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Tips on Hiring a Good Lawyer for Your Legal Needs

If you are looking to hire a lawyer, you’ll find no shortage of legal talent. The United States holds 5% of the world’s population and 70% of its lawyers. Law schools awarded 43,588 J.D.s per year on average, up 11.5 percent since 2000, and the United States boasts one lawyer for every 200 U.S. citizens.

With a record number of practicing lawyers in the U.S., finding a lawyer for your legal needs is no easy task. The best way to find a lawyer is through word of mouth and referrals. Wide variations exist in the skill level and expertise of each lawyer so recommendations from friends and acquaintances are a good way to locate quality legal talent.

The nature of your legal problem will determine the type of lawyer you need to hire. Most lawyers concentrate their practice in a few legal specialties such as family law, criminal law, employment law, personal injury law, bankruptcy or civil litigation. Therefore, it is important to retain a lawyer with expertise and experience in the practice area for which you require his services. Below are a few of the best resources available to help you find a lawyer that fits your needs.

Word of Mouth and Referrals

Word of mouth and referrals from friends, relatives, neighbors, business associates, and acquaintances are the best way to find a lawyer. These individuals have no vested interest, financial or otherwise, in recommending a certain attorney and can communicate any positives or problems they encountered in their dealings with a particular attorney or law firm. While it is tempting to hire a friend or relative for your case, this may not be your best strategy. If the friend or relative specializes in an area of law outside your needs, he or she may not be competent to address your particular legal issue.

Local Bar Associations

Another great resource for finding a lawyer in your area is your local bar association. Most county and city bar associations offer lawyer referral services to the public although they do not necessarily screen for qualifications. The American Bar Association also maintains a database which offers assistance to consumers seeking legal help.

Other Lawyers

Lawyers can often recommend other lawyers in the legal community who can assist you with your specific needs. Legal circles are small and most lawyers will know several other lawyers who specialize in the practice area for which you seek advice. Lawyers are also aware of other lawyer’s reputations in a particular practice field. Keep in mind, however, that lawyers often receive referral fees when they refer a case to another lawyer which may influence their decision as to whom they recommend.

Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directory

Available at your local public library or law library, this directory of lawyers is an authoritative resource for information on the worldwide legal profession. Martindale-Hubbell also offers an online lawyer locator service which contains a database of over one million lawyers and law firms in 160 countries. To find a lawyer, you can search by practice area or geographic location.

Internet Resources

A number of for-profit directories on the Internet offer search vehicles through which you can find a lawyer. A few of these sites are lawyers.com, legalmatch.com, attorney.locate.com, lawyershop.com, attorneyfind.com and attorneypages.com.

Legal Aid Services

If you need a lawyer but cannot afford one, you can contact your local legal aid office, an organization that provides free or pro bono legal assistance to low-income individuals in non-criminal matters. Check the white pages of your telephone directory or type in “Legal Aid [insert the name of your county of state]” into an Internet search engine to find local legal aid providers near you.

If you seek legal assistance, finding a qualified lawyer is only the first step. The next step is choosing the best attorney for your legal needs. For tips on how to choose the best lawyer for your case, see How to Choose a Lawyer.

Unlike video games, life may not give you a second chance. In the same way, you get only one chance to fight criminal charges. According to the Pennsylvania Commission of Crime and Delinquency research, the average yearly criminal incident sentenced by the courts between 2012 and 2016 was 98030. There were 97,762 guilty pleas on 891,266 dispositions during the 5 years. These numbers show the importance of hiring the best criminal defense lawyer.

The United States has the highest documented incarceration rate in the world. If you live in Pennsylvania, especially in Erie, the Erie criminal defense lawyers should be your first choice to defend your criminal case. Whether you are accused of a drug crime or tax evasion, relying on a court-appointed attorney is like playing with your life.

When facing a criminal charge, the first thing you need to do is find the best criminal defense lawyer. But why should you hire a defense lawyer when the court appoints you one? Here are 10 benefits of hiring a professional defense lawyer that you should know.

1. They Know the Criminal Justice System Inside and Out

Professional criminal defense attorneys spent years studying and practicing law, and they understand how to handle the various charges of any criminal case. They find out how the law can help to defend the case more strongly. They are always up-to-date with all the changes in the legal system and laws.

They thoroughly study your case and also analyze the charges for the possibilities of failures. They are also transparent about all the possibilities instead of giving you false hope. They have the experience of defending similar cases and know what steps should be taken.

