Criminal Defense Lawyers - Questions to Ask During Your First Meeting With Your Lawyer

The last thing any of us want is to deal with the possibility of conviction for a crime. Whether you have become involved in something illegal by accident or are driven in the heat of the moment to commit wrongdoing, you should know that you still have the right to fair trial. As such, if you are able to afford the services of a criminal defense attorney, it is important to find one who will competently handle your case and work toward a solution beneficial to you. That said, you will need to thoroughly interview your candidates.

When you first sit down to meet with your lawyer, come prepared. Bring along every bit of information related to your case - this includes court documents, bail papers if applicable, and any police paperwork related to your incident. Be ready, too, to ask many questions of your attorney, which can include the following:

• Have you handled a case like this before? If so, how many?
• Did all of the cases go to trial or were you able to settle out of court?
• How successful were you in winning clients acquittal or lighter sentences?
• How long have you been in practice?
• Where did you get your law degree?
• What are your qualifications for handling this specific case?
• How do you suggest I plead in this case?
• What can I expect if I go to trial?
• Will I be required to take the stand if we go to trial?
• Do I have any advantages with regards to witnesses, evidence, etc.?
• Will you work this case alone, or do you have a partner or assistant?
• How do I contact you if I have more information to give?
• How long do you think a trial will take if we go to court?
• How much do you charge, and what is the payment plan?

The more you know about the trial procedure going in, the better prepared you will be when the time comes. After meeting with your lawyer, if you feel you can have a good relationship with the firm and the attorney is qualified and competent enough to represent you, continue the open lines of communication so you will know
what to expect every step of the way.

Remember, the lawyer you hire will plead your case and work to ensure you receive a fair trial if your case goes to court. Be cooperative and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on North Carolina lawyers and Outer Banks lawyers.

How to Deal With Having Joint Custody of Your Kids

When you are first married, you definitely do not expect to divorce. When you start a family, you are more concerned for your children's welfare than possible custody scenarios in the event of a split. Divorce, however, does happen under different circumstances, and if you have agreed to a joint custody agreement with your ex-spouse you may wonder how this changes the way you live. Of course, your children may not stay with you all the time, but it is important to ensure that your kids stay well-adjusted and know they are loved though their parents no longer live together.

Whether your divorce proved amicable or acrimonious, conflicts are likely to arise in a joint custody situation. There will be an adjustment period that requires at least one parent moving into a new home - perhaps both if the marriage property is sold in the separation. Your children will need to be settled in a school and other extra-curricular activities where applicable, and once those things are handled you must come to a sound co-parenting schedule with your ex.

Should you come to loggerheads over a particular situation - school pickup schedules, money, religious upbringing - it is important not to create a conflict that leads your children to believe they are causing difficulties. Regardless of the circumstances that brought on the divorce, you can work things out with your ex to the benefit of everybody involved. Here are a few tips to consider:

1) Never fight in front of your children. When problems arise, work them out in a calm manner. If you find tensions heating and you must have words, make sure your children are not within earshot. Do your best to compromise without influencing ill will, though.

2) Keep lines of communication open. Everything you need to discuss with your ex should be communicated directly. Do not put your children in the middle of a conversation like pages by having them send messages back and forth.

3) Do not disparage your ex to your children. Even on your worst day, when you want to rant out loud and call your ex every name in the book, don't say one negative word if your children are in the room. They may realize their parents do not love each other anymore, but it is not fair to lead them to think one of their parents is mean or not worthy or their love.

Taking on the responsibility of co-parenting in a joint custody agreement will require work on your part, and your ex-spouse's. Work together and ensure the health and happiness of your children.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on NC divorce lawyers and Outer Banks lawyers.

Situations Where Your Last Will May Be Considered Void

Drafting a last will and testament is something we only hope to do one time. Creating a document that specifies our wishes after our deaths can cause some anxiety in that we are reminded of our mortality, but more than that making changes to a will can cause headaches if not done correctly. You also risk voiding your will under certain circumstances. In order to keep your friends and loved ones from inheriting any headaches along with your estate, it is important to know exactly what events can void your will.

If your will is judged void after your death, it opens the door to any number of disputes between family and friends as they argue over dispersing your assets. Charities you wished to benefit from your generosity may not receive the funds you set aside for them, and even your burial plans may be altered. It is important, therefore, to make sure you following everything to the letter. Here are a few situations that could lead to voiding your will.

1) You make unauthorized changes. When you complete a will, it is typically signed and witnessed, and notarized. If you make written additions or deletions anytime after that period, somebody could contest the validity of the will and cause problems. If you want to make corrections after the legalities are complete, you can either destroy the current will and start over, or draft a codicil to accompany the will you current have.

2) You were not of sound mind when you wrote the will. Some people may be pressured or heavily encouraged to draft a document in order to bring peace of mind for your family. However, a will written under duress or other influence could be proven invalid if somebody believes you were not of sound mind at the time. You want to make it perfectly clear that your wishes are your own, and that you have not been forced to write anything you didn't want to write.

