tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11652123332255860302024-03-07T23:07:07.146-08:00Defense Lawyers Los AngelesEvery Information You Want About Defense Lawyer!Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837630938018200568noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165212333225586030.post-67358867238834454022010-04-04T07:11:00.000-07:002010-04-04T07:13:03.847-07:00Choosing a Criminal Defense AttorneyUnder the United States' legal code, a person is innocent of a crime until proven guilty without any doubts. Thus, even those charged with the most heinous crimes are entitled to a criminal defense attorney who is not afraid to fight for the rights of the accused. If you or someone you know has been charged with a crime, you should make sure to choose the right criminal defense attorney for you.<br /><br />When you are charged with a crime, you may be frightened, confused, or in shock. However, it is important to find a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible so that he or she can help you straighten out your charges and determine the best course of action for you. An attorney can help you from the very beginning-a lawyer can help you with your statements made to the police so that you are later not guilty of lying or incriminate yourself. A criminal defense attorney can also aid your family and loved ones with figuring out bail.<br /><br />If you do not have a family attorney or other person that you can turn to for legal advice, there are several resources that you can use to find a criminal defense attorney. You can ask your friends if they have ever employed the services of this type of lawyer. Or, if you have used a lawyer for things like writing a will, you can ask that person if he or she has a criminal defense colleague who you should consult.<br /><br />Should these sources not work, you can look at the State Bar to see a list of certified attorneys in your area. From here, you should consider contacting several different lawyers to find the right one for you. When you make contact with the lawyer, you can ask about previous experience and successes in the court room. Additionally, make sure that the attorney has the time and manpower to take on your case. You should also consider his or her cost to double-check that you can afford the services.<br /><br />In some cases, you may not have the funds to pay for a criminal defense attorney. However, under the Constitution, you are entitled to legal representation. Therefore, if you cannot afford a private lawyer, you can have a public defender assigned to your case.<br /><br /><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Choosing-a-Criminal-Defense-Attorney&id=4002776"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Source</span></span></a>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837630938018200568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165212333225586030.post-8832372793046962742010-04-04T07:09:00.000-07:002010-04-04T07:11:43.553-07:00Hit and Run: Criminal Accidents in Los AngelesThere are many ways for an otherwise law-abiding citizen to get in criminal trouble in a city the size of Los Angeles without ever intending any wrong-doing or harm. One way to do this is by being involved in a "hit and run" type of incident. It should not be difficult for you to imagine a scenario where you are in a busy parking lot or driving down the street, and for a host of reasons ranging from innocent distraction or noise to less innocuous being overtired or on medication and you hit another vehicle.<br /><br />This is a common occurrence usually handled by insurance companies or privately between the parties themselves. Sometimes, depending on the severity of the incident, and the damages, and the police will be called. Where things get complicated and criminal is when one party leaves the scene. This is commonly called a "hit and run".<br /><br />It does not matter if you left the scene in your car or left your car at the scene and fled on foot or been picked up by a friend. If you have left the scene without providing information or have left inaccurate or false information (The "fake note" scenario).<br /><br />THE PROBLEM<br /><br />In California, what is commonly called "HIT AND RUN" is codified in Vehicle Code Section 2002 which provides:<br />t<br />"The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to any property, including vehicles, shall immediately stop the vehicle at the nearest location that will not impede traffic or otherwise jeopardize the safety of other motorists. Moving the vehicle in accordance with this subdivision does not affect the question of fault. The driver shall also immediately do either of the following:<br /><br />(1) Locate and notify the owner or person in charge of that property of the name and address of the driver and owner of the vehicle involved and, upon locating the driver of any other vehicle involved or the owner or person in charge of any damaged property, upon being requested, present his or her driver's license, and vehicle registration, to the other driver, property owner, or person in charge of that property. The information presented shall include the current residence address of the driver and of the registered owner. If the registered owner of an involved vehicle is present at the scene, he or she shall also, upon request, present his or her driver's license information, if available or other valid identification to the other involved parties.<br /><br />2) Leave in a conspicuous place on the vehicle or other property damaged a written notice giving the name and address of the driver and of the owner of the vehicle involved and a statement of the circumstances thereof and shall without unnecessary delay notify the police department of the city wherein the collision occurred or, if the collision occurred in unincorporated territory, the local headquarters of the Department of the California Highway Patrol.<br />(b) Any person who parks a vehicle which, prior to the vehicle again being driven, becomes a runaway vehicle and is involved in an accident resulting in damage to any property, attended or unattended, shall comply with the requirements of this section relating to notification and reporting and shall, upon conviction thereof, be liable to the penalties of this section for failure to comply with the requirements.<br />(c) Any person failing to comply with all the requirements of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding six months, or by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine."<br /><br />California Vehicle Code Section 2002 is very clear and specific. It does not matter who is at fault you must comply with the requirements as listed above.<br /><br />A hit and run can occur even when your car hits a parked car and causes relatively minor damage and you leave the scene. You may not even realize that an accident has occurred. A bystander or eye witness may take down your license plate number and call the police. It is even possible to be in busy traffic, or on the freeway, and be involved in a collision where one or both parties "takes off" or leaves the scene of the incident. You may even lose each other in to the normal flow of traffic, or due to the speed of the vehicle, or road or weather conditions such as darkness, rain or bad lighting. Even in this situation someone can be charged with a hit and run violation. Even failing to provide complete or accurate information can lead to a criminal filing and can land you in jail for up to six months.<br /><br />THE SOLUTION<br /><br />Perhaps you were involved in a situation that is similar to this. You may have been sent a letter by the City Attorney. You may have received a telephone call from a detective, or someone may have come around asking questions about you or your vehicle. It is important at this point not to speak to anyone and to seek the advice of a competent attorney and follow that attorney's direction. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can find the information for you based on the information you give and can locate reports and speak to the officers and parties involved.<br /><br />An attorney can guide you through this process, keep you out of trouble, and even guide the case back into the civil arena. A Civil case is one where only money is involved (still a problem if you don't have any) and a criminal case is one where incarceration and loss of ones freedom is involved. A misdemeanor as cited above can carry penalties of up to six months in county jail. If injuries are involved or other issues such as hitting a pedestrian, or you were under the influence you should contact a criminal defense attorney immediately because these types of situations are often classified as a felony hit and run, usually injuries are involved, can carry penalties of more than a year in the State Prison.<br /><br />Over the years many people who have been involved in hit and runs have come to me and I have helped get them out of trouble. Sometimes I have been able to make sure that no charges were filed and even when charges were filed, I was able to either get them dismissed or have been able to resolve them with relatively minor consequences.<br /><br />I use many techniques based on years of negotiation and legal knowledge including California Penal Code Section 1377-1378.<br /><br />California Penal Code Section 1377, 1378 provide:<br /><br />"When the person injured by an act constituting a misdemeanor has a remedy by a civil action, the offense may be compromised, as provided in Section 1378, except when it is committed as follows:<br /><br />(a) By or upon an officer of justice, while in the execution of the duties of his or her office.<br /><br />(b) Riotously.<br /><br />(c) With an intent to commit a felony.<br /><br />(d) In violation of any court order as described in Section 273.6 or 273.65.<br /><br />(e) By or upon any family or household member, or upon any person when the violation involves any person described in Section 6211 of the Family Code or subdivision (b) of Section 13700 of this code.<br /><br />(f) Upon an elder, in violation of Section 368 of this code or Section 15656 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.<br /><br />(g) Upon a child, as described in Section 647.6 or 11165.6"<br /><br />An experienced Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer can solve many hit and run cases by negotiating damages and payment for you and protecting you from criminal liability and jail time. By using this code section effectively an experienced attorney can navigate the deep and muddy waters of the criminal justice ocean and get you safely ashore. As an attorney, I can locate the investigator and speak with the investigator. I can contact the other parties and draft letters for them to sign and I know the way to present it to the District Attorney, he City Attorney and the judge so they can "sign off" on it.<br /><br />Although Penal Code Sections 1377 and 1378 provide for a civil remedy thus allowing the criminal court to dismiss a case, usually a prosecutor has to agree to it and it is most certainly in the judge's discretion whether to grant a dismissal under Penal Code Section 1377-1378.<br />Other factors include the severity of the incident, the age of the person involved, prior criminal record, the victim's desire for prosecution, and other factors not cited here.