You probably didn’t set out to get stopped for drunk driving when you set out for that backyard get together. Yet, that is exactly where you find yourself. Sitting in a holding cell wondering what to do next. Whether this is your first offense or the most recent in a line of charges, taking the right action can help you get back home to your family and job. So, go ahead and call a trusted person and then work to reclaim your life and independence.

1. Post Bail

Once you have contacted a friend or family member about the situation, work to post bail and get out of the local holding facility. If you don’t have the cash on hand, look into bail bonds Allentown PA. A bond acts as a guarantee that you will appear in court, so be prepared to put up collateral for that security.

2. Contact an Attorney

Find an attorney in your area that is familiar with the local court system, prosecutors and regulations. She should have experience working with DUI and other impaired driving charges. Set up an appointment and follow where advice throughout the entire process.

3. Show Up in Court

This cannot be overstated. You must show up for your hearing. If you don’t, your side of the story won’t be told. Most places require a DUI hearing to take place within 30 days of arrest.

4. Follow Through With Recommendations

A judge has options for sentencing in these cases. He may impose fines, driving classes, rehabilitation or restrictions on your license. In certain cases, he may revoke your driving privileges. No matter what punishment is deemed appropriate, follow through with it and document your progress. ONce you have completed your sentence, you can look at having any restrictions removed.

You made a mistake, and now you are paying the consequences. Follow a concrete path forward by posting your bond, hiring an attorney and carrying out your sentencing to the letter.

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There has been a growing cry for criminal justice and police reform in the United States. Sending a convicted criminal to prison is costly and has not been shown to be effective at reducing repeat offenses. What’s worse, it often perpetuates criminal activity by putting a label that can make finding decent work and housing difficult for those who serve time. A common concern expressed by those new to the conversation is what sentences are appropriate for offenders who have been convicted if incarceration is taken off the table. Luckily, there has been a plethora of research into alternative sentencing options to determine which ones work.

1. Psychological Intervention

Mental health courts have proven to be an extremely effective method of dealing with offenders who are suffering from a psychological condition. They can prescribe treatment ranging from online anger management courses to an in-patient therapy program. Because they address the root cause of criminal activity, they have a much lower recidivism rate than the prison system. All staff involved must have a commitment to the process in order for a system of psychological intervention to work.

2. Drug Rehabilitation

In cases where drug abuse is present, rehabilitation is often the best path forward. There are numerous in-prison drug treatment programs that can be used during the sentencing process. Prison overcrowding and the abundance of banned substances within correctional facilities make this less effective than rehab. As a result, outpatient drug rehabilitation programs have become a viable sentencing option for many court systems.

3. Restorative Justice

As its name suggests, restorative justice works to address the entire community impacted by a crime. It allows victims and offenders to heal through discussions and addressing the harm caused by the crime committed. It encourages participation by all parties involved and the reintegration of offenders into productive roles within the community.

As criminal justice reform moves forward, more alternatives will likely emerge. For now, psychological interventions, rehabilitation programs and efforts to restore community are important and effective alternatives to prison sentences in many cases.…

Lately, it feels like any subject you hear about on the news divides groups into “us” and “them.” The list of controversial topics has grown to include the environment, religion, and guns, and now a pandemic is creating a new divide within communities. The life-or-death nature of this latest wedge issue demonstrates the vital need for more moderate politics in this country. But where can you start?

Get To Know Local Politics

Get involved with the government at the local level. Typically, local issues, such as where to put a new traffic signal or whether there is enough money in the city budget to paint the water tower every year, tend to be less divisive. Plus, generally speaking, it’s more difficult to violently disagree with other people when you have to see them at church on Sunday or at your children’s soccer game. By working to increase dialogue within your community, you can develop the skills needed to take on more complicated issues at the state or national level.

Research and Join Moderate Groups

As the two major parties have developed schisms and moved to the left and right, more moderate political organizations have begun to emerge. Do the research and see which have active chapters near you and attend a meeting. If it doesn’t feel right, check out other groups until you find one that is right for you. With more than a third of the country identifying as moderate, you are bound to find a group you fell feel is a good fit for you.

Taking these two simple steps can help you find more voices like yours: people who want to be able to have conversations with the right and with the left to identify solutions to the problems facing our country, instead of fighting for fighting’s sake. Helping groups that hold your moderate beliefs increase membership is a good way to combat the extremist attitudes that are hurting our society.…

Family problems during a split-up are some of the most anguishing that someone can experience. When matters start to get out of hand, it’s wise to consult an attorney. Here are several situations in which you may need the expertise of a professional so that your issues can be solved and you can move on with your life.

 

Dividing Property During a Divorce

When you have to file for divorce, or if you’re in the middle of one, dividing up your property sometimes can’t be done amicably. Calling on your divorce lawyer Hernando County FL can take the headache away and end the arguments. Arrangements that work for both parties will be made for the distribution of assets, avoiding any further conflict.

