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Top 7 Factors to Consider When Choosing a DUI Attorney

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Top 7 Factors to Consider When Choosing a DUI Attorney

If you get charged with a DUI, it’s important to find the right attorney for your case.

A DUI can have serious consequences on your life and career. It is important to know what steps to take to protect yourself from these consequences.

Generally, most people are aware of the importance of having legal representation and make an effort when choosing a DUI attorney as soon as possible. However, if you attempt to represent yourself and lose the fight, the consequences could be much greater.

Keep reading to learn how to choose the right legal representation.

What Is a DUI?

A DUI, or driving under the influence of alcohol, refers to a person who has had too much alcohol and is operating a vehicle. There are different levels for this type of offense and they can come with severe penalties if you receive a conviction from the court.

In most cases, it only takes one drink for your BAC (blood alcohol content) to reach the legal limit. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a normal BAC level is .00%. That means if you consume one drink, your BAC will be about 0.02%. This amount of alcohol can impair your judgment and make it difficult to drive safely.

What Are the Penalties for a DUI?

If you get convicted of a first offense DUI, here are the potential penalties:

A fine between $350 and $1,000.00

You could serve up to six months in jail for this level of DUI. If it is your second offense within 10 years, you will spend time in jail.

You could receive a license suspension of up to one year.

You may have to attend and complete an alcohol/drug treatment program.

If you get charged for a second offense, the following penalties will apply:

A fine between $600 and $1,000.00

You can serve a maximum of five years in prison. If it is your second offense within ten years, you can serve up to 10 years in jail.

You could receive a license suspension of up to two years. This period may be longer if there was a minor child present at the time or this is your second conviction during this timeframe.

You may need to attend and complete an alcohol/drug treatment program.

How Do I Choose a DUI Attorney?

Now that you know a little more about what a DUI is and the potential penalties, you are probably wondering how to choose the right DUI defense attorney. Here are seven things to think about:

1. Do Your Research

When looking for a DUI attorney, it is important to do your research. You need to find an attorney who specializes in DUI law and has experience defending these types of cases. Attorneys can have different areas of focus, so be sure to ask about the lawyer’s experience specifically with DUI cases.

You can also research attorneys online. Look for reviews from former clients to get an idea of the attorney’s strengths and weaknesses.

2. Ask For Recommendations

If you don’t know where to start, ask your friends and family for referrals. They may have had a good experience with a particular attorney or know someone who has.

It’s important to remember that the best referral may not be your ideal choice. So ask questions about their experience with an attorney before making a final decision.

Chances are, someone you know has been in a situation similar to yours and can recommend an attorney who is knowledgeable in this area of law.

3. Meet With Multiple Attorneys

After you’ve received some referrals, it’s time for the interview process. You will want to make sure that any attorney you consider has expertise in DUI law and cares about their clients.

Don’t just meet with one attorney. Meet with a few to get a feel for their personalities and what they would do in your case. You want to find an attorney you feel comfortable with and who seems knowledgeable about DUI law.

Attorneys should be willing to sit down with you for a free consultation to discuss your case and answer any questions you may have. This is also a good opportunity for you to get to know the attorney and see if they are a good fit for you.

4. Ask About Fees

Be sure to ask about fees upfront. While you don’t want to rush this part, it is important to find out how much an attorney will cost you.

You may be able to negotiate these fees or request a payment plan. Discuss options before committing to anything.

Also make sure that the lawyer wants payment after trial, not before. If they do require payment before trial, make sure they have a good track record of trial wins.

5. Check Their Record

Your attorney’s record is another important factor to consider. Ask about their win/loss rate and find out what kind of cases they typically take on.

You also want an attorney who is willing to take your case to trial if needed. Not all attorneys are willing, or able, to do this. Also, make sure that they have plenty of DUI case experience.

6. Get To Know the Lawyer

Finally, you should feel comfortable with the lawyer. After all, this person will be your advocate throughout this entire process. You need to trust them and be able to open up to them if needed. You can even learn more from reviews from clients.

