Should you enter a plea bargain?

When facing a DUI or criminal charge, it’s difficult to know if fighting the charge is better than going through a plea bargain. A “plea bargain” is when a convicted individual pleads guilty to the wrongdoing. There are a number of benefits for this route including:

• Opting for a less serious charge
• Only having to plead guilty to one charge out of multiple and dismissing the other charges
• Receiving a more lenient sentence
• Avoiding a lengthy trial or avoid trial altogether

An example of this would be if you are facing a DUI charge. Having a DUI on your record will have a substantial impact professionally and personally. When meeting with a DUI lawyer, he/she may suggest that you enter a plea bargain. By pleading guilty to the DUI, the lawyer may negotiate with the judge to make the charge less severe like reckless driving or speeding. While these offenses are still serious, they don’t nearly have the same ramifications as a DUI.

Why is it helpful to talk to a criminal defense lawyer?

If you are facing criminal charges, you should talk to an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately to assess your options. In some cases, the best option would be to take a plea bargain. In other cases, going to trial may lead to better results.

Do you need help finding a criminal defense attorney?

Finding the right criminal defense or DUI attorney for your situation can be a difficult task. That’s why the Riverside County LRS is here to listen to your circumstances and refer you to an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Not in Riverside? Consider talking to one of these lawyer referral services:

• Bar Association of San Francisco
• The San Luis Obispo Bar Association
• The Brooklyn Bar Association
• The Chicago Bar Association

The materials in this blog are for informational purposes only, and are not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or current, and should not be relied on as legal advice. You should consult with a lawyer if you need help with a legal matter and not rely on anything you read on this blog or elsewhere on the web.

Alternatives to in-person communication: Emails and Phone Calls

When going through the legal process, having open and strong communication is paramount. If you have a complicated matter, it may be preferred that you meet with the lawyer in person. However, due to conflicting schedules, locations, and other obstacles, meeting in-person may not be a viable option.  

During your initial consultation with the lawyer, if you know that there are going to be barriers that may prevent you from meeting him/her in person, ask if discussing the legal matter through email or phone would be suitable alternatives.

Email communication

With so many changes in technology, communicating via the internet has become the norm. Some people are hesitant about discussing legal matters through email as such discussions are confidential and are documented; however, using email as a form of communication with your lawyer has its benefits.

If you have a quick, non-urgent inquiry or concern, using email is a good way to get a response from the lawyer without inconvenience. You can ask questions when you need to and the lawyer will respond accordingly. Also, keeping your emails is a helpful reference for your communication. If the lawyer explained how to go about doing paperwork or gave you some advice, you can refer back to the email.

Be sure to check with your lawyer about what should and should not be discussed in email. Some matters are too complicated and can be misconstrued through emails.

Phone communication

Using the phone as the primary mode of communication is helpful in many regards. This is especially helpful the lawyer’s office is out of the way, if you are out of town, unable to travel, etc. If there is a matter that you want to discuss in more detail with the lawyer, you can schedule a phone meeting with him/her. These kinds of conversations are helpful in maintaining a close, professional relationship with the attorney.

Contact the Riverside LRS to see how we can help

If you have more questions or concerns regarding communicating with your lawyer, contact the Riverside LRS to see how we can help. If your legal matter is not in Riverside, consider talking to one of these other Lawyer Referral Services:

• The Bar Association of San Francisco
• The Chicago Bar Association
• The Brooklyn Bar Association
• The San Luis Obispo County Bar Association

The materials in this blog are for informational purposes only, and are not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or current, and should not be relied on as legal advice. You should consult with a lawyer if you need help with a legal matter and not rely on anything you read on this blog or elsewhere on the web.

Do you need a car accident attorney in Riverside County?

Car accidents are frightening on a number of levels. Not only do you have to face the initial shock of being in a car accident, but you also have to cope with the additional injuries and damages. These injuries and damages can take a toll on a person physically, emotionally, and financially. If you do not confront the at-fault party for their negligence, you may be stuck to pay for such damages on your own.

Potential injuries

The injuries and damages sustained from a car accident vary, depending on the nature and the severity of the accident. Injuries may include the following:

• Whiplash
• Broken bones
• Scarring and/or disfigurement
• Neck and spinal cord injury
• Head and brain trauma
• Wrongful death

All of the above injuries are extremely painful and can impact a person’s life on multiple levels. Not only do you have to deal with the physical pains, but the financial strains of medical bills and the inability to work can be just as difficult to cope with.

How can the Riverside Lawyer Referral Service help?

