ask attorney how things went past the court with your case

What questions should I Ask my Lawyer?

Apr 09, 2015 · However, your lawyer should be involved in all key aspects and decisions of your case, or should explain to you why a colleague can handle some important part of the matter just as well. These questions are the bare essentials. Depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, you will inevitably think of many others. Ask them.

Should a lawyer be involved in all aspects of my case?

Dec 14, 2010 · The first factor includes a careful evaluation of the strength of your case and evaluation of the odds of winning or losing at trial. Then, given your odds at trial, you and your attorney need to balance your uncertain sentence, (if convicted at trial) with the certain sentence of the deal / offer if you plea and "cut your losses".

What should I expect at the first visit with my attorney?

As defined by ethical rules, a lawyer's duty to keep clients informed has two primary components: to advise the defendant of case developments (such as a prosecutor's offered plea bargain or locating an important defense witness), and. to respond reasonably promptly to a defendant's request for information.

Will my criminal case go to trial?

Jun 15, 2019 · So, whether it’s criminal, civil, bankruptcy, divorce, whatever it is, if you’re going to hire a lawyer at some point in your life, you need to ask the right questions and that’s when I’m going to get into in this video today, to help you to ask the right questions that you just don’t know how to ask, so let’s jump right in.

What is the most common complaint against lawyers?

Perhaps the most common kinds of complaints against lawyers involve delay or neglect. This doesn't mean that occasionally you've had to wait for a phone call to be returned. It means there has been a pattern of the lawyer's failing to respond or to take action over a period of months.

How often should I hear from my attorney?

You should never be afraid or feel like an intrusion to contact your attorney every three weeks or so, or more frequently if there is a lot going on with your health or other matters related to your legal case. There is of course a limit to how much you should be contacting or sharing.Jun 17, 2020

What is unethical for a lawyer?

Attorney misconduct may include: conflict of interest, overbilling, refusing to represent a client for political or professional motives, false or misleading statements, knowingly accepting worthless lawsuits, hiding evidence, abandoning a client, failing to disclose all relevant facts, arguing a position while ...

Can you win a court case without evidence?

The most simple answer is yes you can win a case without any evidence. ... If the court rule that there is no cause of action, then the case will be dismissed summarily, without going for trial, hence, no evidence need to tendered to prove any fact.Aug 18, 2017

Is it normal to not hear from your lawyer?

Throughout the process of getting your financial settlement after becoming injured, there may be periods of time that you do not hear from your attorney. Although this can be unnerving, it is a normal part of the legal process.Oct 25, 2018

Do lawyers lie to their clients?

“As a general practice,'' said Green, “lawyers aren't supposed to lie. ... Answer: No, because although lawyers may not generally use deceit to gather evidence, lawyers and their agents may pretend to be ordinary customers in order to gather evidence of ongoing wrongdoing.

Why is my attorney not fighting for me?

For example, in a custody, divorce, criminal, or civil case, your lawyer might not be fighting properly. It might be a sign of incompetence or even a conflict of interest in your client attorney relationship. If you believe that my lawyer is not fighting for me, it may be due to the lawyer's style and mannerisms.Jul 24, 2020

What are examples of ethics violations?

Ethics violations such as discrimination, safety violations, poor working conditions and releasing proprietary information are other examples. Situations such as bribery, forgery and theft, while certainly ethically improper, cross over into criminal activity and are often dealt with outside the company.Aug 14, 2015

Can I sue a lawyer for lying?

The rules of legal ethics in most states require attorneys to be honest and to be able to do their job at a certain level of competence. If you feel that your legal representative has lied or misled you, or is performing their duties at a level below that of a competent attorney, you may want to file a lawsuit.May 8, 2020

What's the best color to wear to court?

The best color to wear to court is probably navy blue or dark gray. These colors suggest seriousness. At the same time, they do not come with the negative connotations that are often associated with the color black (for instance, some people associate black with evil, coldness, and darkness).

How do you win a court case in 5 minutes?

0:318:41Win Most Court Cases in 5 minutes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOver you unless you've harmed somebody. And until that's happened you have to voluntarily go intoMoreOver you unless you've harmed somebody. And until that's happened you have to voluntarily go into some sort of contract arrangement with them. So what we want to do though is to stay respectful.

How can a lawyer win a case in court?

FOUR THINGS TO REMEMBER TO WIN A COURT CASETell the Court Everything That It Wants to Know. ... Know the Facts and Questions of Law. ... Present Your Case Convincingly. ... Avoid Lengthy Unreasonable Arguments & Tiresome Cross Examination.

What is it called when a lawyer doesn't do his job?

