In order to prove any crime, no matter how serious, the prosecutor must prove that the accused committed a guilty act with a guilty mind beyond a reasonable doubt. The term "criminal law" also encompasses the rights of an accused and the criminal process, including arrest, arraignment, grand juries, pleas, discovery, pretrial hearings, trials, jury selection, evidence, motions, and posttrial remedies.
DUI/DWI
It is against the law in every state to drive a car, a boat, or any other motor vehicle while intoxicated. DUI "Driving Under the Influence" or DWI "Driving While Intoxicated" covers serious DUI law criminal offenses related to driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of either alcohol or drugs. If you are driving erratically or violating traffic laws, the police may stop you and, if they believe you are intoxicated, ask you to submit to a field DUI DWI sobriety test. They may measure your blood alcohol content by asking you to submit to a breathalyzer test or by asking for a blood and/or urine sample.
Drug Crimes
Every state and the federal government has drug laws against the possession, manufacture, distribution, and abuse of a controlled substance, such as narcotics, marijuana, and other illegal drugs, and laws against the abuse of prescription drugs. The Controlled Substances Act provides authority and criteria for classification of substances. The most serious drug offenses, i.e., those receiving the greatest punishments, include producing illegal drugs, manufacturing drugs, and selling drugs; although, the ultimate punishment for a drug offense depends upon the quantity of the drugs, its classification under the federal drug law schedules, and the purpose for its possession. Please read on to find a drug lawyer or drug attorney to help you with your drug offense and to learn more about drug law.
Traffic Violations
Most traffic violations are considered minor criminal offenses; although some offenses, such as "Driving While Intoxicated" or "Driving Under the Influence" are taken quite seriously. Even minor mechanical or speeding violations can have serious consequences, leading up to your license being suspended, if you have several infractions over a short period of time. Frequently, you will have to pay the fine listed on the face of the ticket, and there is also a strong possibility that your vehicle insurance premiums will increase. It is recommended that you contact a traffic violation lawyer prior to appearing at court regarding the traffic violation or speeding violations. A traffic violation attorney will be able to assess your current situation and recommend a professional resolution to the traffic violation.
