April 2023

The Importance Of An Appropriate Lawyer

It is very easy to get into any charge by the cops in the country. A very small carelessness is a good example for such cause. The problems you will have to face after getting hit with a criminal charge are numerous and sometimes you will not be able to withstand it by yourself. At that point you will have to seek help from an efficient criminal attorney in the city regardless of the charge you are hit with. You can make use of all the opinion you are getting from your friends and family in regards to the choice of the criminal attorney as it may be your first time experience.

The choice of an efficient and experienced attorney is important because only they will know about all the holes to be closed correctly in the court of law in order to defend you against all the charges. The attorney will try their level best in helping you to get out of the cases depending on the number of charges. If you have committed a very high crime with sufficient evidence, then they will try their level best at least to minimize the number of charges beaten against you. There are many law firms working in the city with many efficient and experienced criminal lawyers. It is good if you study a back ground check regarding the criminal lawyer especially his experience in the field of your case.

It would be a wise decision to contact his clients in order to get opinions about dealing with the particular criminal lawyer in St. Johns. You can check on internet to get more details and can fix an initial consultation with the firm. Usually all the initial consultations are given free where you will be able to discuss your problem completely. You should be alert enough to watch the reaction of the attorney after hearing the case. If the person is sincere in helping you, definitely he will show complete patience in listening to your case and also give importance to your words. Also they will take an effort to help you to correct the mistake if there is any mistake from your part rather than covering it up to save you completely. They will provide you complete rehearsal regarding your court appearance during the run of the trails.…

What Law Means to Us As a People

While most of us maintain an awareness of just what law is, and in general the reason it is necessary to standardize our conduct in civilized society, we rarely consider just what law, in point of fact, truly means in a daily perspective. What exactly is law for the typical person? How do laws affect our existence on an everyday basis? In actual fact, is the law a remote theory that we find difficult to relate to?

The Will of the People

Let’s take a look at a few of the elementary ways laws operate in the social order, along with the makeup of the law as we generally understand it. Many people think the legal system is present in order to protect their well-being, and that they’ve got no need to interact with it on a daily basis. Nevertheless, they take for granted that if their actions are questioned the law will function, the path of justice will proceed smoothly, and the will of the people will be fulfilled. It’s a naive understanding of the purpose of our laws, but undeniably the manner in which it functions in our general society on a daily basis.

For example, at the highest level, we’ve got the constitution of the United States, which establishes parameters inside which our government can take action to defend the citizens of our country. That has an vast effect on the manner in which our government and in fact our nation is run, which has an effect on all that we do every single day, and how we do it. It affects the services we’re provided, our jobs and pretty much the daily lives we lead.

Essential to our Democratic Lifestyle

The law isn’t an abstract idea that protects us whenever we require it. It is an essential component of our nation’s democratic lifestyle, it regulates our actions, and in spirit lets us act behave in accordance with our individual desires. Some people will believe our laws are excessively restrictive in some aspects; nevertheless it works quite well for the most part. Our laws serve their purpose in regulating our conduct, and if a law doesn’t work, we are able and have the right to modify it.…

Costs of DWI – Both Obvious and Subtle

A conviction for DWI can change your life forever. In addition to the obvious costs of taking a quick guilty plea there are several other less obvious effects of being convicted of DWI.

1) The fine … obviously enough. Fines for a first DWI commonly range in the area of $1000.

2) Court costs. Defendants that take guilty pleas pay hundreds of dollars in court costs.

3) Probation fees. For every month you are on probation you will have to pay the probation office additional fees.

4) Department of Public Safety surcharges. A first time DWI offender will have to pay at least $1000 a year for three years to get their license back. Repeat offenders or particularly bad cases have to pay even more… up to $2000 a year.

5) Classes. There are classes that people convicted of DWI must take. They must be paid for as well.

6) Alcohol evaluation. The state will evaluate you to determine if you are an alcoholic. You will pay for this as well.