2. They Help You Understand the Whole Process

The legal system can be challenging to understand, especially when each state has different laws and legal procedures. That’s why it is essential to hire a professional defense lawyer who will explain to you every tiny detail of your case.

They will also prepare you at every step of the case, from questioning by the police to how your case will proceed in the courtroom. Their guidance will help you eliminate any confusion you might have regarding the procedures and reduce your stress.

3. They Handle All Your Case Paperwork

Handling all the paperwork for a legal case is a crucial task. One missing document can have catastrophic consequences. It takes experience and exceptional attention to detail while filing various documents related to the case, such as multiple forms and applications.

An experienced defense lawyer knows which forms need to be there and how to fill them up correctly. They will take care of all the paperwork and know where, when, and how to submit them. They will ensure there is no mistake in the paperwork.

4. They Will Help You Consider All the Available Options

In many cases, the accused have the options to choose how the case will move forward. An expert criminal defense lawyer can help you weigh various options, from negotiations, the types of charges to the potential options for plea deals.

They can also negotiate other options like reducing the charges and penalties and possible dismissal of the case. You have the option of whether the case should go to trial or accept the deal offered by the prosecution. Your lawyer will help you to understand the consequences of each option.

A criminal charge is a grave matter with a possibility of going to jail or getting numerous other sanctions. Defendants find that the best recourse is to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. Attorneys can help you understand the kind of law you are accused of violating and what they can do to protect you from the consequences.

It is best to talk to two or three different criminal defense attorneys and find the one you feel you can trust and help you the most. The best way to decide is always to get the one with the most background experience on your type of criminal case.  A trusted criminal defense attorney serving for more than 30 years can be a safe choice to help defend your rights and interests. Below are more reasons for you to hire a criminal defense attorney.

They have a better understanding of the judicial system

Every criminal case is unique, and you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who will deal with the many variables and pull a good defense together. They know how to file the paperwork, how to conduct investigations, how to deal with prosecutors and turn things to your favor. They have a better understanding of the entire judicial system, so you can be assured that your case is in good hands.

They have dealt with a similar case before

They say experience is the best teacher, and criminal defense attorneys with years of experience and a long track record have more likely dealt with the same case as yours. If so, they already have a solid strategy to help you win the case or at least get the best possible outcome. Upon consultation, you can ask and check their track records, winning chances, and how they plan to deal with your specific case.

They can help keep you stable and focused.

They are no psychiatrists, but having an experienced attorney handling all the dirty work can keep you from breaking down from the stress and anxieties of being criminally charged. They have dozens of clients, possibly with similar cases, so they understand what you’re going through and help keep you in check. They can walk you through the legal proceedings, present your options, and explain the realities of the situation.

They have better relations with the prosecutors

Experienced lawyers who have been handling criminal cases for years start to develop indirect professional relationships with prosecuting attorneys. It is crucial to understand that when people have seen each other inside a courtroom multiple times, they begin to form a professional understanding of how each other thinks and makes decisions. This relationship can be very advantageous to help negotiate better plea deals, bonds, or bail. In addition, they can help lower sentences, reduce fines, and help defend your rights.

They can prevent violation of your constitutional rights

It is crucial to get an attorney soon after your arrest or after getting charged. Being proactive prevents the prosecutors from gathering more evidence against you to make their case stronger. If a lawyer is present soon after your arrest, negotiations can immediately begin and prevent things from getting any worse. They can assess the situation from the moment of your arrest and ensure there was no violation of your constitutional rights.

They can help reduce the overall costs of criminal penalties

Some defendants may think twice about hiring a criminal defense attorney because of the high professional fees. However, if you are convicted or made to pay fines, the overall cost may be even higher than simply getting help for your defense. Criminal defense attorneys can help you get lower court fees, bail costs, and other fines related to your criminal case. These fees can run up to thousands of dollars, but you can significantly reduce the expenses with the right attorney.

Takeaway

An excellent criminal defense attorney will rarely give up on their clients. For them, getting convicted of a criminal offense is not the end that defines your life. Getting a good criminal defense attorney can help you make criminal appeals and move to a more positive outcome even after a conviction. They can guide you and your family throughout the entire case, even after charges.

Florida child support is often a contentious subject between ex-spouses. In some cases, the non-custodial parent will stop paying child support. If this happens, you have options.

In a video that recently went viral, a Virginia father demonstrates how resentful parents can get in the fight over child support. The reason the video went viral? It shows the father making his final payment to his ex-wife by dumping 80,000 pennies in front of her house.

