When Should You Sue After Being Bitten Or Injured By A Dog? Initiating A Dog Bite Lawsuit.

According to the CDC, 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States each year. Of those, a staggering 800,000 bites require medical care.

Most of us love dogs. After all, their unconditional love and wagging tails provide us with a form of companionship unlike any other.

However, we often forget that dogs are animals that act on instincts, not logic. While we understand our own dogs, we can’t predict the behavior of strange dogs, and bites do happen.

If you’ve been bitten, you might be wondering whether you should file a dog bite lawsuit. Keep reading to learn more about your legal options after being bitten by a dog.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR OPTIONS IF YOU ARE BITTEN OR INJURED BY A DOG

If you are bitten or injured by a dog, no matter how minor or severe the injuries, the owner of the dog is most likely liable for what happened. This means that you have the right to pursue legal action and compensation for your injuries.

However, it ultimately depends on the laws in your state whether the owner of the dog will be held liable for the bite. The best thing you can do for yourself is to hire an attorney who is experienced with dog bite claims.

Your attorney will evaluate your case (usually for free) and advise you as to whether you should pursue a claim or file a lawsuit. Having an experienced attorney on your side will also help you alleviate some of the stress involved with being bitten by a dog.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

As mentioned before, your rights as a victim of a dog bite depend on the laws in your state. In most states, you can sue the owner of the dog if you suffered harm from their animal.

But there are some exceptions to this, including if you provoked the animal, if you were trespassing on private property when you were bitten, or if you were familiar with the animal and knew that it had a violent tendency or had attacked you or someone else before.

If you can prove that the dog owner is liable for your injuries, your attorney will usually be able to reach an out-of-court settlement, meaning you won’t have to actually go to trial. The amount of settlement you will be offered depends on several factors.

For example, if a child is the victim of a dog bite, they can usually get a higher settlement. That’s because a child, due to their small size and age, is more likely to sustain significant injuries and experience long term emotional trauma.

Criminal charges can also come into play in these types of cases.

Reasons to Hire a Dog Bite Attorney

Being attacked by a dog, no matter how small or little, no matter where the injury takes place on your body, often leaves both physical and emotional scars that follow you for life. Witnessing a child or other loved one become the helpless victim of a dog attack is just as scarring.

If a dog bite has left you permanently disfigured and psychologically traumatized, it’s time you got the compensation you deserve. Animals are wild by nature; even the most trained and seemingly docile dogs can snap and go on the attack. In other instances, dogs are bred by their owners to be aggressive. With natural weapons in the form of teeth and claws, dogs must be held accountable for their actions by their owners.

Make it a priority to consult with a dog bite attorney immediately so that your chances of securing fair compensation go up. With experienced lawyers working diligently on dog bite lawsuits every day, we go the extra mile to hold the dog owner responsible for your injuries.

Here we will go over five reasons to hire a Lancaster dog bite attorney.

• Skilled Negotiation Skills

Most people steer clear of confrontation, which is what legal negotiations are all about. Only the boldest, diligent and most tenacious people can stick with a dog bite case from start to finish without wavering. Most of them are lawyers. They thrive on negotiation, bringing extensive experience to the table in dealing with insurance companies. You are understandably confused over whether the settlement offered by your insurance company is fair. Your attorney isn’t confused. He or she knows what’s fair and when you’re being taken advantage of.

Just because you got a settlement offer doesn’t mean you should take any amount thrown at you. An experienced dog bite attorney will look over the offer, note its deficiencies, and counter with the amount you should really get. This process may be a volley between both parties several times over. No worries: your attorneys won’t back down until they are satisfied the amount will compensate you fairly.

• Far-Reaching Legal Knowledge

Those who don’t have a firm grasp of the intricacies of California law (most people!) should rely on the experts who do. Because state laws regarding dog bites are complex, you need someone whose full-time job it is to know them. If you’re just trying to show up to your own job while nursing your injuries, it can be nearly impossible to tackle a lawsuit on your own. Let your attorney interpret the laws and use that knowledge to assist you in making a fair recovery.

