DUI corruption in court
January 17th, 2010
I discuss the corrupt policies behind DUI arrests. Can corruption even be fought? Maybe it’s best just to find a dui defense lawyer to help you fight the system.
Duration : 10 min 3 sec
Selecting the Right Dui Lawyer
December 30th, 2009
When it comes to dealing with the consequenses of a DUI arrest, experience counts, especially when choosing a DUI lawyer. Although the penalties for a first time DUI conviction are serious, they can be life altering for the person who faces the court with a prior DUI conviction. Choosing the right DUI lawyer can have a significant effect on the outcome of your case. Unfortunately, many people lack the experience necessary to find the most qualified and skillful DUI representation possible.
DUI Penalties Are Serious – Among the penalties for DUI are the loss of the driving license, steep fines, and incarceration. The length of DUI related jail time has increased dramatically over the past decade, as have the fines. In some areas, a DUI can result in the forfeiture of your vehicle. You’ll probably also see that a DUI conviction will substantially raise your car insurance rates for years.
Because of the severity of the penalties, it is essential to engage the services of an experienced, aggressive DUI lawyer. There’s a great deal of specialization in the legal field, and a DUI lawyer can guide you through the court system and help sift through mandatory and subjective penalties, working towards the best outcome.
Why Choose A DUI Lawyer? An experienced lawyer, specializing in DUI cases, is aware of the complexities that are part of all DUI cases. For example, it’s debatable about how well roadside equipment is able to reliably and consistently make the sensitive measurements upon which the arrest is based. A knowledgeable DUI lawyer will know that certain health issues can affect the results of the tests used to detect that you’re driving under the influence. There are numerous bits of specialized, important knowledge that DUI lawyers have that can help you, which is why finding the right lawyer is so important.
We Make Finding Your DUI Lawyer Fast And Easy – Most people have little experience in choosing quality representation and, during the crisis of a DUI, they can feel overwhelmed by all of the options, or feel pressured to make a quick decision. This can result in a poor or harsh outcome to the case. There’s no need to let that happen.
We make finding a DUI lawyer much easier for you. We’ve done the research for you so you’ll be making an informed decision when searching for a lawyer with the specialized, knowledgeable legal representation you need to assist you in managing your DUI case.
By informing you of the many options available, we can help you have greater confidence in making the decision of which DUI lawyer you will choose to represent you. When you’ve been arrested for DUI, it’s a serious situation, and experienced, effective representation by a specialized DUI attorney is an essential part of obtaining the best possible outcome.
Carson Danfield
articlesbase.com/health-and-safety-articles/selecting-the-right-dui-lawyer-139960.html
Eleven Attributes Of A Good Criminal Defense Attorney
December 30th, 2009
People often ask me how to determine if a Criminal Defense Lawyer is good or not. Having practiced as a San Francisco criminal defense attorney throughout California for thirteen years I have developed some opinions about this, which are laid out in the eleven rules below. These attributes can help make the difference between a good, bad or mediocre result. Remember that good criminal defense lawyering is as much an art as a technical skill. There is no substitute for experience. On the other hand it is unfortunately true that some veteran lawyers are tired of practicing law or have been doing it the wrong way for so long, they can’t change their ways. These rules apply to all criminal cases, whether drunk driving, driving under the influence, drugs, fraud, assault, battery, domestic violence or others. Of course they are no different whether you are looking for a San Francisco criminal lawyer, an Oakland lawyer, Hayward lawyer or a lawyer from another part of the country. The rules apply everywhere.
1. The lawyer must care about the result and the client’s well being:
This may seem obvious but it is important for lawyers to remember how important a case is to the person charged with a crime. Criminal charges can bring intense stress in all areas of a person’s life, including professional, financial and family life. This rule applies whether it is a simple DUI matter or a serious fraud or homicide allegation.
2. Get to know the client and his or her life situation and background:
I cannot tell you the number of times that the unique facts of a persons life, or stresses which they are under, strike a note of sympathy with judges when negotiating the outcome of a case, or at sentencing. More importantly these facts can make a big difference with a jury should a person accused with a crime chose to testify in his or her own defense.
