Category: Uncategorized

As a car accident lawyer serving San Antonio, Jesse Hernandez has seen his fair share of accidents, many of which could have been avoided. In a time where electronics are favored and constantly used, highway message boards have become more and more prominent to keep people safe by displaying messages about traffic updates and upcoming accidents.

What Are Traffic Message Boards?

Traffic message boards are the large transportable signs with a digital display that you’ll spot on highways. They are normally meant to communicate important information like speed limits, upcoming landmarks and their distance from you, and if there’s traffic or an accident ahead. More recently, we are seeing messages that now alternate between traffic updates and a message about staying safe.

What Are The Benefits?

More common are the message boards that contribute to safer conditions on the road for drivers by providing real-time traffic updates and communication about the hazards up ahead. The signs tell you to slow down, look out for hazards (like a vehicle on the side of the road), and what the traffic will be like as you head to your destination. However, due to the durability and orange and black design, message boards are now adding sentences about road safety into the rotation and gaining the driver’s attention in order to keep their hands on the wheel.

For example, around the time of Thanksgiving, one sign read: “Feast Your Eyes on the Road / Drive Safely.” The goal is to get the attention of those in the vehicles on the highways and make sure they practice safer driving.

 

If you ever find yourself in need of a lawyer, the Law Office of Jesse Hernandez understands that legal emergencies can arise at any time. The car accident lawyer of San Antonia is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to help clients with multiple cases.

Motor vehicle accidents, whether they are minor or major, are scary and stressful. Accidents involving trucks are even more threatening as they can result in serious injuries or deaths. If you ever find yourself in this situation, you should contact a truck accident attorney in San Antonio. Here are some questions you may have should you be involved in a truck accident.

 

Q: How is fault determined in a truck accident?

A: There are a few factors that go into determining fault: investigating the scene, eyewitness testimonies, and police reports. A truck accident attorney will also investigate the driver as well as the company that employs them. For example, truck driving training and how they were hired can all turn into contributing factors.

 

Q: Who is responsible for the truck accident: the driver or the trucking company?

A: Both the driver and the truck company can be held liable. This liability all depends on the results of the investigation. It’s possible that a trucking company will try to avoid liability. They could claim that the driver doesn’t work for them or that they don’t own the vehicle that was involved in the accident. This misleading information is when having a truck accident attorney proves beneficial.

 

Q: What should I look for in a truck accident attorney?

A: A clear understanding of the challenges you and your family face. An experienced team that can put their experience to good use when representing your case. Understanding the benefits offered when you hire quality legal services. These are just a few things to look for when hiring a truck accident attorney. Make sure you are comfortable and confident with your choice.

 

We have a truck accident attorney team in San Antonio devoted to making sure you receive the help you need. Our personal injury lawyers prove vital assistance when you or a loved one is involved in an accident and seriously injured. Call us today to get the help you deserve.

If you were driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, a cop can pull you over and arrest you for a DWI (or DUI). You will have to appear before a judge for your arraignment. If you ever find yourself in need of a personal injury law firm in San Antonio, we are here to help you and fight for you. It’s important to know the DWI steps if you ever find yourself caught up in the middle of one. These are the following steps that will most likely take place after you receive a DUI.

The Arraignment

The arraignment is your chance to plead to the charge. The options: guilty, no contest, not guilty. A lawyer may also be appointed for you. Your bail amount may be set. Most defendants who haven’t posted bail are charged with misdemeanors. Normally, at this stage, it is unnecessary to have an attorney present since you are only entering a plea. If you have a prior DWI, you should deny said convictions so that you or your attorney can challenge the validity at a later stage.

The Options

You should now begin to evaluate your case. Here are the following options for you:

• – Plead guilty as charged
• – Plea bargain down to a reduced charge (i.e. reckless driving)
• – Ask for a trial before a judge
• – Demand a jury trial (which is available in most states—not all)

Your option of fighting the charge or plea bargain strongly depends on the strength of the prosecution’s evidence. Did you have a high BAC or were you extremely intoxicated? If the answer is yes, the negotiating may not be in your favor. If you want to ask for a jury trial, you may have a better chance with a jury of your peers deciding your case rather than a judge.

