How to Start Fresh After an Arrest This New Year

The new year is about fresh starts.  As the previous year comes to a close, we make resolutions to ourselves to do better in the new year whether it’s losing weight, quitting bad habits, exercising more, or simply spending more time with those we love.  It’s all about making positive changes to make life better. New Year’s resolutions are often left behind as the year goes on but with any luck, some of the good habits stick.

You’re Out on Bail. Now What? 

If you were arrested, booked, paid bail, and were released, you may think you can relax now but nothing could be further from the truth. Posting bail means that you promise to not only show up in court but also that while you’re awaiting your trial, you have to abide by the rules outlined in court.  If you don’t, you could find yourself back in jail and this time, you’ll have to stay there until your court date. 

To Bail or Not to Bail? The Decision to Post a Bail Bond

Being a friend means being there in a time of need.  Answering the call when he needs to talk about a breakup.  Bringing her some chicken soup when she’s feeling under the weather.  But what if your friend asks you to bail him out of jail? Should you do it? Posting a bond to get…

All I Want For Christmas Is…

…to not get a DUI. In 2016, 781 people died in drunk driving accidents in the month of December alone.  It’s really no wonder why police set up sobriety checkpoints and crack down on drunk drivers during the holiday season. The holidays are filled with celebrations with family, friends, and coworkers and when alcohol is…

What To Do If Your Teen is Arrested

It’s a phone call that no parent wants to get―your teenager has been arrested.  You’re shocked. You’re angry and scared and you don’t know what to do. First, take a deep breath.  Of course, you’re upset but it’s important to think clearly so you can help your child.   When your teen is arrested, he or…

How To Get Your Life Back on Track After a Conviction

In life, there are rarely situations that are black and white. Even the Constitution, the steadfast code by which we are governed, had to be amended 27 times.  Committing a crime isn’t black and white either. It’s not simply that good guys don’t commit crimes and bad guys do. Sure, there are a lot of bad guys that thumb their noses at the law and knowingly commit crimes but there are many others that are just people who get themselves into a bad situation that they can’t get out of.  Maybe they are in the grips of a drug and alcohol dependency. Or perhaps they had too much to drink when they were out with friends and their judgments were as impaired as their ability to drive. Or they may not even be aware that they were committing a crime.  

Spotlight On: Misdemeanors

In a perfect world, there would be no crime and everyone would live in peace and harmony.  Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world. People commit crimes all the time but we can take some comfort in knowing that the majority of crimes being committed are misdemeanors and not felonies!

Is More Affordable Bail the Answer? (Hint: It’s Not.)

All over the country, legislators have been looking at and implementing bail reform aimed at keeping non-violent criminals out of jail if they cannot afford bail.  In NH, new bail guidelines that lower bail amounts to make them more affordable have resulted in a rash of criminals being released on their own recognizance only to commit more crimes once they’re back on the street.  Under the new rules, bail commissioners, or, as in other states, risk assessment tools, set bail and the criminals are arraigned at a later date. The goal is to not jail people simply because they can’t afford cash bail. 

Spotlight on:  Property Crime

One of the most common crimes that a person may be arrested for is a property crime.  A property crime can be as big as embezzling millions of dollars from a company to as small as stealing a pack of gum from a convenience store.  The property doesn’t need to be stolen for it to be considered a crime, it could be damaged, concealed, or destroyed as well. Let’s break down this category of crimes and look at the varying forms of property crime.