Criminal Law / Traffic Law
Criminal Law
Goren, Wolff & Orenstein, LLC offers to its clients in criminal defense the experience of a former state prosecutors. Mr. Wolff’s years of experience provides a significant benefit to his clients.
What a criminal client should expect from our firm:
- The defense attorney will ethically and actively defend the client.
- The defense attorney will present all options to the client with his recommendations and professional opinions.
- The defense attorney will prepare the client completely for each phase of the Court proceedings.
- The defense attorney will review all possible defenses and interview all relevant witnesses and review evidence in support of the client’s case.
- The defense attorney will develop a theme to the defense. The theme is composed of a powerful defense strategy and a course of action to present reasonable doubt or otherwise minimize exposure or punishment.
Preparation is the key to a successful defense. A private attorney can meet with the defendant prior to the initial appearance in Court, review the case, and provide the client with step-by-step assistance throughout the Court process. Michael Wolff, former prosecuting attorney, has the experience to represent you effectively in Court.
Traffic Law
DUI TIPS
Reasons police officers stop suspected drunk drivers:
1. Turning with wide radius.
2. Straddling the center line or lane marker.
3. Appearing to be drunk.
4. Almost striking object or vehicle.
5. Weaving.
6. Driving on other than designated roadway.
7. Swerving.
8. Slow speed (more than ten miles per hour below limits).
9. Stopping (without cause) in traffic lane.
10. Following too closely.
11. Drifting tires on center or lane marker.
12. Braking erratically.
13. Driving into opposing or crossing traffic.
14. Signaling inconsistent with driving actions.
15. Slow response to traffic signals.
16. Stopping inappropriately (other than in lane).
17. Turning abruptly or illegally.
18. Accelerating or decelerating rapidly.
19. Headlights off.
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DUI COMMON QUESTIONS AND DEFENSE TIPS
Q: What is DUI ?
A: DUI is a traffic offense a person commits if he or she drives a motor vehicle in a public place while under the influence of alcohol.
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Q: What does intoxicated mean?
A: Intoxicated is defined in two ways: First, a person is intoxicated when he drives and, when, through the use of an alcoholic beverage, drug, controlled substance, or any combination thereof, has lost the normal use of their faculties and is impaired to the slightest degree. Second, a person is intoxicated when he drives and has an alcohol concentration of.08 or more in his body.
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Q: What does.08 alcohol concentration mean?
A: It is defined as the number of grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood; the number of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath; or the number of grams of alcohol per 67 milliliters of urine.
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Q: What are the penalties for DUI?
A: They are serious and can involve jail time. The penalty may be greater if it is a second or third offense, or if there was an accident or injuries, or if death occurred. There is also a fine and could result in a driver's license suspension or revocation as well mandatory attendance at an alcohol screening and education or counseling. A conviction may also cause your insurance rates to skyrocket.
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Q: Are tests required?
A: Yes, a breath test is mandatory and you can also request a blood test at your own expense within two hours. Refusal can result in suspension of your driving privileges for up to one year. The penalties for refusing to submit to the test are actually frequently more severe, as far as driving privileges, than the conviction for a DUI.
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Q: Are there penalties for refusing the field sobriety test?
A: No. Be very careful before submitting to these tests, as many completely sober people cannot pass them, even if they have not been drinking.
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Q: Can I refuse the tests?
A: Yes, and an officer only has authority to force a blood sample from an arrested person if there has been an accident where there has been a death, or serious bodily injury. However, refusing to submit to the tests can result in suspension of your driver's license for up to one year.
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Q: What should I do if I am stopped?
A: First, drive your vehicle to the right lane as cautiously and quickly as possible, and continue there until you can either safely park on the shoulder of the road, or in a parking lot. Next, take your vehicle out of gear, shut off the engine, and radio, and turn on your emergency flashers. Act normal. Second, find your driver's license and proof of insurance. These two items will usually be the first things requested by the officer. Third, without acting jerky or mechanical, get out of your vehicle and refrain from using your vehicle for support, either while walking, talking, or standing. Fourth, do not admit to drinking an alcoholic beverage.
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