7) The “Victim Impact Panel”. DWI offenders sometimes must watch a tape about the effects of DWI on victims. Sometimes they are told the effects in person by the victims. This costs more money.

8) Ignition Interlock. A conviction can result in the installation of a device that you have to blow into to start your car. In addition to being somewhat embarrassing it is also very expensive. Judges can always order it installed and it is sometimes mandatory.

9) Insurance premiums. A conviction for DWI will raise your insurance premiums dramatically.

10) A criminal record. You will have a criminal record for the rest of your life. Murderers, Rapists and Robbers can receive “Deferred Adjudication” which can keep their crimes off of their records. Deferred Adjudication is not available for DWI. A conviction will stay on a person’s record until they die.…

Helping a Criminal Attorney to Help You

In order for a criminal attorney to help you, you have to be willing to help him too. This help starts with answering all of his questions as honestly and accurately as possible.

As you go about answering the questions asked of you, do not lie and do not hold anything back. Even if you think that small details are not relevant, it is important to disclose them.

Be aware that confidentiality rules for first meetings will protect everything that you have to say to the lawyer. The criminal attorney is not permitted by law to repeat anything you have said to him to anyone else. Even if you decide to hire a different lawyer for your case, all of the other attorneys you consult with to talk about your case are bound by the same rules. The answers you provide to them must be kept in confidence. Knowing this should help put your mind at ease. You can talk freely about the circumstances surrounding the criminal charges that you face.

Once a criminal attorney is able to clearly understand the charges that are pending against you, you can start your own period of questions. You both have questions and you both need the answers to make the right decisions.

You need to have a prepared list of questions to pose to the attorney you meet with. Refer to your list frequently. Leave nothing out. You want to feel confident that all of your questions have been sufficiently answered when you leave the law firm.

Some people have special needs. If you are one of those people, ask the legal professional about these needs at your initial meeting. For example, you may wish to communicate with the lawyer in a language other than English. Another example would be if you require the lawyer to see you during the weekend. Do not be shy. You need to mention these items at the consultation. Lay all of your cards on the table. Find out if the defense lawyer is able to accommodate your needs. You want to prevent any disappointment and/or frustration down the line.

Meet with as many lawyers as you feel you must. You want to keep interviewing lawyers until you find the right fit for you. Once you have met all of the ones that you originally planned to meet with, select the one that you want to hire to take on your criminal case. If you are fortunate enough to find a criminal attorney early on whom you mesh with, you are very fortunate. You can consider your search to be over and the choice made.

If you had to meet with several lawyers and are having a difficult time making a choice, ask them for the contact information of former clients they have represented. Get in touch with these people to find out their experiences with the lawyers in question.…

Hire The Criminal Attorney To Discuss Defenses And Evidence

When you head in for a consultation with a criminal attorney, one of the big topics you will discuss is your defense. What type of evidence is working against you in this case? What defense can you mount to fight off those charges? During an evaluation of your case, the lawyer will discuss a variety of things with you including what your realistic expectations should be. Each case is different. There is a large range of difference, for example, between a driving under the influence charge and an attempted murder charge. However, you have the right to the same amount of legal representation.

The Mental State of the Individual

One of the factors that the criminal attorney will discuss with you is the mental state you had during the events. Your mental state could play a role in the process in many ways. For example, some people are able to plea insanity, though this is far more rare to do than what the movies like to state. Other emotions, including rage, careless behavior and chemically induced, can also play a role in the process. Ultimately, the lawyer will help you to determine if your mental state played a role in the events that occurred.

Procedures and Rules

It is also possible that you are being charged with a crime without having your rights taken into consideration. For example, entrapment occurs when an individual is encouraged to break the law by a law enforcement officer. This may happen with DUI charges, for example. If the police officer knows you have been drinking and encourages you to get behind the wheel, that is entrapment. Additionally, procedures must be followed in order for any charges to stick.

