Driving under the influence ( DUI ) is a major priority for law enforcement agencies, including those in West Virginia and Maryland. Today, any DUI arrest – be it a first-time allegation or an arrest with prior convictions – can warrant aggressive prosecution and substantial short- and long-term penalties upon conviction. However, those penalties can be elevated even more when drivers are charged ...
When it comes to criminal justice, there is no secret that convictions come with penalties. While many understand the possibility of fines, fees, jail time, driver’s license suspension, and other penalties handed down by the court in DUI cases, few understand just how far-reaching the repercussions and collateral consequences of a conviction can truly be. At Sutton & Janelle, PLLC, we make it a ...
For many individuals, being charged with driving under the influence ( DUI ) marks the first time they have even been arrested, and the first time they’ll have to confront what can be a confusing criminal justice system. Although DUI may be a relatively common criminal charge amid today’s increased focus on drunk and drugged driving, the penalties and consequences it poses are nothing to take ...
Individuals charged with crimes, including driving under the influence ( DUI ), often have some type of contact with a law enforcement officer who stopped and / or investigated them under suspicion of criminal activity. While being stopped or investigated by law enforcement is not a welcomed experience many expect or plan for, it is important to know your rights when you come into contact with ...
In a previous blog , we discussed Field Sobriety Tests – which include the walk-and-turn, stand and balance, and Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus – and how they are important tools used by law enforcement officers to gather evidence that supports their justification to arrest and charge suspects. We also discussed how suspects have a right to refuse those tests. Whether a suspect chooses to take Field ...
When law enforcement officers have reasonable suspicion to pull you over for potentially driving under the influence ( DUI ) or alcohol or drugs, or stop you for committing a traffic offense, they are performing what is known as an investigatory stop. This means that any evidence they obtain can be used against you if you are formally charged with a criminal offense. While there are many things ...
After a DUI arrest, you are likely asking yourself: What should I do next? After all, no one plans to be arrested for a DUI, so it is understandable that you are worried or unprepared for the next steps that need to be taken. In this blog, we explain the important steps that you should take after being arrested for a DUI . Write Down the Details of your Arrest To win your DUI case, you will need ...