Louisiana Divorce Lawyers

A divorce suit is perhaps the commonest of court cases. Social service institutions offering good Samaritan advice and legal knowledge, as well as do-it-yourself legal resources have proliferated in unprecedented numbers all around the country. Still, disputes and situations leading to divorce are sometimes so unique that standard interpretations of law cannot explain them and therefore, new laws and new rulings are coming up. Since the ?do it yourself? plans cannot match the unique situations, hiring a divorce lawyer becomes unavoidable.

This becomes all the more inevitable in Louisiana where the laws are different from other states. Here the rulings of the judges in the similar cases cannot influence the rulings and judgments in other courts, as happens in other states of the US. In Louisiana, the legislature frames the laws and the judges have to study them and interpret them in every new and extraordinary divorce case. Your efforts to do it yourself may result in a frustrating loss of time and effort. A good way out, therefore, would be to engage a Louisiana Divorce Lawyer.

The best course in selecting your lawyer is to contact the friends and referrals of a few lawyers and interview them to select the best one. When interviewing a lawyer, you should ask him about the length of his experience, the number of cases of your type he has handled, his membership in a recognized lawyers? body, and of course his references. There should be absolutely no hesitation is asking such questions. After all, you are not only paying him your hard-earned money, but your case is at stake. Besides, you can also ask him about the procedure or the process of the lawsuit, and how long the case will take.

Louisiana Lawyers provides detailed information on Louisiana lawyers, Louisiana probate lawyers, Louisiana real estate lawyers, Louisiana divorce lawyers and more. Louisiana Lawyers is affliated with Massachusetts Divorce Lawyers

Florida Criminal Lawyers

The Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, based in Tallahassee, regulates the functioning of criminal lawyers in Florida. Founded in 1988, it has nearly 1,500 members. Its mission statement, according to its official website www.facdl.org, lists five important objectives, of which two are of great importance to consumers. They are: ?To improve the criminal justice system at the judicial, legislative and executive levels? and ?To promote the protection of the rights of individuals.? FACDL is the state organ of the National Association Criminal Defense Lawyers, whose Official website is www.nacdl.org.

Usually people imagine a criminal lawyer to be a professional involved in highly dramatic situations in courtrooms. However, this is only one aspect of their work. A criminal lawyer may spend one day with the client discussing the legal problem. He may spend another day in the study [library or a computer terminal] doing research on relevant points of law. He may spend yet another day in trial practice, actually pleading before the judge in court. Sometimes, he may also be visiting the scene of the crime.

Most criminal lawyers spend hours researching and developing legal reports and documents. Though the advantages of information and communication technology are immense, there is a downside too, particularly in relation to cyber and transnational crimes. This means that today?s criminal lawyers need to be equipped with the latest methods to handle these issues. In the US, there have always been excellent facilities for continuing legal education programs. The Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers offers regular programs for its members.

www.facdl.org is an excellent resource to locate criminal lawyers in Florida.

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Florida Car Accident Lawyers

The sunshine and warm temperatures of Florida attract millions of visitors each year. This is one factor that adds to the number of car accidents in the state -- the tourists? lack of familiarity with the roads can cause accidents. However, tourists in Florida do not cause most car accidents. Excessive speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol are the two main causes of accidents.

Every driver is responsible for taking actions to prevent a car accident. Negligence resulting in a car accident in Florida represents grounds for a lawsuit. Depending on the degree of negligence, it could involve the state Attorney General's office.

Florida Lawyers are knowledgeable about the law regarding car accidents in the state and will work to prepare the case efficiently. Even though it is difficult to avoid responsibility in a Florida car accident, the lawyer will leave no stone unturned to get all the facts surrounding the case. It also has to be proved that the plaintiff has suffered damages, either personal injury or property damage. In addition, a Florida car accident lawyer will look for compensation for such things as mental anguish and inconvenience. Other aspects of the case that a lawyer will look into are facts regarding the mental state of the defendant during the accident.

The state of Florida requires that motor vehicles have a kind of no-fault insurance coverage called Personal Injury Protection (PIP). All registered and licensed vehicles in Florida are required to carry this insurance.

PIP is an insurance protection that pays the driver and occupants of any vehicle for any kind of personal injury caused by a driver who does not have insurance. This means that participants in an accident have protection if any other person does not have insurance. It is important to seek attorney help because Florida attorneys who specialize in car accident cases commonly know such information.


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LAWYERS AND ATTORNEYS

At some time in our lives we all need Lawyers and Attorneys. Many people make jokes about Lawyers and Attorneys, but when it comes to a difficult question they are the ones we rely on.

The concept of Justice is rooted deep in our National existence. The founding of the country was because of oppression and violation of rights all mankind today recognizes. Lawyers and Attorneys are those we look to when ever one of our rights is violated or when we want to know what is right under the law. We like to say "No Man is above the LAW". Through out this country and around the world we cry out for Justice. We as human beings have an internal "Sense of Justice". We basically know what is right or wrong. But there are times when issues become complex and it is difficult to determine what is right or wrong. Examples of these are divorce cases, criminal cases where there is a question of doubt, or the case of a person in an automobile accident where there is a question of how much the injured person has been damaged. It is in these and many other case that Lawyers and Attorneys come forth to help us in a civilized manner determine what is right or wrong through our system of Jurisprudence.

Lawyers and Attorneys all have Doctors Degrees. They are experts and have studied years beyond a post secondary education. Before they can represent clients they must pass a rigorous Bar Exam, so complex that less than 50% pass the first time in the most populous State of California.

As time passes, the Law has become more and more complex. So now many Lawyers specialize in a particular area of Law. They become specialist the requirements are pretty much the same as doctors, more study and research. Most people today look for a Lawyer and Attorney that specializes in a particular area of Law. This becomes especially important when the case is very complex.

With the advent of the internet it is much easier to find Lawyers and Attorneys that specialize in a particular area. So if you have a legal problem that needs resolution just get online and do some research about Lawyers and Attorneys in your local area. That is what this web site is all about.

Al Villas' blog is at http://als-best.com/blog/ Al is a former Judge that loves to write articles on a variety of subjects. You can reprint the Articles as free content as long as you include this resource box.

Houston Criminal Lawyers

Being the second biggest city in the US, Houston is a place with a lot of criminal activity. Houston is attached with the quote saying, ?Everything is bigger in Houston?- regrettably, that goes for jail sentences, too. Houston is known for its toughness when it comes to crime. So if you?re caught committing a crime or accused of a heinous act then your future looks very bleak. During this frightening event you should contact one of Houston?s criminal lawyers.

It is said that the best criminal lawyer in Houston can set you free even if you have committed a murder, and the dumbest lawyer can award you lifetime imprisonment even if you have only killed a cat. Normally a criminal trial in Houston puts a great amount of pressure on the prosecutor, in order to make the charges stick. They require heavy proof to show your guilt. A criminal lawyer will look for weak points in the prosecution?s case.

In order to win, you should hire a lawyer skilled enough to bring you victory. Houston criminal lawyers can not only reduce your punishment, but also secure your rights so that the laws don?t exploit you. It is wise to call your lawyer at the crime scene, so that he can collect possible evidence from the crime scene. This will help him defend you. Generally, Houston?s criminal lawyers are very expensive. Since they will cost you a lot of money, make sure that the criminal lawyer you are going to choose has a decent record in criminal cases, and plenty of wins under his belt.

You should not commit a crime, but if you do then make sure to hire Houston?s best criminal lawyer.


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The Truth About Lawyers

During the matter of my divorce (that's lawyer talk - it's always the matter of this and the matter of that), I spent about $30,000 on three different attorneys in an extremely frustrating effort just to be able to see my own children. As each lawyer failed to obtain one single worthwhile benefit for me, I fired them and hired another one. I couldn't help but notice that I was never allowed to speak directly to the judge and I felt that these people were not saying what I wanted them to say as well as I could. So in the end I fired them all and decided to represent myself in court In Pro Per (as my own attorney). It was then that I learned the most important lesson of all:

The Name of the Game in court is: DON'T PISS OFF THE JUDGE!

The hard truth of the matter is that attorneys have to work with the judges and with the other attorneys every day. A client is just a client and when the case is over, it's over and they need to get on with the next one. It's really all about careers and about relationships, and the attorneys' daily business relationships are with other attorneys. They have ethical guidelines which compel them to show respect even if they don't like each other. But when it comes to the judges it's not a matter of like or dislike. The judges are little gods and the reality is that they have huge case loads which just get larger no matter what they do, and the attorneys understand that the way to help the judges is to move the cases through court as quickly as possible. Help a judge do that and you're on their good side. Take too long with one particular client and you're not. DON'T PISS OFF THE JUDGE or the judge will find a way to take it out on you and you will not like it when that happens. One particular judge actually said to me "I don't get angry, I get even". Attorneys don't have to be told that, they know it. They understand that a career can be lost by alienating a judge and that relationships can be jeopardized by alienating their peers. The vast majority of attorneys will not risk their careers or jeopardize their professional relationships for any one particular client.

