DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia

Going Out Before Thanksgiving? You Won't Be the Only One on the Road

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Thanksgiving has the highest number of drunk driving accidents of any holiday.

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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 5,000 people died in car accidents from 2000 to 2009 over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Roughly a third of these deaths were attributed to drunken driving, resulting in the highest number of drunk driving accidents of any holiday.

Known for being one of the biggest nights to party, teens are home from college and excited to reunite, everyone has the next day off work and is eager to celebrate, so Wednesday, November 27 promises to be a busy night for many.

It is vital to remember before you drive that police are certainly aware of the heightened amount of drinking, and will be extra vigilant when patrolling the roads. Make sure you explain to your recent of-age college kid the impact a DUI charge brings, and also the consequences from underage drinking or serving minors.

Prepare in advance how to get where you are going and home without getting behind the wheel.

Even one drink can be too much so play it safe and stay sober every time you are driving.

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DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia

Traveling for Thanksgiving? Here's Everything You Need to Know

AAA travel services found more than 54 million Americans travelled last Thanksgiving, the highest the country has seen in over a decade.

thanksgiving.jpg

AAA travel services found more than 54 million Americans travelled last Thanksgiving, the highest the country has seen in over a decade.

If you have ever faced the endless traffic during Thanksgiving weekend, you will not be surprised to learn it is one of the busiest times of the year to travel.

With an increase in flights and travelers on the road, it’s important to remember the increased security and police presence.

The Ohio State Highway patrol has recently started a new campaign to crack down on speeding, distracted drivers and OVI so make sure you pay attention, stay off your phones and stay sober.

If you find yourself under arrest for any charges, it is important to contact us right away. Holiday or not, our offices are open 24/7 so we are ready to represent you.

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DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia

Don't Let an Orange Jumpsuit Be Your Halloween Costume

Almost half of fatal accidents happen during Halloween weekend as a result of drinking and driving.

handcuffed-inmate.jpg

Almost half of fatal accidents happen during Halloween weekend as a result of drinking and driving.

While dressing up and celebrating can be a great time, it’s important to remember cops are actively patrolling for drunk drivers. The stakes of a DUI are too high to risk arrest, so we advise designating a sober driver and avoiding getting behind the wheel.

A new campaign, Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving, includes scary stats that from 2013-2017, 158 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes on Halloween.

Don’t ruin your Halloween party by ending up in jail. Talk with your teens about safe choices and the consequences of underage drinking and a DUI.

If you do find yourself under arrest, our offices are open 24/7 so you can call us right away to fight for you.

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DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia

New Air Patrols Catch Distracted Ohio Drivers

It's not just drunk driving that can get you in trouble.

police-chopper.jpg

It's not just drunk driving that can get you in trouble.

New air patrols in Ohio are now being used to catch distracted drivers using their cell phones.

Dayton Daily News reported, “Distracted driving, which includes texting, talking on the phone or other behaviors, was a factor in 13,727 crashes in Ohio last year. Fifty-one people died in those accidents and 6,860 people were injured, the patrol statistics show.”

As an effort to keep drivers safe, Ohio Highway Patrol Troopers are now able to monitor from the sky if a car is driving too close, veering into another lane, or identify other signs that a driver is not focused on the road.

“Ohio law prohibits drivers younger than 18 from using electronic wireless communication devices while driving. Texting while driving is illegal for all drivers but it’s a secondary offense, which means police can only pull the driver over for another infraction such as speeding.”

This means all ages need to avoid texting and driving.

We also urge sober and safe driving, but if you or your teenager are facing consequences for distracted driving, contact us immediately.

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DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia

Most Dangerous Days on the Road

As your family enjoys this last month of summer, make sure to make safe choices.

car-accident.jpg

As your family enjoys this last month of summer, make sure to make safe choices.

As college-bound kids savor one more month with their friends, it’s important to explain how much a DUI or underage drinking arrest can affect not only their college acceptance but also their future.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol remain on high alert during the “100 deadliest days,” Memorial Day through Labor Day. More parties and getaways means an increased chance there are less sober drivers.

Make sure every driver in your home always chooses alcohol-free driving and if you get caught behind bars and are facing DUI charges, our office is open 24/7 so call us immediately.


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DUI and DWI Defense, Recent Cases rachel pelaia DUI and DWI Defense, Recent Cases rachel pelaia

Mistreatment in Jail Case

We are representing a young woman who lost sight in her eye due to the mistreatment by the jail guards and nurses at the Cuyahoga County Jail.

lawsuit against jail

We are representing a young woman who lost sight in her eye due to the mistreatment by the jail guards and nurses at the Cuyahoga County Jail.

The lawsuit was recently featured on Fox 8.

Our client fell in a large pool of water, which was coming from a cell from sink/toilet which had been leaking for many days and running out into the areas which service the inmates of the jail. She told jail officials she hit her head and was, "Seeing colored spots and lines in her left eye."

After waiting three weeks to be seen by a doctor our client was then denied her prescribed eye drops.

Stay tuned for details on this.