While the mother and daughter turned something petty into a feel-good story by donating the payment (and inspiring others to donate) to Safe Harbor Shelter in Richmond, which serves survivors of domestic abuse, it also demonstrates how often emotions are at play for ex-spouses.

Sometimes those emotions cause the non-custodial parent to stop paying child support altogether. Many divorced parents in Florida wonder what happens if their ex-spouse stops paying court-ordered child support.

Here are a few things you can do to enforce your child support.

What happens when the non-custodial parent stops paying Florida child support?

Penalties for Failure to Pay

Even in simple, amicable divorces, the relationship between parents can turn sour. The non-custodial parent may feel resentment for the amount of support they have been ordered to pay. They may feel that they should not have to pay child support at all. When this resentment grows, they may decide to stop making payments

In Florida, divorced parents have many avenues of recourse to force child support payments. When your child’s other parent fails to make court-ordered payments, you can file what is known as a civil contempt proceeding against them. If the court finds them in contempt, it can result in many different penalties, including:

• Fines
• Suspension of government-issued documents, such as driver’s license and passport
• Suspension of professional licenses
• Seizure of tax refunds
• Seizure of bank accounts
• Seizure of lottery winnings over $600
• Placement of liens on assets
• Reporting the failure to pay to credit agencies
• Jail time of up to a year.

The court may also levy other penalties against the non-paying parent. If found in contempt, the court may also hold them responsible for your court, attorney fees, and other expenses related to the case.

Income Withholding Order

One of the best ways to ensure that you receive the child support your ex-spouse owes is to ask the court to enter an income withholding order. When the court enters an income withholding order, the child support is deducted directly from your ex-spouse’s paycheck.

As you can see, you do not have to stand for your ex’s failure to pay their court-ordered child support. You have options to force your child’s other parent to meet their obligations as a parent.

Not receiving your Florida child support? You have options.

If your ex-spouse has stopped making their court-ordered child support payments, you need to get in touch with me so we can put a plan in motion. I am here to help you get the money that you need to support your child.

“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” Leo Tolstoy.

Aventura family law attorney Helena Y. Farber treats every case with a unique approach, as no two cases are the same. The personalized approach of the Aventura divorce law firm of Farber Law, P.A. is reflected in their slogan “Thinking Beyond the Courtroom.” Miami divorce lawyer Ms. Farber understands that the decisions made during your divorce or any other family law matter will affect you and your family long after you leave the courtroom and therefore, attorney Farber thoroughly educates her clients as to their rights and responsibilities regarding their case and any possible outcomes, to enable the client to make the right decision.

Ninety-eight percent of divorce and family law cases settle in mediation. Attorney Helena Y. Farber prides herself in encouraging the less acrimonious and litigious approach to cases, which saves money and leaves the decision-making to the parties and not the Judge. Ms. Farber can carefully guide you during mediation to arrive at a comprise that is acceptable to both parties and is in the best interest of the children involved. However, attorney Farber does not shy away from litigation and if it becomes necessary, will effectively and aggressively pursue her client’s rights in the courtroom.

Divorce Lawyer Aventura & Family Law Attorney Miami – Farber Law P.A.

Helena Y. Farber is a divorce and family attorney in South Florida, representing individuals in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Aventura divorce attorney Ms. Farber dedicates her practice exclusively to divorce and family law. Aventura family law firm of Farber Law, P.A. has vast experience with a variety of family law cases, from uncontested matters to heavily litigated cases, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, child support cases, child custody, Alimony / Spousal Support, modification of agreements, division of assets, relocation (moving away) with the child, step-parent adoptions, and name changes.

Why Choose Miami Divorce and Family Law Attorney Helena Y. Farber

Ms. Farber is a magna cum laude (top 10%) graduate of Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law. Aventura divorce law firm of Farber Law, P.A. has vast experience in representing individuals in a variety of divorce and family law cases. Miami divorce attorney Helena Y. Farber prides herself on staying up to date on all the latest case law, attending many seminars, and continued legal education courses. Ms. Farber truly cares about her clients and takes time to listen and handle every case with utmost care and compassion. Aventura family law firm of Farber Law, P.A. believes that communication is key to a successful case, and is always available to answer any questions or concerns, with all calls and emails returned promptly.

The Move Over Law NY requires that you move over if you see a hazard or emergency vehicle. Many drivers are not aware that this law even exists. These people are at an increased risk for getting a ticket. If you have recently got a ticket, then it is important for you to contact a New York traffic ticket attorney.

Why Is There a Move Over Law NY?

The move over law has been around since 2010. It is dangerous for emergency workers to administer medical care and other services on the side of the road. That is why this law was put into place.