3. Work quickly to try to get the person out of jail:
Needless to say, if a person is in jail and hires a criminal lawyer, they are expecting the lawyer to make every effort to gain their release from jail. There are several things that can be done by the criminal defense attorney to make this happen, including motions to set or reduce bail, motions for release on their own recognizance, or, in the case of a San Francisco criminal lawyer or San Francisco criminal defense attorney, a request for supervised release. For some people that own property, a motion to post real estate in lieu of cash is a good way to avoid paying a ten percent premium to a bail bondsman.
4. Consider the effects of a criminal case on a person’s profession, or future profession:
Many convictions can result in the loss of business or professional licenses. Any trade that requires a state license, including hairdressers, nurses, landscapers, and many others, will be in jeopardy if you face criminal charges. Knowing what you are able to accept as part of a plea bargain, or if you are able to plea bargain at all, is critical to making the right choice in your case. Any criminal defense attorney, whether a San Francisco criminal lawyer, Oakland lawyer, Hayward lawyer or other, should be aware of this.
5. Remember confidentiality:
It is important for a criminal lawyer to understand the privacy of the client. This is especially so when dealing with family members of the person charged with a crime. Family may mean well when asking questions, but unless the client authorizes the attorney to talk about it, anything said about the case should remain private and confidential.
6. Consider any immigration consequences:
Anyone who is not a citizen must be especially careful when facing criminal charges. Any conviction or even an admission without entry of a judgment, can result in deportation, exclusion from re-admission or denial of citizenship. This is unfortunately a highly misunderstood area of the law by many criminal lawyers. Understanding these rules is critical whether you are dealing with a San Francisco DUI attorney, San Francisco criminal lawyer, San Francisco criminal defense attorney, Oakland DUI lawyer, Hayward or any attorney from elsewhere in the country.
7. Communication with the client:
Part of why a person hires a criminal lawyer is to understand what is happening in the case as it goes along. A criminal defense attorney must talk about it with the client on a regular basis.
8. Investigation:
In most cases the client should allow the criminal defense attorney to hire an investigator to interview witnesses. If the police did it to gather evidence against you, why wouldn’t you want to do it in your own defense. It costs money but it would be “penny wise and pound foolish” to skimp on this part of your defense – that is, unless you agree with the police version of the facts.
9. Legal research and motions:
Any San Francisco criminal defense attorney must be sure to understand the “elements” of an offense, that is, what the prosecutor has to try to prove in order to get a conviction. Many times the prosecution cannot do it, but you wouldn’t know it unless you looked at the precise elements. Also many searches resulting in police finding drugs or other contraband are illegal and should be challenged by the criminal lawyer.
10. Negotiation:
The way in which a criminal defense attorney negotiates a case can make the difference in a good or bad result. Bear in mind that not all cases can or should resolve by negotiation. Sometimes your best option is to fight the case all the way to jury trial.
11. Trial
Only about five to ten percent of cases go all the way to jury trial. However for the case that we think we can win, jury trial is usually the best option. On the down side, it is more expensive. That is because it should take intensive preparation for the lawyer. It can be stressful and time consuming for you, the client. But when you win, you walk out the door with no conviction on your record. If the judge and prosecutor refuse to offer you a reasonable alternative, and if you have a workable case, jury trial can be the only smart option. Before a jury is where the true lawyer shines as an advocate. Too many a San Francisco criminal defense attorney and San Francisco DUI attorney has not done enough jury trials, fears going to trial, or has had no success before juries. This is true for attorneys in most locations. Trial should not be rushed into heedlessly. Some cases should not go to trial. But trial should always be an option that you discuss with your lawyer, and your lawyer should appear knowledgeable about the ups and downs of jury trial.
David Wise
articlesbase.com/law-articles/eleven-attributes-of-a-good-criminal-defense-attorney-90173.html
Dui Guilt Myth — Chapter 9
December 30th, 2009
Chapter 9 DWI Lawyer Bob Keefer: DUI Guilt Myth
CHAPTER 9
“I NEED TO CHOOSE A LAWYER–WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK?”
So now you have been released. Do not wait. Now is the time to hire a lawyer who can guide you through the complex and ever changing field of DUI law. The process of preparing your case—the investigation, the motions to suppress evidence, the analysis of evidence, and more—needs to get started right away.