The first step in obtaining compensation for your pains is contacting the Riverside County Lawyer Referral Service. We have connections to numerous prescreened attorneys and our services can help match you to the best lawyer for your needs.

What if I need a car accident attorney outside of Riverside County?

There are many Lawyer Referral Services at various bar associations. Refer to the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association or the Bar Association of San Francisco if you would like more information regarding car accident attorneys in California. 

The materials in this blog are for informational purposes only, and are not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or current, and should not be relied on as legal advice. You should consult with a lawyer if you need help with a legal matter and not rely on anything you read on this blog or elsewhere on the web.

Were you a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace?

Sexual harassment in the workplace affects both the victim and the overall company. Not only does the victim have to endure deep trauma from the harassment, but the company also has to deal with the marred image and its aftermath. Therefore, companies are expected to uphold strong morale by providing proper supervision and safety measures to prevent such harassment.

Unfortunately, there are a number of sexual harassment cases that occur every year in the workplace. What’s even more unfortunate is that many victims are afraid to speak up. If the harassment was done by a superior, the victim may fear his/her job. Or, if the victim chooses to walk away from the company, he/she will still have to endure the compounded stress of trying to find a job while coping with the incident.

How can a sexual harassment attorney help?

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious crime, and you should not hesitate to contact an experienced lawyer. A lawyer who is well-versed in business law and sexual harassment cases can help shield you from the company and their legal team.

Holding the at-fault part party accountable is not just about receiving compensation for your pains, it’s about bringing justice to the many victims of sexual harassment. Harassment in the workplace needs to be put to an end. Take the first step in protecting your rights.

How can the Riverside Lawyer Referral Service help?

The Riverside County Bar Association has helped numerous clients get connected with prescreened attorneys to help them with their legal matters. We can do the same for you. Call us or use our contact form to find out how you can get connected to the right sexual harassment attorney.

Not in Riverside? Check out the Bar Association of San Francisco, the Brooklyn Bar Association, or the Chicago Bar Association.

The materials in this blog are for informational purposes only, and are not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or current, and should not be relied on as legal advice. You should consult with a lawyer if you need help with a legal matter and not rely on anything you read on this blog or elsewhere on the web.

The Value of Face-to-Face Communication with an Attorney

Having strong communication with your attorney is imperative when going through the legal process. Things that are overlooked or not fully communicated can come with substantial consequences. And, in the end, by being open and honest with your lawyer, you may be more likely to be satisfied with the outcome. Depending on the nature and complexity of your legal matter, you may opt to alleviate much of your stress and confusion by meeting with an attorney in person. 

The benefits of face-to-face communication

If you can afford to take the time and cost of meeting the lawyer in person, there is a greater chance that you and the lawyer will develop a much closer, professional bond. Having face-to-face communication is very beneficial, particularly if you and the lawyer are going over complicated matters such as detailed and confusing paperwork. Also, if your legal matter is more emotional, like a family legal issue, then having a lawyer physically present can alleviate a lot of the stress involved.

Do you need an attorney in Riverside County?

At the Riverside County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service, we will carefully listen to your situation and concerns and match you to a prescreened lawyer. If communication is something that you value, we will certainly keep that in mind when evaluating the right lawyer for your legal matter. Don’t hesitate to contact us.

Is your legal matter not in Riverside?

There are other bar associations such as the Brooklyn Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association that also provide lawyer referral services. Check to see if your city or county provides such services.

The materials in this blog are for informational purposes only, and are not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or current, and should not be relied on as legal advice. You should consult with a lawyer if you need help with a legal matter and not rely on anything you read on this blog or elsewhere on the web.

Do You Need a Child Custody Lawyer?

No parent ever wants to think about the day that he/she needs to decide child custody matters. Not only do you have to protect your child’s interests, but there are a number of other questions that need to be answered. How much time is spent between each parent? What if you or the other parent wants to move away? How will you allocate the expenses?

Having the right lawyer guide you through child custody hearings and procedures is crucial in ensuring that your child’s interests.

Is mediation the answer?

While there is no “best case scenario” in terms of child custody, if you and the other parent are amicable and can discuss matters in a productive way, your lawyer may suggest mediation. Mediation is more of a discussion of the terms and the lawyer acts more as a facilitator between the two parties. Mediation is typically more cost effective and time efficient in comparison to litigation.

What if you need to go to court?

There are situations where mediation is not suitable for discussing child custody. For instance, if there are suspicions of abuse or irresponsible parenting, it may be necessary to go to court as the lawyer will have to obtain evidence and build a case to prevent the wrongful parent from having custody. Also, if there are other substantial disagreements between the two parties, litigation may be the only option in solving child custody issues.

