Personal Injury Attorney & Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

May 27, 2010

The Fundamentals Of Choosing A Criminal Defense Attorney

Filed under: Lawyer — Tags: , , , — Sacha Rathe @ 6:37 am

There are many important factors you need to consider before choosing a criminal defense attorney. You are probably going through one of the most terrifying experiences of your life and the emotional turmoil your situation brings along with it will cloud your judgment and prevent you from thinking practically, logically and clearly. With your freedom hanging in the balance it is imperative you choose the right person to defend your case.

You could be facing some very serious consequences, including jail time and probation, so you need to make sure you pick a reputable attorney who specializes in criminal law. Hiring someone who knows the best actions to take and who is able to use the law to help your case, will give you a special edge in court. Having someone on your team who does not know what they are doing could cost you in the end.

Gaining good advice and a different outlook on your case is vital, so do not attempt to represent yourself. Even if you are an attorney you might not make the right decisions, since you are emotionally involved. Never hire someone who specifically targets you and offers their services, and stay away from anyone who claims they can guarantee a certain verdict.

You should always ask questions before choosing a criminal defense attorney. Determine their chances of success by asking about previous cases. Check their qualifications and make sure you know what legal costs you will incur. The attorney you select needs to be aware of the social repercussions for you and inform you of any other consequences you are facing besides jail time.

A reputable criminal defense attorney will ensure you do not incriminate yourself by helping you with your statements to the police. You should also expect your case to be thoroughly researched and witnesses to be questioned. Your attorney should hire investigators to uncover any discrepancies that will question the credibility of witnesses.

It is important to select someone who is familiar with the courthouse and knows the prosecutors and judges. Knowing the local jurisdiction and being familiar with the customs of a particular court can work in your favor.

Ultimately you need an attorney who is able to create reasonable doubt. Your attorney should look for loopholes and errors in your case and negotiate a good deal if necessary. The costs of defending your case could be astronomical and you might end up losing more than just your money. Besides social consequences and lost job opportunities, you need to realize that your freedom and life are stake. Choosing the wrong defense attorney could cost you dearly.

If you are not sure how to go about looking for or choosing a criminal defense attorney then start with referrals. Ask family, friends or even an attorney you might have used previously if they have any recommendations. Search for information on prominent cases and determine who is representing those cases. You can also use the State Bar as a reference for qualified attorneys and select one in your area. Choosing the right attorney could save your life.

Learn more about Los Angeles criminal defense. Stop by RobertHelfend.com where you can find out all about choosing a criminal defense lawyer.

March 15, 2010

Weaknesses of Field Sobriety and Breathalyzer Tests and How to Beat Them

Filed under: Lawyer — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert M. Jenkins @ 11:12 am

Perhaps the most crucial decision a DUI attorney must make during a case is deciding on what argument to present. As once this argument is presented, it is often times quite difficult to present another argument if the first one falls flat. The

Once the DUI attorneys first argument is made, the following arguments must remain consistent and support the main argument. If a DUI attorney fails to do this, they can come across as being sneaky or unorganized.

Defending yourself in a DUI case can be very difficult, and you want to be sure all of your arguments are solid. It is never a good idea to argue that a defendant was just barely over the states legal limit, because the jury will see right through that kind of argument. In a court of law you can only be guilty or not guilty, but not a little bit of either. If that is the kind of argument your case is relying on, it would probably be smarter to try and negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor instead of taking your case to court

On a similar frame, do not try to argue that the defendant did not realize they were over the legal limit, as it is irrelevant. If the defendant is over the legal drinking age than they are an adult, and therefore responsible for their decisions. As a helpful side note, it is not a good idea to refer to the breathalyzer device as either an “instrument” or a “machine” as both of these terms are thought of to be accurate.

You may be surprised to know that a breathalyzer test does not actually test for blood alcohol levels, but rather gives an estimation based on the individual’s breath. Therefore, in the case of the breathalyzers, a better approach would be to show the results it gave and explain how the device is not perfectly accurate. Breath tests can vary substantially between people, and by substantially we mean it can read up to 180% more alcohol when compared to someone else with the same blood alcohol level.

Now that you understand more about a breathalyzer test, it is important you follow another tip. When combating the results from a breathalyzer in court, do not use scientific kind of terms like “margin of error”. Terms like this can confuse and bore the jurors. Instead, give them a range. You can’t say something like, “when someone consumes X amount of alcoholic drinks, a breathalyzer test can give a reading somewhere between X and X. Another tip worth mentioning is to never try and attack the police officer for being corrupt unless you have some hard evidence, as this will be a very hard sell to the jury.

