How to Fight Back After an Assault
October 25, 2012 | Jon P. EricksonThese days, you can never be too safe. Whether you are out alone or with someone you trust, you could find yourself being the victim of an assault. There are three phases that you need to prepare for in the case of an assault: prevention, as soon as it happens and handling it afterward. Preventing an Assault You do not have any control over someone deciding to assault you; however, there are some ways to help lower your chances of being assaulted. The biggest one is paying attention to your surroundings. Many random assaults happen when a person is not fully aware of their surroundings. If you are out in public alone, especially if it is dark, you should keep your eyes open and remain alert. Do not talk on your cell phone or preoccupy yourself with anything else. Focus on where you are going and pay attention to the surrounding area. Avoid dark alleys and sparsely populated areas. If you see someone who looks suspicious, use your gut instinct and stay away. A good way to do this is by walking into a store or over to another person. However, preventing an assault by someone you know can be more difficult to prevent. If you are spending time with a friend or…
Read MoreUnderstanding DWI – Not Just Another Traffic Ticket
October 22, 2012 | Jon P. EricksonAlmost every other week you hear stories on the news about celebrities being pulled over for DWI. Their mug shot will be shown, viewers will get a laugh over it and then it seems to be over. You don’t hear anything about it again; but the fact is that this is no laughing matter and it should be taken seriously. It is a Criminal Offense Many people are under the impression that if you are arrested for drunk driving, you are only retained until you sober up and then it is over, but this way of thinking is wrong. This offense is not the same as a speeding violation or even a reckless driving charge. This sort of charge cannot be cleared up in traffic court; but instead, you will face a criminal court judge instead. If you are pulled over while intoxicated, the police officer will normally ask you if you have been drinking. It is best for you not to answer and instead invoke your right to remain silent. If they ask you to take a field sobriety test, you have the right to refuse. In fact, these tests are not considered reliable since sober people can fail while people who are intoxicated can pass. If the police officer believes there…
Read MoreHow to Handle a DUI Charge in Coon Rapids
October 18, 2012 | Jon P. EricksonIf you have had alcohol to drink and get behind the wheel of a car, you are taking a big risk. You may not realize just how impaired you really are but you can bet that police officers will. The fact is that a DUI, also known as driving while under the influence, is a criminal charge and not a traffic violation, so in the event you are charged with this offense, you need to know how to properly handle the situation. What Happens When You Get Pulled Over If you see lights and hear sirens behind you, it is best to pull right over. Your first thought might be to panic and try to keep going but this is the wrong move. You don’t need any additional charges on top of DUI. You may be scared, but remember first and foremost that you have the right to remain silent. If you are in fact, inebriated, the best thing to do is to invoke this right. Even if you don’t believe you are drunk but you have had at least a drink, remain silent. Speaking will incriminate you. The first question that cops will ask you is if you have been drinking. If you have had something to drink, do not answer their…
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