Archive for September, 2011

How Much Is Too Much? Alcohol Awareness

Friday, September 23rd, 2011

Everyday we have certain tasks that are at hand that must be carried out, or responsibilities. From taking the kids to school, to going to work, picking up the laundry, or going by the grocery store to pick up a gallon of milk we all have things that have to be done everyday in order for our day to function properly. Everyone needs a break from that at some point for either a small portion of time or for a day or two. However, when an individual needs to resume their life after a certain point you are faced with the question, “ How much have you had to drink?”

Alcohol consumption is something that is present in everyday life of those either above or below the legal age of the consumption of the liquid. Many people simply “toss back” a couple of beers at the sports bar, or maybe have a glass or two of wine at dinner on a daily, or weekly basis. Yet, people still do not grasp the concept of when they have had too much, or more importantly is I able to drive home safely without endangering others or myself around me?

BAC, or blood alcohol content, is the measure of blood within an individual’s body that relays to health professionals, or usually law enforcement officials how much alcohol an individual has consumed. Many people now see that a breathalyzer is inaccurate and do not believe that it will determine their fate when dealing with a DUI charge. However, more often these days’ people are relying on blood tests to determine the BAC of an individual. The legal level is 0.08, which are often times easily exceeded just by a small bit. However, alcohol is also abused obviously since many people are drinking excessively, driving and placing risks with not only themselves, but also others on the roads.

Inevitably, drinking and driving just don’t serve as the best mix, yet people still insist, “Oh I’ll be fine! I only had a sip!” A sip can lead to a drink, and drink can lead to a few, and a few could lead to health related consequences on and off the roadways.

For a free consultation with one of our experienced Kansas auto accident lawyers, stop in and see us at our conveniently located downtown Wichita law office or contact us directly right now.

We Offer Full Bilingual Services for Croatian-Speaking Clients

Personal Injury Cases are Taken on a Contingency-Fee Basis
You Pay No Attorney’s Fees Unless We Win Compensation For You

Free Consultations
Evening & Weekend Appointments Available
Visa & MasterCard Accepted

Cummings & Cummings, L.L.C. 129 East 2nd Street
Wichita, KS 67202
Phone: (316) 264-1548
Fax: (316) 264-4704

Is Hiring a Lawyer Really That Important?

Tuesday, September 20th, 2011

In the popular television shows, the lawyer appears just at the right time to gallantly defend his client’s innocence with a compelling speech or solid piece of evidence. As much as we would like to believe it, reality isn’t quite as picturesque.

Most defendants do not have a lawyer to ride in and save the day. If they do, it is usually a public defender that was appointed to their case. This public defender may or may not meet with the client before walking into the courtroom. That is definitely not the kind of thing that happens in our favorite law dramas. In reality, defendants looking at misdemeanor charges usually appear to court without counsel in their corner.

They typically think that they will receive a fine and a slap on the wrist before returning home to life as usual. These people do not know how valuable having an attorney is. Most people don’t have $1,000 to $2,000 at home sitting in their piggy banks for situations like these. This is where having a lawyer comes into play.

Lawyers can negotiate a deal on their client’s behalf to ensure that the outcome of the case is the best one available. If you opt out of having a lawyer, it then becomes your responsibility to know what is going on in the courtroom.

You must take the time to research and know what is going on. This includes courtroom vocabulary, possible outcomes, ways to negotiate a deal, etc.  No one is going to take the time to explain the court proceedings to you. The prosecutor doesn’t simply have justice on his mind. He wants to clear his court docket efficiently and in a timely manner so that he can move on with his day. Judges are also very busy. Your case may have a great impact on your life, but it is just one of the many that floats across their desks every week. This could be the way you want to handle your situation, but for many people, finding a lawyer is the answer. A lawyer is there to help answer the questions you may have regarding your case and to work through this process with you step by step.

For a free consultation with one of our experienced Kansas auto accident lawyers, stop in and see us at our conveniently located downtown Wichita law office or contact us directly right now.

We Offer Full Bilingual Services for Croatian-Speaking Clients

Personal Injury Cases are Taken on a Contingency-Fee Basis
You Pay No Attorney’s Fees Unless We Win Compensation For You

Free Consultations
Evening & Weekend Appointments Available
Visa & MasterCard Accepted

Cummings & Cummings, L.L.C. 129 East 2nd Street
Wichita, KS 67202
Phone: (316) 264-1548
Fax: (316) 264-4704