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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, DUI / DWI, Cannabis & Marijuana Law and Traffic Tickets for Indiana on
Q: Timeframe for court hearing on specialized driving privileges and plea deal options in Indiana OWI case

I was charged with OWI in July 2024. I filed for specialized driving privileges in December 2024 in Pike County, Indiana. The initial hearing was scheduled for February 24, but it was delayed due to my lawyer not showing up. My next hearing is on April 30. The state offered a plea deal to dismiss... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2025

Your request for specialized driving privileges in Indiana should generally be addressed within a few weeks to a few months after filing, depending on the court’s docket and any delays caused by continuances. Since your February hearing was postponed due to your attorney’s absence, the new... View More

4 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI and Criminal Law for California on
Q: Should I give up a possible mistrial or fight my DUI case?

I'm involved in a DUI case where my public defender believes there is evidence in my favor. My sister testified that she overheard me saying I wasn't driving before my arrest, and the public defender wants to put her on the stand, possibly against my wishes. The defense attorney, district... View More

Mario Tafur
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Mario Tafur
answered on Apr 15, 2025

In California, a mistrial may be declared when a fair trial is compromised or legal necessity arises, such as a hung jury or significant procedural error (People v. Dunn, 205 Cal. App. 4th 1086; People v. Kocontes, 86 Cal. App. 5th 787). However, consenting to a continuance, as occurred in your... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI and Legal Malpractice for New Jersey on
Q: Can my attorney refuse to provide DUI evidence post-plea in NJ?

In my New Jersey DUI case, my attorney advised me to accept a plea, and the case has concluded. I never received any evidence collected and my attorney, who refuses to provide it now, hasn't given a reason. I haven't requested the evidence in writing nor am I planning to take legal... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

In New Jersey, you have the right to access evidence in your case, but since your DUI case is concluded and you've accepted a plea, the situation can be a bit tricky. The evidence collected during your case generally belongs to you as the client, but once a case is closed, it may be up to the... View More

3 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for Texas on
Q: Do I need a lawyer for a first DUI charge in Texas with 1.5 BAC?

I was charged with my first DUI in Texas, and my blood alcohol content was 1.5. There were no aggravating factors, and I have no prior legal issues. Do I need a lawyer for this charge, and what are my possible next steps?

Deandra M Grant
Deandra M Grant
answered on Apr 13, 2025

Yes, you need to hire an attorney. You may want to check out our YouTube channel for more information about DWI's in Texas. www.DeandraGrant.TV. Here's a link to our DWI play list. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyZ6OvTrnGM&list=PLP2HhkRCbr8ICR9s3JwQhFu1Xg4EJ-SLk

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4 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI, Employment Law and Health Care Law for Illinois on
Q: How will an aggravated DUI affect my nursing job and license in IL?

I'm a nurse with six years of experience working in the emergency department at Northwestern Memorial. I recently received an aggravated DUI charge, and I'm concerned about how this might affect my job and my nursing license. The incident occurred last week, and I have not yet informed my... View More

Theodore J. Harvatin
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

I believe you have a duty to report that to the IDPFR. There are ways you can get ahead of this and the expert is Fred Nickle. I referred a number of healthcare professionals, mostly nurses, to him, and to a person they’ve been satisfied.

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1 Answer | Asked in Federal Crimes, Criminal Law and DUI / DWI for Nebraska on
Q: How to defend against career criminal label after pleading guilty to 2023 charges?

I've pled guilty to charges from a 2023 federal case for possession with intent. I'm contesting the PSI due to a time gap between offenses. Previously, in 2005, I was released after serving time for a 2001 federal firearm and meth possession case. In 2008, I committed a DUI, for which I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

To defend against being labeled a career criminal, you should focus on highlighting the time gap between your offenses and the fact that you have shown periods of law-abiding behavior. The career criminal label is typically applied when someone has a pattern of persistent criminal activity over a... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and DUI / DWI for California on
Q: Can I be sentenced under Prop 36 for auto theft while under the influence?