So does anybody really need an attorney? The law actually implies that we don't because we are given the right to represent ourselves in court if we choose to. Does anybody really want you to know this? Definitely not, because if everybody represented themselves, how would all the law school graduates make a living? But here's the big problem. When you think you need an attorney, it's almost always because you've gotten into some kind of serious trouble and you think that the stakes are too high if you lose. It's kind of like needing a new roof. Nobody even thinks about their roof until it's too late and the thing is leaking uncontrollably. And it's only then that they find out how incredibly expensive a new roof is, and how impossible it is to educate yourself properly on the subject in order to know how to spend all that money and not get ripped off. Similarly, until you're in serious trouble, you probably don't even think about having to choose an attorney. And now the stakes are much higher than when you need a new roof because with the roof, the great danger is spending a lot of money and not getting what you paid for. With your legal difficulty, it could be about having to go to JAIL, not to mention spending a lot of money on an attorney and then having to go to jail. So when you're in that situation, the conventional wisdom is unanimous - get the best attorney you can afford.

So you bust your budget and make your selection. You sit there in court and watch the attorney do his/her job. How are you supposed to be able to know whether the best possible job is being done for you? There's no way to know because you don't understand the game that's being played out. After all is said and done, the judge calls both attorneys into chambers and the goal of the meeting is to find a compromise solution that will move the case out of court. The attorneys do their thing and then they come back into court and tell you, "This is the best possible deal you're going to get. Trust me. If you don't take this deal, you're going to make the judge angry and you will never get this deal again." What can you do? Nothing. You just lost. But if you ever make the decision to represent yourself in court, you'd better understand how to behave properly or you will really piss off the judge. Here are the basics of good courtroom behavior:

1. Don't digress. Make your points quickly, logically, and in logical order.
2. Always look the judge directly in the eyes when talking.
3. Forget your ego and just grovel. Say "your Honor", "with all due respect", "forgive my ignorance" and things like that.
4. Dress well. Notice that the attorneys all wear suits. Now why do you think they do that? Because they all own stock in Brooks Brothers?
5. When you do get your chance to go back into chambers, follow rules 1 through 4 again.

If you can master these basics, you will find that an amazing thing happens. The judge will be entertained by you simply because what you're doing is very rare and it's not what they have to sit through every day. If you're good and stick to the basics, the judge will bend over backwards to assist you. Of course, there is the matter of knowing the law and proper court procedure. It's possible to lose a case just by missing a trick and being beat to the punch by your opposing attorney on a simple point of order. So . . . do you need an attorney? Probably you do, but maybe you don't. I didn't.

As Sally Struthers said in All in The Family: "Case Closed !"

Peter Cross is a Web Master who has represented himself in court In Propria Persona many times. You can find this article at: The Truth About Lawyers and his home page at: Rock and Roll with an Immortal Soul

A Quick Guide to Lawyers

Lawyers specialize in a wide number of fields from personal injury and criminal law to immigration, business and finances. But what do these lawyers actually do? There is a wealth of misinformation available to the average consumer, and you may be confused where to start looking.

Finding a good lawyer is essential, but if that lawyer doesn't specialize in the specific area in which you need them, it doesn't put you in the best situation. You don't want to hire a lawyer who specializes in divorce to help you with a personal injury suit, and vice versa. Thus it's imperative that you find not only a good lawyer, but one who really knows specific information about your problem. Here is a brief overview of some of the most popular types of lawyers and what they do:

Criminal Lawyer

A criminal lawyer is the highest profile lawyer for good reason. Criminal lawyers handle statutory and common law crimes and the punishment of criminal offences. They deal with every aspect of criminal law, with the state defender, or prosecutor, defending the state's interest and the defense attorney representing the defender. They defend against and prosecute crimes against the person (assault, murder, rape, etc.), crimes against property (arson, theft, larceny etc.), crimes against justice (bribery, perjury etc.) and other myriad lesser criminal offenses.

Divorce Lawyer

Divorce lawyers focus on any and all matters concerning divorce. This applies to any proceedings, including prenuptial agreements, division of property, alimony or spousal payments, child support, and more. Most individuals going through a divorce generally hire a divorce lawyer to take care of all legal matters. Much of the time a good divorce lawyer can make all the difference in how messy or clean your divorce becomes.

Accident Lawyers or Personal Injury Lawyers

Accident lawyers, also known as personal injury lawyers, specialize in legal claims relating to auto accidents and vehicle claims, dangerous or defective products, medical and health care malpractice, workplace injuries (worker's compensation), wrongful death, and a slew of other accidental incidents that warrant legal procedures.

Immigration Lawyers

Immigration lawyers handle any matters pertaining to immigration, including citizenship and naturalization proceedings, permanent residence, green cards, work visas, asylum, deportation hearings, family-based immigration waivers, and any other legal issues surrounding immigrants to the US.

Financial and Business Lawyers

Financial lawyers deal with a wide range of business and personal investments, savings products and services. These include mortgages, banking, brokerage services, commodities, claims, mutual funds, stocks and bonds, and other securities. They are in charge of taking care of all legal requirements and formalities surrounding any financial issue. They are also helpful for starting and operating businesses, including: LLC's, corporations, and partnerships.

myabogado.com

Marcela De Vivo writes on behalf of myabogado.com, a directory specializing in law related resources.

New Jersey Bankruptcy Lawyers

Under the U.S law, bankruptcy is a legal proceeding that allows a debtor to temporarily or permanently avoid paying his debts. U.S bankruptcy code is meant to provide protection to people trapped in financial jeopardy who are suffering under mountains of huge debt. The bankruptcy laws were basically created to provide relief to people victimized by divorce, job loss, identity theft, staggering medical bills, or disability. Filing for bankruptcy instantly stops your creditors from harassing you for the payment of debts. Filing a bankruptcy claim, however, involves several legalities, which are difficult for an individual to handle on her own. A bankruptcy lawyer?s job is to help you and to help relieve you from a crisis situation.

A bankruptcy lawyer is a class of lawyers who are experienced and specialize in handling consumer debts and bankruptcy cases. They can assess and monitor your financial situation better than you are able and can fight the aggressive and annoying creditors accordingly.

A bankruptcy lawyer helps you get debt relief while providing you valuable information, services, and guidance that will help you achieve a financially secured future. In order to get maximum benefit from a bankruptcy lawyer, it?s important that you provide the lawyer with a very honest picture of your financial situation. Additionally, hiring only a well-experienced bankruptcy lawyer with proven track record is of great significance to successfully rectifying your financial plight.

And, you?ll need a lawyer who is qualified to practice and experienced with the law in your state of residence and business. To file a bankruptcy in New Jersey, you?ll need to find a local New Jersey bankruptcy lawyer; he or she will be well versed with the state laws and can help you receive maximum legal aid. To find and contact a bankruptcy lawyer in New Jersey, you can seek a reference from the state bar association or find one through a legal directory on the Internet or in yellow Pages. You can always also seek references from a friend or relative.

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When The Feds Come Knocking: What Business Lawyers Need To Know About Criminal Law

But I?m a business lawyer. I don?t deal with criminals.

That doesn?t mean criminal matters won?t crop up in your practice. Maybe your client will be the target of the investigation, or only a witness, but odds are that you will encounter a criminal investigation.

Even upstanding and ?law abiding? companies can become targets of criminal investigations because of the expansive doctrine of respondeat superior. Corporations can be criminally liable for the acts of their agents and even their most junior employees so long as the acts were committed in the course and scope of employment, and were intended to benefit the corporation. Since the corporation is the deep pocket, the corporation may be targeted, along with culpable employees.

There has been a steady trend toward criminalizing conduct that used to be addressed primarily through administrative or civil remedies. Prosecutors now target certain health care and environmental cases for criminal prosecution when, in the past, these same cases would have been addressed through recoupments of overpayments or administrative fines and penalties. The broad reach of federal criminal statutes renders almost any wrongful conduct a potential crime.

There has also been a trend toward coordinating the full range of government enforcement tools ? criminal prosecution, civil suits and administrative sanctions ? through parallel or sequential investigations

How Is a Criminal Matter Likely to Come Up?

White collar matters may come up in a number of way. A client may seek advice about misconduct of an employee. A civil suit may allege criminal conduct through RICO, False Claims Act, or other fraud allegations. Evidence of white collar offenses may also come up during discovery.

