View allAll Photos Tagged Drunk-Driving
Taken during the spontaneous mini-Flickr meetup with Peter and Rain. (Yaya was a party-pooper. And didn't show up.)
We looked like the three stoogies with cameras taking pictures in the middle of the road. One was even in a suit! The other two were in shorts. Pretty hilarious if you saw us... Fortunately, our deathwish didn't come true. And we all lived another day to post these pictures.
Challenge #126- Dad Inspired
I didn’t take this photo but in all other ways, it fits this week’s challenge. My dad, raised in Scranton, PA, spent summers every summer throughout his life at a cottage on a small lake in Pennsylvania. We found this photo among Dad’s personal papers after he was killed in a tragic drunk driving, hit and run accident in 1974. The photo is dated 1933. Dad and his lake friends are pictured on their float entry for the lake's annual summer regatta. The lake picnic and regatta, with a yearly theme, continue today as a long enjoyed tradition. Dad (not yet married) is the handsome young fellow in the water beside the float. The sign, “Built Uner-NRA” refers to the National Recover Act of 1933. When I look at this photo, I feel a profound sense of linkage over time to place, tradition, family… and especially Dad! Next year will mark our family’s 100th year in this place that Dad dearly loved and passed along to us. Thank you, Dad!
American Legion, Post 133
Woodbury, NJ 08096
© Attorney Michael A. Smolensky, Esquire, Criminal, Juvenile, Drunk Driving, and Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer New Jersey Drunk Driving Attorney
Tie one on for safety. Drive sober, stay alive this holiday season and all year. WSDOT, the Washington State Patrol and Mothers Against Drunk Driving team up to prevent drunk driving.
GOVERNOR TOMBLIN PRESENTS $9.3 MILLION IN GRANTS
TO LOCAL GROUPS, COMMUNITY JUSTICE PROGRAMS
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (September 9, 2016) – Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today presented more than $9.3 million in grant funding to community support groups and justice programs across the state. This funding will be used to develop new programming and enhance existing initiatives to support West Virginia’s communities and state justice system.
“With this needed funding, community programs from all corners of our state will be better equipped to serve children and families and further strengthen West Virginia’s justice system.” Gov. Tomblin said. “We are expanding direct services to victims of crime, putting programs in place to help at-risk youth get back on track and preparing parents with the life skills they need to foster a healthy, nurturing environment to raise their families.”
The total grant funding was allocated as follows:
$7,023,255 in Victims of Crime Act/Victim Assistance Grants - 75 grantees;
$529, 254 in Justice Reinvestment Treatment Supervision Grants - 4 grantees;
$1,203,175 in Justice Assistance Grants - 34 grantees;
$543,222 in Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Grants - 18 grantees.
Victims of Crime Act/Victim Assistance Grants:
BARBOUR
Barbour County Commission $38,936.00
These funds will provide for the salary of a full-time Victim Assistance Coordinator in the Barbour County Prosecuting Attorney's Office to provide direct services to crime victims in Barbour County.
BERKELEY, JEFFERSON, MORGAN
Children's Home Society of West Virginia $35,576.00
These funds will provide for the salary of a full-time Family Advocate to provide direct services to child abuse victims and adult survivors of child sexual abuse in Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan Counties.
BROOKE, HANCOCK
A Child's Place CASA, Ltd. $25,090.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salaries of a part-time CASA Volunteer Coordinator and Program Director to provide direct services to victims of child abuse and neglect in Brooke and Hancock Counties.
CABELL
Cabell County Commission $129,895.00
These funds will provide for the salaries of three full-time Victim Advocates and two part-time Victim Advocates in the Cabell County Prosecuting Attorney's Office to provide direct services to crime victims in Cabell County.
CABELL, WAYNE, KANAWHA, PUTNAM
TEAM for West Virginia Children, Inc. $192,075.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salaries of a full-time CASA Coordinator for Cabell County, a
Cabell/Wayne CASA Volunteer Coordinator, a Kanawha/Boone/Lincoln Volunteer Coordinator and a
Putnam/Cabell Volunteer Coordinator to provide direct services to child abuse and neglect victims in Cabell, Wayne, Putnam and Kanawha Counties.
CABELL, WAYNE, LINCOLN
Family Service a Division of Goodwill, Inc. $61,748.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salaries of three part-time Victim Therapists to provide direct services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse in Cabell, Lincoln, and Wayne Counties.
CABELL, WAYNE, LINCOLN
CONTACT Huntington Inc. $143,338.00
These funds will provide for the salary of a full-time Wayne & Lincoln County Advocate, Campus Victim Advocate, and Community Victim Advocate, and for a part-time Victim Advocate to provide direct services to victims of sexual assault in Cabell, Wayne, and Lincoln.
CABELL, WAYNE, PUTNAM, LINCOLN, MASON
Branches Domestic Violence Shelter, Inc. $292,641.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salaries of a full-time Social Worker, a Mason County Advocate, a
Putnam County Advocate, a Lincoln County Advocate, Wayne County Advocate, Evening Advocate, Case Manager, and part-time Putnam County Advocate to provide direct services to domestic violence victims in Cabell, Lincoln, Putnam, Wayne, and Mason Counties.
GREENBRIER
Greenbrier County Commission $54,685.00
These funds will provide for the salary of a full-time Victim Services Coordinator in the Greenbrier County Prosecuting Attorney's Office to provide direct services to crime victims in Greenbrier County.
GREENBRIER, MONROE, POCAHONTAS
Child and Youth Advocacy Center $88,469.00
These funds will provide for the salary of a full-time Family Advocate and full-time Forensic Interviewer, and a portion of the salaries of a full-time Therapist and Program Director to provide direct services to child abuse victims and adult survivors of child sexual abuse in Greenbrier, Pocahontas, and Monroe Counties.
GREENBRIER, MONROE, POCAHONTAS
Family Refuge Center $168,120.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salaries of the full-time Lead Shelter Advocate, a Daytime Shelter
Advocate, Overnight Shelter Advocate, Monroe County Advocate, Pocahontas County Advocate, and part-time Weekend Shelter Advocate, and Victim Advocate to provide direct services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Greenbrier, Monroe, and Pocahontas Counties.
GREENBRIER, POCAHONTAS
CASA of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, Inc. $42,424.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the part-time salary of a Volunteer Coordinator and full-time Program Director to provide direct services to victims of child abuse in Greenbrier and Pocahontas Counties.
HANCOCK, BROOKE
CHANGE, Inc. $54,285.00
These funds will provide for the salary of a full-time Victim Advocate and part-time Victim Advocate to provide direct services to victims of domestic violence in Brooke and Hancock Counties.
HANCOCK, BROOKE, OHIO
Hancock County Commission $125,979.00
These funds will provide for the full-time salaries of a Hancock County Advocate, a Brooke County Advocate, and a portion of the salary of a full-time Ohio County Advocate to provide direct services to crime victims in Brooke, Hancock, and Ohio Counties.
