Know Your Rights During Your DWI Defense in Missouri

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Whether you’re accused of drunk driving or not, it’s a good idea to know your rights. For one, you have the right to consult with an attorney if you believe you are facing a DWI charge. Also, you have the right to a defense of necessity, if you were stopped for an illegal reason or your BAC was low at the time of the arrest.

You have a right to consult with an attorney

Having an attorney present the case is the best way to go about it. Even if you’re on the road, having a lawyer on hand will help to keep your head in the game. If you’ve been arrested for a DWI, you may be eligible for limited driving privileges after ten days. This may or may not be a bad thing, but you should make sure to ask.

An attorney might be able to help you avoid the embarrassment of a DWI conviction. The right attorney can make the difference between a slap on the wrist and a trip to the tarmac. An attorney’s services can be obtained at reasonable rates if you’re lucky. If you’re looking for a DWI attorney, you’ll want to make sure to hire someone who specializes in this type of case.

Breath testing issues

During your DWI defense, you may have to challenge breath testing results. This is because the breath test is used as evidence of intoxication in DUI / DWI prosecutions. To do this, you must know how to check the reliability of the results.

Breath testing machines must be properly calibrated to provide accurate results. A faulty machine could lead to wrongful convictions.

Breath testing is an indirect measurement of blood alcohol content. The machine calculates the amount of ethanol in the deep lung breath. There are several factors that can cause the machine to report a higher number, including the presence of residual mouth alcohol and blood partition ratios.

A breath test can also be inaccurate if you have elevated body/breath temperature, GERD, or asthma. Chronic smokers can also have higher red blood cell counts.

Illegal stop of a person or vehicle

During your DWI defense, it is important to have an expert dwi defense in KC lawyer who understands the laws. Your lawyer can point out the illegality of a stop, and can also present your case in a manner that can help you in your defense.

In addition, you need to write down everything that you remember about the stop, including the agency names and badge numbers. This can be very helpful if you need to contact a lawyer later on. You may also want to write down injuries suffered by the person you stopped.

The Fourth Amendment provides certain protection for vehicles, but it does not give police unlimited power to stop and search. This means that if your DUI defense lawyer can prove that a stop or search was illegal, the evidence may be suppressed.

Defense of necessity

Whether it’s a civil or criminal case, the defense of necessity may be a great idea, but it is not always a wise decision. Using this defense, you could be accused of a crime that you didn’t commit, or you could be accused of a crime that would have been prevented by a better decision.

In order to make a good case, you must prove that a crime was justified by its consequences. The defense of necessity, for example, may be used in a situation where an action would have been illegal, but it was necessary to avoid serious bodily injury.

The defense of necessity is usually interpreted in two different areas of the law, but it’s only allowed in jurisdictions that apply a test of proportionality. For instance, the defense of necessity is not allowed in cases where the defendant is accused of murdering innocent people.

Penalties for drug-DWAI and combination-DWAI

DWAI, or Driving While Ability Impaired, is a crime in New York. It is an offense that is charged in addition to a DUI. A DWAI is charged when a driver is impaired due to drug or alcohol consumption.

The first offense for DWAI carries a fine of $500-$1,000. A second offense carries a fine of $500-$750. The third offense is a Class D Felony and is punishable by up to seven years in prison.

Drug DWI convictions carry the same penalties as DUIs. This means that if you are convicted, you will not be eligible for certain licenses. It also means that you will have a criminal record. It will also mean that you will have trouble finding employment.

Drug DWIs can also result in jail time. If you are convicted of DWAI Drugs, you will have a criminal record that will last for your whole life.

Mike

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What Happens If You Get a DUI in Kansas?

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If you have been stopped by the police for drunk driving, you might be wondering what happens if you get a dui in kansas. Whether you’ll spend a night in jail or lose your driving privileges, it’s important to know your rights and the consequences of a DUI conviction.

BAC limits

In Kansas, you are not allowed to drive if you are over the legal limit for alcohol. The BAC limit is 0.08 for people aged 21 and over and 0.04 for commercial drivers. The penalties for driving under the legal limit include up to 48 hours in jail, 100 hours of community service, and the requirement to complete an alcohol education and treatment program. In addition, your vehicle may be impounded for up to one year.

The state of Kansas has zero tolerance for drunk drivers. If you are under the legal age to drive, your BAC is 0.02 percent or higher. If you are found guilty of driving under the legal limit, your license will be suspended for thirty days and you will lose your ability to drive for one year. If you have a history of DUI arrests, the penalties will get worse and harder.

If you get a DUI in Kansas, you will face a harsh punishment. The law defines driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs as a class B nonperson misdemeanor, and stipulates that first time offenders will be jailed for 48 hours and can face up to six months in jail. A fine of up to $1,000 will also be assessed. In addition, first-time offenders will be required to complete alcohol treatment and alcohol evaluation.

Jail time

Jail time for a DUI in Kansas is a serious matter. If you are convicted of DUI, the state will require you to spend a minimum of two days in jail and take part in a treatment program. A probation period will also follow the jail time. This is typically two to six months. A Kansas DUI lawyer can help you navigate the process and make sure that you get the best outcome for your situation.

DUI cases in Kansas are thoroughly investigated. A thorough review of police reports, paperwork, in-car police DVD, and supporting documents is necessary. In addition, a blood test is necessary in some cases. Jail time for a DUI in Kansas is determined by several factors, including the circumstances of the case and the validity of the test.

First-time DUI offenses in Kansas are classified as class B misdemeanors. A person convicted of DUI may face a jail sentence of up to six months. They may also have to complete 100 hours of community service. In addition, their license may be suspended. How to obtain and understand Maryland criminal records

Suspension of driving privileges

If you get a DUI in Kansas, you may be facing a suspension of your driving privileges. DUI offenses in Kansas are criminal in nature, which means that you will have to appear in court. A DUI lawyer is an essential component of the legal defense process. The attorney must be knowledgeable about the Kansas DUI laws and the procedures involved in obtaining and defending against a suspended license.

