Bolinske Law FirmFindLaw IM Template2024-03-14T11:17:16Zhttps://www.bolinskelawfirm.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1401953/2020/01/cropped-favicon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Bolinske Law Firmhttps://www.bolinskelawfirm.com/?p=506362024-03-05T17:03:14Z2024-03-05T17:03:14ZTechnology
In the age of smartphones and constant connectivity, teens often find it challenging to resist the allure of their devices while driving. Texting, chatting or checking social media behind the wheel diverts their attention from the road. This distraction can result in delayed reaction times, increasing the likelihood of motor vehicle accidents.
Peer pressure
Teens are inherently social creatures, and the presence of friends in the car can amplify the risk of distracted driving. The desire to engage in conversations, laughter or even taking group selfies can divert attention from the road. Peer pressure, combined with the excitement of being with friends, may lead to poor decision-making while driving.
Inexperience
Lack of experience behind the wheel compounds the dangers of distracted driving for teens. Novice drivers are still honing their skills, and distractions can hinder their ability to navigate complex traffic situations. Teens must focus on the road to gain solid driving experience.
Multitasking
Many teens believe they can juggle various activities while driving without consequences. However, the reality is that multitasking behind the wheel is a recipe for disaster. Dividing attention between driving and other activities like talking on the phone increases the likelihood of errors, jeopardizing the safety of everyone on the road.
Education and parental involvement
Schools and communities must emphasize the importance of responsible driving habits. Equally important is the role of parents in setting strict guidelines and modeling focused driving behavior. Open communication about the risks associated with distractions behind the wheel can help teens make informed choices.
Because of these added risks, teenagers must understand that responsible driving is not just a personal responsibility but a commitment to the well-being of the entire community.]]>On Behalf of Bolinske Law Firmhttps://www.bolinskelawfirm.com/?p=506332023-12-07T19:37:11Z2023-12-07T19:37:11ZExercise your right to silence
Your Miranda rights play an important role in protecting you when the police question you. Anything you say can become evidence against you. Choosing to remain silent ensures you do not inadvertently provide information that could harm your case.
Cooperate with identification requests
Cooperating with identification processes, such as providing your name and identification, is generally beneficial. Resisting these basic requests can escalate the situation. While not all arrests lead to convictions, cooperating within legal boundaries is a sensible approach.
Preserve warrant requirements
Although the numbers have dropped significantly, the FBI still conducted more than 204,000 warrantless searches in 2022. Refuse any search without a warrant and communicate with law enforcement outside instead of inviting them into your home.
Maintain your composure
Remaining calm is crucial in any interaction with law enforcement. Emotions can cloud judgment and lead to unintended consequences. For example, you might lash out with impulsive responses to questions or statements, and those responses can lead to complications. Keeping a level head can help you make informed decisions during a challenging situation.
Being under police investigation is stressful but you can protect yourself when you understand your rights and the expectations of the process. These tips will help you do that.]]>On Behalf of Bolinske Law Firmhttps://www.bolinskelawfirm.com/?p=506312023-09-19T20:34:22Z2023-09-19T20:34:22Z1. What are felony charges?
Every year, North Dakota law enforcement officers arrest approximately 20,000 people, many of whom face felony charges. These are serious criminal offenses that can result in severe penalties if convicted. The state categorizes offenses into several classes, with Class A being the most severe and Class C being the least severe. Common felony charges include burglary, drug possession with intent to distribute, aggravated assault, felonious DUI and forgery.
2. What are the potential penalties?
The penalties for felony convictions vary depending on the class of felony and the specific circumstances of the case. Felony convictions often lead to significant prison sentences, ranging from one year for Class C felonies to life imprisonment for Class AA felonies, as well as hefty fines, which can reach thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. Felony convictions can result in the loss of certain rights, such as the right to possess firearms or vote.
3. What should I do if facing felony charges?
If confronted with felony charges take the situation seriously. Avoid self-incrimination by refraining from making statements to law enforcement, make sure you fully understand the charges against you and prepare yourself for the upcoming legal proceedings. Be ready for court appearances, and actively participate in building a strong and effective defense.
Although the situation may feel overwhelming, every case is unique and does not necessarily mean a conviction.]]>On Behalf of Bolinske Law Firmhttps://www.bolinskelawfirm.com/?p=505812023-06-13T18:20:56Z2023-06-13T18:20:56ZLung function
Doctors in the past believed that black people had poor lung function compared to white people. This historical prejudice remains influential today because algorithms that evaluate lung function as recorded by a spirometer device use this erroneous assumption.
The device measures how much air you can move through your lungs in each breath. Software within a spirometer scores the results of the patients who breath in and out of the device's mouthpiece. It can detect problems like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder or lung damage from pollution exposure.
