Just because you reside in a certain place does not mean this is the only place that you may come to incur citations or criminal charges. Now that there are motor vehicles, airplanes, helicopters, and boats or ships, we are no longer confined to one place. Traveling has become as common as changing into new clothes or brushing your teeth when you wake up in the morning. For this reason, incurring criminal charges or citations from out of town are also more common than in the past.
Unfortunately, these things can come when you least expect it. Maybe you are enjoying the long and empty road while crossing state lines, or having more drinks than the legal limit in this new place. It is expected for you to be uneducated of the laws in the foreign land you visit. So many attorneys are used to having clients from all over that may have run into an issue on a quick visit. When you get into legal trouble anywhere, it is best to contact a criminal defense attorney, like a Decatur criminal lawyer, as soon as possible to see what legal options you may have.
When you do not understand what the laws are in the area that you visit, you are exposing yourself to potential trouble. Sometimes, to make matters even worse, an individual may be able to tell when you are not from the area just based on your mannerisms alone. Therefore, they may watch you. Unfortunately, not everyone will have your best interest at heart, not even on vacation. For these reasons, you have to pay careful attention and educate yourself in the local laws and regulations. Some people make an itinerary so that they always have something to do while they are traveling, which means he or she is always exposed to potential trouble.
The excuse of not knowing the laws, or laws being different where you are from might not save you. Take speed limits, for example. You may know that the speed limit in a residential area where you are from is 25 miles per hour. The speed limit where you visit may be 15 miles per hour. You may be stopped in a neighborhood for speeding and while your defense is okay, it is still against the law to speed. Should or someone you know run into any legal issues out of town, it is best to speak with an attorney in the area the offense took place, as they have a better understanding of the law. Contact someone as soon as possible, as they will also understand the repercussions if you do not handle the issues in a timely manner.
Thanks to The Lynch Law Group for their insight into what you should do if you get into legal trouble while out of town.