The duration of the suspension depends on your BAC at the time of arrest and whether you have prior DUI convictions. A BAC of 0.8% or less will lead to a 30-day license suspension, while a BAC of 0.15% will lead to a 6-month suspension. If this is your first DUI, you may also have to install an ignition interlock device in your car to avoid driving while under the influence.

If your license is suspended, it is critical to get legal counsel immediately. Many people assume that their license will be automatically reinstated, but this is not the case. The Department of Revenue will not automatically reinstate a license unless you request it.

Diversion agreement

Diversion agreements are a legal way to avoid jail time and the consequences of a DUI conviction. You may not have to appear in court to receive a diversion agreement, but you may have to agree to certain terms and conditions. These conditions include submitting to alcohol evaluations and recommendations from licensed providers.

Diversion agreements may not be the best option for every case. You must be sure to consult an attorney who is experienced in Kansas DUI law. A qualified lawyer will be able to negotiate the most favorable agreement for your case. Diversion agreements are a legally binding contract between the prosecutor and the defendant and are often drafted to favor the government.

When deciding whether or not to enter a diversion agreement, it is important to understand that it may cost you money. Most jurisdictions require that the defendant pay for the diversion fee up front. However, a few will allow you to make payments on the fee. Another important thing to understand is that a diversion agreement does not completely clean your record. Most jurisdictions report diversion agreements to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the repository of all criminal records in the state. Furthermore, your records will remain public for five years after signing a diversion agreement.

Mike

Find top rated attorneys and law firms profiles with Find Attorneys Directory, the best and free online attorney directory. Guest bloggers can also publish their articles here as other bloggers are doing.

Aggressive Driving Law in Indiana

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Indiana is one of eleven states that specifically target aggressive driving in an effort to reduce traffic accidents and fatalities. Under Indiana law, aggressive driving is a Class A misdemeanor, which may be punished by up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine.

A driver may be charged with aggressive driving if he commits three or more of these infractions during a single driving event:

  • Following a vehicle too closely
  • Operating a vehicle unsafely
  • Overtaking another vehicle on the right side by driving off the roadway
  • Stopping or slowing a vehicle unsafely
  • Sounding the horn unnecessarily
  • Failing to yield
  • Failing to obey a traffic control device
  • Driving at an unsafe speed
  • Flashing the vehicle’s headlights repeatedly

Imagine that another driver improperly fails to yield the right of way to you. You are angry. To show your displeasure, you tailgate the other driver, sound your horn excessively, and flash your lights at him. Under Indiana law, you have engaged in aggressive driving—even though the other driver should have yielded to you. A driver may be charged with this offense if aggressive driving is used to harass or intimidate someone in another vehicle.

If aggressive driving occurs in a highway work zone, the driver may be charged with a felony. If a worker is injured by the driver, a Class D felony may be charged. A Class C felony may be charged if a worker is killed in a work zone. A Class D felony may also be charged if the offending driver had a previous motor vehicle operation conviction in the last five years.

If you have been injured by an aggressive driver, you may be able to recover damages. If the driver was convicted of aggressive driving, you have an easier case. The driver’s conviction may be considered negligence per se, which means that the driver is automatically deemed negligent for having violated the law.

Road Rage

Road rage is a dangerous behavior that often occurs when a driver becomes frustrated or impatient and takes their anger out by driving aggressively without consideration for other vehicles on the road. Every driver that gets behind the wheel of their vehicle assumes a duty of care, which is a legal obligation to drive in a way that is in the best interest of others around them. Those who are driving with road rage are a danger to everyone around them and are typically violating this duty of care.

What Are Some Signs of Road Rage?

If you have been injured in a car accident, you might be wondering if road rage was the cause of that accident. Some of the more common signs of road rage include but are not limited to:

  • Tailgating – A driver who is tailgating is one of the most recognizable and dangerous signs of road rage. Drivers with road rage will often use tailgating as a sign of aggression against other drivers.
  • Speeding – This is one of the most common signs of road rage. Speeding above the legal limit and swerving in and out of lanes to move ahead of traffic often indicate that a driver is displaying signs of road rage.
  • Honking – Honking a horn is one of the easiest ways for a driver with road rage to express their anger. It might appear that a driver is needlessly honking their horn if they are stuck in traffic, and this is often the beginning of aggressive behavior.
  • Flashing their lights – One sign of aggressive driving is flashing lights at other cars. This behavior is dangerous for a variety of reasons and can result in serious accidents.
  • Making physical gestures – Those drivers who are displaying signs of road rage will often be seen making angry gestures in their vehicle, which is one of the signs of road rage.
  • Yelling – Drivers who are displaying behaviors of road rage will often yell at the other drivers around them. This can be extremely distracting and even offensive in some situations.
  • Physically attacking – In some extreme cases, a driver will become so agitated that they provoke physical violence when stopped in traffic.

Learn More About How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help

Car accidents that have been caused by Aggressive driving and road rage can be both terrifying and confusing. When you consider that the accident might have been prevented if the other driver had simply controlled their anger and been aware of the danger they were causing to those around them, the situation becomes even more frustrating.

If you believe that the driver who caused your car accident displayed any of these behaviors, it is advisable to speak with a car accident lawyer in Indiana as soon as possible.

 

Tom Blackburn

Blackburn Romey’s founding partner, Tom Blackburn graduated with honors receiving a degree from Indiana University at the Robert H. McKinney School of Law.
Since 1977, he has been active in practicing law and currently serves as a member of the Indiana State Bar Association on the Ethics and Advertising Committees, the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, as a board member at the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, and as an appointed member of the Executive Committee for the State of Indiana for the National Trial Lawyers Association.