• Experience

Online legal sites are a dime a dozen, making everyone feel as though they’re an armchair lawyer. But successfully negotiating your own case isn’t nearly as easy as it seems. Relying solely on online sources will compromise the integrity of your case. You need personal, professional experience for your dog bite case. They’ve seen similar cases to yours many times, and can use those case studies and examples to educate you on the process, as well as outline what to expect.

• Access to Resources

When you hire a dog bite attorney in Lancaster, you’re hiring a team of people who will work hard to resolve your case and keep you apprised of progress every step of the way. You’ll have a lead attorney, a paralegal for research and legwork, and investigators to collect evidence. Just think: if your lawyer needs a whole team of people to handle your case, you know for sure you can’t realistically handle it on your own.

• Personal Advocacy

Everyone needs the assurance of having someone on their side when facing adversity. The job of your lawyer is to work diligently on your behalf to ensure you get the settlement amount you deserve that is most in line with your injuries. The other part of your lawyer’s job is to prosecute the at-fault party so that a senseless dog bite never happens to another person. Thus, you get a personal advocate fighting for you who won’t rest until dog owners are held accountable in protecting the public from further injustices.

Should I Get a Lawyer for a Dog Bite?

As we mentioned, you can reach out to a dog bite lawyer after you are attacked by a dog. A lawyer may be able to take charge of your claim right away, depending on the circumstances of your case. Your lawyer may help to:

• Identify the owner of the dog that bit you.
• Establish liability on the part of the dog’s owner.
• Speak with witnesses to establish what happened in the attack.
• Go over all of your medical records to ensure your losses are covered.

Reaching out to a dog bite lawyer as quickly as possible after an attack may help you comply with your state’s statute of limitations in case you choose to file a personal injury lawsuit. You may even wish to speak with a lawyer before you contact your insurance company. Your lawyer can handle all communication with the owner of the dog that bit you and their insurance company.

A lawyer may also take steps to appropriately record and evaluate all losses you suffered after a dog bite. You may qualify for compensation for your medical expenses and other losses. In order to get compensation for your losses, you must demonstrate that the dog bite directly led to your injuries, mental anguish, or time off of work.

Your lawyer may also provide you with information about your legal options following a dog bite. Depending on your situation, a dog bite lawyer may advise you to:

• Negotiate with the dog owner’s insurance company.
• File a lawsuit against the dog’s owner.

Handling negotiations with insurance agents may take up more of your time and focus than you desire. A dog bite lawyer may help you assess any settlement offers made by the insurance company while working to ensure you suffer no further losses as a result of the accident.

Here are some of the damages that you may be entitled to recover if you are bitten by a dog:

• Medical expenses: You can pursue compensation for past, present, and future medical expenses in a dog bite injury claim. Compensation for future medical care is especially important in cases where serious injuries result from dog attacks. Some reports show that dog bite victims suffer more than $1 billion in monetary losses every year, and much of those losses come in the form of medical bills.

• Lost income and future earning potential: Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may be facing a long leave of absence from work as you undergo surgery or other treatment after being bitten. Worse yet, your injuries may impact your ability to keep working in the future. Damages for lost income and future earning potential can help keep you living comfortably in the aftermath of your attack.

• Pain and suffering: You may be in serious physical pain after being attacked, and dog attacks can leave mental scars that linger for years afterward. In successful dog bite injury claims, you can be compensated for both the mental and physical pain you suffered when you were attacked.

Dog Bite Prevention

While it is impossible to prevent all dog attacks, there are certain measures a person can take to decrease the likelihood of a bite. For example, a person should be cautious around strange dogs, especially any that look unfriendly or do not have an owner in the vicinity.

Furthermore, a person should be alert and aware of their surroundings, and teach the same to their children.  Also, asking an owner for permission to pet a dog before doing so may also help to avoid suffering a bite.

After sustaining a dog bite, a victim may feel overwhelmed and frightened. Of course, seeking medical attention should be a person’s number one priority. However, getting a dog owner’s name and contact information is also important for a future claim. Additionally, requesting proof of a dog rabies vaccination can determine if a person needs a shot to treat the disease.