The move over law is also known as the Ambrose-Searles Move Over Act. It was named after Trooper Robert W. Ambrose and Sheriff Deputy Glenn M. Searles. They were both killed by passing vehicles when they were working.

This law used to only apply to police vehicles, fire trucks and ambulance. However, the law was amended in 2012 to include tow and maintenance trucks. The purpose of this law is to prevent emergency workers from dying or getting injured.

You have to follow this law. The only exception to this is safety. If you cannot safely move over, then you are not required to do so.

How You Can Avoid Getting a Ticket

The best thing that you can do to avoid getting a ticket is to slow down when you see an emergency vehicle. You should also move over to the other lane and try to stay as far away from the emergency vehicle as you can. However, if you still get a ticket, then it is a good idea for you to contact a New York traffic ticket attorney.

Defenses That Can Be Used

You can be charged a fine and get points on your license if you violate the move over law. However, there are several defenses that can be used. For example, the lawyer can argue that the driver did not have enough time to move over. The attorney can also argue that if the driver would have moved over, then they would have violated another law.

When it comes to determining how your assets are to be dispersed after your passing, you’ll likely want to speak with the best estate planning attorney. While you’re not legally required to have an attorney to create your will and estate plans, they can be a major benefit. Here are some helpful tips you should follow in regards to finding the right estate planning attorney for you.

Ensure They Work Solely In Estate Planning

One of the biggest mistakes that people tend to make when it comes to estate planning is hiring an attorney that doesn’t specialize in it. This is essentially like hiring a doctor to perform surgery instead of a surgeon. Just because a lawyer has the right to practice law doesn’t mean they have the knowledge to handle all aspects of the law.

Rather, you’ll want to hire an estate planning attorney New York. They will have expertise about laws regarding estate planning. They’ll have experience in the process of estate planning and work with you to ensure that your assets will be distributed just how you want them to be after your passing.

Seek Out Referrals

It’s always a good idea to talk with friends and family members about referrals for an estate planning attorney. Lawyers are people who rely on their reputation for new clientele. When they do a good job, their existing clients recommend them. This is imperative to understand. Take the time to ask those around you for recommendations as this can help to weed out potentially good and potentially bad attorneys.

Have An Initial Consultation

It’s never good just to jump on board with a lawyer. Instead, schedule an initial consultation. This allows you the time to assess whether or not you believe your relationship with the lawyer is a positive one. You don’t want to be speaking with someone who you don’t trust when it comes to your estate. Rather, you should be talking with an estate planning attorney New York that you feel comfortable around. Remember that they’ll be handling the process of following through with your wishes after your death. So, you’ll want to hire someone you fully trust.

If you’re charged with a crime, it’s a great idea to look for the right criminal defense lawyer in Utah. There are key factors to consider before selecting the best criminal defense attorney in Utah. In some cases, you might be innocent but you should prove your innocence to a judge. It’s essential to hire a professional criminal defense attorney who’ll represent you well in the court of law. Many individuals don’t opt for hiring a professional criminal attorney because of the high fees and cost but it’s worth it. If you’re not an expert in the law, representing yourself can cause more damage than cure. Below are key reasons why you should hire a Utah criminal defense lawyer.

1. Legal Expertise and Knowledge.

Utah criminal defense attorney not only has enough expertise but also required experience in this field of law. A professional criminal defense attorney has enough understanding of the legal system. This makes them have knowledge of the ins and outs of various cases. Utah criminal attorneys have dealt with various types of crimes and, therefore, they understand the perfect perspective to use to win a case. Utah criminal defense lawyers are certified lawyers who have studied every aspect related to the Utah criminal justice system. Their expertise helps them build a strong case that will probably help you win the case.

2. They Catalyze the Process

Hiring the best criminal defense lawyer is important because you will not only regain your freedom but also clear your reputation. Professional criminal attorneys have enough knowledge which helps in speeding up the whole session. The entire court procedure will be short and sweet. Utah criminal attorneys have clear tips on how to take immediate actions and mitigate the consequences and risks involved in your case. This will, therefore, help them identify the best perspective to use so as to win your case. Catalyzing the whole process is essential because the prosecutor won’t get enough time to search for more information and evidence which can strengthen the complainant’s argument. This is helpful because it’s an additional benefit that acts on your side thus integrating your chances of winning the case.

3. Protection of Heavy Penalties

Utah criminal defense attorneys have enough skills and experience on how to protect your rights in a courtroom. This is fundamental because you won’t get heavy penalties to in case the prosecutor finds you’re guilty as charged. The right criminal lawyer has in-depth skills in law thus enhancing the chances that you win the case in a short duration of time.

