what are good questions to bring to a private defense attorney abuse california

by Everette Stoltenberg 6 min read

What questions should I ask my lawyer after a police report?

The 7 Defenses Used in Domestic Abuse Cases. When charges for domestic violence are brought up against you, your attorney will evaluate the police report of the incident and will then formulate her defense. By studying the police report, your attorney’s goal is to come up with answers to the following questions:

Why is asking the right questions important in a domestic violence case?

California Private Investigator License Hearing Attorney. The California Office of Administrative Hearings, also known as OAH, maintains several Court Hearing locations. These Court locations are in Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento and San Diego. In some instances, Hearings may be held offsite in Bakersfield, Fresno, Orange County, Riverside ...

What are the questions to ask a plaintiff in a lawsuit?

Apr 30, 2018 · California defines domestic abuse in two separate laws. Penal Code 13700 makes it illegal to exert physical force — or threaten to exert force — on an intimate partner. We’ll get into the definition of “force” in the next sections, but for the purposes of understanding the law, we should emphasize that this law criminalizes the abuse of current or former spouses, live-in …

How can an attorney defend against domestic violence allegations?

May 25, 2020 · Next, the attorney could ask, “How much time elapsed from the accident until you felt this knife-like pain shooting down your right leg?” The attorney might ask further questions like, “Do you still feel a knife-like pain shooting down your right leg?” The repetition of “knife-like pain” utilizes the double direct trial technique.

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What are some questions to ask an attorney?

In Order to Move Forward With Any Lawyer, First Ask These Ten QuestionsHow Long Have You Practiced Law? ... What Types of Cases Do You Manage? ... Who's Your Typical Client? ... How Many Similar Cases Have You Taken On? ... What Kind of Special Training or Knowledge You Have Outside Your Law Degree? ... What Are Your Fees and Costs?More items...

What should I look for in a criminal defense lawyer?

10 Tips to Help You Find the Best Criminal Defense AttorneyAn Attorney Should Be Responsive. ... The Right Attorney Specializes in Criminal Law. ... Choose Someone Experienced in the Local Courts. ... Check Reputable Sources. ... Ask for Referrals. ... The Right Attorney Knows the Basics Off the Top of Their Head. ... Look for a Clear Fee Structure.More items...

Do you have to answer questions asked by the defense attorney?

If you CHOOSE NOT to answer his questions, you will likely have to withdraw that part of your claim from your lawsuit. If you CHOOSE NOT to answer his questions or if you refuse to answer selected questions, the defense lawyer will ask the judge to force you or compel you to answer them.

What you can expect from the best criminal defense lawyer?

What You Can Expect From A Good Criminal Defense AttorneyConsistent Confidential Communication. When it comes to choosing the best criminal lawyer for you, they need to know how to communicate effectively from start to finish. ... Proven Experience. ... Transferable Skills. ... Excellent References. ... Confidence.Jun 15, 2021

What are the qualities of a good attorney?

Below are ten traits that are common to the best lawyers in the United States.Passion for the Job. ... Compassion for Clients. ... Great Communication Skills. ... Willingness to Listen. ... Knowledge of the Law. ... Strong Writing Ability. ... Creativity. ... Good Judgment.More items...•Jun 17, 2019

What can a good criminal lawyer do?

Top criminal justice lawyers are trained to analyze cases and evidence for weaknesses, errors, and potential crime defense strategies that can be used to argue for case dismissal, reduction of charges, or even preventing a case from being filed.

What do you say in court to not answer a question?

If your answer was not correctly stated, correct or clarify it immediately. Don't say, "that's all of the conversation" or "nothing else happened." Instead say, "that's all I recall" or "that's all I remember happening." It may be that after more thought or another question, you may remember something important.

How do you answer questions under cross-examination?

Tips for a Successful Cross-ExaminationListen carefully to the prosecutor's question and let him ask his entire question before you answer.When you do answer, answer the question that is being asked, but nothing more. ... Stay calm and don't argue. ... Tell the truth. ... Think before you answer the question. ... Don't guess.More items...•Oct 26, 2020

How do you answer defense attorney questions?