Your client might also become a target, subject or witness in government investigation. In federal investigations a target is the focus of the government?s investigation, a subject is one that might become a target, and a witness is one the government believes may have information relevant to the investigation, but is not a target or subject. It is important to determine which category the client fits into as quickly as possible, and also to recognize that the status can change from one category to another.

Most white collar crime investigations begin in secret. The investigation may be triggered by a Qui Tam complaint alleging a violation of the state or federal False Claims Act. These complaints are filed under seal. Or the investigation may be triggered by an agency referral or a report from a complaining victim. During the covert stage of the investigation, the government may attempt to use undercover techniques such as consensual monitoring of conversations to elicit incriminating admissions. The government will use this period to develop probable cause to obtain a search warrant.

There are many telltale signs an investigation may be going on, from non routine focused audits, to agent interviews of current or former employees. It is common for agents to drop in on employees at home in the evening to avoid alerting the company. Confirmation that an investigation is in progress comes when the government issues subpoenas or executes a search warrant.

In a white collar case, a subpoena will likely be issued by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of a particular department, or by the grand jury. Production of documents may also be compelled through an Authorized Investigative Demand (AID) which may be issued by the U.S. Attorney?s office.

A grand jury subpoena may compel the production of documents and testimony. As indicated above, since grand jury proceedings are subject to strict secrecy rules, criminal prosecutors sometimes use OIG subpoenas or AID?s so the information may be shared with those investigating civil allegations.

Issuance of a subpoena does not necessarily indicate the government has solid evidence of criminal conduct. A search warrant, on the other hand, can only issue if the government convinces a magistrate that it has probable cause that evidence or instrumentalities of a crime will be found. A subpoena is often issued to non target third parties while a search warrant is generally used to obtain evidence from targets of the criminal investigation.

How Should I Respond?

Carefully. Responding inappropriately not only could prejudice your client, but could land you in jail. Federal obstruction of justice statutes are broad and lying to a federal agent is a crime whether or not the statement was given under oath (just ask Martha Stewart!).

Corporations face severe sanctions if found guilty of criminal offenses. In additional to the criminal fines and penalties faced by a company, civil and administrative consequences are onerous. For example; an entity that committed Medicare fraud could be liable for treble damages under the False Claims Act plus civil monetary penalties of up to $11,000 for each claim submitted. Companies are probably most fearful of the ?death penalty,? that is, exclusion or debarment from government programs, which is a possible and sometimes mandatory consequence of a criminal conviction or adverse civil or administrative determination.

Individuals face lengthy incarceration as well as dire financial consequences. Under the federal sentencing guidelines, white collar criminals rarely escape some period of incarceration. Also, prosecutors routinely use money laundering charges to enable them to forfeit property belonging to the defendant.

Search Warrants

Suppose a client calls frantically and tells you federal agents (with guns!) are at the door with a search warrant. What do you advise?

If the agents have a search warrant, they have a right to enter the property and search the locations described in the warrant. This first step, then, is to obtain a copy of the warrant to determine its scope and to identify the assistant U.S. attorney who approved it. An attempt should also he made to get a business card from the agents executing the search. At this stage the affidavit which sets forth the evidence establishing probable cause will generally not be available.

The most critical advice to a client whose premises are being searched is not to interfere with the agents conducting the search. If agents perceive that someone is interfering with them, they will not hesitate to arrest the person for obstruction of justice. At the same time, it is helpful if the client can monitor what the agents are doing and keep a record of what they are seizing. The client should make efforts to advise agents of privileged or other sensitive material that may require special handling or documents or equipment that is essential for maintaining the operation of the business.

While searching, agents will attempt to interview employees. Whether an employee wishes to submit to an interview is a personal decision. Under no circumstances should the client advise an employee not to talk to law enforcement agents since that could be considered obstruction of justice. On the other hand, it is permissible to explain to employees their right to refuse to speak to the agents if they decide not to and that they can request that counsel be present. Since this is a sensitive area, the best practice is to have knowledgeable counsel provide advice to employees regarding these matters.

Subpoenas

A grand jury subpoena may call for the production of documents or the testimony of the witness, or both. Subpoenas for documents can be very broad. A document subpoena will be upheld so long as it seeks documents which may be relevant to the investigation and production does not result in an undue burden on the recipient. Consequently, motions to challenge a grand jury subpoena rarely succeed. However, the prosecutor is often willing to negotiate limitations on the scope of the subpoena, or will agree to a ?rolling? production.

When your client gets a subpoena, it is important to quickly identify the client?s status in the investigation. Is the person or entity a witness, subject or target of the investigation? If an individual has potential exposure to criminal prosecution, he or she may refuse to testify without a grant of immunity. Federal law provides for ?use? immunity. If a person is granted ?use? immunity, the prosecutor may not use the testimony of the witness, or any evidence derived from the testimony, in a prosecution of that individual. Immunity can be formal or informal. With formal immunity, the prosecutor seeks an order from the district court to compel an individual to testify. For informal grants of immunity, the prosecutor agrees not to use statements or testimony of a witness under certain conditions.

Before granting immunity, the prosecutor will want to know what the witness has to say. This can be accomplished through a proffer or what is known as ?Queen for a Day? immunity. Under this procedure, the government reserves its decision to grant full immunity until it has had an opportunity to interview the witness, but agrees that it will not use the statements made during that debriefing session if it decides not to grant immunity.

A corporation has no 5th amendment right to refuse to incriminate itself. Consequently, a corporation must generally turn over documents in response to a subpoena. A corporation, however, may assert an attorney client privilege as to documents to which the privilege attaches.

Agents will usually attempt to interview witnesses when they serve the subpoena. Some agents have been known to tell the witness that he or she won?t have to attend the grand jury session if they agree to be interviewed. Your client should be aware that they do not need to speak to the agent, and if they choose to, they should tell the truth. Making false statements to federal agents, even if not under oath, is a felony offense.

Representation Issues

When the white collar investigation involves a business entity, a variety of representation issues arise. Separate counsel may be necessary to represent the interests of the entity and its employees, officers and agents. The employer may be required to indemnify its employees, officers and agents for legal fees incurred during the investigation.

When a company gets wind that the government is conducting an investigation, it will often conduct its own internal investigation. To the extent that investigation is done under the auspices of counsel, it may be protected by the attorney client privilege. Counsel for the company and counsel for individuals involved in the investigations may enter into joint defense agreements to facilitate sharing information without having to disclose it to the government. While the results of an internal investigation may be privileged, the government may require the company to waive the privilege and turn over its report of investigation as a condition of any settlement.

Difficult Tactical Choices

Because most white collar investigations now involve parallel proceedings, clients are often faced with a ?Hobson?s Choice? in deciding how to proceed. For example, if the client attempts to assert his or her 5th Amendment privilege in a related civil case, an adverse inference may be drawn. On the other hand, testifying in the civil proceeding may waive the 5th Amendment protection and the testimony will be admissible in the criminal case. Sometimes these dilemmas can be minimized by obtaining a stay of the civil matter pending resolution of the criminal investigation.

Another difficult tactical decision is whether to voluntarily disclose evidence of criminal conduct to the government. In some circumstances disclosure is mandatory. Most often, though, there is no legal duty to report but the pros and cons of voluntary disclosure must be carefully weighed.

What to Do?

Since the stakes are high, government investigations should always be taken seriously. Business lawyers should be alert to the first signs of a criminal investigation and be prepared to advise their clients, or refer them for advice, about the many risks involved and the difficult decisions that need to be made.

Geoffrey Goodman is a former federal and state prosecutor who specializes in defending companies and individuals against the government in criminal and regulatory investigations and prosecutions. He also conducts internal investigations and handles matters in both federal and state court. http://murphyaustin.com

Bogus Lawyers And Attorneys On The Loose

Beware: fake lawyers and attorneys are everywhere. People read about it on papers, watch it on late-night news, but still many fall into the trap set by these crooks. Well, it is interesting to note that these fakes are as good as they can get. Most of the time, they possess the power of the gab and exhibit linguistic knowledge in lawyer lingo and stuff but these don't mean they're authentic. These wannabes often win the trust of clients because they claim to be an alumni of such and such prestigious law universities. They also brag about their supposed excellent track record in winning the cases of their clients. Sometimes, they may also charge slightly cheaper legal fees to attract clients. Now, clients who are gullible enough would instantly entrust them their life and death cases with high hopes of winning. For ordinary folks, fake lawyers and attorneys can be extremely hard to tell, or sometimes, clients notice the signs only too late -- when the client gets to spend the rest of his waking hours in jail (even if he's innocent) and waste a fortune paying a bogus lawyers.