What is an example of family law?

What is Family Law?

Family law consists of a body of statutes and case precedents that govern the legal responsibilities between individuals who share a domestic connection. These cases usually involve parties who are related by blood or marriage, but family law can affect those in more distant or casual relationships as well. Due to the emotionally-charged nature of most family law cases, litigants are strongly advised to retain legal counsel.

The vast majority of family law proceedings come about as a result of the termination of a marriage or romantic relationship. Family law attorneys help their clients file for separation or divorce, alimony, and child custody, visitation, and support. Spouses married a short time may seek an annulment, and special rights may exist between same-sex couples. The division of property at the end of a marriage is also a common issue in family law cases.

With respect to property division at the time of divorce, every state has a comprehensive set of laws in place to determine the rights of the parties. However, couples who do not agree with the default rules in their state can “opt-out” by hiring a lawyer to draft a prenuptial agreement. Absent fraud or duress, courts will enforce these premarital agreements upon divorce, and distribute property and financial support accordingly.

Family law also involves the prevention of physical and emotional abuse. The potential for domestic abuse is not limited to relationships between current or former spouses and their children. Judges will not hesitate to assert jurisdiction to protect an elderly family member, someone in a dating relationship, or even a roommate. When allegations of abuse are made, the court will typically issue a restraining order to prevent further contact.

In a contested family law case, most people understand that hiring a skilled attorney will provide an advantage. An attorney can find assets or income the other party is trying to hide, present arguments regarding child support and visitation, and even take the case to trial if settlement talks fail. Attorney representation is just as crucial in uncontested cases, however. Without it, a party is vulnerable and can unknowingly waive important legal rights.

Family Cases

Family cases are a type of civil case, but they generally involve issues between or concerning spouses, parents, and children.

Family courts handle a wide variety of cases involving domestic matters. The most common issues handled at family court include:

• Marriage Dissolution. When someone wants to end a marriage, they can file a case at family court to ask for a court order ending the marriage. Marriages can be terminated through divorce or annulment cases. The court can also grant a separation, where the court issues orders regarding property, alimony, and child custody, but the parties remain legally married. You can find more information on the Divorce, Annulment, or Separation sections of this site.

• Paternity and Child Custody. When a man needs to be declared the father of a child, either parent can file a case asking the family court to determine paternity. This permanently establishes the father of the child. Unmarried parents can also ask the court to order legal custody, physical custody, visitation schedules, and child support. You can find more information about these types of cases on the Custody, Paternity, & Child Support section of this website.

• Protection Orders Against Domestic Violence. Victims of domestic violence can ask the family court to issue protection orders to keep their abuser away. Please visit the DV Protection Orders for more information.

Legal consequences of marriage

Two persons might produce the economic incidents of marriage by executing appropriate contracts or settlements. In some legal systems, a contract in conventional form is the core of the constitution of marriage. The contract may be complex, with a variety of clauses, as in Islamic law. In most countries today, however, the legal documentation of a marriage is mainly a registration of the event. Basically, then, marriage in the legal sense is the implied creation of certain rights or obligations such as maintenance, marital property and succession rights, and the custody of minor children.

In modern systems, the parties to a marriage can usually create the economic incidents of the marriage by a separate agreement. In some early legal systems and in present systems in which customary family law pertains, there is little choice as to the economic incidents of marriage because these are fixed by custom. In legal systems that allow substantial scope for personal independence, the spouses can take up a position of their own as to the economic basis of their family group by means of a marriage contract or a will.

Distribution of Marital Property

A primary sticking point in many divorces is the distribution of marital property. When the parties cannot agree as to who takes what, and how to divide up the bank accounts and debts, the task is left to the judge. The court’s goal in dividing marital assets is equitable distribution. This is not necessarily an even or equal distribution, but what is considered “fair,” in light of certain facts of the marriage and divorce. In a “fault” divorce, the innocent spouse may be awarded a larger share of assets. In a no-fault divorce, the court may allocate property based on which spouse is more financially sound.

