What to Do If You're Arrested in DC

October 5, 2013 Lucas Dansie

Interactions with law enforcement officials can be stressful, particularly if you are not aware of your rights. This is an overview of what to do if you find yourself stopped by the DC Metropolitan Police Department:

Step 1: Follow Directions

Police have the legal right to ask you to say your name and show identification. If an officer suspects that you may be in possession of a weapon, he or she may also be able to perform a “stop and frisk” without any other probable cause. If you choose to ignore the officer or talk back, you may be at risk of being charged for insubordination or obstruction of justice. These extra penalties can make a simple drug possession case for example, much more difficult.

Step 2: Remember Your Right to Remain Silent

Your most important right when being placed under arrest is your 4th Amendment right to remain silent. Anything you say to an officer can and will be used against you. For this reason, you should refrain from attempting to explain yourself or otherwise providing the police with any information. All confessions or excuses will be written up and made a formal part of your investigation. Politely tell the officer that you wish to speak to an attorney before making any statements.

Step 3: Call a Criminal Defense Attorney

No matter what the crime, DC residents should speak to a criminal defense attorney as soon as they are charged with an offense under local law. Your conduct during police questioning or at an arraignment can have serious repercussions for your case – so it is important to have a trusted criminal defense attorney by your side.

If you need legal advice after an arrest in the District of Columbia, call the law office of Dansie & Dansie at (202) 783-1597. We know the intricacies of the DC criminal code and can offer legal services for misdemeanor and felony convictions. Contact us today to learn more.

DC and Maryland Personal Injury Statutes of Limitation

May 19, 2013 Lucas Dansie

Every state limits the amount of time that someone can bring a personal injury case against an at-fault party after an accident. This enables businesses to plan ahead without worrying about liability. However, this also means that injured parties have a limited amount of time during which to consult a lawyer and file their claim. If they wait too long, victims may be forever disqualified from seeking financial compensation for their claim. It is also important to note that every state has slightly different laws when it comes to statutes of limitations. Here is a look at DC and Maryland regulations:

District of Columbia

In the event of a tortious action, DC residents have three years to file a personal injury action against the at-fault party. This includes legal claims for intentional actions such as assault and battery as well as unintentional torts like negligence. However, if the negligent act leads to a loved one's passing, the family of the deceased only has one year to file suit against the individuals or companies responsible.

Maryland

If the accident occurred in Maryland, the victim has no more than three years from the date of the collision to file a personal injury claim. This topic governed by the state’s statutes concerning Courts and Judicial Proceedings, and it applies to injuries that were proximately caused by the accident. If the accident occurred in the District of Columbia, but both drivers reside in Maryland and register their vehicles in that state, Maryland law likely applies. However, every situation is different, so it is essential to speak to a licensed attorney who can offer sound advice.

Have You Been Involved in a Washington, DC Car Accident?

May 8, 2013 Lucas Dansie

DC is a region known for its traffic and roadway delays. If you suffered injuries due to a car or truck collision, you may have a legal right to receive compensation. The best way to find out if you may be able to recover for your loss is to speak to a local personal injury attorney. If you are involved in a automobile accident, you should consider following these steps:

Step 1: Consider Medical Help

If you were involved in an accident, call the police and check for injuries as soon as possible. Even if you do not notice any visible problems right after the crash, it is important to create a record of the event. Once the police arrive, they will investigate the scene and create a report of the situation. If you are injured, go to a hospital as soon as possible. Your first priority should be your well-being.

Step 2: Start a Paper Trail

Anytime two or more cars collide, insurance companies generally will get involved. It is in your best interest to collect as much information as possible. Ask everyone involved (including any witnesses) for their names, phone numbers, and email addresses. Write down the other driver’s insurance information and take photos of the scene with your smartphone.

Step 3: Consult a Personal Injury Attorney

If you suffered injuries as a result of the other party’s negligence, you have the legal right to ask for compensation for your emotional suffering and medical bills. The insurance company will seek to pay you as little money as possible. This is why you need a skilled personal injury attorney to advocate for you before and during the trial process.

An experienced lawyer will be able to negotiate with insurance companies to help you recover for your pain. He or she can calculate both the past and future costs of your injuries to ensure that you are made whole following bloodily injuries. However, each state has slightly different laws when it comes to the time limits on recovery, so you will want to speak with a local lawyer as soon as possible. Dansie & Dansie LLP offers free consultations - so dial (202) 783-1597 to schedule an appointment today.