Dog Bite Laws: What You Should Know

Americans love their pets. In fact, according to recent statistics, 85 million families in the United States have a pet. Not surprisingly, dogs are the most popular type of pet, with just over 60 million households having one. While many people think of their dog as a loyal companion, this type of animal is also known to bite and cause serious injuries.

Here are four things you should know about dog bite injuries.

1. Know How to Protect Yourself From Dog Bites

One of the first things you can do to protect yourself is understand why dogs bite. Some of these reasons include:

• The dog is feeling stressed.
• The dog is defending itself or its territory.
• The dog is protecting toys, food, or other valuables.
• The dog is scared or startled.
• The dog is sick or sore and wants to be left alone.

There are also certain breeds that are more prone to biting people. The breeds that are considered some of the most dangerous include pit bulls, Rottweilers, German shepherds, American bulldogs, and huskies. In order to protect yourself against dog bites, you should always be extra vigilant when encountering any of these breeds.

You should teach your children to be cautious as well. You should also remember that despite the fact that some breeds are more prone to biting than other breeds, any dog, even the cuddliest and most even-tempered breed, may bite when threatened.

2. Know the Types of Injuries Dog Bites Cause

Unfortunately, even when doing all you can to protect yourself, you might still get bitten by a dog. Because of their sharp teeth, a dog bite can easily cause puncture wounds and injuries to the eyes, face, head, and neck. Dog bites can also cause extreme amounts of blood loss, serious infections, ugly scars, and permanent nerve damage.

These types of injuries are usually serious enough to warrant a visit to the emergency room. In some cases, dog bite injuries even cause the victim to become hospitalized. Unfortunately, hospitalizations due to dog bite injuries are becoming increasingly common in Arizona.

According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, during a four-year period, the number of inpatient hospitalizations from dog bites increased 139 percent. In those four years, 2,358 people were hospitalized for at least one night after getting bitten by a dog, and more than 34,000 people were treated in the emergency room.

3. Know What to Do After a Dog Bites You

If you get bitten by a dog that does not belong to you, the first thing you should do is get medical attention right away. Also take pictures of your wounds, which will help if you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit against the owner of the dog. You will need to get the dog owner’s contact information as well.

If other people witnessed the incident, you should also get their contact information. In order to prevent the dog from injuring others, you will need to file a report with animal control.

As you recover from your injuries, assess your mental health status, as some dog bites can cause emotional trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you have experienced either of these, you may want to see a mental health counselor.

4. Know the Legal Ramifications of a Dog Bite

Not all dog bites result in a personal injury case. However, if you can prove that the dog’s owner acted irresponsibly, you should file a personal injury case. For instance, if the dog owner did not have their dog on a leash, and then it attacked you when you walked by, the owner should be held responsible.

You will also need to prove that you did not provoke the dog in any way and that you were legally allowed to be in the place where the dog bit you. If you can prove that the owner should be responsible, the dog’s owner will have to compensate you for the following:

• Medical costs, including doctor and hospital bills, medications, physical therapy, counseling, and any other type of necessary treatment
• Pain and suffering associated with the dog bite or dog attack
• Loss of wages due to treatment and recovery from injuries

In some states, dogs are allowed one free bite before legal action is taken against the owner. This is not the case in Arizona, as the state does not have a one-bite law.

Liability Issues

Dog bite cases can be rather complicated and the relevant laws tend to vary from state to state. Luckily, when it comes to determining who is responsible for your dog bite injury, Washington is a “strict liability” state. This means that as long as you or the person injured in the dog attack did not provoke the animal, nor were you trespassing on someone else’s property, then the dog owner is liable for any damages caused by the dog’s bites. All you need to determine this liability is proof that the dog bite did indeed cause you injuries. A dog bite attorney with the Advocates is experienced in collecting the evidence needed to determine who is at-fault for your dog bite injury.

Homeowners Insurance Policies

The last thing dog bite victims want to do after being injured in a dog attack is to read a dense and confusing insurance policy. Since most dog bites occur in the home of a neighbor, a friend, or even a family member, many dog bite victims are hesitant about pursuing a dog bite injury claim. We get it. Nobody wants to sue a friend.

What most people don’t know is that in the state of Washington, the dog bite owner’s home insurance policy is what will compensate you for your injuries and losses. Thankfully, homeowners insurance generally covers any dog bite by the policy holder’s dog. Getting an insurance company to cover these types of claims usually isn’t the problem. What is a problem is figuring out if a dog’s owner has some sort of homeowners/renter’s liability policy in the first place. This is why hiring a dog bite lawyer is instrumental in getting you the settlement you deserve.

Workers Compensation

It is certainly unfair that dog bite victims are forced to miss work due to a serious dog bite injury. In Washington State, you may be entitled to compensation for any lost wages and damages suffered from the dog attack. The dog bite attorneys at the Advocates are skilled in helping victims recover the compensation they are rightfully owed for their injuries and losses. Our dog bite lawyers are experts in Washington State laws regarding unprovoked dog attacks. We have handled and fought for thousands of dog bite victims all throughout the state.

Retrieving workers compensation for an unwarranted dog attack can feel like a huge hassle. No one should have to go through the aftermath of a dog bite on their own. Our dog bite attorneys will help you every step of the way.

Breed-Specific Legislation for Dog Attacks and Its Effect on Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury cases based on the breed of a dog can have serious effects through differentiation of the breed and any laws that exist that govern this dog and any injury through attack or bite either provoked or not. Knowing what these laws are, the victim can either increase the strength of the claim or, depending on the circumstances, lessen the strength of the defense.