Tom has been long awarded the distinction of being a top lawyer for personal injury and wrongful death in Fort Wayne.

Traffic Fines to Raise Revenue: Is Law Enforcement Focusing on the Wrong Public Safety Incentives?

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Getting pulled over for a traffic violation is always vexing. While the concept is understandable — and is often necessary — sometimes the system can be considered excessive and monetarily based.

For example, pulling over a motorist who is driving recklessly is crucial to keeping people safe. But what about routine stops for people who are allegedly driving a mile or two over the speed limit, or have a broken tail light during daylight hours, or any other technical, minor infraction?

We are not advocating for freely breaking the law. However, a recent New York Times report revealed that a whopping 730 municipalities raise revenue from precisely these types of traffic stops. The question then becomes: are drivers being pulled over for the right reasons?

The Use of Traffic Fines and Fees to Raise Revenue

Using traffic fines to raise revenue is nothing new or unique to a specific jurisdiction. Between 2010 and 2017, a significant portion of city governments in New York State increased their budgets by about 25% as a result of traffic stop fines.

Two examples include the city of Buffalo, where traffic fines accounted for 24% of revenue for the fiscal year 2019 – 2020, and Poughkeepsie, where such revenue accounted for a staggering 46% for the 2019 budget.

Then there is also Valley Brook, Oklahoma, which is a small town of 870 residents. It raises about $1,000,000 a year in revenue from traffic infractions.

Some of these fines can cross the line from routine to flabbergasting. NPR’s economics podcast, The Indicator from Planet Money, investigated such practices. One of the people they interviewed, Orlando, FL resident, Celeste Sawyer, related how she was stopped at a red light, when one of her twins saw a police officer, unbuckled her seatbelt and rolled down the window to say hello to the officer. The police officer then pulled over in front of Celeste’s car and issued her over $1,000 in fines for seat belt ticket violations (one for each of her kids).

Turner County and Norman Park (both in rural Georgia) also rely heavily on revenue raised from traffic tickets to finance their governments. And Governing magazine conducted an analysis on such practices. Their findings indicated that hundreds of small towns significantly rely on traffic fines to fund their budgets.

Relying on these stops to raise revenue sometimes places police officers in an uncomfortable situation.. Once a municipality becomes accustomed to relying heavily on these funds for their annual budgets, law enforcement sometimes will look for even the smallest or most technical of infractions.

On a much larger scale, this issue also affects federal funding, since the federal government provides highway safety grants that reward a high incidence of traffic tickets. These grants come in the tune of $600 million a year. Granted, the funds are not simply awarded to applicants with the highest number of traffic tickets alone. However, they are taken into account to evaluate police performance.

The Problems With These Types of Traffic Stops

Every single day, there are legitimate reasons to pull someone over. Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, weaving in and out of traffic at excessive speeds, trucks carrying excessive cargo. These behaviors put people’s lives at risk.

And that is precisely what society needs: law enforcement that puts public safety as their first priority (as opposed to raising revenue or meeting quotas). When you switch priorities incentivized by budgetary reasons, it encourages harmful consequences, including:

Civil Rights Violations

In theory, people cannot be imprisoned for failing to pay their debts. Creditors can take debtors to court in a civil case. They also have several ways of enforcing judgments — such as garnishing a portion of a defendant’s wages or placing a lien on their property. But when these debts are the result of traffic stop violations, you can get a warrant for your arrest for nonpayment.

This is why, in January 2021, a group called Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights Under Law filed a lawsuit against Valley Brook and three of its public officials. The claim is for alleged unconstitutional debt collection from poor residents.

The plaintiffs’ attorneys in that suit point out how such methodologies of raising revenue have a dire effect — that of sending to jail people who cannot afford to pay them. And this is not a problem just in Valley Brook. This is happening all over the nation.

Traffic Stops that Escalate Quickly

It is no secret that this country has seen its fair share of what were supposed to be simple traffic stops ending with law enforcement shooting a motorist. Things get even uglier when it was a white police officer and an African-American driver. Recent examples include Phillando Castille, Rayshard Brooks, and Daunte Wright. These are just a few instances of traffic stops for minor violations that escalated quickly.

It is easy for people who were not at the scene to point out that if the motorists had followed instructions, they would be alive today. But that oversimplifies the issue and ignores the bigger problem: All of these deaths originated with a traffic stop for a minor infraction, and ended with the shooting of unarmed individuals.

Racial Bias

This is a hot topic, but it would be remiss to discuss the subject at hand without bringing it up. Researchers from Stanford University conducted a study that took a close look at 100 million police traffic stops across 21 state patrol agencies and 29 municipal police departments. That is not a typo. One hundred million. It is a pretty significant sample size. In fact, it is the largest one ever collected.

And here is the unsurprising result: Between 2011 and 2017, police officers stopped minority motorists based on less evidence used to stop white drivers.

By the same token, a recent report issued by the Fiscal Policy Institute (FPI) warns New York governments against attempting to restore the economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic through traffic fines — since this method is often used to exploit low-income neighborhoods and communities of color.

Similarly, after reviewing data from 9,000 cities across the United States, a study conducted by Michael Sances (from the University of Memphis) and Hye Young You (from Vanderbilt University) concluded that using traffic fines and court fees to raise revenue disproportionately affects underserved communities.

This is not a matter of officers being blatantly racist. Few people would readily admit to such behavior — even to themselves. But it does point to the implicit bias and systemic racism that is embedded into many elements of criminal justice.

Raising revenue is an integral part of any government, regardless of its size. However, the main duty of police officers is to protect and serve the community. Balancing the budget sheet should not be a responsibility that is placed on their shoulders — and clearly, there is enough data to showcase the troubling consequences of doing so.