<br /><br />OTHER SOLUTIONS<br /><br />There are some Justifications for leaving the scene of an accident. One of these is to seek immediate medical attention. The social policy here is self evident. We don't want an injured person to stay at the scene of an accident at the cost of their own life, limb or health. In emergencies leaving the scene of an accident may be allowed.<br /><br />This justification may apply if you are injured in the accident or someone else is injured and you take them to the hospital. Perhaps you were already on the way to the hospital when the accident occurred.<br /><br />Other situations may also arise. Perhaps you were a passenger who left the scene and you are afraid someone may think you are driving, or perhaps you lent your car out to a family member or friend who has a similar physical description to you. All of these scenarios can be handled by an experienced criminal defense attorney.<br /><br />WHAT NOT TO DO<br />What is important is to take action and make the situation "right". You have made a couple of mistakes and questionable decisions you had and accident and left the scene. Do not make matters worse by continuing to make decisions yourself. It is a mistake to avoid the problem and hope that it will go away. It is also a mistake to try to handle the matter yourself by trying to talk to the Police, the other party or by telling lies.<br /><br />It is a mistake and a further crime to falsely report that your vehicle was stolen or to make any other false report. Regardless of the situation, even if you have further complicated the matter it is important to get into the solution by contacting a criminal defense attorney immediately and let someone who has successfully dealt with these cases handle it. You are entitled to a defense and the situation, if handled correctly may not be near as bad as you may think. There is always a solution and help is available and just a telephone call away.<br /><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Hit-and-Run:-Criminal-Accidents-in-Los-Angeles&id=344689"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><br />Source</span></a>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837630938018200568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165212333225586030.post-56388446085954456002010-04-04T07:05:00.000-07:002010-04-04T07:09:16.327-07:00Los Angeles Pro Bono LawyersPro bono lawyers offer free legal services to people or charitable organizations. This free legal service is called as pro bono service. Many people are unable to appoint a good lawyer to represent their case as they lack the resources to pay the fees. However, many legal services and organizations offer legal aid to people who have limited means. There are several legal firms in Los Angeles that have Pro bono committees.<br /><br />Many established and experienced lawyers devote, a certain amount of their time to provide pro bono services. With the rise in the number of people trying to utilize pro bono services, many law firms have created programs, to appoint private lawyers who can afford to spare some of their time. These programs include training for lawyers to handle common forms of lawsuits.<br /><br />The American Bar Association (ABA) is on the forefront in improving their pro bono legal services. The ABA center is actively involved in creating various pro bono programs to offer optimum benefits to needy people. It also organizes a conference for bar leaders, pro bono program managers, and legal service staff every year to improvise the pro bono programs. State and local bar associations also facilitate in the designing and maintenance of pro bono programs. State court systems are always on the look out for lawyers, who are willing to impart their time and expertise to pro bono services.<br /><br />Many reputed law firms have a pro bono committee, consisting of lawyers and paralegals. Many non-profit organizations contact these law firms to seek advice in various legal issues. These firms provide invaluable assistance to resolve problems related to education, immigration, political issues, domestic matters, and criminal cases. They also tackle consumer grievances and financial issues.<br /><br />Some legal organizations in Los Angeles go beyond their legal domain while providing pro bono services and at times offer counseling as well. They donate funds, in large amounts to non-profit organizations that provide, medical assistance and other services to underprivileged children.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" ><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Los-Angeles-Pro-Bono-Lawyers&id=429504"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Source</span></a></span>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837630938018200568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165212333225586030.post-29522349467140827602010-03-24T13:03:00.000-07:002010-03-24T13:08:01.391-07:00The Value Of The Legal Occupation In Our Culture<div id="body"> <p>Typically, litigation lawyers should understand the basic principles of law and justice. Being a legal professional can be tiring yet very much exciting and rewarding since he is capable of affecting many of people's lives. The practice of law is indeed a great experience.</p><p>Like any other class of professionals, such as doctors, scientists and engineers, lawyers also have a certain standard to follow, which the legal profession requires. They should set a good example to people in abiding by the laws of the land. Their failure to do so may be considered as grounds for the revocation of their licenses in practicing their profession.</p><p>Although there are lawyers who practice law in general, majority of them opt to have their fields of specialization. Here is a list of some areas of law:</p><ul><li>Maritime Law attorneys - help clients in resolving legal cases like freight and passenger vessel liability, oil pollution complaints, aquatic resources regulations, international trade, maritime injuries, cargo disputes and others. </li><li>Aviation Law attorneys - handle cases concerning air travel safety. </li><li>Civil Rights litigators - defend the people's rights and privileges under the United States Constitution. These include the right to suffrage, peaceful assembly, press freedom, right against slavery, among others. </li><li>Corporate lawyers - provide assistance to business entities regarding their creation, organization and dissolution. </li><li>Criminal Law attorneys - handle criminal cases or violations of public laws that may be punishable by fines and/or imprisonment. They may act either as prosecutors or as defense lawyers. </li><li>Labor lawyers - act as advocates of good employer/employee relationship. They take charge in handling cases such as employer abuse, harassments, wrongful termination, employment disability and other labor law violations. </li><li>Personal Injury lawyers - assist injured victims of negligence or strict liability. They ensure that the aggrieved will recover proper damages from the liable party who caused their pain and suffering and deter the defendants from committing similar acts in the future. </li><li>Family Law attorneys - deals with family-related cases such as marriage legitimacy, divorce, annulment, property settlements, legal adoption, child abuse and abduction of minors, </li></ul><p>While a number of people believe that litigation attorneys practice their profession purely for profit, a great majority of these law professionals offers their assistance at low costs or sometimes free of charge. In fact, the overwhelming benefits of employing a lawyer far outweigh the cost of hiring one.</p><p>With that note, those noble legal practitioners should be commended for their great dealings; for protecting our rights and ensuring that justice prevails at all times. Without their expert services, law and order will definitely remain just a dream.</p> </div> <p>Rainier used to work in a publishing company as a writer and eventually became an associate editor. He dealt in writing instructional materials for secondary and tertiary students. His passion in writing inspired him to read a lot and subsequently enabled him to gain more knowledge and skills.</p><p><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Importance-of-the-Legal-Profession-in-our-Society&id=769180"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" >Source</span></a><br /></p>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837630938018200568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165212333225586030.post-5249394863381886122010-03-24T12:59:00.000-07:002010-03-24T13:03:13.046-07:005 General Examples of Misbehavior OffensesA misdemeanor is defined as a lesser criminal act that is less severe than a felony and more severe than a regulatory offense. A misdemeanor is the United States of America is punishable by fines, probation, community service and up to twelve months incarceration. Misdemeanors are often classified into several categories based on the severity of the crime. This category system usually has dedicated punishments.<br /><br />Being arrested for a misdemeanor may not mean a lengthy prison sentence, but it can seriously affect job prospects and certain civil privileges. For example, a school bus driver that gets his or her first DUI may be illegible for future licensing. It is important to seek proper legal counsel for misdemeanors, no matter how petty. Here are five common examples of misdemeanor offenses.<br /><br />1. Petty Theft<br />Theft is an umbrella term that encompasses grand theft, petty theft, larceny, stealing, embezzlement and any other instance of taking someone's property against their will. In most jurisdictions, petty theft is identified by a value amount. For example, petty theft in the state of Washington, California and most other states in the US is theft of under $500. Anything above that, which any Los Angeles or Seattle criminal lawyer will tell you, is classified as grand theft which can be a felony.<br /><br />2. Public Intoxication<br />In some states, public intoxication is a misdemeanor. Public intoxication generally involves intoxicated individuals causing a disturbance in a private or public area. Intoxication can be caused by alcohol or drugs. Public intoxication or drunk disorderly conduct is dealt with on a state level, and because of this the penalties vary greatly. California and Kansas both consider public intoxication a misdemeanor, while Nevada and Montana have no public intoxication laws.<br /><br />3. Simple Assault<br />Simple assault is a common example of a misdemeanor. Simple assault on police officers, elected officials and social workers are felonies, an exception to most simple assault laws. Simple assault is defined as assault without the intent of injury. An example of simple assault can be attempting to cause someone physical harm or simply invading someone's personal space.<br /><br />4. Trespass<br />Trespassing is the act of someone unlawfully entering, walking on or living on private property. It is common to see "no trespassing" signs on places such as schools and private hunting grounds. Trespassing laws vary among jurisdiction, but are commonly found as misdemeanors. There are certain exceptions to trespassing laws including law enforcement, meter readers and government surveyors.