An Arlington Criminal Defense Attorney Protects Clients from Serious Consequences

Posted on January 7, 2015 by admin

Should you consult with an Arlington criminal defense attorney regardless of whether you have been arrested for a seemingly minor crime, or something more serious such as robbery or assault?  Absolutely.  Even when an individual is charged with an offense such as DUI or reckless driving, the penalties can be extremely serious, often ruining their reputation and/or career.  Jail or prison time, substantial fines, driver’s license suspension and a criminal records are just a few of the penalties individuals may face as the result of an arrest and conviction.

Naturally, the more serious the crime, the more severe the punishment.  Some offenses result in years or even life in prison, along with tens of thousands of dollars in fines.  An experienced Arlington criminal defense lawyer knows how to protect those accused from serious punishment.  In many cases, a capable attorney can have the charges against his or her client dismissed or reduced.  Ultimately, this means that the person convicted of a crime may spend less time behind bars, or perhaps be placed on probation rather than put in prison.

While it may not seem like it, the law is actually on the side of those accused of a crime.  You are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.  Prosecutors have their work cut out for them, and must prove your guilt through strong evidence, eyewitness testimony or other means.  The job of an Arlington criminal defense attorney is to dispute the evidence, find weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case, and build a strong defense strategy to protect his client’s legal rights.

There are times when it is apparent that having the charge dismissed is not possible. When this is the case, your criminal defense lawyer in Arlington may work out a plea agreement in which you can plead to a lesser charge, thereby reducing the severity of the penalties.  Your attorney will explore all of your legal options in order to reach an outcome that is the best possible in your situation.

Regardless of the seriousness of the situation, your lawyer will work with you to determine the best possible defense strategy.  Arlington criminal defense attorneys know that mistakes are often made by police in investigating crimes, such as improper search, not obtaining a warrant, etc.  Whether you are guilty or innocent of the charge against you, your lawyer will work diligently to protect your freedom and reputation.  Without capable legal counsel, you will likely face the worst possible consequences.

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How Important is it to Hire an Arlington DUI Lawyer When Arrested for Driving Under the Influence?

Posted on June 11, 2014 by admin

When you have been pulled over and arrested for driving under the influence, it is very important that you contact an experienced Arlington DUI lawyer at once.  Many people think that a DUI is no big deal, but it is!  It is a criminal offense which can affect your life, reputation, and career much more than you might think.

While a first offense certainly isn’t as serious as a second or subsequent offense, you may still face substantial fines, jail time, driver’s license suspension, and possibly an increase in your auto insurance premiums.  A subsequent DUI offense will leave you facing increased fines and jail time, along with other more serious penalties.  Employers today are hesitant to hire someone with a criminal record, which you will have if found guilty.  A skilled Arlington DUI attorney will fight the charges against you in an effort to minimize the damage.

A first arrest often instills fear and anxiety in the individual who is potentially facing charges of driving under the influence.  This is normal, considering you probably have no idea what is going to happen to you.  This is another reason to speak with a defense lawyer as soon as possible.  Your attorney will answer your questions, address your concerns, and explain the process so that you know what to expect.  Together, you and your Arlington DUI defense lawyer can work to determine the most appropriate course of action for your particular situation.

In Virginia, it is unlawful to operate a vehicle with a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of .08 percent or higher.  Anyone who drives a car while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both may be pulled over and arrested if those substances impair the individual’s ability to drive in a safe manner.  Our state has some of the toughest DUI laws in the country; you must consult with a capable defense attorney who will work to ensure your legal rights were not violated, and protect you from serious criminal penalties and potential loss of your freedom.

Ultimately, being convicted of driving under the influence could affect you for the rest of your life.  While it isn’t easy to fight DUI charges, it is possible with the help of an aggressive Arlington DUI attorney.  Don’t risk your employment, reputation, and freedom.  Avoid giving police any information which could further incriminate you, and contact a lawyer at once.  You have a right to remain silent – use it.

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Pre-settlement Funding Can Help You Pay for Expenses While You Wait for Your Case to Settle

Posted on May 3, 2014 by admin

If you’re the plaintiff in a personal injury lawsuit and your case has been taken on contingency by a personal injury lawyer, you don’t have to necessarily wait for your lawsuit to settle or be decided by a jury to make use of your settlement funds. Instead, you can use a type of litigation financing called pre-settlement funding to access some of that money now, before your case settles.

