why it's important to speak to an experienced trial attorney nolo

by Mrs. Wilma O'Keefe 7 min read

Dealing with the effects of an injury and the legal system can be overwhelming. That is why it's important to find an attorney who is looking out for your interests; an attorney you can trust. Our practice is founded upon the idea of partnership, and that means keeping you informed about what's going on with your case.

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Can a lawyer advise a client about going to trial?

Mar 03, 2018 · Why It’s Important To Speak To An Experienced Trial Attorney Posted on Mar. 3 2018 . From celebrities to everyday working people, issues surrounding Family Law can have a big impact on people’s lives.

What does an attorney need to know about a case?

Jan 16, 2020 · Nolo contendere pleas don’t reduce the penalty for the charges. Depending on the charges, there may be alternatives or diversion programs that could avoid conviction entirely. With so much on the line, it is important that you talk to an experienced criminal defense attorney to determine if trial or a plea, including seeking to enter a nolo contendere plea is the best option.

Why don't lawyers listen to their clients?

Dec 09, 2020 · The phrase nolo contendere is Latin for “I do not want to contest.” It is also sometimes called a “no contest plea.” When you plead nolo contendere you are essentially saying that you aren’t going to challenge the charges put forward by the prosecutor.

Should I be honest with my criminal defense lawyer?

At some point, defendants and their attorneys inevitably discuss the facts underlying criminal charges. An attorney needs to know about the case in at least some detail.Otherwise, the lawyer can't effectively advise the client about the viability of going to trial and any theories of defense (for example, self-defense or someone else being responsible).

What Does Nolo Contendere Mean?

The phrase nolo contendere is Latin for “I do not want to contest.” It is also sometimes called a “no contest plea.” When you plead nolo contendere you are essentially saying that you aren’t going to challenge the charges put forward by the prosecutor.

When is a No Contest Plea the Right Choice?

Both nolo contendere pleas and Alford pleas are options available to resolve the case without the time and expense of trial. Often prosecutors will offer a plea deal that will result in a less severe sentence than if you were to go through trial in exchange for a quick resolution of the case.

What Happens When You Enter a Nolo Contendere Plea?

If you and your criminal defense lawyer decide that a nolo contendere plea is the right choice in your case, the judge will explain to you that you have a right to a trial and a right to put up a defense.

Does Nolo Contendere Go on Your Record?

Some people believe they can plead no contest to keep a clean criminal record. This is false. In Pennsylvania, a nolo contendere plea results in a conviction and goes on your record.

What does an attorney need to know about a case?

An attorney needs to know about the case in at least some detail. Otherwise, the lawyer can't effectively advise the client about the viability of going to trial and any theories of defense (for example, self-defense or someone else being responsible). With the client's information and the prosecution's discovery, ...

What is the duty of a defense attorney?

A Lawyer's Duty. A defendant admission of guilt to a defense attorney doesn't necessarily mean that the case won't—or shouldn't—go to trial. For example, a defense attorney might advise a "guilty" client to go to trial because: the police or prosecution violated the client's rights—for instance, through an improperly suggestive lineup.

What is the best strategy for someone facing criminal charges?

The best strategy for someone facing criminal charges is to follow the lead of an experienced, trusted criminal defense lawyer, and no matter, to be truthful with that lawyer. An attorney who has your best interests in mind will advise you regarding the possibilities and your best course of action. Talk to a Lawyer.

Is the internet secure?

The Internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent through this site could be intercepted or read by third parties. At some point, defendants and their attorneys inevitably discuss the facts underlying criminal charges. An attorney needs to know about the case in at least some detail.

What is competency hearing?

When a legitimate question arises as to competency, the defendant has a right to a hearing to determine fitness to stand trial. All trial courts have authority to order psychological evaluations of defendants, and in many states, an evaluation is automatic once a party raises the competency issue. Judges are to give great weight to the results of an evaluation, but can consider other factors, too, like the defendant's demeanor in court. Among the points a court should consider are whether the defendant can: 1 adequately communicate with defense counsel 2 understand and process information 3 make decisions regarding the case, and 4 understand the elements of the charges, the gravity of the charges, and the possible penalties.

Can a person who is not competent to stand trial be convicted of a crime?

A person who isn't competent to stand trial can't be convicted of a crime. Courts require competency before defendants stand trial in order to preserve due process—that is, to make sure the proceedings are fair. (This article is about competence to stand trial; for information about a related topic, see What is the standard for determining whether ...

Can mentally incompetent people be convicted?

No matter how clear the evidence of guilt is, mentally incompetent people can't be convicted. A defendant might have shot someone in broad daylight, then confessed to the crime—if that defendant isn't competent, criminal proceedings must wait.

What are the benefits of hiring an employment lawyer?

One of the biggest benefits of hiring an employment lawyer is that your lawyer can draw on years of experience to run you through a cost-benefit analysis. Your lawyer will walk you through the strengths and weaknesses of your case, the expense of discovery and trial, and the type and amount of damages you can recover if you win. Your lawyer will also assess the likelihood of winning and let you know if this assessment changes as the case progresses, so you can make informed decisions along the way.

Is it normal to feel powerless after being fired?

It's normal to feel powerless after being fired or mistreated. But, your lawyer can help you regain some of that power by giving you the information you need to take action in response to your employer's misdeeds, or weigh your options, and make an informed decision that's in your best interests.

What can an employment attorney do?

Another valuable asset an employment attorney can offer is closure. Your attorney can help you move on from the ugly experience you had with your employer. This may come through vindication at trial, but will most likely happen through an informal resolution or settlement that allows you to emotionally and financially transition to a new job or career path. Your attorney's task is, in part, to get you to that next stage.

What are the bedrock principles of criminal law?

In criminal matters, there are several bedrock principles, enshrined in our constitution, that are important to remember. A person who is charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty, and the prosecutor has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury. You are entitled to present a strong defense on your behalf, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with requiring the prosecution to meet its burden. We will challenge any search, seizure, or arrest that doesn't meet the standards guaranteed in the Bill of Rights and upheld by our nation's Supreme Court.

What is the burden of proving guilt?

A person who is charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty , and the prosecutor has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury. You are entitled to present a strong defense on your behalf, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with requiring the prosecution to meet its burden.

What is the plea of no contest?

Pleading “No Contest” is quite common in many types of cases and comes with certain benefits. The plea of no contest comes from the Latin phrase nolo contendere, ...

What to do if you are found guilty of a crime?

If you do not wish to endure this process, a plea of no contest may be the right solution. You may be able to make a deal with the prosecutors to get a reduced punishment and eliminate the need for a trial. When you are found guilty of a crime, that guilty verdict may be able to be used against you in a civil lawsuit.

What happens if you plead no contest?

If you enter a no contest plea, your trial will not have to move forward. This means a public hearing of all the evidence against you which you may wish to avoid.

Guilty Pleas vs. No Contest Pleas

In Utah, there are five types of pleas that a defendant can use to respond to criminal charges against them. Outside of a plea of guilty or no contest, a defendant can also plead not guilty, not guilty by reason of insanity, and guilty with a mental illness at the time of the offense.

How Guilty Pleas Work

As mentioned, pleading guilty is an admission by the defendant that they are guilty of all offenses against them. Before making a guilty plea, it is important for a defendant to understand the gravity of the crimes charged.

How No Contest Pleas Work

A plea of no contest, also referred to as nolo contendere, is slightly different from a guilty plea because the defendant does not challenge the criminal charges but also does not admit to committing a crime.