A doctor relying on the spirometer results could misdiagnose a black patient or fail to recommend additional care. At times, such a decision may amount to medical negligence. Researchers looking at lung function testing of black people determined that the spirometer was potentially steering hundreds of people away from necessary care. Due to this problem, the American Thoracic Society supports a redesign of the algorithm to reflect reality.
Heart and kidney functions
Racial biases also lurk in systems meant to score your risk for heart disease or kidney function. Black patients may miss out on cardiac care because the medical system considers their race less prone to heart failure. As for kidney function evaluations, medical assumptions attribute higher kidney function to black people.
Careful diagnostic practices
Doctors can gain valuable insights from medical tests when the software running the machines does rely on unproven assumptions. Ideally, a diagnosis emerges from a doctor's thorough consideration of all variables, including your symptoms, X-rays and other lab tests.]]>On Behalf of Bolinske Law Firmhttps://www.bolinskelawfirm.com/?p=505662023-03-21T02:29:00Z2023-03-21T02:29:00ZPlea bargains in North Dakota
A plea bargain is a negotiation between the accused and the prosecutor that permits the defendant to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for an abbreviated punishment. This arrangement eliminates the need for a trial as all parties come together on an agreement without needing court proceedings.
The argument against plea bargains
Critics of plea bargaining believe it is unfair and can lead to innocent people pleading guilty just to avoid harsher sentences. Additionally, plea bargains can allow repeat offenders to escape with much lighter sentences than they would otherwise receive, ultimately allowing a cycle of criminal behavior.
Prosecutors may use this tactic as leverage against defendants who lack the financial resources or legal knowledge required to represent themselves adequately in court. This means police or prosecutorial misconduct, such as withholding evidence or coercing a confession, can go unchallenged in a trial.
The argument for plea bargains
Proponents of plea bargains believe that they are necessary for an effective justice system. They argue that plea bargains save time and money, which law enforcement can put toward more serious criminal cases.
Further, plea bargains reduce the likelihood of someone that committed a small crime going to prison because they lack the funds to hire a criminal defense attorney. For example, an individual that commits a minor shoplifting offense with no prior record may avoid prison if they accept a plea bargain.
Your rights
Every citizen or resident in America has a constitutional right to request a plea bargain. Both the judge and the prosecutor will decide whether to accept the plea bargain or reject it. Equally, you have the right to refuse any plea bargain that is offered. If a defendant rejects a plea bargain, then their case will go to trial, where the judge or jury will decide on it.
The debate around plea bargaining in North Dakota continues, with both sides making valid points. Ultimately, it is up to the individual's judgment if a plea bargain is an appropriate solution for their situation.]]>On Behalf of Bolinske Law Firmhttps://www.bolinskelawfirm.com/?p=503232022-12-20T17:14:27Z2022-12-19T17:13:59ZIcy roads
There are many reasons why icy roads can be hazardous during winter months. Firstly, they provide less traction, making it difficult to brake and turn safely. Secondly, ice can cause vehicles to slide or skid, which can put you in a dangerous situation. To reduce your risk of motor vehicle accidents on icy roads, make sure to take extra care when driving and reduce your speed to allow for shorter braking distances.
Poor visibility and snow
Fog, snow and darkness can all reduce visibility on the roads. Poor visibility reduces drivers’ ability to spot hazards and make decisions quickly, so it is important to drive cautiously in these conditions. If visibility is severely reduced by fog or snow, you may want to consider pulling over and waiting until the weather improves before continuing your journey.
Secondly, snow can make it difficult to see the road ahead and can cause vehicles to slip or slide on turns. To reduce your risk of motor vehicle accidents, make sure you keep a safe distance between your car and other motor vehicles and drive with caution.
Animals on road
Animals, such as deer and moose, can be hazardous as they may appear suddenly on roads due to their habits of foraging for food during colder months. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye out and reduce your speed when driving in rural areas. Additionally, you should avoid swerving or braking harshly if you encounter an animal on the road.
If your motor vehicle breaks down or you become stuck in the snow, make sure to call for help immediately. Make sure to stay with your motor vehicle and follow any safety protocols that are suggested by your motor vehicle insurer or local authorities.]]>On Behalf of Bolinske Law Firmhttps://www.bolinskelawfirm.com/?p=501782022-09-14T23:22:45Z2022-09-14T23:22:45ZWhat is synthetic identity theft?
Synthetic identity theft occurs when someone combines real and fake information to create a new identity. The real information is stolen, often from sites on the dark web, and then combined with the new information to open new accounts and make fraudulent purchases. It is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the United States.
How synthetic identity theft works
Many individuals who partake in synthetic identity theft use fake identity accounts responsibly for a time to build a credit score and history. The next step typically involves piling up fraudulent charges and then using the real portion of the information to pose as a fraud victim to get the account restored. Synthetic identity theft uses multiple information sources, including names, Social Security numbers, and other data, combined with multiple accounts, often keeping accounts open for years before fraud necessitating a criminal defense strategy is detected.
