Category: Legal
ContentRally is a leading source of reliable news and trending topics on Legal. Get hard-to-find insights and advice on Legal from industry-specific leaders.
What are the Grounds for Divorce in Illinois?
In Illinois, you can file for a fault or no-fault divorce. While the grounds for both types of divorces vary, one thing remains the same. Your situation needs to meet the state’s requirements in order for you to have a recognized divorce. Find out all about the grounds for divorce and what it means for you. No-Fault Versus Fault Divorce: Before you consider the grounds for divorce, you should understand the differences between fault and no-fault divorce. In a no-fault divorce, no one is to blame. Instead, the marriage is over because of irreconcilable differences. You don’t need to prove any type of misconduct. A fault divorce is one in which one spouse is to blame. For example, one partner could cheat on the other. The act of cheating would place the blame on their shoulders. If you want this type of divorce, you need proof. Accusations alone are not enough. Some states, like Florida, are strictly no-fault states. However, Illinois is one of the few states that offers the option for either type of divorce. The Grounds for Divorce: Because a fault divorce places the blame on an individual, the grounds for it are strict. To qualify for this type of divorce, your partner needs to be guilty of at least one of the following: Impotence Bigamy Abandonment for a minimum of one year Adultery Infecting the spouse with an STD Two years or more of drug addiction or alcohol abuse Extreme physical or emotional abuse Attempted murder of the spouse A felony conviction During the divorce process, the fact that one party was at-fault is not very significant for financial matters. According to divorce law in Illinois, the fault does not affect the division of property or alimony. But, it does matter for child custody and visitation. An at-fault parent could have limited custody as well as limited visitation rights. They may also have less of a right to joint pets. Grounds for No-Fault Divorce: Although you don’t need to prove any marital misconduct for no-fault divorce, you do need to wait. In Illinois, you need to live separate and apart from your spouse for two years before you can divorce. If you reside in the same house as your spouse for those two years, you need to prove that you were not together. More specifically, you need to prove that you only lived as roommates. You also need to show that your marriage is beyond repair as a result of irreconcilable differences. If you had efforts at reconciliation, you need to show that they failed. Finally, you need proof that any future attempt to save your marriage would be a failure. Getting Around the Waiting Period: The two year waiting period for a no-fault divorce can be inconvenient and challenging. If you want to speed up the process, you have one option. You and your partner can live separate and apart for six months. Then, you can agree in writing to waive the two-year waiting period. When both partners can’t agree to waive the waiting period, there is no way around the two-year wait. Either way, you could benefit from working with a Schaumburg divorce attorney. The divorce process is not an easy one. When you work with a divorce lawyer in Schaumburg, IL, you can get the answers to all of your questions. Read Also: Benefits Of Using Divorce Lawyers Top 7 Reasons To Hire A Private Detective Agency During Divorce Cases
READ MOREDetails
Don’t Battle It All Alone: 5 Reasons Why You Need an Adoption Attorney
There are many reasons why you might be considering adoption attorney, and it’s becoming more and more of a popular choice in countries all over the world with thousands of families of going through the process. However, just because lots of people are doing it, that doesn’t mean the journey is plain sailing. With lots of paperwork, legal requirements, checks and long periods of waiting, the process can be very off-putting to a lot of families. Nevertheless, many of these hassles can be countered by investing in the support of an adoption lawyer. With this in mind and to help you make the decision that’s right for you, today we’re going explore five key reasons why an adoption lawyer might be one of the best ideas for you. #1 - Support with Paperwork When you’re making your way through the adoption process, there’s a lot of paperwork and checks you’re going to need to go through to ensure everything that takes place is legal. For first-time adopters, there may be a lot of parts that are confusing, which is where an adoption lawyer can help to make sure you’re doing everything correctly. #2 - Assistance with Decisions There’s no denying that adoption is a wonderful thing, but not many people know about the legal requirements and procedures behind it, as well as the important decisions that need to be made. With an adoption lawyer by your side, you can have all the details explained, so you know you’re making the right decisions. #3 - Speed Up the Process While adoption is renowned for being a lengthy process, having a professional and somewhat savvy lawyer on your side may be able to help you speed things up. Of course, this depends on your individual circumstances, but without the help of a professional, you’re never going to know. #4 - Addressing Potential Problems As with any kind of legal proceeding, there are always going to be grey areas where problems can arise, and certain complications may appear out nowhere. This could relate to small or big things, such as same-sex marriage, military couples and many more, and will depend on your individual circumstances. Fortunately, one of the main benefits of having an adoption lawyer is they can help you through this process and iron out any issues, so you move through them quickly and easily. #5 - Help with Court Appearances Understandable, even the mention of court appearances can be enough to make you worry and think dubiously about going through the adoption process, and it’s not surprising that many people may feel intimidated throughout this part of the adoption procedure. Nevertheless, having a professional adoption lawyer by your side who’s been through the process many times before can help to settle your worries and help you focus on doing everything properly and getting the result you want. Summary As you can see, there are plenty of benefits to enlisting the help of a professional, qualified adoption lawyer who’ll be able to help you out in many areas of the adoption process. If adoption is a path you’re interested in taking, it goes without saying that it’s highly recommended to get help to make it as easy as possible.