HARRISON
Harrison County CASA Program, Inc. $42,907.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salaries of a full-time Volunteer Coordinator and the Program Director to provide direct services to victims of child abuse and neglect in Harrison County.
HARRISON, DODDRIDGE
Harrison County Child Advocacy Center $40,991.00
These funds will provide for the salary of a full-time Family Advocate to provide direct services to child abuse victims and adult survivors of child sexual abuse in Harrison County.
JACKSON
Jackson County Commission $35,000.00
These funds will provide for the salary of a full-time Victim Advocate in the Jackson County Sheriff's Office to provide direct services to crime victims in Jackson County.
JACKSON, ROANE, CALHOUN
CASA of the Fifth Judicial Circuit, Inc. $46,101.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salary of the Program Director and two Volunteer Coordinators to provide direct services to child abuse and neglect victims in Jackson, Roane, and Calhoun Counties.
JEFFERSON
Jefferson County Commission $67,104.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salaries of two full-time Victim Advocates in the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney's Office to provide direct services to crime victims in Jefferson County.
JEFFERSON, BERKELEY, MORGAN
Shenandoah Women's Center, Inc. $355,035.00
These funds will provide for the salaries of a full-time Jefferson County Outreach Advocate, and two Shelter
Advocates, and a portion of the salaries for a full-time Morgan County Outreach Advocate, a Jefferson County Outreach Advocate, two Berkeley County Outreach Advocates, Evening and Weekend Shelter Advocate positions, and two part-time Counselors to provide direct services to child victims, victims of domestic violence, and sexual assault in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties.
CASA of the Eastern Panhandle, Inc. $103,218.00
These funds will provide for the salary of a Senior Volunteer Coordinator, two Volunteer Coordinators, and a part-time Volunteer Coordinator to provide direct services to victims of child abuse and neglect in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties.
KANAWHA
City of Charleston $36,600.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salary of a full-time Victim Services Coordinator in the Charleston Police Department to provide direct services to crime victims in the City of Charleston.
CAMC Health Education & Research Institute $105,966.00
These funds will provide for the salary of a full-time Family Advocate and a portion of the salary of a full-time Social Worker/Forensic Interviewer to provide direct services to child abuse victims and adult survivors of child sexual abuse in Kanawha County.
Kanawha County Commission $67,360.00
These funds will provide for the salary of two full-time Victim Advocates and portion of the salary of a full-time Victim Advocate in the Prosecuting Attorney's Office to provide direct services to crime victims in Kanawha County.
Kanawha County Commission $83,353.00
These funds will provide for the salaries of two full-time Victim Advocates in the Kanawha County Sheriff's Department to provide direct services to crime victims in Kanawha County.
KANAWHA, CLAY, BOONE
YWCA of Charleston, WV, Inc. $184,189.00
These funds will provide for the salaries of a full-time Racial Justice/Court Advocate, a Boone County
Coordinator, a part-time Clay County Coordinator and a portion of the salaries for three full-time Court Advocate positions, Youth Services Coordinator, and a Contracted Counselor to provide direct services to domestic violence victims in Kanawha, Clay, and Boone Counties.
KANAWHA, PUTNAM, JACKSON, BOONE
Family Counseling Connection $208,311.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salaries of a full-time REACH Director, three REACH Sexual Violence Victim Specialist, a Victim Support Specialist, and seven Victim Therapist positions and a portion of two Sexual Violence Victim Specialists to provide direct services to victims of sexual violence, child abuse, and domestic violence in Kanawha, Boone, Jackson, and Putnam Counties.
LEWIS
Lewis County Commission $38,942.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salary of a full-time Victim Advocate in the Lewis County Prosecutor's Office to provide direct services to crime victims in Lewis County.
LOGAN
Logan County Commission $48,498.00
These funds will provide for the salaries of a full-time and a part-time Victim Advocate in the Logan County Prosecuting Attorney's Office to provide direct services to crime victims in Logan County.
Logan County Commission $36,500.00
These funds will provide for the salary of a full-time Victim Services Coordinator in the Logan County Sheriff's Department to provide direct services to crime victims in Logan County.
LOGAN, MINGO
The Logan County Child Advocacy Center, Inc. $46,748.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salary of a part-time Mingo County Advocate and Child & Youth Forensic Interviewer and for a portion of the salary for a full-time Logan County Family Advocate to provide direct services to child abuse victims and adult survivors of child sexual abuse in Logan and Mingo Counties.
MARION
CASA of Marion County $46,069.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salary of the salaries for a Program Director and Volunteer Coordinator to provide direct services to victims of child abuse and neglect in Marion County.
Marion County Commission $45,278.00
These funds will provide for the salary of a full-time Victim Assistance Coordinator in the Marion County Prosecuting Attorney's Office to provide direct services to crime victims in Marion County.
MARION, DODDRIDGE, GILMER, HARRISON, LEWIS
Task Force on Domestic Violence, "HOPE, Inc." $338,084.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salaries of a full-time Family Therapist, Marion County Case
Manager, Children's Case Manager, Lewis County Case Manager, Harrison County Case Manager, Harrison
County Case Manager/Outreach Coordinator, Gilmer County Case Manager, Marion County Victim Advocate, Harrison County Victim Advocate, Doddridge County Case Manager, and Family Therapist and a portion of the salary for a part-time Marion County Case Manager to provide direct services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child victims in Doddridge, Gilmer, Harrison, Lewis, and Marion Counties.
MARSHALL, WETZEL, TYLER, OHIO
CASA for Children Inc. $58,805.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salary of the Program Director, a Ohio County Volunteer Coordinator, and a Volunteer Coordinator in the 2nd Circuit to provide direct services to child abuse and neglect victims in Ohio, Marshall, Tyler, and Wetzel Counties.
MASON
Mason County Commission $29,830.00
These funds will provide for the salary of a full-time Victim Advocate in the Mason County Prosecuting Attorney's Office to provide direct services to crime victims in Mason County.
MCDOWELL
Stop the Hurt, Inc., Children's Advocacy Center $34,436.00
These funds will provide for the salary of a full-time Family Advocate to provide direct services to child abuse victims and adult survivors of child sexual abuse in McDowell County.
MCDOWELL, MERCER, WYOMING
Stop Abusive Family Environments, Inc. $257,416.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salaries of a full-time McDowell County Advocate, a part-time
Wyoming County Victim Advocate, Resident Program Coordinator, Advocate Coordinator, Night Shelter Advocate, Evening Shelter Advocate, Weekend Shelter Advocate, Case Worker, Administrator, and for the salaries of two full-time Mercer County Advocates and Wyoming County Advocate to provide direct services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child victims in McDowell, Mercer, and Wyoming Counties.