Getting Rid of the Dog Entirely

There are some states that pass legislation that require the owners of certain breeds to get rid of the dog no matter if the animal is a service dog, comfort animal or part of the family. With these laws in place, the dog can face removal by force and destruction. These laws pass because of past grievous wounds and deaths by the breed and will require other changes to both criminal and civil processes. Breed specific laws can change what the owner can do, what happens in litigation and what outcome is possible based on the circumstances of an incident.

Personal Injury Cases and Dog Breeds

When there is a breed-specific law in place that affects the outcome of a case, it usually benefits the plaintiff when he or she suffered injury because of the dog. The laws increase the strength of the claim because the owner either irresponsibly, unreasonably or unlawfully bred or acquired the dog in violation of the state breed-specific laws that prevent these actions. If the state has strict liability as well as these other laws, the defendant may have little recourse to paying damages when the victim can use the laws against him or her.

The Incident and Injury

If there is a breed-specific law in place in the state where the individual suffered the injury, he or she can use the legislation against the owner of the dog. The injury usually is more severe based on the type of dog, the propensity for damage and how aggressive the animal is generally. The incident may also involve other factors that can increase the strength of the claim such as when the owner of the dog breeds a dangerous animal against city regulations. With all the relevant facts known and in place within the claim, the plaintiff may have a greater chance of success against the defendant.

Complete Bans on the Breed

There are some states that ban the ownership and breeding completely of certain breeds of dog. The state may even warn an owner that having that breed will lead to immediate seizure and destruction if the individual does not comply with the state ban. Other states always have breed-specific limitations for ownership or conditions such as keeping the animal on a leash when outside or not letting the dog out of the house without proper supervision. Other laws could establish a presumption that the breed is dangerous or can inflict greater harm or injury.

The Personal Injury Case with the Breed-Specific Laws

The effect on the personal injury claim when the owner of the breed banned in the state or that has very strict control or conditions of ownership usually extend to multiple aspects of the case. The bite or attack must have medical documentation that the dog caused the injury along with corroboration from a medical professional to that effect. If the state has a strict ban or provides the city with the ability to ban ownership or breeding of certain breeds of dogs, the person that owns the animal involved in the attack could face multiple penalties.

Documenting a Dog Bite

In addition to the first steps outlined above, documentation is also a key component of what to do after a dog bite. First, document any injuries associate with the bite, including visible injuries and the effects of those injuries, such as pain, decreased mobility, and inability to perform certain functions. This documentation can be in the form of photos, journal entries, medical records, and other written records. Additionally, soon after the incident, write down the events and circumstances surrounding the bite with as much detail as you can remember.

Since you may be dealing with an insurance company or a lawsuit, it’s a good idea to document any correspondence you have with others, including witnesses, other parties, and the insurance company itself. In addition, keep records of expenses you incur as a result of the dog bite, such as medical bills, lost wages, and travel costs. The more documentation you have regarding the incident, the easier it will be to assess the amount of compensation you deserve for your injuries.

What is the One Free Bite Rule?

Under traditional Common Law, the liability of a landowner for an animal attack arose out of premises liability. If a landowner was aware of a dangerous condition on his property—including a dog—he had a duty to protect and/or warn certain persons of the danger. This is called the “One Free Bite Rule” or “One Bite Rule” for short. Until a dog displays hostile behavior toward a person, the owner was basically relieved of responsibility if he attacked someone unprovoked. Once the dog had attacked someone, the owner became charged with the knowledge, and a duty to protect or warn arose.

This law is still in effect. Because the burden of proving knowledge can be very difficult, this is the hardest way to make a case against an irresponsible pet owner.  In order to prove a case, you must generally find evidence of prior attacks or aggressive behavior.  Contacting the local animal control department is one resource we use to research prior attacks and bites by a pet.  Often people who live in the neighborhood will have knowledge of other times the dog has escaped and attacked people or displayed aggression.

Witness interviews can be critical early on before the events fade or persons with knowledge move away.  It is important that you have a Houston dog bite attorney with the resources and knowledge to do the proper investigation.

FAMILY LAW ATTORNEYS

CHILD SUPPORT

The mandatory formula considers the income of the parent who will be paying along with the support provided by the other parent. Some of the expenses considered include how many minor children are involved in the case, the income of each parent, any alimony being paid along with the payment of support for any other children.

CHILD CUSTODY & VISITATION

Other types of custody which exist here include primary physical custody and other forms of visitation as determined for individual cases. Law will explain your custody arrangements to you and how they could impact your family.

PARENTING TIME

Parenting time schedules are set up by the court and are designed to find a balance for your child to have a relationship with both parents. The court will typically go along with an arrangement parents reach outside of court. However, if an agreement cannot be reached a judge will determine how parenting time is allocated.

PROPERTY DIVISION

you are allowed to keep assets you acquired prior to your marriage even if your spouse is trying to claim rights to it. Additionally, property inherited by one spouse, even during the course of the marriage, is considered personal property. In contrast, the property acquired during a marriage is equitably divided under state law.

INVESTMENT/RETIREMENT FUNDS DIVISION

attorneys are also ready to help in the division of your monetary investments. The types of investments and retirement funds considered by the court include, but are not limited to the following items:

Retirement accounts including 403(b)s 401(k)s

Pensions

Stocks, bonds and investment accounts

IRAs including traditional accounts and Roth IRAs

Things People Do Wrong In Child Custody Matters

Child custody can be one of the emotionally hardest things that a person can go through.  Fighting over child custody or access to a child sometimes has the ability to change what would normally be genuinely caring parents into to strangers who will do anything to win the battle.  In essence, I like to call it ‘seeing good people at their worst’.  The problem is that children are not pieces of furniture to be won.  Moreover approaching a child custody matter without your focus being solely on the best interests of the child can have disastrous consequences for the outcome of your matter.