Well, I don't know anyone who is willing to be tricked by these boguses so I guess everyone wants to stay away from fake lawyers and attorneys at all cost. I read about this fake female lawyer in Prattville who was actually just a mere sophomore student in a law school. She passed herself as a practicing lawyer and represented her sister in court. I don't know if she was just desperate to save her sister from criminal offenses for substance abuse or she wanted her sister to save money for legal fees. This bogus lawyer, Melissa Kent, was on a bad luck because the judge officiating the case turned out to be the very same judge who sentenced her guilty of dope charges a few years ago. Also, the lawyers from the other side of the fence noticed Kent's somewhat unprofessional demeanor. For sure, a lawyer sporting nail polish in wild color is one thing to arouse suspicion. But then, lawyers initially dismissed the notion thinking Kent is a practicing lawyer in other state. When confronted, Kent immediately confessed she was, indeed, a fake.

Fake lawyer Kent's offense only costed her a three-day jail term and a whopping $1,000 bond, maybe because she didn't attempt to further salvage her case by insisting she's a real lawyer. She was at least honest enough to admit her misdemeanor up front. However, the judge, lawyers and attorneys conducting the case were naturally appalled for the time dealing with a bogus lawyer. It was a good thing her client was a family member (but investigations showed her sister is oblivious with Kent's stunts). However, people should remember that based on this case, when it comes to legal services, it is best to research or ask friends for references. While there are several lawyers and attorneys who very well know how to defend a client for the win, there are also fakes who are just out to leave clients with regret and displeasure.

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The Pros And Cons Of Child Custody: Be Informed With Houston Lawyers

The innocent and the wounded ? rolled into one that is how your child will be as you go about the process of separation or divorce. You as the parent might find it hard to move on but think about how difficult the period is for your child.

Most complicated is when you file custody for your child. It is not because you won custody over your child that you ensure happy growing years. There are advantages and disadvantages whenever you wish to achieve guardianship. In Houston, there is numerous child custody lawyers whom you may want to seek for legal advice.

The child custody lawyer you sought for counsel may present you with some of the common pros and cons of child custody.

Advantages of Child Custody

? There is a legal basis for guardianship. Hence it will prevent damage in the near future whenever your ex-spouse bothers you with custody.

? You will have the chance to spend more time with your child. Hence you can apply many parental decisions which you think will be beneficial to your child. This is mostly true with sole child custody.

? If you are in an abusive home before then you can keep your child away from a detrimental environment.

Disadvantages of Child Custody

? The process of a child custody case may create a severe emotional stress on your child especially if you and your former spouse are not civil with each other.

? You have to financially prepare when you seek for your child?s custody. Commonly custody proceedings are costly.

? Your child will always need a mother to comfort him or a father to teach him how to hurdle life?s challenges. With this you need to be prepared on being both a mother and a father to your child.

When you and your former spouse decided to separate or divorce, you already posed certain advantages and disadvantages to your child. On top of this, again you are presenting them pros and cons when you choose to gain custody of your child.

There will always be a good and a bad side in the child custody world. What you can do as a parent is protect your child from harassment and emotional pain which will hinder him to obtain a happy and healthy life.

Your child custody lawyer may help you achieve your goal to safeguard your child with the many damaging consequences of child custody. He may recommend the following undertakings:

? Never blame the other party. It is unhealthy for your child to know and observe how you cast fault with his other parent. Psychologists believe that you and your ex-spouse contributed on the wellbeing of your child.

? Learn to compromise. It is not always about winning. Most parents who sought for custody have selfish reasons why they need to gain guardianship ? that is to let the other party feel that he is unworthy.

? Set plans. Present the things you feel is needed by your child.

As a parent learn to listen to the ones who have been in the child custody process. Discover the many benefits of seeking legal advice. Most importantly, hear what your heart have to say so your child will not end up with a scarred heart.

Your kids are precious to you. Hence, aim for the betterment of their future, individuality and totality as an individual.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on child custody & where to find one in your state, please visit http://child-custody.articlekeep.com

A Guide To Asbestos Lawyers

The companies exposed to the hazardous effects of Asbestos continued to expose their workers to the deadly element. No protection from the Asbestos dust and no information on its health hazards were provided to the Asbestos workers. Many died. The result observed was ugly, and it was therefore an essential need to bring justice by law to those who suffered ailments from Asbestos in the environment.

Asbestos Lawyers are the lawyers that specialize in the cases dealing specifically with the hazardous effects induced by Asbestos exposure. They work in the area of law and bring home justice in the form of compensation to those who suffered ill health, because of Asbestos in the present and/or past environment.

A patient of Asbestos-induced health problems, or his family, is eligible for filing a lawsuit. It is important for the patient to choose a lawyer on the basis of his success in the industry of law and justice. The number of successful cases presented to the affected individuals can be a testament of the lawyer?s credibility. Experience in the same or similar area is always an additional benefit.

The lawyer of choice shall then assess the case, answer pertinent queries, predict the direction for the Asbestos lawsuit, and bring home justice in the form of compensation. It is also important to provide clear, true and full information to the lawyer. This adds to the efficiency of the lawyer and his confidence in the case assignment. If one is unable to open all facts to the lawyer, the law firm may choose to hire a person for investigation about the exposure of Asbestos to the patient, and this all is done at no extra cost. The best thing is that all Asbestos Lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so the patient or his family members are not required to part with any money before their lawsuit.

Criminal Defense Lawyers: Reducing Murder to Manslaughter

Reducing murder to manslaughter is a task that presents itself in many murder cases. Depending on your state or jurisdiction you may be able to reduce murder to manslaughter by eliminating the element of "malice." Classically, this is where the defendant acts by being provoked into a sudden quarrel or into a state of mind known as the "heat of passion." The mental state of "heat of passion" is not just one emotion. It can be anger, jealously, or any other agitated state of mind in the normal range of human behavior.

If a person is intentionally killed but the defendant was provoked or was in the heat of passion due to some provocative circumstance of the alleged victim, the killing is said to be mitigated to voluntary manslaughter. The defendant cannot just set up his or her own standard of conduct. The situation causing the heat of passion must be such that a reasonable person under the circumstances would have been provoked to act out of passion rather than logic. The classic example given in law schools is where a person comes home unexpectedly and finds their spouse in bed with another person. This is the type of act that could cause any reasonable person to act out of passion and emotion rather than logic.

Usually these cases happen in times of great stress and emotion and a psychologist or psychiatrist should be employed to see if any factors of the mental state of the defendant or victim can be used to reduce the offense to manslaughter. How mental state factors can be used depend upon the laws of the jurisdiction in which the case is being tried.

If it can be shown that the killing was unintentional, but reckless, in some states the case can be reduced to involuntary manslaughter. Involuntary manslaughter carries a significantly lower penalty than voluntary manslaughter. Sometimes what looks like a murder, an intentional killing, is really an accident under extremely stressful circumstances. Note that in some states an unintentional killing, if extreme enough, can be murder. Generally that type of act must be more than recklessness. Typically, to make an unintentional act murder there must exist a callous disregard for human life. In some states those types of acts are called "depraved heart murders."

As an example, a female was charged with murder when she stabbed her husband in the chest with a steak knife. They were in the kitchen making dinner and got into an argument. Because the knife hit a major artery near the heart, he died within minutes. The defendant told two different stories about what happened. She said it was an accident and she didn't mean to kill him. She was prosecuted for murder and taken to trial.

The defense noticed that the location and angle of the wound seemed odd for an intentional stabbing. The blade went in at an angle rather than vertical. This didn't seem consistent with how a person intentionally stabbing another would have stabbed. Also, the blade went right between the ribs in a soft area of cartilage. It seemed unlikely that a non professional could have known this vulnerability and hit it so precisely.

The defense retained a well-known pathologist who totally agreed and testified that all of the circumstances were consistent with an accident and inconsistent with patterns of known stabbings. A psychiatrist also testified to the woman's exaggerated startle response because of beatings from a prior relationship. The defense theory was that she accidentally stabbed her boyfriend when he quickly advanced towards her in the argument. She over-reacted and, without consciously knowing it, thrust her knife hand forward. The knife went through the butter-soft cartilage and pierced the artery. The jury found her not guilty of murder and found her guilty of involuntary manslaughter. Had she not been under the influence of drugs, the jury might have found the act to be a pure accident and totally excused her.

To show that a killing is either voluntary manslaughter or involuntary manslaughter, a thorough investigation, analysis, and reconstruction is mandated. Even if the act was not the type that would justify reducing a murder to manslaughter, the fact that the defendant was in the heat of passion could eliminate premeditation and deliberation and reduce the degree of the murder.

