Why You Need a Skilled and Experienced Domestic Violence Attorney to Defend You

December 5, 2016 by Leave a Comment

We don’t wake up in the morning planning to have a domestic violence incident. We never enter a fight with a spouse, child or other loved one with the preconceived idea of letting it get out of control. We also, for the most part, trust the people we live with not to make false accusations of violence against us. Unfortunately, there are many instances of these things happening every day. Tempers flare, the situation worsens, and an incident can take place that leaves you in need of a lawyer. When your home situation takes a turn for the very worst, you need a domestic violence attorney to help you get your life, both inside and outside the home, back to its peaceful norm.

Why do I need help?

Even if the accusation made against you was false, you need to contact a domestic violence attorney. In fact, you should do this especially if the accusation is false. The laws surrounding domestic violence can be complex and many of them carry extremely heavy penalties. You may be reluctant to get a lawyer whether or not you committed the acts of which you are accused.

If you have been falsely accused, you may feel that contacting an attorney will make you look guilty. This is not the case. A domestic violence attorney will understand how to help you recover from the incident in such a way that the damage to your personal life will be reduced. If you are guilty, you may feel conflicted about seeking the protection of an attorney. You may feel that you don’t deserve it, or that there is no way out of the mistake you’ve made. Again, this is not the case. Domestic violence attorneys cannot make your crime disappear, but they can help minimize the damage to you and your family life that may result.

What can I lose?

Because domestic violence cases so often involve extremely vulnerable people, such as children, elderly people or people with disabilities, the penalties involved can be very, very steep. When you stand accused of domestic violence, you are in a very precarious position. Most obviously, you run the risk of losing your family. When the police are called to investigate a domestic disturbance, they will often automatically arrest the person accused of being the aggressor. This arrest comes bundled together with a mandatory restraining order that can make it hard to contact your family in order to reconcile with them.

A domestic violence charge, whether true or not, can negatively impact your reputation for the rest of your life. Even a false charge can label you as someone who abused his or her spouse or children. This can affect your professional life as well as your personal life. Finally, the crimes associated with domestic violence carry serious legal penalties. You can pay fines, lose privileges or even spend time in jail.

When should I contact an attorney?

When it comes to contacting a domestic violence attorney, the answer is easy: the sooner the better. These incidents can spiral very quickly out of control. Phone calls can be made and damaging information, including damaging falsehoods, can be posted on the internet. If you are the victim of false accusations, the presence of an attorney or even the knowledge that a lawyer will be called can be enough to help your accuser think twice about their actions. If you did, in fact, commit a crime against a family member, an attorney will know how to help defuse the long-term effects of your actions. When emotions are high and much is at stake, you have no time to lose.

What will happen?

Every case is different, and it’s hard to know for certain what will happen in a specific case. However, contacting a domestic violence defence attorney will almost certainly make things more manageable. If you are guilty of domestic violence, a lawyer may be able to help create a situation wherein you can reconcile with the people you wronged so you can have a chance to rebuild your life. If you are innocent, your reputation and your family relationships may be preserved. Don’t hesitate on this matter: contact an attorney and help get your life back on track.

Filed Under: Domestic Violence

Personal Injury Attorney – Find the Best One to Suit Your Needs

November 22, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Have you suffered a personal injury? Whether that injury occurred as a result of a vehicle accident, or whether it occurred as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to receive compensation. Receiving compensation, however, isn’t as easy as simply filing a claim. You need to compile evidence and documentation, and you may have to sit through a lengthy court procedure.

Just because you are the victim in a situation doesn’t necessarily mean that the perpetrator will be honest and accept accountability for the incident. That means you need to defend yourself and your injury. And it won’t just be against the perpetrator either. You may also need to protect yourself and your injury against the unwillingness of insurance agencies to pay the compensation amount that is due.

When you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury, the last thing that should be on your mind is navigating the complexities of the legal world in order to sure that your rights are protected. You need to focus on healing and spending time with your family and loved ones instead. If you reside in Los Angeles, then you can let Los Angeles injury attorneys handle all of the legal complexities for you—but you need to make sure you find the right one.

How do you know you’ve found the right personal injury attorney?

Finding a personal injury attorney doesn’t have to be complicated, but you do need to be selective in order to ensure you are getting the right protection for your personal case. There are basic things you can do to ensure the personal injury attorney you consult is qualified to handle your claim.

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1. Ensure they are certified

Don’t be afraid to ask to see certification when you walk into a personal injury attorney’s office. They should be able to show you up front their certification along with their specific qualifications. You can also do some research on them before you get to the office and after you leave as well. If they’ve handled a lot of personal injury cases, you’ll be able to find records, and you may even be able to ask around and hear first-hand from other personal injury victims what their experience with your potential personal injury attorney was like.

2. Meet with more than one attorney

Make sure you meet with more than one personal injury attorney. This can be within the same firm or through a variety of firms. And don’t be afraid to ask questions when you meet with a potential personal injury attorney. You want to make sure you feel comfortable with your personal injury attorney, and you want to make sure you feel confident that they are on your side. But that isn’t all. You also want to feel confident that they feel you have a strong case, and that they can acquire the evidence and documentation necessary to defend it well. Different personal injury attorneys will have different ranges of experience, and some may see a strong case where others do not. You want to go with the attorney who feels strongest that you have a case.

3. Ask questions

You don’t just want to know that your personal injury attorney is qualified to handle your case; you also want to know that he or she has experience with cases like it. There are a lot of different types of personal injuries, and those personal injuries will have different effects on different people. Someone who works behind a desk in an office or from home won’t have the same work impairments as a mechanic when it comes to a leg or spinal cord injury, for instance. You want to ensure that the personal injury attorney you consult knows all the consequences of the specific injury you are dealing with.

Is it a traumatic brain injury? A spinal cord injury? Were you involved in a truck accident? A motorcycle accident? Did the injury take place while you were on the job or as a result of someone else’s on-the-job negligence? All of the different details of your injury are going to manifest different results at the end of your claim, and you want a personal injury attorney (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_injury_lawyer) who can understand the differences, no matter how minute they may seem on paper, and push for compensation that will actually provide you with the relief you need as you adjust to and recover from your injury.

Filed Under: Personal Injury

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
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