Instead, it would be more effective to review the proper breathalyzer procedures and show how the police officer did not follow the rules. For example, the police officer must stand next to the driver for 15 to 20 minutes before giving them the test because burping or even eating specific foods can give a false reading and show higher than actual results. Also, instead of saying field sobriety tests, refer to them as preliminary roadside evaluations, as that is what they are.

You must help the jury to understand that field sobriety tests and breathalyzer devices are not perfect and will frequently give an incorrect reading. You can even use the fact that these devices and tests are different from city to city and even precinct to precinct. Because if you cannot get this through to them, they will think they are perfect and will not believe the defendant is not guilty.

Learn more about finding an experienced San Diego DUI Attorney. Stop by Robert M. Jenkins’s site where you can find out all about San Diego DUI related information and what to do.

March 13, 2010

Tips for Finding Public Criminal Records

Filed under: Lawyer — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Jim Clayton @ 10:40 am

This may seem rather obvious, but public records refer to records that the public has access to at their discretion for whatever reason they may need them. Although they are available to the public, depending on what state you are located in the method of accessing the records may vary. In most states, access to these types of records are based on laws that govern the proper use of information. These such laws are designed to protect the privacy of the individual.

The law in some states as mandated that prior to searching for criminal records you must obtain the consent from the subject himself. This law holds true even when you are conducting a background check for employment purposes or even employment on a volunteer basis. Once you have received approval by the individual, the most convenient place to obtain these records is your local state police department as they will have all the necessary resources regarding these reports. Typically these laws are in accordance to the right to privacy.

Your local law enforcement agency is usually held responsible for consistently maintaining their criminal databases in a structured fashion. Obviously, the quality and accuracy of the information you receive will depend on the records being properly maintained. To find out how your local records are maintained, you can easily contact your local law enforcement agency and they can form you.

There is a variety of methods for you to begin looking up criminal records. The approach you take me be dependent on the city you are in. For instance, if you are in San Diego, there is no need to consult a San Diego criminal attorney to do it for you. It is much faster and easier to do your search online and avoid the long lines and wait times in a governmental office.

Another huge benefit to searching online is that the commercial record providers have access to many different databases both public and private. Not only that but you can download them instantly and easily organize them on your computer. This method has proven to be much simpler and faster.

Criminal records are searched for a variety of reasons by many people. Typically, it is used for businesses looking to do background checks on individuals for employment or that have filled out applications. You are also able to conduct criminal record searches to protect your self or your family from anyone you may have had contact with or are considering hiring for services such as babysitting or housesitting. It is always a good idea to protect your self and your family when it comes to these types of matters.

Because public records are in fact “public”, all people of society have the right to access them. It is important to keep in mind that although they are public records, there are in fact certain laws in place that protect the importance of these types of documents about an individual.

With that said, it is crucial that you follow all laws in accordance with the use of the information that you receive. It is also very important that you follow all the correct procedures in your area when obtaining these records.

Looking to find the best deal on hiring a San Diego criminal defense attorney, then visit www.sandiegocriminalattorneydefense.com to find the best advice from a San Diego Criminal Attorney for your situation.

March 4, 2010

Possible Ways To Defeat a California DUI Charge In Court

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert M. Jenkins @ 8:35 pm

You’ve just got arrested for driving under the influence in California. You were pulled over just after leaving the bar with your buddies for having an expired registration sticker, or maybe he saw your car swerve. Whatever the reason may be, the officer was suspicious of the situation and ask you if you have had anything to drink. He then decided to test you by administering a breathalyzer test and field sobriety tests which included walking a straight line under his watchful eye, standing on one leg and touching your nose, and following a pencil with your eyes.

Now, you’re sitting in jail with a group of other people who are also drunk as you all wait to see the judge in the morning. It’s times like these where everything seems hopeless. You now face jail, or prison, heavy fines, a marred criminal record, and much more. However, if you have a good San Diego DUI lawyer, you can defeat a California DUI charge in court. But you must first find that attorney who will represent you to his or her fullest capabilities.

When you begin searching for a San Diego DUI lawyer to protect your rights, it is not recommended to choose the first name you find in the Yellow Pages. It’s is much more wise to contact each and every DUI lawyer in your immediate area and ask them several questions about their past successes in cases like yours.

