If you have been charged for drunk driving, you should get a lawyer to represent your interests. It doesn't matter whether it is a felony offense or a "wobbler," DUI/DWI can lead to personal injury lawsuits. We will cover the basics of the process in this article. These are some of the most important points you should keep in mind.
DUI / DWI are serious offenses
Although DUI and DWI are similar in legal consequences, there are many differences in the penalties and consequences. The penalties for DUI, despite having a high conviction percentage, are quite different. Both can lead to jail time, license suspension and insurance increases. You should immediately contact a lawyer if you are arrested for either. DUIs are among the most serious of offenses. But you can protect yourself by learning more about the legal consequences.
It is a felony
Driving while intoxicated is a crime in most states. There are also penalties for driving with a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC). A higher BAC is associated with a higher risk of an accident. Driving with a BAC higher than 0.08% is illegal. However, there are exceptions. It is possible to avoid a criminal charge for driving while intoxicated.
It is a "wobbler" charge
A wobbler is a less serious type of criminal charge than a felony. While lesser charges usually carry lower penalties and are subject to shorter jail sentences than felony convictions, they can lead to lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines. These convictions may also have an impact on one's rights for life. Most felony convictions result in people going to prison, often in a high-security facility. The maximum sentence for any felony is dependent on the gravity of the offense, and the background.
It can lead to a personal injury lawsuit
A personal injury lawsuit may be possible against the driver who caused your drunk driving accident. In states that allow people to file lawsuits for personal injuries due to negligent behavior, you can seek compensation for medical bills, future therapy, lost wages, and other expenses caused by the accident. A wrongful death suit may be possible if the victim was a family member. It is possible to file a wrongful death lawsuit in order to recover burial costs for a loved one who was killed in an accident. Talk to a personal injury attorney to find out if there are grounds for you to bring a case.
To be convicted with injury is a felony
DUI with injury is a serious offense if you are arrested. This type offense carries a minimum sentence that is three years in the state prison. The judge may reduce the sentence to one. In addition to jail time, you may have to pay a $2,500 fine. You may also lose your driver's license for a period of time.
FAQ
How do I get into law schools?
All year, law schools are open to applications. Many students opt to apply early so they don't have to wait until fall/winter when applications flood in. You can apply by contacting the admissions office for the law school of choice.
What is the average cost of a lawyer?
If you want to hire a lawyer, ask yourself what you will need from him or her. The hourly rate should be between $1,000 to $2,500. Many people don't realize the amount of time that is required to research the options, prepare paperwork and meet with a lawyer. Even though you believe you are paying for his or her expertise, you actually spend more.
You should also consider whether you want to retain the lawyer full-time or part-time. Hourly rates are usually charged by full-time lawyers. Part-time lawyers generally bill by the project. If you only need help once or twice a year, it makes sense to use a part-time lawyer. You should however seek out a full time lawyer if you require ongoing assistance.
It is also worth considering whether you would prefer to work with a solo practitioner, or a company. Although solo practitioners often charge less per hour than firms they are often not able to provide the best representation. Firms offer greater experience and expertise as well as better access to resources.
Also, be sure to consider the costs of malpractice insurance. While some states require all lawyers to carry professional liability insurance, others do not. In any event, you should check with your state bar association to determine which insurers are available in your area.
Which type is the best lawyer?
A legal professional does not fear asking for what they require. They are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure clients receive the most effective representation possible.
They will take on cases that most other lawyers would not accept because they know that if these cases aren't won, then they won’t have any business.
A legal professional knows how to negotiate and use their skills to get the best deal for their client.
Someone who is committed to providing excellent service and quality results. An individual who is able to think outside of the box, and come up with innovative solutions that others may not have considered.
Someone ethical and honest. A person who observes the rules and regulations established by the courts or government agencies.
A strong work ethic and integrity are hallmarks of a legal professional.
What's the difference between a paralegal or a legal assistant?
Paralegals have specific skills such as research, filing and typing. Legal assistants may assist attorneys in preparing pleadings, drafting motions, or researching. Both types of professionals help attorneys complete their workload.
What type of job opportunities can I expect once I am done with college?
Graduates have the option of three main career paths: public interest or private practice. Public interest jobs include working as an attorney at a nonprofit organization or as a judge. Private practice positions may include solo practitioner, partner in a company, or corporate counsel. Government service careers include working as a prosecutor, defense attorney, or judge.
Are all attorneys required by law to wear suits
No, not necessarily. Some prefer to wear casual clothes while others prefer suits. Many lawyers dress casually. Some states do require lawyers to dress professionally.
How much does law school cost?
The cost of law school tuition is variable by school, but it generally runs between $50,000 and $60,000 per year. Students with low incomes can get financial aid through law schools. Students with federal loans, such as Stafford Loans may be eligible after graduation for loan forgiveness.
Statistics
- According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average annual wage of a lawyer is $144,230. (legal.io)
- The states that saw the biggest increase in average salary over the last 5 years are Rhode Island (+26.6%), Wisconsin (+24.1), Massachusetts (23.2%), Wyoming (18.3%), and North Dakota (18.1%). (legal.io)
- According to the Law School Admission Council, the number of people applying for these programs was up 13% last fall. (stfrancislaw.com)
- The median annual salary for lawyers in 2016 was $118,160, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (rasmussen.edu)
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for lawyers in 2020 was $126,930. (stfrancislaw.com)
External Links
How To
Where can I get legal aid for free?
Because there are many lawyers who want your business, it can be very difficult to find a pro-bono lawyer. There are many ways to find a pro bono lawyer. You can ask around at your local bar association, look online for a list of attorneys who offer pro bono services, or check with your state's bar association. Local law schools are another option for finding a pro-bono attorney. Many law schools offer the opportunity for students to work with clients who are low-income to ensure that they have access to justice. If none of the above options sound appealing to you, you may want to contact a nonprofit organization like Legal Services Corporation. LSC finances organizations in the United States that provide civil legal assistance free of charge to people below the poverty threshold. This organization funds programs that aid low-income persons with housing issues, child support enforcement and family law matters. LSC provides financial assistance as well as guidance and advice to grantees about how to best serve their clients. Some services include:
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Financial counseling
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Assistance with filing bankruptcy
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Helping families resolve domestic violence situations
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Representation before administrative agencies
These are some points to remember if you're trying to find a pro-bono attorney but don't know where to begin.
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Do not waste time looking for a lawyer that specializes in your case. Lawyers who work pro bono often represent clients from different backgrounds, so they may not have the experience to handle your specific case.
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You should look for a lawyer with experience representing low-income clients. This means that they are familiar with the communication needs of this client group.
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Ask if there is any specific training for your area. If you have to deal with landlord/tenant issues for instance, make sure that you ask the lawyer about their experience in these cases.
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Find out if the lawyer accepts new clients. Some lawyers are limited to certain types of cases. This means that you may not find one who is willing to take on pro bono clients.
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Avoid lawyers who claim they are experts in one particular area of law. Many lawyers say they practice in areas outside of their degree but don't know much about the subject matter.
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A strong reputation is essential. Ask your family members and friends to recommend a lawyer. Find reviews online from clients.