READ MOREDetails
Why Are Court Reporters Necessary?
A court reporter, also known as a court stenographer or law reporter, transcribes spoken or recorded speech into written form. Court reporters are highly trained professionals who provide a real-time voice-to-text transcription. Although courtroom recordings are always necessary, recent technological advances seemingly diminished the need for court reporters. So, why are court reporters still necessary? Real-time transcription Transcription technology is used to create voice-to-text transcriptions after the speech has been recorded. Court reporters are unique because they transcribe speech to text in real time. Most court reporters have experience in the legal profession and are professionally trained with captioning and stenographic technology. In addition, court reporters are trained to transcribe real-time speech without any errors, which is not guaranteed with the use of technology. They can also actively organize and search for information within the transcription if needed. For example, if an attorney needs to review a specific moment of the trial, the moment can be easily searched for by the court reporter. Although courts are increasingly turning to digital recording programs, real-time transcription is crucial. Text-to-speech failures As mentioned earlier, court reporters accurately transcribe voice-to-text. Anyone with text-to-speech technology on their smartphone knows that this option isn’t always reliable. Names are commonly misheard or incorrectly spelled by text-to-speech programs, and these programs often fail to recognize accents or mumbled speech. There are also many words that sound alike, so a program’s transcription is bound to be flawed if people do not speak completely clearly. Humans are much better at interpreting context to pick the right word. Court reporters are also able to feel the courtroom and the proceedings before them, while a digital recording program cannot. Court reporters are able to read the inflections, tone of voice, and body language that conveys a situation, which can be extremely important. Overlapping dialogue It’s especially difficult for text-to-speech programs to transcribe testimonies where multiple people speak at once. If recorded and transcribed by a program, confusion occurs after the fact and it’s hard to distinguish what precisely was said. Although a court reporter may experience the same difficulty, they are able to request a repeat of the conversation if needed. In many cases, attorneys choose the services of both a court stenographer and a digital recording service. Using both ensures the highest degree of accuracy by creating a smaller margin for error. Avoiding risks of settled statements When hearings occur without a real-time court reporter, trial courts often approve settled statements or detailed narrative summaries of the proceeding. Settled statements can be a costly and timely process since each side can object to each other’s version of events. When this happens, the trial court is forced to make a decision favoring one side. Ensuring the best result in your case If you’re unsure about whether your county will provide a court reporter, call the courthouse and ask. If your courthouse does not provide court reporters, consider hiring one to make sure your case is transcribed in real-time with all the correct details and avoid the costs of a settled statement. Ask your attorney for recommendations or conduct a simple Google search specific to your area, like “court reporters in West Palm Beach”. While court reporters used to be regularly present in courtrooms, they are becoming increasingly absent. It’s necessary to preserve every word as accurately as possible for the court’s record. Many counties no longer provide court reporters. As a result, some court reporters must be privately hired and paid for. Court reporters are required to be impartial, responsible, reliable, properly educated, and certified to perform their job. These strict requirements will ensure a concise, detailed, accurate, and unbiased transcription of your case. Despite recent technological advances, it remains clear that real-time court reporters are still needed. Read Also: Hiring The Services Of A Legal Eagle What You Need To Know About Legal And Compliance Jobs In Malta Go For A Better Legal Job In 2018!