It is difficult to pick a lawyer, not only because there are so many out there, but also because—since you are not a lawyer yourself—you do not know what a good one looks like. What is worse is that many consumers fall prey to myths and misconceptions about lawyers and they wind up picking an attorney who is not qualified to meet their needs. Here are a few of the most common myths.
Myth #1: “All lawyers have the same experience and training.”
We already touched on this myth in chapter 1 but it is worth mentioning again. Even if a lawyer has practiced law for decades, even if he or she has a fantastic resume, even if he or she has argued cases before the Supreme Court, there is no substitute for expertise in DUI law and experience defending clients who have been arrested for DUI.
Myth #2: “If a lawyer advertises that he takes DUI cases it is because he has experience in DUI law.”
This myth is similar to the first, but it is different in an important way. You may know how important it is that the attorney has experience in DUI law, but you might assume that, because an attorney takes DUI cases, he or she has the necessary experience. As a consumer, you know that advertising is often misleading. This is no less true when it comes to advertising for lawyers.
Myth #3: “The State Bar determines whether a lawyer can advertise as a DUI lawyer.”
The reality is that there is no requirement that a lawyer must meet before the State Bar permits a lawyer to advertise as a DUI attorney. The only thing is needed is a license to practice law.
Myth #4: “All law firms will take my case to trial.”
As strange as this may seem, many law firms are not committed to taking your case as far as it needs to go reach the best outcome for you.
Myth #5: “All lawyers carry Malpractice Insurance.”
Malpractice Insurance is not required of attorneys. This means if your lawyer does not carry this coverage and he makes a mistake, you may be out of luck. It a lawyer does not carry malpractice insurance, it does not mean that he or she is confident that it will never be necessary. More likely it means that the lawyer cannot afford it.
Myth #6: “Calling a Lawyer Referral service or using internet sites that offer to find you a lawyer service is the way to find a competent lawyer.”
Lawyer Referral Services and internet sites are a nice idea, but they are far from perfect. Many do not adequately screen the attorneys they refer clients to.
Myth #7: “Lawyers who have a big ad in the Yellow Pages or a TV commercial must be successful because they can afford this advertising.”
Just because a lawyer is on TV or has a big two-page yellow page ad does not mean he or she is successful or qualified. All it means is he or she shelled out a lot of money to make people think that. TV stations and yellow page companies do not care if the lawyer is competent; all they care about is that the check clears. Is that the way you want to decide who is going to protect you and your family?
Eventually you will want to speak with a number of attorneys who might represent you. This kind of consultation is usually free. The most important thing to remember when speaking with a potential lawyer is not to be afraid to ask questions. The best and most qualified lawyers will welcome your questions and they will take it as a sign that you have done your homework. Remember that when you are interviewing an attorney, the attorney is also interviewing you to see if he or she wants to take your case. A good lawyer would rather represent a truly prepared client, a client who is committed to getting the best legal representation available.
Here are a few questions you should ask in order to make an informed choice of who will represent you.
• “How many years have you been in practice?”
This will tell you much about the attorney’s potential experience. But, also ask what they have done all those years.
• “How much experience do you have representing persons who are charged with DUI?”
You should leave the attorney’s office confident that you have spoken to someone who has real expertise and experience in DUI law.
• “Do you have real experience handling a case like mine?”
You do not want a lawyer who sees your case as a new experience that he or she would like to try. You want someone with the experience necessary to do the job for you.
• “How many cases have you taken to jury trial?”
Your case might need to go to trial in order to get the outcome you deserve and it is imperative that your attorney have trial experience if it is required.
• “Who in the office will actually be handling the case and what are their qualifications?”
Most attorneys work with a team. The lawyer that you might be speaking with might not actually be the person who does the bulk of the work.
• “Are you covered by a legal malpractice insurance policy?”
There is really no two ways about this. Your attorney should have malpractice insurance. Malpractice insurance is just as much insurance for you as it is for your lawyer.
• “Have you ever been disciplined by the State Bar?”
You do not want a lawyer with a long disciplinary rap sheet and you deserve to know if your lawyer has been disciplined in the past.
• “What are all the potential legal costs, including investigators, experts and the like?”
The lawyer should be honest with you about what your case might cost. You want to be secure that the lawyer is not luring you in with promises of unrealistically low fees and costs.
•”What challenges do you see in my case?”