MERCER
Child Protect of Mercer County, Inc. $70,220.00
These funds will provide for the salary of a full-time Family Advocate, part-time Forensic Interviewer and a portion of a Contract Therapist to provide direct services to child abuse victims and adult survivors of child sexual abuse in Mercer County.
MERCER, MCDOWELL
ChildLaw Services, Inc. $16,000.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salary of a part-time Victim Advocate/Counselor to provide direct services to child victims of abuse and neglect and children who witness domestic violence in Mercer and McDowell Counties.
MINERAL
Mineral County Court Appointed Special Advocates $49,686.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salary of the Program Director and for the salary of a full-time Volunteer Coordinator to provide direct services to victims of child abuse and neglect in Mineral County.
MINERAL, GRANT, HAMPSHIRE
Family Crisis Center, Inc. $55,000.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salaries of a full-time Grant County Victim Advocate, a Mineral County Advocate, and a part-time Hampshire County Victim Advocate to provide direct services to victims of domestic violence in Mineral, Grant, and Hampshire Counties.
MINERAL, HAMPSHIRE, PENDLETON
Burlington United Methodist Family Services, Inc. $20,982.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salary of a full-time Forensic Interviewer to provide direct services to child abuse victims and adult survivors of child sexual abuse in Hampshire, Mineral, and Pendleton Counties.
MINGO
Mingo County Commission $22,100.00
These funds will provide for the salary of a full-time Victim Assistance Coordinator in the Mingo County Prosecuting Attorney's Office to provide direct services to crime victims in Mingo County.
MINGO, LOGAN
Tug Valley Recovery Shelter $89,434.00
These funds will provide for the salaries of a full-time Logan/Mingo County Victim Advocate, a part-time Court Advocate, a full-time Logan County Advocate and a part-time Mingo County Advocate to provide direct services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child victims in Mingo and Logan Counties.
MONONGALIA
Monongalia County Commission $78,544.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salaries of a full-time and two part-time Victim Assistance Coordinators in the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney's Office to provide direct services to crime victims in Monongalia County.
Monongalia County Child Advocacy Center, Inc. $17,302.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salary of a full-time Family Advocate to provide direct services to child abuse victims and adult survivors of child sexual abuse in Monongalia County.
MONONGALIA, PRESTON
Monongalia County Youth Services Center / CASA for Kids $42,649.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salaries of a full-time Preston County Volunteer Coordinator, a full-time Monongalia County Volunteer Coordinator, and a portion of the salary for the Program Director to provide direct services to victims of child abuse and neglect in Preston and Monongalia Counties.
MONONGALIA, PRESTON, TAYLOR
The Rape & Domestic Violence Information Center, Inc. $177,082.00
These funds will provide for the salaries of a full-time Monongalia County Victim Advocate, Case Manager,
Taylor County Victim Advocate and for a portion of the salary for a full-time Outreach Advocate for Monongalia, Preston, and Taylor Counties to provide direct services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse in Monongalia, Preston, and Taylor Counties.
OHIO
Ohio County Commission $35,242.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salary of a full-time Victim Assistance Coordinator in the Ohio County Prosecuting Attorney's Office to provide direct services to crime victims in Ohio County.
OHIO, BROOKE, HANCOCK, MARSHALL, WETZEL
Upper Ohio Valley Sexual Assault Help Center $161,670.00
These funds will provide for the salaries of a full-time Adult Victim Advocate and a Child Victim Advocate, and the part-time salaries of three Victim Advocates and a licensed Counselor/Therapist to provide direct services to adult and child victims of sexual assault in Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, and Wetzel Counties.
OHIO, MARSHALL
Harmony House, Inc. $46,323.00
These funds will provide for the salary of a full-time Child and Family Advocate and a portion of the salary of a Child and Family Therapist to provide direct services to child abuse victims and adult survivors of child sexual abuse in Ohio and Marshall Counties.
OHIO, MARSHALL, WETZEL
Young Womens Christian Associaton of Wheeling, WV $153,405.00
These funds will provide for the salaries of a full-time Child Advocate, Ohio County Advocate, Marshall County Advocate, and Wetzel County Advocate, a part-time Employment Advocate, and a portion of the salaries of a
full-time Shelter Advocate and Wetzel County Advocate to provide direct services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child victims in Ohio, Marshall, and Wetzel Counties.
PRESTON
Preston County Commission $35,125.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salary of a full-time Victim Advocate in the Preston County Prosecuting Attorney's Office to provide direct services to crime victims in Preston County.
PUTNAM
Putnam County Commission $34,000.00
These funds will provide for the salary of a full-time Victim Advocate in the Putnam County Sheriff's Office to provide direct services to crime victims in Putnam County.
Putnam County Commission $48,784.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salary for a full-time Victim Liaison and provide for the salary of a part-time Victim Liaison in the Putnam County Prosecuting Attorney's Office to provide direct services to crime victims in Putnam County.
RALEIGH, FAYETTE, NICHOLAS, SUMMERS
Comprehensive Women's Service Council, Inc. $432,866.00
These funds will provide for the salaries of a full-time Summers County Advocate, Nicholas County Advocate, Raleigh County Advocate in the Beckley Police Department, and Raleigh County Shelter Advocate and for a
portion of the salaries for a full-time Evening Shelter Advocate, Weekend Shelter Advocate, Night Shelter
Advocate, Day Shelter Advocate, and for a portion of the salaries of a part-time Underserved Populations
Advocate, Raleigh County Victim Services Advocate, Fayette County Advocate, Nicholas County Advocate, and
Weekend Shelter Advocate, and for a portion of two Contractual Adult and Child Therapist to provide direct services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse in Raleigh, Fayette, Nicholas, and Summers Counties.
RALEIGH, FAYETTE, WYOMING
Just For Kids Child Advocacy Center $76,250.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salary of a full-time Family Advocate, Forensic Interviewer, and Counselor to provide direct services to child abuse victims and adult survivors of child sexual abuse in Fayette, Raleigh, and Wyoming Counties.
RANDOLPH
Randolph County Commission $40,436.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salary of a full-time Victim Services Coordinator in the Randolph County Prosecuting Attorney's Office to provide services to crime victims in Randolph County.
RANDOLPH, TUCKER
Randolph-Tucker Children's Advocacy Center $65,222.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salaries of a full-time Family Advocate and part-time Forensic Interviewer and for the salary of a part-time Tucker County Child and Family Advocate to provide direct services to child abuse victims and adult survivors of child sexual abuse in Randolph and Tucker Counties.
RANDOLPH, UPSHUR, TUCKER, BRAXTON, WEBSTER, BARBOUR
Women's Aid in Crisis $396,775.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salaries for a full-time Barbour County Outreach Coordinator,
Braxton County Outreach Coordinator, Tucker County Outreach Coordinator, Upshur County Outreach
Coordinator, Webster County Outreach Coordinator, Randolph County Legal Advocate, Randolph County Victim Advocate, and two Shelter Managers and a Contracted Counselor to provide direct services to victims of domestic violence, child victims, and sexual assault victims in Randolph, Barbour, Tucker, Upshur, Webster, and Braxton Counties.
