Nicholas Martino's Answers

Racing charge

That level of bond is unusual for a racing charge, with no prior criminal history. There may be more to the charge than you have been told. An attorney would be helpful to not only getting the bond lowered to a point where your son could bond out, but also to fight the charge. Rememmber any plea to a racing charge could result in loss of driving privileges. With some more information about your son, and his name it would be possible to find out more information prior to the 24th. If you...

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Should I let my 18 yr old go to trial with public defender on severe felony charges, armed burglary and grand theft

You should let your son go to trial with an attorney he is comfortable with. There are many good and bad public defenders, just like private attorneys. The best course of action is talk with some attorneys, have your son talk to them as well, and then reach a decision on who he feels most comfortable with to defend his interests in front of a jury.

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Attorney advertising

If you reference the explanation of the AVVO rating, they make it clear the rating is done by way of a math equation. There is no subjectivity beyond that equation. Also, the free use of the AVVO is meant to help maintain it's impartiality when evaluating lawyers.

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How Long

The above answer was helpful. My situation was that Avvo updated fairly quickly after the Bar updated its record. I believe it only took around 6 to 8 weeks for the update. Then as the information changes with the Bar the process takes about the same amount of time, ie. address changes.

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Credit Card debt

Call them for a settlement amount. If they have reported you delinquent then they really have very little leverage. Make sure any agreement you make you get in writing first, before making any payments. They will pressure you, but make sure that letter is in your hand before dealing with the company.

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My son in law is on probation for resisting arrest w/violence. He recently got put in jail for DUI.

The possible penalty could be up to one year, depending on the degree of the charge of the probation offense. Also, whether he has pled to the DUI can impact his probation violation sentence. It is best to work these cases together. Depending on the judge involved with the case the amount of time he could realistic received may vary as well. There is additional information needed to really help with your son's situation. I would suggest consulting with an attorney, or multiple attorneys,...

Am I protected under Fl Stand your Ground Law

The stand your ground law isn't as clear cut as you may think. The State can still pursue the charge even if you claim stand your ground unless the judge find the immunity of the law applies. The law is not well settled, so I wouldn't assume you are protected. I would consult with an attorney that has experience in this area. I offer free consultations, or if you have already retained an attorney consult with him or her on how the immunity could be used to your benefit.

My paid attorney asked me to prepare a mitigation letter for a DUI. Is this normal.

The other responses are correct, each case is unique, so please take my response with that in mind. DUI cases can last for months or in some cases a year or more. As for mitigation letters, it is common to use those early in the process, but if something has recently surfaced it may be appropriate to draft a mitigation letter at any point in the process. The more important issue seems to be your comfort level. You should be having a conversation with your attorney. If you're not happy...

Do Courts STILL mandate A.A. meeting attendance as a DUI sanction? Is that not the forcing of religion (incl. a higher power), b

No, there is no mandate for AA. However, individual courts may assign AA meetings in lieu of, or in addition to other conditions. AA meetings could always be substituted for non-religious based programs that help individuals maintain sobriety.

Is it possible to have my No Contest plea overturned or appealed?

The time frame would weigh heavily on the outcome. However, there are instances (depending on the facts) where the State will consent to a withdrawal of a please even beyond the time frame. Also, getting your record sealing or expunged may be an option. First thing is to get an attorney to review the facts of your case to determine what the possible options are for you. I provide free consultations for situations just like yours.