You want someone easy to talk to but also aggressive when necessary. They should fight hard for you but remain respectful of the court proceedings.

It is possible to beat a DUI charge if you find the right attorney for your case. Don’t let this process intimidate you. You are not alone in this fight!

7. Understand the Process

Before meeting with attorneys, do some research on your own. This will help you develop questions for the interview process and understand the process better.

It is also important to have realistic expectations about your case. The best attorneys can’t guarantee a win, so it may be helpful to set low expectations at first so that you don’t meet them and become disappointed.

Choosing a DUI Attorney Today

Now you should know a bit more about choosing a DUI attorney. Use these tips as a guide to help you find the perfect fit for your scenario.

For more helpful tips just like this, check out the rest of our blog!

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Shoplifting In Austin: How To Find An Austin Criminal Defense Attorney

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Shoplifting In Austin

Shoplifting is a behavior that can affect almost anyone—kids, superstars, teens, and sleep-deprived new parents alike. It can be easy to forget that you’ve picked something up and then leave the store, only to be asked to follow a security professional to a small room for questioning. Virtually anyone can find themselves facing shoplifting charges for the first time.

If you have recently been accused of shoplifting, it is important not to let the commonplace nature of your situation lull you into a false sense of security. A conviction for shoplifting could affect your reputation, your criminal record, and even your freedom temporarily. This is one situation in which a “do it yourself” approach will not cut it. The time to contact an experienced shoplifting lawyer in Austin is now.

Shoplifting Penalties In Austin, Texas

Whether you were caught shoplifting at The Domain, the 2nd Street District, or your neighborhood convenience store, the potential penalties you’ll face in the event of a conviction are the same. The category of charges by which your alleged wrongdoing will be punishable is determined by the value of the goods that you have been accused of shoplifting.

  • Class C Misdemeanor if the value of the shoplifted property is worth $100 or less – Punishable by a fine up to $500.
  • Class B Misdemeanor if the value of the shoplifted property is more than $100 but less than $750 – Punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
  • Class A Misdemeanor if the value of the shoplifted property is $750 or more but less than $2,500 – Punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
  • State Jail Felony if the value of the shoplifted property is $2,500 or more but less than $30,000 – Punishable by 180 days to two years in state jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
  • Third Degree Felony if the value of the shoplifted property is $30,000 or more but less than $150,000 – Punishable by two to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
  • Second Degree Felony if the value of the shoplifted property is $150,000 or more but less than $300,000 – Punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
  • First Degree Felony if the value of the shoplifted property is more than $300,000 – Punishable by five to 99 years in prison or life imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.

Because the stakes of a shoplifting conviction risk a term of imprisonment for any crime that involves shoplifting more than $100 worth of property, it is imperative to seek the guidance of an experienced Austin criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after being accused of shoplifting.

How To Find An Austin Criminal Defense Attorney

Whether you’re searching for an Austin misdemeanor lawyer, a secondary shoplifting defense lawyer in Austin, or an Austin felony theft defense lawyer, you’ll need to seek out a law firm that is highly reputable, has a track record of success, and has extensive experience with shoplifting cases specifically.

Not all criminal defense lawyers approach their practices in the same way. Don’t work with a criminal defense mill that is more concerned about representing as many clients as their lawyers can handle than securing each client the most favorable outcome possible under their unique circumstances. The outcome of your case could affect everything from your ability to get schooling, a job, or your ability to remain free from jail. Don’t settle for subpar representation. Research your options and meet with any attorney you’re interested in working with to ensure their approach meets your needs.

Your Shoplifting Case: What To Expect

Every shoplifting case is unique. As a result, your lawyer will need to carefully examine the circumstances of your situation to build the most vigorous possible defense on your behalf. Depending on the severity of your charges, this strategy will begin to play out as soon as your arraignment.

Texas law indicates that only someone who has unlawfully appropriated property with intent to deprive the owner of that property can rightfully be convicted of theft. This means that unless a prosecutor can prove – beyond a reasonable doubt – that you intended to steal the property in question, you can’t properly be convicted of shoplifting. Your lawyer will likely engage in significant negotiations with the prosecution to get your case dismissed or to mitigate the consequences that you would face in the event of a conviction when you did not intend to steal the property that you allegedly shoplifted.