<br /><br />5. Indecent Exposure<br />Arguably the most varied misdemeanor is indecent exposure. Since the term "indecent" can mean many different things, it is up for the specific jurisdiction to enforce this misdemeanor. In Washington State, a Seattle criminal attorney would define indecent exposure as intentionally exposing his or her person to another with the knowledge that the action can cause reasonable alarm. Exposing yourself to a minor under the age of fourteen qualifies as gross misconduct, a felony.<br /><br /><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Common-Examples-of-Misdemeanor-Offenses&id=3367865"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" >Source</span></a>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837630938018200568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165212333225586030.post-16041168007612937102010-03-24T12:53:00.000-07:002010-03-24T12:59:24.754-07:00Criminal Attorney Protect Customers in Federal and State BenchWithin the legal system of the United States lawyers act as advocates and advisors. As advocates they represent clients in civil and criminal trials, presenting evidence and arguing on their behalf. As advisors they counsel clients about their legal rights and obligations. Most lawyers concentrate on either civil or criminal law. Criminal lawyers represent people who have been charged with crimes. Civil lawyers help their clients with all aspects of business and personal life not covered by criminal law.<br /><br />Criminal lawyers represent clients who are faced with any of dozens of different types of crimes, from aiding and abetting to homicide to theft. Federal laws, which apply in all states, govern many crimes. But other crimes are covered by state laws, which vary from state to state. That's why it's important for a person charged with a crime to find a criminal lawyer in the state in which the crime is being prosecuted. Someone in Miami or Fort Lauderdale, for example, should choose a Florida criminal attorney. In San Francisco or Los Angeles, a California criminal attorney will be in the best position to defend a person accused of a crime.<br /><br />Criminal attorneys may specialize in particular types of crime. White collar crimes, for example, are financial crimes that people of high social, professional, or economic status commit in relation to their professions. A typical crime involves deception but not violence. White collar crimes such as bribery, embezzlement, insider trading, public corruption, identity theft, forgery, money laundering, and fraud overlap with the area of corporate crimes. Within the broad area of fraud there is corporate fraud, healthcare fraud, mortgage fraud, insurance fraud, bankruptcy fraud, and hedge fund fraud, and government fraud, to name a few. Recent crimes investigated by the F.B.I. include adoption scams, celebrity memorabilia fraud, staged auto accidents, options backdating, computer fraud, and environmental crimes.<br /><br />Anyone who has been charged with this kind of crime should contact a criminal attorney as soon as possible. Whether or not they are convicted, people accused of white collar crimes often suffer from negative publicity and the resulting loss of reputation, social status, assets, and business. The consequences of conviction are even worse, of course. People convicted of these crimes may face jail time, large fines, forfeiture of assets, home detention, supervised release, and/or restitution to victims of the crime. Criminal attorneys who specialize in white collar crimes have the experience and knowledge to protect the rights of the accused. A criminal attorney can help the accused avoid or mitigate charges by gaining a dismissal or winning if the case goes to trial.<br /><br />Rapid advances in computer technology make white collar crimes more feasible. In fact, white collar crimes are on the rise in the United States. In recent years arrests for violent crimes have decreased, but arrests for fraud and embezzlement have increased. The F.B.I. estimates white collar crimes cost the country more than $300 billion each year. As Americans become more concerned about white collar crimes, judges and juries are becoming less lenient in convicting and punishing them.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Criminal-Lawyers-Defend-Clients-in-Federal-and-State-Courts&id=3699336">Source</a></span>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837630938018200568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165212333225586030.post-8459496995508438282010-03-24T12:14:00.000-07:002010-03-24T12:53:47.682-07:00Disability Insurance Attorney- Decreases the Load of the DisabledSince the introduction of Social Security's Disability Programs to the public, it has been one of the primary sources of financial aid by those disabled workers. It tends to provide relief and monetary support for their hospital bills and other daily expenses. It further helps in alleviating the disabled individuals suffering brought by their serious illnesses.<br /><br />As stated under the Social Security Disability rules, people who have worked long enough and paid their Social Security taxes are eligible to apply for disability insurance benefits. This is regardless of their age.<br /><br />However, they must first meet all the other requirements set by the Social Security Administration, which is the government agency assigned to implement this program.<br /><br />Disability, on the perspective of Social Security, is any ailment that prevents a person to engage in any "substantial gainful activity". This ailment must have also last, expected to last for at least a period of twelve months, or may result in death of the person.<br /><br />In filing an application for disability insurance benefits, the disabled worker is advised to prepare the following documents and information in order to speed up the process:<br /><br /> * Names, addresses and contact information of physicians, hospitals, clinics, etc., attended to their illnesses<br /> * A brief summary of the worker's employment history for at least 15 years and the details of his job<br /><br />Because of these important matters, the disabled workers must consider hiring their respective Los Angeles disability insurance lawyers who are very much capable in dealing with these requirements. These lawyers may also increase their chances of getting good results.<br /><br />The SSA also implements a 5-month waiting period before they approve a petition. Yet, if the disabled employee died before the decision, the immediate family may pursue the application within three months prior to the worker's death.<br /><br />The actual disability benefits that a disabled person may get will depend on the amount of his earnings before he has sustained his ailment. This would mean that the higher his monthly contribution, the higher his monthly benefits would be. Yet, this amount may still increase depending on the yearly inflation rate.<br /><br />Nonetheless, Social Security disability benefits are designed for momentary bad health conditions. Hence, the SSA would certainly stop sending disability benefits in these instances:<br /><br /> * If the beneficiary has already reached the age of 65, (This is when retirement benefits may replace disability benefits)<br /> * If the beneficiary has already recovered from his disability and get back to work to earn money on his own<br /><br />Then again, for proper guidance and representation in filing a strong disability insurance claim with the SSA, employing the aid of a competent representative is a must to ease the disabled worker's further suffering.<br /><br /><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Los-Angeles-Disability-Insurance-Lawyers---Reducing-the-Burden-of-the-Disabled&id=927515"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" >Source</span></a>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837630938018200568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165212333225586030.post-85749822737929886422010-03-23T12:37:00.000-07:002010-03-23T12:42:27.248-07:00Lawyers With Different Jobs<div id="body"> <p>If you are a resident in Albuquerque, or anywhere near Albuquerque and you find yourself in need assistance for any legal matters, an Albuquerque lawyer is always available to provide legal counsel and help to you. In New Mexico, there are a lot of lawyers who offer their services, but the best among these lawyers are the Albuquerque attorneys.</p><p>There are different kinds of Albuquerque lawyers; meaning, there are lawyers who specialize in different fields of law. The first I will discuss is the Albuquerque tax lawyer. This is an Albuquerque lawyer who specializes in taxes. An Albuquerque tax lawyer will help you get a head start on your taxes by assisting you. This is to make sure that all of your pertinent forms and records are organized, by keeping them up to date and in working order.</p><p>Another type of an lawyer in Albuquerque is the immigration lawyer. An Albuquerque immigration lawyer can help speed up the process of your immigration. With the help of this immigration lawyer, you'll find yourself in the country you want to be in in no time.</p><p>There is also what we call an Albuquerque personal injury lawyer. When you are injured, it can be a very frightening experience, particularly if the injury was not your fault, but was due to the negligence of another party. If this is indeed the case, you have the right to be compensated for your medical bills and, to some degree, also for pain and suffering.</p><p>Your recovery in a personal injury case may also include any lost wages that were a direct result of the injury, and this type of Albuquerque lawyer could be really beneficial to any client with a solid and valid claim against someone who caused them personal injury.</p><p>One of the most popular of Albuquerque lawyers is the Albuquerque divorce lawyer, or more commonly known as the New Mexico divorce lawyer. A New Mexico divorce lawyer often provides full-service family-law, estate planning, tort and domestic relations to clients all over New Mexico.</p><p>An experienced New Mexico divorce lawyer can assist you in dealing with your cases regarding divorce, child custody, litigation that involves complex marital property estates, and claims of alimony or spousal support. A New Mexico divorce lawyer will work with total professionalism, and will see to it that you obtain the most favorable results faster, while still saving money.</p><p>For all legal needs, an Albuquerque lawyer is available to help. All you need to do is find the Albuquerque lawyer to meet your needs.</p><p><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Different-Types-of-Lawyers&id=3578775"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" >Source</span></a><br /></p> </div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837630938018200568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165212333225586030.post-86523182194475629832010-03-23T12:33:00.000-07:002010-03-23T12:37:51.700-07:00How Defense Lawyers perform Their Job?<p>Everyone has their day in court. This means that even if the client is guilty, the criminal defense lawyer must do whatever is necessary so that person will not be convicted of the crime.</p><p>How does that work? If you are a public defender, the client will be appointed and you have to meet with them. Before this person is arraigned in court, you will have time to discuss what will be their plea which will then be presented to the judge. Afterward, ample time will be given so you can conduct an investigation, review police reports and examine the evidence to prepare you for trial.