William F. Nimmo is a highly regarded San Diego criminal defense attorney who has successfully defended residents statewide for nearly three decades. He has been a San Diego criminal trial lawyer of the year and has been awarded the Directors' Award for Excellence by the San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association

New Jersey Accident Lawyers

Any undesirable or unexpected event resulting in harm and damage can be termed as an accident. An accident generally occurs as a result of carelessness, ignorance, or a combination of causes, leading to an unfortunate result like injury. Under the U.S. law, the term accident is a broad term, covering various incidents, including but not limited to a hit-and-run accident; accidents caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers; accidents involving a bus, truck, etc; premises accidents (trip and fall) caused by defective conditions, improper maintenance, repair or cleaning, overcrowding, insufficient supervision, or improper security; or construction-site accidents, etc.

These kind of unfortunate mishaps not only cause pain and suffering, but often result in financial burdens as a result of being out of work and being confronted with mounting medical bills. If you have been a victim of any of such misfortune, you are entitled to receive fair compensation for all your sufferings and injuries. In order to claim for fair and just compensation, you need the services of an accident lawyer, who has prior experience and expertise in handling accident cases similar to yours. An accident lawyer specializes in legal disputes involving negligence and damages. An accident lawyer knows how to prepare your case and to get you compensated for pain, suffering, and injury by putting together a solid case. Most of the accident lawyers in U.S. work on a contingency-fee basis?that is you don?t have to pay a cent, unless you receive the compensation, at which point you are charged a percentage of the settlement. If you do not win your case, then you are not charged at all. In case of an accident, it?s always advantageous to contact an experienced lawyer from a local office, who is well versed with the laws of the state in which the accident has taken place.

In a state like New Jersey, where highways are the sites of numerous debilitating injuries each year, if you are one of those unfortunate enough to be an accident victim, the most immediate step to be taken is to hire a local accident lawyer, who can provide you with expert legal advice. Finding an experienced and expert accident lawyer is no easy task. You can begin your search with a personal reference, if possible. Also, seeking referrals from state bar association can help you in your search for a good lawyer. Flipping through yellow pages or browsing an online directory can help you find an accident lawyer to take the command of your case and to lead you to fair road of justice.

Article Marketing for Lawyers

What is article marketing? Article marketing is a clever method of promoting a product or service through the use of articles. You simply write articles relating to your expertise. After you've created an article, you share your article with the world. Content is a valuable commodity on the Internet. If you provide good content, your article will likely be picked up for use in blogs, newsletters, lenses, portals and websites.

Article Marketing is an excellent way to promote a law firm. Law Firm articles can help establish credibility for your practice, help establish yourself as an expert in your field, brand your firm and lead potential clients to your firm. Also, since articles can be syndicated, there's an enormous potential to utilize articles to drive visitors to your law firm's website and to ultimately generate more business!

The following are some tips and ideas on how to write and promote your law firm articles.

Start with existing articles. In many cases you may have articles you've written in the past that are still relevant. Why not dust those off and use them to market your firm? In most cases, the content is still relevant or could be easily adapted to fit current trends and conditions.

Write new articles. Share your expertise by writing articles based on practice area topics for which you practice. For example, if you represent clients who have been involved in 18 wheeler accidents and would like to target more 18 wheeler cases, simply write an article about 18 wheeler accidents. To support your topic of choice, consult with research and statistics organizations. They provide detailed statistics, trends and information which can be referenced. Combine hard facts and data with your own experiences for a compelling article.

Keep articles relatively short. Articles do not need to be lengthy. Many articles fall between 150 - 500 words. Keeping it short is a good rule of thumb, particularly when the article is going to be viewed and read on the web. However, oftentimes, it's difficult to convey a message in so few words. In those cases, try to keep the topics under thousand words.

Find a Topic Once you've decided to write an article, it may not be as easy to find a topic to write about. It helps to write about something you have a passion for. That passion will carry over into your article and in turn, produce a piece the reader will be compelled by.

One way to find a good topic for your article is to do some keyword research. If you are hoping to attract clients using the article, it helps to know which topics prospective clients are using to locate law firms and legal information pertaining to your practice area. There are a number of tools available on the web for keyword research. To locate them, search for the phrase "keyword research" in your favorite search engine and you'll generate a whole wealth resources. You may also choose to hire an Internet marketing consultant to handle this task. Oftentimes consultants have the necessary tools and expertise to give you a clear understanding of topic you should be addressing.

Don't Forget Your Author Box The author box consists of your personal biography, copyright notice, and a link back to your law firm's website. This should be kept brief. You want to state in the article box that permission is granted to re-publish this article online as long as the author box is left intact and as long as the hyperlink is linked to the correct website.

Not a writer? Have Someone Write an Article for You It's quite possible that you don't have the time to write your own articles or maybe writing is not your forte. No problem. There are a number of consultants available who can do this task for you. It's referred to in the industry as "ghost writing". There are a number of quality professionals who specialize in copywriting and ghost writing. You simply convey your thoughts and expertise verbally or in written form and let these "wordsmiths" do the rest.

Another suggestion is to tap into your law firm's internal resources. It's quite possible that someone on your staff is an excellent writer and can do the work for you.

Include a Picture Including a picture reminds the reader that there is actually a person behind the article. It lends credibility to the article. Additionally, a photo helps brand yourself in your field with name and face recognition.

Share Your Article Once you've written your article(s), you need to let people know that they are available for reading and re-publishing. There are a number of organizations or individuals who may choose to re-publish your article on their Blogs, MySpace, Lenses, Websites and other online mediums.

To share your article, you need to submit it to any number of article syndication sites and article directories. These sites give authors the opportunity to dramatically increase traffic and exposure by syndicating to thousands of publishers almost instantaneously.

Search Engine Benefits By sharing your article, you not only promote your name and brand, you increase your rankings with the major search engines.

Search engines determine rankings based on a number of factors. Two of those factors are incoming link popularity and keyword density. By including an active hyperlink in your author box for articles, you increase link popularity. Each time your article is re-published, you receive a one-way link back to your site! Also, if your article is on a particular topic with strategic use of keywords, your article is more likely to show up in top results with the search engines.

As a legal professional, it's critical to your success that you establish yourself as an expert in your field. By publishing quality articles with useful content, you WILL drive prospective clients to your firm and establish credibility that will secure more clients. Article marketing is one of the most powerful marketing methods available to lawyers ... and best of all, it's FREE!

Laurie A. Williams is a veteran Internet marketer for the legal industry. She has been involved in Internet marketing for over 10 years. Please see her site, LegalMarketingPros.com for more information

Canada Immigration Lawyers

This article provides useful, detailed information about Canada Immigration Lawyers.

There is no need for engaging any lawyer or consultant to immigrate to Canada or any other country. If you have the right credentials in accordance with the immigration policies of the country you want to immigrate to, along with the acceptable documents to support your claims, you do not need any lawyer to plead your case.

But immigration is not simple. The policies governing immigration are sometimes too complex to be easily understood by immigration seekers. Moreover, lawyers can present your case in a clear and concise manner according to the laws of the land. This can help your case to be decided more expeditiously.

The question of choosing the right lawyer to represent your case is important. Most of the law firms in Canada do not have immigration lawyers on their panels. Therefore you need to make special efforts to find a suitable one yourself.

The best course is to contact someone among your friends and relatives who has already been well served by a lawyer in his efforts to immigrate. You can also see the lawyers' advertisements in the newspapers and on the Internet.

Tall and misleading promises are sometimes made by lawyers who advertise themselves as immigration experts. There is no way you can verify their credentials. If you find the website of a lawyer, you should try to see whether that site gives substantive and value-added information to guide you.

Eminent lawyers have many prestigious publications on the special field of their practice. These publications usually provide sufficient insight into their credentials. So when you select a lawyer, ask for his published books or articles in the field of immigration.

Information about the capabilities of a lawyer can also be sought from the bar council or association of which he is the member. Some of the prominent immigration lawyers may be office bearers of the bar associations. These lawyers are recognized as authorities in their specific field.

Direct communication with the lawyer may also help a lot. You should not hesitate to ask for references of persons he claims to have helped successfully. You may also ask him his special qualifications and length of his experience.

You should always ask for a money-back guarantee and a detailed written contract so as to avoid future misunderstandings.

Canada Immigration Visas provides detailed information on Canadian Immigration, Canada Immigration Visas, Canada Immigration Lawyers, Canada Employment Immigration and more. Canada Immigration Visas is affiliated with Canadian Immigration.

Car Accident Lawyers

This article provides useful, detailed information about Car Accident Lawyers.

