SettlementBoard.com News, Articles and Information for Legal Junkies

9Jan/120

What is the Punishment for Drunk Driving in PA?

Accused of drunk driving? You need a criminal defense attorney. The consequences for drunk driving in Pennsylvania are serious. If convicted, you risk losing your driver’s license and your freedom. And you may have to pay costly fines.

Your friends and family may show discontent with your behavior. You could even lose your job. However, fighting a drunk driving offense is possible with the right lawyer, and it is worth the fight to avoid jail time and serious fines.

Below is a list of some offenses you may face for drunk driving:

  • First offense. First time offenders with a BAC of .08-.099 face six months probation and $300 in fines. If their BAC is .10-.159, the penalties are two days to six months in jail, $500-$5,000 in fines, and a twelve month license suspension.
  • Second offense. Second time offenders who have a BAC of .08-.099 receive between five days and six months in jail, $300-$2,500 in fines and a twelve-month license suspension. If your BAC is .10-.159, these penalties jump up to 30 days to six months in jail, $750-$5,000 in fines, and a twelve month license suspension.
  • Third offense. If accused of a third drunk driving offense, you must hire a criminal defense lawyer. The penalties for drunk driving a third time with a BAC of .08-.099 are ten days to two years in jail, $500-$5,000 in fines, and a twelve-month license suspension. If your BAC is .10-.159, you may receive between 90 days and five years in jail, between $1,500-$10,000 in fines, and an eighteen month license suspension.

A drunk driving conviction can change your life. Additionally, it can affect the people you love. Do not hesitate in contacting a Kutztown criminal attorney if you or someone you love faces criminal prosecution for drunk driving.

20Oct/110

Play It Safe by Playing Straight with Your Attorney

The result of a criminal trial can significantly impact the life of an individual. Punishment, if convicted, can include fines and serious jail time. Owing to the potentially severe consequences of most criminal trials, it is vital that defendants work with expert legal representation they can trust.

If you face criminal charges and live in Michigan, immediately retain a skilled and experienced criminal defense lawyer in Michigan. The more your experienced attorney understands the local justice system, the more that attorney can help you. But you need to be straight with your attorney.

Your lawyer should be very knowledgeable about criminal laws in Michigan and should know how to protect your rights. He or she should know when to fight for dismissal, and when to fight for lesser charges, while keeping you informed every step of the way.

If you are arrested, you do not have to answer questions by the police. Be polite, tell them your name and address, and ask for a lawyer. You should not answer any questions without your lawyer being present.

Stay determined, know your rights and play it safe. Your lawyer understands the criminal justice system. The sooner you seek the help of a lawyer, the sooner your rights can be protected and your defense can begin.

20Oct/110

Save your Drivers License by Approaching a DUI Lawyer

Your best friend is getting married next month and wants to celebrate this wonderful moment with his close friends. He invites you for a get together and the night turns out to be a great party. You find yourself drinking more than you intended and you do it for the sake of your friend.

Finally, when you start driving back home in the early morning, you are stopped by the police for field sobriety tests because of your erratic driving. You are also reported to have exceeded the speed limit. To add to your misery, when you start to argue, you smell strongly of alcohol and you are charged with a DUI. A DUI charge may affect your driving privileges, insurance rates, and even your employment.

And when you are arrested on a DUI, there is no use of fighting it alone because no one is going to believe you. More important, you should not say anything that can be used against you. It is always best to have a DUI lawyer represent you in court. If you reside in Tucson, the best thing to do is to approach a Tucson DUI lawyer.

A DUI attorney can protect your rights and in many cases have your charges dropped or reduced. DUI charges are serious. It is important to contact a skilled attorney as soon as possible.

 

12Sep/110

Criminal Defense in Wayne County

Depending on the jurisdiction and violation of specific laws, crimes are prosecuted in a state or federal court. Irrespective of the kind of crime, it is essential to seek representation by a criminal defense lawyer.

If you are charged for a state or federal criminal offense, you are taken to a county, state, or federal prison. An experienced and skillful Chicago criminal defense attorney can vigorously advocate for you to win your case.

State level crimes

By retaining an attorney, you can defend yourself against criminal charges involving misdemeanors and felonies such as (but not limited to):

• Domestic violence
• DUI
• Theft
• Robbery
• Fraud
• Battery
• Assault
• Possession of weapons
• Drug possession and narcotics sales/distribution
• Rape, sex crimes, child abuse, molestation
• Murder

Federal crimes

Federal criminal charges tend to be more serious and include infringements of the U.S. Constitution, interstate commerce violations, and other offenses or criminal acts covered by federal law.

Some of the crimes listed below (but not limited to) are heard in federal courts:

• Bribery of public officials
• Drug conspiracies, possession, and delivery
• Kidnapping
• Internet crime and mail fraud
• Pornography cases
• Bank robbery and fraud
• Mortgage and insurance fraud
• Federal income tax evasion
• Smuggling controlled substances
• Interstate crimes
• Crimes committed on land owned by the federal government

On charges of federal or state crimes, seek capable representation by criminal defense lawyers in Chicago immediately to avoid jail time and minimize penalties.