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DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia

Avoid Arrest this Fourth of July

Last year almost 300 people were arrested in Ohio for drinking and driving during the July 4th weekend.

dui attorney avoid arrest july 4

Last year almost 300 people were arrested in Ohio for drinking and driving during the July 4th weekend.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported 296 OVI arrests, 276 arrests for drug-related charges and 297 crashes.

The stakes are always high when you drive impaired, but with a heightened police presence you are almost certain to face arrest for driving drunk.

News 5 Cleveland reported in 2017 over the same holiday weekend, “eight OVI-related fatal crashes took eight lives.”

Don’t let you or someone you know become this terrible statistic. Avoid getting behind the wheel and call #677 to report impaired drivers.

If you do find yourself under arrest, our office will be open and we urge you to contact us immediately.

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DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia

Memorial Day Has Highest Fatality Rate

With the highest number of fatal car accidents out of all the major holidays, we can’t emphasize enough the importance of sober driving.

memorial day dui attorney

With the highest number of fatal car accidents out of all the major holidays, we can’t emphasize enough the importance of sober driving.

Known for no work, pool parties and outdoor BBQs, this long weekend sees a sharp increase of drivers on the road. With an increased police presence too, your chances of a DUI become greater.

A day off of school also means more young, inexperienced drivers will be out. Underage drinking and driving become serious causes for concern, so we urge all parents to talk to their teens about the consequences from a DUI.

We are available 24/7 and have represented countless clients who have spent a holiday behind bars. If you do find yourself under arrest this Memorial Day weekend, contact us immediately.

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DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia

Successful DUI Reduction

We were once again successful in getting a good faith reduction for our young adult client who had a DUI charge in the southern suburbs of Cuyahoga County.

dui arrest attorney

We were once again successful in getting a good faith reduction for our young adult client who had a DUI charge in the southern suburbs of Cuyahoga County.

Our client was a young man who was very respectful to the police when pulled over – and that mattered here.

Many people ask what they should do if pulled over by the police with a fear that they might not pass a field sobriety test. Each case is different (very different). But it ALWAYS helps if you are very polite to the officer(s).

It may not get you any reduction in the long run, but police officers are just human beings and they often empathize with polite persons who they feel they have to arrest for a DUI – and they will often professionally go to bat for those who might deserve a reduction (based upon the evidence).

Our client was a young kid with a bright future and we are happy for this victory.

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DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia

Celebrate The Day of The Irish Safely

Don’t get caught behind bars this St. Patrick’s Day.

st. patrick's day dui

Don’t get caught behind bars this St. Patrick’s Day.

We all know Cleveland has one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade’s in the country, but with such a large crowd comes an increased police presence.

Whether you venture downtown to enjoy the festivities or to a local Irish pub, we urge you to avoid drinking and driving.

Even a short drive home can land you in jail if a police officer has reasonable suspicion and pulls you over.

If you do find yourself behind bars, make us your first call as we will be available 24/7.

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DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia

Keep Your Teens Safe on Spring Break

It’s no secret that large groups of unchaperoned teens can lead to trouble.

spring break  attorney underage drinking

It’s no secret that large groups of unchaperoned teens can lead to trouble.

Whether your teen is staying close to home or taking a trip, make sure they are fully aware of life changing consequences from underage drinking.

And for those 21 and up spring breakers, serving drinks to minors, carrying an open container and driving under the influence are just a few ways they can find themselves under arrest.

It’s never too late to set spring break guidelines to ensure your teen has fun safely.

If spring break does turn into charges, contact our office so we can protect your child and work to ensure the best possible outcome.

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DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia

Ring in 2019 Without a DUI

It’s no secret that your chances of getting arrested while drinking and driving greatly increase on New Year’s Eve.

dui new year eve

It’s no secret that your chances of getting arrested while drinking and driving greatly increase on New Year’s Eve.

With increased police presence, even the slightest bit of alcohol could raise your blood alcohol level in a breathalyzer and be grounds for a DUI.

Don’t take the chance and drive sober or not at all.

If you do find yourself facing charges, we are available 24/7 even on holidays and are ready to represent you.

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DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia

What Winter Break Means for Your Teenager

More free time and more friends to hang out with unsupervised, what could go wrong?

What Winter Break Means for Your Teenager.jpg

More free time and more friends to hang out with unsupervised, what could go wrong?

Your teen is excited to get away from college classes and celebrate with old friends. We advise you to make sure the celebrations don’t include underage drinking or driving.

With an increased police presence starting on Thanksgiving Eve, one of the biggest drinking nights of the year, we suggest your teen understands a DUI can have life-altering consequences.

We will be available around the clock the night before Thanksgiving and even Thanksgiving Day.

If your teen is facing charges, we urge you to contact us immediately.

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DUI and DWI Defense, Criminal Justice rachel pelaia DUI and DWI Defense, Criminal Justice rachel pelaia

How to Avoid an Arrest This Thanksgiving

Almost 51 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more to celebrate Thanksgiving this year. This means greater police monitoring across the country. Whether you are driving or flying, here are a few tips to avoid charges this holiday.