Bad Mouthing the Other Parent to the Child

This is one trait that I see regularly, especially when people are deeply entrenched in legal custody proceedings for a long period of time.  It can be as simple as a slip of the tongue to a friend in the presence of the child about how the other parent is a bad parent right through to comments made directly to the children telling how the other parent doesn’t love the child and ‘abandoned’ the child or similar statements.

Doing or Saying things to make the Child feel sorry for you

This issue has similar consequences to those discussed in number 1 above.  This issue is referred to by the family court as attempting to align a child’s views to those of a parent or parental alienation.  When I have seen this behaviour arise it comes about for one of 2 reasons: 1. A parent doesn’t even realise that they are doing it or the consequences for the child, or 2. The parent wants the child to specifically know how bad the other parent as a justification for the parent’s behaviour.

Not trying to speak to the other parent

So you have separated from the other parent, and frankly he or she is the last person you ever want to speak to again.  Maybe they cheated on you, maybe they spent the last of your life savings without your knowledge, maybe they work too much.  The reasons people separate are as wide and varied as the stars in universe.  Any it is possible that you have a million reasons to justify why you won’t talk to him or her.  Fair enough.  But you chose to have children together and that means that regardless of the million reasons to not speak, you have but one reason that means you have to speak to the other parent: Your children.  This reason trumps all other reasons to not speak and so it should.

Prevent the Other Parent from having Access to the Child

To not allow the other parent access to a child (whether Court Orders exist or not) is one of the most common and yet worst things any person could do in a Custody dispute.  Now in saying this, there will be times when Preventing access to a child is not only in the child’s best interest but is in fact essential to protect children from being physically or emotionally harmed.

Lawyer

A lawyer or attorney is a person who practices law, as an advocate, attorney at law, barrister, barrister-at-law, bar-at-law, canonist, canon lawyer, civil law notary, counsel, counselor, counsellor, solicitor, legal executive, or public servant preparing, interpreting and applying law, but not as a paralegal or charter executive secretary

Working as a lawyer involves the practical application of abstract legal theories and knowledge to solve specific individualized problems, or to advance the interests of those who hire lawyers to perform legal services. The role of the lawyer varies greatly across different legal jurisdictions

In practice, legal jurisdictions exercise their right to determine who is recognized as being a lawyer. As a result, the meaning of the term “lawyer” may vary from place to place. Some jurisdictions have two types of lawyers, barrister and solicitors, whilst others fuse the two. A barrister is a lawyer who specializes in higher court appearances. A solicitor is a lawyer who is trained to prepare cases and give advice on legal subjects and can represent people in lower courts. Both barristers and solicitors have gone through law school, completed the requisite practical training. However, in jurisdictions where there is a split-profession, only barristers are admitted as members of their respective bar association.

In most countries, particularly civil law countries, there has been a tradition of giving many legal tasks to a variety of civil law notaries, clerks, and scriveners. These countries do not have “lawyers” in the American sense, insofar as that term refers to a single type of general-purpose legal services provider; rather, their legal professions consist of a large number of different kinds of law-trained persons, known as jurists, some of whom are advocates who are licensed to practice in the courts. It is difficult to formulate accurate generalizations that cover all the countries with multiple legal professions, because each country has traditionally had its own peculiar method of dividing up legal work among all its different types of legal professionals

Often, lawyers brief a court in writing on the issues in a case before the issues can be orally argued. They may have to perform extensive research into relevant facts. Also, they are drafting legal papers and preparing for an oral argument.

Family Law

Why Family Law Clients Feel at Home

strive to guide clients through the process as smoothly as possible. educate our clients, both individuals and family offices, about their options, learn their objectives, and work to resolve the legal issues with our client’s goals in mind.

Adoptions

Adoption is a golden opportunity for all parties. A child is placed with a family who needs him, and parents who are not quite ready for the experience of raising him can give another couple their chance. However, while an adoption can be a joyous event, there are many legal issues that can stop the proceeding in its tracks. Working with an experienced adoption attorney is important in any type of adoption. The laws governing the adoption process are complex. There are specific requirements and limitations on what attorneys and prospective adoptive parents can do. This is especially true in interstate adoptions because there are at least two states involved and the laws may differ and even conflict. If the wrong legal documents are used, or if state or federal statutes are violated, the adoption could be challenged at a later date or a court may refuse to finalize the adoption.

Asset Protection

Asset protection is nothing other than the use of legal instruments for the preservation and accumulation of wealth. In essence, asset protection planning revolves around the minimization of risk and careful analysis of all client exposure. When implemented by a qualified, competent attorney, asset protection is a powerful legal tool that can protect clients from future unforeseen risks

Child Support

attorneys are considered experts in negotiating child support payments in high-income cases. When the parties are unable to resolve child support issues, can explore alternative ways of reaching a settlement such as mediation and arbitration, and collaborative law. attorneys are experienced with collection of past due support, defense of county Child Support Enforcement actions, and other arrearage issues.

Collaborative Law

Collaborative law is a relatively new way to resolve divorce issues such as asset division, child custody and support, and maintenance out of court. Like mediation, the outcome of the collaborative law process is not binding on either party unless and until a final agreement is signed. The entire process is confidential information exchanged in collaborative law is not public record or admissible in court. This may be appealing to public figures or persons of high net worth.

DIVORCE AND FAMILY LAW ATTORNEYS

WHAT DOES GETTING A DIVORCE REALLY MEAN?

“A Divorce is the legal process required to end a marriage or domestic partnership. It is an actual lawsuit. Unlike other types of legal actions, however, no one needs to have done anything wrong in order to file.