Legal malpractice is a type of negligence in which a lawyer does harm to his or her client. Typically, this concerns lawyers acting in their own interests, lawyers breaching their contract with the client, and, one of the most common cases of legal malpractice, is when lawyers fail to act on time for clients.

How do you present case facts?

Briefly summarize the facts of the case. Facts are the “who, when, what, where, and why” of the case. Describe the history of the dispute, including the events that led to the lawsuit, the legal claims and defenses of each party, and what happened in the trial court.

Can lawyers get in trouble for lying?

The American Bar Association Model Rules of Professional Conduct prohibit lawyers from making false statements of material fact or law to third parties, and from failing to disclose material facts when necessary to avoid assisting criminal or fraudulent conduct by a client.Jun 17, 2015

Can I sue a lawyer for lying?

The rules of legal ethics in most states require attorneys to be honest and to be able to do their job at a certain level of competence. If you feel that your legal representative has lied or misled you, or is performing their duties at a level below that of a competent attorney, you may want to file a lawsuit.May 8, 2020

What should you not say to a lawyer?

Five things not to say to a lawyer (if you want them to take you..."The Judge is biased against me" Is it possible that the Judge is "biased" against you? ... "Everyone is out to get me" ... "It's the principle that counts" ... "I don't have the money to pay you" ... Waiting until after the fact.Jan 15, 2010

What is unethical for a lawyer?

Attorney misconduct may include: conflict of interest, overbilling, refusing to represent a client for political or professional motives, false or misleading statements, knowingly accepting worthless lawsuits, hiding evidence, abandoning a client, failing to disclose all relevant facts, arguing a position while ...

How can a lawyer win a case in court?

FOUR THINGS TO REMEMBER TO WIN A COURT CASETell the Court Everything That It Wants to Know. ... Know the Facts and Questions of Law. ... Present Your Case Convincingly. ... Avoid Lengthy Unreasonable Arguments & Tiresome Cross Examination.

What are legal issues in a case?

Legal issue or issue of law is a legal question which is the foundation of a case. It requires a court's decision. It can also refer to a point on which the evidence is undisputed, the outcome of which depends on the court's interpretation of the law.

How do you win a court case in 5 minutes?

0:318:41Win Most Court Cases in 5 minutes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOver you unless you've harmed somebody. And until that's happened you have to voluntarily go intoMoreOver you unless you've harmed somebody. And until that's happened you have to voluntarily go into some sort of contract arrangement with them. So what we want to do though is to stay respectful.

How do lawyers twist facts?

Defense attorneys engage in unethical practices that twist the truth. They cross‐examine for the purpose of discrediting the reliability or credibility of adverse witnesses who they know are telling the truth, and they put witnesses on the stand knowing the witnesses will commit perjury.

Do lawyers tell the truth all the time?

Lawyers must be honest, but they do not have to be truthful. A criminal defence lawyer, for example, in zealously defending a client, has no obligation to actively present the truth. Counsel may not deliberately mislead the court, but has no obligation to tell the defendant's whole story.

Why is my attorney not fighting for me?

For example, in a custody, divorce, criminal, or civil case, your lawyer might not be fighting properly. It might be a sign of incompetence or even a conflict of interest in your client attorney relationship. If you believe that my lawyer is not fighting for me, it may be due to the lawyer's style and mannerisms.Jul 24, 2020

How often should I hear from my attorney?

You should never be afraid or feel like an intrusion to contact your attorney every three weeks or so, or more frequently if there is a lot going on with your health or other matters related to your legal case. There is of course a limit to how much you should be contacting or sharing.Jun 17, 2020

What is the most common complaint against lawyers?

Perhaps the most common kinds of complaints against lawyers involve delay or neglect. This doesn't mean that occasionally you've had to wait for a phone call to be returned. It means there has been a pattern of the lawyer's failing to respond or to take action over a period of months.

Do lawyers lie to their clients?

“As a general practice,'' said Green, “lawyers aren't supposed to lie. ... Answer: No, because although lawyers may not generally use deceit to gather evidence, lawyers and their agents may pretend to be ordinary customers in order to gather evidence of ongoing wrongdoing.

Where is Lauren Taylor?

South Carolina divorce attorney Lauren Taylor practices family law in Charleston and Greenville. She graduated from the Charlotte School of Law, and has been practicing for more than ten years.

Why is it important to retain a lawyer?

Apart from hiring a lawyer who is experienced, professional, and knowledgeable, it is also very important to retain a lawyer who you trust and have confidence in. By simply asking the attorney sitting across from you why you should hire them you are giving them a chance to sell themselves to you and hopefully their response will inspire confidence. It is very important that you have confidence in your attorney’s abilities and trust them because this will enable the two of you to work together to build the best legal defense possible.

What should an experienced criminal defense attorney do?