If initial negotiations don’t result in the prosecution dropping the charges against you, your lawyer will explore the possibility of filing pretrial motions to suppress any evidence that may have been collected in violation of your Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable search and seizure. If relevant evidence can be successfully suppressed, the prosecution may have no choice but to drop or minimize the charges, as they may be unable to make their case successfully without that evidence.

Finally, if these efforts haven’t produced their desired results and taking a plea deal isn’t in your best interests, your attorney will vigorously fight for your rights in court.

Contact A Knowledgeable Austin Criminal Defense Attorney For Personalized Guidance

To learn more about shoplifting laws in Austin, Texas, and how these laws will apply to your case uniquely, schedule a confidential, risk-free case evaluation with Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, by calling 512-991-0576 or contacting the firm online. This reputable law firm is well-known for its knowledgeable legal practitioners and their ability to secure favorable client outcomes. They have more than 65 years of combined experience aggressively defending the rights of Texans like you.

Shoplifting may be a commonplace crime, but that doesn’t mean that the effects of a conviction will manifest in your life in simple, uncomplicated ways. Because your reputation, well-being, and even your freedom could be on the line, the time to seek experienced, professional legal guidance is right now.

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Guide to Dealing with a Car Accident Incident

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Guide to Dealing with a Car Accident Incident (3)

Even for the most seasoned drivers, being involved in a car accident may be terrifying and frightening. Regrettably, there are thousands of incidents involving cars every day on our roadways, and the National Safety Council estimates over 4.5 million automobile accidents annually in the United States alone. Understanding how to react appropriately in case of an automobile accident is crucial. In this article, we’ll walk you through the procedures to take after a vehicle accident.

7 Ways to Deal with Car Accident Incident

Knowing how many car accidents per year occur, emphasize the importance of being prepared to deal with such an incident. Here are some ways you can deal with a car accident:

1.   Stay Calm and Check for Injuries

Be cool and look for injuries as soon as possible after an automobile collision. Make an instant call for medical assistance if someone is hurt. If you’re not injured, check on the other people involved in the accident and see if they need medical assistance.

2.   Move to a Safe Location

If your car is in the way of traffic, turn on your hazard lights and pull over to the side of the road. If the accident is minor and both cars are drivable, move to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot. If the cars are not drivable, do not attempt to move them and wait for the authorities to arrive.

3.   Call the Police

No matter how serious the collision is, you should still call the police. An accident report will be filed by the police, which might be useful when handling insurance claims. Be sure to give the police an accurate account of what happened and avoid admitting fault.

4.   Exchange Information

It is important to exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident. Inquire about their name, contact information, and insurance. It’s also a good idea to get in touch with anyone who could have witnessed the crash.

5.   Document the Accident

Photograph the accident scene and the damage to both vehicles. While handling insurance claims, these images can be helpful. Also, recording any injuries you or the other motorist experienced during the collision is crucial.

6.   Contact Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company as soon as possible following the incident. Explain what happened and provide the other driver’s contact information if you have it. You can rely on your insurance provider’s full support throughout the claims filing and repair scheduling processes.

7.   Seek Legal Advice

There may be a need for legal representation if you sustained injuries in the collision or if the other driver accused you of causing the incident. If the matter ends in court, a lawyer can explain your options and argue on your behalf.

Things to Be Careful While Dealing with a Car Accident Incident

The consequences of a car crash can be incredibly demanding and distressing. As well as taking the above-mentioned measures, you should also keep in mind the following details:

  • The first rule of signing anything is ensuring you fully grasp and agree with its contents.
  • Refrain from discussing the incident on social media, as doing so could hurt your case.
  • Retain all accident-related paperwork, such as doctor’s notes, police reports, and insurance policies.

Tips to Get Consultation for This Incident

If you’re unsure of what to do after a car accident or have questions about the legal process, there are several ways to get advice:

●       Talk to a personal injury attorney

Many attorneys offer free consultations, where you can discuss your case and get advice on how to proceed.