Spousal Support

At some point in a divorce, the court is usually asked to make an order for alimony, also known as “spousal support.” Spousal support is intended to give the receiving spouse an opportunity to gain employment necessary to become self-supporting. It may also be ordered to enable the receiving spouse to maintain the same standard of living he or she was accustomed to before the relationship ended. Not all states award spousal support, but in those that do, the court often considers such issues as the length of the marriage, the reason for the divorce, and the financial state of each spouse, in determining the amount.

Adoption

The ordinary legal principle is that the consent of a natural parent (or guardian) is required for an adoption order by a court. This consent may be dispensed with if the natural parent or guardian cannot be found or has proved to be uninterested or cruel.

Adoption in the older legal systems (as in Roman law) was treated mainly in terms of the law of inheritance and succession. It provided a way of introducing an outsider into a family group and so bringing him within the scope of the succession rules. In modern systems, succession rights and other obligations and rights in cases of adoption are usually treated by analogy with those of unadopted children, and in some systems there is an explicit equation with such children.

Experience in Drunk Driving Cases

Years ago, back when the yellow pages were the primary form of advertisement, the phone book listed hundreds of lawyers claiming to be “DUI Specialists.” None of these lawyers were members of the National College for DUI Defense, but these same lawyers also practiced personal injury, probate, medical malpractice, divorce, child custody, etc. One might wonder, with all these areas of practice, how these old DUI Specialists had time to learn the science of breath and blood testing and winning strategies for defending a drunk driving case. The bottom-line was that these specialists specialized in pleading people to impaired driving.

In the last few years, there has been explosion of websites with lawyers claiming to be drunk driving experts. It takes very little effort to claim to be an experienced drunk driving lawyer, and a good website designer can make an inexperienced lawyer look remarkable. Many of these websites are run by nonlawyers who offer to sell spots to lawyers, renting out the page on a monthly basis.

The average person facing a drunk driving offense has never been charged with a criminal offense, so they have had little exposure to the criminal justice system. Lawyers tend to specialize in one or two narrow areas of practice, with far less than half practicing criminal defense. Amongst criminal defense lawyers, even fewer focus on drunk driving defense, which has been acknowledged as a specialized area of law by the American Bar Association. That said, however, nearly every general practitioner has handled a drunk driving case, and many lawyers view these cases as an easy source of revenue.

Your prior experience with lawyers is probably very limited, if you have any experience at all. You probably don’t know what attorneys normally charge or how to distinguish a mediocre lawyer from a great lawyer. A lot of people rely upon word of mouth, which isn’t necessarily a bad place to start, but word of mouth assumes that your friends and family know a good drunk driving lawyer. You can turn to a local attorney, but chances are pretty good you’ll end up with a general practitioner or worse. Be forewarned that divorce attorneys and personal injury lawyers are more than happy to take on a drunk driving case as supplemental income, and there are no prerequisites that prevent a lawyer–regardless of the lawyer’s level of skill, knowledge, or normal area of practice–from advertising as a DUI defense lawyer.

Based upon my own experience, I have found that the typical lawyer charges anywhere from $500 to $10,000 on a drunk driving case, with an average in Wayne and Oakland County around $2,000. It is not unusual for a really good DUI defense lawyer to charge $15,000 or more on a case. With the tremendous difference in price, and little exposure to the lawyers out on the market, it can be difficult to find the right lawyer for your case

Choosing a DUI Defense Attorney

Is the Attorney’s Primary Focus DUI and Criminal Defense?

One of the most complicated and complex areas of criminal law is DUI and Drunk Driving Defense. A skilled DUI Defense Attorney must  have a working knowledge and understanding of all of the chemical testing devices used in the case, principles of toxicology, and well as an understanding of what constitutes as “probable cause” for stopping a motorist by law enforcement.

Is the lawyer a member of the National College for DUI Defense?

The National College for DUI Defense is a college that is held each year on the campus of Harvard law School and is made up of some of the best and most dedicated lawyers in the United States. Anyone who is a member certainly is serious about DUI defense. The College also is the only body authorized by the American Bar Association to issue certification in the recognized legal specialty of  DUI defense

Is the lawyer well known in the field of DUI defense?