However, an experienced criminal defense attorney should be able to analyze your case, talk about the possible legal outcomes, and predict what is likely to happen in your case. Keep in mind that there is a big difference between an attorney who guarantees an outcome and one who predicts what is likely to happen.

Can a criminal defense attorney take charge of a case?

Although your criminal defense attorney will take charge of your case, there are often actions that criminal defendants themselves can take in order to improve the outcome of their case. Each criminal case is unique and your lawyer will be able to make personalized recommendations to you, however, it may be beneficial to ask your lawyer ...

What to tell your lawyer about your arrest?

Be prepared to tell your lawyer about any police interaction that you had prior to your arrest, during your arrest, and while you were detained. Providing your lawyer with a detailed account of your experience is very important because if the police violated your civil rights your lawyer may be able to get your charges dismissed, even if you are guilty. Therefore, it is a good idea to ask your lawyer during the initial consultation if they think that your civil rights were violated in any way.

Do lawyers have to disclose conflicts of interest?

For example, the lawyer that you are interviewing may have a conflict of interest if they are already representing the co-defendant in your criminal case. Even though your lawyer is required to disclose any conflict of interest to you it is still a very good idea to ask this question during your initial consultation.

What is a conflict in a lawyer?

If the lawyer’s representation of prior or existing clients would limit the attorney’s ability to represent you, there is likely a conflict. For example, if you want to sue a hospital that the potential lawyer regularly represents, there would be a conflict. A conflict might also arise if the attorney you are interviewing has already been hired by ...

Why is it important to choose the right lawyer?

Choosing the right lawyer is a very important decision—whether you were in a car accident, have a medical malpractice claim, or find yourself the target of a criminal investigation. Referrals from friends or co-workers can be great, but you need to do your homework to make sure you have the right attorney for the job.

What is the importance of having a lawyer?

Getting a lawyer with the right legal background is essential, but it is also important to know whether your attorney has experience with the judges who will likely preside over your case. If yours is a criminal matter, it is important to know if your lawyer knows the local prosecutors. This courtroom experience can greatly enhance your lawyer’s ability to evaluate the likely outcomes in your case and give you advice that you can rely on.

How to feel comfortable with an attorney?

You should feel comfortable from the beginning of your attorney-client relationship that you will be able to have regular communications with your counsel. Make sure that you exchange contact information and agree on the ways that you will stay in touch.

What is contingency fee?

In cases where you are suing for monetary damages, the lawyer may represent you for a “contingency fee.”. This means the attorney gets paid a portion (typically one-third) of the amount you receive after a successful trial or settlement. Make sure you discuss expenses as well as attorney fees.

How can a lawyer save you money?

Your lawyer can often save you money by delegating routine tasks to firm employees who charge a lower hourly rate. However, your lawyer should be involved in all key aspects and decisions of your case, or should explain to you why a colleague can handle some important part of the matter just as well.

What is the process of a civil case?

In civil cases, your lawyer might propose mediation , a settlement negotiation process involving a neutral third-party. Other times, arbitration might be an option. Arbitration— using a private service to adjudicate a dispute—is a less formal, less costly, and faster way of getting a decision in some civil matters.

DISCOVERY -- EVIDENCE -- INVESTIGATION

DISCOVERY -- EVIDENCE -- INVESTIGATION#N#Has your lawyer obtained and reviewed all "Discovery", including: police reports, witness#N#statements, video and audio tapes, photographs and other material provided through "discovery" by the Prosecutor? Has the attorney made copies of all of it and reviewed it with you? What is your attorney's evaluation of the evidence? What is the "worst evidence" against you? Has you attorney considered not only what evidence is there, but what evidence is not there (missing)? What physical or testimony evidence does the prosecution rely on open to challenge? Or what evidence does the DA not have that could mean dismissal of your case? Are there eyewitnesses that should be interviewed? What sort of defense investigation should be conducted to find that evidence to disprove your guilt?.

CLIENT ACTIONS - What should you do?

CLIENT ACTIONS - What should you do?#N#Sometimes there are steps you can (and should) take which will dramatically lessen your sentence.

STRATEGY

STRATEGY#N#What is your lawyer's preliminary evaluation of the case against you? What defenses are available to you? What is the best defense strategy? What are the risks and benefits of strategy? Can your attorney mount a successful defense at trial or is it in your best interests to plea bargain?

COSTS

COSTS#N#How much defense investigation needs to be done, and what will it cost? Do you need to hire Expert Witnesses to testify for you at trial? How much will they cost? Is their testimony worth it? What is the time table preparing for trial; how long will the trial last and what will it cost?