About the author: Matthew J. Weiss, Esq. has a Juris Doctor from Hofstra Law School, where he was a member of the Law Review. Upon graduating in 1987, he became one of the first Hofstra graduates at the New York Court of Appeals (New York State’s highest court). He then went into private practice, focusing on fighting any type of traffic ticket issued in New York.  He eventually reached a level of success in his career where he could focus on areas other than day-to-day operations. This freed up time to pursue other opportunities, such as producing and directing Man in Red Bandana, an award-winning film about an incredible 9/11 hero named Welles Crowther. You can also listen to his TEDx talk about courage.

Mike

Find top rated attorneys and law firms profiles with Find Attorneys Directory, the best and free online attorney directory. Guest bloggers can also publish their articles here as other bloggers are doing.

The Future of Florida Traffic Safety Laws

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Anybody who has ever driven in Florida is aware of the atrocious state of commuting. No matter where you’re going, it behooves you to check traffic apps to avoid significant jams caused by accidents. And these are no minor deals, either. While there is a fair share of fender benders, at some point you’ll also see the aftermath of a major crash — from totaled cars to a crane pulling a vehicle from the water underneath a causeway.

And things are only getting worse. A recent study published by the Advocates for Auto and Highway Safety concluded that Florida is among the worst states when it comes to highway safety. Such revelation is dire, considering that in 2020, data from the U.S. Department of Transportation reflected an increase in auto accident fatalities during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the decrease in driving on a national level.

 

To add insult to injury, these increases are seemingly pointing to a continued upwards trend, since the U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that deaths from traffic accidents increased by about 11% more in 2021. Since Florida is topping the list, the Sunshine State needs to do something about it.

What’s Causing So Many Traffic Accidents in Florida?

There are a myriad of reasons that contribute to car accidents. No matter anyone’s background or walk of life, a common denominator is that we’ve all seen or heard about the most popular ones, including:

  • Speeding
  • Driving while texting
  • Driving under the influence

Not only are many of these circumstances preventable, but they are made even worse by the fact that almost half of car accident fatalities are the result of not wearing a seat belt. And the numbers of deaths related to DUIs and distracted driving are high enough to merit more serious preventive measures.

Finally, there are two significant additional issues: Teen drivers and the consequences of driving while texting.

While all of these issues occur all over the US, the Fatality Analysis Reporting System issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation includes a breakdown of crash rates as they relate to state population. Florida is among the top five.

Florida Traffic Laws

Florida Statute 316.614 establishes that anyone operating a motor vehicle is required to wear their seat belt. As for front seat passengers, it’s unlawful for anyone 18 or older to ride in a car without wearing it. While this may seem practical, violating this law only carries a penalty of $30.

Florida Statute 316.193 states that anyone with a blood alcohol level (BAC) of 0.08 or more while driving is considered to be driving under the influence (DUI). A first conviction penalty ranges between $500 and $1,000. A second one is between $1,000 and $2,000. Additional consequences may include spending between six and nine months in jail, and installing an ignition interlock device at their own cost for a full year. A third conviction constitutes a felony, and penalties increase accordingly. While these are certainly heftier, they pale in comparison when placed side-by-side with the loss of life.

Florida Statute 322.1615 establishes that the DMV may issue a learner’s permit to anyone who’s at least 15 and has passed driving and eye examinations. The standards are pretty baseline considering the consequences of not being properly trained.

By the same token, Florida Statute 316.302 establishes texting while driving ban. The penalty for a first offense is $30, and it continues to increase with subsequent violations.

While these laws exist to protect public safety, statistics show they are failing as a deterrent. This is why it’s crucial to advocate for more robust penalties.

Proposed Updates to Current Florida Traffic Safety Laws

Some of the proposed legislation to address the road fatalities issues in Florida include:

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is technology designed to prevent car accidents by providing blind-spot detection, lane departure warning, recognition of traffic signs, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. They work by installing sensors on motor vehicles.

Some of these applications also include features such as driver drowsiness detection based on the driver’s heart rate, movement of their head, and lane swerving. There has been recent legislation proposed in Congress to install such technologies on trucks. Similar bills would be beneficial at the state level.

Automated Enforcement

Automated enforcement (AE) is most commonly known as traffic cameras. While they already exist in some Florida jurisdictions, installing them more widely could serve as a deterrent for drivers who are gung ho on running red lights if they do so fast enough.

Better Technologies to Reduce Impaired Driving

Interlock ignition devices are nothing new. As mentioned earlier in this article, a third DUI conviction requires one in your car. However, there’s a new research program called Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS), which, together with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is lobbying for car manufacturers to install breath and touch systems to measure BAC as safety features in their vehicles.

Autonomous Vehicles

Since so many traffic accidents are caused by human error or negligence, autonomous vehicles could help reduce the number of crashes. This does not necessarily mean that a person would get a car and have no control over it. There are several automation levels that include assistance with steering and braking while the driver monitors operation.

In Conclusion

These proposed solutions are only the tip of the iceberg. And regardless of which ones move forward, it’s evident that the systems that are in place now are not working. So it’s crucial for legislators at the state and federal levels to actively look for ways to not only implement more stringent consequences, but also safety measures that prevent accidents in the first place.

A great starting point is to pay closer attention to current proposed bills and study how well they have worked in other jurisdictions — whether nationally or internationally. And most importantly, get the input from subject matter experts who may take into account details that may otherwise not be considered.

About the Author: Mitchell J. Panter is a founding and managing partner at Panter, Panter & Sampedro, a leading personal injury law firm in South Florida. He is Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, and he has been designated as such by both the Florida Bar and the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He has successfully argued before the Florida Supreme Court and has held leadership positions in multiple professional entities within the legal industry.