</p><p>During the trial, both sides will be able to present witnesses. Some of these are experts and after the prosecution questions this person on the stand, you will have the chance to cross-examine them and vice versa.</p><p>Before the trial starts or even during, you can try to settle this matter out of court. You have the right to accept or turn it down but you must first discuss this with your client.</p><p>When all the witnesses have spoken and the evidence has been presented, the only thing you have to work on now is your closing argument. You should summarize everything that has happened in front of the jury because the prosecution will do the same so the jury can now go to the jury room and make their decision.</p><p>How long will the jury will be deliberating is anyone's guess. Sometimes a verdict will be announced in less than hour while others will take longer. When the jury has returned, you will know if the jury has reached a guilty or not guilty verdict.</p><p>If the verdict is guilty, then you can appeal the decision to the higher court. If the verdict is not guilty, then your client can walk out of the court room as a free man.</p><p>The same thing happens when you are working for or have your own criminal defense law firm. The only difference is that clients will go up to you. When they walk in, they will want to interview you first to find out a little about you.</p><p>You should be ready to answer questions such as how long have you been a criminal defense attorney, how many cases have you won, do you go to trial often or decide to settle this matter out of court and so on. How you answer will help them decide if they want to hire you or not.</p><p>Another difference between those who operate privately is that you can charge a certain fee for your legal services. You can charge a flat fee or on an hourly basis. This depends on you.</p><p>If you are handling a lot of cases right now, be honest with the client and tell them you can't because you will not be able to represent them to the fullest of your ability in that condition.</p><p><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Does-a-Criminal-Defense-Lawyer-Do-Their-Job?&id=1451793"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >Source</span></a><br /></p>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837630938018200568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165212333225586030.post-1195956080519552292010-03-23T12:26:00.000-07:002010-03-23T12:33:42.796-07:00Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Life<p>Life as a criminal defense lawyer is not easy when your job is basically to help those who are arrested of a crime. While some of the clients you meet are innocent, many of them are guilty and have had previous run-ins with the law.</p><p>Since the law dictates that everyone is innocent until proven guilty and you decided to specialize in this field, you have to defend this person by putting up the best defense there is available.</p><p>There are various strategies you can use to get your client off. You can plead insanity or claim that someone else did the crime. If your client has something to offer, you can make a deal with the district attorney in exchange for the client being granted immunity.</p><p>But before you decide what cards to play, you have to talk to your client. If this person is in jail, you have to go there and ask what happened. You should already discuss whether to enter a guilty or not guilty plea because your client will be arraigned shortly.</p><p>When a trial date has been set, you can get a copy of the documents of the case from the district attorney's office because by law, both sides are supposed to view everything from the police reports to the evidence.</p><p>You will also get a copy of the people the prosecution will be calling to the witness stand as they too will also be aware of that so there will be no surprises during trial.</p><p>When it is your turn to cross examine the witness, you should use whatever is available to cast doubt on their testimony because this is the only way that the jury may be convinced that your client is not capable of doing the crime. Using expert witnesses of your own is also helpful since they can dispute the claims of the other camp.</p><p>Before the jury will reach its verdict, you will have one last chance to state your client's innocence when you are given the opportunity for your closing argument. When it is all over, you just have to wait for the decision of the court to take the next course of action.</p><p>Your client's not guilty verdict means your job is done and you can move on and work with another client. A guilty verdict means you have to stay on as counsel for this individual and appeal the jury's decision to a higher court so you can perhaps get a reversal.</p><p>The best way to win an appeal is to determine if there is something in the trial that shouldn't have happened or was overlooked. These technicalities are better known as constitutional protections. For instance, the client's confession was taken without the presence of a lawyer so whatever they said is inadmissible in court. The same goes if a search was done without a warrant.</p><p>There are many examples which you can use. You may even cite a case with similar circumstances because this serves as precedence to the one you are working on.</p><p><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Life-As-a-Criminal-Defense-Lawyer&id=1451801"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" >Source</span></a><br /></p>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837630938018200568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165212333225586030.post-50959225374257185002010-03-23T12:20:00.000-07:002010-03-23T12:25:34.964-07:00In Lawful Problem? Discover a Seattle Criminal Defense AttorneyAre you currently in the unfortunate position of being charged with a criminal offense? If so, then nothing else is as important as retaining a reputable Seattle criminal defense lawyer immediately. Your freedom may hang in the balance of this decision. Criminal charges come with many questions, accusations, and complications. Experienced Seattle criminal defense lawyers can dig deep into the facts and make sure you are treated fairly throughout the entire process.<br /><br />In the unfortunate circumstance that you are forced to answer for criminal charges if they are ever filed against you, you will need somewhere to turn for answers and support. From a practical standpoint, a Seattle criminal defense attorney comes with many advantages. A Seattle criminal defense lawyer not only pleads your case in a court of law but they also act as a sounding board to answer any and all questions you may have. They not only protect all your rights as a client, but they also oversee the small practical details surrounding the court case.<br /><br />Any time someone is charged with a crime, no matter what the criminal charge may be, you have the right to counsel from Seattle criminal defense lawyers and that right should always be used. No matter if you were at fault or not, it is important to know your rights can very easily be abused in a situation of which you have little knowledge and experience. While it is true our court of laws are designed to promise justice, they are far from perfect. You'd be surprised how the smallest overlooked detail can mean the difference between guilty and innocent. Would you want to spend time in jail because you happened to miss an obvious detail?<br /><br />Ultimately, you want to choose an attorney who is both professional and qualified but, most importantly, experienced. The more trials a criminal defense attorney has under their belt the better your odds are of winning the case. In many instances, this can mean getting the criminal charges against you dismissed.<br /><br />Everyone has their own personal reasons for hiring a Seattle criminal defense lawyer. It can range from a minor traffic offense to a DUI to an involuntary manslaughter charge. Obviously each of these carries its own distinct punishment, but they all share the same innocent until proven guilty theory. Make sure you are given a fair chance in court with a Seattle attorney and protect yourself from unfair or excessive fines and punishments.<br /><br /><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?In-Legal-Trouble?-Find-a-Seattle-Criminal-Defense-Lawyer&id=2877164"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" >Source</span></a>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837630938018200568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165212333225586030.post-63754344244120270132010-03-23T12:18:00.000-07:002010-03-23T12:20:06.409-07:00Characteristics Of An Excellent Malpractice Defense LawyerThe crime of malpractice is a serious allegation that can cost one's license to practice his profession aside from the fact that he is facing a possible civil and criminal liability. Jurisprudence is not bereft of cases where a professional was divested of the privilege to practice his profession, fined and sent to prison, mainly because he was poorly defended by his defense lawyer.<br /><br />The role of a malpractice defense attorney cannot just be assumed by anyone engaged in the practice of law. It takes more than knowledge of the law. It is also required that the defense attorney be familiar with the profession that he is defending coupled with a long experience in court litigation.<br /><br />He must be one who could not only successfully defend the client from the lawsuit but he must also be one who can help restore a client's reputation and dignity. What is the use of winning a case if you cannot get back your clientele? It may sound as if it's not already covered by a defense attorney. It should be, if he is a good one.<br /><br />A good defense attorney must be one who can give advice how to get your business back on track because he understands that losing clientele is just one of the repercussions of being an accused in a malpractice case. The strategy that should be employed by him is not only to win in court but also to win the sympathy of the people. Innocent or guilty, that fact is yet to be proven. Do not be disheartened if you are one who is facing a malpractice suit. There are a lot of competent malpractice defense attorneys who have the above mentioned qualities. All you have to do is look it up.<br /><br /><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Qualities-of-a-Good-Malpractice-Defense-Attorney&id=2877053"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" >Source</span></a>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837630938018200568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165212333225586030.post-72168444796800477952010-03-21T11:56:00.000-07:002010-03-21T11:57:20.526-07:00Los Angeles Pro Bono Lawyers<div id="body"> <p>Pro bono lawyers offer free legal services to people or charitable organizations. This free legal service is called as pro bono service. Many people are unable to appoint a good lawyer to represent their case as they lack the resources to pay the fees. However, many legal services and organizations offer legal aid to people who have limited means. There are several legal firms in Los Angeles that have Pro bono committees.</p><p>Many established and experienced lawyers devote, a certain amount of their time to provide pro bono services. With the rise in the number of people trying to utilize pro bono services, many law firms have created programs, to appoint private lawyers who can afford to spare some of their time. These programs include training for lawyers to handle common forms of lawsuits.