The lawyer should be able to explain to you what he or she sees as the challenges you face and what they could mean for the ultimate result.
• “How will you keep me informed about my case?”
You must feel comfortable with the attorney’s commitment to communicate with you. You should know if you would really be kept informed of developments in your case.
• “What will be the final outcome of my case?”
A good attorney will not promise you a specific result, because it is always impossible to be certain how a case will turn out. Any other answer is dishonest and unethical. A good attorney can only promise to do his or her best job in defending you.
When you look for a potential defense attorney, tell him or her everything that you think is relevant, and then some. Something that you dismissed as a minor detail might make all the difference in your case. Most importantly, be honest. You have nothing to fear. Except in rare cases, if you are talking to an attorney face to face, even before he or she has decided to take your case, you already enjoy attorney-client privilege. This means that nothing you say could ever be used against you. If you ever have any doubt that your communication with the attorney is “privileged,” you should simply ask.
Now you have decided on a lawyer who has offered to take your case. You have paid good money and you have entrusted the lawyer to help you. Now you need to tell your lawyer everything about your case. Everything. A common complaint among defense lawyers is that they learned a critical fact that they needed to know, not from their client, but from the prosecutor or a witness. Withholding information can only increase your chances of being convicted. But no matter what, having found an experienced attorney to represent you, you should rest assured that you are well prepared for the next phase of the process: the trial.
Bob Keefer
articlesbase.com/criminal-articles/dui-guilt-myth-chapter-9-679785.html
Do I need an attorney for my DUI?
December 12th, 2009
I am 18. My BAC percent was .152. Monroe, Louisiana was where I was arrested.
Either the bail bond guy or the cop that arrested me told me there is no point in getting a dui defense attorney because of my situation. But I want to know if that’s true? I really don’t wanna lose my license for six months + two years probation, plus the 1000+ fine, and the classes/community service… that is shit. The fine and classes/service sure, but I dont want the license suspension or probation! Please!
Is there any hope at all? I also am charged with speeding 53 in 35 and improper lane use.
It’s a better idea to get a lawyer otherwise they will stick you with a bigger fine and the possibility of a license suspension of 3 years since you’re under the age of 21… $1000 is minimum fine it could go to $10,000.
Note you could do community service for the fine.
Also, the lawyer might be able to get the speeding and improper tickets dropped.
Seattle DUI Lawyers
December 11th, 2009
Seattle dui lawyers are highly experienced in the field of DUI defense throughout Washington State. dui-defender.net/seattleduilawyers.html
Duration : 0:2:11
Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney
December 10th, 2009
Arrested? Need Help? Call now and speak with a Los Angeles dui defense lawyer. We can help you. Over 30 years experience in getting cases dismissed. Free consultations.
Duration : 0:3:48
Miami DUI Defense Lawyer Attorney Jonathan Blecher DUILawDefense.com Drunk Driving Defense 17
December 8th, 2009
Jonathan Blecher, Miami DUI Lawyer -
Please visit my website at: http://www.DuiLawDefense.com Florida has some of the toughest DUI Laws in the United States.
If you have been charged with Florida DUI or any state or federal criminal offense in Florida, the decision about who you hire to represent you is critical.
You will be putting your freedom and your future into the hands of a lawyer whom you may not know anything about. The law firm you choose for your case is probably the most important decision in your life right now.
If you are looking for an experienced and professional Miami DUI Lawyer, Florida DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyer consider Jonathan Blecher, Criminal Defense Attorney.
Jonathan Blecher is a Miami DUI Lawyer, Florida DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyer based in Miami, Florida. He has defended over 2,500 DUI and suspended license cases since 1982. He knows Florida DUI laws from serving as an Assistant State Attorney, his service on the Florida Bar committee which writes DUI and traffic court rules, and over 25 years of Criminal Law experience.Allow Jonathan Blecher the opportunity to demonstrate to you how his experience as a Miami DUI Lawyer, Florida DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyer can help you. We offer a no charge, no obligation consultation.
Time is of the Essence! Current Florida DUI Laws provide for an immediate suspension of your license upon arrest, in most cases. You only have 10 days to file an appeal of this suspension so you must act quickly.