All a spouse has to allege is that the couple cannot get along. Legally, this is called “irreconcilable differences.” There is no requirement that these differences be proven. Any spouse can decide to file a divorce even if the other spouse does not want to get one. The only thing the family court is interested in is helping spouses reach a fair agreement concerning all of the issues in their case. These issues can include child custody, child visitation, child support, spousal support, restraining orders, the division of property, and attorney’s fees. For a thorough explanation of each of these divorce law issues, please review our respective sections on each of these topics.”

The family court encourages parties to resolve their cases by agreement and gives those cases priority on its calendar. Couples who can amicably resolve their cases do not even have to appear in court to get a Divorce. The court will allow them to agree to almost anything as long as the legal formalities are met. These include the preparation and service of preliminary and final disclosure, joinder of all retirement plans to the case, the filing of all required forms, and notarization of required signatures, to name a few. Reaching an agreement is also the best way to reduce attorneys fees and stress on the family. Unfortunately, the emotions in divorce often make it very difficult for spouses to reach agreements. Divorce is a complex area of law and can take an extended period of time to resolve if the parties are either unable or unwilling to reach agreements. In such cases, the court will be the one to make the final decision. When this occurs, the parties will be forced to pay a substantial amount of attorney’s fees and costs to have a trial. In addition, a judge will not necessarily decide the case the way either party wants and may just pick a solution neither party likes or could have anticipated.

have very limited resources and the completion of a marital action can take a very significant amount of time and money. Alternatives to litigation include private judging, mediation, and collaborative law. These non-litigation alternatives can result in a substantial cost and time savings and should always be considered. After the divorce is completed, the parties will be single again and can each remarry should they choose to do so. However, they will still be required to abide by any obligations imposed upon them by the Family Court, e.g., pay support. Failure to comply with orders made by the Court will trigger a plethora of legal enforcement remedies available to the aggrieved party, including, but not limited to, contempt proceedings, wage assignment, and seizures of property.

How to Choose a Divorce Lawyer in Annandale

Starting the divorce process is an intimidating step, and it starts with finding a good lawyer. But how do you know what makes a good divorce attorney?

How to Look for a Divorce Attorney

First, you need to figure out what your divorce might entail. If you have no children and are mutually separating, you will likely choose divorce mediation or collaborative divorce. If you have children and/or significant assets, litigation may be the better choice. While you don’t need to definitively know which type of divorce to choose, having a sense of what divisions you need to make and how much conflict you anticipate will help your future lawyer determine the best course of action

Once you have this information, you can begin searching for a divorce lawyer in Annandale. We suggest starting with word of mouth: if you know any family or friends who have recently gone through divorce, ask them about their experience with their attorney. Ask what they liked or disliked about how their lawyer handled their case. If the circumstances of their divorce are relatively similar to yours and they had a positive experience with their lawyer, that lawyer may also be a good fit for you

What to Look for in a Annandale Lawyer

With all the legal language and the unfamiliarity surrounding the process of divorce, it can be difficult to know what exactly to look for in a family law attorney. Start by asking the lawyer about their typical client and their personal process in divorce proceedings. After your consultation, you can look up their trial record to see their success rate. Even if you are not planning to go to court, this record will indicate their overall success in negotiation.

You should monitor what details each lawyer mentions to you. Many are just trying to buy your business, so they will tell you whatever it takes to close the deal. If they divulge personal details from cases they’ve handled, or seem distracted or impatient during your consultation, your case is probably better handled elsewhere. Unprofessional and distracted are not traits you want in your divorce attorney.

Divorce and Family Law News: So Many Choices!

How to select the “right” attorney is a question I often receive. There are so many divorce attorneys in Iowa that finding the “right” attorney seems impossible. This perception is exacerbated by the number of attorneys who do not primarily practice as divorce lawyers.

Friends and Family: Friends and family have the best interests in mind for the person needing a recommendation. They often have experience dealing with divorce attorneys or have heard about divorce attorneys from within their own social circles. (This is the way I receive 95% of my own clients.)

What to Ask: Meet with several divorce attorneys. Spend your time evaluating them with questions like these. Ask each how they approach divorce cases, how they envision your case going, and most importantly, how much their overall practice is dedicated to divorce law.

Final Decision: Only work with an attorney you believe has a thorough understanding of divorce law, the ability to see your case through to the end, the time available to handle your case, and a good personality. If you feel uncomfortable by the way an attorney answers your questions or you feel pressured to sign an agreement for legal services, you can walk away.

Getting a divorce

Getting advice about divorce

Getting divorced or dissolving a civil partnership* can be an emotional, worrying and difficult time. At such a time you need someone on your side who will be there for you. A family law solicitor will support you through the divorce process – and will give you advice that you can trust about the things that matter most – your children, your home and your financial security

Your solicitor will listen to you and discuss your options with you. They will let you know where you stand, tell you what your rights are and help you to understand what your ex-partner’s rights are as well. They will try to make the divorce as simple and as stress-free as possible

While a solicitor can help you throughout the divorce process and can help you with related matters such as a property sale or purchase or with writing a new will, you do not have to use a solicitor for every stage of the process if you do not want or cannot afford to. If you take a solicitor’s advice early, they can help you decide how much support you need, and at what stage in the process.

Reasons for divorce

You will be given a divorce only if you can show that your marriage or civil partnership has suffered an ‘irretrievable breakdown

Children and divorce

Where children are involved the law puts the welfare of the children before anything else. Your solicitor will help you wherever possible to reach agreement with your ex-partner for your children’s sake. This might be about where the children live, how much contact they have with you both,how they will be provided for, and how decisions will be taken in future about things such as holidays and schools.