Do you need a child custody lawyer in Riverside County?

Legal matters like child custody cannot be taken lightly and you need the right family law attorney for your situation. If you are in Riverside County, consult with the Riverside County Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service. When you talk to us, we will listen to your situation and carefully match you to a prescreened lawyer. Hiring the right lawyer is the first step in helping your family move on from this challenging time. Let us help.

Is your family’s legal matter outside of Riverside County?

There are other bar associations like the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association and the Bar Association of San Francisco who offer Lawyer Referral Services. Research and see if there is a Lawyer Referral Service in your city or county.

The materials in this blog are for informational purposes only, and are not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or current, and should not be relied on as legal advice. You should consult with a lawyer if you need help with a legal matter and not rely on anything you read on this blog or elsewhere on the web.

Issues that arise with tenants and landlords

Do you have a legal issue with a tenant or landlord? The Riverside Lawyer Referral Service may be able to help.

Both tenants and landlords have an obligation to each other to respect each other’s rights. The landlord cannot discriminate against prospective tenants because of ethnicity, gender, disability etc.; however, the landlord does have the right to obtain credit history from the potential tenant to ensure that he/she is financially capable of paying the rent. Likewise, the landlord is responsible to maintain the rented site and provide safe living conditions for the tenant.

Disputes that may arise between the landlord and tenant can be very expensive and have lasting results. For example, if a landlord does not fix a leak that is in the residence, the leak may lead to mold, causing the tenant to get sick. Or, the tenant may have cause significant damage to the property prior to moving out, leaving the landlord with large expenses to fix the issue.

If you have an issue with a landlord or tenant, contact us so that we can refer you to the right real property lawyer for the case. During your consultation, the lawyer can inform you about your rights and how to proceed with your situation.

Not in Riverside? There are other Lawyer Referral Services at the Bar Association of San Francisco, the Brooklyn Bar Association, and the Chicago Bar Association.

The materials in this blog are for informational purposes only, and are not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or current, and should not be relied on as legal advice. You should consult with a lawyer if you need help with a legal matter and not rely on anything you read on this blog or elsewhere on the web.

Business litigation and lawyer services

Business litigation can take on a myriad of forms, which is why it is important to meet with a lawyer who is well-versed in business law. Whether you are in the beginning stages of your business, or are facing a legal dispute with a partner or employee, having the right lawyer represent you is imperative.

Business litigation issues may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Copyrights and patents
• Contract disputes
• Employment litigation
• Real estate
• Contractor disputes

Or, you may find that you may not need to have a lawyer throughout the entire duration of your business legal matter. For example, you can meet with an attorney to go over contracts and have him/her explain them to you before proceeding with the paperwork. Or, you can have the lawyer give you sound legal advice of how to continue with your course of action. Either way, receiving legal insight from a law professional will have long term benefits.

If you have more questions about how to prepare for a consultation with a lawyer regarding your business legal issue, contact the Riverside Lawyer Referral Services. We are here to help.

For other bar associations, consider one of the following:

• The Bar Association of San Francisco
• Brooklyn Bar Association
• Chicago Bar Association

The materials in this blog are for informational purposes only, and are not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or current, and should not be relied on as legal advice. You should consult with a lawyer if you need help with a legal matter and not rely on anything you read on this blog or elsewhere on the web.

Finding the right bankruptcy lawyer

Today, bankruptcy is an unfortunate, but all too common reality. There may be been a business venture that did not go as planned. You may have gone through an expensive divorce. The housing market caused your mortgage to skyrocket. We can’t plan for these types of financial difficulties, and, when they arise, they have devastating consequences.

If you are experiencing financial difficulty and need to file bankruptcy, an experienced bankruptcy lawyer can help alleviate much of the stress from your situation. A bankruptcy attorney can clearly explain all of the necessary steps involved with filing bankruptcy and your options. Whether you are filing a Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or business bankruptcy, a well-qualified lawyer can help you determine the best course of action with your situation.

At the Riverside LRS, we have prescreened bankruptcy attorneys who can help you through this difficult time. If you would like to know more about bankruptcy and obtaining a lawyer, contact the Riverside County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service. For updates regarding legal news, follow us on twitter.

Is your legal issue not in Riverside? Then try the Bar Association of San Francisco Lawyer Referral Service, Brooklyn Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service, or the Chicago Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service.

The materials in this blog are for informational purposes only, and are not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or current, and should not be relied on as legal advice. You should consult with a lawyer if you need help with a legal matter and not rely on anything you read on this blog or elsewhere on the web.