Not all forms of synthetic identity theft are not motivated to steal money from financial institutions. Often, illegal immigrants who don't have green cards are caught up in this scheme as they merely want access to bank accounts and credit cards that allow them to purchase items and build credit. Nevertheless, these actions are still illegal.
Minimizing the effect of identity theft charges
When financial institutions finally detect synthetic identity theft, the charges against a defendant can become considerable. Identity theft is a federal crime that carries stiff penalties. Therefore, fighting these charges requires aggressive representation.
The consequences could be even more severe for immigrants who may have knowingly or unknowingly engaged in synthetic identity theft. Prosecutors may report your case to immigration officials, who may then start separate proceedings against you. Those who were unaware that their accounts were illegal will need to consider additional steps they must take to minimize the consequences.]]>On Behalf of Bolinske Law Firmhttps://www.bolinskelawfirm.com/?p=501702022-06-23T01:14:59Z2022-06-23T01:14:59ZUnauthorized entry
This means that you entered a property without the owner's permission. Note that this doesn't necessarily mean that you broke in, but simply that you didn't have the owner's permission to be there. Usually, the owner will have to testify that they did not give you permission to enter. If the prosecution can't prove that you entered without permission, they may not be able to convict you of burglary.
There must be a property
This may seem like a no-brainer, but the prosecution has to be able to prove that there was actually a property that you entered. If they can't do this, then there's no case. A property, in this case, can be pretty much anything - a house, a car, a boat or anything similar. You have to have actually entered the property, though - simply being in the vicinity isn't enough. For instance, if you got caught trying to break into a house, but you hadn't actually made it inside yet, it would be easy for your criminal defense team to argue that there was no property involved.
Intent to commit a crime
This is where things can get tricky. In this case, the prosecution doesn't need to prove that you actually committed a crime, only that you intended to. For example, you may be charged with burglary if you're caught trying to pick a lock. However, if you can prove that you had no intention of actually committing a crime, you may be able to get the charges reduced or dropped.
If you're charged with burglary, it's important to understand these three elements of the crime. You may be able to use them to your advantage and get a reduced sentence or even an acquittal. Always remember that even if you're caught in the act of burglary, it doesn't automatically mean that you'll get convicted.]]>On Behalf of Bolinske Law Firmhttps://www.bolinskelawfirm.com/?p=501692022-03-25T22:27:23Z2022-03-25T22:27:23ZAlways keep your eyes on the road
The best way to avoid getting involved in motor vehicle accidents is to make sure to always keep your eyes on the road. Make use of the mirrors and other safety devices that are at your disposal. Pay special attention to other vehicles, pedestrians, and bike riders. Keep an eye out for bottlenecks, school zones, and other conditions.
Make sure to put all of your electronic devices away while you are at the wheel. While you are driving is not a good time to be engaged in a text chat. Taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can result in a fatal car crash.
You should already have made all of your necessary adjustments before you get into your car. This means your clothes should be on, your hair should be combed, and your breakfast should be eaten. These are all things that can lead to fatal distractions if you do them while driving.
It's up to you to drive safely
There are all sorts of reasons why people crash their vehicles or get into accidents with other drivers. These can range from DUI to driving while distracted. Many drivers even experience drowsiness due to an inability to adjust to daylight savings time. It will be up to you to do all that you can to avoid becoming a fatality statistic.
Your best bet is to always drive in a safe and totally focused manner. Obey all of the traffic safety regulations that apply to your situation. Keep an eye out for road hazards and other vehicles. The more you do to keep yourself safe, the more you will contribute to the safety of the other drivers who share the road.]]>On Behalf of Bolinske Law Firmhttps://www.bolinskelawfirm.com/?p=501322021-12-28T15:12:37Z2021-12-28T15:12:37ZHome purchase
According to the police affidavit, the woman arranged for an illegal wire transfer by using her in-laws’ bank account information and her mother-in-law’s name. The money was transferred to a property title company in Helena for the down payment on a $474,000 home in October.
The woman also allegedly financed the balance of the purchase price by claiming that her father-in-law was her co-borrower. Police investigators say that the notarized documents the woman used to obtain the financing were not legitimate. The notary that she listed was not licensed with the Secretary of State’s office.
The woman’s mother and father-in-law have told the police that they did not sign any of the documents or authorize the wire transfer. They also told police that the accused woman and her husband, who is their son, lived in their home for part of 2017.
Two criminal counts
According to the woman’s arrest warrant that was issued on Nov. 30, she has been charged with one count of felony theft and one count of obtaining credit with another person’s personal identifying information. Each of these charges has a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. The initial court records did not list a criminal defense attorney for the accused woman.
A person who has been charged for a similar offense may use a number of different defense strategies, depending on how much evidence there is against them. In many cases, people accused of white-collar crimes are able to work out a plea deal for reduced charges.]]>