READ MOREDetails
How to Find a Personal Injury Attorney On Any Budget
Every year, more than 3 million Americans are injured in car accidents. Millions more are injured in slips, falls, and other accidents. A large number of those victims choose to file personal injury claims. Personal injury cases won't resolve themselves. If you want the best shot at getting the justice and compensation you deserve for your injuries, you need to the help of an experienced attorney. But when money is tight and you're already facing unexpected medical bills, hiring a lawyer may feel out of reach. If you've been injured and are thinking of filing a personal injury claim, keep reading. We're breaking down what you need to know to hire a personal injury attorney on any budget. Don't Fall for the Gimmicks: One of the biggest reasons that many people end up overspending on a lawyer is that they fall for the gimmicks. Loud television commercials, eye-catching ads, and catchy taglines can make even a sub-par lawyer look like a hero. When you've been injured in an accident and you're feeling alone, it can be even more tempting to fall for these gimmicks. But choosing the right personal injury lawyer means looking past all of this. You need to do your research and make sure that you are choosing a lawyer that is not only in your budget, but who will also have the skills and experience that it takes to win you a settlement and the compensation you deserve. Search Out a Local Lawyer: A simple way to save money when hiring a lawyer is to hire from a local firm. While a lawyer in a neighboring region or a big, distant city may seem cheaper up front, you may have to pay their travel costs. If your trial drags on and you have to meet with him or her multiple times, these fees will add up quickly. What appeared to be a less expensive lawyer may suddenly become far less affordable. Before you resort to hiring a lawyer who you'll have to pay travel fees for, check your area for a well-respected, experienced injury lawyer to see how their rates and track record compare. Find One With Experience in Personal Injury Law: Choosing the best personal injury lawyer starts with actually searching for one who specializes in personal injury law. While any lawyer may be qualified to take on your personal injury case, that won't necessarily mean that they have experience or the right skill set. The last thing you want to do is hire a lawyer and spend a lot of money only to lose your case because your lawyer was unprepared. Even if you save money by hiring a lawyer with only minimal experience in personal injury law, if you lose your case, it'll cost you big time. Depending on the amount of compensation you're fighting for, you could end up losing hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Narrow your search right from the start. Only lawyers with experience taking on personal injury cases should make your list of finalists. Check Online Reviews: Online reviews have changed the way we shop for everything from electronics to local services. In fact, 84 percent of adult shoppers now trust online reviews as much as they do recommendations from friends. Law firms should be no exception. Checking out online reviews of any law firms you're considering for hire can help you get real opinions from their previous clients. Keep in mind that lawyers sometimes take on clients who have little hope of winning their cases. When they inevitably lose, these clients are likely to be disgruntled and may leave negative reviews that may or may not accurately represent the firm or its individual lawyers. One or two negative reviews shouldn't keep you from hiring a law firm that has dozens of other positive reviews. At the same time, a couple of good reviews may be a sign that one lawyer with the firm has a good reputation while others don't. Trust Your Instincts: The best thing you can do when choosing a lawyer is to trust your instincts. With a personal injury lawsuit, your health, well-being, and finances may all be on the line. Without compensation, you may not be able to get the necessary medical care. Or you may be forced to pay for care on your own, which can be devastating to your finances. Before you trust your health and future finances to a lawyer, make sure you feel comfortable working with them. Warning signs such as difficulty getting responses or a few rude interactions may be a sign that a lawyer isn't right for you. No matter how experienced they are, if you'll be on edge working with them or you feel they aren't committed to your case, they aren't the right choice for you. Look for "No Compensation, No Fee Lawyers" If your budget is so tight that even following these simple tips feels impossible, there is another solution. Many lawyers are so confident in their abilities to fight for your case that they offer a "no compensation, no fees" agreement. This means that if they fail to obtain a settlement for your case, you won't owe them anything. This type of agreement allows anyone, regardless of their financial situation, to afford an experienced personal injury lawyer. If you do win your case, you'll be guaranteed to have the funds necessary to pay your lawyer, as their fee is often a set percentage of your settlement. Check out this segment of The Mastrangelo Minute to learn more about how anyone can afford an attorney. Finding the Right Personal Injury Attorney: Following these simple tips can help ensure that you not only find a personal injury attorney that's within your budget, but also that you choose one who will best represent your case. If you're still on the fence about whether you need the help of a personal injury attorney at all, check out these reasons why you owe it to yourself to hire one. Read Also: How To Choose A Personal Injury Lawyer 5 Things To Look For In A Personal Injury Lawyer
READ MOREDetails
Dos and Don’ts When You’re Involved in a Motorcycle Accident