Forensic Evidence

It is also important to discuss any type of forensic evidence that points to your guilt in the crime. Fingerprints can point to your presence at the scene. There may be DNA evidence that links you to the charges. If you failed a lie detector or polygraph test, this can also be a factor. Sometimes, the statements you make can lead to your conviction of such a crime. Your lawyer will need to discuss the details regarding any evidence the police are using against you to determine if it is valid and what can be done about it.

A criminal attorney can answer any of the questions you have regarding your case. It is essential that you discuss all aspects of it. You do not want to mislead or fail to provide information to your lawyer. That can greatly influence your ability to win your case and even make it easier for the prosecutor to prove your guilt. Be sure your lawyer is informed as you are.…

Criminal Statistics in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, offers a wide range of tourist attractions. The city is known for its pristine beaches, fishing, water activities, museum, parks and temperate weather. As of 2009, population estimates stand at about 185,000 residents for the city. However, with this population comes the unpleasant element of criminal activity. Statistics bear out that Ft. Lauderdale has one of the highest crime rates in the state. If you are arrested in the city, a Ft. Lauderdale criminal attorney will provide you with more information on how to fight for your rights in court.

The City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department provides criminal statistics in a wide variety of categories. They track violent and property crimes separately. Violent crimes include homicides, forcible sex offense, aggravated assaults and robbery. Between 2009 and 2011, police investigated 10 homicides. In January and February of 2012, three additional homicides occurred. During the same three-year period, criminals committed 40 forcible sex offenses. In the first two months of 2012, offenders had already committed 16 sex offenses. Total robberies stood at 368 reports for 2009, 2010 and 2011. For January and February of 2012, officers filed 119 robbery reports. Aggravated assaults for the same three-year time frame stood at 276. For the first two months of 2012, offenders committed 74 assaults.

Property crime cases included burglaries of businesses, hotels/motels, schools, residences and vehicles, along with actual vehicle thefts and larceny cases. During 2009, offenders committed 1,775 property crimes, while the number of property crimes during 2010 increased to 1,858 incidents. During 2011, property crimes dropped to a three-year low of 1,687 offenses. During January and February of 2012, police investigated 1,432 property crimes.

Police cleared a total of 898 arrests during 2009, 2010 and 2011. Of those cases, 761 were cleared adult cases from 2009 to 2011, with no cases cleared in January or February of 2012. During the same time frame, officers cleared 135 juvenile cases, again with no cases cleared during the first two months of 2012. Slight variations in statistics indicate an overlap in adult and juvenile arrests. A total of 37 cases were solved through exceptional clearance, which means that the police knew who committed the crime, but no arrest was made, such as in the case of a death bed confession.

If you are accused of committing a crime, you need to contact a reputable and experienced Ft. Lauderdale criminal attorney who can help you resolve your court case.…

Identity theft is a serious crime that can cost you money, time, and a lot of stress. And it can be complicated to resolve, especially if you need help figuring out where to start.

A credit reporting lawyer can help you deal with creditors and the CRAs that maintain your credit reports. We can also pursue compensation for your losses.

Your Credit Reporting Lawyer Will Help You

When identity theft occurs, it can lead to a series of legal issues. These include dealing with damaged credit, filing debt collection lawsuits, and preparing police reports.

Typically, these cases require the assistance of an attorney from a reputable firm such as Blankingship & Christiano, P.C. Your attorney will draft your dispute letters and help you get the proper documentation to prove your case.

Your attorney can also negotiate with creditor companies and file collection suits to help you resolve your case. They can also represent you in civil court litigation against credit reporting agencies for violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

If your credit reporting agency fails to correct or remove incorrect items, you can sue them under federal law. Depending on the violation, you may be able to recover actual damages, statutory damages, punitive damages, and attorneys’ fees.

Disputes with Credit Reporting Agencies

If you find an error on your credit report that needs to be corrected, you can dispute the information with one or more credit reporting agencies. 