3) Changes in marital status. Depending on the laws in your state, a will drafted before a legal marriage or divorce could allow a party to contest your will if you do not have it changed. If you have a will ready and decide to marry or remarry, speak with your attorney about what needs to be done to ensure your wishes are kept intact.

Take care to know what factors could render your last will and testament void.


Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on North Carolina lawyers and Outer Banks lawyers.

What Is Covered by Workman's Comp?

Given today's economy it is important to hang on to your job if you have one. Whether you work in an office building or on a construction site, though, there is a risk for injury. Some accidents may result in greater health problems than others, and therefore lead to more time off as you recover. It is important to know, therefore, what you can expect from Workman's Compensation in such a situation. What is covered by Workman's Comp as far as your bills, salary, and other expenses that arise when you are not working?

First, if you are not aware of what Workman's Compensation is, it's important to know in the event you are hurt on the job. This is a program designed to offer monetary compensation to people who suffer work-related injuries or who become sick as a result of something that happened on the job. Workman's Comp programs are handled by state, and therefore policies may vary depending on where you live. If you should fall ill due to exposure to a toxic substance at work, or if heavy equipment should fall on you while you are working with it, you may qualify to receive benefits. Typically, those who receive Workman's Comp waive the right to file suit against their employers for damages.

Once you know a bit more about what Workman's Compensation is, you need to know how it works for you. Specifically, what does it cover? Here are some of the more common benefits:

Medical Care - You could receive compensation for a variety of medical expenses, including hospital stays and doctor visits, surgical procedures, and prescription medication and equipment like crutches. Depending on the state regulating your compensation, the benefits may not cover treatments deemed alternative, like chiropractic care and certain types of therapy. If you feel these practices can aid in your healing, you may wish to obtain the services of a personal injury attorney who will help you better understand your state laws.

Rehab Services - If physical therapy is required following your injury to get you back to working condition, your benefits may cover the cost of care and other expenses.

Missed Wages - You may also quality to receive a percentage of earnings missed because you had to take time away from work to recover from your injury. If your injury leaves you unable to return to your job, Workman's Comp may cover any training and education costs involved in moving you to a new position.

Disability - Disability benefits largely depend on the severity of your accident. If your injury leaves you temporarily or permanently unable to return to your job, or work at all, you may be entitled to monetary benefits.

If you feel you have not received due compensation following problems at work, retaining the services of an accident lawyer is a good step in ensuring that you get what you need as you recover. Know the law for compensation in your state and be prepared.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia accident lawyers and Maryland accident lawyers.

10 Reasons to Make a Worker's Compensation Claim

True, we may fantasize about taking a day or two off from work to play hooky, and enjoy time at the beach or the movies or somewhere more fun. When you suffer an injury on the job - whether a physical impairment following an accident or exposure to something toxic - you may end up losing time, which in turn could affect your home finances. If you are not aware of your rights with regards to Workman's Compensation, you definitely want to know if you qualify in the event of an injury and how it can help you in your situation. If you aren't sure that you should make a claim, here are some reasons why it may be necessary.

1) You may receive compensation for medical bills due to your work-related injury. If you are hurt on the job, filing a claim with Workman's Comp may cover any hospital stay or emergency room visit, and consequent doctor visits to treat your injury.

2) You may receive monetary compensation for lost work time. If you have to miss work because of an accident, this program allows you receive percentage of your pay so you don't have to worry about money.

3) Workman's Comp can cover the cost of equipment. Some work injuries are severe enough to land you in a wheelchair or on crutches. If so, this is covered.

4) You may receive benefits to take care of physical therapy. Appointments with a therapist and use of clinic facilities may also be covered here.

5) Workman's Comp doesn't just cover physical injuries. You may think you don't qualify for benefits if you haven't experienced physical damage like a broken arm or severe burn. In truth, this program assists employees who also fall ill due to a work-related event. This could include exposure to toxins or food poisoning, so long as your illness is connected to your job and your inability to perform it.

6) Compensation is given if you can't come back to work. If your injury does not allow you to return to your normal job, even after you've come back to work, Workman's Comp works in other ways. You may be able to make a claim to obtain training and education to handle another job at your company or elsewhere.

7) Compensation helps if you become disabled. If you are left with permanent damage, you may qualify for disability payments that come to you in lieu of your paycheck. Benefits will vary depending on the severity of your disability.

8) This program helps your family. Workman's Compensation exists so burdens are lifted while you are not working. You may not receive your full salary, but the benefits you get can put your mind at ease during this difficult time.

9) You can recuperate knowing that your expenses are covered. This program alleviates some stress so you don't have to worry about bills.

10) Lastly, it is your right to make a claim. If you have a legitimate claim to benefits, take advantage of it!
If you have questions about how your state's Workman's Comp program works, you may wish to speak to somebody in your human resources department or obtain the services of a personal injury attorney to assist you. Know your rights before you make your claim.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia accident lawyers and Maryland accident lawyers.