Unlike most of the other cities in the world, Syracuse in New York has an abridged biking season. Hence, bikers tend to squeeze in and make the most that they can in the short season to enjoy their motorbike and have fun! This fact, unfortunately, may lead to untoward accidents. If you, your friend, or family member happens to find yourself in such a situation, it’s beneficial for you to know what you should do. Here are some of the dos and don'ts when you're involved in a motorcycle accident in Syracuse: The Do’s: Do remember that you can sue even for minor injuries: It’s worth remembering that in the event of a motorcycle accident in Syracuse, you can sue the negligent driver who is at fault, even if you sustained only minor injuries. Do not confuse this with the situation when driving your car – with four-wheeled vehicles, you can sue the driver at fault if you sustained major injuries. After getting yourself involved in a motorcycle accident, you can sue the negligent driver for the following injuries: Spinal cord injuries Pelvic, arm, and leg fractures Neck and back injuries Skin abrasions like cuts, scratches, and rashes Chest trauma To know more of the extent of what you can sue for, click here. Do seek medical help, no matter how small your injury is: Many motorcycle accident victims tend to forego a medical checkup after the collision especially if they haven’t sustained any significant injuries. However, do remember that injuries are not only external. You may be clean on the outside, but you may have internal injuries or traumas that can put you to harm if left unchecked. Furthermore, you’ll need a certificate from a medical doctor to verify and describe the injuries you sustained, albeit minor, when you sue the negligent driver. Do consult a lawyer: Consulting an attorney is very important, even if you can settle your case amicably, without the need of a court hearing. Many things entail expert help and opinion, such as the payment of insurance, claims, lost wages, and other reimbursements, and an attorney will be able to help you with all of these. When you have a Syracuse lawyer by your side, you are more well informed of your rights as the victim or of your obligations as the erring driver. Do know your rights: Some motorcycle drivers still do not know their fundamental rights. If you’re one of these people, it will be to your favor to consult a lawyer. For example, in Syracuse, New York, the wearing of a helmet and protective gear is required by law. However, if you do fail to wear one and meet an accident, this failure to wear a helmet does not hinder you from obtaining damages against the negligent driver. This is a critical situation to highlight, as some insurance companies may try to cheat you out from any claim that you may be entitled to by shifting the blame on you for your failure to wear a helmet. Some of your other rights center around the following: Claims for your damaged motorcycle Claims for lost wages and earning capacity, if applicable Other medical bills from injuries that you may have sustained Reimbursement for additional expenses incurred related to the injury, such as a psychologist's fee and your lawyer's fee The Don’ts: Don’t take your jury for granted: When you decide to sue in court for the damages that you have sustained, don’t take for granted the act of choosing the right jury. In New York State Laws, the jurors contribute a hefty weight to the final judgment of your case. It is unfortunate, however, that sometimes, some jurors will blame you for the accident especially if you are going against a four-wheeled vehicle. They will merely say that it is your fault in the first place for choosing to be on the road with a much riskier form of transportation. However, laws in Syracuse give you an absolute right to be on your motorcycle. Therefore, choose the right jurors who are aware of this absolute right. Don’t stop yourself from driving your motorcycle again: Some motorcycle drivers tend to let go of their motorcycle after meeting an accident. This usually arises out of fear of encountering another accident or any emotional and psychological traumas that have been incurred. This advice may be the last but also the most important one for you. Don’t let your fear pull down your hobby or your love for motorcycles. Accidents can happen at any time and any place, regardless of what vehicle you’re driving. Just don’t forget to drive safely all the time to decrease your chances of meeting another accident. Conclusion: All these dos and don'ts are crucial for you to know, as riding your motorcycle always poses more risks than driving your car. Remember, a bike has lesser balance with only two wheels compared with a four-wheel vehicle; hence, you have to exercise extra care and caution when driving one around Syracuse. Getting yourself in a motorcycle accident not only affects you physically, but it also can also affect you emotionally, mentally, and psychologically. It’s, therefore, crucial for you to know what to do when an unfortunate accident happens. Read Also: 6 Important Questions To Ask A Personal Injury Lawyer 5 Types Of Damages You Can Claim After A Car Accident The 5 Most Important Motorcycle Safety Tips All Riders Need To Know
READ MOREDetails
What to Do When You’re Involved in a Car Accident in Albany
You can be driving across an intersection and then another vehicle suddenly comes out of nowhere on the left side and smashes into the driver's side of your car. Accidents like these do happen. Each year, millions of car accidents occur in the United States and Albany is no exception. It’s best that you know the steps you need to take when you get into a car accident. Here are some tips on what to do when you’re involved in a car accident in Albany. Different Ways To Handle A Car Accident In Albany 1. Action plan: First things first, here is a rundown of the actions you need to take immediately after a car accident: Step 1: Check if you have injuries. Step 2: Check if your passengers are fine or have injuries that need to be addressed. Step 3: Get to a safe place (park your car on the side or get out of your car if it is severely damaged). Step 4: Call for help and call 911 immediately. Step 5: Wait patiently for medics and the police to come and assist you. Step 6: Exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident. Step 7: Document the accident by taking pictures, finding out exactly what happened, and getting witness statements. Step 8: Inform your insurance company about the accident for you to be able to claim your insurance policy. This will all be discussed in the next paragraphs in detail. 