This is especially useful if, for example, your injuries have meant that you’re not able to work so that the bills are piling up. Medical expenses, too, may be increasing as you continue with your rehabilitation after your injury. It can be difficult to make ends meet, but pre-settlement funding can help take care of those expenses so that you can relax and focus on recovering from your injuries.

How does pre-settlement funding work?

This type of litigation financing is a loan, but it’s not the same kind of loan you might normally think of. With regular loans, you have to go to a lender, have your financial background and income scrutinized extensively, and in essence prove that you are worthy of this loan. Then, you have to pay back that loan with interest if you’re approved.

Pre-settlement funding isn’t like that. With pre-settlement funding, you have to have a personal injury case that’s legitimate, meaning that it’s not frivolous, and you have to have a personal injury lawyer that you’ve hired on contingency representing you in your case. Your lawyer must also agree that applying for this type of litigation funding is suitable. If your lawyer doesn’t agree that you should, you won’t qualify for this type of loan.

If your lawyer agrees that it’s a good idea, you can apply for the loan. Once you apply, the company you choose to handle this type of loan for you will carefully review your application and then grant you what is usually about 10% of your expected award or settlement. If you win your case, you’ll be expected to pay back what you’ve borrowed, plus fees and interest.

If you lose, though, this is where this type of litigation funding is especially helpful. Unlike traditional loans, you don’t have to pay this loan back if you lose your case. Instead, you simply walk away without any further responsibilities, able to move on with your life unencumbered.  Ask your attorney about pre-settlement funding today, and whether it’s a suitable option in your situation.

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Why Should You Consult with an Alexandria Juvenile Crime Attorney?

Posted on April 26, 2014 by admin

An experienced Alexandria juvenile crime attorney understands that when a minor child is arrested or charged with a crime, it affects the entire family.  No parent wants to question how his or her child’s future and/or reputation may be affected.  The stress and fear most parents experience is substantial; what should you do, and what does it all mean for your child?  The first step is to consult with a capable defense lawyer who is highly familiar with and experienced in these types of cases.

Your child may have been arrested for shoplifting, underage drinking, drug possession, or something as serious as carjacking or robbery.  Regardless, it is critical that you contact a compassionate Alexandria juvenile crime defense lawyer right away to ensure the best possible outcome.  Your attorney will work to make certain your child’s legal rights are protected, and that rather than punishment, the focus is placed on rehabilitation.

In all truth, most parents do not know what to do when a child is arrested.  Are your child’s rights being violated?  Will he or she be put in jail, or have a criminal record that will impact his or her future forever?  The police may claim that you do not need a lawyer, but don’t listen.  Police are not you or your child’s friends; to ensure positive results, speak with a seasoned Alexandria juvenile crimes attorney immediately.  Just as adults, children can be prosecuted for crimes – and police or prosecutors may treat them with the same aggressive approach.  If you decide not to contact a lawyer, you are essentially putting your child’s future at risk.

The juvenile justice system in Virginia does focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment, however there are still some very real consequences.  In certain situations, a juvenile may be tried as an adult. It is ultimately the judge who determines the appropriate sanctions, which may include fines, restitution, probation, and more.  Your child may be place in a juvenile correctional center or residential facility upon the judge’s discretion.  It is vital that you consult with a dedicated and compassionate Alexandria juvenile crime lawyer who will work on your child’s behalf and guide you through the process, always keeping you apprised and with your child’s well-being and best interests at heart.

Teenage children are not fully mature emotionally, and often make mistakes without realizing the seriousness of the consequences if they are caught.  Being arrested does not mean that your child is a “bad” child, and he or she deserves a chance for a bright future.  Contact an attorney immediately so that work can begin to protect your child.

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Consult With a Skilled Kansas City DUI Attorney, Even When You’re Guilty

Posted on March 21, 2014 by admin

Many people assume that if they have been charged with driving under the influence, the only reason they should hire a Kansas City DUI attorney is if they want to get the case dismissed.  This is absolutely wrong; pleading guilty without consulting with a lawyer is a mistake, for several reasons.