4. They Have Enough Knowledge on Criminal Law System

Utah criminal defense lawyers have spent more years studying and training the penal law system. During their training session, they learned different perspectives of the law thus high experience in dealing with your case. Utah criminal attorneys are willing to represent you in the court of law thus quality results which concurrently enhances your satisfaction.

5. Saves your Money in the Long-run

Investing in the right criminal defense lawyer can be expensive but it’s worth it. The key reason behind this is that they can make you win the case or reduce your sentencing. This is important because it will help you not to lose your professional license of work. If you’re opting on representing yourself in a court of law, the high chances show that you’ll mess up due to a lack of desired knowledge and skills in the field of law. Representing yourself will not only waste most of your fruitful time but also your money. Utah criminal attorney will help you save a lot of money because you won’t lose your license or even your job. An extended court or missing work for jail may impact you negatively thus causing a financial strain that can be avoided by hiring the right criminal attorney.

6. Ability to Access Law Enforcement Conduct

You can’t understand the real legal limits of what law enforcement can do when investigating your case. Utah criminal defense lawyers have enough knowledge in nuances of proper procedure. This helps them to easily identify loopholes and blind spots in your case. These attorneys know exactly what the law enforcement should investigate thus helping them build a concrete case in case of violated rights of the defendant. Hiring the right criminal attorney is important because any improperly gathered evidence will be thrown out of the case which would lead to dismissals. Utah criminal defense attorneys will look into all the aspects in your case to determine whether the law enforcement has not gone past their limits.

Our lawyer represents clients in all matters relating to employment and labor law, including sexual harassment, discrimination, compensation, non-compete agreements, academic issues, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and Federal service regulatory law. In addition, we represents clients in the related areas of constitutional law, business law, and civil litigation.

For more information about a practice area, please click on the heading.

Age Discrimination

Many of our clients are employees who have performed well for their employers over the years who are now being pushed out of the company as their salaries and benefit costs become higher. Few employers say, “I’m going to discriminate against you because of your age.” Instead, discrimination is couched in code words such as, “Aren’t you ready for retirement?” and “Why do you work so hard?” and “The company wants to bring in new blood.”

Race, Religious And National Origin Discrimination

In our post-9/11 world, race, religious, and national origin discrimination are becoming more prevalent in the workplace. Much of this discrimination is based on clothing styles and appearances. Head gear, turbans, veils, beards, and dreadlocks, which might have a religious connotation are banned by some employers. Some employees are fired for their accents or for not speaking English, even when speaking English is not a requirement of the job. Others are fired or disciplined for religious observances, such as leaving work early for Sabbath.

Sex And Pregnancy Discrimination

Gender and pregnancy discrimination in the workplace are often based on stereotyping. A woman who is aggressive is often treated differently from a male who is aggressive. A woman who is pregnant may not be perceived as a good worker because she may have to take time off from work for maternity leave or to care for sick children in the future.

Americans With Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects workers who have disabilities, including mental disabilities such depression, from discrimination in the workplace. If you have suffered wrongful termination or other adverse employment action due to your disability, you may be entitled to compensation.

Sexual Harassment

In the past, many people thought of sexual harassment as a supervisor asking for sexual favors as a condition for a job consideration. However, harassment can take many forms. It often has less to do with sex and more to do with intimidation.

Leave And Benefit Issues

One of the important protections of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is that it keeps your job secure while you are taking time off work to care for yourself or a family member. However, many employers fail to let employees know when they can take FMLA time. Some employers even disregard FMLA by wrongfully terminating an employee before he or she has taken the 12 weeks of leave to which employees are entitled each year.

Commission Disputes

Commissions, bonuses, and deferred income are wages and must be paid to the employee when they normally should be paid — even if the employee is no longer on the company payroll. Employers who withhold commissions and other wages in Maryland can face damages that include attorney fees and treble damages (three times the amount owed). The District of Columbia has similar protections.

Overtime Issues

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act employees must receive at least minimum wage for all hours worked during a workweek. They must be paid overtime compensation (equal to no less than one and one-half their regular rate of pay) for all work hours in excess of 40 each workweek.

Employment Agreements

Our attorneys often advise employees at the beginning and at their end of their employment. At the beginning we review and negotiate employment contracts and noncompete agreements. At the end, we may advise employees about whether they should accept a severance agreement or about the impact of any noncompete agreement they signed.