ROANE
Roane County Commission $22,068.00
These funds will provide for the salary of a full-time Victim Advocate in the Roane County Prosecuting Attorney's office to provide direct services to crime victims in Roane County.
SUMMERS
REACHH-Family Resource Center $15,715.00
These funds will provide for the salary of a part-time Family Advocate and Forensic Interviewer to provide direct services to child abuse victims and adult survivors of child sexual abuse in Summers County.
TYLER
Tyler County Commission $37,920.00
These funds will provide for the salary of a full-time Victim Advocate in the Tyler County Prosecuting Attorney's Office to provide direct services to crime victims in Tyler County.
UPSHUR
Upshur County Commission $34,662.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salary of a full-time Victim Advocate in the Upshur County Prosecuting Attorney's Office to provide direct services to crime victims in Upshur County.
UPSHUR, LEWIS
Mountain CAP of West Virginia, Inc., a CAC $32,574.00
These funds will provide for the salary of a full-time Family Advocate to provide direct services to child abuse victims and adult survivors of child sexual abuse in Upshur and Lewis Counties.
WETZEL
Wetzel County Commission $40,000.00
These funds will provide for the salary of a full-time Victim Advocate in the Wetzel County Prosecuting Attorney's Office to provide direct services to crime victims in Wetzel County.
WOOD
Wood County Commission $83,126.00
These funds will provide for the salaries of two full-time Victim Advocates in the Wood County Prosecuting Attorney's Office to provide direct services to crime victims in Wood County.
WOOD, CALHOUN, JACKSON, LOGAN, WIRT
Harmony Mental Health, Inc. $138,450.00
These funds will provide for the salaries of a full-time Social Worker and Counselor, and Contractual Counseling to provide services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse in Calhoun, Jackson, Wirt, and Wood Counties.
WOOD, JACKSON, RITCHIE, PLEASANTS, WIRT
Family Crisis Intervention Center $224,087.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salaries of three part-time Shelter Advocates, three full-tim Shelter
Advocates, Legal Advocate, Sexual Assault Advocate, Ritchie County Advocate, Wirt County Advocate, Pleasants County Advocate, and part-time Jackson County Advocate to provide direct services to victims of domestic violence in Jackson, Ritchie, Wirt, Pleasants, and Wood Counties.
WOOD, WIRT, PLEASANTS, RITCHIE
Voices for Children Foundation - CASA Program $51,939.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the Program Director’s salary to provide direct services to child abuse and neglect victims in Wood, Wirt, Pleasants, and Ritchie Counties.
WYOMING
Wyoming County Commission $30,114.00
These funds will provide for the salary of a full-time Victim Advocate in the Wyoming County Prosecuting Attorney's Office to provide direct services to crime victims in Wyoming County.
STATEWIDE
West Virginia Division of Corrections $81,158.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salary of a Victim Services Specialist to provide direct services to the crime victims of inmates under the custody of the Division of Corrections.
Legal Aid of West Virginia, Inc. $216,890.00
These funds will provide for the salaries of three full-time Attorneys to provide emergency legal services to victims of crime in West Virginia.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving West Virginia $39,453.00
These funds will provide for a portion of the salary of a full-time statewide Victim Advocate to provide direct services and support to victims of Driving Under the Influence cases throughout the State of West Virginia.
Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Grants:
BARBOUR
Barbour County Commission $20,000.00
These funds will be utilized to support the position of a Prevention Resource Officer (PRO) in Philip Barbour High School.
CABELL
City of Barboursville $20,000.00
These funds will be utilized to support the position of a Prevention Resource Officer (PRO) in Barboursville Middle School.
DODDRIDGE
Doddridge County Commission $40,000.00
These funds will be utilized to support the Prevention Resource Officer (PRO) positions in Doddridge County High and Dordddridge County Middle Schools.
HARDY
Hardy County Commission $20,000.00
These funds will be utilized to support the position of a Prevention Resource Officer (PRO) in East Hardy High School.
HARRISON
Harrison County Commission $20,000.00
These funds will be utilized to support the position of a Prevention Resource Officer (PRO) in South Harrison High School.
KANAWHA
HOPE Community Development Corporation $60,000.00
These funds will be utilized to implement the Disproportionate Minority Reduction Cycle in Kanawha County.
Kanawha County Commission $25,000.00
These funds will be utilzed to support the Project INTER-CEPT Program (Interventions Needed To End Recidivism-Critical Entry Point Treatment) in Kanawha County.
Partnership of African American Churches $60,000.00
These funds will be utilized to decrease Disproportionate MinortyContact in Kanawha County by expanding current initiatives between law enforcement, clergy, youth and families, including public defenders and prosecuting attorneys.
LOGAN
Logan County Commission $20,000.00
These funds will be utilized to support the position of a Prevention Resource Officer (PRO) in Man High School.
MONONGALIA
Monongalia County Commission $20,000.00
These funds will be utilized to support the VOICES II, a deliquency prevention program that focuses on at-risk and delinquent female teens.
Monongalia County Child Advocacy Center $18,612.00
These funds will be utilized to provide Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to child vicitims of abuse in Monongalia County.
Monongalia County Commission $60,000.00
These funds will be utilized to support a countywide Disproportionate Minorty Contact Reduction Initiative by utlizing an evidence-based intervention model to prevent at-risk minority youth’s involvement in the criminal justice system.
Morgantown Police Department $20,000.00
These funds will be utilized to support the position of a Prevention Resource Officer (PRO) in Mountaineer Middle School.
Mountaineer Boys and Girls Club $45,000.00
These funds will be utilized to implement the Disproportionate Minorty Reduction Cycle in Monongalia County.
MORGAN
Morgan County Commission $20,000.00
These funds will be utilized to support a school and community based program that provides a school-based violence prevention curriculum and a developmental asset program to cultivate youth strengths and self-esteem.
Morgan County Commission $20,000.00
These funds will be utilized to support the position of a Prevention Resource Officer (PRO) in Berkeley Springs High School.
STATEWIDE
West Virginia Child Advocacy Network $23,592.00
These funds will be utilized to assess and improve the data tracking and evaluation on both a statewide and local program level, and assist local Child Advocacy centers with data-informed strategic planning, interrupting the cycle of abuse and preventing adverse lifetime outcomes.
West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals $31,018.00
These funds will be utilized to provide current juvenile justice probation data to the State of West Virginia, the Federal Government, West Virginia Division of Justice and Community Services, the State Advisory Group and the citizens of West Virginia through the maintenance and daily management of the Juvenile Section of the Offender Case Management System. Funding will also provide analysis and a statewide report on the Juvenile Justice system as well as the collection of juvenile data and analysis to provide the numbers to create the DMC ratio.