Even though you realize you “messed up,” legally you are innocent until proven guilty.  The charges against you must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, which isn’t always easy.  Police often make mistakes when arresting an individual for driving under the influence – and those mistakes may be used to your advantage.  An officer may pull you over without reasonable suspicion, which is against the law.  Breath and blood tests to determine whether you were intoxicated and to measure your blood alcohol content are not always performed correctly, handled properly, or the results may be skewed.  This is just one example of why you should consult with a talented DUI lawyer in Kansas City before pleading guilty.

Another reason you should never plead guilty without first consulting an attorney is sentencing.  If you plead guilty, you will be convicted and subsequently sentenced.  A judge has discretion when handing out your sentence, and can choose to go with a lighter sentence, or the harshest penalties that are legal for the offense you are accused of.  He or she will often consider any aggravating or mitigating factors, which are generally learned from your attorney and that state’s.  Without legal counsel on your side, you may very well say something that while you believe will help your situation, will actually make it worse.

Even when you are guilty of DUI, it’s often far more desirable to have the judge determine that you should get an opportunity to rehabilitate rather than be put behind bars.  A conviction for a DUI can mean not only jail time, but fines, loss of your driving privileges, a criminal record, and increased insurance rates.  If it is your second, third, or even fourth offense, penalties will be far more severe.  It is important that regardless of your innocence or guilt, you obtain the skill and experience of a reputable Kansas City DUI lawyer.

The old adage “you do the crime, you serve the time” simply is not true.  In our country, even those charged with the most heinous of crimes have a right to legal representation, and an opportunity to protect their legal rights.  If you have been charged with DUI and are guilty, don’t make any moves you will regret later.  Consult with an experienced Kansas City DUI attorney who will work to keep you out of jail, and protect your from what could be serious consequences.

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Pre-Settlement Funding Makes it Possible to Get Cash Immediately for Those Who Qualify

Posted on March 12, 2014 by admin

When you or a family member have suffered injuries due to negligence, waiting for months while involved in a personal injury lawsuit can be difficult from a financial standpoint.  Pre-settlement funding can help with household bills, medical costs, and other expenses while you are waiting for the weeks or months it may take your lawsuit to reach settlement.

There are many more costs associated with being injured than most people realize.  Not only are the fees charged by hospitals and doctors astronomical today, you may also be unable to work; time spent in court can affect your income.  Soon, you find that the thought of settling with the responsible party for less than you deserve looks  more attractive all the time.  With pre-settlement funding, those who qualify can avoid settling for a fraction of the compensation they are entitled to.

What is pre-settlement funding?

Also referred to as litigation financing, this is a process in which those who qualify may get an advance, usually about 10%, of the settlement they expect to win.  This money is available almost immediately if you qualify, so you can pay household bills, buy groceries, and meet other financial obligations.

Not a loan, litigation funding requires no collateral; the only factor which determines if you qualify is whether you have a strong case.  The funding company will want the details of your injuries and how they occurred (car accident, defective product, nursing home neglect, etc.) in order to determine if your case is strong and will likely win in court.  Your attorney will provide the necessary information, which will not include personal information such as your credit history, employment status, etc.

One huge advantage for personal injury plaintiffs with pre-settlement funding is that the process is non-recourse.  This means that you only repay the advance to the funding company if you do win your lawsuit; if you do not, you owe absolutely nothing – no fees, no interest, etc.

There are also no out-of-pockets costs or upfront fees, so you never have to worry about spending money you do not have, which would only worsen your financial situation.

Unfortunately, many injury victims are forced to settle with defendants and their insurance company for far less in damages than they deserve.  This can lead to financial disaster; however, for some it seems the only choice is to settle, as personal injury lawsuits are widely known for lasting months or even longer.

Pre-settlement funding is a process you should speak with your lawyer about today.  If approved, the cash advance you receive will make it possible for you to live comfortably and pay your bills while waiting for your lawsuit to settle.

