Criminal Law Review

With a DUI charge you are possibly facing jail time, community service work, probation and driving privileges. On top of that, the judge in a DUI case can also impose additional monetary penalties. So how bad is it going to get when it comes to DUI fines and fees? That depends greatly upon what state you live in, and even when the arrest was. For example a first time DUI offender in Kansas was fined $1000 in 2000, but that fine was increase to $1500 in 2007. A second time offender in Kansas will be looking at a $2500 fine for a DUI conviction. Keep in mind that the judge has some discretion when ordering the fines so they can be more or less in a given situation.

Also once the amount of the fines has been determined, you will have a limited time to pay it. It is best to be up front with the judge on your ability to pay the DUI fine. Be prepared to make minimum payments on a monthly basis. If an emergency occurs that makes it impossible for you to pay your fine on time, you can ask for an extension from the judge. But this is an option that you can only use once.

Some additional DUI fees you may be faced with:

• Random urine analysis (UAs) lab fees: $25 per, several times a month
• Installation and use of an ignition interlock device; $100 a month
• Drug and alcohol abuse screening: $100
• Mandatory drug and alcohol consoling: $50 per visit, 4 or more visits
• DUI victims panel: $50
• Intensive drug and alcohol rehabilitation: $3000-5000

The courts recognize several different types of sex crimes and with the expansion of the World Wide Web and cell functions, the laws are constantly changing to reflect this new technology. Whatever the charge is, you need a sex crime attorney on your side that is up-to-date on the current laws and charges. If you have been accused, you have a right to a legal defense. Before you dismiss the idea of hiring a sex crime attorney, consider these factors.

1. It is not an admission of guilt. When you watch a television show and the accused clams up and asks for a lawyer, you probably say “That guy must be guilty.” But, asking for legal counsel is obviously not admission of guilt. In fact, it just makes good sense to refrain from talking until your sex crime attorney is present. According to the laws of our land, everyone is innocent until proven guilty and everyone is afforded the right to legal counsel. That goes for the innocent and the guilty. So, don’t let the perceptions of others deter you from looking out for yourself.

2. It is naïve to assume the case is built on good evidence. Because this is your life we are talking about, you should not just accept that evidence and witnesses at face value. It is your lawyer’s job to make sure that the prosecution’s case is built on facts and that evidence has been handled appropriately.

3. The cost of a defense is minimal to the emotional cost. Consider your friends and family if you are convicted and given the maximum sentence for the charge. While you are thinking of protecting yourself, remember that it affects everyone who loves you.

4. The cost is also minimal to the professional cost. While being charged with this time of illegality can hurt you in the work place, a conviction is much worse. Once you have served your time, you become part of a public registry and may never be able to separate yourself from the past.

A sex crime attorney has your best interest at heart. It is his job to make sure you are fairly represented in court and that you are either cleared of the charges or at least receive a lesser sentence. Your life, your family and your career is on the line so you want to hire someone who is experienced in defending these types of cases. Most importantly, you will have to be completely honest with him so he can build the best defense.