</p><p>The American Bar Association (ABA) is on the forefront in improving their pro bono legal services. The ABA center is actively involved in creating various pro bono programs to offer optimum benefits to needy people. It also organizes a conference for bar leaders, pro bono program managers, and legal service staff every year to improvise the pro bono programs. State and local bar associations also facilitate in the designing and maintenance of pro bono programs. State court systems are always on the look out for lawyers, who are willing to impart their time and expertise to pro bono services.</p><p>Many reputed law firms have a pro bono committee, consisting of lawyers and paralegals. Many non-profit organizations contact these law firms to seek advice in various legal issues. These firms provide invaluable assistance to resolve problems related to education, immigration, political issues, domestic matters, and criminal cases. They also tackle consumer grievances and financial issues.</p><p>Some legal organizations in Los Angeles go beyond their legal domain while providing pro bono services and at times offer counseling as well. They donate funds, in large amounts to non-profit organizations that provide, medical assistance and other services to underprivileged children.</p><p><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Los-Angeles-Pro-Bono-Lawyers&id=429504"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Source</span></span></a><br /></p> </div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837630938018200568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165212333225586030.post-48891212310131670742010-03-21T11:54:00.000-07:002010-03-21T11:55:51.714-07:00Los Angeles Dog Bite Attorneys<div id="body"> <p>A "dog bite" is a term used in judicial decisions, statutes and local ordinances. In legal terms, "dog bite" refers to a bite wherein domesticated dogs grip a person and thereby cause a wound.</p><p>Dog bite attorneys assist victims with personal injury claims for dog bite injuries. Every state has different laws regarding a dog owner's liability for dog bites. Some states follow the common law. Whenever an animal injures a person, a claim must be filed as soon as possible. It is important to seek legal help in the case of dog bites. There are attorneys who specialize in handling dog bite claims. It is a complex process, and requires someone who is well versed in the complicated laws. In the case of a dog bite to a child, it is in the interest of the child that the parents hire an attorney, to protect the child's rights. Also, to prevent harassment by insurance agents or defense attorneys, as an innocent statement, by the child can be turned into a possible defense, by an insurance company.</p><p>Dog bites vary in severity. Accordingly damages caused and financial claims are altered. Dog bite claims include recovery of expenses toward medication, treatment, scarring, psychological damages and loss of income due to absence from workplace.This makes it necessary to seek an experienced dog bite attorney who will be able to determine if the victim is eligible for a lawsuit claim. In order to realise a claim as per detailed estimates, it is important to hire services of specialised Los Angeles dog bite attorneys.</p><p><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Los-Angeles-Dog-Bite-Attorneys&id=410182"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" >Source</span></a><br /></p> </div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837630938018200568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165212333225586030.post-38339126309725791892010-03-21T11:53:00.000-07:002010-03-21T11:54:23.742-07:00Los Angeles Contingency Attorneys<div id="body"> <p>Accident and personal injury litigation is frequently handled on a contingency basis. When an agreement is made to pay a lawyer on contingency basis, the fee is set at a prearranged percentage, of the awarded amount. The percentage of the amount to be paid, will vary from state to state, and lawyer to lawyer, and is generally determined by the type of case involved. In some states, the percentage that a lawyer may charge, by way of a contingency fee is set by law. It may be a fixed percentage, such as 33-1/3% of all sums recovered, or based on a sliding scale, such as 40% of the first $10,000 recovered, 35% of the next $40,000, 30% of the next $150,000, and25% of the next $300,000.</p><p>The advantages of paying on a contingency basis are manifold. Firstly, if the claim is lost no payment is made to the lawyer. In case there is a settlement, which is paid over time, the attorney can be paid as the settlement amount is received. The plaintiffs can hire an expensive attorney though they cannot afford to do so when filing the case. The disadvantage of paying on contingency is that a sizeable percentage of any award or settlement has to be given away.</p><p>Though the attorney will not have to be paid in case the claim is lost, the plaintiff is responsible for expenses the attorney incurred for medical reports, investigative services, expert witnesses, court costs and court reporter fees. Whatever may be the outcome of the claim, the cost of bringing the claim to court is borne by the plaintiff.</p><p>It is advisable to fully understand any legal agreement, or arrangement entered into with a lawyer before commitment. It is an established legal practice as such cases involve large claims and financial liabilities. For this reason, attorneys are assured of high service fees in case of a favorable verdict.</p><p><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Los-Angeles-Contingency-Attorneys&id=410183"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" >Source</span></a><br /></p> </div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837630938018200568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165212333225586030.post-64231492098427510242010-03-21T11:42:00.000-07:002010-03-21T11:44:26.665-07:00Hit and Run: Criminal Accidents in Los Angeles<div id="body"> <p>There are many ways for an otherwise law-abiding citizen to get in criminal trouble in a city the size of Los Angeles without ever intending any wrong-doing or harm. One way to do this is by being involved in a "hit and run" type of incident. It should not be difficult for you to imagine a scenario where you are in a busy parking lot or driving down the street, and for a host of reasons ranging from innocent distraction or noise to less innocuous being overtired or on medication and you hit another vehicle.</p><p>This is a common occurrence usually handled by insurance companies or privately between the parties themselves. Sometimes, depending on the severity of the incident, and the damages, and the police will be called. Where things get complicated and criminal is when one party leaves the scene. This is commonly called a "hit and run".</p><p>It does not matter if you left the scene in your car or left your car at the scene and fled on foot or been picked up by a friend. If you have left the scene without providing information or have left inaccurate or false information (The "fake note" scenario).</p><p>THE PROBLEM</p><p>In California, what is commonly called "HIT AND RUN" is codified in Vehicle Code Section 2002 which provides:<br />t<br />"The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to any property, including vehicles, shall immediately stop the vehicle at the nearest location that will not impede traffic or otherwise jeopardize the safety of other motorists. Moving the vehicle in accordance with this subdivision does not affect the question of fault. The driver shall also immediately do either of the following:</p><p>(1) Locate and notify the owner or person in charge of that property of the name and address of the driver and owner of the vehicle involved and, upon locating the driver of any other vehicle involved or the owner or person in charge of any damaged property, upon being requested, present his or her driver's license, and vehicle registration, to the other driver, property owner, or person in charge of that property. The information presented shall include the current residence address of the driver and of the registered owner. If the registered owner of an involved vehicle is present at the scene, he or she shall also, upon request, present his or her driver's license information, if available or other valid identification to the other involved parties.</p><p>2) Leave in a conspicuous place on the vehicle or other property damaged a written notice giving the name and address of the driver and of the owner of the vehicle involved and a statement of the circumstances thereof and shall without unnecessary delay notify the police department of the city wherein the collision occurred or, if the collision occurred in unincorporated territory, the local headquarters of the Department of the California Highway Patrol.<br />(b) Any person who parks a vehicle which, prior to the vehicle again being driven, becomes a runaway vehicle and is involved in an accident resulting in damage to any property, attended or unattended, shall comply with the requirements of this section relating to notification and reporting and shall, upon conviction thereof, be liable to the penalties of this section for failure to comply with the requirements.<br />(c) Any person failing to comply with all the requirements of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding six months, or by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine."</p><p>California Vehicle Code Section 2002 is very clear and specific. It does not matter who is at fault you must comply with the requirements as listed above.</p><p>A hit and run can occur even when your car hits a parked car and causes relatively minor damage and you leave the scene. You may not even realize that an accident has occurred. A bystander or eye witness may take down your license plate number and call the police. It is even possible to be in busy traffic, or on the freeway, and be involved in a collision where one or both parties "takes off" or leaves the scene of the incident. You may even lose each other in to the normal flow of traffic, or due to the speed of the vehicle, or road or weather conditions such as darkness, rain or bad lighting. Even in this situation someone can be charged with a hit and run violation. Even failing to provide complete or accurate information can lead to a criminal filing and can land you in jail for up to six months.</p><p>THE SOLUTION</p><p>Perhaps you were involved in a situation that is similar to this. You may have been sent a letter by the City Attorney. You may have received a telephone call from a detective, or someone may have come around asking questions about you or your vehicle. It is important at this point not to speak to anyone and to seek the advice of a competent attorney and follow that attorney's direction. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can find the information for you based on the information you give and can locate reports and speak to the officers and parties involved.