Justice Assistance Grants:
BRAXTON
Braxton County Commission $20,000.00
Funds will provide one Prevention Resource Officer (PRO) at Braxton County High School.
CABELL
Cabell County Commission $69,000.00
Funds will provide for officer salaries to continue a multi-jurisdictional drug and violent crime task force.
GREENBRIER
Greenbrier County Commission $23,000.00
Funds will provide for officer salaries to continue a multi-jurisdictional drug and violent crime task force.
HAMPSHIRE
Hampshire County Commission $20,000.00
Funds will provide one Prevention Resource Officer (PRO) at Hampshire County High School.
HANCOCK
Hancock County Commission $40,000.00
Funds will provide for two Prevention Resource Officers (PRO) at Oak Glen High School and Weir High School.
Hancock County Commission $46,000.00
Funds will provide for officer salaries to continue a multi-jurisdictional drug and violent crime task force.
HARRISON
City of Bridgeport $20,000.00
Funds will provide one Prevention Resource Officer (PRO) at Bridgeport High School.
City of Bridgeport $46,000.00
Funds will provide for officer salaries to continue a multi-jurisdictional drug and violent crime task force.
City of Clarksburg $20,000.00
Funds will provide for one Prevention Resource Officer (PRO) at Robert C. Byrd High School.
JACKSON
City of Ripley $20,000.00
Funds will provide one Prevention Resource Officer (PRO) at Ripley High School.
City of Ravenswood $20,000.00
Funds will provide one Prevention Resource Officer (PRO) at Ravenswood High School.
KANAWHA
City of South Charleston $20,000.00
Funds will provide one Prevention Resource Officer (PRO) at South Charleston High School.
City of Charleston $69,000.00
Funds will provide for officer salaries to continue a multi-jurisdictional drug and violent crime task force.
City of Dunbar $20,000.00
Funds will provide one Prevention Resource Officer (PRO) at Dunbar Middle School.
City of Charleston $40,000.00
Funds will provide for two Prevention Resource Officers (PRO) at Capitol High School and Stonewall Jackson Middle School.
LEWIS
Lewis County Commission $20,000.00
Funds will provide one Prevention Resource Officer (PRO) at Lewis County High School.
LOGAN
Logan County Commission $46,000.00
Funds will provide for officer salaries to continue a multi-jurisdictional drug and violent crime task force and salary for one Prosecutor to work closely with the Drug Task Force.
MARSHALL
Marshall County Commission $23,000.00
Funds will provide for officer salaries to continue a multi-jurisdictional drug and violent crime task force.
MERCER
City of Bluefield $46,000.00
Funds will provide for officer salaries to continue a multi-jurisdictional drug and violent crime task force.
MINERAL
Mineral County Commission $20,000.00
Funds will provide one Prevention Resource Officer (PRO) at Frankfort High School.
MONROE
Monroe County Commission $20,000.00
Funds will provide one Prevention Resource Officer (PRO) at James Monroe High School.
OHIO
Ohio County Commission $46,000.00
Funds will provide for officer salaries to continue a multi-jurisdictional drug and violent crime task force.
City of Wheeling $40,000.00
Funds will provide for two Prevention Resource Officers (PRO) at Bridge Street Middle School and Triadelphia Middle School.
PUTNAM
Putnam County Commission $20,000.00
Funds will provide one Prevention Resource Officer (PRO) at Poca High School.
City of Winfield $20,000.00
Funds will provide one Prevention Resource Officer (PRO) at Winfield High School.
City of Nitro $20,000.00
These funds will be utilized to support a Prevention Resource Officer (PRO) at Nitro High School.
RALEIGH
City of Beckley Police Department $20,000.00
Funds will provide one Prevention Resource Officer (PRO) at Woodrow Wilson High School.
ROANE
Roane County Commission $20,000.00
Funds will provide one Prevention Resource Officer (PRO) at Roane County High School.
TAYLOR
City of Grafton $20,000.00
Funds will provide one Prevention Resource Officer (PRO) at Grafton High School.
UPSHUR
Upshur County Commission $20,000.00
Funds will provide one Prevention Resource Officer (PRO) at Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School.
WETZEL
Wetzel County Commission $20,000.00
Funds will provide one Prevention Resource Officer (PRO) at Valley High School.
WOOD
City of Vienna $46,000.00
Funds will provide for officer salaries for a multi-jurisdictional drug and violent crime task force.
City of Williamstown $20,000.00
Funds will provide one Prevention Resource Officer (PRO) at Williamstown High School.
STATEWIDE
West Virginia State Police $223,175.00
Funds will provide for officer overtime to continue a multi-jurisdictional drug and violent crime task force.
Justice Reinvestment Treatment Supervision Grants:
BERKELEY, JEFFERSON, MORGAN
Jefferson Day Report Center, Inc. $140,998.00
These funds will be utilized to support the ongoing work through the Justice Reinvestment Treatment Supervision Program.
CABELL
Prestera Center for Mental HealthServices, Inc. $134,514.00
These funds will be utilized to support the ongoing work through the Justice Reinvestment Treatment Supervision Program.
HARRISON
Harrison County Commission $125,000.00
These funds will be utilized to support the ongoing work through the Justice Reinvestment Treatment Supervision Program.
United Summit Center, Inc. $118,753.00
These funds will be utilized to support the ongoing work through the JusticGOVERNOR TOMBLIN PRESENTS $9.3 MILLION IN GRANTS
TO LOCAL GROUPS, COMMUNITY JUSTICE PROGRAMS
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (September 9, 2016) – Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today presented more than $9.3 million in grant funding to community support groups and justice programs across the state. This funding will be used to develop new programming and enhance existing initiatives to support West Virginia’s communities and state justice system.
“With this needed funding, community programs from all corners of our state will be better equipped to serve children and families and further strengthen West Virginia’s justice system.” Gov. Tomblin said. “We are expanding direct services to victims of crime, putting programs in place to help at-risk youth get back on track and preparing parents with the life skills they need to foster a healthy, nurturing environment to raise their families.”
The total grant funding was allocated as follows:
$7,023,255 in Victims of Crime Act/Victim Assistance Grants - 75 grantees;
$529, 254 in Justice Reinvestment Treatment Supervision Grants - 4 grantees;
$1,203,175 in Justice Assistance Grants - 34 grantees;
$543,222 in Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Grants - 18 grantees.
Photos available for media use. All photos should be attributed “Photo courtesy of Office of the Governor.”
I took this picture 2 weeks ago. It's been a long time coming.
I knew him when he was mayor of Vancouver and had the knowledge of his personality.
The things that were not really public are now probably going to come out.
I know he had more than one affair while he was mayor and am pretty sure he had one as premier. When he was in Hawaii, he got arrested for drunk driving. His car was not towed from the rural area where he was pulled over and taken into custody. His wife was not with him on that trip. Put the pieces together.