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Lawsuit Loans, a Solution for Injury Victims Who Need Immediate Financial Relief

Posted on August 20, 2013 by admin

Anyone who has been seriously injured because of another party’s negligence knows the financial problems that can arise.  Lawsuit loans help you get through during the time you are injured and receive settlement from the insurance company or through a jury award, so that you can pay your bills and live comfortably.  If you are not familiar with what litigation funding is and how it works, this article will simplify things for you.

Most people never think of how their injuries will affect them overall, other than the medical costs.  Certainly you will have substantial medical expenses, but if you cannot work your income will be reduced as well.  Eventually it becomes hard to pay the household bills or mortgage; lawsuit loans help ease the financial stress over the time it can take to get your settlement or jury award, which is often months or even longer.

Will you qualify?  If your claim is a strong one, most likely you will qualify.  Litigation funding companies usually only refuse cases they deem as frivolous.  If you sustained serious injuries that were more than simple bruising or sprains, lawsuit loans are probably a good solution for your situation.  You never have to worry about your credit rating or current employment status, as funding companies do not consider this information when determining if you qualify.  All you will be asked for is information regarding the accident, and the injuries you suffered because of the accident.

Will you have to spend money out of your own pocket?  With lawsuit loans, you never pay any fees upfront, so you don’t have to worry about coming up with fees, payments or other money you simply do not have. You will only repay the loan, along with a small amount of interest and fees, at the time you are awarded your settlement.  If for any reason you do not get the settlement or jury award you expected, you owe nothing because the process is non-recourse.

How much of an advance can you expect?  Because Mayfield lawsuit loans are simply an advance against your pending settlement, most litigation funding companies are happy to advance about 10% to those who qualify.  So, if you expect your settlement or jury award to be $100,000 your advance will likely be approximately $10,000.  This money can be used to pay hospital and doctor bills, attorney fees, to buy groceries or pay household bills.

Why face possible bankruptcy or foreclosure when you are the one who was injured because of someone else’s carelessness?  Speak with your lawyer about the advantages of lawsuit loans, and whether this is a good solution for your situation.

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Pre-Settlement Funding – Pay the Bills and Enjoy Peace of Mind While Awaiting Settlement

Posted on August 15, 2013 by admin

When you have been injured because of someone else’s negligence and are awaiting settlement, you may find it’s hard to pay the bills.  Pre-settlement funding makes it possible for you to meet your financial obligations and enjoy peace of mind while waiting for your lawsuit to settle.  Litigation financing, while it may sound complex, is simply a process of obtaining an advance against your anticipated settlement.  It’s your money, and you need it right now; if approved, you can get it within 24 hours!

How much of an advance can you expect with pre-settlement funding if you qualify?  Most funding companies give clients approximately 10% of their expected settlement.  Even if your claim is only valued at $50,000, you can still get about $5,000 if approved.  This would go a long way toward paying those household bills, medical expenses and other costs.  Essentially, you want to make ends meet until your lawsuit reaches completion. With litigation financing, you won’t have to worry about creditors harassing you, or even potential bankruptcy.

How do you know if you will qualify for pre-settlement funding?  Basically, if you have a strong case it’s likely you will be approved.  Because most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis today, they will not take a client whose case is considered weak or frivolous, simply because they do not get paid unless the lawsuit is won.  If your claim is valid and solid enough that a lawyer will represent you in court, it’s likely that you will qualify for an advance.

Your attorney will submit the necessary information to the litigation financing company so that they can determine if you qualify.  The information required pertains only to the circumstances surrounding your injuries (car accident, defective product, medical malpractice, etc.) and your injuries themselves.  You will never be asked for personal information such as job status or credit rating.  Funding companies simply want to know that you have a strong, viable claim.

With pre-settlement funding, you will never have to pay any fees or payments out of your own pocket.  You only repay the advance along with any fees or interest at the time you have your settlement money.  If you do not win, you do not repay the loan, or any fees or interest because the process is non-recourse.

Paying the utility bills, buying groceries and providing the fees your attorney needs to fight vigorously on your behalf is now possible with pre-settlement funding.  Speak to your lawyer about litigation financing, and rest at ease while waiting for your lawsuit to complete!

