Traffic Summons/DUI

A traffic summons ticket is a legal document informing you of a traffic violation. The summons may be prepayable or require your appearance in court. A traffic violation could result in a minor fine or incarceration in jail.

Driving Under the Influence of alcohol (DUI) is one of the most serious traffic violations. A conviction could lead to jail, loss of driving privileges, alcohol counseling, insurance cancellation, and possibly loss of employment.

Most drivers cited for traffic violations believe that the cost of hiring an attorney is not worth it. However, Traffic Court is a fast-paced hearing for which most citizens are ill prepared. Most traffic offenders find themselves standing in the hallway after being found guilty wondering what happened. Some find themselves in jail. It is always advisable to go to court with a skilled trial attorney.

If you have been given a summons or have been arrested for DUI or another serious offense, please call us. The first consultation is free.

Please bring the following documents:

1. A copy of any summons or warrant issued to you.
2. A copy of any blood or breath test result.
3. A copy of any paperwork that you received during this incident.
4. The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any witnesses to the incident.

DUI and Traffic Cases

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is one of the most serious traffic violations. Depending on your case and driving history, a conviction could lead to jail time, you may be subjected to a loss of driving privileges, thousands of dollars in fines and court costs and/or loss of your personal freedom

FIRST OFFENSE DUI:
1) Loss of Drivers License for a MANDATORY ONE YEAR with possible restricted license for very limited purposes.
2) Jail time, may be suspended (until you make a serious mistake during that year, then you will serve that time).
3) MANDATORY ASAP (Alcohol/Substance Abuse Program) with continuing costs for a variety issues.
4) Ignition Interlock System (if your breath/blood level was at a certain level) with installation fees and monthly fees.
5) SR-22 and HIGHER INSURANCE RATES for the next three years.
6) Continued court sanctions/scrutiny if the ASAP counselors feel you have not completed successfully the program for any reason.

SECOND OFFENSE DUI:
1) Same elements as for first offense but for 3 years, with a mandatory COMPLETE loss of license for 4 months.
2) Mandatory PRISON time.
3) Extensive psychological counseling in addition to state ordered ASAP classes.
4) MUCH higher court fines.

THIRD OFFENSE DUI: (FELONY)
1) MANDATORY JAIL TIME.
2) With a conviction upon a third offense within 10 years, the courts will place you in Jail up to 5 years. The loss of your constitutional rights will forever damage your career, family life, and every aspect of the life you otherwise cherish.
3) These consequences are severe and in many cases beyond the discretion of the judge. The state legislators have made many of these punishment levels mandatory and without discretion by the courts. Thus, the necessity for a strong defense, and a strong defense lawyer can not be underestimated.

DMV Points

The DMV maintains a lifetime record of your driving offenses and for every offense you commit, you bring yourself closer to the point of administrative suspension. Even though your individual offenses may not be significant unto themselves, the DMV can simply choose to revoke your license because of excessive points or some other failure to maintain an appropriate documentation.

Do not allow yourself to slide into this trap just because you are charged with just a simple speeding ticket! Take charge of your driving rights and know your rights!

Auto Accidents

Fortunately, most auto accidents are minor. But even the smallest fender bender can have serious consequences, including higher insurance rates and claims of injury by passengers and the other motorist.

If you have an accident:

1. Call 911 immediately. If anyone has been injured, please tell the police dispatcher.
2. Protect any injured persons from further injury.
3. Stand away from the accident scene.
4. Stay near the scene until police arrive.

Things to do while at the scene of the accident:

1. Exchange name, address, and insurance policy information with the other driver(s).
2. Request the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all witnesses.
3. Do not discuss the accident with anyone.
4. Be careful discussing the accident with the police investigator.
5. Do not admit fault to anyone.
6. Contact your insurance agent within 24 hours of the accident.
7. Call us as soon as possible.

Documentation to bring to the first consultation:

1. Any information provided to you by the other driver.
2. Any tickets or other documents you may have received from the police.
3. The names and addresses of anyone whom may have witnessed the accident, including passengers in your vehicle.
4. A copy of your insurance policy.
5. A copy of any medical bills or prescriptions.
   

Criminal Defense

There are two Criminal Courts: General District Court and the Circuit Court. General District Courts hear misdemeanor cases and preliminary hearings for felony matters. Misdemeanor cases could involve jail time up to 12 months and/or a fine up to $2,500. Circuit Courts hear felony cases and appealed misdemeanor cases.

It is very important to involve your attorney as soon as possible in misdemeanor cases. Some Commonwealth Attorney's offices do not plea-bargain appealed misdemeanor cases in Circuit Court. Therefore, any plea negotiation of misdemeanors must be accomplished in the General District Court. If you have a criminal charge in the Circuit Court, you must have a highly experienced Criminal Trial Attorney by your side immediately. Your freedom will depend on it.

If you or a member of your family is arrested, contact us immediately. Do not talk to the police. Even if you think you don't need an attorney, call us. Your first consultation is free.

Please bring:

1. A copy of any summons, warrants, or indictments.
2. The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all witnesses.
3. Bring your witnesses, if possible.
4. Any statements, pictures, or recordings important to your case.