Real property lawyers and contracts

While a Realtor can give you guidance regarding real estate budgets and whether or not to buy a property, a real property lawyer can also be very useful when buying and dealing with real estate. When buying real estate, an experienced attorney can go over the paperwork and contracts, which can be very difficult to understand, and, if not properly explained, can lead to major difficulties after closing.

If you have already bought the property and are considering renovations, a real property attorney can help you with contracts or legal disputes with contractors and workers. In handling the contracts, the lawyer can help explain the procedures and the best course of action. If you are having a legal trouble with a contractor, a real property lawyer can evaluate your circumstances and give you guidance regarding the next steps.

When considering renting out the property, a real property lawyer can discuss how to go about the contracts with the potential tenant. In addition, if you are a landlord and have a dispute with a tenant, the lawyer can help you with that as well. 

Use the Riverside County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Services to match you with an experienced real property lawyer. If you have questions regarding meeting with an attorney, please do not hesitate to contact us.

If your matter is not in Riverside County, consider one of these alternative Lawyer Referral Services:

• Brooklyn Bar Association
• The Bar Association of San Francisco
• Chicago Bar Association

The materials in this blog are for informational purposes only, and are not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or current, and should not be relied on as legal advice. You should consult with a lawyer if you need help with a legal matter and not rely on anything you read on this blog or elsewhere on the web.

Why did the attorney not accept my case?

There is assumption among many people who seek legal representation that they are the ones in charge since they are paying the lawyer for his/her services. But, in reality, there are instances where the attorney may not take on your case. Just as you are not obligated to work with an attorney you meet with, the attorney is not obligated to take on every case. If an attorney does not accept your case, there may be very justifiable reasons for him/her to do so such as:

1. Lack of knowledge or experience – Just because a lawyer may be a personal injury lawyer, that doesn’t necessarily mean that he/she is well-versed in every aspect of that practice area. Legal areas are vast in nature, so there may be instances where the lawyer may not be able to address your specific needs. For instance, if you have a medical malpractice case that pertains to a birth injury, but the lawyer mainly focuses on elder abuse, that lawyer may not be the best lawyer for your case.
2. Conflict of interest – If the attorney knows or has a personal or professional relationship with the opposing side, he/she may have a bias against your case, ultimately harming your representation. For example, if you are suing a company that the lawyer has stocks in, he/she may be more hesitant to take on your case as the outcome may affect the lawyer’s relationship with the company.
3. Unworthy claim – There is a lot at stake when a lawyer takes on a case; therefore, they tend to take on cases that they believe will have a strong chance of obtaining a favorable result. That’s why it is extremely important to come prepared to your consultation with the lawyer so you can provide a sound claim for your case.
4. Strategy disagreements – Ultimately, if a lawyer agrees to take on a case, both you and lawyer must work together to see the end result. If the attorney has a strategy that you are not comfortable with, then the relationship may not be a good one.

Just because a lawyer may reject your case that does not mean that another lawyer will not represent you. At the same time, because there is a chance that a lawyer may not want to take the case, it is important to make sure you are very organized and prepared for your consultation.

You can follow the Riverside County Bar Association on Twitter to get updates regarding legal and lawyer referral service information.

Not in Riverside? Then try the Bar Association of San Francisco Lawyer Referral Service, Brooklyn Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service, or the Chicago Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service.

The materials in this blog are for informational purposes only, and are not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or current, and should not be relied on as legal advice. You should consult with a lawyer if you need help with a legal matter and not rely on anything you read on this blog or elsewhere on the web.

Do you need a criminal lawyer?

Facing any criminal accusation can be extremely daunting. Criminal charges range from misdemeanors to felonies, with the type and degree of punishments varying, depending on the nature of the crime. The aftermath of a criminal trial is devastating, not only to the convicted person, but his/her family as well. Therefore, selecting the right criminal lawyer is paramount when going through the legal process.

At the Riverside County LRS, we have prescreened criminal attorneys who have the necessary knowledge and experience to handle criminal cases. During your consultation, the lawyer can evaluate your situation and provide you with sound guidance regarding the next steps.

It’s important to be honest about your situation with your lawyer during the consultation. This will help him/her fully gauge your legal issue and how to proceed. Refraining from giving important information to the lawyer, regardless of how uncomfortable it may be, can be detrimental in the long run. Remember, everything that say to the lawyer, even if you decide to not work with him/her, will remain confidential and cannot be repeated without your consent.

Use the Riverside County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Services to match you with an experienced lawyer. If you have questions regarding meeting with an attorney, please do not hesitate to contact us.