Every time we encountered each other and it was many many times, he would always give me a look that would rival this shot. He always knew me as soon as he saw me. Even during the Olympics he was giving out collector pins and when I said where is mine, he looked at me and said you don't deserve one, but because of the crowds he tried to put on a smile like he was joking and proceeded to give me a pin.
I for one will not be sad at seeing him leave office and he knows it.
So long Gordo, you did some good, but were the face of nasty and devious. Lying to the public and then trying to screw us over.
Ciao Ciao you asshole.
I had to repost this just because it makes me happy.
Jay's Elbow Room
2806 New Jersey 73
Maple Shade Township, NJ 08052
© Attorney Michael A. Smolensky, Esq., Criminal, Juvenile, DWI, and Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer. NJ Drunk Driving Defense Attorney
© Attorney Michael A. Smolensky, Esquire, Criminal, Juvenile, Drunk Driving, and Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer www.smolenskylaw.com
This is what can happen when drinking and driving. This used to be a Trail Blazer, my cousin and friend were driving this vehicle drunk. My cousin was the driver. He managed to escape with a broken pelvis, broken nose, and bruised lungs. Our friend, the passenger was not so lucky, he lost his right arm while being thrown from the car, and is also now paralysed. I am sorry to be posting such a disturbing story and photo set but I think it is important for our kids to see what can really happen when they drink and drive. My cousin and friend are both only in their 20's and both have kids.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Woodbury installed me today as President Elect. Thank you for the honor and privilege.
© Attorney Michael A. Smolensky, Esquire, Criminal, Juvenile, Drunk Driving, and Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer www.smolenskylaw.com
I'm replacing this for the other glass one because I can't stand the other one. This is another old one I was just messing around with.
But on a more serious note, drinking is just setting yourself up to look stupid and make dumb ass decisions that you'll regret the next day. Especially drunk driving. It's not worth it, so don't do it.
[21/31]
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
© Attorney Michael A. Smolensky, Esquire, Criminal, Juvenile, Drunk Driving, and Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer NJ Criminal Defense Attorney
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
© Attorney Michael A. Smolensky, Esquire, Criminal, Juvenile, Drunk Driving, and Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer NJ Drunk Driving Attorney
Streamed live 9 hours ago
www.dwiattorneydallas.net/cost... (469) 718-2020 Call for a free consultation and to speak with a Dallas DUI / DWI Attorney.
How much does a DWI cost in Dallas, Texas?
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DWI Lawyer Dallas Cost and Fees: What are the consequences of a DWI in Texas?
We wanted to make a quick video just to address the tremendous consequences that come with a DWI conviction in Dallas, Texas.
If you have been charged with driving while intoxicated in the Dallas or Fort Worth Texas Area, then you should contact us at dwi attorney website www.dwiattorneydallas.net
1) You can lose your license if you are convicted of a DWI in Texas or if you refuse a breath test.
2) You may be charged hefty fines if you are convicted of DWI or Driving Under the Influence.
3) In some cases, it is possible to lose your job if you have a DWI conviction on your record.
twitter.com/dwiattorneytx1/st...
4) If you are convicted of driving while intoxicated in #Dallas Texas, then you will probably be looking at a significant amount of jail time as well.
Most people do not realize that it is possible to beat a DWI charge in Dallas Texas. Law enforcement officers make mistakes every day and just because one police officer arrests you for drunk driving, does not mean that you will surely be convicted of the crime. dwilawyersdallas.wordpress.com/
The best thing that you can do is contact an experienced and trusted Dallas DWI Law Firm as soon as possible (you only have 15 days from the date of arrest to save your drivers license.
dwiattorneydallas.blogspot.com/
If you need to speak to an attorney about your DWI charge, the give us a call at (469) 718-2020
After confessing on video to killing a man in a drunk-driving accident, Matthew Cordle, 22, surrenders to sheriff's deputies at the Franklin County Corrections Center in Columbus on Sept. 9, 2013.
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Nov 27 - Dec 21
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'cure sleepiness right away' device is "especially suitable for long-distance driving, drunk driving and night driving" had to buy it ! the back how to use instructions are: "Before long-distance driving, drunk driving or night driving, put the "Cure Sleepiness Right Away" on the right ear or the left ear and, at the same time, move the switch to the location of "ON" and the "Cure Sleepiness Right Away" will begin to work.." what a mouthful... in case you havent guessed its basically a tilt sensor. engrish or just plain crazy?
Marlton, New Jersey 08053
© Attorney Michael A. Smolensky, Esquire, Criminal, Juvenile, Drunk Driving, and Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer www.smolenskylaw.com
Balkan 176, a 176-proof vodka made in Bulgaria, is sold in more than 20 countries, it comes with 15 warnings (including one in braille) about dangers of drunk driving, alcohol poisoning, and drinking while pregnant. “There’s no product in the liquor trade that has more caveats.
Glasgow-based Pincer Vodka, whose Shanghai Strength vodka is 88.8 percent alcohol, insists that danger isn’t a factor in its vodka’s appeal—for Pincer, superproofing is a matter of convenience and environment. “Shanghai Strength is 234 percent stronger but reduces packaging waste and carbon footprint by the same amount,” says CEO Jonathan Engels. “But it is meant to be a mixer. It is not intended for drinking straight.”
Of course, that’s what they all say.
Atlantic Royal, twin lens reflex. Kodak T-max 400
In Sweden, you can´t buy liquor in a food market, you have to go to special alcohol stores called, The Systembolaget, that are owned and governed by the state.
You also must have a ID-card with you, to prove that you are no younger than 20 years.
It´s not allowed to buy or supply alcohol to people younger than 20 years, if you do and get caught you may be senteced to prison.
Inspite of theese strikt regulations, it´s not uncommon that young people (I´m talking of teenage kids under 20 here, but of course there is a lot of folks older than 20 that have severe drinking problems too) use and abuse alcohol, and get exposed to tragedies due to alcohol realated problems, as violent crime, rape, abuse, drunk driving and car accidents, boat accidents and drowning, death or brain damage trough alcohol poisoning etc, etc.
This is especially a huge problem around holidays, like the national holiday we are having this weekend, Midsummer.
So, be safe out there all of you, young and old.
Don´t drink and drive and remember that, that "sweet alcohol" could ruin your or someone elses life in a nano second.
© Attorney Michael A. Smolensky, Esquire, Criminal, Juvenile, Drunk Driving, and Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer www.smolenskylaw.com
© Attorney Michael A. Smolensky, Esquire, Criminal, Juvenile, Drunk Driving, and Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer www.smolenskylaw.com
I was traveling home one night on a dark road and happened to be the first person on the scene of a head-on collision; in fact just as each car was coming to a halt. I called 911 and helped the people out and everything, and when the ambulances had left, I asked the police officers (who were snapping photos) if it was alright if I snapped a few of my own, and so I did. I was rushing from shot to shot (handheld of course) and there were no street lights to help me out so this is about as clear as they get.
