5 Tips for safe driving this winter

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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 17 percent of vehicle accidents occur in winter. It’s a treacherous time for driving -not only because of the icy, snowy, and cold weather- but also because of the influx of alcohol use by those who are celebrating the season. You definitely don’t want to need the services of a Boulder DUI attorney this winter, so heed these five tips for driving safely in winter conditions.  

Stay home  

The easiest advice that any Boulder DUI attorney could give to most of his or her clients is to just stay home. Driving in winter weather wouldn’t even be a problem, especially if you’ve had a drink or two celebrating the festive season, if the celebrations occurred at home. If winter weather descends upon your community, do yourself a favor and skip the party for a quiet, safe night at home. 

Drive slow

The NHTSA recommends that drivers drive much slower during winter weather. It’s a well-known fact that it’s harder to stop your car in slick, icy, or snowy conditions. Give yourself extra time to stop by driving at a slower speed than you normally would in warmer weather.  

Have your car checked

One of the smartest tips for winter driving happens before winter even arrives. Do yourself a favor and make an appointment for your car to be checked by a knowledgeable mechanic during the fall season. Ask them to check the car from bumper to bumper and pay special attention to the parts that you’ll depend on for safe winter driving like the battery, tires, brakes, lights, windshield wipers, cooling system, and even your floor mats.  

Always have a DD

If you do have a winter party on your calendar that you just don’t want to miss, you can still do so safely by always having a designated driver. According to the US Department of Transportation, more than 300 people die each year because of drunk driving during the holidays. Don’t let such an unfortunate circumstance wreck your holiday cheer – always have a DD.

Stay alert

It’s also important, for safe winter driving, to stay alert. Falling snow can be hypnotic, and it’s important if you’re driving in heavy snow to maintain your focus on the road and cars ahead of you. Maintain alertness on the conditions around you and the traffic around you to ensure that you arrive at your destination safely.  

debt helper

Filing for Bankruptcy 101

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According to the American Bankruptcy Institute, about 600,000 each year file for bankruptcy in the US. Graph with link. Job loss, divorce, and medical bills are the three most common reasons that filers site for taking this legal step. If you’re considering doing so too, you’ll want the help of a trusted bankruptcy attorney in Boulder. 

Chose a chapter

Once you identify a bankruptcy attorney in Boulder to help you through the process, you’ll need to decide which chapter you’ll be filing. Chapter 7 allows a debtor to discharge all of their debts with a few exceptions like student loans. Chapter 13, on the other hand, doesn’t discharge debt and instead puts you on a trajectory for paying back your debts through payment plans and is more of a debt reorganization plan.  

Collect your documents

One of the first steps you’ll need to take is to collect necessary documents. Contact each of the three credit reporting bureaus – Experian, Tranunion, and Equifax, and request current credit reports. Collect any billing statements you have in your home, as well as any other documentation that shows money due for goods and services that you can’t pay.  

Register for credit counseling

In order to file for bankruptcy, you must first register for and complete a credit counseling class. These classes are held all over and a simple Google search will return several providers in your area. Your attorney can also suggest a place where you can take care of this requirement.  

File forms in court

The next step is to sign a bankruptcy petition. These forms disclose all of your debts and other financial information like assets that you own. Your lawyer will then submit your petition to the court and the day of filing becomes the effective day of your petition. The court will then issue your first bankruptcy hearing date.  

Attend 341 meeting

Your hearing date is called a 341 meeting and it will be the first time you meet with your bankruptcy trustee to discuss your circumstances. Your creditors are also invited to attend the meeting but seldom do. These meetings are typically pretty quick and your lawyer will prepare you for it.

Start rebuilding your finances

Following your 341 meeting, and the completion of your credit counseling class, you will be issued a certificate of discharge which shows that your debts have been discharged by the court as of a specific date. You will use this certificate in any financial dealings moving forward, and with creditors who might still come knocking looking for payment. Your lawyer will advise you to hang on to this paper for a minimum of 10 years.

Steps You Should Take if you Get a DUI for Alcohol or THC

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If you find yourself in the unfortunate circumstance of standing on the side of the road with a police officer who suspects that you’re under the influence and shouldn’t be driving, it pays to know ahead of time what’s in store and how to properly handle the situation. In Colorado, blood alcohol over .08 and THC measured above 5 nanograms signifies driving under the influence and will mean that a DUI ticket is heading your way. If this has happened to you, it’s best to find a knowledgeable and experienced Boulder DUI attorney to handle your case.  

Call an attorney 

A Boulder DUI attorney will be a critical partner in helping you to get through this unfortunate development. You can find one online that offers information about their specialties helping to ensure they have the experience you need by your side. Call your choice of an attorney to set up a consultation appointment and remember to act quickly because some things need to be done in the days immediately following the charge.  

Request a hearing

Requesting a hearing from the department of motor vehicles will be one of the first things to do following your charge. Your attorney can take care of this process for you. This hearing must be requested in the first week and an experienced Boulder DUI attorney will prove to be a lifesaver for anyone who’s never dealt with such things.  

Plea bargain or trial

The next step following a charge for DUI in Colorado will be to deal with the county court system. You will have to do one of three things, enter a guilty plea, enter a guilty plea regardless of your guilt in exchange for a plea deal which might include lighter sentencing, or refuse to enter a plea and ask the court to set a trial date. A knowledgeable DUI attorney will be able to advise which is the best for your situation after hearing the specific circumstances.  

Dealing with the DMV and county court

Following a DUI charge for either alcohol or THC, you will have to deal with both the DMV in Colorado and the county court system in Boulder. Each will have a specific set of requirements to deal with the charge and its impact on your ability to drive in the future, and your permanent record. Having an attorney on your side to help navigate the system is a win-win and the only way to ensure that the fallout is as minimal as possible. 

 

If you need an attorney for your DUI case, contact Paul Stuber in Boulder, CO at (303) 442-6448 today and visit www.paulstuber.com for more information