Right to Attorney Prior to Taking Chemical Test

   

Attorney

As a practical matter, no, you may not talk to an attorney prior to a chemical test. The reason is because, at that juncture, a person is already in handcuffs and taken to the breath testing facility, wherever that happens to be in their jurisdiction, and not allowed to talk to an attorney.

However, for the sake of argument, let us say that they were. This is what the lawyer wants to tell the person: what is the truth versus the law, which says that an attorney cannot tell the person that even though it is true.

As a lawyer on the defense side, what you want to say regarding any type of request for fingerprints, voice stress analysis, polygraphs, breath tests, drug tests, field sobriety exercises, or anything else, is to say nothing at all. The best example of this is a prosecutor who told me the story of a man pulled over for a DUI. The man had his driver’s license ready when the cop came to his window. The cop started asking a series of questions: “Where were you going? Why are you driving so fast? Where are you coming from?” The guy did nothing but hold his license and point to it. Finally, the cop said, “You are not going to say anything, are you?” The guy just pointed at his license. He did not say a word, so there was no way an officer could say that his speech was slurred. He did not take a breath test, and he did not perform any field sobriety exercises. Therefore, with the body cam, all you could see would be somebody sitting there pointing at their license, not saying a word. From a defense perspective, that is the perfect way to handle a DUI stop and a request for a breath test.

We know that if somebody takes the breath test and blows twin zeros (not a drop of alcohol in their body), they are going to be told that they have to take the whiz quiz and pee in a cup. If they refuse to pee in a cup because they have already given a breath test, they are going to be charged with DUI refusal. If they do pee in a cup, they are going to be charged with a DUI because they are not going to get the results for some time. Therefore, either way, someone is going to get charged with a DUI. However, the law says that if somebody asks, “Do I have to give a breath test?” as an attorney, you cannot tell them, “Shut up, don’t make statements, and don’t take a breath test.” You are not allowed to tell them not to take a breath test, even though you know that if people do exactly what I described earlier, they are more likely to have an acquittal because they are not giving evidence against themselves.

Legal precedents

Implied Consent Law in Missouri:

  • Implied consent laws dictate that drivers must comply with chemical DUI tests (such as breath, blood, or urine samples) if lawfully arrested for driving under the influence.
  • By operating a vehicle in Missouri, individuals automatically agree to these testing procedures when suspected of DUI.
  • Refusing to undergo chemical testing after a lawful arrest can result in administrative penalties, including license suspension, even before a criminal conviction.
  • While refusal doesn’t directly impact criminal proceedings initially, it can still have consequences from the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Consequences of Refusing Chemical Tests:

  • License Suspension: A first-time refusal often leads to a one-year license suspension, with longer suspensions for subsequent refusals within ten years.
  • Impact on Criminal Case: Refusal cannot be used as evidence against a defendant at trial due to constitutional protections against self-incrimination. However, prosecutors may still use it as evidence, and jurors might draw negative conclusions about the refusal.

Suppressing Chemical Test Results:

  • Motion to Suppress: This legal strategy challenges the admissibility of evidence, including chemical test results.
  • Success hinges on demonstrating improper test conduct or unreliable results.
  • A strong defense can argue flaws in the testing process or the test’s accura

How Often Should I Meet With My Attorney in the First 30 Days After an Arrest?

Frequent communication with your attorney during the initial 30 days after an arrest is crucial. Here’s why:

  1. Case Assessment and Strategy Development:

  • In the early days, your attorney will assess the details of your case, including evidence, witness statements, and police reports.
  • Regular meetings allow for a comprehensive understanding of your situation, enabling your attorney to develop a tailored defense strategy.
  1. Understanding Legal Processes:

  • DUI cases involve various legal steps, such as arraignment, pre-trial motions, and discovery.
  • Frequent consultations ensure you stay informed about court dates, deadlines, and necessary actions.
  1. Building Trust and Confidence:

Establishing a strong attorney-client relationship requires consistent communication.

Regular meetings allow you to discuss concerns, ask questions, and gain confidence in your legal representation.

  1. Adapting to New Information:

  • As your case progresses, new information may emerge (e.g., witness statements, lab results).
  • Frequent meetings help your attorney adjust the defense strategy based on these developments.

