DUI / DWI & Traffic Tickets

Dealing With a DUI or DWI Charge

After youre arrested for DUI or DWI, you will have to appear before a judge for arraignment. You will be asked to plead either guilty or not guilty to the charge. Arrangements will also be made regarding your right to counsel and bail.

DUI and DWI Defenses

The penalties for DUI (driving under the influence) and DWI (driving while intoxicated) offenses can be very serious.

DUI or DWI Punishments and Penalties

As with any criminal charge, a person charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI) is presumed innocent until proven guilty through the defendant's own plea or after a jury trial. Any penalty will depend on state law, as well as circumstances, such as the presence of an open bottle of liquor in the car and the defendant's cooperation with the police.

Traffic Tickets: What Are Your Options?

Sooner or later most drivers get cited for a moving violation—whether it be for speeding, running a red light, or some other traffic violation. The consequences of ticket aren’t catastrophic.

Speeding Tickets: How to Defend Yourself

All 50 states use three basic types of speed limits, called "absolute," "presumed," and "basic." Because each type of speed limit violation often requires a unique defense, it is key to understand which you are charged with violating.

Traffic Court: Getting the Police Officer's Notes

After issuing a speeding or other traffic ticket, most police officers write notes -- usually on the back of the ticket -- with details of why you deserved the ticket and what the conditions were at the time. If you can obtain those notes before your traffic court hearing, you'll be ahead of the game.

Traffic Ticket? Decide Whether to Fight in Traffic Court or Pay Up

There are two kinds of traffic tickets: Ones you can beat in traffic court and ones you can't. The problem is determining which kind you got.

Marijuana Legalization and DUI/DWI Law

In November 2016, voters in four states—California, Nevada, Massachusetts, and Maine—approved ballots measures decriminalizing recreational marijuana use.