Miraculously, everyone made it out alive. Thankfully, there were only the two drivers involved. Anyone in front passenger seat of either car would have surely been killed. The dashboard and parts of the firewall were touching the seat back.
The Jetta (DUI) was traveling the wrong way on a divided highway between 40-60mph. The Accord was cresting a rise in the road when it collided with the Jetta. Each car's passenger-side headlight hit the centerline of the opposite car, which is one of the things that saved their lives. The cars ended up about 1000ft apart.
I have more pics, but the quality is lacking, even moreso than these. They've not been cropped, shopped, or modified in any way.
The three best friends loved soccer and partying. They had a case of beer in the truck as they drove the back roads of Central Texas with two of their brothers on a Friday night in May 2022. The three were all 20 and drunk, so they enlisted one of the younger brothers to drive as they sipped on beers in the truck's bed.
Little brother, 18, didn't see the semi hauling fuel until it was too late. The three best friends were thrown from the pickup and died.
The little brother, whose blood alcohol content was .083 (the legal limit in Texas is .08). pled guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to seven years probation. Their families erected this memorial to the lost boys.
For HAYA & JÜRGEN, my BMW, Ducati, Moto Guzzi and Harley riding friends
On a cold, but clear February afternoon in 1973, I bought a new 1972 Triumph 500 Daytona for $1,100 off the showroom floor. February is a good time to buy a bike in the mid-west! The Daytona was based on a the Tiger 500 with dual Amal Concentric carburetors. The bike was extensively up-dated in 1967: new hemispherical heads with bigger valves, “Q” grind racing cams & close ratio transmission; in 1969 they added: roller fixed end Crank bearings, a new Crank case breather, and a double leading shoe front brake. The engine up-grades gave her pronounced thrust just above 4K all the way to the 7.5K red-line to pass another vehicle with authority! Wins at the famous speedway in 1966 and 1967 provided the name. The classic push-rod twin was dated, but at 352 lb. dry, it weighed far less than the Honda CB350 she replaced. She handled far better on twisty canyon roads where the quicker ¼ mile middle weight Japanese bikes would not follow in the spring of 1973. Unfortunately, the mighty twin came to an early demise at a stop light when she was squeezed between a drunk driving a Ford Cortina and a Falcon coupe in front of me.
Those were the days:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GielMXWQlbw
The Bike:
www.xceedspeed.com/forums/showthread.php?t=109789
EXPLORE # 358 2/26/13
© Attorney Michael A. Smolensky, Esquire, Criminal, Juvenile, Drunk Driving, and Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer www.smolenskylaw.com
A national portrait of drunk driving over a decade. The zones are sized by their number of fatal crashes and colored by their proportion involving intoxication. Data comes from NHTSA.
More on how and why here: uxblog.idvsolutions.com/2012/12/a-national-portrait-of-dr...
The SkyCam is showing us some footage of the incident known as the "3 in 1." Not shown in the picture is a Police pullover for a suspect of drunk driving. Shown in the picture is the automatic fire alarm at Eddie's. As well as an ambulance for a women who fainted at the thought of having her 2002 Camry burned to smithereens. It might take A LOT of therapy to clear that one up.
This is what can happen when drinking and driving. This used to be a Trail Blazer, my cousin and friend were driving this vehicle drunk. My cousin was the driver. He managed to escape with a broken pelvis, broken nose, and bruised lungs. Our friend, the passenger was not so lucky, he lost his right arm while being thrown from the car, and is also now paralysed. I am sorry to be posting such a disturbing story and photo set but I think it is important for our kids to see what can really happen when they drink and drive. My cousin and friend are both only in their 20's and both have kids.
Drunk driving results in tragic consequences. USAG-Yongsan officials encourage community members to call a taxi, use the buddy system or get a designated driver.
Paulsboro
Gloucester County
New Jersey 08066
© Attorney Michael A. Smolensky, Esq., Criminal Defense, Juvenile Justice, DWI, and Traffic Ticket Lawyer.
Cape May, NJ 08204
© Attorney Michael A. Smolensky, Esquire, Criminal, Juvenile, Drunk Driving, and Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer www.smolenskylaw.com
Last October I was knocked from my cargobike in the centre of Newcastle by an aggressive, impatient motorist who, it has since transpired, had been previously convicted of drunk driving. Today I was in court as the main witness, and the main victim. But I didn't feel like a victim, I felt as though it was me in the dock. The crown prosecutor told me to expect aggressive questioning by the barrister for the defence but I hadn't expected it to be so aggressive and so anti-cyclist.
If such questioning, and the unfair conclusions in the summing up by the defence barrister, are common in other cases involving motorists and cyclists it's not surprising so many motorists walk free from court.
Rewind to October...
I was riding a heavy, unwieldy Xtracycle-equipped cargo bicycle and doing everything by the book (that book being Cyclecraft, of course), claiming my lane, looking to see what was behind me and taking my place in a queue of traffic, waiting at traffic lights in a right filter lane, with one car ahead of me (which was inching into the advanced stop line box) and one behind me, a white Fiat Punto.
The motorist behind me had, seconds before, honked his horn to get me out of his way and was shouting something out of his window, perhaps letting me know which of the two users sharing the road at that moment he felt had priority.
I ignored his bellicosity and inched forward when the car in front of me started moving when the light went green. The next thing I knew I was no longer on my bike, I had leg pain and I was facing the white car which had, clearly but surprisingly, deliberately bumped into the rear of my machine.
If you're going to get shunted by an impatient Boy Racer probably the best bike to be riding is one equipped with an Xtracycle attachment. I was shocked by the rear nudge, but not terribly injured. Somebody on a standard bike would have fared far worse.
I was thrown over the handlebars and I landed on the road. I was bruised and suffered a twisted hip, but there was no blood spilt. The driver got out and accused me of riding erratically and not getting out of his way. I had known he was behind me: I had heard his revving engine and had turned round to give him a shoulder shrug, kind of asking him what his problem was. I certainly wasn't expecting a punishment tap.
(The tap was so strong the car's airbag was activated, the motorist revealed in court today).
After the shunt I was in shock, but managed to take the pic above on my phone. The driver also took a pic and he called the police, at my insistence. Five minutes later a police officer arrived.
The young motorist told the attending police officer I had been riding erratically and then he was blinded by the sun at the traffic lights and had accidentally driven into the back of me. Today in court I was accused of deliberately putting myself in the way of the car in order to cause a confrontation. I was accused of being an aggressive cyclist, weaving in and out of traffic (on an Xtracycle!), going to the right of the defendant's car window and shouting that I wanted a fight. "You want road rage? I'll give you road rage," I was meant to have said. I was then accused of speeding past the Fiat Punto, slamming on my brakes and readying for the collision so I could jump clear at the last second. It was I who was in the wrong, spat the barrister.
