the court system for a positive outcome of your case. A knowledgeable Philadelphia DUI Attorney will see to it that the conviction meets the legal standards or even find ways to reduce the penalties.

There are countless benefits of hiring a quality Philadelphia DUI Attorney. An experienced Philadelphia DUI Attorney would know all the complicated stuff involved in your DUI case. For example, the tests used to detect driving under the influence could be altered by certain health factors. Your Philadelphia DUI Attorney would know everything about this. A DUI case requires specialization from an experienced Philadelphia DUI Attorney who can provide the best representation for a bewildered citizen like you.

So if you are having a hard time searching for the most qualified Philadelphia DUI attorney, don’t fret. There are so many options when it comes to choosing Philadelphia DUI attorney which could overwhelm you, so avoid making hurried decisions when it comes to choosing Philadelphia DUI Attorney. Your case might end up into a terrible mess. So take your time and do a little research in order to find the right Philadelphia DUI attorney that will help you throughout the process.



By: temp_246883

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After a Pennsylvania DUI arrest, it is very important that you take the time to educate yourself about the law and process regarding a DUI case. After this, contacting an experienced Pennsylvania DUI attorney in the county where your case is pending is also the most appropriate next thing to do.

Driving under the influence is a serious offense that can lead to serious consequences if you are caught. Some of the impending punishments for the said crime are monetary fines, loss of driving privileges, and even imprisonment. If you are caught and charged with a DUI case, it is very important for you to understand the challenges that you will meet from the said accusations. Getting in touch with a Pennsylvania DUI attorney will be your best move. Seeking legal advice from a competent and experienced Pennsylvania DUI attorney will help you understand your rights as well as your options to at least minimize your penalties and clean your reputation.

When you are caught while you are deadly drunk, the cops will take a blood sample from you to know your blood alcohol content. The result of this test will be the basis for your appropriate punishment. Getting yourself a Pennsylvania DUI attorney ahead of time will help you be protected as you face the trial for the charge. This Pennsylvania DUI attorney will be defender while your case is being litigated.

There are ways on how to find a Pennsylvania DUI attorney that can help you with your case. The most convenient way to locate them is by visiting the site of Pennsylvania DUI attorney. There is a number of Pennsylvania DUI attorney has made an ad in that site and they will be the one to help you in your DUI problem. You can easily get in touch with them and you can share info about you and your case. At the end of the day, you can leave all your worries behind because the Pennsylvania DUI attorney that you have chosen is all set to lend a hand to you.

DUI is a serious criminal charge which can really affect your record, your career, your driving license and your freedom. Take an opportunity to access the Pennsylvania DUI attorney site and be sure to find a competent and experienced Pennsylvania DUI attorney. Choose the most efficient Pennsylvania DUI attorney and he will surely help you with your trouble.



By: Fletcher Cote

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Do you need a DUI attorney Philadelphia for your case? Getting a DUI conviction entails so many grim consequences which can change your life forever. You will lose your driving privilege, your future employment opportunities are permanently affected, you have to pay auto insurance, criminal record, and even spend some time in jail. These certainly make a DUI case an excruciating experience. The truth is a DUI case is treated the same as any major criminal case. The only silver lining is that there are more ways to defend your self against the charges. All you have to do is to find a quality DUI attorney Philadelphia. With a DUI attorney Philadelphia there is nothing to worry about.

Seeking the services of a DUI attorney Philadelphia is an essential thing to do when you are facing a DUI case. Keep in mind that a DUI case is such a serious matter and you would need a DUI attorney Philadelphia who specializes in this area to represent you. Make sure that you seek the help of an experienced DUI attorney Philadelphia who can help you win your case. In choosing a DUI attorney Philadelphia, there are certain things you should look for.

First of all, make sure that the DUI attorney Philadelphia you choose primarily practices in DUI defense area. As mentioned earlier, experience is a must. Your DUI attorney Philadelphia should have taken a number of DUI cases before and won. The DUI attorney Philadelphia you choose should also be knowledgeable with all the equipment being used for testing driving under the influence. A good DUI attorney Philadelphia should also spend enough time with you for consultation.

Did you know that in the state of Pennsylvania, the penalties imposed for a DUI conviction depend on your blood alcohol content level? The penalties also depend if you have previous alcohol related offenses. A DUI attorney Philadelphia knows how to navigate the court system which may result to minimized penalties or even dismissal of the case. The truth is those breath test evidences may not always be accurate. Your DUI attorney Philadelphia can challenge these in court, and there have been cases where the challenges were successful.