</p><p>An attorney can guide you through this process, keep you out of trouble, and even guide the case back into the civil arena. A Civil case is one where only money is involved (still a problem if you don't have any) and a criminal case is one where incarceration and loss of ones freedom is involved. A misdemeanor as cited above can carry penalties of up to six months in county jail. If injuries are involved or other issues such as hitting a pedestrian, or you were under the influence you should contact a criminal defense attorney immediately because these types of situations are often classified as a felony hit and run, usually injuries are involved, can carry penalties of more than a year in the State Prison.</p><p>Over the years many people who have been involved in hit and runs have come to me and I have helped get them out of trouble. Sometimes I have been able to make sure that no charges were filed and even when charges were filed, I was able to either get them dismissed or have been able to resolve them with relatively minor consequences.</p><p>I use many techniques based on years of negotiation and legal knowledge including California Penal Code Section 1377-1378.</p><p>California Penal Code Section 1377, 1378 provide:</p><p>"When the person injured by an act constituting a misdemeanor has a remedy by a civil action, the offense may be compromised, as provided in Section 1378, except when it is committed as follows:</p><p>(a) By or upon an officer of justice, while in the execution of the duties of his or her office.</p><p>(b) Riotously.</p><p>(c) With an intent to commit a felony.</p><p>(d) In violation of any court order as described in Section 273.6 or 273.65.</p><p>(e) By or upon any family or household member, or upon any person when the violation involves any person described in Section 6211 of the Family Code or subdivision (b) of Section 13700 of this code.</p><p>(f) Upon an elder, in violation of Section 368 of this code or Section 15656 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.</p><p>(g) Upon a child, as described in Section 647.6 or 11165.6"</p><p>An experienced <a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.jkrlaw.com/">Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer </a>can solve many hit and run cases by negotiating damages and payment for you and protecting you from criminal liability and jail time. By using this code section effectively an experienced attorney can navigate the deep and muddy waters of the criminal justice ocean and get you safely ashore. As an attorney, I can locate the investigator and speak with the investigator. I can contact the other parties and draft letters for them to sign and I know the way to present it to the District Attorney, he City Attorney and the judge so they can "sign off" on it.</p><p>Although Penal Code Sections 1377 and 1378 provide for a civil remedy thus allowing the criminal court to dismiss a case, usually a prosecutor has to agree to it and it is most certainly in the judge's discretion whether to grant a dismissal under Penal Code Section 1377-1378.<br />Other factors include the severity of the incident, the age of the person involved, prior criminal record, the victim's desire for prosecution, and other factors not cited here.</p><p>OTHER SOLUTIONS</p><p>There are some Justifications for leaving the scene of an accident. One of these is to seek immediate medical attention. The social policy here is self evident. We don't want an injured person to stay at the scene of an accident at the cost of their own life, limb or health. In emergencies leaving the scene of an accident may be allowed.</p><p>This justification may apply if you are injured in the accident or someone else is injured and you take them to the hospital. Perhaps you were already on the way to the hospital when the accident occurred.</p><p>Other situations may also arise. Perhaps you were a passenger who left the scene and you are afraid someone may think you are driving, or perhaps you lent your car out to a family member or friend who has a similar physical description to you. All of these scenarios can be handled by an experienced criminal defense attorney.</p><p>WHAT NOT TO DO <br />What is important is to take action and make the situation "right". You have made a couple of mistakes and questionable decisions you had and accident and left the scene. Do not make matters worse by continuing to make decisions yourself. It is a mistake to avoid the problem and hope that it will go away. It is also a mistake to try to handle the matter yourself by trying to talk to the Police, the other party or by telling lies.</p><p>It is a mistake and a further crime to falsely report that your vehicle was stolen or to make any other false report. Regardless of the situation, even if you have further complicated the matter it is important to get into the solution by contacting a criminal defense attorney immediately and let someone who has successfully dealt with these cases handle it. You are entitled to a defense and the situation, if handled correctly may not be near as bad as you may think. There is always a solution and help is available and just a telephone call away.</p><p>**NOTE: The above article is a legal opinion only based on California law only and should not be construed as specific legal advice. If you are not in California, you need to consult an attorney in your State to find the applicable laws. It should also be noted that every legal situation is fact specific and different. You should seek independent legal advice for your matter and not rely on the article above which is general in nature. J.R.</p><p><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Hit-and-Run:-Criminal-Accidents-in-Los-Angeles&id=344689"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" >Source</span></a><br /></p> </div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837630938018200568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165212333225586030.post-53836406958963612122010-03-20T14:17:00.000-07:002010-03-20T14:22:48.211-07:00How Do I Understand If I've Appoint an Excellent Defense lawyer Once I've Been under Arrest?<div id="body"> <p>Unfortunately, as in all professions, there is not always the same quality of representation given to criminally arrested and charged clients in a legal professional's care. There could be many reasons for a client to feel that they have not been treated properly by a criminal defense lawyer or juvenile law attorney. These reasons could range from an inexperienced criminal or juvenile crime attorney who hasn't been trained how to properly educate those in their care.</p><p>Perhaps you've hired an overworked criminal or juvenile court lawyer who takes all cases and feels he or she is not being paid sufficiently for the care demanded. You may have simply hired a criminal or juvenile law attorney who doesn't possess the pride to care as to the quality of the treatment they provide. In the area of criminal defense law, more lawyers than in most any other legal specialty are referred to local bar associations as to complaints calling for disciplinary action each year.</p><p>A capable criminal defense lawyer for an adult or juvenile crime is not always one who can "get you or your child off" for the charges one is being prosecuted for. Rather, the overwhelming majority of criminal prosecutions are not resolved through a jury's verdict following a trial but as a result of hard fought negotiated plea agreements worked out between the criminal defense attorney and prosecutor after a thorough criminal investigation has been conducted. As a result, what follows are just a sampling of some tell tale clues to observe as to whether your criminal or juvenile defense lawyer is one who should earn your trust:</p><p>Does your criminal defense lawyer or juvenile lawyer respond to your calls promptly?</p><p>Does your criminal defense attorney or juvenile crime attorney just tell you what you want to hear?</p><p>Has your criminal attorney or juvenile attorney explained the risks and benefits of going to trial?</p><p>Has your criminal lawyer given you enough time sufficiently understood the position of a prosecutor including all possible plea proposals and potential penalties for the crimes charged?</p><p>Has your criminal lawyer or juvenile crime lawyer clearly explained your fee arrangement?</p><p>Has your criminal defense lawyer or juvenile court lawyer documented your family situation including whether you have dependents to support, whether you are professionally licensed and/or whether your county of residence possesses alternatives to incarceration that you may pre qualify for?</p><p>Has your criminal attorney asked whether you or a loved one has a prior mental illness, been prescribed medication or ever been referred to mental health and/or drug and alcohol treatment that can explain one's conduct and provide a legal alternative to criminal incarceration?</p><p>One must always be aware that a criminal defense attorney or juvenile court attorney gets paid significantly more in attorney fees should a criminal prosecution be brought to trial. It is therefore vitally important that one keep on top of one's criminal case to ensure that enough time has been arranged so that a meaningful dialogue can be established between the criminal attorney and client as to the risks and benefits of going to trial. While in many prosecutions going to trial is the only way to seek justice, in far too many criminal cases a criminal client faces the prospect of the added penalty of excess legal fees and far worse criminal punishment imposed after a criminal client has blindly proceeded to trial without exploring and been made aware of all legal options available.</p><p><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Do-I-Know-If-Ive-Hired-a-Good-Criminal-Defense-Attorney-Once-Ive-Been-Arrested?&id=3470310"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" >Source</span></a><br /></p> </div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837630938018200568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165212333225586030.post-88952175548403590742010-03-20T14:12:00.000-07:002010-03-20T14:17:54.345-07:00Ten Qualities of a Good Criminal Defense Lawyer<div id="body"> <p>In the legal world one aspect is more serious than others, criminal cases. In these cases the burden on the shoulder of the criminal lawyer is immense as he is the one who will ensure that the accused will get just treatment as per the law.</p><p>The lawyer must know the inside out of the laws and comprehend clearly the intricacies of the case. He is the one who will prove the prosecution wrong and highlight the brass tacks of the case before the jury so that if his client is innocent, wrongly accused, or been framed by criminals he will get justice and not be punished for crimes he has not committed.</p><p>The ideal way to choose a criminal defense lawyer is to find out his reputation from unconnected sources, check out his rating, see whether you are comfortable with him and feel you can trust him with your innermost secrets. In the case of criminal cases a client must be able to confide in the lawyer completely and know that the lawyer will do his best in the case.</p><p>When charged with a crime small or large you need the support of a criminal defense attorney. He will arrange for your release and take appropriate action regarding papers and procedure. He will shoulder the responsibility of advising you on procedures and give recommendations on what is the best action or path to take.</p><p>And, in case you are not in a financial position to hire a lawyer the state will appoint one to defend you. In criminal cases the most important thing is to know your rights and options.