2. Address all safety concerns: The car accident would surely come as a shock to you, but you have to stay alert. Your vehicle could be damaged, and the passengers including yourself could be injured. Immediately check yourself and the other people who are with you in the car. If someone is hurt, call for help and call 911 immediately. Afterward, turn on your emergency hazard lights and place your reflective device at the back of your car so other cars on the road are warned that there was an accident. 3. Report your accident: After you have addressed all injuries and safety concerns, you must report your accident. You might not know, but under the New York law, you are required to report the accident and submit proof of insurance of all parties involved in the accident. Furthermore, if there was damage, injury, or death in the accident, you’re required to file a form with the New York DMV. Here are also some information that you have to take note of regarding the other party: Name Address Mobile number Insurance company Driver’s license number License plate Car make Car model and year Car color Additionally, after you have addressed all safety concerns and gotten information regarding the car accident, try to take as many photographs of the scene as this may come in handy later on for the police report. In more serious cases, you might need a lawyer present to assist you on legal documents and representation when you file a police report. Call your family lawyer immediately if you need to. If you don’t have a lawyer yet, you can check out a law firm site online for legal assistance. 4. Contact your insurance company: Once you have reported your accident and addressed all injuries, it’s now time to contact your insurance company. It’s essential to know what your insurance policy covers. Gather all requirements asked by the company and claim the coverage to help you save money on the repair of the damages on your car. 6. File a personal injury lawsuit: If the car accident resulted in a serious injury, you might want to look into filing a civil lawsuit. Your insurance may only cover partial car damage repairs and medical expenses. In New York, you have around three years from your accident to file a lawsuit to cover the damages from the accident. You may wish to consult with a New York personal injury attorney as New York laws on injury and accidents are quite complex. You can check out Albany Courthouse pages and find more information about filing lawsuits. Hopefully, you’ll never get into a car accident, but if you do, these are some tips that will prepare you for such an event. Simply apply the tips listed above, and you’ll be able to easily recover from a car accident. Read Also: 7 Reasons Why Teenagers Pay Extra For Car Insurance The Aftermath Of Hit And Run Accident Claims: How Much Compensation Can You Expect?
READ MOREDetails
3 Reasons Why You Might Need a Family Lawyer
There are many situations where you might need to hire an experienced family lawyer, but we have listed three that are fairly common through the divorce process. If you find yourself in any of these situations, we highly suggest that you work with a family lawyer in Miami instead of attempting to deal with the Florida family courts alone. Divorces can be complicated and confusing, but if you have the legal counsel of an experienced attorney, your complications can be reduced and your legal process can be a lot smoother. 1. Paperwork: When you begin the process of a divorce, one of the first things you will realize is that there is an exceptional amount of paperwork and documentation required, beginning with your Petition for a Dissolution of Marriage. Once your divorce is underway, you will need to present extensive financial documentation, information about property ownership, receipts for expenses, and more. When you are working with a qualified attorney, you can be certain that you are providing all of the necessary information to the courts or your spouse's attorney in order to make the process as smooth as possible. Divorces are stressful even with the help of an attorney, but it can be even more complicated when you are continuously worried about whether or not you are following the necessary procedures and covering all of your bases. 2. Access to Experts: Your attorney will be qualified and experienced, but this experience will also give them insight into when they need to bring in their own outside counsel. Although you would also be able to find your own experts for various roadblocks you encounter while trying to manage a divorce on your own, you can be sure that a divorce lawyer has a very broad network that they can access. This means that, along with the abilities of your lawyer, you will also have access to their experts in all sorts of fields. This can be a major benefit in a complex divorce, and when your attorney is the one sourcing the experts, it will save you a lot of time. 3. Understanding Your Options: When first entering a divorce, it may be hard to understand the options that you have. For example, you will be required to divide all of your marital assets, navigate child custody and support questions, and possibly negotiate alimony for either or your spouse. When you are working with a family lawyer, they will be able to lay out all of the important factors early in the case, which will help you move through each with objectivity and without being too overwhelmed. In addition to laying out your expectations, they will be able to negotiate for you each step of the way through these options. Beyond these three simple reasons that you will want to hire a family lawyer to help you through your divorce, there are many other benefits. If you are making negotiations with your spouse and their lawyer, you want to be sure that you have a legal professional looking out for your best interest so you do not agree to anything because you are not sure if you have other options. Your lawyer is there to solely represent you in this divorce, and having an objective counsel through this stressful period of time can be exceptionally helpful. Read Also: 4 Tips For Dealing With A Family Business In Divorce 6 Ways To Heal After Divorce From An Emotionally Abusive Marriage
READ MOREDetails
What Happens if You Pay Your Traffic Ticket Late?