●       Talk to a legal aid organization

Some organizations offer free or low-cost legal assistance to individuals who cannot afford an attorney.

●       Research online

Many online resources can provide information on the legal process and what to do after a car accident. However, be sure to verify the credibility of any sources you use.

Conclusion:

Over 4.5 million accidents occur annually in the United States due to automobiles. Maintaining composure and taking the necessary actions after an automobile collision are paramount. Check for injuries, get to safety, report the incident to the authorities, swap information, take pictures, call your insurance company, and consult an attorney. Following the advice in this manual, you may go back on the road as soon as possible after an auto accident and in better condition.

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What Qualities to Look For When Choosing a Personal Injury Law Firm

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What Qualities to Look For When Choosing a Personal Injury Law Firm

No one knows when we may be victims of an accident. Unfortunately, we sustain injuries and end up in hospitals. During recovery, one should engage the services of a well-versed personal injury law firm. The right attorneys will help you navigate the complex legal process, negotiate with insurance companies and help you get the compensation you deserve. This article will discuss the factors you should consider before settling on that law firm.

Experience and Expertise

One of the most important qualities to look for in a personal injury law firm is experience. Having long-term experience enables lawyers to anticipate and maneuver the challenges of each personal injury claim. This experience may be a combination of the general years of practice, experience in the courtroom, and experience with personal injury claims.

Look for a personal injury law firm with a team of lawyers with expertise in handling claims like yours; a good law firm will have attorneys ranging from those specialized in construction accidents, boat accidents, pedestrian accidents, or other personal injuries you may have suffered. This experience enables them to negotiate with insurance companies or build a strong lawsuit on your behalf.

A good personal injury law firm should have a good reputation and track record of success with personal injury claims. You can also ask them about the law firms’ relevant accreditation and credentials.

Location of the Law Firm

Find a personal injury law firm within your locality.  Litigation can be daunting, and several attorney-client meetings may occur during the trial. Therefore it is important to consider the law firm’s location for reasons such as traveling expenses and saving time.

Reputation and Reviews

Testimonials from the legal community and former clients will give you a clear picture of the personal injury law firm you intend to settle on. These reviews are mostly on the law firm’s website. A good law firm should have positive reviews and testimonials from former clients.

Flexibility in Mediation and Litigation

A good personal injury law firm should be flexible to settle the claim out of court or go to full trial, depending on the circumstances of the case. Your attorney’s negotiation skills will determine the compensation you end up with. Often, the insurance will negotiate higher to avoid the trial process if they believe your claim will cost them if it goes to trial. Weigh the options together and settle on what is best in relation to your case.

Terms of Payment

A good personal injury law firm operates on a no-win, no-fee basis, otherwise known as a contingency fee. Ensure you have read through the terms and ask for clarification from the attorneys in cases where something is unclear; the initial consultation is usually free. A good personal injury law firm will be willing to explain everything to you in detail.

Resources

Look for a personal injury law firm with resources, as this increases the chances of a successful outcome for your case. Ask yourself the following questions first: Does the law firm have investigators? Are there expert witnesses? Can the law firm handle your case’s complex paperwork and documents? If your answer to all these questions is yes, then you can settle for that law firm.

Communication Skills

Personal injury cases can be emotionally taxing, but a good personal injury law firm should be willing to listen to your concerns and be supportive throughout the legal process. Evaluate their communication skills from how the personal injury law firm is willing to share information, address your concerns, and answer your questions.

There should be systems in place to update you on your case’s progress; this will also tell you more about the transparency of the law firm. Therefore a good attorney should communicate persuasively with colleagues, judges, and juries.

Attention to Detail

A good personal injury law firm should be detail-oriented. They should be able to identify the smallest details that could affect your case. Their focus should be fighting for your rights and getting you the best possible outcome.

Summary

Finding the right personal injury lawyer is crucial if you’ve been involved in an accident. With this knowledge we have shared, you’ll be in the best position to recover compensation for your damages by finding a lawyer with these qualities.

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