DUI attorney Philadelphia will review your case looking at every aspect, leaving no stones unturned. For instance, your DUI attorney Philadelphia may question whether the police officer had a valid reason to stop your car. The sobriety test can also be questioned whether it was carried out properly or not. These are just some of the complicated aspects of a DUI case that an experienced DUI attorney Philadelphia will work on. You need not worry too much when you have an experienced DUI attorney Philadelphia on your side.



By: Fernand Dizon

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DUI charges are a serious offense. There’s no doubt about it. Most charges stemming from driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs will result in a stiff fine, loss of your driver’s license, and even a stint in jail. If you’re arrested for DUI it’s a good idea to obtain legal counsel from one or more DUI attorneys.

Driving under the influence means that while operating your vehicle you were either impaired due to the consumption of alcohol and, or in combination with, drugs. It can also mean that your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) exceeded a .08. To convict you of a DUI charge the police officer needs only to prove one of these elements of the offense.

The first part of the offense is driving while impaired. The presumption is that you are impaired, you cannot safely drive your car. If you were unable to operate your vehicle in a safe and legal manner and it can be showed that you were impaired by either alcohol or drugs. The officer will bring into evidence your physical state, the things you said, how you were driving and the results of any Standardized Field Sobriety Tests that you performed. These tests were developed by the National Highway Safety Administration and are very effective in allowing an officer to be able to determine that you have a BAC of .10 or mroe. If the sum total of the officer’s observations provide him with probable cause to believe you operated the vehicle while impaired, you’ll be arrested and charged.

The second part of the offense involves your Blood Alcohol Content, or the amount of alcohol in your blood, breath, or urine. If your BAC is at or above .08, there is probable cause to believe that you’ve committed the DUI offense whether you or anyone else feels that you were truly impaired. The BAC is determined by a breath, blood or urine test.

There are several ways that DUI attorneys can do you a lot of good if you’re charged with this offense.

A DUI lawyer speaks the language of the court. Many court terms have legal definitions that don’t necessarily coincide with the common usage of the word. The court room may lead you into a confusing jungle of terminology that prevents you from making your best defense.

DUI attorneys are also knowledgeable concerning DUI laws, case law, and various types of defenses. Laymen typically don’t do well in the criminal justice system because of a lack of this specialized knowledge.

DUI attorneys are also experienced in applying the law. There are many ways to defend against the charge but the defense must be crafted not only with a logical argument or series of arguments but also within the context of proper courtroom procedure. The prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. DUI attorneys can win a case by creating enough doubt in the minds of the judge or the jury that the legal standard of beyond a reasonable doubt can’t be met. Chances are, you can’t accomplish this without the assistance of a DUI attorney.

The information you obtain from this article is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.



By: George Kline

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There are few more helpless and frightening feelings than when you are being pulled over on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. Amidst the chaos and fear, however, it is important to remember that you do have rights. And while no one expects you to possess the knowledge of an experienced Arizona DUI attorney in that stressful moment, knowing your rights will go a long way if you are stopped and charged with driving while intoxicated. The Law Offices of Craig W. Penrod would like to remind you not only to seek qualified legal representation in the form of an experienced Arizona DUI lawyer, but to protect yourself at the scene by remembering and applying these helpful tips.

If you are pulled over on suspicion of DUI, you can expect to be questioned and to be asked to perform any number of field sobriety tests. At this point you should immediately ask to call an attorney. Our office has a 24-hour help line that will allow you to seek advice that can help you protect against incriminating yourself at the time of your arrest. If you are denied your right to consult with an attorney at the time of your arrest, it is a violation of your constitutional rights which could result in the dismissal of your case.

When pulled over always remember that you have the right to remain silent. Other than your name and address, you are not required to answer any questions asked of you, as they will no doubt be questions designed to incriminate you. You will be required to produce identification, registration and proof of insurance, and are required to submit to an analysis of your blood, breath or urine. You are not required to do anything else. You are not required to perform physical or field sobriety tests or submit to the “eye” test. If asked to do so, politely decline.

You have the right to refuse any field sobriety tests or other physical tests, and with good reason. The results of field sobriety tests are dependent upon a number of factors (height, weight, medical conditions, weather and lighting conditions, etc.) and not an exact science. Add the stress of the situation and the odds of passing such tests are exceedingly low. Say no to all requests for such tests; it’s your right and by far your best bet.