Ask how many times they’ve helped their clients beat the DUI charges against them. Ask how long they’ve been practicing and why you should choose them to represent you. If you do this long enough, soon you’ll find the perfect San Diego DUI lawyer for you. This is someone who makes you feel comfortable and who also seems as though they are fully versed in California DUI laws.

Beating the DUI Charges

A highly skilled San Diego DUI lawyer knows it is possible to beat DUI charges, and can do so by meticulously scrutinizing each piece of evidence to discover any mistakes or loopholes to that can work in your favor. DUI attorneys are known to question the results from a breathalyzer test as they often give false readings, and even the weather and time of day when your field sobriety test was administered as often times it can skew the outcome. Were the roads wet or was it raining at the time you were pulled over?

Because, that could absolutely explain why your car was seen swerving, as cars can hydroplane on slick cement when it rains. It is the job of your San Diego DUI lawyer to devise a plan that both picks apart the prosecutor’s case against you, while at the same time convincing the jury you are not guilty.

When you’re arrested for a DUI, it’s common to feel very alone and scared. But once you find that perfect San Diego DUI lawyer who will stand by your side and fight for you every step of the way, you’ll soon see you can beat that DUI charge and get on with your life without affecting your criminal record, your bank account, your freedom or your reputation.

Learn where to go for a San Diego DUI lawyer. Stop by Robert M. Jenkins’s site where you can find laws on San Diego DUI and what you should do.

February 23, 2010

Top 3 Reasons to Hire a Criminal Attorney When Facing Charges

Filed under: Lawyer — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Andrew N. Wilson @ 6:16 am

If you are faced with serious criminal charges, you only have a few options. You can choose to go it alone, you can opt for a public defender, or you can consult a San Diego criminal attorney to represent you in court. Shortly, we will cover which is the best option for you. Frankly, only consulting a criminal attorney will give you the highest probability of having your charges dismissed, or achieving a reduced charge. When you are arrested, you will be read at your rights. It is highly recommended that you pay particular attention to the right to remain silent, and ask immediately to consult your lawyer.

It is important to act quickly to secure the services of a criminal attorney. Check your local online listings or phone book to find criminal attorneys in your area. There are a few preferred methods to go about selecting the best criminal attorney for your needs.

It is typically a good idea to check with your friends and family for any referrals on an attorney they may know or have experience with. If you are unable to find a solid lead through them, begin calling a round to the local criminal attorneys in your area and ask them about their success record in court.

Most people believe that consulting a San Diego criminal attorney can be very costly. Don’t even let this thought cross your mind. If you end up being convicted of your charges, you will most likely lose far more money then an attorney would charge. The small cost that your attorney charges could save you from large fines, legal penalties, and even prison time.

If you are facing very serious criminal charges, the money you pay your San Diego criminal attorney can keep you from hanging much higher legal fines, and keep your freedom intact. This is not the time to make your decision based on price, rather, pay for the best attorney you can afford.

Again, there are three main reasons for hiring a criminal attorney. The first reason is that the San Diego criminal attorney is going to be on your side. When you’re facing charges, you often feel very alone. All the law terms and procedures can leave you feel confused and overwhelmed. Your criminal attorney will be with you every step of the way. He or she will explain what’s going on, will tell you how to act, dress, what to say and when to say it. Basically, they are your advocate when you previously had no one.

Another important reason to consult a criminal attorney is because his or her reputation is riding on the outcome of your case. Meaning, if they lose they will often times be overlooked by future potential clients because they carry a poor record. On the flip-side, if they win they will gain many future clients and therefore have many incentives. Your San Diego criminal attorney has many reasons to do their best in winning your case.

Finally, the third reason why you should hire a San Diego criminal attorney is because a good attorney will know the ins and outs of the law. He or she can get evidence against you thrown out; he or she can convince a jury that you’re innocent and, more importantly, a good San Diego criminal attorney can get the entire case thrown out of court on a technicality. That’s the outcome you’re looking for when it comes to criminal court and that’s why you shouldn’t even consider another option other than hiring the best criminal attorney in the San Diego area to represent you.

Learn more about choosing a good San Diego criminal attorney. Stop by Andrew N. Wilson’s site where you can find out all about where to find a San Diego criminal defense attorney and what they can do for you.