</p><p>A Criminal Defense Lawyer must be one who is:</p><p>1. Well qualified in criminal law.</p><p>2. Passionate about justice and protecting the rights of the client.</p><p>3. Bold and confident while in court and have a presence, intimidate the prosecution.</p><p>4. A great actor with emoting skills to gain the favor of the jury and convince them of his client's innocence or despair.</p><p>5. Confident and has handled many similar cases and won many.</p><p>6. More than capable of standing up to a judge and will not be intimidated or browbeaten.</p><p>7. Capable of understanding police work and finding out clues and facts.</p><p>8. Well versed in hidden facets of the law and can spring surprises during hearings when least expected.</p><p>9. Fair in his dealings and will always be honest with the client on how the case is faring and what to expect.</p><p>10. Friendly with detectives, police, and other lawyers and can ferret out information that will help the case.</p><p>In fact the lawyer should be "Perry Mason" in reality and never be willing to accept defeat and not be afraid of threats and so on. If the lawyer is passionate about his work and adventurous enough to seek new strategies and facts then you can be assured that the lawyer will do more than his best for you.</p><p><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?10-Qualities-a-Criminal-Defense-Lawyer-Should-Posses&id=438420"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" >Source</span></a><br /></p> </div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837630938018200568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165212333225586030.post-87276764428976316502010-03-19T11:18:00.000-07:002010-03-19T11:22:59.803-07:004-Issues You Ought To Inquire Defense LawyersYour initial priority after you've been accused of a crime should be to hire yourself the best criminal defense attorney you can locate. How can you find the best attorney for your situation? There are four important questions you need to ask of each potential representing lawyer.<br /><br />Question 1 - How Will The Lawyer Handle The Case? - You'll need to explain the case to each legal counsel you see. Let them know what charges you are facing and give them the circumstances surrounding the arrest and charges. Once you are done, ask them how they plan to handle it. There are two things you need to watch out for with their answer:<br /><br />- Ensure the lawyer understands your case clearly<br />- Ensure they've paid attention to all details of the case<br /><br />Question 2 - What Is Their Plan Of Action? - The legal counsel you are speaking to should be telling you what kind of action they plan to take. You want to know what your criminal defense is going to be. You also want to know how they plan to proceed in defending you in a clear, concise and easy to understand manner. Even if the criminal defense attorney is good, you can feel stressed out from the entire situation when you don't understand the proceedings and what is happening.<br /><br />Question 3 - What Are The Attorney Fees? - Remember that each lawyer will bill you differently. Some ways they may charge include:<br /><br />- By the hour<br />- By phone call<br />- Charge for miscellaneous expenses<br /><br />Make sure to get a ballpark amount so you understand about what it will cost to defend you. You need to make sure all the terms are clear including when you'll need to pay your first payment or if the lawyer requests a retainer for his/her services. While you want the best and most experienced criminal defense lawyer, you need to know what their costs are overall.<br /><br />Question 4 - How Will Your Attorney Keep You Updated On Your Case? - You need to question the counsel how he/she plans to keep you updated on the case. Some lawyers will make sure you're contacted all the time while others contact you with they have information they need from you or have to share. You want the type of lawyer who will inform you of everything and how the case is progressing; it doesn't matter if there's no report at all. Make sure you stay in the loop and your lawyer keeps you there. If the only time you want to hear from your retained legal counsel is when they have something important to tell you, let them know this upfront.<br /><br />While you're asking these four important questions, pay attention to how the lawyer makes you feel. Are you comfortable with their process or with them? While your case is ongoing, you'll be sharing all kinds of personal and private information; do you feel comfortable with telling them this information. You want a lawyer who won't make a judgment about you so don't settle for just any lawyer. Find one you are comfortable with all the way around.<br /><br /><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Four-Questions-You-Should-Ask-Prospective-Criminal-Defense-Lawyers&id=3211172"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" >Source</span></a>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837630938018200568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165212333225586030.post-21534166037035721252010-03-19T11:12:00.000-07:002010-03-19T11:17:35.272-07:00Defense Lawyer- Why Your Lawyer Exploits an Investigator<div id="body"> <p>When you've been accused of a crime, one of the first things that your criminal defense lawyer will do is to make contact with a private investigator in order to utilize his or her services. The reason that your lawyer invites one to join your team is a simple and straightforward one. Your lawyer wants to provide you with the very best defense and one way to do this is by gathering as many details and facts surrounding your case as possible. What exactly does an investigator do?</p><p>He specializes in uncovering hidden information. He or she will be able to gather it from unexpected sources, such as computer files and other paper or digital trails. Encrypted files, passwords which have been changed, deleted documents may all be recovered during a thorough investigation.</p><p>A detective will look at all the players involved who are trying to build a case against you. Clues, inconsistencies and weaknesses in the opposition's case will be brought to the attention of your criminal defense lawyer. Public and private records will be traced and scrutinized involving both individuals and businesses. Investigators are able to solve mysteries and bring buried information to the forefront. They will interview both police officers and potential witnesses. Investigators are quite adept at finding witnesses who will enable your lawyer to successfully build your defense.</p><p>In order to perform their duties satisfactorily and in a manner that will allow these discoveries to hold up in court, private detectives are well versed in the law. They obtain the necessarily information in a legally appropriate and timely manner.</p><p>In order to do their job, detectives use surveillance techniques which include the use of cameras, video equipment and recording devices. All equipment is used in a lawful manner so that it may be presented in court if it is deemed that it will support your case.</p><p>The investigator that your law firm uses may work directly for the firm or may be an outside contractor. He or she may be a former police officer and therefore may have exemplary knowledge of the behind-the-scenes workings of the police department and judicial system. Many states require licensing of detectives but some do not. The level of education varies but they are often college educated. High intelligence, attention to detail and a flair for deductive reasoning are all common traits of a good investigator.</p><p>Your criminal defense lawyer has been around the block and knows the value of a skilled investigator. Together they will partner to gather the evidence necessary to provide you with the best defense possible.</p><p><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Criminal-Defense---Why-Your-Lawyer-Uses-an-Investigator&id=3748032"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" >Source</span></a><br /></p> </div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837630938018200568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165212333225586030.post-53040276995453846142010-03-19T11:06:00.000-07:002010-03-19T11:12:32.729-07:00A Defense Lawyer Can Help out Clear a Wrong Arrest<div id="body"> <p>A criminal defense attorney can help you clear your record in the case of a false arrest. A false arrest means that you were held by force by officers who didn't have the authority to take you into custody. At times people are arrested but found innocent or have had the charges dropped. This is a different situation and doesn't constitute a false arrest.</p><p>Police officers are not the only ones who have made a mistake in issuing a false arrest. In fact, they are not the most common culprits. Police officers are usually extremely well versed in the law and are careful to do things by the book. The mistakes are more often made by security guards, security officers and bounty hunters.</p><p>Security guards or officers have had problems with improper arrest procedures as they try to protect stores or warehouses from burglary and shoplifting. They may see someone who appears to be preparing to steal items, but until the person tries to leave the premises, they can't be arrested. Some states have made it illegal to conceal merchandise in coats, clothes, etc. while the patron is still shopping, as a way of having more control over theft.</p><p>Bounty hunters are allowed to make arrests if they have the proper warrants. Unfortunately, the average bounty hunter can be somewhat of a novice regarding specific legal maneuvering and even a bit of a vigilante, and therefore don't always follow proper procedures. There have even been cases of bounty hunters being charged not only for false arrest but for kidnapping, when they inadvertently tried to bring a suspect to the authorities in an improper manner.</p><p>False imprisonment is often confused with false arrest. False imprisonment can occur not only in connection with police officers and jail time, but in ordinary citizens not allowing another person the freedom to exit a car, home, or building. Parents of unruly teenagers have even been charged with this crime after restraining them forcefully or having them snatched away in order to be committed to a reform camp.</p><p>A lawful arrest occurs when the police officer has a warrant, when the police officer believes that there is probable cause or when a suspect appears to be trying to escape a crime scene.</p><p>If a person is found to be falsely arrested, any evidence or statements made by the suspect may no longer be used in the case. The person falsely accused would have his or her record cleared with a notation that they were, in fact, innocent.</p><p>If you have been falsely accused of a crime, a victim of false arrest or involved in a false imprisonment crime, contact a reputable criminal defense attorney. With an expert on your side, your name will be cleared in no time.</p><p><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Criminal-Defense-Attorney-Can-Help-Clear-a-False-Arrest&id=3951278"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" >Source</span></a><br /></p> </div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837630938018200568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165212333225586030.post-12632226949210054832010-03-19T11:04:00.000-07:002010-03-19T11:06:54.615-07:00In Defense of Defense LawyersOften when people hear about heinous crimes that have been committed and see their subsequent lawyers, negative feelings are leveled at the lawyers for defending such a person. Our laws have been specifically written so every gets a fair trail regardless of the crime or perpetrator.