criminal defense lawyer Archives - Page 9 of 32

Choosing A DUI or Criminal Defense Attorney – Checklist

May 19, 2014Written by David O

Choosing the right defense attorney to represent your DUI or criminal case is of utmost importance for your case’s outcome. Here is a checklist to help you hire a great lawyer to defend your case.

Choosing A DUI | Criminal Defense Attorney – Checklist

√ Does the attorney practice criminal defense or DUI defense exclusively?

If so, how long have they practiced criminal and DUI law?

√ Does the attorney have any Washington State Bar complaints filed against them?

√ Does the attorney appear professional?

Are they well-groomed and dressed in professional attire?
Is their office clean and organized?
Does their law firm appear to be doing well?
Is the law firm accredited by the Better Business Bureau – Rated A?

√ Is the attorney able to articulate the law and communicate clearly?

If so, will he/she be a strong negotiator?

√ Were you able to contact the lawyer easily?

Does the attorney communicate by text, email, and/or phone in a timely manner?

√ Did the lawyer quote legal fees over the phone without getting to know you or the facts of your case?

√ Do low fees indicate a “dump truck” lawyer – a lawyer who quickly collects money and then makes you plead guilty?

√ Did the defense attorney promise case results over the phone without investigating the facts of your case?

√ Does the DUI and/or criminal defense attorney have real client reviews or testimony listed on valid websites such as Avvo, Google, or Yelp?

Be cautious of attorneys that have a lot of reviews or reviews that sound too good – they are most likely fabricated!

√ Does the law firm offer affordable payment plans?

√ Lastly and most importantly, do you feel comfortable with the attorney, do you think they will be a good fit?

Written by Senior DUI and Criminal Defense Attorney, David O

Mel Gibson Petitions For An Expungement

May 6, 2014Written by David O

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Actor Mel Gibson is trying to clean up his criminal record by petitioning the court for an expungement to remove his no contest plea to a battery charge. Back in March of 2011, Gibson pled no contest to slapping his wife, Oksana Grigorieva, across the face knocking out several veneers.

Gibson’s motion hearing is set for later this month where he will provide proof that he has completed all terms and conditions set by the judge during the 2011 battery sentencing, which included; 16 hours of community service, 52 weeks of counseling, 3 years of probation, and adhering to “peaceful contact” at all times with his ex-wife, Grigorieva. After reviewing the motion, the judge will decide to grant or deny the expungement.

What is an expungement? An expungement, also known as sealing a record or record sealing, is the legal processes of clearing a past criminal conviction and removing it from general view. Only certain criminal charges are eligible for the expungement process and specific requirements must be met before a judge will grant an expungement. Once an expungement is granted, for the most part it looks like it never happened and the past conviction would not need to be divulged on documents such as a job application.

Mel Gibson is no stranger to the expungement process. Back in 2009, the Brave Heart actor was granted an expungement of a 2006 DUI that occurred in Malibu California. Gibson was a first time DUI offender and was eligible to have the DUI expunged after he completed all of his DUI sentencing terms. The motion was heard by Judge Lawrence J. Mira, and only took minutes for the DUI record seal to be granted.

If you would like to seal a past criminal conviction that occurred in Washington State, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at David O Defense to see if you are eligible, 206-459-6392. Please don’t hesitate to call if you have further questions pertaining to the expungement process, our defense lawyers are here to help! 206-459-6392.

Written by Defense Attorney, David O
Co-Written by Sarah Ann

Over 100 DUI and Criminal Defense Legal Blogs

April 30, 2014Written by David O

Know Your DUI Rights

KNOWLEDGE is POWER! Know your DUI RIGHTS!

When questioned by law enforcement in Washington State about DUI make sure to exercise your rights.

1. Exercise your right to an attorney, either a private DUI attorney or a public defender.

2. Exercise your right to remain silent during the DUI questioning.

3. Do not consent to detention or search of any type of personal belongings, home, or vehicle.

4. Refuse to perform the DUI field sobriety tests!

5. Refuse to take the DUI portable breath test!

6. Do cooperate at the police station and take the DUI breath test or blood test, unless advised not to do so by your DUI attorney.

A special thank you to all those who have followed our blog, we hope you have found some of our writings informative and others entertaining! We look forward to writing the next 100!

Written by DUI and Criminal Defense Attorney, David O

Co-Written by Sarah Ann

DAVID O DEFENSE

Tag: criminal defense lawyer