Listen carefully to the questions you are asked. If you don't understand the question, have it repeated, then give a thoughtful, considered answer. DO NOT GIVE AN ANSWER WITHOUT THINKING. While answers should not be rushed, neither should there be any unnaturally long delay to a simple question if you know the answer.Feb 5, 2020

What is the most common punishment?

The 5 Most Common Forms of PunishmentYelling – scolding, name calling, demanding.Withdrawing or Withholding – taking away privileges which may or may not have anything to do with their unacceptable behavior.Using “Logical Consequences” – i.e. if the child is late for dinner, they are made to go without eating.More items...

What type of lawyer makes the most money?

Medical AttorneysMedical Attorneys Medical lawyers are among the highest paid types of lawyers and earn one of the highest median salaries in the legal field.Oct 27, 2021

Who is the best criminal lawyer in the world?

Alan Morton Dershowitz is an American attorney, political commentator, and jurist. He has spent the past fifty years practicing the law and is well recognized for handling a number of high-profile legal cases.

What does a domestic violence lawyer do?

The domestic violence attorney will also learn whether you have made any statements that could incriminate you or that are inconsistent with your defense. When your lawyer determines that the police report is consistent with your defense, she will gather evidence to reinforce it.

Do police report domestic violence?

In most cases of domestic violence, police operate with a bias against the accused, which constitutes an injustice. There was physical evidence but police did not collect it. Police did not question eyewitnesses present at the scene. The police report does not sufficiently describe the incident or offer any observations.

Why is my private investigator license denied in California?

Most California Private Investigator License denials occur due to criminal convictions, financial problems or misstatements on the Private Investigator License application. Statement of Issues Hearings and Accusation Hearings before the Office of Administrative Hearings maintain a similar procedure.

What is a stipulated agreement?

A Stipulated Agreement is a formal term for a settlement agreement.

How long does it take for an ALJ to make a decision?

The Administrative Law Judge, or ALJ, will issue a written Proposed Decision approximately 30 days after the Hearing. The California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services can adopt, modify or reject the ALJ’s Proposed Decision.

What is vehicular manslaughter?

Vehicular Manslaughter. The California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services and other law enforcement agencies also investigate criminal conduct by Private Investigators in the course and scope of their practice.

What are the elements of child abuse?

There are three elements to child abuse: You willfully inflicted cruel and inhuman punishment, and/or an injury, on a child; The punishment or injury caused the child to suffer a traumatic physical condition; AND. Your actions were not part of reasonable discipline of your child.

How long is child abuse in California?

As a misdemeanor, it is punishable by up to a year of jail time, but as a felony, sentences can go upwards of 6 years in state prison.

Is it illegal to touch someone in California?

California’s domestic abuse laws are designed to protect vulnerable people like intimate partners, children and the elderly from physical and mental abuse. In California, it is not only illegal to harm or threaten a partner, child or relative, it is also illegal to aggressively or rudely touch them, even if it doesn’t cause injury.

What does "willfully causing" mean?

Causing or permitting a child to suffer unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering, Willfully causing or permitting a child in their care to be injured, or. Willfully causing or permitting a child to be placed in a dangerous situation.

How long is child endangerment in jail?

As a misdemeanor, child endangerment is punishable by up to a year in county jail; as a felony, sentences can range up to 6 years in state prison.

Is corporal injury a felony?

Corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant is much more serious than domestic battery. It is a “wobbler” — a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the facts of the case — punishable by up to a year in county jail for first-time offenders to up to four years in state prison for repeat offenders.

What is PC 270?

Child Neglect — PC 270. Child neglect is a misdemeanor in California. It makes it illegal to willfully fail to provide food, clothing, shelter or medical care to a child. A conviction for child neglect carries a punishment of up to a year in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

What is trial evidence?

Trial evidence includes eyewitness testimony, photographs, and direct examination questions. During direct examination, a personal injury lawyer asks key witnesses a series of questions. The goal is to develop a credible timeline for the injuries. These crucial questions help paint a factual picture of the incident and can make or break whether ...

How to keep a jury's attention?

