Reduce Your Charges with Criminal Lawyers

November 4, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Laws vary from state to state making it important for individuals to be aware of them and the repercussions of breaking them. Should an individual find themselves facing charges for an offense, having access to criminal lawyers is necessary. Not only will a criminal lawyer be able to provide counsel to the charged individual, sometimes free of charge, a lawyer will also be able to defend the individual in various ways depending on the case such as: a violent offense, a sex offense, a DUI offense, and a theft or larceny offense.

Charges of Domestic and Sex Offences

Criminal_lawyers_150720140217When facing violence charges, the charged individual needs to seek out counsel and defense. Since violent offenses typically carry hefty fines and prison time, the charged individual requires a good lawyer to defend them in court. This type of offense can result in up to 12 months prison time and a $2500 fine should the violence be domestic. Otherwise, depending on the severity of the charge, the charged individual may face up to 40 years in prison. Having good criminal lawyers defending the charged individual can be helpful in preventing a maximum sentence from being given.

When a sex charge has been made against an individual, the sentence can be lengthy. The charged individual is looking at a possible five years to life maximum prison sentence if convicted; additionally, the charged individual will be added to the Sex Offender Registry upon conviction. The registry ensures that the convicted sex offender will be forever known to the public no matter where the convicted sex offender resides in the United States. Having criminal lawyers can aid the individual in preventing this from happening as well as reducing or lessening a charge.

From Drunk Driving to Reckless Driving

Being charged with an offense, such as a DUI, can result in a tricky situation. Since there are many variables to take into consideration when dealing with a DUI, it makes sentencing more difficult and the case more intricate. Depending on the number of times the individual has been convicted of a DUI offense and who was in the vehicle at the time, criminal lawyers may argue that the DUI offense is actually a wet reckless. This would reduce the charge to a less severe one as it would become a case of reckless driving rather than drunk driving.

Reducing Charges of Possession and Larceny

Another charge that can range in severity for an individual would be the charge of distribution or possession with the intention of distributing controlled substances. Again, this is a slightly more complicated charge as the sentencing is dependent on the amount of and type of drug being trafficked or intended for trafficking. The fines for trafficking can range from several hundred to nearly a million dollars due to the varying drugs and dangers they pose making it necessary for an individual charged with distribution or possession with the intention of distributing to have access to criminal lawyers. By having access, the charged individual will be made aware of their rights and possible outcomes of the charges laid against them including fines and prison time. Theft or larceny also has varying punishments and outcomes for charged individuals.

An individual charged with theft or larceny can face up to $2500 in fines as well as a prison sentence of up to 20 years should the larceny include items with an overall value exceeding $200. A charged individual that seeks the counsel and defense of criminal lawyers are less likely to serve the maximum sentence or pay the maximum fine. This is due to the lawyer’s expertise and knowledge on how to best defend the charged individual to either reduce the fine amount and prison sentences or to successfully free the charged individual of the conviction completely. This is somewhat dependent upon the charged individual’s criminal history as it is more difficult to defend an already convicted criminal.

However, through the professionalism and knowledge that the criminal lawyers have obtained through their various experiences and a thorough education, they are capable of handling a wide range of cases. Should an individual be charged with offenses ranging from theft, through to a Driving Under the influence (DUI) charge – or even a violent offense – criminal lawyers will be able to assist and inform their client of possible outcomes, defenses and options. Their experience and knowledge make them invaluable, no matter what criminal charges have been laid.

Filed Under: Criminal Defense

The Difference Between a Bankruptcy Lawyer and all Other Lawyers

October 27, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Well the main thing to note is that practicing law can have many niches or specializations. There are family lawyers, criminal lawyers, divorce lawyers, tax lawyers and yes, even a bankruptcy lawyer needs to specialize. The reason behind specializing in different areas of law is because the law is a vast, complicated umbrella of human regulation – definitely not something one person can master. A bankruptcy lawyer needs to know the bankruptcy laws inside and out. Furthermore, depending on the state you reside in, the laws can vary. This means that while a lawyer may specialize in practicing bankruptcy law in one state this does not necessarily mean they will know all the ins and outs of the law in another state.