Tips for Choosing a Divorce Lawyer

Dealing with divorce is challenging, both emotionally and logistically. It’s important to choose a lawyer who has your best interest in mind and who can provide you with expert legal advice at a price that works for you.

Look for a Mix of Services

Divorce lawyers should have a range of services. When you compare practices, make sure that they specialize in contested/uncontested divorces, irreconcilable adultery, etc.

Decide on the Divorce Process You Want to Use

Before you can get started with your divorce

Choose the Right Type of Legal Service

The type of legal service that you need depends on your marriage situation.

Know your Budget

Attorneys can be expensive if you don’t do extensive research before making your decision. While you should be selective about the attorney that you choose, you also need to manage your expectations and choose a lawyer that you can afford.

Find a Divorce Lawyer

How to Choose a Divorce Lawyer

A divorce can be an extremely difficult time for you. Although you may not want the added stress of choosing the right divorce lawyer, in the end this could be the most important decision you make regarding your divorce

You need a lawyer with experience. An experienced divorce lawyer will not only be able to handle the intricacies of the divorce proceedings, but will also be able to explain to you the repercussions of everything that is going on around you. An experienced divorce attorney understands that this is a difficult time for you and will pressure you into anything you do not feel comfortable with.

The Divorce Lawyer Directory is here to help you make the difficult decision of choosing a divorce lawyer. We have selected our divorce lawyers based on their experience, reputation, and knowledge. All that is left for you to do is choose a divorce attorney in your area.

If you are considering a divorce and would like to consult with an experienced divorce lawyer, click on the link to your state to contact an experienced divorce attorney from in your area. We work with experienced divorce attorneys across the nation who handle both contested and uncontested divorces, as well as alimony, custody, issues, child support, and more

HOW TO FIND A GOOD DUI LAWYER

Statistics from MADD show more than 1.1 million vehicle drivers were apprehended by law enforcement for driving when under the influence of narcotics or drugs in 2014. More than seventy-five percent of the people arrested were male as opposed to female. Wondering how to find a good DUI lawyer? Keep reading to find out

Driving when intoxicated poses a great risk not only to yourself but also to others. When you have been caught by law enforcement, you will need a lawyer. While it’s true you could utilize the services of a court appointed lawyer – it is highly likely you will be much better off by deciding to hire the services of an attorney of your own

Searching For A Lawyer

A competent DUI lawyer will listen to you, have an understanding of your case and then assist you in court is not always easy to find. It may be a wise to ask friends who you trust as well as family members to see if they have any recommendations or suggestions. Next, assemble a list (perhaps a spreadsheet can be used) include the name of the attorney, their area of practice, contact details and their address. If you have spoken to them, write down the cost of their services in another column. Furthermore, check the background of any lawyers you are considering. The State Bar website will have useful information on any malpractice in their history. Also ensure they are licensed to practice law in the area you live.

A good DUI lawyer will cost about $350 per hour but prices can range between $200 and $500 per hour or more. The average total costs for a DUI Lawyer is about $6,500 with prices varying from $5,000 to $8,000 in the USA for 2019-2020 according to Thervo. Learn more about DUI Lawyer Costs.

TIPS ON HOW TO FIND AND HIRE A GOOD CONNECTICUT DUI LAWYER

No matter what the circumstances are, being charged with a DUI can be devastating. Most likely, a million thoughts are frantically running through your mind. You’re probably wondering, “How did this happen? Will I have to go to jail? How am I going to defend myself in court?” Your natural inclination is to panic, however, there are ways to defend yourself. There is no guarantee that your case will be resolved in your favor. But, the best thing that you can do to protect yourself from a guilty verdict is to hire a good lawyer

Finding a DUI Lawyer

Think about it. If you have been getting bad headaches, you’re going to make an appointment with a neurologist, not an oncologist. You need a doctor that specializes in head and brain care in order to get the best treatment. An oncologist or some other type of doctor probably has some general knowledge concerning head problems. But, if you want the best treatment, you see a doctor that works with brain functioning and the nervous system

It’s the same with lawyers. It’s true that lawyers can work on many different kinds of cases. However, most lawyers work with a few types of law. If you have been charged with a DUI, you don’t want to retain a lawyer that deals mostly with divorce cases. This lawyer can do the research necessary to be able to represent you in court. But, they aren’t going to be experienced in DUI cases. Some other type of lawyer might do a good job, but when the stakes are this high, “might” isn’t good enough.

Finding the Right Lawyer

It’s not enough to just hire a DUI lawyer and be done with it. Not all DUI lawyers are the same. Some are incredible, but some are mediocre. Some are affordable, while others are expensive. Fortunately, there is one way that you can sort through the good, the bad, and the ugly at no cost to you. Free initial consultations are offered by most DUI lawyers in Connecticut. Consultations can help you get a feel for a lawyer before you hire them.

Meeting with a Lawyer

Lawyers understand that trusting someone to represent you in court is a big decision. For this reason, many lawyers offer a free consultation in which you can meet with a lawyer in order to discuss your case before retaining them. At this time, you can explain the situation that you are in to the lawyer and ask any questions that you have. A good lawyer will be interested in your case and start planning out a strategy for your case during this initial consultation.

HOW DO I FIND THE BEST DUI DEFENSE LAWYERS? QUESTIONS TO ASK DUI ATTORNEYS

SPEAKING FROM EXPERIENCE

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

ATTORNEY REFERRALS

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

NATIONAL COLLEGE FOR DUI DEFENSE

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

ATTORNEYS COMMITTED TO DUI DEFENSE -VS- DABBLERS

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

TRUST IS PARAMOUNT

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

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT DUI ATTORNEY?