A dispute letter should explain what you are disputing and why; it should be sent via certified mail (return receipt requested). You should also include copies of documents showing the disputed information’s accuracy.

The credit bureaus must investigate your dispute and tell you their results within 30 days of receipt, including if it’s found to be frivolous. They must also provide you with a free copy of your credit report if the dispute results in an update or removal of information on your account.

If you are still waiting to receive a response from the credit bureaus within this time, consider filing a lawsuit against them. The law allows you to recover actual damages, statutory damages, punitive damages, and court costs if the credit agency violated your rights.

Disputes with Creditors

If you suspect a thief has used your stolen identity to commit fraud or steal money from your bank account, you should immediately contact the credit card company to dispute the charges. Doing this is an excellent way to ensure you won’t be charged for additional fraudulent activity, even if the thief has been removed from your file and your account is reactivated.

You should also call any other creditor, such as a mortgage company or department store that has opened new accounts in your name, to tell them that you are an identity theft victim and ask them not to hold you responsible for the new charges. Some police departments will provide you with forms to request account information from creditors or utility companies.

The most important thing to remember is that disputing a suspicious account or charge should always be done in writing and by certified mail. This is because federal law requires that the disputed amount be removed from your statement.

Resolving Your Case

Identity theft is an increasingly common crime. And when it happens, it can take a significant toll on your credit.

Fortunately, there are laws to help protect you. Specifically, the Fair Credit Reporting Act and FACTA allow you to dispute inaccurate information on your credit reports.

Your credit reporting lawyer can help you with this process to get your name back on track as soon as possible. They can also assist you in obtaining monetary damages, such as actual damages, statutory damages, punitive damages, court costs, and attorneys’ fees.

The FTC has also developed and disseminated many resources to help you with your case. These include a victim resource packet and fact sheets.…

Find the Best Criminal Defense Attorney For Your Case

A person charged with a crime, particularly for the first time, may be in a real quandary. How do they find the best criminal attorney for my case? Many people will have family members or friends who know lawyers but is that the best attorney for their case? The Internet is saturated with attorneys claiming to be experts but how reliable are their websites? This article briefly outlines some of the factors you want to consider in choosing a criminal defense attorney.

Find an attorney with experience. See how long the he or she has practiced law. Ensure they specialize in criminal law. Examine their website and pay particular attention to the types of cases he or she has handled.

Hire an attorney with jury trial experience. Asked the attorney how many jury trials he or she has conducted. An attorney with jury trial experience provide you with the greatest opportunity for an acquittal if you are not guilty or if the prosecution cannot prove their case; and, the maximum leverage in negotiating a plea in a case in which you are guilty. Judges and prosecutors know those who are not afraid to try a case; those that carry the most respect and are offered the best dispositions for their clients.

Ensure that the attorney has tried your type of case. Some may only specialize in murder cases; that is all they do. They may not be the best for your drunk driving or your drug case. Be sure that the attorney you have selected has successfully defended a case similar to yours.

Make sure the attorney you are hiring will be the attorney who handles your case. If you go to a large law firm you may speak to a partner who specializes in your type of case; however, that partner may pass your case to an associate with less experience. Be sure the partner will be representing you in court.

Look for a professional website. A successful attorney will have a professional looking website. If the attorney is a professional he will carry himself that way in all respects, including the way he presents himself to you, in the courtroom and on his website.

Asked another attorney. Attorneys in private practice know attorneys who specialized in all fields of law. If you have a family attorney that handles your real estate or probate matters that attorney can probably identify an excellent criminal attorney.