Mike

Find top rated attorneys and law firms profiles with Find Attorneys Directory, the best and free online attorney directory. Guest bloggers can also publish their articles here as other bloggers are doing.

What Are the Differences Between Careless and Dangerous Driving?

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The road can be a dangerous place whether you’re a pedestrian, a cyclist or a motorist. Many road deaths are caused due to someone else’s actions. While any person can cause a road traffic accident, motorists are most at risk of causing a serious accident. Vehicles can be extremely dangerous, especially if the driver acts in a negligent manner. There’s a reason why people need to undergo thorough driving examinations and why using the road is heavily regulated by laws.

Fatal road accidents caused by another person can be split into two categories: death by careless driving and death by dangerous driving. Careless and dangerous driving does not suggest an intent to harm someone, which is why it’s called an accident. But with that said, it is still a serious act of negligence. Dangerous driving is clearly the more severe offense and will lead to harsher consequences. However, both careless and dangerous driving can be impactful behaviors and may lead to loss of life. It’s useful to know the differences between the two to ensure you behave like a safe and competent road user.

Fatal Accident Claims is a specialist solicitor service that helps clients with a wide range of accident claims, including road accidents, asbestos-related diseases, and fatal work accidents. They offer victims and relatives advice and claims management support to help them come to terms with their serious injuries or tragic loss. Fatal Accident Claims have provided us with information on the differences between careless and dangerous driving, including the potential penalties and how you can make a compensation claim.

What is Careless Driving?

Careless driving is defined as driving below the minimum standard expected of a competent and careful driver. While the type of actions that fall under this category can be complex and open to interpretation, it is ultimately about falling below the minimum standards. Careless driving can typically be summed up as acting with undue care and attention or having a brief lapse of judgment or concentration. If you drive carelessly, you are doing so without reasonable consideration for other road users.

There are several examples of careless driving. For starters, driving too close to another vehicle, also known as tailgating, would fall under this category. Accidentally running a red light, overtaking on the inside, or suddenly braking would be other examples. Turning into the path of another vehicle or failing to properly assess your surroundings is also careless. Being distracted by the radio, phone, eating or smoking may also fall under careless driving but depending on your specific actions, could also be classed as dangerous driving.

What is Dangerous Driving?

While careless driving is described as driving below the minimum standard, dangerous driving is defined as falling far below the expected standards of a competent driver. Dangerous driving is to operate a vehicle in a completely negligent manner, endangering both yourself and others. Again, there may be some debate as to what constitutes a dangerous action versus a careless one, but it comes down to judgment on how far below the person’s standards have slipped. To be convicted of dangerous driving, there must be significant evidence showing that they were responsible for the accident and are judged to have driven dangerously.

One of the most common examples of dangerous driving is racing with others, driving at excessive speed, or driving aggressively. If you operate a vehicle while aware of a serious fault, then this would also be considered dangerous. Other examples include intentionally ignoring traffic lights or road signs, driving on the hard shoulder, or driving with an unsafe load. Driving while unfit, such as experiencing eyesight issues, is also dangerous. Last but certainly not least, driving while uninsured, disqualified, or under the influence are three of the most serious examples of dangerous driving.

The Penalties for Driving Carelessly or Dangerously

Driving dangerously or carelessly is a serious offense that comes with hefty penalties. Punishments can vary depending on several factors, including what careless or dangerous actions led to the action. A history of offenses and points on a driver’s license can also increase the punishment handed down.

Generally speaking, for careless driving in the UK, you can expect to at least pay a £100 fine and receive three points on your license. If your case goes to court, you may receive as much as a £5,000 fine and a nine-point penalty. The maximum sentence is 5 years in prison and disqualification from driving for a minimum of 1 year. If convicted of careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs, the maximum sentence is 14 years in person, an unlimited fine, and disqualification for a minimum of 2 years. As for death by dangerous driving, you can expect to be hit with a two-year disqualification and 1-14 years imprisonment. You may also be ordered to pay an unlimited fine and receive three to eleven penalty points.

If the incident transcends that of an accident, then the driver may also be convicted with the more serious charge of murder or manslaughter. In this case, the driver can face life imprisonment and at least years disqualification from driving.

Claiming for Death by Careless Driving

As well as a criminal conviction, a driver guilty of death by careless driving may be liable to pay civil compensation. Losing a loved one is not only tough because of the emotional distress, but also because of the financial problems that death can cause. There may be additional fees to pay such as medical costs and funeral expenses. Therefore, compensation is essential to help the family come to terms with the loss and help them cope financially.

The process of making death by careless driving compensation claim begins by speaking to a solicitor firm who will listen to what you have to say and offer advice on how you can move forward. Solicitors work on your behalf to support you and help you claim the maximum amount of compensation. They will investigate the accident to build the strongest possible case, and most solicitors operate on a No Win, No Fee basis so you only pay if the claim is successful.

There are several types of compensation that you can claim, including the bereavement award and a dependency claim. The bereavement award provides a statutory amount to close relatives while the dependency claim is awarded on the basis that essential services have been taken following the death. Compensation is usually made against the driver’s insurance company. If they have no insurance, then it will be dealt with by the Motor Insurer’s Bureau or a court judge.

 

Author Bio:

Mark Boyle
Mark is a content writer at Fatal Accident Claims, a specialist firm of solicitors based in the United Kingdom. Fatal Accident Claims helps people claim compensation for a wide range of services, including fatal work accidents, dependency claims, asbestos-related diseases, and road accidents.

Mike

Find top rated attorneys and law firms profiles with Find Attorneys Directory, the best and free online attorney directory. Guest bloggers can also publish their articles here as other bloggers are doing.

What Should You Do If You Are Injured in A DUI Accident?