As is any profession, some individuals always standout, and are highly regarded and well respected.  Hanna & Ruud, LLC, is recognized as an industry leader in DUI and Criminal Defense. Our Attorneys have been featured in national magazines and publications.

Tips For Choosing The Right DUI Lawyer

Not all that long ago, an arrest – or even a conviction – for driving under the influence was really not that big of a deal in the United States. Most people received nothing more than the proverbial “slap on the wrist” for a first time DUI. Today, however, an arrest for DUI is taken seriously as a result of a concerted effort by advocacy groups and government agencies to bring awareness to the public regarding the dangers of drinking and driving. If you were recently arrested in Omaha, Nebraska for DUI, the most important thing you can do at this point is to retain the services of an experienced Nebraska DUI attorney. If you have never had the need to hire a criminal defense attorney before, the following tips may help you choose the right DUI lawyer for you and your case.

Consider your situation. Before you start looking for an attorney, make sure you understand the charges against you, consider your game plan, and set a budget. Each of these will be important when choosing an attorney. Choosing an attorney whose practice is devoted entirely, or at least primarily, to criminal defense is essential because you don’t want an attorney who spends the majority of his/her time reviewing contracts to represent you in a criminal prosecution. Even better, look for an attorney who has a practice that is focused even more narrowly on DUI cases. Also, consider how you wish to resolve your case – plea agreement or trial because some defense attorneys have a reputation for negotiating great plea agreements while others almost always go to trial so it is important to consider which direction you are inclined to go with your case. Finally, there can be a fairly wide range of fees charged by attorneys. Usually, although not always, the disparity in fees reflects the disparity in experience. While this is not the time to shop for bargains, you do need to know how much you can afford to pay an attorney before you set out to hire one.

Ask friends, family members, and co-workers for a referral. Understandably, you may be reluctant to discuss your situation with people you know. Being arrested and charged with a crime is usually not something people are excited about sharing with others. You might be surprised, however, at how many people you know have either been arrested for driving under the influence themselves or had a close loved one who was. The reality is that being arrested for a DUI is just not that shocking, or uncommon, in the United States. A referral offers you first-hand information about an attorney. It isn’t just the positive feedback that can be helpful either. Sometimes, the negative experiences people you know had with the attorney can be just as helpful as the positive feedback.

Search the internet. Choosing an attorney based solely on the attorney’s website is never a good idea; however, you can obtain a wealth of information by searching the internet for a Nebraska criminal defense attorney. You will likely find an attorney’s biography, the areas of the law the attorney practices, and how long the lawyer has been in practice, among other helpful information. Sometimes an attorney’s bio instantly resonates with a client, ultimately resulting in a successful attorney-client relationship.

Schedule consultations. Most Nebraska criminal defense attorneys will offer a free, or low cost, initial consultation. Once you have a short list of potential attorneys, schedule initial consultations with them to discuss your case. Be sure to prepare for the meetings by gathering documents and making copies for the attorney, preparing questions you have for the attorneys, and preparing yourself to answer some tough questions the attorney may have for you. By the time you are done with your consultations you should be ready to choose an attorney for your case.

CHOOSING THE BEST DUI ATTORNEY

HOW TO OBTAIN A SKILLED DRUNK DRIVING DEFENSE LAWYER

Like most individuals arrested and accused of driving under the influence, you probably have little or no experience with the legal system and the proper way to find a criminal defense lawyer for DUI charges. If you had a heart problem, you would want a heart specialist as opposed to an eye doctor, and the same thinking should apply to the lawyer you choose. Retain legal counsel that is experienced and knowledgeable in this area of the law.

Unfortunately, finding the right Marin County DUI attorney can be a confusing process, as there is a lot of misinformation on websites and mailers. Here some of the things to watch out for:

False and misleading claims regarding DUI success rates. One of the most common is the claim that they get the DUI charges against their clients dismissed in a high percentage of their cases. The truth is that defendants are most often charged with two DUI offenses: driving under the influence and driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or above. When a guilty plea is entered for one of the two charges, the other is almost always dismissed.