You get what you pay for. It is not always wise to find the cheapest attorney. Attorneys with little or no experience will often charge far less money than those attorneys with experience. Some attorneys will take a case with no intention of considering a trial. They will review it with the sole intent of having you plead guilty; the attorney should explore all avenues, including motions to dismiss, motions to suppress and trial, before having you change your plea to guilty.…

What a Good Criminal Lawyer Can Do For You

Anyone who is facing charges of a serious criminal offense in Tampa, is advised to hire an experienced Tampa criminal lawyer as soon as they are arrested. You need to seek legal advice before you talk to the police or you could risk seriously compromising your defense case later on. However, you need to make sure you hire a lawyer who is experienced with the type of charges you are facing to give you the best chance in court.

For some, hiring a private Tampa criminal lawyer is unaffordable in which case they can request a court appointed lawyer to represent them. Self-representation is an option, however criminal law is complex and unless you have in depth knowledge of the law as it relates to your case, then you may well be appointed a lawyer by the judge at the commencement of your trial anyway.

Although you may immediately think that a criminal lawyer will simply represent you in court, it may come as a surprise to learn the extent of the work they do on your behalf when building your defense case:

Negotiate with the prosecution to achieve a lesser sentence or reduce the severity of the charges

Compile a sentencing program which could help to avoid future charges

Provide support to defendants and in particular those fearful about their case

Be realistic in their advice to defendants about potential penalties if convicted

Offer advice on plea bargains if deemed a more viable option in a defendants case

Have up to date knowledge on current state laws, legislation and procedures, including paperwork and court proceedings

Work closely with court personnel and be familiar with court procedure

Spend sufficient time building the defense case including gathering evidence and witness testimony

Because criminal law cases are complex and involve a lot of work to build a defense case, hiring a Tampa criminal lawyer will ensure your case is managed at every step. A good lawyer will work to protect your interests and rights as well keeping you up to date and informed on how your case is progressing. They should also inform you from the outset about the nature of the charges against you, potential penalties if convicted and any further impact these charges may have in the future. Not only will they build your defense case, but they will also ensure all necessary paperwork is completed and filed, attend the pre-trial hearing, communicate with all relevant parties and give adequate representation during the trial.

When you hire a lawyer you need to be certain that you have confidence and faith in their abilities to achieve the outcome you expect. In return you need to be open and honest about all details pertinent to your case and realistic about the potential outcome.…

How Can I Have My Criminal Record Expunged?

Suppose you just discovered the house or apartment of your dreams, but require a bank loan to get it. Maybe you’ve chosen the college you’re sure is right for you, or are offered the job of a lifetime. Those are just a few of the life dreams for which many Americans strive, and are dismissed because of a prior criminal record.

Don’t be discouraged. In the proper circumstances, people with police records might have them expunged, which generally ensures that they will be removed, or sealed to anybody looking for them. Although regulations vary among districts, nearly all demand a pre-determined period of time having passed without incident since the original wrongdoing. It’s also up to the seriousness of the offense, as almost all felonies, in particular those concerning violations associated with minors, can’t be wiped from the record. Another common requirement is that one must have completed all court-ordered sentences or probation periods related to the misdeed.

Precisely what can an expungement process entail? So long as you meet the prerequisites in your jurisdiction, you’ll have to pay a filing fee and complete the required documents regarding the wrongdoing and the ensuing consequences. This will be sent with your application for court consideration. Should you be deemed suitable, you will be mailed a notification for an upcoming court date. Parties who may have been troubled by your offense will be informed and able to object, but their opposition does not necessarily mean your request will be turned down.

The hearing is the time to show the judge the key reason you would like your criminal records sealed. You should also prepare yourself to face any objections by affected groups or individuals. After these details have been presented, the judge makes a concluding decision, about which you will be informed by mail. In case your record is going to be eradicated, you can expect a two month waiting time before this occurs.…

Get Legal Advice When Faced With Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a serious problem with many negative consequences. Violence in a relationship destroys the stability of the home and puts the victim into difficult emotional and financial circumstances. When a victim is faced with domestic violence it’s wise to contact a good criminal attorney to obtain the best legal advice available.

