If you have been arrested for drunk driving, you need to consult with a lawyer. It doesn't matter whether it is a felony offense or a "wobbler," DUI/DWI can lead to personal injury lawsuits. In this article, we'll cover what you should expect from the process. Here are some tips:
DUI / DWI is a serious offense
DUI and DWI offenses have similar legal consequences. However, penalties and consequences can vary greatly. While both have a high conviction rate, the penalties for DUI are significantly different. Both can result in jail and license suspensions, as well as insurance increases. A qualified lawyer should be contacted immediately if you have been charged with either of these offenses. You can help yourself to avoid the most serious offense of DUI, but it is possible to protect your rights by knowing the legal consequences.
It is a felony
Most states consider driving while intoxicated to be a felony and add penalties for high blood alcohol concentration (BAC). A higher BAC means that there is a greater chance of an accident. High BAC levels are usually higher than 0.8% and it is illegal for you to drive. However, there are exceptions. It is possible to avoid a criminal charge for driving while intoxicated.
It's a "wobbler charge"
A wobbler is a less serious type of criminal charge than a felony. While lesser charges typically carry lesser fines and shorter jail sentences, felony convictions can result in a long jail term and a hefty fine. These convictions can also affect a person's rights permanently. Most felony convictions result in people going to prison, often in a high-security facility. The level of offense and background of a defendant determine the maximum sentence for a felony.
It can lead you to a personal Injury lawsuit
A personal injury lawsuit may be possible against the driver who caused your drunk driving accident. You can file a lawsuit against the driver responsible for your personal injuries. This will allow you to seek reimbursement for future therapy and medical bills. You may also be able file a wrongful-death lawsuit if your loved one was involved in the crash. You can file a wrongful-death lawsuit to recover burial expenses for a loved person who was killed in an auto accident. To make the most of your legal rights, it is a good idea to consult a personal injury lawyer to determine if you are eligible to file a lawsuit.
Conviction of this offense with injury is a crime
DUI with injury can be more severe than a second-time DUI conviction. This offense carries a maximum sentence of three years imprisonment in state prison. However, the judge may reduce that to one year. In addition to jail time, you may have to pay a $2,500 fine. You could also lose your driver’s license for a short period.
FAQ
How do lawyers make their money?
Lawyers are paid hourly for the time spent on legal matter. The complexity of the matter and how experienced a lawyer is will affect the hourly rate.
The most experienced lawyers charge higher hourly fees because they have developed expertise over many years.
A less experienced lawyer may bill lower hourly rates as he/she learns how to handle cases more efficiently.
Many lawyers receive additional compensation for handling specific types of cases in addition to their hourly rates. Lawyers who represent criminal defendants may receive bonuses if they obtain acquittals.
Which type of lawyer are you best at?
A lawyer professional will not hesitate to ask the client what they need. They will go the extra mile to ensure that clients receive the best possible representation.
They are willing to take on cases that other lawyers would turn away from because they know that if they don't win these cases, then they won't have any business at all.
Legal professionals know how to negotiate and can use their skills to obtain the best deal for their clients.
Someone who is committed to providing excellent service and quality results. Someone who is willing to think outside the boxes and find solutions other than what they have in mind.
A person who is ethical and trustworthy. Respects the regulations and rules set by the courts and government agencies.
A legal professional with integrity and a strong work ethic.
How much should I expect the lawyer to charge?
When you are considering hiring a lawyer to represent you, think about what you would need. Expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,500 an hour. It includes time spent researching your options and preparing paperwork to begin the process. This also includes meeting with a lawyer, negotiating contract details, drafting the agreement, paying filing fees, and other expenses. Although you might think you are paying only for their or her advice, the truth is that you end up spending more.
You also need to consider whether the lawyer is available part-time. Full-time lawyers typically charge hourly rates. Part-time attorneys typically charge by the project. If you only need help once or twice a year, it makes sense to use a part-time lawyer. A full-time lawyer is best if you need continuous assistance.
It is also worth considering whether you would prefer to work with a solo practitioner, or a company. Solo practitioners tend to charge lower hourly rates, but often lack the resources needed to provide professional representation. Firms may offer more experience, greater expertise and greater access.
You should also consider the cost for malpractice insurance. While certain states require lawyers to have professional liability insurance, some do not. You should always check with your state's bar association to find out which insurers are available.
What is a Pro Bono Lawyer?
Pro bono lawyers are those who provide legal services at no cost to people who can't afford them. Although they are lawyers who do this part of their work, many do it in their spare time. Pro bono work can be anything from representing the indigent to helping elderly clients with issues related to estate planning.
Statistics
- A Johns Hopkins study of more than 100 professions found lawyers the most likely to have severe depression—four times more likely than the average person. (rasmussen.edu)
- Just 59.2 percent of 2015 law school grads held full-time, long-term jobs as lawyers 10 months after graduation, according to data from the American Bar Association (ABA). (rasmussen.edu)
- The nationwide number of first-year students enrolling last fall increased by almost 12%, according to recent data by the American Bar Association. (stfrancislaw.com)
- Though the BLS predicts that growth in employment for lawyers will continue at six percent through 2024, that growth may not be enough to provide jobs for all graduating law school students. (rasmussen.edu)
- The median annual salary for lawyers in 2016 was $118,160, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (rasmussen.edu)
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How To
How to make the will with a lawyer
A will is an important legal document determining who gets what after you die. It also includes instructions for how to pay off any debts or other financial obligations.
A will should be drafted by a solicitor (lawyer) and signed by two witnesses. You have the option to opt not to create a will if everything is to be left to someone else, with no restrictions on how they spend it. This could cause problems later if you are unable to consent to medical treatment or choose where your family lives.
The state can appoint trustees to administer your estate until you are buried. This includes paying off your debts, and giving away any property. The trustees can sell your home or distribute the proceeds to your beneficiaries if you do not have a will. They may charge a fee to manage your estate.
There are three main reasons that you need to create a will. Firstly, it protects your loved ones against being left penniless. It also ensures that your wishes will be carried out even after your death. Thirdly, it makes life easier for your executor (appointed person to carry out your wishes).
It is important to first contact a solicitor for advice. The cost of a will depends on whether you're single, married, or widowed. As well as writing a will for you, solicitors can offer advice on many other issues such as:
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Gifts to family members
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Choose guardians for your children
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Repaying loans
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Manage your affairs while still alive
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Avoid probate
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How to avoid capital gain tax on assets being sold
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What happens to your property if you are unable to sell it before you die?
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Who pays the funeral costs?
You can either write your own will or ask someone you know to help. But remember, if someone asks you to sign a Will, you cannot modify it later.