Crucial Tips on Fighting a DUI with a DUI Attorney

Filed under: Lawyer — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , — Steven Williams @ 4:06 am

While having a good time at your friends house while watching the big game, you decide to throw back a few beers. The night winds down, you get tired, and decide to drive home. Suddenly you see flashing lights in your review mirror. The police officer tells you he has pulled you over for an expired tag, but then points a light in your eyes and asks you if you have been drinking. You say no, but he asks you to step out of the car anyway. He quickly places you in cuffs and takes you to jail on the suspicion of driving under the influence. Suddenly you find yourself facing formal DUI charges, which in California, tend to be very severe. Fortunately, you can fight the charges in court with the assistance of a skilled San Diego DUI attorney.

Typically, once you are arrested for DUI you are taken to the drunk tank and left to sober up with many other intoxicated people in your same situation. This is happening all over the state of California with an increasing frequency, and for that reason, California prosecutors have become quite intolerant of those suspected of driving under the influence. Most likely, prosecutor will recommend harsh fines, community service, lengthy probation, and prison time if anyone was hurt.

A good San Diego DUI attorney will be able to look at the evidence against you and will create a strategy to beat the charge. First, you need to find an attorney. Look in the yellow pages or search online and contact every DUI attorney in your area. Make a list and take notes. You’ll want to know how long the attorney’s been in practice and his or her track record. However, many find that they just know when they’ve found the right San Diego DUI attorney. It’s just something they feel, and maybe that feeling is comfort.

That’s what a good DUI attorney is: he’s your advocate. He’s on your team. He wants to help you. His reputation is at stake. He won’t go very far if he loses cases. However, for your DUI attorney to help you beat the charge, you must be honest. Tell him if you had been drinking that night, and how much. Now, you do run into the chance that the evidence is so bad that the attorney turns down the case. However, this is unlikely. A good DUI attorney will enjoy the challenge. Even if he can’t get the case thrown out, at least he might be able to get a lesser charge.

Getting a DUI could potentially ruin your reputation, your career, your finances as well as your personal relationships. Fines, jail time, prison time, probation, community service, court ordered classes, time off from work to attend court and probation meetings, and much more; this is what you face with a DUI charge.

It is critical you choose a San Diego DUI attorney you trust to represent you in court, as California prosecutors take these charges extremely seriously. DUIs have been occurring with increased regularity in California and the state prosecutors have lost their patience and have become intolerable of the offense.

A highly experienced DUI attorney will know how to have breathalyzer test results tossed out of court, or even have your field sobriety test results thrown out due to reasons such as the weather. They will comb the evidence of your entire case carefully to design a successful strategy aimed at having your case dismissed entirely.

For instance, if the evidence against you is the arresting officer saw you wobbling as you got out of the car, a good attorney might say your leg was asleep. It is the officer’s word against yours and memories are sometimes hazy, as everyone knows. A good attorney will possibly find witnesses that go against the officer’s story. That would be a huge blow to the prosecution.

Looking to find a San Diego DUI attorney, then visit Steven Williams’s site on how to choose the best San Diego DUI attorney for your needs.

February 17, 2010

How To Take Responsibility For DUI Charges and How To Find A Skilled DUI Attorney

Filed under: Lawyer — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Charles T. Devoy @ 1:34 pm

It doesn’t matter if you were at the bar with your friends or you were at home having a couple beers, at some point you made the decision to get behind the wheel of a car and now you’ve found yourself arrested and facing serious legal charges. Depending on your area, DUI charges can vary, but in San Diego, DUI charges are very strict, and if you are faced with this kind of charge, you are about to experience a lot of turmoil. The truth is, only a skilled San Diego DUI attorney can help you when you’re in this kind of situation. A San Diego DUI attorney is very familiar with the court system, loop holes in the law, and methods to have evidence and potentially harmful testimony dismissed out of court.

The police officer walks up to your car and asks if you’ve had anything to drink. He/She may give you a field sobriety test, or a breathalyzer test and/or a blood test. Be aware, you can refuse to take these tests, but more than likely (especially if the police officer is believes you have been drinking) they will simply keep you in custody until they get a warrant that gives them the right to test you and then arrest you if you are intoxicated.

Obviously, this all assumes you have in fact been drinking before you drove. There have actually been cases when people were pulled over, tested and arrested for drunk driving even though they have not drank anything. This is definitely a case where you will need a skilled DUI attorney to represent you.