Car accidents are usually considered to be personal injury cases in court. The driver can put up a case against the car manufacturer or against the guilty party for an injury settlement. An experienced car accident lawyer can look into the details of the lawsuit to ensure proper justice is carried out.

Car accident lawyers are specialized in this field and are experts in dealing with such cases. They are licensed to deal with these cases specifically and so can be of immense help in such situations. Most of them have a good grasp of the litigations involved in such cases and can deal with personal injury and property damage involved in an accident.

Car accident lawyers can help deal with the details of the accident such as witnesses, details of the guilty party, filing a police report, and other information that might be useful while filing a lawsuit.

Most car owners are covered by insurance these days. Although the insurance covers for the damage caused, including personal injury as well as the property damage, this can be settled in the court itself with the other party. The insurance of the guilty party mostly covers all the expenses of the injured party but in the event it does not, the case should go to court. A car accident lawyer can be invaluable in such cases where the negotiations would be required to ensure that the injured party gets all the necessary reimbursement for the trauma faced. A car accident lawyer will keep in mind all the injured party's legal rights and go through various options before arriving at the best solution.

Car accident lawyers can assist the injured party to get compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, disability claims, minor fractures and sufferings, as well as the loss of income due to the accident. Many other small details would also be taken care of over by a car accident lawyer.

Since these lawyers are specialized in this field, their expertise could be of immense help when involved in a car accident. They help smooth over the whole process for a nominal fee and can boost the morale just by being present to take over the matters on hand.

Car Accident Lawyers provides detailed information on Car Accidents, Car Accident Lawyers, Car Accident Lawsuits, Car Accident Settlements and more. Car Accident Lawyers is affiliated with Fatal Car Crashes

Florida Real Estate Lawyers

Buying real estate is a dream for most people. Some people invest a lifetime's savings in realizing the dream. People buy a home expecting trouble free maintenance and considerable comfort. When they want to sell it, they expect the process to go smoothly.

As home or real estate is the largest investment for most people, it is important that they consult a lawyer before signing any important papers related to buying real estate.

real estate lawyers help in guiding the prospective real estate owner. These lawyers specialize in offering consultancy on pre-purchase real estate issues, as well as handling any after-purchase real estate litigations.

In Florida, real estate lawyers function by being members of the Florida Bar Association, an official organ of the Supreme Court of Florida. The fact that these lawyers are members of the bar goes to say that their competency and experience in handling real estate matters are proven.

How do these lawyers help the prospective consumer? When a prospective owner wants to buy a property, the real estate broker gives him the purchase and sale contract. This agreement determines what is bought and how it is bought. It contains details on land, buildings and furnishings, payments, when is the property [also known as `title'] owned, whether it is marketable and if so, to what extent in terms of cost price, title insurance, the zoning regulations, or restrictions, boundary lines, remedial action in case of defaults, whether the agreement includes warranty deed, title insurance and other matters.

Many people prefer their lawyers to prepare the purchase agreement or to carefully review the one prepared by the real estate broker. It's because real estate lawyers are specialists in analyzing the purchase or sale agreement.

Real estate lawyers also handle cases related to fraud, real estate taxes, mortgage and refinance, as well as rights of tenants and landlords. The Florida Bar Association's official Website, www.floridabar.org, is an excellent source for finding real estate lawyers in the Sunshine state. Apart from helping consumers find real estate lawyers in Florida, the website hosts pamphlets of information on `Applying For Credit,' `Buying a Home' and other topics which will be immensely useful to the consumer.

Florida Lawyers provides detailed information on Florida Bankruptcy Lawyers, Florida Business Lawyers, Florida Criminal Lawyers, Florida Family Lawyers and more. Florida Lawyers is affliated with Florida Alcohol Treatment

Louisiana Bankruptcy Lawyers

Although the laws of the state of Louisiana are different from the laws of the other states, bankruptcy is one area where there are more similarities than differences. This is because bankruptcy relief is under federal law, so the information in this context is pretty much the same in all the states.

But there is one glaring exception. It is about exemptions, the items that you do not lose by declaring yourself bankrupt. Under Louisiana Bankruptcy Law, the exempted items include IRA savings, which is a great exemption indeed. So for a bankruptcy case pertaining to Louisiana, a better course would be to hire a lawyer who knows this aspect of the state law. Another aspect to be considered is that of time limitations. Although Louisiana Bankruptcy Laws conform to the federal laws, the time limitations may require the engagement of a lawyer.

If you look keenly into the Louisiana Bankruptcy Law, you will find that the legal terminology used in the courts of the state of Louisiana is often confusing legal jargon, which needs to be understood and explained into understandable language. A lawyer who has worked in the state can do this more easily.

With these basic peculiarities of the Louisiana state laws in view, the first step in searching for a suitable prospective lawyer is to contact the Lawyer Referral Service. These companies are like middlemen, and charge fees from lawyers for registering them, along with their specialties. But the snag here is that reputable lawyers refrain from registering with them, as they are already booked by upscale clients who generally do not require referral services.

The Internet and Yellow Pages are very rich and convenient sources for finding lawyers of all specialties, but the problem here is that there are so many lawyers listed that finding the best one is difficult. It is at best a random method.

Your family members and friends may be able to recommend a lawyer. It is still better to contact those friends who studied from some law school. These people are usually well informed about the right lawyer for your needs. Employers and co-workers are another source of information. Your boss especially can be of great help here, as he may have to deal with lawyers as a part of his vocation. Having decided which lawyer to hire, you should contact the law firm for an appointment, and here too you need to check if you will be charged for making enquiries.

Once you've decided, you should ask your prospective lawyer about his legal qualifications and fees, his telephone charges and whether he answers questions on the telephone, and finally, ask him about his track record.

Louisiana Lawyers provides detailed information on Louisiana lawyers, Louisiana probate lawyers, Louisiana real estate lawyers, Louisiana divorce lawyers and more. Louisiana Lawyers is affliated with Massachusetts Divorce Lawyers

Michigan Mesothelioma Lawyers

Asbestos is a fibrous material that was used in home construction and the manufacture of vehicle brakes, plastics, paints and some paper products. Asbestos is harmful to human health. It causes many forms of diseases, some of them being fatal.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer of the cells that make up the lining around the outside of the lungs and inside the ribs, or around the abdominal organs. This form of cancer is very difficult to diagnose, and responds poorly to therapy. Mesothelioma is a malignant type of cancer and the survival time is less than a year. Malignant mesothelioma is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos fibers, and takes 20 or more years for the disease to develop. Thus, persons who were exposed to mesothelioma twenty years before are still at risk of getting mesothelioma.

In the last 20 or so years, professional and non-profit groups have tried to raise awareness about the ill effects of asbestos exposure. Asbestos laws have been enacted to protect people from the harmful consequences of asbestos exposure. OSHA enforces asbestos law. The law limits the permissible level of asbestos exposure in terms of fiber content and duration. Asbestos laws allow people to get compensation for medical expenses and lost income. The law is proactive, in that it allows anticipatory medical expenses.

Mesothelioma lawsuits are generally medical malpractice cases, but some come under product liability, personal injury and wrongful death laws. A mesothelioma attorney has to be consulted if one was exposed to asbestos in the past. An attorney can help recover the costs. Sometimes, the attorney can also arrange a meeting with other mesothelioma patients to exchange information and support. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can help recover benefits from reluctant defendants, sometimes without even going to trial.

Michigan Lawyers provides detailed information on Michigan Auto Accident Lawyers, Michigan Divorce Lawyers, Michigan Lawyers, Michigan Medical Malpractice Lawyers and more. Michigan Lawyers is affliated with Michigan Personal Injury Lawyers Info

Atlanta Family Lawyers

This article provides useful, detailed information about Atlanta Family Lawyers.

Family law in the United States relates to family issues. It covers a very extensive set of issues ranging from marriage and cohabitation, to divorce and child custody. These days, even a happy occasion like a marriage involves a legal agreement between the parties in order to have a mutually beneficial future. In case of marriage, a premarital agreement has to be entered into, which is more or less a written contract that specifies how the property would be divided between the couple and how the alimony would be planned in case the marriage ends in divorce.

This agreement is based on several laws that protect the interests of the couple. These also include other issues like inheritance and power of attorney to make healthcare decisions. Even in cases of non-marital decisions where a couple decides to live together without getting married, a legal and formal contact may be entered into defining the legal rights of both partners in the relationship.

In any case, it is important to consult a good legal expert, more likely a lawyer who has specialized in the area of family law.

