If you are in a wreck and the investigating officer thinks it was your fault, you might get a ticket. Typically it will be for failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident, or failing to yield the right of way, or failing to stop at a duly erected stop sign or red light. Usually the DA’s office will dismiss these tickets if you present a letter from your insurance company stating it has paid for the injuries or damages to the other person or their car. A letter simply stating that you have insurance or that the claim is being investigated is not enough. It must list you as the insured driver, the date of the accident, and it must state that the damages actually have been paid. Sometimes, it takes several months for your insurance company to settle these claims. In those cases, you (or I, if I am representing you) may have to get your case continued (postponed) one or more times while we wait for the letter.
Whole books have been written about driving while impaired (also known as DWI or DUI). I will be brief here and say that if you are found guilty (or plead guilty) you could face anything from a fine, court costs and community service all the way to two or more years in prison, depending on your circumstances. If you retain me, my job is two-fold. First, I will interview you and look at other evidence to see what might be your chances of being acquitted. Second, I will help you prepare for the sentencing hearing, where a judge decides whether you get a relatively minor penalty or something more serious. There are things we can do ahead of time to increase the chances that you will get a less serious penalty. Please give me a call at (919) 683-2175 to discuss your pending DWI and to get answers to questions you may have. I am here to help.