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Pre-Settlement Funding – Immediate Cash for Personal Injury Victims

Posted on August 9, 2013 by admin

Frequently, victims injured because of negligence settle quickly with the insurance company due to immediate financial issues.  Pre-settlement funding helps you avoid this, as you have the funds to pay your bills and allow your attorney the time to fight for the full compensation you deserve in a personal injury lawsuit.  Essentially, litigation funding is a cash advance against a pending settlement which is given to applicants who qualify.  It is your money, why not have access to it now?

As long as you have a strong case it’s likely you will qualify for a Mayfield pre-settlement funding account.  You may have been injured in a car or motorcycle accident, because of a dog bite or medical negligence, even due to a defective product or slip and fall accident.  Any type of personal injury (injury caused by the negligence of another party) is grounds for litigation financing, as long as your case isn’t frivolous.  Unlike other types of loans, qualifying is a quick and simple process that requires only information related to the accident that left you injured, and your injuries.  Credit standing, employment status and other background information is a non-issue with pre-settlement funding.

Medical costs today continue to soar; you may be unable to continue working for the short- or long-term due to your injuries.  It isn’t long before you have trouble meeting your financial obligations, including medical bills and normal household expenses.  Pre-settlement funding allows those who qualify to get the money you need immediately, usually within 24 hours.  In addition, you only repay the advance if you do in fact win your lawsuit, along with minimal fees and interest.

How do you repay the advance?  There are no monthly payments to worry about.  You will repay the litigation funding company at the time you receive your settlement, so there are no out-of-pocket expenses to make your financial situation even worse than it is.  If for any reason you do not win your lawsuit and are not awarded a settlement, you owe absolutely nothing.  It’s a no risk way to get the money you desperately need, now.

Pre-settlement funding gives you the money to pay your medical and household bills, and the financial resources to help your lawyer build a strong case on your behalf.  Personal injury cases often take months to settle, or even longer.  Through litigation funding, you can pay your bills and live without financial stress while your lawyer fights for the full compensation you are entitled to from those who caused your injuries.

Don’t live under pressure from your creditors or fear of bankruptcy, and don’t settle with the insurance company for a low-ball offer.  Ask your attorney about the advantages of pre-settlement funding, and whether it may be a good option for you.

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Settlement Loans – What Litigation Funding is and How It Works

Posted on August 9, 2013 by admin

Although the term implies it is a loan, settlement loans are actually cash advances given to injured victims who are awaiting settlement and qualify.  Another term for the process, litigation funding, is just what it sounds like – funding for your lawsuit, so that you can live as you normally would and pay your bills while waiting for your case to reach completion.

As an injured victim, you may already realize the financial impact your injuries are having on your live, especially if you cannot work.  Between the medical expenses, lost income, paying the normal monthly bills and buying groceries, you may be going broke.  Personal injury lawsuits commonly take months or even longer to settle; in the meantime, how can you avoid bankruptcy and meet your financial obligations?  Settlement loans are the ideal solution for many who find themselves in this situation.

Settlement loans are easy to qualify for, as long as you have a solid claim.  The litigation funding company will never ask you for information regarding your credit score, past or current employment or other personal data.  All they are interested in are the circumstances surrounding the accident that caused your injuries, and how serious your injuries are.  When the funding company feels strongly that your case will win and knows your attorney supports your claim, you’re likely to qualify for a loan. Learn more about Pre-settlement funding here.

The loan is basically an advance against the money you expect to win in a lawsuit, or through settlement with the defendant’s insurance company.  In most cases, you can expect to receive about 10% of your settlement in advance if you are approved.  While this may not sound like a great deal, several thousand dollars can go a long way toward paying the bills and keeping your head above water.

If you do qualify, you will get your money very quickly.  In most cases, those who are approved for settlement loans get their money within 24 hours, and the process is quick and easy.  You and your attorney will sign off on the application which only asks about the information mentioned above regarding your accident and injuries.  In addition, you only repay the loan when you actually receive your settlement or jury award, so there are no out-of-pocket expenses to add to your financial worries.  If you do not win, you do not repay the funding company – it’s that simple.

You can find out more about settlement loans online, or have your lawyer briefly explain how it works.  Pay your bills, live comfortably and put the stress of worrying about how you can meet your financial obligations aside with litigation funding.

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