Even divorce cases, the settlement becomes easier if an experienced family lawyer is involved in the mediation process. Since a divorce involves several issues like property, inheritance, child custody, alimony etc, a good family lawyer could make the whole affair less messy and less time consuming.

Family law in Atlanta is determined by rules under the local, state and federal governments. To settle a family dispute smoothly, it is important to consult a good family lawyer who can provide advice as per Atlanta state regulations.

Information about Atlanta family lawyers is available in the yellow pages or through search engines like Google and Yahoo on the Internet. It is also available through advertisements of law firms in magazines and newspapers. The American Bar Association has a referral service that provides information about family lawyers. There are also attorney directories available on the Internet that provide comprehensive information about Atlanta family lawyers. Information can also be found through the county bar association and other professional law associations. Friends, family members or co-workers can also be a good source.

Atlanta Bankruptcy Lawyers provides detailed information on Atlanta Lawyers, Atlanta Bankruptcy Lawyers, Atlanta Criminal Lawyers, Atlanta Employment Lawyers and more. Atlanta Bankruptcy Lawyers is affiliated with Atlanta Personal Injury Laws

Atlanta Criminal Lawyers

This article provides useful, detailed information about Atlanta Criminal Lawyers.

Criminal law deals with cases where local, state or federal government seeks to punish someone for an act considered a crime. A criminal lawyer is required to represent someone who has been charged with a crime. A criminal charge can be levied on a person for either felonies or serious crimes like murder or rape, as well as misdemeanors like petty theft or jaywalking.

The process involved in charging a person with a crime and administering punishment is quite similar. An experienced lawyer will successfully deal with prosecutors in court and should be able to prove a client innocent.

In Atlanta, like all states, the Constitution provides criminal defendants with the right to an attorney, if the state is trying to deprive the defendant of his or her liberty. This means that the state has to appoint a lawyer for the defendant if one cannot afford a private lawyer.

Atlanta criminal lawyers should be familiar with all the legal provisions of the local, state and federal governments. The procedure for a criminal charge in Atlanta begins with an arrest or citation summarizing the reason for the arrest. Copies of these reports are sent to a prosecutor's office who initiates and prosecutes criminal cases. After these prosecutors have gained enough evidence, the court proceedings begin.

When choosing an Atlanta criminal lawyer, there are many points to consider. The most important points are to know how much experience the lawyer has in criminal law, and the extent of the lawyer's track record in trying similar cases. Another important point is to make sure that your lawyer considers all possible outcomes of your case. For instance, could arbitration or mediation resolve the case? Finally, what is an estimate of the total bill, and how will the bill be paid?

Information about Atlanta criminal lawyers is available in the yellow pages, through search engines like Google and Yahoo on the Internet and through advertisements of law firms. There are also attorney directories available on the Internet that provide comprehensive information about Atlanta criminal lawyers. Information is also available through the county bar association and other professional law associations like the American Bar Association. Friends and family members are other sources of information.

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Atlanta Business Lawyers

This article provides useful, detailed information about Atlanta Business Lawyers.

Whether you are an employer or employee, you will at some time or the other require the services of a lawyer who specializes in business law. Within business law, you will need to look for specialized expertise. Most business law firms specialize in business agreements, contracts, litigation and arbitration, appeals, business and corporate law.

When looking for a business lawyer to represent you or your company, you need to understand your priorities. For example, in cases of professional liability, you should look for a lawyer who has extensive experience in counseling insured professionals and their insurers.

The expertise of a lawyer in business law is extremely important. The person should understand company law, cooperate law, evaluate the case judiciously and opt for the best possible solution. Apart from professional expertise, you should ensure that the lawyer is not just a pretty face who ultimately uses assistants and paralegals to face the judge.

Also, the lawyer should be able to provide you personalized services, have the patience to listen to you, clarify your doubts, and most important, not take advantage of your fears and insecurities. Also, it is important for you to ensure that the lawyer does not publicize the names of the professionals they sue or defend.

It is important that the lawyer should have a keen understanding of federal procedure, as there is a wide scope of employment and federal laws that exist in the state of Georgia. The business lawyer should be able to offer you several advantages in terms of negotiating employment contracts and severance packages and be able to negotiate retirement and disability benefits and work them out in such a way to avoid further disputes.

Atlanta business lawyers can be found through a referral service provided by Georgia State Bar Association, the county bar association and other professional law associations. Information is also available in the yellow pages or through search engines like Google and Yahoo on the Internet. You can check advertisements of law firms in magazines and newspapers. Friends and family members are also excellent sources of information.

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Atlanta Real Estate Lawyers

This article provides useful, detailed information about Atlanta Real Estate Lawyers.

Search on the Internet and you will come across the names of many lawyers and law firms who can represent you or your company on matters related to real estate, land disputes or property claims. In fact, you will also find that many firms offer free consultation. This gives you ample opportunity to study your options carefully before settling for a lawyer who can do justice to your cases.

You will come across many trained and competent lawyers, but their skill will vary. When buying property, you may feel that a real estate agent is good enough, but a real estate lawyer can provide you services that go beyond purchasing decisions. This is especially true when there is a property dispute. Considering the amount of the investment involved, you will need the services of an extremely competent person to review the facts and understand clearly where you stand. According to the laws of the state, he will build a watertight case, handle the paperwork, court procedures and work for the best possible settlement. There is a lot of investment involved in real estate, and you need to ensure the right person for the job. Don't just settle for any lawyer that your friend suggests. The lawyer may be nice and well meaning, but you need to focus on the person's track record and reputation. You must ensure that the lawyer has specific skills dealing with real estate cases.

Also, keep in mind that an expensive office and a flashy car is no guarantee that the lawyer is competent. Your lawyer should have the patience to listen to you, provide personalized services, have a thorough knowledge of the law, and effective communication skills to put his or her point across.

Atlanta real estate lawyers can be found through a referral service provided by Georgia State Bar Association, the county bar association and other professional law associations. Information is also available in the yellow pages or through search engines like Google and Yahoo on the Internet. You can check advertisements of law firms in magazines and newspapers. Friends and family members are also excellent sources of information.

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Florida Bankruptcy Lawyers

When a company or an individual is unable to repay a loan, the individual or the company is considered to be bankrupt. Sometimes companies incur heavy financial losses. For example, a printing firm gets 80 percent of its total income from a single publisher. If the publisher diverts its order to a different company, the printer loses a large portion of its total income. The printing firm becomes bankrupt.

Bankruptcy involves two parties: the debtor and the creditor. The debtor is the party in debt, who owes money to the creditor. A debtor can be a company or an individual. The creditor is an organization or individual to whom the debtor owes money. Most bankruptcy cases involve several creditors. There are basically three types of bankruptcy.

When a company is bankrupt, the trustee, a person appointed by the court, sells all of debtor?s non-exempt assets so that the debts can be repaid. This type of bankruptcy is known as liquidating bankruptcy, or Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Individuals, corporations and partnerships file this bankruptcy.

Suppose a business or an individual is bankrupt, but continues to function, maintains ownership of all assets, and tries to work out a reorganization plan to pay off creditors. This is known as Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Usually, businesses and individuals who have unbearable debt file this bankruptcy.

An individual owns and controls his assets and works out a repayment plan with his creditors. This is known as Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Though it is like Chapter 11, this bankruptcy involves only individuals. The debtor retains control and ownership of the assets.

Whether it is a company, business or an individual, once bankrupt, the best person to turn to for advice and help would be a bankruptcy lawyer. The bankruptcy lawyer offers help to the client, who may be an individual, company or business, as described below.

He collects and files all the bankruptcy documents with the bankruptcy court. After this, the creditors are informed by the court clerk that a petition has been filed. Thereafter, a meeting of creditors is held at the court, with the trustee acting as President. It is mandatory for the debtor to attend this meeting.

After this, on the direction of the court, the trustee sells all of debtor?s non-exempt assets for the benefit of the creditors. Finally, the debtor is discharged and all debts, with some exceptions, are written off. www.floridabar.org, the official web site of the Florida Bar Association (the regulatory body of all practicing lawyers in the state), publishes several pamphlets, including one entitled `Bankruptcy,? for the general public. The website also has a lawyer referral service to locate Bar-Certified bankruptcy lawyers in Florida.

Lawyers Offer Valuable Legal Advice For Personal Injury Victims

After having been injured in an accident through no fault of their own, most victims will find themselves feeling confused and distraught. With a sea of lawyers waiting to provide legal advice, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Many personal injury victims turn to the valuable legal advice of a licensed attorney in an effort to protect their rights and help to ensure that they are fairly compensated for lost wages, a reasonable degree of pain and suffering and medical bills.