Remember that your first move when pulled over for suspicion of DUI is to ask to speak to an attorney. If you don’t know the number of an attorney, the officer must provide you with a phone book so that you may find one. Making this one simple phone call will allow you the lifeline you need to know what to do and what not to do at the scene, and how to protect your rights in an adverse situation



By: Craig Penrod

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g the right Tennessee DUI attorney is vital if you are charged with a DUI in the state of Tennessee.

A DUI conviction can have serious consequences, even if you have never been in trouble before. Like many states, Tennessee DUI laws have been amended to make consequences harsher for all levels of offender. Conviction for a DUI first carries mandatory jail time, alcohol safety school, potential community service, loss of your driver license for one year, and the possible installation of an ignition interlock device on your car. After the first conviction, things get even worse. A second DUI carries a minimum of 45 days in jail, a third DUI requires a minimum of 120 days, and a fourth DUI will result in at least 150 days in jail, not to mention a felony conviction on your record. It is especially easier now to get charged with a DUI since the legal blood alcohol limit is now 0.08, and the Tennessee DWI has been taken off the books.

An experienced Tennessee DUI lawyer can help you avoid some of the more unpleasant aspects of a DUI conviction. Only an attorney thoroughly familiar with Tennessee DUI law can ensure your rights are protected and mitigate the more inconvenient aspects of a DUI conviction. For instance, an ignition interlock device, which requires that you blow into it before you start your car and periodically thereafter, is not a requirement of Tennessee law. This is an aspect of your defense that can be negotiated by a skilled DUI attorney. Often, people are pulled over for invalid reasons that make your arrest unconstitutional. In cases where the evidence against you is slight, a DUI charge can sometimes be reduced to reckless driving or dismissed. For this and many reasons, an experienced DUI attorney is the best weapon to have on your side.

There are many things you can do that will help your DUI defense. There is no requirement that you offer evidence against yourself. Often times people are pulled over for simple things, like having a headlight or tail light out, a tag expired, or for speeding just over the legal speed limit. None of those things can be taken to infer that you were driving under the influence. Because the traffic stop is often not enough to obtain a conviction, there is no benefit that you tell the officer how much alcohol you may have consumed, that you perform a breath test, or undergo field sobriety tests, like standing on one leg, saying the alphabet backwards, or touching your fingers to your nose. Many people cannot even pass those tests sober, so there is seldom a benefit to giving the wrong impression.

Just because you may have offered evidence yourself, it does not mean you cannot be defended. If you have offered evidence against yourself, it is vital that you have an experienced and well-trained Tennessee DUI attorney on your side, who is familiar with Tennessee DUI law and the tendencies of the court where you have been arrested. The Tennessee DUI lawyer you hire might be the most important decision you ever make.

By: Nathan Moore

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The Arizona Legislature continues to update and change Arizona’s DUI laws, making them some of the strictest laws in the country. The Law Offices of Craig W. Penrod, P.C., would like to remind you that it is more important than ever for those charged with driving under the influence to seek proper and qualified legal representation when choosing an Arizona DUI attorney.

A conviction under the new Arizona DUI statute brings with it stiffer penalties including increased jail time, fines, an ignition interlock device and license suspension, even for first time offenders. With so much at stake, finding an Arizona DUI lawyer who can mount a viable criminal defense is imperative. A creative and experienced lawyer can be a harbor in a tempest and can help minimize the penalties which you may be facing. While having a drink and driving is not illegal, many people don’t realize when they have crossed the line to “impaired to the slightest degree” which make them subject to Arizona’s strict laws and the potential consequences which follow.

Among the laws now in place are that all offenders, even first time offenders, will be required to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle for at least one year. This acts as a breathalyzer which you are required to blow into before starting your vehicle and intermittently while driving. If the device detects alcohol, your vehicle will not start and your failed attempt will be reported to the Motor Vehicle Division. In addition to the cost of installation, this device costs the consumer an average of $80 a month.

Other penalties under the new law for first time offenders include a minimum 90-day license suspension, up to six months in jail and fines beginning at approximately $1,800. The amount of fines and your jail sentence increase depending upon the result of your breath or blood alcohol analysis and whether it is a first, second or subsequent offense. The law is clear and the penalties are harsh. If you have been charged with driving under the influence, the fact remains that you have rights. And those rights should enforced by an experienced DUI attorney.

While no attorney can ever guarantee the outcome of your case, the Law Offices of Craig W. Penrod has limited its practice to DUI and criminal defense, and employs a team concept in which four of the finest DUI lawyers in the state work together to champion your cause. Don’t wait to consult an attorney and retain the legal representation you need.



By: Craig Penrod

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