Showing posts with label Representation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Representation. Show all posts

You Have Finished Your Representation of a Client in a DUI Case, Now What?

Friday, 30 November 2012 0 comments

One of the best practices to do after completion of legal services in a DUI case is to properly close the file. Lets say that worked really hard and got your client a great deal. They decided to take that plea deal, and they completed all the active terms of the sentence including the alcohol and drug assessment, recommended treatment program, community service, and they paid the fine. So what should the attorney do next?

File a notice of withdrawal with the Court and Prosecutor: At the conclusion of the case it is a good idea to file a notice of withdrawal to let both the Court and the Prosecutors office the attorney has completed the legal services agreed to at the beginning of the representation. Additionally it also helps alleviate any future issues if the client violates the terms of their sentence and they have to appear in court. If the Attorney has already withdrawn then Court is less likely to contact the attorney about the violation, and just set the hearing through the defendant alleviating any notice issues.

Send client a closing letter: Another item to check off at the conclusion of a DUI case is to send the client a closing letter. Usually it is best to include notification that the attorney has withdrawn from the case. But it is also a good practice to include an outline of what happened with the case, what the outcome was, and what if any active terms of the sentence remain. For example community service hours, or mandatory license suspension.

Closing client file, and place in storage: After the attorney has withdrawn from the case, and notified the client they have withdrawn and provided an outline of the outcome of the case. The final step is to close out the file. This includes adding up all the time the attorney spent on the case. Documenting the final resolution of the case, including what happened, and what sentence the Judge imposed. Make sure all discovery is included in the file, including but not limited to the police report, breath tests results, and witness interview notes. After this is completed file these documents away in storage and keep for whatever time period your state bar association requires, then destory.

Once the legal services are completed it is good practice to follow these three steps for every DUI case the firm represents. It is just a way to have uniform steps in this process, and is a good way to stay organized in case of an audit or future issues with the client in question.

If you have been arrested for a DUI don't wait to contact a Seattle DUI Lawyer. Hiring a Seattle DUI Lawyer will not only ensure your constitutional rights are protected, but will put your mind at ease during this difficult time.

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Felony Lawyer: Finding the Right Representation

Thursday, 13 September 2012 0 comments
ByAce Abbey

If you've been charged with a serious crime, you will do well to hire a felony lawyer to represent you in your case. The sooner you can begin looking for one, the better off you'll be. The wheels of justice are known for moving extremely slowly, but it may not seem like that at first. Before you know it, you've been before the judge and may have even been through a preliminary hearing. If you can have an attorney by your side for these events, you'll be far better off. If deemed financially indigent, a public defender will be available to you, but if you can hire a private attorney, you should do everything in your power to get one. Here's how to find the right representation.

Recommendations

Whenever you're dealing with a service-oriented profession (and a felony lawyer fits into this category), your best bet will always be to look for recommendations. You can choose an attorney based on their advertisements, but those aren't going to tell you anything about the kind of attorney you're hiring. All they tell you is how good their advertising agency is, which isn't going to help you in a court of law. At the same time, you may not have many friends with experience in the criminal justice system. All the same, ask around and see what comes up. You may be surprised.

Things to Consider

When time is of the essence (which is probably will be in your situation), it can be tempting to hire the first felony lawyer you meet with. And that may be fine. But you shouldn't overlook major problems just because you want to bring your search to a quick finish. Having an attorney who is wrong for the case isn't as bad as representing yourself, but it isn't much better, either. Legal representation is expensive, so make sure you get your money's worth. Ask about an attorney's experience. Not only how much he has, but in what areas. Hiring a traffic attorney for your federal kidnapping trial is obviously nonsensical.

Working Together

Even the best felony lawyer could be wrong for your case. What's perhaps more important is how you get along with your attorney. No, that doesn't mean you need to be best friends. In fact, many attorneys prefer to keep a professional distance from their clients. But you should have rapport enough that you can work together easily towards the same goals. If you're constantly at odds about the direction of your defense, things aren't going to work out. Try to find an attorney who will listen to your concerns and won't be working against your wishes.

Get acquainted with a felony lawyer Baton Rouge defendants have trusted through many cases. Schedule a consultation with http://josephkscott.com

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