When you are facing a DUI charge you have a lot on the line. Your reputation, criminal record, driver’s license, even your freedom are all at stake. You need an attorney that has experience and specialized training on your side. DUI law is an ever changing area of the law with continually evolving case law, complex scientific testing devices and voluminous data and law enforcement training manuals available. In short, there is a lot of information to know and apply when it comes to properly defending a DUI charge

National College of DUI Defense:

College Members represent the most experienced DUI Defense attorneys in the county. The National College of DUI Defense is an invite only non-profit organization aimed at improving the criminal defense bar and to educating the public about DUI defense law as a specialty area of law practice

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Certification:

DUI defense lawyers that have participated in this training are certified to administer and interpret the standard filed sobriety tests to NHTSA standards. Less than 1% of practicing attorneys have received this specialized training. The NHTSA program is the exact same program that law enforcement officers take. The certification takes 21 classroom hours to obtain and encompasses in depth training on the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test, Walk and Turn Test and the One Leg Stand Test

Science of Breath Testing Course Certificate:

DUI defense attorneys that have participated in this course have spent time working with the equipment law enforcement uses to administer breath tests on drivers suspected of DUI. If your lawyer has participated in this training then they have an advanced knowledge of how breath test machines work, what faults the machines have, what maintenance the machines require and what protocols an officer must follow to correctly administer the test.

American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys:

Members of the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys have received advanced level training on the strategies that win the most DUI cases at trial and are also used to get DUI cases successfully resolved for the defense prior to trial. Members of the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys also have access to the resources and tools that are used to win and successfully resolve DUI cases. The resources and tools AAPDA members have, only a very small percentage of DUI attorneys have access to and use including law enforcement manuals, testing protocols and validation studies

HOW TO HIRE A REPUTABLE DWI LAWYER

A drunk driving charge can have a devastating impact on your future. Aside from the high cost of legal fees and court fines, the charge will always remain on your record and may lead to difficulties in your professional life.

Experience with DWI

Many people have a misconception that any criminal defense attorney will be able to handle their DWI case. While drunk driving is under the umbrella of criminal law, not every criminal attorney handles that type of charge

Go Local

Don’t go for a big national firm for your DWI case. They’re expensive and likely won’t know the area too well. In fact, you may want to start your search will well-established lawyers near where you live.

Look at Online Reviews

Online reviews play a pivotal role when deciding on products and services. Lawyers are no different. When trying to find representation, look at the online reviews of anyone you’re considering. You’ll get more insight into their professional demeanor and track record.

Get a Personal or Professional Referral

Personal referrals provide a unique and effective way to find the perfect DWI lawyer. It has a few advantages, one being that it’s free. You also get a first-hand account of an attorney’s performance and a glimpse into how they conduct business. When it comes to personal referrals, it helps to use discretion. Only ask someone you trust, or someone you know has gone through a similar ordeal

How an Immigration Lawyer Can Help

Immigration lawyers represent people who are not born in the United States but are trying to maintain a permanent residence in the country. Immigration law is quite complex and if you are trying to become a U.S. permanent resident or a U.S. citizen, it’s a good idea to consult or hire an attorney.  It’s especially important to consult with an attorney if you are facing arrest or deportment because of an immigration issue.

An immigration attorney can help to:

• Prepare immigration paperwork for an immigrant who speaks English as a second language.
• Represent an immigrant in court, speak on his or her behalf, and help file the necessary paperwork to avoid detention.
• Defend an immigrant against arrest and detainment as well as help prevent that person from being deported.
• Defend an immigrant who is incarcerated by Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Tips to Choosing an Immigration Lawyer

The best way to kick off the immigration process for you and your loved ones is to have exploratory consultations with a number of immigration attorneys. But what guidelines should you keep in mind as you go through the process of interviewing immigration attorneys?

Here check out these seven pointers to take into account as you evaluate which attorney is the best one to help you reach your goal of immigrating to the United States:

Don’t Look for a Bargain

Don’t just blindly choose an immigration lawyer. There are a lot of terrible and mediocre immigration attorneys out there.  Some may be juggling too many cases at once, making it tough for them to dedicate quality time to your case. Others don’t have enough experience in specific areas of immigration law. Still others are only looking to make as much money as possible from their current portfolio of clients.

Get a Trusted Referral

Tap into your network of friends and acquaintances to find other individuals who have dealt with immigration attorneys in order to acquire a green card residency visa. Word-of-mouth referrals are the best to consider as you can learn firsthand about the kind of experience the visa recipient had when working with the immigration attorney.

Negotiate Fees

Immigration law firms typically charge by the hour. However, some law firms charge fixed fees for the standard preparing and filing of your case. Opt always to pay a fixed fee for a law firm’s services or else require that they give you an estimation of how much time it will take to file your case so that you know how much their services will cost you in terms of time and money..

Hire a Lawyer Who Speaks Your Language

Pick a lawyer who speaks your language fluently. This greatly streamlines the process and ensures that you and your lawyer are always on the same page in terms of understood legal nuances. The lawyer would also be able to make sure that the certified translations of your documents from your native tongue to English are accurate.

Build a Relationship with your Attorney

Your visa is the first step to being able to legally live in the United States. It is also the first, but, more likely, not the last time you’re dealing with USCIS office.

How to Find an Excellent Immigration Lawyer

Choose carefully before hiring an immigration attorney.

However, a bad immigration lawyer can overcharge you, fail to provide the promised services, and/or damage your case in a way you might never recover from. Whether you are seeking to file a petition for a visa or green card, trying to avoid deportation, or applying for some other immigration benefit, make sure you get the right sort of lawyer on your side. Here are some tips to avoid the shadier types of practitioners.