The Plea Bargaining

Plea bargaining is when a criminal defendant and prosecutor reach a compromise. The defendant will enter a guilty or no contest plea. As a result, there will be a reduced charge, a fine, or a jail sentence. Plea bargains most likely happen when there is some weakness in the prosecution’s case. However, if the evidence of guilt is stronger, the plea bargain is probably not the route you want to take.

The Lawyer

Whether you decide on a plea bargain or taking your case to trial, you should have an attorney to represent you. The judge will appoint one to you if you cannot afford one. There are many attorneys out there who offer a free initial consultation to anyone thinking of hiring a DWI attorney.

 

You should never drink and drive. Should you find yourself in this position, contact a DWI attorney or a personal injury law firm of San Antonia, like the Law Offices of Jesse Hernandez, to support you in your case. Gain some peace of mind when you work with us. We approach every client with a focus on integrity, advocacy, and understanding.

A breathalyzer is a device that measures the content of alcohol in a person’s breath. They are often used in the event that you are pulled over for a DWI. If you are arrested for a DWI, then it is important you know the facts about breathalyzer tests and that you call Jesse Hernandez, a DWI attorney in San Antonio TX.

How do Police Use Breathalyzer Tests?

It is illegal to drive if you have a blood alcohol content of over .008 percent. Police use breathalyzer tests to determine if you have alcohol in your system without having to resort to invasive methods like blood tests. If you are pulled over for a DWI, the police may ask you to submit to a breathalyzer test. It is often advisable to refuse to take a portable breathalyzer test unless you are certain you are not intoxicated. Police have the discretion to arrest someone who contains any amount of alcohol, so if you take a breathalyzer test and pass, there is still a chance you could be arrested.

Problems with Breathalyzer Tests

There are several factors that can complicate the results of a breathalyzer test. If you have recently used an alcohol-based mouthwash, the machine can detect it. There are also varied results if you hold your breath, hyperventilate or run before taking the test. Other medical conditions or even the types of food you have eaten can all affect the tests. Due to the many errors that can occur during a breathalyzer test, it is common to have a false positive result. To be sure your breathalyzer test results are properly used in your case, you should contact a DWI attorney in San Antonio TX, like Jesse Hernandez.

You should never drink and drive, but if you have been arrested for a DWI, you should immediately contact a DWI attorney in San Antonio TX like the Law Offices of Jesse Hernandez to support you in your case. They will walk you through the charges associated with your DWI and support you through your case.

Summer is quickly approaching, whether going on vacation or simply enjoying more social events in the warm weather, there are more people out and about. Unfortunately, in addition to more people going out, statistics also show that DWIs increase during the summer months. While you should never drink and drive, if you are arrested for a DWI, you will need a great DWI lawyer in San Antonio like Jesse Hernandez.

DWIs in the Summer Months

There are several factors that explain why there are more DWIs during summer months. For one, the warm weather also causes an increase in social binge drinking. With restaurant patios open and an increase in summer concerts and events, many more people are drinking. Summer is also a more common time for vacations and breaks in the school year also contribute to the uptick in DWIs.

How to Prevent DWIs

DWIs are very preventable. First, do not drink and drive. If you know you will be drinking, arrange for another transportation method before you go out. With rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft being so common, there is no excuse to drive drunk. If you do plan to drive be sure that you do not drink. Opt for soda or sparkling water to be sure you have a safe night.

What to Do if I am Arrested for a DWI

While you should always make other transportation arrangements if you are planning on drinking, if you are pulled over for a DWI, you should immediately call a DWI lawyer in San Antonio like Jesse Hernandez. Driving while intoxicated is a criminal offense and without a DWI attorney to support you in your case, you can face serious consequences.

Contact the Law Offices of Jesse Hernandez to be your DWI lawyer in San Antonio. We will evaluate your case and support you through the DWI charges.

In the event you are pulled over because an officer suspects you of DWI, there are several things you need to know. First, the police officer will likely request to administer a field sobriety test. If the officer determines you have failed, they may arrest you and take you to the police station to perform a breath test and where they will read you The Miranda warning. At this time it is recommended you contact your DWI attorney in San Antonio TX.