 

Child Custody or Visitation

One of the most difficult parts of a separation or divorce is when children are involved. Deciding child custody and a visitation schedule can be extremely emotional. A family attorney will look at your situation, explain your rights and the court will make decisions that are best for the children involved.

 

Child and Spousal Support

Sometimes during a divorce, the question of financial support comes up. Child support needs to be paid out and in certain circumstances, spousal support, or alimony, may be collected. You should see a lawyer to find out about your options. It will then go to court for a decision.

 

Abuse Cases

The worst cases that can go before a judge are those involving abuse. You want to make sure you have the best counsel you can get in any domestic abuse case. A lot is at stake and the important thing is ending the pain and prosecuting the offender.

 

Resolving Difficult Situations

Almost every case that goes to family court is an unpleasant one. That’s why these matters cannot be taken on alone. Trusting a reputable lawyer to see you through this time will be one of the smartest decisions you ever make.…

If you have experienced the property damage and possible physical pain associated with an auto collision, you probably already know the uncertainty and stress that often accompanies such an experience. While there are likely several vital questions to answer, the simple steps outlined below will help almost anyone in this situation make sense of the details and get life back on track as quickly as possible.

 

Figure Out Who Can Help

In the immediate aftermath of a crash, it is important for the motorist involved to find some allies. This might start with law enforcement officers who have been trained to ask the right questions. From there, look for appraisers, a trusted car accident lawyer Hernando County FL, or any other professionals suited for the unique needs of a particular collision. If there are injuries or rehabilitation to consider, make sure to heed the advice of medical personnel involved.

 

Figure Out What You Can Do

In addition to the counsel of pros, it is important for those involved in a crash to get involved in the process. The investment in getting all aspects of the incident cleaned up as quickly as possible will aid in dealing with what can sometimes be a confusing and lengthy process.

 

Figure Out What Went Wrong

Chances are there was something that might have been able to prevent the wreck. Without seeking to assign unnecessary blame or feel guilty about the incident, this is a good time to reflect on the circumstances and determine if there is a change that could make driving in the future safer and more reliable.
Few people would choose to be involved in even a minor traffic collision. For those who find themselves in such a situation, however, the simple tips listed in this article are some good places to start.…

One of the worst feelings you can have is knowing that you can’t pay your bills. Not being able to keep up with financial obligations could result from a lost job, an illness, divorce or even a severe lack of good judgment. If you’ve dug yourself into a hole that you can’t climb out of and are growing increasingly more depressed, it’s time to ask for help. Bankruptcy could be the solution for you.

 

Bankruptcy Is Your Legal Right

Many people are ashamed to ask about bankruptcy. They’re embarrassed and don’t want to approach an attorney. Many feel that by not paying their bills they’re breaking the law. The truth is, you have legal rights too and a chapter 13 lawyer Orlando FL will explain what a bankruptcy can and cannot do. They want to help you, not reprimand you.

 

Lawyers Have Seen Every Situation

No matter how hopeless you deem your predicament, an experienced attorney has seen many situations similar to yours and some that are much worse. People fall on hard times, some of which are out of their control. The only thing that can make your case worse is if you sit by and do nothing about it.

 

There Is No Need for Shame

Lawyers that specialize in bankruptcy are trained to work with clients that are in doubt or feel morally wrong about filing. They don’t look down on them, but instead show extreme compassion in dealing with those who have found themselves in these circumstances. If you are feeling shameful that your finances have come to this point, remember that you are taking responsibility to solve the crisis so you can have a new start.

 

Moving on With Your Life

Lawyers will guide you through the bankruptcy process and help you obtain the knowledge needed so that you never find yourself in this spot again. When your case is completed, you can move on with your life better prepared to make sound financial decisions.…

Closing on a home can be one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking experiences all at the same time. That’s because you can’t wait to officially become a homeowner but you also have to go through a lot of steps to make that happen. You have to pay for closing costs, gather important documents and sign loads of paperwork. Luckily, you don’t have to do it alone. A real estate closing ponte vedra attorney has the professional expertise and experience to guide you through the closing process.

 

What to Expect From a Real Estate Closing

The closing process begins as soon as the seller accepts your offer. In most cases, the seller will put your earnest money check into an escrow account. After that, you have to set up a home inspection to look for minor or major problems with the house such as non-working appliances or elements that might violate local building codes. Then, you submit pertinent documents to your lender. This marks the beginning of the long and often expensive process of underwriting. Your lender will go over the terms of your loan and commission an appraisal to determine the value of your desired home

From there, you’ll get homeowners and title insurance. If everything goes well, your lender will approve the loan, which can take a month or longer. This is pretty much the last puzzle piece to the closing process. Once that’s settled, closing begins, at which you’ll bring yourself, your ID and payment. After the seller turns over the deed, the house is officially yours.

Closing on a home can be both expensive and stressful for homeowners, but it’s a necessary part of the homebuying process. Having a knowledgable real estate lawyer can help you understand the often complex legal documents and make more informed decisions during closing.…