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Being involved in any car accident can be a scary and traumatic experience. This is especially true if you’re injured in a DUI accident. We all know that driving while under the influence of a controlled substance is against the law. Unfortunately, that doesn’t stop thousands of people each year from getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. If you have recently been involved in an accident with a drunk driver, keep reading to learn about the steps that need to be taken to ensure that you can get the help you deserve.

What to do if You are Involved in a DUI Accident

The first thing you should do when you are involved in an accident is to call the police and assess any damage. If you or anyone else is injured, you should also call an ambulance.

In many states, the law requires you to report any accident to the police that involves damage to property, personal injury, or death. When the police get to the scene of the accident, they will assess the situation, and if they suspect that the other driver has been drinking, they will perform the necessary test to test whether or not the driver is too impaired to drive.

The next thing that you need to do is to make sure that you exchange information, such as your name and insurance provider, with the other driver. This information will be listed on the police report. You can usually pick up a copy of the police report one to three days after the accident.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

It is important to call your insurance company and notify them of the wreck as soon as possible. Many people are under the impression that calling their insurance company is not necessary if they were not at fault; however, this is simply not true. Even if you are not at fault, your insurance company can still help you through this difficult time.

Your insurance provider should be the only provider that you contact. Do not try to contact the other driver’s insurance provider. If the other driver’s insurance agent contacts you directly, try to politely end the conversation with them quickly and without giving any details about the accident. No matter how nice they may seem on the phone, the other driver’s insurance company will not have your best interest in mind. The main goal of this company is to pay out as little as possible. There is a good chance that the other driver’s insurance company is calling you to try to trick you into providing evidence that the accident was your fault, or that your injuries are not as serious as you claim.

If the other driver’s insurance company wants to talk to you directly, make sure to give them as little information as possible. The only information that should be given to this company is the name and number of your insurance agent or your attorney.

What to do if the Insurance Company Doesn’t Pay You a Fair Settlement

Being injured in any car accident can be extremely expensive. Not only do you have to pay for repairs to your vehicle, but if you sustain any injuries, doctor’s bills can continue to pile up for months or even years. If you were involved in a car accident that was not your fault, you should not be responsible for any of the out-of-pocket expenses.

If the other driver’s insurance company has not agreed to give you enough money to cover the expenses that you have incurred because of the accident, then you may want to talk to a car accident lawyer. Your lawyer will be able to advise you on the proper steps to take next and may decide that it is best to take the other driver to court to get the rest of the compensation that you deserve.

Lawsuits Involving DUI Accidents

If you decide to file a lawsuit against the drunk driver that caused your accident, you may be able to obtain a reasonable amount of compensation for medical bills and other expenses. However, there may be a few challenges that you encounter if you file a civil lawsuit against a drunk driver.

Civil lawsuits and criminal lawsuits are completely different. If the driver is charged with a DUI, he or she will have to go before a judge for the criminal proceedings. In a civil suit, however, instead of the defendant (the drunk driver) facing any potential jail time, the court could order them to pay for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and any other bills that you may have that are in direct relation to the DUI accident.

The No-Fault States vs the Negligence States

Many states in the country have no-fault laws. When a state has these laws, it can make it a little more difficult to sue a drunk driver in civil court. In no-fault states, the victim usually has to have a substantial amount of property damage or has suffered major injuries as a result of the accident in order for the drunk driver to be held liable.

In states that have pure negligence laws, however, a civil suit is not based on how much damage was obtained from the car accident. As long as you are able to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident, you can file a civil lawsuit against that driver.

It can sometimes be confusing trying to figure out what to do after you are involved in a DUI accident. If you need help navigating through this difficult time, you should contact a personal injury lawyer that is experienced with handling DUI accidents.

Tony Miller

Injury.io helps injury victims find the best lawyer for their personal injury claim in order to get the highest compensation possible — for free.

What Are the Chances of Getting a DUI Dismissed?

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What are my chances of getting a DUI dismissed?

The word DUI refers to Driving Under Influence, and it is a driving violation. It is basically driving under the influence of any kind of drugs, alcohol, or any other substances which can impair the ability of a person to operate an automobile most of the time. If someone is committing a DUI then the person or a defendant has to incur some penalties which are sometimes compulsory, and may also be varied depending on the place at which it has been incurred.

A Knowledgeable, experienced, and skilled professional DUI lawyer in Washington DC can be the best option for a person if he/she is getting a DUI dismissed. Every case can be tricky. If it is not represented properly in court, it will surely ruin the chances of getting the DUI dismissed. Therefore, it is necessary to retain the services of a reputable and experienced DUI Defense Attorney Washington, DC who is able to understand the tactics for how to get a DUI dismissed.

Mainly, the percentage of DUI cases dismissed may vary from one area to another. Statistically, if there is any technical error which is found in your case then there is about a 50 percent chance of getting a DUI dismissed in Washington DC. However, many cases end up with convictions because the person hired an attorney who was not well-prepared or knowledgeable, or skilled with these types of cases. Therefore, it is very important for you to hire a lawyer who has a higher percentage of DUI cases dismissed to have numerous positive results.

First time DUI charge:

If a person has never been charged under driving under the influence (DUI) or any criminal case Before prosecutors in Washington, DC handle DUI charges accordingly. This implies that investigators will document charges on each and every DUI claim and will push ahead on addressing each and every case. You may contact all-around experienced DUI attorneys in Washington, D.C. on the off chance that you are confronting driving impaired charges interestingly.

Penalties in case of a first time DUI conviction:

The maximum penalty a person can have for a first­time DUI is 180 days in jail. For the most first­time DUIs, defendants don’t have to face mandatory jail time. However, if a person provides with a sample of their blood, urine, or breath on their arrest, and the result of the test declares a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .20 or higher than that, then first time offender will be eligible for a compulsory minimum ten days of jail time which will be solely based on the high BAC level. In the process, if the person provides a urine sample upon their arrest, and the result in urine alcohol content is .25 or higher than that, then that person would face a compulsory minimum of ten days in jail.