What is a Field Sobriety Test?

There are three main types of field sobriety tests, The ‘Follow-the-Finger’ test in which your eyes are to follow the movement of the officers finger to determine the shaking of the eyeball, the ‘Walk-and-Turn’ test where you are asked to walk in a straight line, placing one foot in front of the other and turning to return back to the original spot, and the ‘One-leg-Stand’ test where you are asked to stand on one leg until the officer tells you to stop.

It is important to know that you have the right to refuse the testing. This is often times in your best interest if you feel that you will not pass it, and will not result in automatic penalties. Failing a field sobriety test often can serve as evidence in your case. If you are pulled over on suspicion of DWI and fail the field sobriety tests, it is time to contact a DWI attorney in San Antonio TX.

What Do I Do if I Am Pulled Over On Suspicion of a DWI?

If you have been pulled over on suspicion of a DWI, it is important you have a trusted DWI attorney in San Antonio TX like the Law Offices of Jesse Hernandez to support you in your case. They can explain to you the results and consequences of a field sobriety test and support you through your case.

A DWI charge is a very serious charge that can have a lasting impact on all aspects of your life. If you can drive, where you can live, and what type of job you can get are all impacted by this life-altering decision. Understanding your charges and knowing your rights will help you get your life back on track. If you are involved in a DWI accident in San Antonio, contact the Law Offices of Jesse Hernandez who will work to defend you in your case.

What is a DWI?

A DWI is defined as operating a vehicle when your blood alcohol content is above the legal limit as a result of having drunk alcohol. This alone is a serious charge, but if driving while intoxicated results in an accident, then the charges and penalties will increase.  

What to Do If You Are Involved in a DWI Accident?

If you are operating a vehicle while under the influence of illegal drugs, and this results in an accident, you could be facing very serious penalties.It is important to contact an attorney immediately if you cause a DWI Accident in San Antonio as the initial investigative portion of the case are very important and having an attorney on your side will make you aware of your rights and support you in your case.

Seek Help

Alcohol and drug addictions are very serious ailments and if you are charged with a DWI, it is important that you seek help and treatment for your addition. There are many types of treatment facilities and programs and finding one that suits you is imperative in your recovery.  

Contact The Law Offices of Jesse Hernandez if you are involved in a DWI Accident in San Antonio.

 

Overwhelming. It is likely the first emotion you feel after an arrest. You may also feel confused and scared about the charges against you. Jesse Hernandez, a San Antonio criminal defense attorney can evaluate your charges and help guide you through the legal process. Being informed of your charges and consequences is the first step into designing your defense strategy.

Misdemeanors and Potential Penalties

A misdemeanor is a crime that has a maximum of one year prison time. Each state defines misdemeanors differently, and there are different classifications within the misdemeanors charges. Class A misdemeanors are the most serious kind of misdemeanor and typical examples of those are listed below:

• Assault
• Some DUI/DWI
• Conspiracy
• Some cases of Domestic Violence
• Burglary
• Resisting arrest
• Possession of a controlled substance
• Property theft over $1,000
• Making a false report
• Unlawful possession of a weapon
• Violating a restraining order

Every case is different, however, misdemeanor charges often result in a fine of $500 to $5,000, a maximum of one year in prison, rehabilitation or community service. A San Antonio criminal defense attorney can explain your charges and potential penalties you may be facing.

Felonies and Potential Penalties

Offenses that require more than a year of incarceration are usually classified as felonies and usually result in time in federal prison. Often felonies are crimes of violence but other examples are listed below:

• Murder
• Rape
• Arson
• Sale of illegal drugs
• Grand theft
• Kidnapping

Felonies have the most severe punishments and can range from significant jail time, to in some cases in certain states, the death penalty.

Navigating your Legal Battle

The line can be fairly thin when determining a misdemeanor versus a felony so it is important to communicate all facts accurately to your San Antonio criminal defense attorney. Jesse Hernandez can evaluate your case for free. Contact the Law Offices of Jesse Hernandez today.