Claims of being recognized as a Top 10% Trial Lawyer or similar boast. They pay for the plaque and badge to put on their website and there is no substance to it at all.

Numerous online reviews that appear to be written in the same style and with shallow content.

Solicitations mailed to your home. There are two types of lawyers doing it. One is the marketing pro who never goes to court and has inexperienced lawyers handling everything. The other is the lawyer desperate for business.

What to Look For:

A good place to start when choosing the best DUI lawyer for your case is to ask people in and around Marin County who are in a position to know. Visit the local courthouse and ask bailiffs, clerks, public defenders, and other attorneys the same question, “which DUI lawyer would you recommend?”

Here are some other important questions to ask when you are looking for the right DUI attorney to represent you:

Is the lawyer Board-Certified by the National College for DUI Defense, as approved by the American Bar Association?

Does the lawyer hold an A-V rating by Martindale-Hubbell™? (This is the highest ranking an attorney can obtain from other lawyers).

Has the lawyer received special training in chemical testing and field sobriety tests?

Will the lawyer personally handle your case, or are they just a slick marketer who will farm your case out to an inexperienced associate?

Does the lawyer ever take DUI cases to trial?

Is the lawyer based in San Rafael, or are they just paying for a mail drop address at 4040 Civic Center Dr.?

How long has the lawyer been in practice?

HOW DO I FIND THE BEST DUI DEFENSE LAWYERS?

SPEAKING FROM EXPERIENCE

Frederick Slone has successfully defended DUI cases in the state of Alaska for over 30 years. At Kasmar & Slone, you’re assured of being represented by a lawyer who understands drunk driving laws, what it takes to build a solid successful defense, and one who will guide you through this ordeal.

ATTORNEY REFERRALS

The best way to find an experienced drunk driving defense lawyer is by reputation. Ask other lawyers in the area for recommendations as to the best DUI attorneys. Ask them who THEY would hire if arrested for a drunk driving offense.

NATIONAL COLLEGE FOR DUI DEFENSE

Another excellent source for finding an experienced and competent drunk driving defense attorney is the National College For DUI Defense, a non-profit legal organization committed to the education and training of DUI defense lawyers. The College admits DUI attorneys selectively.

ATTORNEYS COMMITTED TO DUI DEFENSE -VS- DABBLERS

As drunk driving cases can be very complex, you should look for an attorney who devotes the majority of his or her practice to the defense of DUI cases

TRUST IS PARAMOUNT

Above all, you must have a sense of comfort and confidence about your case after meeting with an attorney. If you don’t trust the attorney, you should look further.

5 Reasons to Become a Defense Attorney

While there are multiple types of law you can practice after graduating from law school and passing the bar, you may want to look at some of the top reasons to become a defense attorney.

The criminal justice system in America relies heavily on both defense attorneys and prosecuting attorneys. Prosecutors are the ones who bring forth evidence to charge a suspected criminal, while a defense attorney attempts to defend that person and show why the individual is not guilty. Working as a defense attorney is a good option for those who want to help others.

Follow the Constitution

The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution gives all American citizens the right to legal counsel and legal representation. Working as a defense attorney gives you the chance to learn more about constitutional law and to follow the standards put forth in that document. While you may work with poor clients, you can also work with wealthier clients too.

Protect the Rights of Others

One of the top reasons to become a defense attorney is because you have the chance to protect the rights of others. Laws require that prosecutors gather enough evidence to present to a judge and jury that proves without a reasonable doubt that a suspected criminal is guilty. As a defense attorney, you need to show that your client is innocent or that there is not enough evidence to prosecute. You essentially protect the rights of clients from criminal prosecution.

Make More Money

Defense attorneys can make quite a bit of money. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the median salary for lawyers is nearly $116,000 a year. Those making the highest salaries are those working for private firms and in private practice. The clients who come to you have the money necessary to pay your costs as well as the cost of hiring any experts to work on that case. You can also work for a local agency that provides free or reduced cost legal services for clients who make less money.