Finding a bankruptcy lawyer is necessary if you think you are facing a filing. While you might be able to seek some general advice from any lawyer, any lawyer would recommend you see someone who specializes immediately. Talking to a bankruptcy lawyer doesn’t mean you have to file but they can inform you of your options and your rights. If you have already begun receiving calls from collections agencies, credit bureaus or other creditors then there is a good chance you will be filing for some form of bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is not just a general thing either. There are different forms of filing, depending on your situations, and your lawyer will tell you which filing is most suitable.

Bankruptcy_lawyer_150720140232The different forms of bankruptcy available to you are Chapter 7, Chapter 9, Chapter 11, 12, 13 and Chapter 15. Each filing involves different obligations, one requires you to liquidate all your assets and several of them involve “reorganizing” your finances entirely. A bankruptcy lawyer will help make these thing more tangible for you but perhaps the most useful thing your lawyer will do is call off the creditors. Keeping creditors at bay is a handy thing for sure but more than that, a bankruptcy lawyer will fill out all the relevant paper work and keep you on time for all your court dates.

The law is a finicky thing and bankruptcy law even more so. A simple mistake on the paperwork can send you back to square one or render you ineligible for filing. This is why a bankruptcy lawyer is a good investment. They deal with these laws, hoops and loopholes everyday – there is no one who will be able to serve you better. Getting your finances reigned in is your top priority and in order to this you need to secure the services of a professional with a proven track record. Do your homework and choose a bankruptcy lawyer who gets results and is willing to demonstrate their credibility.

Lawyers go to school for years and practice law for years, continually learning as they go. Bankruptcy is not something you can or should tackle on your own – there is no Dummies Guide that can truly prepare you for the amount of work and technicalities ahead. Finding yourself in this position does not make you unique – not in this day and age. Recent economic times have put many people in a similar position and the past is littered with those who have filed, learned a lesson and recovered spectacularly. Donald Trump has filed for bankruptcy before and we all know how well he is doing now. While you might think “of course Donald Trump had an excellent bankruptcy lawyer, he could afford it!” But getting a bankruptcy lawyer is the one financial decision you shouldn’t be worrying about at the moment.

Not only will you recuperate your legal investments when the tide changes but that legal investment is the only thing ensuring you that the tides will change. The investment will likely be much less than what you imagine because in this state of finance you can’t help but imagine the worst. Inform yourself by getting quotes and taking advantage of any consultations you can attend. It is possible to save your business or your home, not all forms of bankruptcy mean that you are going to lose your shirt. A bankruptcy lawyer will never be an investment that you regret but it will be a life and financial lesson worth every cent to learn.

Filed Under: Bankruptcy

Getting started on Chapter 11 with your bankruptcy lawyer

October 24, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Although frightening and under difficult circumstances, bankruptcy doesn’t have to be the end. With the right bankruptcy lawyer, it can even be an advantageous boon to your business. A Chapter 11 bankruptcy is not a death, it’s an opportunity for reorganization and to take a new look at how your business is being run. You may not be able to think clearly with the pressures facing you right now, but a little time to breathe can make a big difference. A debt load brings with it many debilitating pressures. Lawsuits, collections demands, defaults and taxes can make it very difficult to cope alone and make the right decisions. Don’t try to do it alone. Get a lawyer who knows how all of this works. Chapter 11 is layered, even multi-faceted and therefore it is one of the most complex legal areas. With a chapter 11 bankruptcy, the company can maintain control over the assets of the business while negotiating their debt load.