To keep a juror’s attention, your attorney should avoid lengthy, rambling questions. Instead, questions should use simple words and allow the witness to elaborate on various facts. A general rule is all direct examinations should be open-ended, short questions.

What is direct examination question?

Direct examination questions allow a personal injury attorney to ask key witnesses to explain what they saw, heard, or did in relation to an incident. For example, an attorney in a car accident personal injury lawsuit may call a bystander to testify about what they saw just before, during, or after the accident.

What is the role of the prosecution in a personal injury case?

The role of the prosecution is to present a “burden of proof” for the case that convinces the judge or jury of the defendant’s negligence or liability. The prosecution asks their own witnesses direct examination questions and can cross-examine the defense’s witnesses. 2. Defense. The defense in a personal injury trial consists ...

What is the defense in a personal injury trial?

The defense in a personal injury trial consists of the defendant and their law firm, known as the defense counsel. The defendant is the accused at-fault party, whose actions allegedly caused the plaintiff’s injuries. The role of the defense is to argue against the prosecutor, creating reasonable doubt that the defendant acted negligently. The defense calls their own witnesses to ask direct examination questions and can also cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses.

What is the role of a judge in a trial?

The judge’s role is to ensure justice is served .

How many people are on a jury?

A jury is typically composed of 12 people, none of which can have any relation to either party involved in the case. The role of the jury is to vote on the innocence or guilt of the defendant as well as the settlement awarded to the plaintiff.

What is a stenographer?

The stenographer is there to record all of the questions you are asked and all of the answers you give. Those questions and answers are transcribed and put into a booklet.

What is medical malpractice law?

Medical malpractice law is a fascinating area of law. It is technical. It is highly specialized and requires a great deal of knowledge of medicine as well as a high degree of trial skill. In this lecture, which was designed to teach lawyers who practice in other areas of law, what they need to know about medical malpractice law in New York. Lawyers across the country

What is a deposition transcript?

That booklet is called a transcript. That's your deposition transcript. In legal circles a deposition is also known as an examination before trial. When you bring a lawsuit, you put your medical condition in issue.

The Statistics in Criminal Defense: Public Defender vs Private Attorney

A study on private attorneys vs public defenders by Judge Morris B. Hoffman, a Colorado trial judge, concluded that defendants who went with a public defender, were not only more likely to go to jail but are also more likely to serve a longer sentence. Defendants that hired a private attorney received on average a three year shorter sentence.

Pros of a Public Defender

Free - if you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one to your case.

Pros of a Private Attorney

Availability - a private attorney will always be available to you. A great attorney will also have staff that can assist you. More resources, usually means better outcomes.

The Right Counsel

Your freedom is priceless and by no means should you gamble with it. Retaining the right counsel can make all the difference. If you are facing serious incarceration, fines or are falsely accused, a private attorney would be your best choice.

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Lack of Proof

Deliberately False Accusations

  • It is not uncommon for men and women to falsely accuse a spouse of domestic violence on purpose. This may happen in divorce and child custody cases to sway the court’s decision in one direction or the other. It may also occur out of spite. An attorney can defend against this type of allegation by finding inconsistencies in the plaintiff’s story that prove he or she is lying. This can …
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Wrong Suspect

  • In some cases, victims of domestic abuse identify the wrong subject, either by mistake or on purpose for their own reasons. When this happens, the defendant claims that someone else was responsible for the abuse. The defense attorney must gather evidence as to the whereabouts of the alleged defendant at the time of the abuse and develop a strong alibi that proves he or she c…
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Self-Defense

  • Sometimes the defendant claims that he or she acted in self-defense at the time of the plaintiff’s alleged injuries. This may be to defend children on the scene or to simply protect themselves from injury. A self-defense claim may work if the defense can provide proof that he or she perceived an imminent threat and had an appropriate response. The defendant must also prove that he or sh…
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Questions Your Defense Attorney Should Ask

  • In any type of domestic violence case, a good defense attorney looks at the initial police report and asks certain questions. These questions immediately begin to vet the plaintiff’s allegations for holes and inconsistencies and to gather any potential information that could work in the defendant’s favor. Questions may include: 1. Does the 911 tape support or discredit my client?
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