Melanie Simmons

  • Should You Plead Guilty To A Traffic Ticket?

    When you get a traffic ticket, you have the option to mail in a guilty plea with a payment for the fine or go to court. Whether this is a good idea depends on the consequences of the ticket you received. Fine Only Some tickets only have a fine. They don't affect your insurance or add points to your license. Once you pay the full amount of the fine, the ticket will never affect you again.
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  • What Does Criminal Exposure Mean?

    When discussing problems with clients, it's common for an attorney to use the term "criminal exposure." This can seem a little odd of a term to use, especially if you don't believe you're the subject of an investigation. However, there are several reasons why a criminal law attorney may use the term so let's look at what it means and how it might apply to different situations. Definition Criminal exposure doesn't have a strict legal definition.
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  • Things To Discuss With Your DUI Attorney

    If you have been charged with a DUI, you will want to work with an attorney. There are a few things you should discuss with them to make their job easier. After all, the easier it is for them to do their job of representing you, the better the outcome of your court case might be. Here are a few things to discuss with your DUI attorney: What Really Happened
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  • Defenses To Tampering With Evidence

    Tampering with evidence is a serious criminal charge with dire consequences. Like other criminal charges, however, you are innocent until proven guilty. Below are some defenses you can use so that the justice system doesn't find you guilty of tampering with evidence. Abandonment The abandonment defense alleges that you discarded the evidence because you no longer needed it. This defense applies if you didn't know that the item in question was evidence.
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  • How To Talk With The Police About Criminal Accusations

    Accusations of criminal conduct can leave you feeling a strong need to defend yourself. The police know this, and they often try to take advantage of it during the investigative process. If the cops are trying to talk with you about a matter, here are three things you should know. Get a Criminal Lawyer You have the right to have a criminal defense lawyer present whenever you speak with the police.
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  • Going Through A Divorce? The Importance Of Having A Child Custody Attorney

    Getting a divorce can take a serious toll on you. Not only do you have to remove the physical cords that bind the two of you together through shared assets, but you also have to unravel the emotional connections which might still be as strong as ever. During the divorce process, you also have to determine who will have primary custody of the children. This can be a very tumultuous decision because both of you are probably extremely attached to your offspring.
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  • Protect Yourself From A DWI Charge

    With New Year's looming around the corner and a plethora of other holidays right behind, you may have the inclination to go out and party with some of your co-workers or loved ones. Unfortunately, an alcohol-induced impairment can become an issue if you let your guard down. Take the time to outline a course of action that will protect you from a DWI charge and provide you with help if you do find yourself in hot water.
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  • Ways To Avoid An Indecent Exposure Charge From Urinating In Public

    The last thing you want when performing a seemingly innocent act is be charged with a crime — especially a sex crime that forces you to register as a sex offender if you're found guilty. While many people commit sex crimes with bad intentions, others find themselves making mistakes and then paying the often-steep consequences. Getting charged with indecent exposure can be the result of a number of different actions, including something as innocent as urinating in public and having someone see you.
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  • Facing A DUI Conviction? What You Need To Do To Beat The Case

    If you have a potential drunk driving conviction looming over your head, you're probably dealing with a lot of different emotions. Just the thought of what could have happened on that fateful day is enough to give you pause, but when you consider how a conviction can change your life, the fear and anxiety can go through the roof. You must put into motion a plan of action which will minimize your chances of actually being convicted of driving under the influence (DUI).
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  • Can You Tell All? Understanding How Confidentiality Affects Your DUI Case

    Few people ever think that they could spend a night in jail after being arrested for DUI. Once you get over the embarrassment and anger, however, seek legal help. A DUI conviction carries very serious penalties and you already know how uncomfortable a jail cell can be. You and your defense attorney will have a unique relationship that should be built on honesty and integrity, but you may be naturally reluctant to open yourself up to judgment and censure.
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