If your business is suffering under the overwhelming pressures of debt, a Chapter 11 business bankruptcy can turn it around. The best part of this type of bankruptcy is that it gives you space to catch up, and with the help of your bankruptcy lawyer you will have the time and space to decide the best way to proceed. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy, on the other hand, does liquidate the assets of your business to pay your creditors. In the case of Chapter 7, the business will be lost and the creditors will likely not end up with all the money owed to them, but full payment is often made under Chapter 11, so it’s a win-win for everyone.

Choose to file for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 if your business is still a money-making venture. That is, if the long-term revenue that the company will generate is more than the value of the current debt, that business will likely continue to be a success given time and a good break. A bankruptcy lawyer can assist the business owners in making this decision and successfully following it through. A Chapter 11 bankruptcy may become a Chapter 7, if the conditions of the Chapter 11 agreement are not being met.

To begin the process, the business owners need to sit down with the bankruptcy lawyer and make a list of the business assets and the debts from which it is seeking protection. Only the debts on the list will be able to be included in the bankruptcy agreement. Creditor protections provided under the United States Bankruptcy Code, allow the creditors the right to object or question these proceedings, and even vote to accept the repayment plan. Once the matter is settled to this point, the information will be reviewed, approved and, if accepted, supervised by the Office of the United States Trustee. It is their job to make sure that fraud or mismanagement has not occurred to put the debtor in this position.

Under Chapter 11, the debtor retains control of his assets, and now needs to begin to reorganize the debts in the best way possible. Cutting staff, closing some branches, and giving stock options instead of money to the creditors are some ways that a bankruptcy lawyer may advise to save money. During the period when the Chapter 11 is in effect, the debtor may reject or renegotiate existing contracts in order to improve their position, but they may not enter into any other major business decisions without approval. They may not sell or buy property, or merge with other companies.

After bankruptcy, many businesses go on to be successful. A bankruptcy lawyer can often serve as a business coach to help the business understand how and why they were forced to file for bankruptcy, thereby helping them become a success. The success of the future business is dependent on the successful outcome of the bankruptcy and the turnaround in the way everything was managed. An unsuccessful Chapter 11 bankruptcy may become a Chapter 7 if it is mismanaged. It is important to determine the cause of the bankruptcy and the business’s role in putting the business in that situation so that the mistakes are not resumed after and during the time of the bankruptcy protection.

Filed Under: Bankruptcy

Find a Good Solicitor-Some Necessary Information to get You Started

September 16, 2016 by Leave a Comment

If you need to hire a solicitor, you are probably wondering where to start. You may also be wondering what you should look for when you begin to consider having a particular solicitor work for you. It is a very important decision, so there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind when you are searching for someone to represent your interests.

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Ask around: word of mouth counts for a lot

If you want to gather suggestions about effective solicitors, one of the best ways is to get the opinions of satisfied clients through word of mouth. Former clients are extremely likely to be objective about the performance of a solicitor. They can communicate the positive strengths and the weaknesses of hiring a particular person. If you know someone you trust that has recently used the services of a solicitor, word of mouth referrals can help to point you in the direction.

Use the local bar association

All solicitors must pass and be registered with their local bar association. A good place to start with your search would be to contact your local bar association and ask to see a list of all accredited solicitors in your area. You can contact and arrange consultations with law firms based on this list.

Use free consultations

Many law firms allow you to have a thirty minute free consult with a solicitor that you are considering hiring for your case. It is definitely highly recommended that you take advantage of this to meet the solicitor, talk with them, and get a sense of their ability and willingness to help you with your case.

Ask questions about their work experience

The best predictor of a solicitor’s success with your case is their record of success with past cases that are similar to yours. Solicitors expect that you will ask questions—and you should—about how many cases they have handled and won. Trust you gut on this one: do they seem open and upfront about the result of their cases?

Personality fit

When you are attempting to find and hire a solicitor, you should also take into account personality fit. If you go to a consultation and there are signs that there will be serious personality clashes with your solicitor, you should keep looking—or ask to meet with a different solicitor within the company. They will be representing you, so you need to know that you would be able to work with them without conflict. If you ask yourself whether or not you like the solicitor and the answer is an unequivocal no, it is not wise to hire this person.