I didn't take kindly to his accusations and I told him his accusations were untrue, fanciful and defied logic. I was greatly helped by the fact the defendant's barrister made repeated factual mistakes, including not remembering the accusations he had made just seconds earlier, calling my rear tyre "the car's bumper" and quizzing why my brake lights didn't come on. I took great pleasure in poking holes in his claim that I gave "inconsistent, inaccurate evidence" and said I was defending myself so robustly because he was accusing me of giving an inaccurate statement to the police.
When he asked what I thought the defendant's motive had been in giving me a shunt I explained it was very possibly use of a car as a weapon.
The barrister smirked, and audibly laughed at this. I registered his laugh but carried on. Later in the session I reminded the barrister he had laughed at the suggestion the car might have been used as a weapon. The barrister flatly denied he had done so. I asked for the legal secretary to go back to her notes. She did so, told the barrister what had been said, and had been seen by the three magistrates, and he sheepishly backed down. (These guys earn how much?)
The barrister in question was called to the bar in 1990 and is "exclusively defence based", working for clients accused of murder, rape and fraud. Privately he also advises clients on the Road Traffic Act, says his online biography. Yet his grasp of what cyclists are allowed to do on the road was shaky to the point of non-existence.
He wanted the magistrates to find his client not guilty because I had placed my bicycle in front of the Fiat Punto and behind the car in front "when Mr Reid should have placed himself in front of the car in front and not 'sandwiched' between two cars." Remember, the car in front was already ahead of the Advanced Stop Line. It was trapped in the box because a bus had taken longer than expected to turn right. According to the barrister I should not have taken my place in a queue of traffic but should have pushed in front of the car ahead and placed myself ahead of the white line at the lights, away from his client. By being in front of his client I was readying to entrap him, he claimed. Bizarre logic. (I said so, too).
The case was won, I think, because of an impartial witness who had seen everything that had happened from his car and came over to see if I was OK. In court this witness (a retired bus driver) described how the defendant, after the shunt, was shouting at me, effing and blinding.
The defendant also had a witness, a female passenger. She had the same story as the defendant, claiming I had been riding erratically, weaving in and out of traffic.
During cross examination it became plain there hadn't been much traffic on the road for me to weave in and out of. I had been riding in a 'no car lane' on Newcastle's John Dobson Street and then steered into the right hand lane to take a right hand turn. The witness for the prosecution confirmed that I was standing still just before the collision, had briefly looked over my shoulder to check what was behind, and had moved when the light turned green. The barrister claimed the glance over my shoulder was "an obvious look to see when to jump clear of the bicycle."
The barrister also tried to make much of the fact I was in the middle of the lane. Quoting from both from the Highway Code and Cyclecraft from Her Majesty's Stationery Office, I was able to steer him from the claim that I was deliberately trying to obstruct his client merely by being in front of him on a bicycle.
The court case lasted three and a half hours, with a break for lunch. The defence barrister had originally tried to free his client with a technicality over minor inconsistencies between the witness statements and evidence given in court (including mine, I had said I had landed on the ground whereas my witness statement said I landed on my feet; the retired bus driver said I had fallen to the ground). The magistrates left the court room to deliberate on the point of law but were soon back in to allow the case to proceed. The barrister then had to call his client, a tele-service operator for a North East accountancy software firm. Big mistake. With only the gentlest of questioning from the prosecuting barrister the motorist agreed he had shunted me, claimed the sun had blinded him, and when asked whether he'd now give cyclists more room in the future, he said, yes, he would. In which case, asked the prosecutor, why didn't you leave space for this cyclist who, it has been claimed, was riding erratically? Shouldn't you leave more space for such a cyclist, somebody who, it was claimed, had been weaving about and shouting aggressively? The driver agreed he should have left more space for such a erratic and aggressive cyclist.
If the defending barrister thought the case was now lost, he didn't show it. His summing-up painted me a scofflaw cyclist, deliberately trying to trick the defendant into smashing into my bicycle "setting a tripwire for [the defendent] for a later civil compensation case". The shunt was "an error anybody could make," said the defence barrister, playing the "there but for the Grace of God Go I" card. His final statement must have bemused the magistrates as much as it bemused me: road "accidents" happen all over the world, all the time, and are the fault of nobody. Just as a caterpillar and a butterfly are two very different things, yet also the same thing, so his client ought to be found not guilty. No, I have no idea what it means either. I suspect he rolls out this metaphor in many of his cases and sometimes it might work. In this particular case the insect imagery was lost on the magistrates and they found the defendant guilty.
In their verdict, the magistrates, sweetly, said my evidence had been "cogent and credible" and that my road positioning was not in any way at fault. The motorist was found guilty of driving without care and attention and will have to pay court costs of £600. The magistrates left the court to decide on the motorist's sentence. I didn't want to hang around but the police officer who had attended the scene said the motorist would likely get a fine of £600 and three to six points on his driving licence.
Outside court I heard his witness complaining she'd be "paying a fortune" in car park charges. He's pay her back, he said. I had no parking charges to pay. I had ridden to court on my cargo bike.
I guess the Florida Department of Transportation bought a bunch of these and painted them up all the same... I found a Charger over in Lakeland with a similar paint job: www.flickr.com/photos/formerwmdriver/5794108051/
If you want to use this image, ask permission PRIOR to use. Don't be a thief - under most circumstances, I'm quite reasonable.
Copyright 2011 - Alan B.
Sewell (Washington Township), NJ 08080
© Attorney Michael A. Smolensky, Esq., Criminal, Juvenile, DWI, and Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer. Gloucester County, NJ, Drunk Driving Defense Lawyer
Tonight I went to a wake for a single father killed in a drunk driving accident. He himself was a recovering alcoholic, doing his best to raise his daughters. A man who was drunk slammed into the bus that was carrying him home from registering for classes at the tribal college. I knew his little girl who would stop by the rectory often to say hello, and to play. She is a beautiful, and precocious, five year old girl who has to now face the world without both her dad and mom. It has been a trying evening, to say the least. When I went to say hi to to the little one at her daddy's wake, she wanted to take pictures with my camera. I let her fool around with it, and I will keep the pictures she took. When I got home, I spent time working on pictures, and this picture of a marigold, for some reason, stood out. (I took this picture) I need to be reassured that there is beauty in this world. I know God exists, and that all works out in the end. But, nonetheless, living where I do (for six, going on seven years), I've seen so much hardship and tragedy. Thank God for photography! It is such a release, and a pleasure! Thank you also to my flickr friends! You are good people!
Mantua, NJ 08051 © Attorney Michael A. Smolensky, Esquire, Criminal, Juvenile, Drunk Driving, and Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer www.smolenskylaw.com