How To Avoid An Arrest This Thanksgiving.jpg

Almost 51 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more to celebrate Thanksgiving this year.

This means greater police monitoring across the country. Whether you are driving or flying, here are a few tips to avoid charges this holiday.

  1. Travel Sober. This may seem obvious but we have helped countless clients who have been charged with a DUI. We recently helped a man who was so intoxicated on a plane that he faced criminal charges.

  2. Don’t Get in a Fight. Another easy way to avoid arrest is to walk away from any physical altercation.

  3. Educate Your Of-Age and Underage Kids. They may think using a fake id or buying alcohol for their younger friends is cool, but undercover cops do exist and one hint at contributing to a minor can have serious legal consequences.

  4. Sleep It Off. Being drunk and disorderly is no fun for anyone, and you can be arrested for it. Stay home and you’ll avoid any risk.

It’s that simple. Follow these tips to enjoy a jail-free Thanksgiving and if you do find yourself behind bars, contact us right away.

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DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia

Celebrate Halloween Without a DUI

Dressing up for costume parties is the best part of October, but make sure you don't end the night behind bars.

dui attorney, halloween

Dressing up for costume parties is the best part of October, but make sure you don't end the night behind bars. 

With heightened police presence on the roads, we strongly advise against drinking and driving.

If you are traveling for Halloween, The Ohio State Highway Patrol will have checkpoints in place, and just recently conducted OVI checkpoints in Cuyahoga, Hamilton, Hancock, Hocking, Knox, Madison, Muskingum, Scioto, Shelby, and Stark counties.

A DUI can have life-changing consequences, so it is imperative you drive sober. 

If you find yourself under arrest, we will be available 24/7 and have the experience to successfully represent you.  

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DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia

Back to College Can Mean Back to Drinking

Don't let your graduate go to college unprepared.

dui underage drinking

Don't let your graduate go to college unprepared.

Whatever university your son or daughter has chosen, you can be sure they will have access to alcohol. Underage drinking carries serious consequences and we urge you to talk to your child before they head off to campus.

Carrying an open beverage, underage drinking, selling to a minor and carrying false identification are all common to a college student.

If your child finds themselves facing a DUI or any of these charges, we are available 24/7 and have the experience to help give them the best possible outcome.

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DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia

DUI Risk Increases During Summer Months

With summer parties and travels it's important to remember to drive sober.

dui summer vacation

With summer parties and travels it's important to remember to drive sober.

There will be an increased presence of Ohio State Highway Patrol on the roads, so all road trips across the country and in the state of Ohio should be done without any traces of drugs or alcohol.

Young drivers will find themselves with more time on the road during summer vacation so it's vital to explain that even a few drinks before getting behind the wheel can have life changing consequences.

Drive sober, drive safe and if you find yourself under arrest, contact us immediately.

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DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia

Is Your Teen Safe at Prom?

Prom season has arrived and with it comes great opportunity for arrest.

prom dui

Prom season has arrived and with it comes great opportunity for arrest.  

It may seem like a simple dance, but after prom your teen may find themselves at a party where alcohol is being served.

If adult chaperones are in attendance, they can also face charges for supplying alcohol to minors, so it is vital that every party involved understands the legal ramifications of underage drinking.

We advise every parent to avoid hosting parties where alcohol is being served, and to explain the legal risks and consequences your teen faces if caught drinking, if they are arrested for drinking and driving, or if they are charged with using false identification to purchase alcohol.

If your teen does find themselves under arrest, we are available 24/7 to help.  

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DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia

Memorial Day Brings BBQs and Risk of DUI

It is no secret that Memorial Day weekend is filled with parties and celebrations.
 

Memorial Day Brings BBQs and Risk of DUI arrest underage drinking

It is no secret that Memorial Day weekend is filled with parties and celebrations.

Don't let a drunken driving arrest ruin your plans. With heightened police presence on the roads, we advise everyone to avoid drinking and driving.

If you have teenagers who are underage, it is worth having a conversation about the legal repercussions they will face if they are caught in possession of alcohol, and the risk parents assume if they distribute alcohol to minors.

Our goal is for everyone to enjoy the festivities without arrest, but if you do find yourself facing charges, we are open 24/7 and urge you to contact us to ensure your rights are protected. 

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DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia

Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April is the month dedicated to taking steps to educate and eliminate distracted driving.
 

Distracted Driving texting crash traffic fatalities

April is the month dedicated to taking steps to educate and eliminate distracted driving.

Over 40,000 people died on the road in 2017, showing an increase in traffic fatalities that could have been prevented.

In a dramatic effort to decrease the number of deaths on the road, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and Ohio Department of Transportation are working to target distracted drivers. This will be the first time in the history of the state that police are actively looking for distracted drivers. 

As reported by WKBN, "Four point six seconds. That is how long it takes to send and receive a text message. At 55 miles per hour, you just traveled the length of a football field,” said Lt. Jerad Sutton.

If you find yourself under arrest for distracted driving or are facing DUI charges, we advise you to contact us immediately. 

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