The prison time increments if the blood, breath, or urine liquor content increments by 20. There can be some circumstances when a first­time DUI offender can have the mandatory jail time. This may be true if the DUI defendant is convicted of a DUI for the first time and the person’s blood or urine contains certain serious drugs which may include heroin, PCP, or even cocaine. When any of the serious drugs are involved, even if a person’s alcohol content is below .20, and they are facing a first offense conviction, the person would be eligible for compulsory jail time in Washington DC. There can also be a possibility for mandatory jail time if a person is convicted of a DUI and if they also had a minor in the car with them. In any of these above circumstances, a person’s maximum penalty is 180 days in jail.

Impact of Criminal record

A criminal record can affect a person’s professional, personal, and even academic life. Criminal records also sometimes show up on credit reports, which include applications for bank loans, rental agreements, car purchases, and similar other financial transactions that may be difficult, if not impossible. If they qualify for the loan, banks, and credit card then companies often charge higher rates of interest. This problem can be solved by knowledgeable, skilled, and professional criminal defense attorneys in Washington DC. It is mandatory for defendants to seek the services of DUI lawyers in Washington DC. An attorney can help an individual to avoid these serious long term consequences of DUI.

Role of judge

Under Washington DC procedural rules, judges have a limited role in DUI cases in most cases. Judges cannot reduce the charge or dismiss cases in DC. It all takes place between prosecutors and defense attorneys. Judges may be involved if the case goes to trial or if there is any legal issue that must be resolved, which can include the prosecutor’s failure to turn certain kinds of evidence, a failure to preserve evidence so that it can be turned over, or any such situations where there can be a violation of a person’s rights. Judges can be involved in these kinds of limited legal situations. They can also be involved if a person is found guilty of DUI and proceeds to a sentencing hearing. A judge has the final say about the person’s sentence.

Lotze Mosley

Lotze Mosley LLP is amongst the most prominent law firms based in Washington D.C where expert criminal lawyers have been representing clients for more than 25 years. Law Firm Lotze Mosley LLP promises to aggressively represent you in your time of need in the District of Columbia and Maryland criminal courts. Their Criminal Defence Attorney Washington, DC understand your emotional stress of facing time in prison, fines, the loss of a driver’s license, life with a criminal record, and many other consequences of the conviction.

Do I Need A Defense Attorney For A First Time DUI?

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DUI Talk: Do You Really Need a Defense Attorney in Fort Mill

It becomes difficult for someone to handle a DUI(Driving Under the Influence) case when he/she has very little experience or training to understand all the sides of the case including strengths and weaknesses. DUI law is continuously changing and becoming complicated day by day and every single case is difficult and unique at its level. So it is important to get help and the opinion of an experienced, skilled, professional, and valuable DUI lawyer in Fort Mill.

Most of the DUI Lawyers in Fort Mill give a free consultation to the clients and some of them charge handsome amounts according to the respective DUI cases. It is not necessary to hire a DUI lawyer you consult with but it is important to meet face to face so that you can understand the things whether it would work out with the lawyer you are the thing to hire.

ROLE OF ATTORNEY IN “STANDARD FIRST DUI”

Usually, the DUI is considered as “standard first DUI” when the offender has no prior convictions and when the offense did not involve any factors such as injuries, accidents, and high blood alcohol concentration or BAC. And in this when there is a case of a first-time DUI; there the standard offer plays the same role whether the case is represented by the public defender, a private attorney, or no attorney at all. So hiring an attorney in standard first DUI would not be worth it. But sometimes in case of complicated cases, it is important to have an opinion of a skilled and experienced DUI lawyer’s attorney in Fort Mill so that the attorney can look after the weaknesses of the case. So, before accepting any plea deal, it is good to have an attorney’s opinion.

ROLE OF PUBLIC DEFENDERS

All criminal defendants have the right to appoint or to take the opinion of an attorney but if you can’t afford to appoint a lawyer for yourself, the court will offer an attorney for you to appoint it. You can appoint an attorney normally from a public defender’s office. Public defenders usually handle criminal cases which also include several DUI cases. Some defendants feel that their case is not being handled with enough attention. Public defenders are believed to have good trial skills and experience because they take a lot of cases on trial. Public defender representation is sometimes limited to criminal court. A DUI arrest usually leads to mainly two administrative proceedings with DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) and a criminal court case. Defendants who appoint public defenders will have to deal on their own with DMV proceedings.

MINIMIZE THE TIME YOU HAVE TO SPEND IN COURT

Sometimes it becomes difficult to hire a DUI lawyer for you because of long-run legal issues which may continue for long years and include a lump sum amount to be involved in the particular case which also changes from a particular case. An experienced DUI plays a vital role in handling different cases and adapting the legal system in an efficient manner which automatically leads to less time and short trials. This efficiency is needed as it saves a lot of money and time in the long run.

NEED AN ATTORNEY TO GO TO TRIAL

It is important to appoint an experienced and knowledgeable DUI attorney who can understand the changing regulations, laws, and standards related to the particular DUI case which can automatically help in building a strong case in your defense. To make your case strong and have a trial you have to take advice and need an attorney to make your case strong and it would be difficult without an attorney. You feel more confident when you know that your case is being handled by a confident and experienced DUI lawyer in Fort Mill.