What are the Florida DUI Laws? Florida DUI Laws are some ot the toughest DUI laws in the country. If you are convicted of a Florida DUI you face a criminal record, loss of driving privileges, probation, heavy fines, alcohol abuse counseling and a possible jail sentence. If you have questions about Florida DUI Laws, Jonathan Blecher is exceptionally qualified to answer them.
Member of BNI.
9150 South Dadeland Boulevard
Dadeland Centre II, Suite 1010
Miami, FL 33156
Office 305.670.1800
Mobile 305.321.3237
Fax 305.670.4827
blecherj@hotmail.com
Please visit my website at: http://www.DuiLawDefense.com
by http://www.cpccci.com
Duration : 0:3:39
Miami DUI Defense Lawyer – Attorney Jonathan Blecher DUILawDefense.com – Drunk Driving Defense – #15
December 7th, 2009
Please visit my website at: http://www.DuiLawDefense.com
Jonathan Blecher, Miami DUI Lawyer
Florida has some of the toughest DUI Laws in the United States.
If you have been charged with Florida DUI or any state or federal criminal offense in Florida, the decision about who you hire to represent you is critical.
You will be putting your freedom and your future into the hands of a lawyer whom you may not know anything about. The law firm you choose for your case is probably the most important decision in your life right now.
If you are looking for an experienced and professional Miami DUI Lawyer, Florida DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyer consider Jonathan Blecher, Criminal Defense Attorney.
Jonathan Blecher is a Miami DUI Lawyer, Florida DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyer based in Miami, Florida. He has defended over 2,500 DUI and suspended license cases since 1982. He knows Florida DUI laws from serving as an Assistant State Attorney, his service on the Florida Bar committee which writes DUI and traffic court rules, and over 25 years of Criminal Law experience.Allow Jonathan Blecher the opportunity to demonstrate to you how his experience as a Miami DUI Lawyer, Florida DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyer can help you. We offer a no charge, no obligation consultation.
Time is of the Essence! Current Florida DUI Laws provide for an immediate suspension of your license upon arrest, in most cases. You only have 10 days to file an appeal of this suspension so you must act quickly.
What are the Florida DUI Laws? Florida DUI Laws are some ot the toughest DUI laws in the country. If you are convicted of a Florida DUI you face a criminal record, loss of driving privileges, probation, heavy fines, alcohol abuse counseling and a possible jail sentence. If you have questions about Florida DUI Laws, Jonathan Blecher is exceptionally qualified to answer them.
Member of BNI.
by http://www.cpccci.com
Duration : 0:1:29
Miami DUI Defense Lawyer – Attorney Jonathan Blecher DUILawDefense.com – Drunk Driving Defense – #12
December 7th, 2009
Please visit my website at: http://www.DuiLawDefense.com
Jonathan Blecher, Miami DUI Lawyer
Florida has some of the toughest DUI Laws in the United States.
If you have been charged with Florida DUI or any state or federal criminal offense in Florida, the decision about who you hire to represent you is critical.
You will be putting your freedom and your future into the hands of a lawyer whom you may not know anything about. The law firm you choose for your case is probably the most important decision in your life right now.
If you are looking for an experienced and professional Miami DUI Lawyer, Florida DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyer consider Jonathan Blecher, Criminal Defense Attorney.
Jonathan Blecher is a Miami DUI Lawyer, Florida DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyer based in Miami, Florida. He has defended over 2,500 DUI and suspended license cases since 1982. He knows Florida DUI laws from serving as an Assistant State Attorney, his service on the Florida Bar committee which writes DUI and traffic court rules, and over 25 years of Criminal Law experience.Allow Jonathan Blecher the opportunity to demonstrate to you how his experience as a Miami DUI Lawyer, Florida DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyer can help you. We offer a no charge, no obligation consultation.
Time is of the Essence! Current Florida DUI Laws provide for an immediate suspension of your license upon arrest, in most cases. You only have 10 days to file an appeal of this suspension so you must act quickly.
What are the Florida DUI Laws? Florida DUI Laws are some ot the toughest DUI laws in the country. If you are convicted of a Florida DUI you face a criminal record, loss of driving privileges, probation, heavy fines, alcohol abuse counseling and a possible jail sentence. If you have questions about Florida DUI Laws, Jonathan Blecher is exceptionally qualified to answer them.
Member of BNI.
by http://www.cpccci.com
Duration : 0:1:26