I am currently facing charges for auto theft in California and was under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the time of the incident. I have never been sentenced under Prop 36 before, but I have numerous alcohol-related convictions and a few for possession of meth. None of my prior charges... View More

Mario Tafur
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Mario Tafur
answered on Apr 15, 2025

Proposition 36, codified under § 1210.1, offers probation and drug treatment instead of incarceration for nonviolent drug possession offenses. However, eligibility is restricted if you are convicted in the same proceeding of a felony or misdemeanor unrelated to drug use, such as auto theft (§... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI, Civil Rights and Criminal Law for Mississippi on
Q: Is sitting in a vehicle under marijuana influence considered a DUI in MS?

I am inquiring about an incident involving someone else in Mississippi. The individual was in a stationary vehicle parked on a public street in a subdivision in front of a relative's house, under the influence of marijuana. They were in the driver's seat with the keys in the ignition but... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

Mississippi DUI Elements Analysis

Under Mississippi Code § 63-11-30, being in "actual physical control" of a vehicle while impaired constitutes a DUI offense, even without driving. Mississippi courts have consistently interpreted actual physical control to include situations...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and DUI / DWI for Texas on
Q: What should I do if I haven't been indicted for a DWI arrest over a year ago in Texas?

I was arrested in Texas on April 25, 2024, for my third DWI. It has been over a year, but I have not been indicted yet. I haven't had any court hearings or communication regarding this matter, and I haven't contacted my lawyer about the delay in the indictment. What should I do about this situation?

John Cucci Jr.
John Cucci Jr.
answered on Apr 11, 2025

If you have a lawyer who was hired on this new DWI, you should definitely contact that person.

For the most part, the State has 180 days to indict you, after they arrest you on a felony. There are many ways that can be extended by the state. Thus, it is not over yet.

The best...
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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI and Traffic Tickets for California on
Q: Impact of speeding and red light tickets on DWI probation in California.

I was convicted of a DWI in California on April 20, 2024, with the original infraction occurring on December 19, 2023. I am currently on informal probation for three years without specific terms related to new offenses. On February 13, 2025, I was pulled over for speeding, and last week, I received... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2025

Since you're on informal probation for your DWI, you’re generally required to obey all laws, even if your probation terms don’t mention new offenses specifically. While speeding and red light tickets are traffic infractions, they can still be viewed as violations if a judge believes they... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI, Traffic Tickets and Employment Law for California on
Q: How do speeding and red light tickets affect DWI probation in CA?

I was convicted of a DWI in California on 4-20-24, with the original infraction on 12-19-23. I have been sentenced to probation, required to attend classes, and pay fines. On February 13, 2025, I was pulled over for speeding, and I also received a red light camera ticket last week. I would like to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2025

You're right to be concerned, because while speeding and red light tickets aren’t alcohol-related, they can still affect your DWI probation in California. Probation terms often include obeying all laws, and even minor traffic infractions can technically count as violations. That said, courts... View More

2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI and Appeals / Appellate Law for Missouri on
Q: Can my friend appeal a DWI conviction, given multiple Driving While Suspended charges and prior convictions in Missouri?

My friend was found guilty of a DWI charge in August 2023 while he was incarcerated. He refused a blood alcohol test requested by the police, though he passed the initial sobriety tests. He has multiple Driving While Suspended charges, making it unlikely he’ll obtain a driver's license... View More

Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on Apr 10, 2025

If the deadline for filing an appeal has not passed, he may file a notice of appeal. A successful appeal requires convincing the appellate court that a reversible error was made below.

Your friend should hire a good criminal appellate lawyer to assess the situation.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, DUI / DWI and Employment Law for Idaho on
Q: My brother is jailed in Idaho for marijuana possession. What steps should we take next?

My brother, who has a past DUI, was pulled over in Idaho Falls for driving in the left lane while on a trip to Big Sky Resort, where his partner owns a condo. He was then profiled for his long hair and California license plates. After admitting to and handing over a small amount of marijuana... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

You’re doing the right thing by looking for help quickly, especially with your brother still in custody. The first step is to call or check online with the **Bonneville County Jail** in Idaho Falls to confirm his status, charges, and whether bail has been set. If bail has been posted but isn’t... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Animal / Dog Law, DUI / DWI and Personal Injury for North Carolina on
Q: Can an intentional car crash with a dog inside lead to an animal cruelty charge in NC?