Avoid Lawyers Who Approach You at USCIS or Other Immigration Offices

A few “high-volume, low value” immigration attorneys prowl the hallways of immigration offices attempting to solicit business. This is not considered ethical behavior by the legal bar. Besides, any good immigration attorney is probably going to be too busy practicing immigration law and working for their clients to spend their time rounding up new clients this way.

Make Sure You’re Dealing With a Real Lawyer, Not a “Visa Consultant,” “Notario,” or “Petition Preparer”

Would you ask a neighbor to replace your heart valve, or your doctor to fill out your tax forms? Hopefully not. For the same reasons, only an actual, practicing lawyer should be trusted to handle your immigration matters. Unfortunately, many non-lawyers; even some well-meaning ones, who don’t recognize how complex this area of law really is; claim to be capable of assisting foreigners who need help with the immigration process. In many cases, they offer little value other than a typing service. In the worst cases, they might literally take your money and run, or fill out your forms in wrong and dangerous ways without telling you the meaning of what they’re doing.

Run From Lawyers Who Give Unethical Advice or Make Illegal Offers

Be careful of any immigration attorney who suggests that you do something fishy: perhaps lie on an application or to a USCIS officer, give the attorney extra money with which to bribe an immigration authority, or buy a fake green card from him or her. Such cases have actually occurred. The sad thing is that if you are caught going along with such a scheme, you are likely to get into much more trouble than the attorney. Saying, “But he told me that buying this green card stamp was the fastest way to work in the U.S.!” is likely to get you nowhere, and will create a permanent stain on your immigration record, potentially making you ineligible for any future visas or green cards (inadmissible).

Questions To Ask Before You Hire an Immigration Attorney

Given the current administration’s tightening and unrelenting enforcement of an already wildly complicated immigration system, it is essential to have excellent legal help on your side to successfully navigate the process toward finding immigration relief, permanent residence, and ultimately citizenship in the United States.  The question becomes, HOW do you find a great immigration lawyer to resolve my immigration problem?  Here a questions to ask to help you locate the best immigration lawyer for you.

• Is the Attorney a Member of AILA? Perhaps the most important thing you need to be aware of when looking for a qualified, competent, and experienced immigration attorney is how long that attorney has been practicing immigration law.
• Where is the Attorney Licensed? You also need to be sure that your attorney is actually licensed in the state of the attorney’s principal office.
• Is the Lawyer a “Jack of All Trades?” Be very careful of the lawyer who practices in multiple areas of law, in addition immigration.  It is very difficult to be an expert or specialist in a dozen different things.  “Jack of all trades, master of none” is what you want to avoid in someone representing you in the ever changing area of immigration law.  Immigration law is so much more than filling out forms and mailing them in.  Especially under this administration which threatens deportation proceedings with any rejected application.

Does the lawyer specialize in visa and family immigration law?

Many law firms include immigration law as only one part of a broader portfolio of specialties. If immigration law is not the primary focus, changing laws and accelerated enforcement may catch your attorney off guard. Knowledge and experience are the best defense, and a dedicated visa immigration lawyer understands how each situation should be managed.

How long has the lawyer practiced immigration law? The adage that there is no substitute for experience is as true in immigration law as in anywhere. Knowing how immigration courts operate, understanding law enforcement, or even having gained the respect of the officials involved can put your case in a more favorable light.

What would be the best strategy for my case? Once you have described your circumstances and shared your objectives, the visa immigration lawyer should propose a plan of action. The plan should include a timeline and defined deliverables.

What are my chances of success? An experienced visa immigration lawyer should have an idea about whether they can help. They should be realistic and honest about solving the problem. Integrity is important since some attorneys accept cases and fees even when they believe there is no chance for success.

Tips for Hiring a DUI Lawyer

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Hiring a lawyer usually becomes necessary at low points in life. It can feel like the world is against you and making choices becomes difficult. Like in most things in life, the more you know, the better off you will be.

Make the Decision at Home

Which brings us to the final tip. Don’t make a final decision about which lawyer to go within the moment. Take a moment to think it over at home and come to a final decision.

This avoids feeling like you are being sold by a lawyer. This also shows a level of professionalism from the DUI lawyer. Anybody that needs an immediate response may be too much in a rush, and not thinking enough about your needs.

Comfort and Confidence

This question brings in that human touch the strongest. A DUI lawyer may be less confident in their ability to win the case but match your personality. They may be enthusiastic about your chances but rub you the wrong way.

How you appear in court can make a difference in the end result, so you want to hit a solid note on both of these. The result effects you the most, so make sure you feel right before committing to a lawyer.

Assessment of Case

Lay out the details of your case. Work honestly and bring all the paperwork you have access to. The lawyer can’t make a good recommendation on your chances if you are not honest.

This also gives you a good idea of how the lawyer views you and the case. A lawyer that seems disinterested in the details may be a bad fit for you.

Legal Fees

The most important question keeps more to the numbers than the personal interests. The best fit for you, unfortunately, starts with the fit that you can afford. While hiring a DUI lawyer will be cheaper than the expense of a conviction, you will still want to work within a budget to prevent further problems for you and your family.

TIPS TO CHOOSE A DUI ATTORNEY

Look for an aggressive attorney who will fight your case. While it is not a guarantee that you can win your case, hiring a professional DUI attorney allows you to maximize your chances of getting the best possible result. Your attorney should be ready to file pretrial motions to prepare for a jury trial, to seek a dismissal or to put you in a better negotiating position.

Look for a DUI lawyer who is also experienced in DMV defense. Most DUI arrest will result in a driver’s license being confiscated by the arresting officer and issuance of a DMV form, titled, DS 367. Based on this form, the DMV can hold a hearing that can result in a driver’s license suspension.

