Showing posts with label
underage drinking and driving.
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Showing posts with label
underage drinking and driving.
Show all posts
The crimes that juveniles commit are the same as those that adults commit. From underage Drunk Driving to murder, the only difference in the commission of these crimes is the age of the defendant.
Depending on the crime, the juvenile may establish a juvenile criminal record, which means the record will be sealed when they turn 18. If they are tried as an adult because of the severity of their crime and their age when they committed it, the record could follow them throughout the rest of their life. This could cause them difficulty finding a place to live, finding meaningful employment, and even going to college.
If you are the parent of a child who has been charged with a crime, it is important to secure the assistance of an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney Through this experience, your child can receive the best possible result in their case.
Experience With All Types Of Juvenile Offenses
There are some crimes that juveniles are charged with more than others. Some of these common crimes are:
- Theft
- Assault
- Vandalism
- Underage DWI
- Disorderly conduct
- Probation violation
- Drug possession
Juveniles can also be charged with sex crimes and even murder.
If you are the parent of a child who has been charged with a criminal act, you are most likely wondering about your child’s future. The good news is that there are some options for your child so that he or she can have a productive future. To learn more, call the Rolloff Law Office at (612) 234-1165 to set up a free consultation.
As I am sure you're aware --- Minnesota Police Officer are focused on DWI enforcement - often to the exclusion of all other offenses. So... what does that mean for you, right?Everyone knows weekends mean more celebrations... going out, etc, and that means more police on the roads. It's no secret -- the news even reports on it. So how do you stay out of trouble?The first and best way to avoid a Drunk Driving Arrest --- and a call to an experienced Minnesota DWI Attorney is, of course, to avoid driving while impaired. You can:
Use a designated driver.
Call a commercial designated driver program if you have had a few too many (in the Twin Cities, services like Drink and Drive Intelligently (651-338-1425) or Dry Drivers (651-491-9363) provide you AND your car a ride home).
Know your limits.
B.A.C. Calculators can help you estimate whether you would fail a breathalyzer.
Be safe.
Failing that, what happens if you get pulled over for Driving Under the Influence?
What should you do, and what should you not do?
DO
- DO be polite and courteous with police. You will NEVER help yourself by being rude or especially assaulting police.
- DO take a breathalyzer test if requested. Minnesota is an "implied consent" state, which means it is a crime to refuse to submit to a breathalyzer. In fact, the penalties for refusing to take a breathalyzer test can be more severe than driving drunk. In almost all circumstances, you are better off taking the breath test, even if you think you will fail it.
- DO pay attention to the officer's name and, if possible, badge number.
- DO sign a traffic citation if you receive one. Signing a traffic ticket is just agreeing that you received it; it is not an admission of guilt.
- DO write down your own version of what happened as soon as possible. It will help you remember later and may help you if your case goes to trial.
- Finally, DO call a lawyer immediately if you are arrested, and refuse to answer any questions other than your identifying information.
DON'T
- DO NOT, ever, verbally or physically assault a police officer. This will subject you to much more serious charges.
- DO NOT lie to police officers. Again, this is far more likely to land you in greater trouble than it is to get you out of it.
- DO NOT answer any questions about your evening or how much you have been drinking. You have a right not to answer questions. Exercise it.
- DO NOT sign anything except a normal traffic ticket.
By following these steps, you can keep yourself out of trouble, or at least, keep the trouble you are already in from getting worse. Be safe this weekend.
Despite the misconception that "everyone does it," consumption of alcohol by minors is taken very seriously in the State of Minnesota by the juvenile justice system. Whether you are a parent seeking help for your child or you are a student who was caught drinking on campus, it is important to seek out the advice of an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney.
At the Rolloff Law Office, we represent juveniles against charges of minor consumption as well as underage Drunk Driving. She takes a all-encompassing approach to these issues, representing clients' legal best interests while also helping them obtain any needed help for substance abuse or other personal issues.
Protecting the Rights of Juveniles
Having had been a kid myself ... and one who got himself into a wee-bit of trouble ... I understand the nuances associated with juvenile cases. Having had work both as a juvenile prosecutor and a defense attorney I get the complexity of the juvenile justice system. I also have a fairly solid grasp on its resources and the programs that are available to minors who have committed a crime.
I work to absolve my clients of criminal penalties as well as to protect their charges from being part of the public record. Many attorneys who do not focus on juvenile law fail to understand that both issues are important, as felonies — even after being negotiated down — will remain public unless they are dealt with properly.
In the end, I appreciate that minors are children, not adults, and need to be treated as such. As such, they should be given a chance to resolve issues rather than have their reputations/futures ruined. I'll work with the state and the judge to develop a program that is best suited to meet the needs of the minor and that will allow the best chance for a successful future.
At the Rolloff Law Office, your child will be treated like an individual, not a legal problem. For a free initial consultation*, contact me today: (612) 234-1165 to set up a FREE CONSULTATION.