If you are not in Riverside County, there are other bar associations that offer Lawyer Referral Services such as the Bar Association of San Francisco, Chicago Bar Association, and Brooklyn Bar Association.

The materials in this blog are for informational purposes only, and are not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or current, and should not be relied on as legal advice. You should consult with a lawyer if you need help with a legal matter and not rely on anything you read on this blog or elsewhere on the web.

Looking beyond the hourly rate when selecting a lawyer

When considering which lawyer to work with, there are multiple factors to keep in mind; however, what many people tend to focus on is the hourly rate for attorneys. Certainly, it is important to maintain a budget for such a venture, but be wary about selecting a lawyer simply because he/she is less expensive than another.

Lawyers provide hourly rates based on their experience and results. Typically, the more experience a lawyer has, the higher the hourly rates are. For example, while a lawyer may have a higher hourly rate than other lawyers, he/she can get the legal matter resolved in a much timelier fashion. At the same time, an attorney who may have less experience in the field can still offer solid legal advice and representation. Therefore, there should be other things to consider than simply the hourly rate such as: the lawyer’s background and results, personality and how well you think you would work with him/her, and the lawyer’s skillset.

Looking beyond the hourly rate will help you obtain strong legal representation that better suits your needs.

Please contact the Riverside Lawyer Referral Services if you have more questions or concerns about meeting with a lawyer. We are here to help. Not in Riverside? Try the Bar Association of San Francisco Lawyer Referral Service, Brooklyn Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service, or the Chicago Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service.

The materials in this blog are for informational purposes only, and are not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or current, and should not be relied on as legal advice. You should consult with a lawyer if you need help with a legal matter and not rely on anything you read on this blog or elsewhere on the web.

Things to know about employment litigation

With the high unemployment rate, many people are thankful to have a job and a consistent paycheck. Unfortunately, however, because employers know the current economic situation, sometimes they take advantage of their employees and do not treat them with the respect that they deserve. In such situations, the employee may either continue to work under such difficult situations, or take the gamble of quitting the job and finding employment elsewhere.

Regardless of your job position, you have the right to be treated with respect and work in safe conditions. If the employer fails to provide such an environment, then you may have ground to file a lawsuit against the employer.

There are various legal issues that require the assistance of a lawyer in regards to employment such as:

•           Wage and hour disputes
•           Employee discrimination
•           Sexual harassment
•           Workers’ compensation
•           Violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act

The consequences for the above situations can be dire, especially if your paycheck and health are affected. Also, if you have people relying on your income, they may be directly affected as well.

At the Riverside County LRS, we can refer you to a prescreened attorney who has knowledge and experience in employment litigation. During your consultation, the lawyer can evaluate your circumstances and give you advice regarding the next steps. If you have more questions regarding hiring an attorney for workers compensation, contact the Riverside Lawyer Referral Services for more information.

In case you do not live in Riverside County and still would like Lawyer Referral Services, consider contacting the Bar Association of San Francisco, Brooklyn Bar Association, or Chicago Bar Association.

The materials in this blog are for informational purposes only, and are not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or current, and should not be relied on as legal advice. You should consult with a lawyer if you need help with a legal matter and not rely on anything you read on this blog or elsewhere on the web.

Do you need a lawyer for your family issue?

Family matters can be very challenging, especially if they require legal assistance. Divorce, custody, and division of property are things that no one wants to deal with, but, unfortunately, with the high divorce rates in the nation, these things are an all too common reality for many people.

Finding the right lawyer for a family legal issue can be difficult as well. You need to find someone who cares about your family and your situation, is able to remain objective when evaluating the circumstances, and is able to represent your case if the matter goes to court. Because so much is at stake, choosing the right lawyer can be stressful in itself.

At the Riverside County LRS, we have are connected to many qualified family attorneys. We can refer you to a family lawyer who has experience pertaining to your family’s specific needs. For example, lawyer may suggest that you and your family go through mediation instead of going to court. Or, the attorney can give you various options regarding your family’s situation.

Please contact the Riverside Lawyer Referral Services to see how we can help you find the right family attorney. For updates regarding legal news, follow us on twitter. If you do not live in the Riverside area, you can still obtain useful family legal services from other LRS programs from the Bar Association of San Francisco Lawyer Referral Service, Brooklyn Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service, or the Chicago Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service.

The materials in this blog are for informational purposes only, and are not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or current, and should not be relied on as legal advice. You should consult with a lawyer if you need help with a legal matter and not rely on anything you read on this blog or elsewhere on the web.