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If you've been arrested or charged with a
crime, you must act quickly-- the possibility of going to jail or
prison is a real and frightening situation for anyone caught in
the wheels of the criminal justice system. That's why you need an
experienced attorney who will aggressively protect your rights and
challenge the District Attorney, the evidence, and the court-- and
stand up for your rights.
If you've been arrested:
- Do not talk with anyone from law
enforcement or the District Attorney. It is your Constitutional
right to NOT speak to law enforcement-- remember, they are trying
to build a case against YOU.
- Never agree or volunteer to any request or demand from law enforcement
to a search, or allow them to take anything from you without a
warrant.
- Never sign anything law enforcement or the District Attorney
gives you without first talking to your lawyer.
- NEVER PLEAD GUILTY, no matter how "bad" the charges
may seem!
- Never represent yourself. The District Attorneys are very experienced
prosecutors who know the law better than you do-- and will use
that advantage against you in court.
- Never make an appearance in court or attend a hearing without
talking to an attorney first-- who is experienced in criminal
law.
- Meet with your attorney and tell the attorney everything about
yourself and the circumstances leading up to and after your arrest.
Everything you discuss with your attorney is confidential, and
cannot be used against you in court.
- Do not discuss your case with your family, friends, or especially--
any person in jail. With very few exceptions, everything you say
to others can, and probably will be used against you in court.
- Make a list of possible witnesses that may have information
that can help your attorney prepare a defense.
DUIs and certain offenses committed while driving
ARE a crime
In every state, it is a crime for a driver
to operate a vehicle while impaired by the effects of alcohol or
drugs. The specific offense may be called driving under the influence
(DUI), driving while intoxicated (DWI), operating under the influence
(OUI), and even operating a motor vehicle intoxicated (OMVI). Whatever
the specific title, DUI laws make it unlawful for a person to operate
a car, truck, motorcycle, or commercial vehicle if:
- The driver's ability to safely operate the vehicle is impaired
by the effects of alcohol, illegal drugs, prescribed medications
such as painkillers, or even over-the-counter medications such
as antihistamines; or
- The driver is intoxicated at a level above established DUI
standards, such as blood-alcohol concentration (BAC); in California
that level is 0.08.
These criminal penalties are often enhanced if you have caused
damage to property, or caused the injury or death of another person
while driving. In these cases, a specialist in DUI defense is critical--
you need an attorney with the knowledge and credentials to effectively
represent your rights.
Call us today for a FREE consultation on your case at (925)
432-7447.
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