How involved is your attorney in your case: There are attorney who will be hired by a client and never look at the file, preferring instead to delegate the case to another attorney. We take personal interest in each case and fight each case with zelous advocacy.

The number of DUI cases and trials attorney handled. Experience does matter and an attorney who handled numerous DUI trials and DUI cases will be better positioned to fight your case and get better deals or results at motions and trials.

The cost of the attorney: In selecting the attorney you can overpay an attorney and underpay. You can pay too much for services and you can also pay an attorney too little to get any qualify efforts from her or him. By keeping our overhead low, we are able to provide quality representation at affordable price.

Tips For Choosing The Right DUI Lawyer

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

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

Contact local and state Bar associations. Bar associations frequently offer lawyer referral services that can be searched using a variety of helpful criteria such as the lawyer’s practice areas, geographic location, even languages spoken. For residents of Omaha or he surrounding area, the Omaha Bar Association is a good place to start. The Nebraska Bar Association’s “Find a Lawyer” program is another good resource.

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

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

Tips For Hiring The Best DUI Lawyer

Make Your Decision When You Have Time To Think About It

Much like a hiring manager might know during an interview when they found a promising employee, your instincts might kick in during one consultation or phone call and let you know that you have found your DUI lawyer or attorney. Still, it’s best not to make this decision at the moment. Tell any lawyer that you talk to that you need to think things over for yourself at home before you reach a final decision. Any lawyer or attorney who is not trying to oversell you and is an actual professional will respect and understand this. Anyone who says they need an immediate answer from you is likely rushing their work too much, and/or not considering your own needs enough to be trusted enough to represent you.

Narrow Down Your List Based On Comfort And Confidence

It’s simple enough to look up lists of possible lawyers qualified on paper to handle your case, and your consultations and interviews should narrow down who the real contenders are. However, you still need to pick one above all else, and this is more subjective than objective. This comes down to their confidence and how comfortable you are with them.

You might find a DUI attorney that doesn’t seem very confident about winning your case, but they suit your personality well. On the other hand, you might find someone very optimistic about winning for you, but you see them grating. You need to find someone that suits you both ways since your appearance as a team in court will go a long way towards good results for you, be it a trial or a plea bargain.

Consider The Firm Size

Even though you’re looking for a DUI lawyer for you, the size of the firm behind anyone’s lawyer can matter much. You’re more likely to have representation in all matters and hearings, and there will be more time and attention put into your case. It’s also more likely that the firm will have someone with good standing with any law enforcement or prosecutors involved in your case so that there won’t be prejudice or lack of professionalism that hurts your case.

Always Tell The Truth

The documents might not tell your potential attorney everything that they need to know. Be prepared to answer questions, and be honest when you do. Hold nothing back; otherwise, you might not get an accurate assessment of how your case is likely to go.

Part of the reason you want to hire an attorney is that they not only know the law but how to speak to other legal professionals, like prosecutors, district attorneys, and judges, about legal matters. Still, you will likely need to know specific terms that you might encounter. DUI is an acronym for driving under the influence, but your state might also use DWI, which means driving while intoxicated. Some states even use OWI for operating while intoxicated or OVI for operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

Take Advantage Of Free Consultations

DUI laws are a complex field, and always in a state of flux. Given that every case is a unique thing, the very facts can vary drastically in any situation. This is why you need a DUI attorney who can assess both the strengths and weaknesses of your case.

The majority of DUI lawyers offer free consultations to potential clients. Others might charge a nominal fee, but it can still be money that’s well worth it.

Phone interviews can be a good starter round, but for anyone you might get serious about using, you should meet in person face to face if you can.

Do note that some attorneys might have you meet with a member of their office staff rather than them. Good lawyers can be quite busy.

To prepare for consultations, you need first to make sure you have the necessary documents assembled and with you. That includes court documents spelling out your charges and court date, your bail papers, and if possible, the police report itself. You also need to add the search inventory report and other documents provided to you by the police, and the names of anyone connected directly to your DUI case, such as victims and/or witnesses.

HOW TO CHOOSE A GOOD DUI LAWYER

AFFORDABILITY

One of the important things that you have to be careful with when hiring a lawyer is to make sure that you hire one that you can actually afford. In order to avoid having to deal with a situation where you cannot pay the lawyer, you have to first ask him how much does he charge.

Not every expensive lawyer is good, you have to keep that in mind. That means that you can find some good ones that are actually quite affordable and who are able to deal with dui penalties that you are charged with.

However, to find that more affordable one who is actually good, you have to do a very careful research. The easiest way would be if someone from your friends recommends you a lawyer that they have been hiring.

That way you know for sure that you can completely trust that lawyer and you know that he is good. You have to keep in mind that you should always ask questions in order to know more about the lawyer and his experience. This way if you don’t like what you hear, you don’t have to hire him.

REPUTATION

Definitely, the first thing that you want to follow when searching for a good DUI lawyer is the reputation. If you have ever wondered how to find a good DUI lawyer, we will give you all the information that you need. People never think about having a lawyer ready at all times, they go searching for one when it is time to deal with the issue. Depending on the penalty you are facing, you might not have a lot of time to spend on searching, so you better be prepared at all times and find yourself one now.

If you want to hire a good DUI lawyer, you have to ask other people and search online to see if they have a good reputation or not. This way you can easily point out which lawyer is good or not. This method will save you a lot of time, money and stress.

Working with an inexperienced lawyer is never a good thing because he will not be able to fix your problem fast as some other more experience one, and with lawyers, time is money, so you will end up spending much more money than you initially expected.