Have More Flexibility

During your time in law school, you’ll hear horror stories about what it’s like working in a law firm as a recent graduate. You’ll hear about attorneys working 60 hours or more a week and how new lawyers seldom have time for themselves. One of the reasons to become a defense attorney though is that defense attorneys often have more flexible schedules than other lawyers do. Once you gain more experience, you can decide which cases you want to take on and how you want to divide up the work. You can use associates and others in your practice to prepare for that case without that case taking over your life.

Help Those Who Cannot Help Themselves

One of the top reasons to become a defense attorney is because you’ll have the chance to help others who cannot help themselves. Working in a legal aid office or for a civil rights organization lets you work on cases that involve an individual charged with a crime who does not have the financial means to hire a lawyer. These clients may suffer from mental diseases, have a lack of education or have a history of criminal activities in the past. With your help, they can escape their criminal charges.

Job Description

Criminal defense lawyers typically work at least 40 hours a week, but longer hours are common. Additionally, work hours may be irregular because evenings and weekends may be required by clients or law firms. New criminal defense lawyers usually join up with an existing firm; however many go on to open up their own firms. Criminal defense lawyers regularly travel to courtrooms, law libraries, prisons, hospitals, offices and the homes of clients.

Research and case preparation are the two main duties performed outside of actual trials. Criminal defense lawyers examine evidence, laws and statues, and past judicial rulings in order to build up the strength of their arguments. Once all this research is gathered, a criminal defense lawyer prepares it by creating an effective argument strategy for the courtroom. When in the courtroom, a criminal defense lawyer must constantly adapt and choose the most effective argumentative methods available to them in order to win a case.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct research and analyze a case to determine a probable outcome and devise an effective strategy to defend your client/s in court.
• Interpret laws for clients and help them to understand their legal options.
• Aim to resolve cases as quickly and favorably as possible.
• Represent clients at arraignments, hearings, and court trials.
• Present evidence to a judge and/or jury should the case go to trial.
• Prepare and draft legal documents, including legal briefs and appeals.
• Negotiate plea negotiations, punishments, and settlements.
• Undergo ongoing training to stay updated about changes and new developments in the legal field.
• Conduct yourself in an ethical and professional manner at all times.

WHAT QUALITIES SHOULD A PERTH CRIMINAL DEFENCE LAWYER HAVE?

Communication – The interaction between you and your lawyer is extremely important. It’s vital that you have a criminal lawyer who is easily approachable and can communicate legal advice to you honestly and in a way that you clearly understand. Your criminal lawyer should be a good listener, as he is a speaker, so your queries and concerns can be considered and properly answered. Effective communication with your lawyer will assist you to understand of the law as it relates to your charges, the plea options available to you, the court procedure, and the potential legal issues that may arise during the court process. Good communication facilitates a client-lawyer relationship built on confidence and trust.

Understanding – The criminal lawyer should be understanding and empathetic to the stressful and emotional impact that the criminal charges are taking on you. The lawyer should have respect for your reputation, concern for your safety and well- being, as well as concern for the direction that your case is headed. The criminal lawyer should ensure that you understand what measures can be taken to minimise public exposure and to maintain privacy during the court process.

Consideration & Preparation – A criminal lawyer should carefully consider the evidence giving rise to the factual allegations of the criminal charges and provide you with honest advice about your case. The lawyer should be thorough and detailed in the preparation of your case for trial and consider all possible defences that may be raised at the trial.

Representation – The criminal defence lawyer should be a good speaker and maintain commitment, determination and focus to achieve the best possible result in court for you. The representation should be strategic in its approach. The defences to your charge should also be communicated and presented in a way that is clearly understood by a Judge or Jury.

Can a lawyer get you out of anything, as long as you haven’t talked or incriminated yourself?

Absolutely not. If there is evidence against you which proves the case, then there is evidence against you which proves the case. If there is enough evidence, even if you never say a word, then you might still be convicted. There have been times when very good lawyers in combination with just the right jury have allowed people to be acquitted of crimes that they were clearly guilty of. But those are a combination of a lot of skill on the part of the attorneys, (often) a lot of money on the part of the client, a lot of luck on the part of picking the right jury, and frequently, mistakes on the part of the prosecution.

TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER

Parting Thoughts

Picking a car accident lawyer isn’t that different from picking any other professional. Get recommendations, pick someone with experience who you can also tolerate, and choose someone who communicates well with you.

Pick Someone You Can Stand

It might seem trivial, but legal cases can drag on for a long time. If the thought of dealing with a person you dislike for a long period of time makes you shudder, pick someone you’ll actually get along with. After all, you don’t hire a mechanic or a plumber you dislike or distrust.

Pick Someone Who Plays Hardball With Insurance Companies

Car accidents mean dealing with insurance companies. Insurance companies want you leaving with as little as possible, so they will offer the smallest settlement they think you will accept.

Choose A Lawyer Who Communicates

Have you ever dated someone who never seemed to take your calls or answer your text messages? It’s frustrating and can sour the relationship, right? The relationship with your lawyer should never look like this.

Things to Look for When Choosing a Car Accident Lawyer

Experience

Ask the lawyer about their experience. Make sure they have specific experience handling car accident cases. You will also want to be sure they have experience arguing cases in court and have a winning track record.

An organized office space

The more organized their office looks, the more organized they probably are. Keep an eye on how their staff does their work and how tidy the lawyer’s desk is. If they have to shuffle through piles of paper in order to find what they’re looking for while their staff struggles to handle incoming calls, they’re probably not very organized, which doesn’t reflect well on their ability to handle your case.

Willingness to provide references

Always ask a lawyer for a list of references you can contact and speak to. These references should speak to the reputation of the lawyer. Even if you don’t contact their references, you can have confidence in the fact that they provided them to you. A lawyer that doesn’t have references or won’t provide you with any should be avoided.

Choosing an Auto Accident Lawyer

How Much Are Auto Accident Lawyer Fees?

Before you hire a lawyer, it is important that you understand the fee arrangement. You must understand how you are supposed to pay the attorney. It is impossible to tell exactly how much work will be required for a case and because of this attorney’s fees can be more or less than originally expected. If you have any concerns about attorney’s fees, be sure to discuss them with them before signing anything.

How Do I Decide on an Auto Accident Lawyer?

After meeting with a lawyer and discussing your case, you will be better prepared to make a decision on whether or not to hire them. After the meeting, ask yourself the following questions.

What Should I Ask when I Meet with a Lawyer?

When you meet with a auto accident lawyer you should have as much detailed information and facts about the car accident and any injuries or financial losses as possible. It is also important that you feel comfortable with him/her. If you feel that you cannot have a positive relationship with them, find another one. There are many lawyers who are happy and willing to help you so be sure to find the right one. If you feel comfortable with them, then here are some questions you should ask.

Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents We Handle

The circumstances of each auto accident will vary almost as much as the resulting damage. Our car accident attorneys handle all types of accident cases. In addition to cases which simply involve violation of traffic laws, we also handle complex cases, such as those resulting from:

• Drunk or drowsy driving
• Vehicle rollover
• Defective roadways or poor signage
• Defective vehicles
• Distracted driving
• Weather conditions

In large cities like Atlanta, Houston, and New York, commuters and pedestrians battle traffic congestion on a daily basis. This increases the chance that even the most careful driver will at some point be involved in a wreck. Getting the right help and advice is the most important thing you can do for your future.

What questions should I ask when I meet with an attorney?

Remember that this is essentially an interview—you are interviewing a prospective contractor to determine if you feel comfortable with this person and whether or not you can trust him or her. Interview several attorneys and law firms as you are searching for a car accident attorney. Ask questions such as:

• How long have you been practicing law?
• Do you handle other types of cases or do you focus your practice on car accidents?
• How many cases do you handle at one time?
• How do you communicate with clients to keep them informed of the progress in the case?
• How can I reach you (i.e. telephone, email, cell phone, text, etc.)?
• Will I always work with you, or will other junior attorneys and paralegals do most of the work on my case?
• What are the terms of the fee agreement? Do I receive an itemized bill for your services?