There are several things victims of domestic violence need to know and protections that a criminal lawyer can provide. The most important aspect of domestic violence is the victim’s safety as well as that of other family members. Getting out of the situation is always recommended until the legal and counseling issues can be addressed. A criminal attorney representing the victim will file the appropriate paperwork with the court.

These papers will provide legal protection in the form of a court order that safeguards the victim and family from further aggression. In many situations this is a service of the publicly provided prosecuting attorney. Protection orders come in various forms with varying stipulations. At the heart of all written protection orders is the safety and security of the victim.

Violating the judge’s order to refrain from contact with the listed protected persons and to restrain from all violence is a serious criminal offense. The failure to obey this order can easily land the suspect in jail forthwith. Another important consideration for the victim is the legal right to property and housing mutually owned or under the control of the suspect and the victim. A criminal lawyer petitions the court to ensure that the victim’s right to the available finances and personal property is granted by the suspect.

The suspect is not allowed to withhold legal access or intimidate the victim into forfeiting the use of these things. Many victims of domestic violence fail to leave a dangerous situation because they believe they need the financial security normally provided by the suspect. Many other victims fear their property will be destroyed in their absence if they seek safety away from the situation.

Other victims are emotionally convinced they no longer have the right to their property or that they cannot survive on their own apart from the one who has abused them. The court upholds the victim’s rights in the face of these difficulties. Using the services of a criminal attorney provides the necessary legal representation for the victim and ensures that the victim’s rights are honored.

A good attorney will guide the victim throughout the prosecution of the suspect in the criminal court system. Since domestic violence is a highly contested crime it is safe to assume a defendant is represented by his or her own attorney. The attorney representing the victim’s interests in this case provides the needed legal protection. It’s always wise to be represented by an experienced criminal attorney when exposed to domestic violence.

Legal protection extended to victims of domestic violence involves more than just physical safety. Property rights, access to home and court orders are all secured by competent legal counsel available to victims. If you are faced with a domestic situation, seek the services of a lawyer who specializes in criminal law.…

Criminal Attorneys Help With Sex Crime Accusations

After being arrested for a sexual based crime it is natural to feel fear and apprehension. These cases are incredibly damaging to one’s reputation and the experience of rapists and child molesters in prison is not enviable. That is why when there is the chance of a person going to court to combat the accusation that they acted rudely or lasciviously it is time to find a local criminal attorney and fight back to prevent incarceration and a life time of offender registration.

Make no mistake; these are some of the most serious charges a person can face. The penalties are incredibly harsh and are rarely lenient because of the serious nature of the offense. Regardless of guilt or innocence a person arrested for this type of crime has the deck stacked against them. That is why lawyers all over the country suggest securing a criminal attorney as soon as possible. The police and prosecution begin compiling their case right away and so from the time a person even suspects that they may be a person of interest it is time to start speaking to a law firm about potential representation and how to protect one’s rights.

A criminal attorney will start compiling evidence and witness statements around the event that purportedly took place. They will work hard to create the shadow of a doubt necessary to sway a jury. If they find exculpatory evidence they will discuss it with the prosecution and strive to have the charges dropped. In the likely event that this does not happen they will aggressively defend their client in trial.

The biggest problem facing people in this situation is the fact that public opinion holds that these crimes are the most heinous. Just the fact that a person has been brought in for questioning in relation to this type of crime is enough for most people to be damning. There is hope however. There are rules and laws against a jury condemning a person without facts. During a process called voir dire they will hopefully weed out any potential jurors who are prone to be biased and not base their decision on the facts. A criminal attorney worth his hourly rate will be sure to fight to get his client a jury that, while perhaps not sympathetic, will be willing to hear the case justly.

Sometimes things fall apart however. If a person is convicted the process need not be over. There are appeals and other approaches that can be taken to try and overturn a guilty verdict and secure a new trial. A person ought never give up fighting their sex crime charges and their criminal attorney likely will not either.…