My mom crashed her car intentionally with a dog inside while under the influence, attempting to kill herself. The crash was not reported, and I don't know if the dog is hurt. We were informed by her over the phone, making us witnesses, though no one saw the incident directly. Could this... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

I'm really sorry you're dealing with something this heavy—it sounds like a deeply painful and complicated situation. If your mom intentionally crashed the car while under the influence and a dog was inside, it *could* be considered animal cruelty under North Carolina law. In this state,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and DUI / DWI for Florida on
Q: Driving friend's car, police found drug paraphernalia in search—legal consequences?

I was driving a friend's vehicle when the police ran the tag and saw that one of the owners had a revoked license. The police pulled me over, and because I appeared nervous and they questioned my story about how I got the vehicle, they asked to search it. I consented, and they found a drug... View More

Leonard Louis Cagan
Leonard Louis Cagan
answered on Apr 8, 2025

I would recommend having an attorney local to where the case is being handled. Without knowing more, the issue seems to center around "knowledge" as it relates to the pipe and location where it was found. I trust you did not make any admissions that would establish you knowing of the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Minnesota on
Q: Are firearm rights restored after completing sentence for fleeing police in Minnesota?

I was convicted in 2015 for DUI and fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle under Minn. Stat. § 609.487, subd. 3, with a sentence of "stay of imposition." I have fully completed my sentence. Are my firearm rights automatically restored under Minnesota law, and does such restoration... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 7, 2025

In Minnesota, completing your sentence for a conviction like fleeing a peace officer does not automatically restore your firearm rights. Under Minnesota law, you would need to apply for a restoration of rights through the court after fulfilling all aspects of your sentence. Since your sentence... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Domestic Violence and DUI / DWI for California on
Q: Does probation status affect sentence eligibility in CA?

I'm currently on felony probation in Sonoma County, CA, for domestic violence and DUI charges. I have a separate court case in Lake County, CA, where I am being offered a plea deal for a two-year sentence for auto theft. I would prefer to serve time in state prison rather than county jail.... View More

Mario Tafur
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Mario Tafur
answered on Apr 4, 2025

Your current felony probation status in Sonoma County for domestic violence and DUI charges does impact your sentencing eligibility in your Lake County auto theft case, where you’re offered a two-year plea deal and prefer state prison over county jail. Under California Penal Code § 1203, if the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for North Carolina on
Q: What are the consequences for a first offense DUI in Iredell County?

I am 20 years old and received a DUI in Iredell County. I blew a .08. This is my first offense, there were no aggravating factors, and my valid driver's license has been suspended for 30 days. What is most likely to happen next in my case?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

You're facing a tough situation, but it's good that you’re being proactive and asking what to expect. In North Carolina, a first-time DUI offense—especially with a BAC of .08 and no aggravating factors—usually falls under a **Level 5 misdemeanor**. This is the lowest level in the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law and DUI / DWI for California on
Q: Can my US citizen wife apply for a green card for me after my DACA expired and I received a DUI in California?

I used to have DACA, which expired on May 18, 2024. Since then, I received a DUI and I am currently completing my DUI classes. My wife is a U.S. citizen and she hasn't taken any steps yet, but I would like to know if, given my current situation, she can apply for a green card for me. I have no... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 4, 2025

Yes, your U.S. citizen wife may still be able to petition for a green card for you, but your situation is more complicated due to the expired DACA status and DUI conviction. The first step would be for her to file an I-130 petition to establish the marriage-based relationship. However, because... View More

2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI and Employment Law for California on
Q: Seeking deferred entry or alternative sentencing for first DUI offense with financial constraints.

I have a DMV hearing on April 24th, 2025, and a court date on May 23rd, 2025, related to my first DUI offense. I am interested in exploring options for a deferred entry or alternative sentencing. However, I am having difficulties finding legal representation due to my financial constraints, as I... View More

Mario Tafur
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Mario Tafur
answered on Apr 9, 2025

Under California Penal Code Section 1000.9, deferred entry of judgment may allow dismissal or reduction of charges upon completing a court-approved program, provided the prosecuting attorney deems you eligible. If approved, successful completion could mitigate the long-term impact on your record,... View More

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