Have you ever received a traffic ticket for you? Don’t you know what exactly to do after getting it? The first thing to do is, pay the fine and get over the ticket. This is the thought, which comes to everyone’s mind, but it is the worst thought. If you are thinking the same, trust me! You are digging a hole for yourself. Don’t make the wrong decisions if you have got the traffic ticket in your hand. First, clear one thing in your mind that paying the fine is not a solution because paying the fine will make the things worse for you. A traffic ticket attorney will help you to fight with the traffic ticket. If you win the case and proved innocent by the court, you don’t have to pay even a single penny. But if you are proved guilty, you have to keep yourself ready for paying the fine. Always make sure that pay the fine on time and if you don’t pay the fine on time, be ready to suffer the further consequences. There are certain important consequences, which you should know about paying the traffic ticket late. Let us start and ponder on the points. Raised fines: If you are not paying the fine due to one or the other reason, it does not mean that you can get rid of the fine. The actual thing is, if you don’t pay the traffic ticket on time, you will have to pay the higher fine. The more time will be elapsed, the more fine you will have to pay. Always check your ticket for the deadline and don’t cross the deadline so that you can avoid paying the higher amount of fine. Sometimes, people have to pay 250$-350$ on the traffic ticket. Suspension of license: If you are not paying the fine on time, you can get your driving license suspension. In most of the situations, it has been observed that the unpaid traffic tickets resulted in the suspension of driving license. Then, you have to get help from a traffic ticket lawyer. The raised expense of car insurance: If you are getting late in paying the traffic ticket, you have to pay the extra pennies on the car insurance. If you already have the car insurance then you will find difficulty in the renewal of the car insurance. So, pay the ticket on time in order to avoid such problems. Arrest warrant: If you have crossed the deadline of paying the traffic ticket, get ready to have the arrest warrant in your hand. If you are failed in paying the traffic ticket or if you are failed to stand in the court, you will receive an arrest warrant. In the nutshell, you can get help from the traffic ticket lawyers. You can search for the best traffic ticket lawyer and you can make your search with the best traffic ticket lawyer near me. Read Also: Overcrowding In Cities Causes Increase in Road Traffic Accidents The Effects Of Drinking And Driving Under The Legal Age Of 21
READ MOREDetails
What Are the Penalties for Drug Possession in Arizona?
With the opioid epidemic at an all-time high, law enforcement agencies are cracking down on drug possession offenses all over the country. Arizona is no different. In Arizona, if you are caught with drugs on your person or in your car, you can expect to face some serious legal repercussions. This also applies to anyone caught with drug paraphernalia in their possession. Depending on the type and amount drug, you could be facing some serious fines and jail time. Arizona takes drug possession very seriously. The bottom line is if you are caught under the influence of drugs or with drugs in your possession, you will probably be charged with a felony. In order to be found guilty of drug possession in Arizona, the state must prove the following: You knowingly possess the drugs or paraphernalia- It's not enough that you are found in a house where drugs are found. There has to be some connection between you and the drugs in order for you to be found guilty. The substance was, in fact, an illegal or illicit drug – Just because you think something is a drug, doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted of the crime of possession. If you have a bag of oregano, you can’t get charged with possession of marijuana – even if you bought it thinking it was marijuana. Arizona also breaks drugs down into different categories. Drugs can be defined as any of the following: Marijuana – This category includes synthetic marijuana, edibles, or regular marijuana. Peyote Prescription drugs – This would include anti-anxiety drugs and other drugs that are legally prescribed. To be charged with drug possession, you would have to be found with drugs that you personally don’t have a prescription for. Dangerous drugs –this would include methamphetamines, cocaine, ecstasy, etc. Narcotics – Pain medication and other opiates. Vapors – This would include inhalants. What are the Different Penalties for Drug Possession? If you are busted with drugs in Arizona, you are going to face some serious consequences. The severity of the penalty will depend on how much of the drug you have in your possession. If you have just enough for personal use, it will more than likely qualify as simple possession. If, however, you have more than you could be expect to use yourself, you’ll be charged with possession and intent to distribute. In Arizona, you will not be sent to prison for your first or second offense of drug possession. You will be sent to mandatory treatment and will be handed some pretty stiff fines. Additionally, you may be given a suspended sentence or probation for your first or second offense. Arizona will not impose a prison sentence until your third offense. Defenses to Drug Possession: As with most