Depending on the nature and severity of the accident, some victims may require medical treatment immediately. Such is often the case with automobile accidents, in which the person(s) who caused the accident will be responsible for all damages. Following an automobile accident, an attorney will provide not only provide legal advice, but will also conduct settlement negotiations in an effort to settle the matter before having to go to trial.

Settlement negotiations typically begin at the conclusion of medical treatment. The only exception to this rule may be if the victim requires a lifetime of medical care resulting from the injury and wishes to pursue a lifetime damages award. During the negotiation procedures, the attorney will determine the total amount paid for medical bills and will also evaluate the reports from physicians, x-ray technicians and a confirmation of lost wages when deciding on a fair amount to demand for pain and suffering. After discussing the various options with their client, the attorney will continue with a settlement demand. During this time, an attorney may refrain from offering legal advice in an effort to let the client decide if they agree with the settlement demand. The final amount is naturally up to the victim.

As a general rule, it takes approximately 30 days to receive a response regarding the settlement demand. This letter is sent to either the individual directly, his/her insurance company or attorney. Upon receipt, a counter offer will typically be returned to the victim's attorney. This process is very much a 'back and forth' negotiation where each side is trying to determine what the other is willing to accept. If the counter offer is not acceptable, the victim's attorney will prepare yet another letter and may decrease the demand amount slightly. This is often done in an effort to show good faith negotiations and will show the other side that the victim and his/her attorney are being reasonable. A series of letters and telephone calls will usually be exchanged before an amicable settlement is reached. While an attorney cannot instruct their client on what to do, they can provide legal advice regarding the fairness of the offer and how that figure may change if the case were to proceed to trial.

The information in this article is to be used for informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional legal advice. Individuals who need legal advice should consult one of the lawyers in their area who can assist them with their questions and concerns.

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Louisiana Insurance Lawyers

Although Louisiana is a part of the United States, its legal system is different other states. So you need to be careful before filing a lawsuit in the state of Louisiana. You can easily find lawyers dealing with insurance cases by surfing the Internet or consulting your friends, or you can seek the advice of fresh law graduates about a competent insurance lawyer and his fees. You can then contact the lawyer and, after settling the charges, get a written contract so as to avoid any future misunderstanding.

A good insurance lawyer can help you if the insurance companies have wrongfully denied you your insurance claims. Depending upon the nature of your case, he can assist you in a vide variety of disputes in many types of insurance claims, including environmental- and asbestos-related claims which may run into huge amounts, as the exposure to asbestos dust and flakes causes almost diseases like Mesothelioma, whose treatment costs thousands of dollars per month.

But it must be noted in this context that asbestos-related lawsuits have to be filed within a stipulated date, after which you lose your eligibility to file your claims. So, as soon as you are diagnosed with Mesothelioma, you should immediately contact your lawyer before it is too late. Besides, the insurance lawyers can also take up other claims, such as construction defects claims, advertising and personal injury claims, employment related claims and more. These claims are filed under many types of insurance policies, and coverage forms and a variety of insurance schemes.

But be careful: a lawyer who has been good for someone else's case may not be good for your case. In these specialized times, a lawyer who is competent in one field might not do well in another.

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New Jersey Criminal Lawyers

If you have been accused of a crime or think you might be, you should contact a criminal lawyer immediately. No matter how minor the charge, it's always beneficial to contact a criminal lawyer. A criminal lawyer is one who specializes in handling criminal defense cases. The role of a criminal lawyer is to represent anyone who commits a crime in order to prove his or her innocence. A criminal lawyer with substantial experience and expertise in this field can work on strategies to cleverly cross-examine the prosecution witnesses to prove your innocence in the case. And, in case of extreme situations, an expert criminal lawyer can work out negotiations with the prosecution lawyer to arrange for a lesser charger or reduced sentence.

In order to have a strong defense, it's very important to hire the right lawyer who has expertise and a proven track record in handling the crime of which you are accused. Only an expert lawyer can provide you with a reality check--a knowledgeable, objective perspective on the situation--and make you aware of what is most likely to happen, which can prove vital for the defendant in deciding whether to accept prosecutor's offered bargain.

Criminal law in United States varies from state to state. Though a basic law code is followed all across U.S., it does differ a little across the states. For example, in New Jersey, you have a right to a speedy and public trial. Also, you have a right not to be convicted unless the State can prove each and every element of the offense with which you are charged. If you have encountered a situation where you need to seek the help of a criminal lawyer in New Jersey, it would always be to your advantage to go for a local lawyer practicing there.

It is unfortunately not always easy to find a good criminal defense lawyer. To find a good lawyer, it is always advisable to go by referrals from somebody who is familiar with the law practice. You may wish to sit through some public sessions of court while criminal cases are being argued. If you find a particular lawyer's performance to be impressive, you may take note of the lawyer's name and later contact the lawyer about the possibility of representing you. Each state and some major cities have organizations of criminal defense lawyers who can offer referral services or online directories. You can also browse through the yellow pages or online directories listing defense lawyers to find a good lawyer.

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Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers

You should contact a lawyer if you've recently suffered an injury due to someone else?s negligence. Lawyers specializing in personal injury cases usually work only on a contingency basis, meaning that you only pay if you win the case. The costs of hiring a lawyer are not that high.

If you are contemplating hiring a lawyer for your case, it would be prudent to do some research on the facts of your claim. List the questions you what to ask a lawyer and what kind of services should you expect from him or her.

An experienced legal representative will be familiar with the specific facts that need to be taken into account for your specific argument. Your lawyer will guide you though the legal aspects of the case that you may not be able to comprehend. Similarly, he would provide aid when dealing with the insurance companies and health plans.

The main reason to hire a lawyer is that they are able to negotiate the case better than you could yourself. This is particularly true when you are involved in a case that involves multiple states, since the personal injury laws differ from state to state. Take into account that you should only hire a lawyer with an extensive practicing in your region. A variety of personal injury lawyers can be found but you should make certain that he or she has experience managing cases similar to your personal incident.

Finding a lawyer to argue your case who is experienced shouldn't be overwhelming. Bear in mind the specific statute of limitations set by your state and think about the fact that you need to get legal representation soon. Consider using the Internet to gather all the information you need about a lawyer.

Brain Injury Lawyers

There are thousands of specialized lawyers in the field of personal injury. Some of them take only brain injury cases and are experts at helping brain injury victims received the necessary money and support to recover from their condition. These lawyers can make the people responsible for a person?s brain injury be held accountable for their actions and can be advocates for anyone with a traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury is often the result of someone else?s negligence. Lawyers can help TBI victims hold the people responsible for their injuries accountable. There are two cases of brain injury: an open injury (that penetrates the skull) and a closed head injury (that most of the times lead to neurological problems). A large number of people involved in serious car accidents suffer head injuries. Symptoms can include memory loss, fatigue, headaches, and the inability to concentrate. People who experience such symptoms because of a car accident or any other accident where other people are involved should contact a lawyer.

There are several groups of attorneys specialized in brain injury. There are organized divisions that represent patients with severe brain injury, subtle brain injury, and other specific types of brain injury. Usually, a brain injury lawyer will offer a free of charge, complete, no obligation legal consultation.

Brain injury lawyers help TBI victims receive the monetary compensation and support they need to recover

Atlanta Lawyers

Whether it is a personal injury case involving an automobile accident, a compensation case against the company or a real estate case entailing property disputes, there is no shortage of lawyers in Atlanta who can fight your case for you. However, zeroing in on the ideal lawyer needs some consideration. This is important because you only get one chance to fight your compensation case. Compromising on a lawyer will lead to trauma that can easily be avoided.

First or all, you need to get your priorities in order. Keep in mind while searching for a lawyer that skills are what is most important and not marketing skills, flashy cars or an expensive, plush office. The saying "all that glitters is not gold" may sound clich?, but the bottom line is, it holds true when you make your choice.

Do some groundwork. Make sure that a particular lawyer has a proven track record, is well respected in the community and has a spotless reputation. The lawyer may not be the right choice if his or her expertise is in personal injury, and you are looking for a lawyer to take on your property dispute case.

Before settling on a lawyer, make sure he or she is willing to fight your case all the way. Many lawyers go for out of court settlements and are willing to argue their cases in front of a jury. This is especially true in accident cases or when compensation is involved. Ultimately, it is the insurance company that has to pay the damages. Once the insurance company realizes that the lawyer is going to back down in court, it might urge you to settle for a reduced amount of money.

Atlanta lawyers can be found through a referral service provided by Georgia State Bar Association, the county bar association and other professional law associations. Information is also available in the yellow pages or through search engines like Google and Yahoo on the Internet. You can check advertisements of law firms in magazines and newspapers. Friends and family members are also excellent sources of information.