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Victim impact panels in Gwinnett County |
 What are Victim Impact Panels (VIPs)
Victim Impact Panels are two-hour long classes that a court may require someone charged with DUI to attend as a part of that person's sentencing. VIPs involve friends or relatives of a victim, or a victim himself, telling a group of DUI offenders the outcomes of an alcohol-related traffic accident. The hope is that after hearing the stories, a DUI offender will never, ever drink and drive again.
Panels are arranged by MADD and run by police officers. As Mothers Against Drunk Drivers explains, "The concept of the VIP is not for MADD to point fingers or to place blame, rather it is our effort to raise awareness and change the thinking and behavior of those present".
But are Victim Impact Panels effective in actually reducing DUI/DWI? Research says they do not and there is evidence that these panels may even be counter-productive. In fact, one study showed "female repeat offenders referred to VIPs were significantly more likely to be re-arrested compared with those not referred, with an odds of rearrest more than twice that of females not referred."
But if you've been ordered by a court to attend a panel, do what you are told. Click here to find a panel in Gwinnett County and in the Metro Atlanta area.
For a list of reserach about the efficacy of the panels, see http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/drivingissues/references/1070653181.html#1
Atlanta DUI Lawyers Clark & Towne
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 I've updated my Not Guilty page-- again
Have you ever looked at the “Not Guilty” section of this website? I place recent case results here – without names, of course – for a couple of reasons.
First, I want others to see that I’ve got a wide range of experience. Whatever your trouble, chances are excellent I’ve seen something similar to it before. Second, I want everyone to realize that sometimes the best result isn’t “get out of jail free.” Based on the charges, sometimes the best results is significantly reduced jail time or a lesser charge.
When you hire a lawyer, take into account his or her experience. Has she seen your situation before? Has she enough experience to be able to handle your case? What do you expect from your lawyer?
My clients will tell you, I give it to them straight. I’ll let you know if I think I can handle your case and I’ll let you know what a “good” resolution for your situation might be.
Atlanta DUI Lawyers Clark & Towne
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Ask Gwinnett County DUI Attorney Jessica Towne |
 Bank Seizes My Car After My Son is arrested driving it!!
Question:
My 19 year-old son was arrested for possession for having small amounts of three drugs. He was driving my car at the time and the police impounded my car. They released my car, but my lender has seized it and is planning on auctioning it. I’ve never been late on payments, and since I am the owner and wasn’t the one arrested, I don’t think the bank has any right to do this. What can I do to stop this?
Answer:
Banks have authority to accelerate a loan if it comes to their attention that the collateral has been endangered. It’s called “negligent entrustment.” Now, how did the bank find out about your son’s arrest in your car? It’s quite possible someone in the DA’s office or even the arresting officer notified them, hoping to get a great deal on your car at auction.
If your car sells for more than you owed on the note, the bank must give you the extra money. The bank really doesn’t want to do this. It’s in their best interest to get exactly or just a little under what was owed on it and it’s more than likely the bank will take sealed bids--which means the loan officer will call his buddy who regularly buys cars at repossession and give him a heads up. But, since by law the bank must tell you how much your car sold for (“notice of the sale”) and a court must to confirm the sale, if you object to the sale, the bank may be held accountable for failing to obtain top dollar.
Now, here is where you may be able to seize control of the situation:
Before the auction, get two separate appraisals of your car stating its value. Send copies of the appraisals to the bank along with a letter stating should the bank not get appraisal value, you will sue them for failing to act in a proper fiduciary duty / role to protect the loan. This might be enough to call the auction off. And if it isn’t at least you’ll be getting a fair price and have a down payment for your next vehicle -- one which you will never, ever let your kid drive.
Atlanta DUI Lawyers Clark & Towne
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 Back to school policing
School has been back in session several weeks now, and the first rush to fine drivers who fail to stop for a stopped school bus is likely to be the only rush.
The police admit that unless a citizen complains, police are probably not staking out bus stops for impatient drivers throughout the year.
When are they watching?
County and city law enforcement go after people breaking this law differently:
In Suwanee, police are placed where citizens report cars passing stopped buses. "Selective enforcement units are following up on complaints from bus drivers and residents." In Snellville, police perform "periodic spot checks" (the most likely time to find them is after long vacations).
Cities don't use radar in school zones because the cities and county are dickering over whose coffers should be providing safety services, but a future option involves installing cameras on stop-arm cameras to catch the tag numbers of violators.
What should you do if you are stuck behind a stopped bus?
Just stop. Don't move your car again until the bus is moving and its flashing lights have stopped and stop-arm is retracted. And if you don't and you are caught, 6 points will be added to your driver's license.
I realize that most people end up following a bus will have to make several stops, but I promise you that the bus will turn down a different road eventually and that you will learn when to avoid certain routes.
Atlanta DUI Lawyers Clark & Towne
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Gwinnett County Great Days of Service |
 Do you have a great idea for a project that could improve your community...
but need more people than you actually know to make it happen? Now is your chance to ask for that extra help you need by applying for the Gwinnett County Great Days of Service.
"A project for Great Days of Service can be anything from cleaning to painting to planting...projects can be anything that will enhance community life for Gwinnett County residents."
"You can submit a project by filling in an application and sending it in – if you have questions on how to apply or are unsure if your project would qualify, please feel free to contact a Project Coordinator in your area of Gwinnett or email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
and she can help!"
Or volunteer to work on someone Else's project
Of course, you can also just volunteer your time to help one of the great projects already listed.
"You can find projects based on location, interest area or by number of volunteers needed. Project registrations will take place on August 15-September 23rd. Projects are updated daily, check back if you don't see a project that meets your needs."
I'll be highlighting different opportunities for the next few weeks up to the great weekend itself, September 30 and October 1, 2011
Atlanta DUI Lawyers Clark & Towne
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Page 11 of 50 |
David Clark's book "101 Ways to Beat a Marijuana Charge in Georgia" is a comprehensive guide to getting out of a marijuana charge in Georgia. Mr. Clark, a former Judge, provides inside tips from his 22 years of experience as one of Georgia's top criminal defense lawyers defending pot smokers. All proceeds benefit Georgia NORML.
Jessica Towne's FREE book "How to Choose a Georgia DUI Lawyer" guides you through choosing an attorney. A criminal defense and trial lawyer for over 22 years, Ms. Towne shows you how to cut through the talk and find the best qualified attorney for your case.