<br /><br />Stemming back to England and France; where trails were often a farce and people were convicted because they were the wrong class of people, or their neighbor had an axe to grind with them, or someone wanted their land or other belongings, trials were often over before they began with the guilty verdicts. Quickly the punishment was executed sometimes resulting in erroneous deaths and lose of freedom.<br /><br />The founding fathers wanted to avoid the same problems here and tried in all ways to insure a fair trial for everyone, including the guilty. Every country is a little different in the rights extended to suspects until after their trails where they have been found guilty or innocent by either a judge or jury. These same rights hold true for our neighbors in Canada.<br /><br />Criminal lawyers play a vital role in keeping the balance in our courts. Yes, on occasion, they twist the law to get the guilty off without penalty but hopefully more often, they protect the innocent who may be in the wrong place at the wrong time or were falsely accused. Better a few guilty go free then to fill up our penal system with the innocent.<br /><br />The criminal lawyer from Toronto to Texas have the same goals. They have sworn to uphold the laws of their various lands and to have a just and fair system for all classes and kinds of people.<br /><br /><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?In-Defense-of-Defense-Lawyers&id=3286964"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" >Source</span></a>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837630938018200568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165212333225586030.post-76601926484020847502010-03-19T11:01:00.001-07:002010-03-19T11:04:41.787-07:00Defense Lawyers In Actual Life FormWhen reading legal thrillers, you are likely to come across criminal defense attorneys. Many thrillers start with the death of the criminal defense attorney. The novel revolves around the death of criminal defense attorneys who defend the mafia bosses. It seems that the lawyers in thrillers either die miserably or get rich by defending the gangsters. The fact is that many lawyers are alive and kicking in reality. Many of them live up to ripe, old ages.<br /><br />What are the roles of criminal defense attorneys in real life? They definitely do not get themselves killed as depicted in thrillers. They are legal experts who represent the accused. They have to handle the whole defense, including a settlement. The crimes include sex, white-collared crimes, drug related offenses and violent offenses. All of us are familiar with the role of criminal defense attorneys in trials. We enjoy watching their cross-examinations as shown in TV. We may not realize the tremendous amount of work done out of court.<br /><br />The job of a lawyer starts when the suspect requests for legal representation. The suspect can get the public defender or appoints his own lawyer. After being arraigned, the lawyer will conduct his investigation by reviewing the police reports, gathering evidence, and interviewing witnesses. We do not see this time-consuming task. The criminal defense attorneys cannot do everything themselves. They hire private investigators, associates, paralegals, and secretaries to handle the paperwork and research. A three-week trial can mean many weeks of research and investigation.<br /><br />When his client is charged, that does not mean that he is definitely guilty. The jury will return a guilty verdict only when the district attorney's office can present a very convincing case. That is why many crimes go unsolved. When the detectives have no convincing evidence, they cannot charge the suspect. Circumstantial evidence is too risky to bring to court.<br /><br />The job of criminal defense attorneys is to attack the defense of the prosecution. They do not need to prove that their clients are innocent. They just need to point out the mistakes in the investigation procedures and cast reasonable doubts. If the lower court finds the client guilty as charged, the criminal defense attorneys have to appeal to a higher court. The best is to get a settlement, so that the client need not go to court.<br /><br />Criminal defense attorneys in real life are not rich, especially those working as public defenders. The lawyers in private practice may get rich and famous after a high-profile case. Some of them help ordinary people, and the trial does not appear in newspapers.<br /><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Criminal-Defense-Attorneys-in-Real-Life&id=3720292"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><br />Source</span></a>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837630938018200568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165212333225586030.post-41097826269973004472010-03-18T12:00:00.001-07:002010-03-18T12:04:34.973-07:00DUI & DWI Defense Lawyers - Los Angeles<div id="body"> <p>Even though DUI is generally charged as a misdemeanor for a first offense, DUI cases are prosecuted with the same aggressive force as serious felonies in Los Angeles. Driving under the influence occurs when a person is operating a motor vehicle (or is in physical existence of a motor vehicle) while under the influence of alcohol, or controlled substance, to the extent that their mental facilities are impaired and/or their blood alcohol level is above the legal limit.</p><p>In Los Angeles and Orange County, a first offense DUI will typically result in a license suspension, hefty fines, community service and a mandatory class at a state DMV approved program. Most of the time after someone gets arrested for a DUI in Los Angeles; they are forced to spend the night in jail, and occasionally are required to install a car ignition locking device into their vehicle. A Los Angeles DUI conviction will generally stay on the offender's permanent record for several years, resulting in higher insurance premiums and sometimes bad credit.</p><p>A DWI in Los Angeles is very similar to a DUI. DWI stand for, 'driving while intoxicated' and just like a DUI, it is unlawful for anyone who has a blood alcohol level of .08 percent or more, to drive a motor vehicle. To be convicted of a DWI in Los Angeles, the prosecution must prove that the defendant was driving or possessed actual physical control of the vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. They must also prove that the arresting officer had legal , reasonable suspicion for stopping the vehicle in the first place.</p><p>If you have been convicted of a DUI in Los Angeles, it is very important that you contact an experienced Los Angeles DUI lawyer immediately. An experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney can help identify important pretrial issues and dramatically improve your chances during the case.</p><p><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Los-Angeles-Criminal-Defense-Lawyer-%96-DUI-and-DWI-Attorney&id=448923"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" >Source</span></a><br /></p> </div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837630938018200568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165212333225586030.post-20000514339701111272010-03-18T11:59:00.000-07:002010-03-18T12:00:18.265-07:00How To Select A DUI Defense Lawyer<div id="body"> <p>Being arrested for drunk driving in Virginia is a scary experience. Many people who are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) are unaware of their rights, and choose not to fight their case. This is a huge mistake! The penalties for drinking and driving are severe, and may include time in jail, probation, fines, community service, and a driver's license suspension. These are in addition to the increased insurance fees, social repercussions, and lost job opportunities that also accompany a DUI conviction.</p><p>Hiring an experienced DUI defense lawyer is always in your best interest; however, you may be wondering how to go about choosing the right Virginia DUI defense attorney for your case. By following the steps below, you can increase your chances of finding a qualified attorney.</p><p><b>Ask for Referrals</b></p><p>A good place to start when choosing a good Virginia DUI defense lawyer is to ask friends and family members for referrals. If you currently work with an attorney who handles other matters for you, ask if he or she can recommend a skilled Virginia DUI attorney in your area. You can even contact the Virginia State Bar for a list of qualified DUI attorneys. Just remember that you still need to do your own homework when determining if the recommendation is going to be your best fit.</p><p><b>Ask Your Potential DUI Attorney Plenty of Questions</b></p><p>Once you have received referrals, or looked through the list that the Virginia State Bar provided, you should narrow down your list of potential attorneys and begin the interview process. Choose 4-5 Virginia DUI lawyers whom you would like to potentially work with on your DUI case. When interviewing each attorney, take note of their experience as well as how you "click" with them; going through the DUI process is stressful enough, and you want to work with an attorney you trust and who understands you and your case.</p><p>Here are some samples questions you should ask potential Virginia DUI attorneys:</p><p>• How many years have you been practicing DUI law? - Virginia DUI law is extremely complex, and requires a thorough understanding of how to develop a strong defense as well as how to question any evidence against you and its validity. It is important to understand how much experience your potential attorney has in cases similar to yours.</p><p>• Who will be handing my case and what are their qualifications? - In some law offices, the lawyer who you speak with is not the person who does the work for your case or who represents you during trial. In fact, the person who handles your case may be a less experienced attorney just out of law school. The penalties for a Virginia DUI are too great to leave to an inexperienced attorney or other staff member.</p><p>• What are the potential legal costs? - Before signing any contracts, it is important to understand the attorney's fees upfront. Some attorneys may charge a flat fee, while others charge by the hour. If the Virginia DUI attorney wants to use expert witnesses, ask about their fees as well.</p><p>By choosing the right Virginia DUI lawyer, you may minimize your chances of a DUI conviction and increase the chances of getting your life back on track.</p> </div> <p>If you have been arrested for DUI in Virginia, there is no time to waste! If you want to try to get your license back, you have less than 5 days to hire a lawyer. Your trial date is almost always less than 2 months from the date you were charged and, thus, waiting just 14 days to hire a lawyer could severely handicap your DUI defense.</p><p><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Choose-a-DUI-Defense-Attorney&id=3876506"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" >Source</span></a><br /></p>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837630938018200568noreply@blogger.com