Does this solicitor communicate well?

If this solicitor is supposed to be representing you, then he or she needs to have superior communication skills. You should feel confident that the solicitor you hire is eloquent, speaks with authority, and can concisely present information in an understandable way. Make sure you hire a solicitor with great interpersonal and communication skills.

Small law firm vs. large law firm

The question of whether you should go with a large or small law firm can depend on many factors. Large law firms generally have a lot of financial resources and support staff, such as administrative assistants and paralegals, to ensure that you are adequately taken care of. Small law firms may offer the attraction of solicitors who form very personalized service with their clients and have lower billing rates. It definitely depends on your priorities as a client.

Is the solicitor flexible in payment options?

Many solicitors may be open to negotiating the method of payment with their prospective clients. Some could charge a flat rate retainer, some may request to bill hourly, while others could prefer to bill their clients by the tasks that they complete for them. It is important to work out a billing arrangement that is comfortable for both the solicitor and client, and it is the responsibility of the solicitor to fully explain the billing process. Clients should understand the process, or ask questions until they do.

Hiring a solicitor is a business decision and should be treated as such. You should consider their work experience, personality fit, willingness to work with you, and flexibility of billing options when considering a solicitor. If you follow the tips above, you are sure to find an excellent solicitor.

Filed Under: Solicitors

Domestic Violence Lawyers will Ensure the Accused has Their Day in Court

August 15, 2016 by Leave a Comment

In 1983, the Colorado General Assembly created the Domestic Violence Program (DVP). DVP is the sole government entity dedicated entirely to funding and sustaining community-based domestic violence programs across the state. In addition to serving as a funding administration, DVP is responsible for working collaboratively and developing partnerships with state entities, counties, and community stakeholders to address domestic violence policy and legislative initiatives. DVP strives to ensure that services to victims of domestic violence and their children are readily available throughout Colorado’s diverse communities and is continually seeking ways to improve services and educate the general populace about domestic violence. Unfortunately one of the key services provided is access to the courts to ensure future safety of victims and access to Domestic Violence Lawyers to address the charges being laid.

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior used by the abuser to gain or maintain control over the victim. Domestic violence happens in all races, age groups, sexual orientations, religions, social classes, economic backgrounds and education levels. It can occur in opposite-sex and same-sex relationships; between partners who are married, living together, dating or those who are no longer in a relationship together. The types of abuse range from physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and economic abuse. In each form, the abuser isolates the victim, intimidates them in different manners as a way to fully control them and often threatens personal harm to them or their children. The cases of domestic violence are significant. In a single day in 2011, 1,317 victims of domestic violence were served by community-based programs in Colorado. Of that number, 622 found refuge in emergency shelters or transitional housing where they received a wide variety of services to help them maintain their safety and begin to make plans for their future. 695 adults and children received non-residential assistance and services, including individual counseling, legal advocacy, access to domestic violence lawyers and children’s support groups.

Domestic_Violence_Lawyer_150720140209The Colorado legislature has defined domestic violence as any act or threatened act of violence on a person with whom the actor is or was involved with in an intimate relationship. State law defines an intimate relationship as any type of romantic relationship, past or present, between couples. There is no time factor in the definition and there is no requirement that the couple was sexually intimate. Domestic violence also includes any other crime against either a person or property when the offender is acting to coerce, control, punish, intimidate or is seeking revenge against the victim. In Colorado, a mandatory arrest policy was implemented requiring the police to make arrests in domestic violence cases when there is probable cause to do so, regardless of the wishes of the victim. Before mandatory arrest policies were put into effect, law enforcement was required to witness the abuse first hand prior to making an arrest. Each state has specific attributes to their policies; some states will arrest simply based on probable cause of domestic violence while others have time limitations following an incident to arrest an aggressor. Whatever the unique attributes, once an aggressor is identified and charges are laid, the need for a domestic violence lawyer becomes paramount.