Now that you have been formally charged with DUI, your first step should be to research and contact an experienced San Diego DUI attorney. Not just any attorney will do, you one that specializes in DUI cases. Don’t be too concerned with the money. A common mistake is to opt for the cheapest attorney you can find. Keep in mind, this person is fighting for your freedom, your driving and criminal records, as well as your character, this is not a place to cut costs. Instead, employ the most qualified attorney to fight your charges, and worry about coming up with the money after. As with most things, you usually get what you pay for, so if you want the best representation in court, you should be prepared to pay the fees.

By far, the most efficient way to find an experienced attorney is to search online. You should also try to look for testimonials of others who may have had similar experiences in your area. You can also look in the phone book, or even an attorney directory, however, you cannot guarantee these attorneys will be successful at what they do. It is best to interview a few attorneys and ask for testimonials they have from others they’ve represented in court. Always ask about their court record, to help determine how successful they are. If you find an attorney that is successful in getting reduced charges or having cases thrown out completely, that’s the attorney you want representing you.

A skilled DUI Attorney will review all the evidence against you and will design a strategy aimed at having your case thrown out completely, or at least having your charges reduced. Many times, breathalyzer tests give incorrect readings, and a knowledgeable attorney can have the test results from this device thrown out; or they may use outside environments such as the weather, to explain why the officer concluded that you failed the field sobriety test.

It is crucial you trust your attorney to be fighting for your best interests. However he tells you to dress, talk, or what to say, listen to him. Attorneys want to win by nature, they hate to lose.

Even if the evidence is stacked against you and you think there’s no way you’re going to get out of this mess, a good San Diego DUI attorney may surprise you by finding a loophole, or an angle you never thought of that just might save you from years of legal trouble, lost money and tarnished reputation. But you must choose the best San Diego DUI attorney if you hope to receive the best results for your hard earned money.

Want to find out more about finding the best San Diego DUI attorney, then visit Charles T. Devoy’s site on how to choose the best San Diego DUI attorney for your circumstances.

February 14, 2010

Life After Getting A DUI, Tips To Getting Yourself Back On Track Fast

Filed under: Lawyer — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert M. Jenkins @ 8:32 am

No matter what county you are in, being charged with a DUI can be a frightening event. Specifically, a San Diego DUI, as with most other county DUI’s carries harsh consequences that trail the charges and they affect every aspect of your life from your job to personal relationships to your financial situation. What is the right move to get back on track? Can a San Diego DUI lawyer help you? Most likely you are very confused at this point, this article will help you to answer questions you may have.

Normally, those facing San Diego DUI charges wisely elect to consult a San Diego DUI lawyer. They are frightened and want to ensure the absolute best chance of reducing the penalties that will affect the rest of their lives. This is precisely the right thing to do in this situation because a San Diego DUI lawyer is the only one who can effectively get your life back on track again with as little strain as possible.

Personal Accountability

The correct first step after begin arrested for drunk driving is to take personal responsibility for what has happened. Use this event as a wake up call to get your life back in order. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol, this is your best chance to go into rehab and get it fixed early.

If you do have an alcohol problem, a San Diego DUI lawyer will usually advise you to do this right away, because when fighting these charges in court it looks much better if you have been proactive your treatment.

The Responsibility Of The DUI Lawyer

A DUI lawyer cannot force you into rehab or sort out your problems, but they will know the finer points of the law that will help you fight the charges. For instance, your license will be seized on the spot, but did you know that you have just 10 days to contest the suspension of your license?

Time is critical when facing a San Diego DUI. The California system does not have a strict set of outlined penalties. Penalties vary depending on many factors. If you have any of these factors stacked against you, then you should not even consider appearing in court without a San Diego DUI lawyer:

* A minor was in the car when you were pulled over for DUI.

* You refused to accept the breathalyzer or blood test at the time of your DUI.

* You have any prior DUI convictions.

* There was serious injury or death as a result of the DUI.

* You have multiple traffic violations at the time of your DUI.

These are all situations that will absolutely increase your penalties and even land you in jail, so you will need an experienced DUI lawyer who is familiar with maneuvering the legal system so the result is as much in your favor as possible.

If you do not have any of the escalating factors listed above, it may be tempting to go it alone thinking the charges aren’t “that serious.” The problem is the fines usually go over $1,000 even on the first offense and if not properly treated in court the charges could become criminal blemishes that follow you through the rest of your life!