Conclusion

It is the work of each lawyer to ensure the lawful rights and opportunity of his/her customer, and most make a solid effort with that in mind. You need a Criminal Defense Attorneys Fort Mill who won’t just walk you through a supplication deal; however who will invest each energy to get the most ideal result – a lawyer who will “hit a homerun bat” as far as you might be concerned, as it were. You merit another opportunity on the off chance that you are liable; you merit a reasonable break if you are honest. Despite your circumstance, never face the results of driving impaired without the help and ability of committed criminal defense attorneys in Fort Mill or anyplace you face criminal arraignment. I wish you all the luck that prevails!

David W. Martin

David W. Martin Law Group is one of the acclaimed firms throughout Fort Mill that specializes in criminal law. Their team is highly skilled and experienced to represent your case strongly before the criminal justice system. Moreover, this leading law firm also represents cases of administrative and education law who are faced with criminal charges. Their main objective is to safeguard their client’s rights and will do anything to ensure the client is treated fairly. The firm believes in personally investing to get the desired outcome of your case.

Arizona’s DUI Laws, Penalties: Drivers Need to Know

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DUI Laws That Drivers in Arizona Should Understand

The dangers of drunk driving are among the most significant lessons taught to all drivers. In fact, due to public safety campaigns, most people learn that driving while intoxicated by alcohol is illegal long before they ever get behind the wheel. Not only is drunk driving unsafe, but it is also illegal, and drivers can face a wide variety of serious consequences if they choose to drive after drinking or using drugs.

Even though drivers are aware that drunk driving is illegal, they may not fully understand the actual laws that apply in these situations, especially since these laws can vary from state to state. When it comes to driving under the influence (DUI), Arizona has some of the strictest laws in the United States, and those who live in the state or are visiting from elsewhere should be sure to understand the offenses that could lead to DUI charges and the potential consequences they could face. Those who are facing drunk driving charges will want to work with a Tuscon DUI defense lawyer to determine their legal options.

The Definition of DUI in Arizona

One of the reasons the DUI laws in Arizona are so strict is because drivers do not necessarily need to exceed the standard .08% blood alcohol content (BAC) limit to be charged with DUI. According to Arizona Revised Statutes 28-1381, it is unlawful for a person to drive or be in “actual physical control” of a motor vehicle if alcohol, drugs, or other substances have caused them to be “impaired to the slightest degree.” This means that even if a driver’s BAC is below the legal limit, they could still be arrested and face DUI charges if a police officer observes any signs that indicate that they are impaired, such as slurred speech, the smell of alcohol or marijuana in a car, or a driver stumbling when exiting their vehicle.

While some DUI arrests may be based on an officer’s observations, chemical testing of a driver’s BAC will usually play a role in the charges a person will face. A measurement of a driver’s BAC within two hours after they were in control of a vehicle will determine whether the driver is presumed to be impaired. If a driver’s BAC is .08% or more, it is presumed that they were under the influence. A BAC between .05% and 08% is indeterminate, and other evidence may be used to determine whether the driver was impaired. A driver with a BAC of .05% or less is presumed to not be under the influence, but other evidence may be presented to demonstrate that they met the threshold of being impaired to the slightest degree.

Drivers may also face DUI charges if they have any amount of certain types of drugs in their system. These include marijuana, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, PCP, LSD, and prescription opioids. In addition, drivers with a commercial driver’s license who are operating a commercial vehicle may be charged with DUI if they have a BAC of .04% or more.

DUI Penalties

For first-time offenders, a conviction on “basic” DUI charges will result in a minimum sentence of 10 days in jail, although a judge may choose to suspend all but one day of the sentence if the driver completes a drug or alcohol screening, treatment, or education program. A driver will also be required to pay fines and fees totaling around $2,000 and complete a traffic survival school course, and their driver’s license will be suspended for at least 90 days. They may also be sentenced to community service or probation, and they may be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in their vehicle for 12 months.

Certain situations can lead to more serious DUI charges with more severe penalties. These include:

  • Second DUI – If a person is convicted of DUI a second time within seven years, they will face a minimum jail sentence of 90 days, although all but 30 days of a sentence can be suspended if the driver completes a drug or alcohol screening, treatment, or education program. A driver will also be sentenced to at least 30 hours of community service, their license will be revoked for at least one year, and they will be required to pay fines and fees of at least $3,000.
  • Extreme DUI – Drivers who have a BAC of at least .15% will be required to pay fines and fees totaling more than $2,500, and they will be sentenced to at least 30 days in jail, although all but nine days of a sentence may be suspended if a driver equips their vehicle with an IID for at least one year. If a second DUI conviction within seven years is an extreme DUI, the driver will be sentenced to at least 180 days in jail without being eligible for suspension or probation, and at least 90 days of the sentence must be served consecutively.
  • Super Extreme DUI – Drivers who have a BAC of at least .20% will be required to pay fines and fees totaling more than $2,500, and they will be sentenced to at least 45 days in jail, although all but 14 days of a sentence may be suspended if a driver equips their vehicle with an IID for at least one year. If a second DUI conviction within seven years is a super extreme DUI, the driver will be sentenced to at least 120 days in jail without being eligible for suspension or probation, and at least 60 days of the sentence must be served consecutively.
  • Aggravated DUI – Drunk driving may be charged as a felony if a driver had two previous DUI convictions within seven years, if they were driving while their license was suspended or revoked, if they were required to use an IID in their vehicle, if they had a passenger under the age of 15 in their vehicle at the time of their arrest, or if they were driving the wrong way on a highway. A felony conviction may result in a sentence of between four months and two years in prison. A driver may also be required to pay fines and fees of more than $5,000, their driver’s license will be suspended for three years, and they may be sentenced to community service or probation.

Because the DUI laws in Arizona are so strict, drivers who are facing these charges will want to be sure to secure legal representation. A Pima County DUI defense attorney can help drivers understand the specific charges, the potential consequences, and the strategies that can help them avoid serious penalties whenever possible.

Mike