SENTENCING ALTERNATIVES

SENTENCING ALTERNATIVES#N#Are there any Sentencing Alternatives to standard Jail that you may be eligible for, such as electronic home detention, Sheriff's Work Program, Work Furlough, or community service? Are there any standard or creative Probationary Terms that are preferable to you which will satisfy the prosecution and court's concerns and allow you to receive a lesser sentence, easier to accept? Some clients want to avoid fines, others want to keep their driver's license, others want to avoid jail, and others who are not citizens, just want to remain in the U.S.

MOTIONS -- Legal Defenses (Due Process and your constitutional rights

CONCLUSION This case is not just any case; it’s your case! You deserve the best defense from an attorney who considers all of these questions.

How to keep clients informed of a case?

The duty to keep clients informed rests on attorneys, not clients. But on the theory that if the attorney screws up it's the client who usually suffers, here are a couple of steps that defendants can take to try to secure effective communication with their lawyers: 1 Raise the issue early on. Establish, in advance, a clear understanding about case updates. If an attorney's practice is to initiate contact only when a development occurs, the attorney should communicate that to the client at the outset of the representation. If a client wants (and can pay for) regular updates regardless of whether developments have taken place, that too can be spelled out in advance—even included in a written retainer agreement. 2 Be reasonable. A defendant who phones his or her attorney with a request for information can indicate a willingness to speak with the lawyer's associate, secretary, or paralegal. The lawyer may be too tied up on other cases to return the call personally, but may have time to pass along information through an assistant. And because some lawyers have poor communication skills, the defendant may be better off getting information from an assistant than from the lawyer.

What is the duty of a lawyer?

As defined by ethical rules, a lawyer's duty to keep clients informed has two primary components: to advise the defendant of case developments (such as a prosecutor's offered plea bargain or locating an important defense witness), and. to respond reasonably promptly to a defendant's request for information.

What happens if you are injured?

If you’re injured, you can incur expensive medical costs, lose wages from your job, and be forced to deal with tight-fisted insurance companies. If you’ve suffered injuries due to an accident or someone else’s negligence, you should always consult with a qualified law firm that has proven success with personal injury cases.

Is it hard to find a good lawyer?

Good lawyers can be hard to find. The stress of an injury and financial loss can be very hard to bear. Adding a bad or inexperienced lawyer to the mix will not help. Make sure to find the right lawyer who will represent you fairly, faithfully, and honestly. That will put you on solid ground during a very unstable time.

Should a lawyer go to trial?

Your lawyer should expect , and prepare for, all of their cases to go to trial. Settling out of court can make sense in many cases, but your lawyer should have the skills to take your case to trial, and win.

What are the factors that affect child welfare?

Some examples of what this considers includes: 1 Each parent’s mental and physical health 2 The child’s individual needs (if any) 3 The child’s wishes 4 If there is evidence of drug or alcohol abuse 5 Community adjustment factors

What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody?

Legal Custody? If you are given legal custody of your child, you make decisions on their behalf. If you have physical custody of your child, it means the child lives with you. Parents may have legal custody, even if they don’t have physical custody. As a result, you need complete knowledge ...

When do you have to have a temporary custody order?

Some states require you to have a temporary child custody order during the time between your separation and your divorce of the couple. There are other situations; this is advisable.

Is custody based on gender?

However, today, laws have been changed to be gender-neutral. What this means is that the law regarding custody doesn’t lean to one parent over the other based on their gender alone.

What does it mean to file for child custody pro se?

When you file for child custody pro se, it means you represent yourself while in court. Even if you have gone through the process before, you should seek the counsel of a qualified family law attorney. This is particularly important if your ex has legal representation.

Can a child custody case be bitter?

Any child custody case may become complicated and bitter if emotions begin to run high. An experienced and skilled attorney can help you understand your rights and help you prepare for the custody claim.

What can a divorce attorney do for you?

An experienced and knowledgeable divorce attorney will provide you with the tools to communicate better with your spouse. These tools include how to communicate with your spouse, when to communicate with your spouse and how to diffuse conflict.

How to plan your life after a divorce?

If you want to plan your life after a divorce, you should at least have a general idea of how long divorces similar to yours take. This planning will also help you prepare a budget for the cost of divorce. The attorney should truthfully tell you there is no way to predict exactly how long a divorce will take.

What is spousal support?

Spousal support, also called alimony, is either temporary or ordered at the final judgment. Most divorce cases include both temporary spousal support and spousal support at the judgment phase. We are not going to go into a lengthy discussion about spousal support.

What to do if your attorney fails to comply with the law?

If he fails to comply, you should explore filing a grievance with the state supreme court's attorney regulation office.

Can an attorney hold a file hostage?

She/He must return your entire file within a reasonable time even if you owe money. An attorney can not hold hostage your file.