In many states, the mandatory arrest around domestic violence has been brought into question with respect to the guilt of the person arrested. There are a lot of emotions attached to this crime and there have been incidents of false accusation and false arrests associated with this emotional time. In those cases, a skilled domestic violence lawyer will ensure the rights of the accused. A domestic violence lawyer will help a client understand the charges being presented; advise about possible outcomes if he or she is found guilty of these charges; and explain the steps of the process and answer any questions the client may have about them. A domestic violence attorney can also initiate a plea bargain agreement should it be in the best interest of the client to do so. Our legal system is built to ensure that both parties have their day in court. The accuser has a chance to face the accused… and a good domestic violence lawyer will ensure that the accused is prepared to defend themselves, and if falsely accused, is able to effectively prove that.

Filed Under: Domestic Violence

Bankruptcy Attorney TV Ads

July 10, 2016 by Leave a Comment

It seems as though nowadays everything is about flashiness and gimmicks. Businesses in almost every industry feel they have to produce flashy, attention-grabbing ads in order to drum up business. This phenomenon has even extended to law practice, with many lawyers producing television ads in order to attract clients. Odds are, you have seen these ads, and if you are currently looking for a bankruptcy attorney to guide you through the process of claiming personal or business bankruptcy, these ads are probably really standing out to you. If you are like most people, you are on the fence about these ads: on one hand, it’s nice to obtain information on an attorney without having to leave your living room, and it might be tempting to end your search here. On the other hand, you are probably questioning the credibility of a bankruptcy attorney who chooses to advertise his services in a television ad overwrought with over-the-top drama, rather than building a reputation by word of mouth. So what should you do? Can you trust an attorney that advertises on television, or is it simply too good to be true?

The simple answer is there is no simple answer. Some really good bankruptcy attorneys will choose to boost their presence and client base by advertising on TV. Some really terrible, bankruptcy attorneys advertise on television as a way to scam vulnerable people into employing their services, because they know their reputation will never be enough to draw in new business. The only way to determine an attorney’s credibility is to look beyond his or her TV ad and seek out information elsewhere. If you see an attorney on television who looks like they might have the services you are looking for, your first step should be a pretty simple one: do an online search for him or her. You should be able to find reviews from past clients or, worst case scenario, articles exposing a scam or malpractice. Be wary of the source of these online reviews (some businesses give themselves positive reviews on consumer review websites), and remember that this is just a first step in your investigative process. Online reviews are a great place to start, and they can save you time by exposing a scam right away, but in general they’re not enough to paint a complete picture. You will still want to do a little further research.

If you are filing for business bankruptcy, you will probably have some contacts in the business world that might be familiar with the bankruptcy attorney you are considering. Talk to your accountant, other types of lawyer you’ve worked with, and peers in your industry to see if they have dealt with that particular bankruptcy attorney, or they have heard any positive or negative reviews of him or her. Often this is where your most honest information will come from. A friend in your own industry won’t have much to gain or lose from if you are at the point of filing for bankruptcy, so they will likely have no reason to be dishonest or misleading with you. Still, be sure to only consult with people you trust, both on a personal level as well as on a professional level. Don’t take the advice of someone who allowed their bankruptcy process to go roughly because they made a hasty or ill-informed decision when it came to selecting an attorney to oversee the process. Don’t take the advice of someone in your industry who you are not personally close with and who might be a direct rival. Some people are comfortable with sabotaging others, so unless you know someone well enough to trust them, and have been able to trust them in the past, don’t bother asking their opinion.

Looking at television ads to help you find a bankruptcy attorney can be a reasonable place to start, as long as your research doesn’t end there. Gathering information from a lawyer’s TV ad should simply be a first step, and should be followed up by gathering information from several other sources, including client reviews, information from local business bureaus, and advice from industry peers and business associates. You can never be too careful, especially when dealing with such a delicate situation, so do yourself a favor and arm yourself with knowledge!

Filed Under: Bankruptcy
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