crimes, there are defenses to drug possession in Arizona. Your criminal defense attorney will raise any and all of the applicable defenses in your trial. He will also use these defenses as a bargaining tool when he tries to negotiate a reduced charge or sentence with the prosecutor. The available defenses to drug possession in Arizona include: Lack of Knowledge – If you truly had no idea the drugs were in your possession, you may be found not guilty. Examples of this are when third parties placed drugs in your car or purse. It is very difficult to prove lack of knowledge. Illegal Search – If the police had no reasonable basis for conducting the search in the first place, the charges will have to be dismissed. Religious Use – This defense is rarely successful. In order to use this defense, you have to prove that you were using the drugs as part of a religious (not merely a cultural) ritual. Medical Marijuana Card – If you are caught with less than 2.5 ounces of marijuana and are a legitimate marijuana patient, you may raise this defense. You will still have to prove that the drugs came from a genuine and legal dispensary. Read Also: Is Outpatient Treatment For Drug And Alcohol Addiction Effective? Polydrug Use: What Happens When You Mix Cocaine With Heroin?
READ MOREDetails
Few Reasons Why You Deserve To Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer
Even after medical insurance, a quick visit to the hospital can cost you a ton of money or maybe a major part of your savings. While this, in itself, is a big blow, there are many other important things at stake. Any kind of injury can cost you weeks of salary, or get you fired, and many other such things. Personal Injury is quite serious to directly affect your life. Let’s begin with a brief introduction to Personal Injury. What is Personal Injury? Personal Injury covers all kinds of physical, mental, emotional damages of your body. In simpler words, a Personal Injury Lawsuit is filed when a person is hurt in any way because of ignorance or the act of someone else. There are many turns lawsuits like this can take. Many cases are settled through a court judgment, while many others end up in an informal settlement before any lawsuit. Whatever be the case, the pain and suffering of a victim must not be compromised at any cost! This is why you have to be careful while choosing a lawyer. For example, always do a background check for reviews on a lawyer - such as a look online for the Best Personal Injury Attorney in Lake Charles, before choosing one. Here Is Why You Should Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer: 1. Increasing Costs of Medical Insurance: It is a well-established fact that the costs of medical insurance are high already, and as if this was not enough they are still due for a hefty raise in 2019. In situations like these, it would be unwitty of you do not ask for compensation for your pain and financial wastage. While you are busy with the treatment procedure, let experienced dba lawyers deal with the legal proceedings of your lawsuit. 2. Legal Complications of A Personal Injury Lawsuit: A Personal Injury Lawsuit can get really complicated. There are many sides to a single lawsuit. Most of the insurance companies refuse to pay the full compensation amount to the victims. A good personal injury lawyer has years of experience in the field and has a clear idea of how to deal with insurance companies. A personal injury lawyer will even provide you with a third-person perspective on the case that is quite important. 3. Gathering Court-Valid Evidence: Only if your personal injury case doesn’t get settled before a lawsuit, it becomes very important to gather solid evidence to support your claim. A good Personal Injury Lawyer investigates the matter and collects all the necessary details that can be used as evidence in a court of law. 4. The Time Factor: Another important reason for you to hire a Personal Injury Lawyer is the time limit to file your lawsuit. The moment when a victim/ Plaintiff discovers an injury, the clock starts ticking. Depending on the injury, a time limit has been defined for a victim to file their case. While you are busy getting yourself the right medical attention and are preoccupied with your bills, a good personal injury lawyer will make sure to proceed towards a favorable outcome. There are many reasons for you to hire a personal injury lawyer. Make sure that the lawyer you choose specifically works in the field. Check for online reviews before picking a lawyer for your case. For instance, look for Personal Injury Attorneys in Lake Charles to get a list of renowned lawyers/ attorneys of Lake Charles area. Read Also: Learn How Personal Injury Claims Are Resolved In 5 Steps 6 Important Questions To Ask A Personal Injury Lawyer
READ MOREDetails
Preparing for Your Initial Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer
You realise that you cannot go through the visa application process alone, and you need an immigration lawyer to help you. It is a smart move. These lawyers know the smallest of details concerning immigration laws in the UK. You can't take the risk of applying alone since you know that it could have an unfortunate ending. After going through the referrals and reviews, you already have an immigration lawyer to help you. Before you proceed with the next step, it is essential to have an initial consultation. You will prepare what to do moving forward at this stage. Prepare the fees: You will pay for the services provided by immigration lawyers. Ask about the required fees in advance so you can prepare the amount before your first meeting. However, some lawyers understand the plight of underprivileged immigrants and are willing to assist. Bring all your documents: Even if you don’t yet know what documents you need to have, it is essential to have all of them with you, including your passport, medical certificate, birth certificate, marriage certificate, employment records, police clearance, educational certificates, and many others. If you can bring the originals or authenticated copies, it would be better. Your lawyer will then tell you what other documents you need to proceed with the application. State your case: You also need to be honest about your situation. Why are you leaving your country? Why did you choose the UK as the place where you intend to reside? Do you have a potential employer? Let your lawyer know everything about your decision to move to the UK. Don't worry since any information that you share will be protected through the lawyer-client confidentiality rule. Prepare all your questions: Your initial consultation is the time to ask the right questions. If you are not sure about the process or the timeline, you can ask your lawyer. You might have other plans moving forward, and it helps if you can ask your lawyer how long this process will take. You also need to ask about your chances of getting approval. If the chances are slim, you can find a backup plan. You are now ready: After your initial appointment with your lawyer, you are now prepared to move ahead with the visa application process. You will also be more confident now since you have top immigration solicitors London offers helping you. Even if it is a daunting process, the presence of a quality lawyer will make you think that everything will end well. In the end, the Home Office will decide whether or not you meet the requirements of the rules to process your application. You can do your best to prepare to meet the requirements, but in the end, you need to understand the strength of your case. Things might not go your way. You can try making another application after some time or seek further advice about your eligibility to submit a fresh application. Read Also: 9 Money Tips For Millennial Injury Lawyers In Los Angeles Benefits Of Using Divorce Lawyers
READ MOREDetails
5 Things To Look For In A Personal Injury Lawyer
The saying that bad situations can happen to good people is extremely accurate. And it best describes many personal injury incidents. Good people are minding their own business and behaving in the right way - but they are still hurt by the negligence of another person. It could be a car accident, defective product or bad food served at a restaurant. But the person who did nothing wrong can suffer the most serious consequences. That is why hiring a lawyer can be so helpful. These attorneys are able to sift through the facts in a case and help their client get compensation. Here are five things to look for when you are hiring a personal injury attorney. 1. Helpfulness: It goes without saying, but the best personal injury lawyer is one who is helpful from the moment you walk into their office. While lawyers are professionals who are just doing their job, they should also be caring individuals who genuinely want to help their clients. 2. Great Reputation: The internet makes it easier than ever to learn about a lawyer’s reputation. You can read reviews about the lawyer and the firm they represent. You can also ask any friends you may have in the legal profession if they have an opinion on the attorney you are about to hire. It is wise to hire a lawyer with a stellar reputation among their clients and peers. 3. Extensive Experience: These personal injury cases can be determined by the skill of your attorney. But even the best attorney would struggle if they are not familiar with the type of case they are handling. For instance, a slip and fall lawyer with ten years’ experience in handling such cases is more helpful than the best corporate lawyer who has never handled such a case. 4. Informative: Your lawyer should be able to explain every step of this process in a clear and meaningful way. Too many attorneys dismiss their clients’ requests for information, because they view it as a waste of time. Do not hire such attorneys. Choose a lawyer who not only has the expertise to win your case, but will make sure you are completely aware of every step he or she is taking. Not only will you feel more comfortable with such an attorney, but you can make informed decisions about your case. 5. Understands Medical Bills: The process of paying off medical bills and getting time off work is a major part of any personal injury case. Your lawyer should have a good understanding of how these steps work. They can help as you are trying to make sense of the many documents you must sign and turn over, while requesting appropriate compensation given the medical bills you have to pay off! The most important decision you make with respect to a personal injury case is the lawyer you will hire. It is imperative to choose correctly. These five tips will help you in finding the best personal injury attorney for your case. Read Also: Things About A Personal Injury Lawyer 6 Important Questions To Ask A Personal Injury Lawyer
READ MOREDetailsPopular
Technologies For Creating A Startup Idea
20 Feb 2023
How to Download Facebook Videos on Android?
07 Feb 2019
7 Rules of Effective Ecommerce Web Design
28 Jan 2021
Recent
