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“He who represents himself has a fool for a client.” -Abraham Lincoln

Anyone may represent themselves, but I highly discourage it. There is a reason a lawyer must spend three intense years in school plus pass a three day exam to become licensed to practice law and that only gets a lawyer to a place where they may start earning experience and making connections. The RIGHT lawyer will benefit you in ways you may have never considered. You get what you pay for.

You should expect your attorney to lay out a defense strategy, obtain all the State’s evidence, go over the evidence with you, guide you with recommendations as to how to counter the State’s evidence and stick by your side.

Lawyers should not belittle you. Our firm philosophy is that we are all on the same team. Loyalty goes a long way.

Communications made between the attorney and client in the presence of ONLY the attorney and client are confidential and private.

In civil court, folks fight over contracts and money. In criminal court, we are defending folks’ freedom and liberty.

In criminal court, you must always be present and on time or your bond will be forfeited and a warrant will be issued for your arrest. Both the attorney and client must be present in criminal court.

A criminal record may only be expunged under two scenarios: a dismissal or an acquittal (found not guilty). If you plead guilty to a criminal allegation, you cannot get an expunction.

A dismissal means the prosecutor has “dropped the charges.” However, the arrest for the allegation is still on your criminal record. An expunction takes everything off your record as if the incident never occurred.

Driving While Intoxicated – operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated.

DUI is Driving Under the Influence and relates to citizens under the legal drinking age of 21.

  • Call your lawyer and schedule an appointment.
  • Shower, eat and get some rest so you are clear headed when consulting with your lawyer.
  • Bring all of your paperwork with you to see your lawyer, including any “DIC” Forms provided regarding a breath or blood test and a temporary driving permit.
  • Write down some notes about the day of arrest, the timing of events and anything else that may be important to remember while consulting with your lawyer.
  • Using a blinker, pull over as soon as possible in a safe manner.
  • Keep your hands on the steering wheel for officer’s safety and know where your driver’s license and insurance are readily available.
  • Be respectful to the officer but no need to make admissions. The officer is looking to build his case from the moment he first began observing you driving.
  • The officer should have his video running from his patrol unit and a microphone on his lapel. Keep in mind that everything you do and say is being recorded.
  • You do not have an obligation to conduct any roadside field sobriety tests.
  • If the officer is going to arrest you, there is usually nothing you can do or say to convince him or her otherwise; ask to call your lawyer and a friend or family member who can help make your bail/bond. You may ask the officer if you can write down the names and numbers of a few folks in your cell phone because most people cannot remember numbers once their cell phone is placed into property and they are in jail.
  • Do not blow into a Breathalyzer or consent to a blood draw. If they want evidence to further build their case, make the Government get a warrant for it.
  • Have someone post your bond.