On a positive note, with the help of a skilled San Diego DUI lawyer, and if you make smart decisions, you will be successful in getting your life back in order after facing San Diego DUI charges. It is your responsibility to make the proper changes in your life to overcome your alcohol issues. However, its is the responsibility of your San Diego DUI lawyer to aggressively contest the DUI charges against you and fight to reach a positive result in court.

Looking to find a better deal on a San Diego dui, lawyer, then visit www.sandiegoduilawyernow.com to find the best DUI advice from a San Diego dui lawyer for your charges.

December 23, 2009

The Copperhead Snake.

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Owen Jones @ 6:23 am

Though not as venomous as other species, the copperhead snake causes the majority of snake-bites in the US. The copperhead can be recognized by its stubby shape and the clear distinction between the neck and the rest of the body although the cross bands that make up the overall pattern make classification possible too.

Copperhead snakes have pale bellies, similar to the ground on which they live, but they sometimes appear pretty whitish. There are visible spots or pits on the head of copperhead snakes that look like darker tiny specks, but there is also a rather discolored stripe on the head area behind the eyes; this stripe looks very diffuse on top but it gets brownish towards the edges.

Copperhead snakes live in all sorts of habitats: you can find them under rocks, in woods and on river banks or in areas around ponds. A specimen will choose its habitat depending on the predominant prey, as copperhead snakes feed on birds, frogs, mice, cicadas, caterpillars and almost any other small animal they manage to hunt.

The most usual hidey-holes for copperhead snakes, wood piles, stone slabs, walls, debris and abandoned or ruined buildings are the most common, which explains why people come across copperheads so often in such areas. The active months of the year for copperhead snakes are in the spring and summer for as long as the weather stays warm. After that they go into hibernation.

Copperhead snakes use the dens in which they spend the winter year after year and usually there are large numbers of other individuals in hibernation together. In summer time when it is too hot outside, the copperhead will stay in the shade during the day and hunt at night. On lovely warm days, this snake will lie in the sun on rocks or wood debris. The young of copperhead snakes are born live and are not hatched; their number ranges between one and fourteen, with the mating period extending ’till mid autumn.

Immediate medical assistance is absolutely necessary in the case of bites by copperhead snakes since there is the risk of permanent scarring accompanied by really unbearable pain. The best advice you can get when encountering copperhead snakes is to avoid them, because many people get bitten when they threaten the snakes when roaming or hunting.

Snakes will not harm you unless they sense danger, when you will see how fiercely they can defend themselves. Statistics indicate that copperhead snakes are the most frequent life threateners in the US, because these snakes attack quite out of the blue without sending any warning signals like other species do.

Interested in the Copperhead snake? To learn more about snakes visit http://caring-for-snakes.the-real-way.com our brand-new web site.

November 12, 2009

The Spitting Cobras

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Colin Jones @ 11:49 am

The species of snake called the spitting cobra is very unusual as it not only has a poisonous bite but it also spits venom into the eyes of its prey and aggressors. Contact of this venom with your eyes is very painful and can even blind you temporarily, therefore, if you get cobra venom in your eyes, irrigate them with water at once in order to prevent permanent tissue damage.

The King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is also remarkable in this large family of snakes (elapidae) because it feeds almost entirely on other snakes with mice and small birds also falling prey to its poison.

The King Cobra is also a record-holder because of its size – it can reach almost twenty feet (585 cms) in length, which makes it the largest poisonous snake in the world. The most recent discovery of a new species of cobra was made in 2003 as part of an illegal shipment of exotic pets at London Zoo.

DNA studies revealed that this new species of snake is similar to the red spitting cobra but has different genes. It seems to originate from an area between Sudan and Egypt and it has been called the ‘Nubian Spitting Cobra’.

Although they are highly dangerous when threatened cobras will rarely attack if you keep your distance from them, although the spit can travel very accurately for two meters. Compared to the strike of a rattlesnake, the cobra is rather slow in its attack and besides that, many bites prove to be non-venomous.

Statistics of a study conducted on Malaysian cobra snake victims indicate that only 55% of the bites involved poison release and the same statistics indicate a mortality rate of only 10% for people bitten, since the poisons injected into the blood of the prey destroy the nerves (neurotoxins), which induces respiratory failure approximately half an hour after being bitten, so you have 30 minutes to seek help.

Their colouration varies from light green-grey to black, although juveniles are yellow and black banded.This snake is widespread throughout south-eastern Asia.

Do you care for Cobras? To learn more about snakes visit Caring for Snakes our brand-new web site.

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