Category: Criminal Law
What Should I Do if I’m Pulled Over and I’ve Been Drinking in Minnesota?
December 27, 2013 | Adriel B. VillarrealYou’ve had a drink at a party or at the bar, though you don’t think you’re drunk. Still, you get pulled over. What you do or don’t do during the next few seconds will have a huge impact on whether you’re charged with DUI or DWI, and on what the eventual outcome of your case may be. Your goal when you get pulled over should be to provide the police with as little ammunition as possible. Start by having your license and registration ready for the officer when he steps up to your window. If you fumble for them you can give him reasonable cause to suspect that you may be impaired. You want to offer the impression that you are completely under control. If you are concerned that the officer might smell alcohol on you, then be careful how far you lower the window. You are only legally required to lower the window just enough to pass your information through. The officer may ask if you know why he pulled you over. Just say “No, sir.” Be respectful, don’t lie, and don’t offer any additional information. For all you know, your tail light is out or you were speeding. If the officer asks whether you’ve been drinking you aren’t obligated to answer,…
Read MoreHow Can I Get Bailed Out of Jail in Minnesota?
December 23, 2013 | Adriel B. VillarrealIn Minnesota, there are three different ways to secure your release from jail. Each becomes available after a bail hearing. One way is for the judge to release you on recognizance. This means that he will release you on your promise to appear in court every time you are summoned, and to comply with any other conditions he may set for your release. This is most likely to happen when the charges are relatively minor, or if you’ve never been charged before. It’s more common for the judge to set a bail amount. If the crime is very serious or if you’re considered a flight risk you can expect that bail amount to be relatively expensive. Once the bail amount is set you can post bail one of two ways. The first way is to pay the amount in cash. If you do this there is a chance you will get all or some of your money back. You will get it all back if: You attend every court date. You comply with all of the conditions of your release. You are found not guilty. You may get some of the money back even if you are declared guilty, so long as you complied with your court dates and met all of the…
Read MoreHow Much Does It Cost to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?
December 19, 2013 | Adriel B. VillarrealCost should probably be the last thing on your mind when you are charged with a criminal offense. Your real concern should be getting the best representation you can get in the hopes of walking away from your charges with a minimum amount of damage to your life. However, unknowns can add to your stress and distress. So while the cost can depend on your circumstances we thought we’d share a little bit about how those costs may be determined. The attorney will consider how long he anticipates your case taking after consulting with you. He will listen to your concerns and to your story. Then he will generally set a flat fee retainer based on the amount of time he anticipates the case taking. He will take his hourly rate into account. The retainer will secure the representation you need. Other billing arrangements are generally handled at a later date. The amount that you’d pay for a good criminal lawyer won’t be cheap, but you are defending your reputation and possibly your freedom. Any court-ordered fines or restitutions could end up being far more expensive than attorney’s fees, as well. Resist the urge to look for rock-bottom prices when selecting a criminal defense attorney. If you are so financially so financially strapped…
Read More