The Process After Submitting to or Refusing a Chemical Test

  1. Submitting to a Chemical Test:

  • If you submit to a breath, blood, or urine test, the results become evidence.
  • These results can impact both administrative (license suspension) and criminal proceedings.
  • Your attorney will review the test procedures and accuracy, looking for any potential flaws.
  1. Refusing a Chemical Test:

  • Refusal can lead to administrative penalties (license suspension) but cannot be used against you in court.
  • However, prosecutors may still use it as evidence indirectly (e.g., arguing consciousness of guilt).
  • Your attorney will explore defenses related to the refusal, such as improper advisements or constitutional issues.

Remember, each case is unique, and consulting with an experienced DUI attorney promptly ensures the best possible outcome. If you have further questions or need additional guidance, feel free to ask!

Conclusion

So, there you have it—the intricate web of rights, laws, and strategic choices surrounding your interaction with law enforcement during a DUI stop. Remember, silence isn’t just golden; it’s often your best defense.

Why to Hire an Attorney for Disability Claims? – Guest Post

   

Attorney

Should you become incapable of working and need to file a Social Security Disability claim, you might be uncertain about what to anticipate from retaining legal counsel. You are not alone as most people have to go through the application process for a handicap. Planning to hire an attorney for the same? Here are some reasons why you should hire them to seek legal coucil. Here we go!

Reasons to Hire a Lawyer for Disability Claims

1. Legal expertise and experience

One primary reason why you should consider hiring a lawyer for disability claims is because these lawyers possess detailed knowledge of legal procedures. Further, they specialize in SSD laws, and they understand all legal requirements, eligibility criteria, and evident requirements essential to navigate the process. Their years of experience and specialization increase your chances of winning.

2. Thorough case evaluation and preparation

Disability attorneys thoroughly assess your case, looking over your medical records, work history, and other pertinent paperwork. They evaluate the merits of your claim and create a thorough plan to make the best possible argument to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Disability attorneys reduce your application’s likelihood of rejection by ensuring it is properly documented and backed up by solid evidence.

3. Guidance through the application process

Handling the SSD application process is complex, including strict deadlines and extensive paperwork. If you have a disability lawyer by your side, they guide you at every step. They help complete the form details and gather all important medical evidence required to support the claim. Through Thai assistance, you can meet the SSD application requirements efficiently.

4. Management of evidences

Make sure Social Security has the documentation required to grant your benefits, per your attorney’s advice. In order to collect the necessary medical records, he or she should give thorough information regarding your doctors and/or hospitalizations. Your doctors and the lawyer might discuss further supporting documentation for your case.

5. Representation at your hearing

During the Social Security proceedings, your attorney will remain by your side while you stand in front of the judge. Before going to the judge, they prepare you by asking different questions and communicating with you. Additionally, this helps avoid any mistakes that may lead to claim denial.

Wrapping Up

Hiring an attorney for your disability claim is a great idea. We hope this article helped you understand why you should hire an attorney for disability claims.

I’m out on bond I got a warrant for municipal Court why I’m out on bond for something else will they revocable my bond ?

   

Bail Bond Money

I’m out on bond I got a warrant for municipal Court why I’m out on bond for something else will they revocable my bond ?
I’m out on bond for a felony charge and I have a warrant for municipal Court which is just a city ticket

Justin’s Answer
The judge can revoke your bond for this. You should talk to a defense attorney about getting the warrant lifted.

charged with a class A misdemeanor harassment for FB under fake account?

   

Harrassment

charged with a class A misdemeanor harassment for FB under fake account?
I am In Missouri. It’s almost 10 months old. I did get Discovery and only partial screenshots and statement was all had. Would that be all evidence using, or is there a real chance they would try to warrant fb for info on the deleted account? Being as it’s only a misdemeanor

Justin Hunt’s Answer
We cannot walk you through your case in these messages. You need to speak with a criminal defense attorney in your area.

 

Sobriety Checkpoints in Missouri

   

At a sobriety checkpoint, police officers stop drivers at some regular interval whereby the drivers are briefly detained and those suspected of intoxication are assessed for signs of intoxication and impairment. Police officers do not have unfettered discretion to stop every driver at a checkpoint. There must be an established pattern for stopping motorists. However, the police do not need reasonable suspicion to stop a vehicle at a sobriety checkpoint in Missouri. These checkpoints can be set up at any time though they are common during weekends, holidays, late nights and early morning hours.

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