Criminal Defense Attorney – Things to Look For When Hiring One

Criminal Defense Attorney – Things to Look For When Hiring One

Hiring a criminal defense attorney is something that most people hope they will never have to deal with, but should you find yourself in this type of situation it is vital to choose someone who has the relevant skills and experience to best serve you and your case. This could be the difference between losing and winning a case, which may involve a great deal of money or even a prison sentence. For this reason, it’s essential to weigh the following factors before making a decision, if you don’t have an attorney on retainer already. Above all else, choose someone that you can be honest with and feel comfortable discussing potentially sensitive matters with.

The first and possibly most important thing to look into when hiring a criminal defense attorney is their specific experience with your type of case. Be sure to ask about their courtroom experience, as well as the type of education they have received that would qualify them for handling your case. Many lawyers specialize in just one type of case, so find the right fit. They should be able to appear prepared, and explain the court process to you in a way that makes sense, so that you are able to feel prepared as well.

While they may have had years of experience in the past, be sure that your potential criminal defense attorney has also had specific experience within the courtroom, in front of a jury. Although you may hope to reach a plea bargain or dismissal before the case even ends up in a court, if it does, you will need to have a solid professional who is able to present the facts of the case in your favor. To this end, they should also be familiar with the local judges and prosecutors that will also be handling your case, for clear and relevant discussion of the matters at hand.

Of course, budget may play a large role as well in selecting the best criminal defense attorney, so that will be a final consideration. When meeting with different attorneys for consultations and discussion of your case, ask about any fees that may come up with such processes as forensics or paralegal work that might seem hidden at first. Don’t rule out the possibility of having an attorney appointed to you by the court, should you be unable to afford your own at this time. These are all but a few of the things to keep in mind while searching for the best fit for your case.…

The Importance of Obtaining a Permit For Concealed Weapons

The Importance of Obtaining a Permit For Concealed Weapons

The debate regarding the purchase and possession of weapons in the United States has a storied and unresolved history thus far. While the debate rages on, individuals are still allowed to purchase and own handguns for the protection of their property, for hunting, and for collection. In Texas and other states, it is legal for individuals to carry concealed handguns on their persons, if they have the proper license to do so.

It is very important that individuals realize the seriousness of obtaining a license before carrying a gun in a concealed manner. If a person is apprehended with an unlicensed handgun or is caught carrying it in a concealed fashion without the proper permit, he or she may face criminal weapons possession charges. Such criminal charges may result in fines, probation, the revocation of weapons licenses, and even incarceration.

To obtain a concealed handgun license in Texas, individuals must often show proof of residency in the state for a period of at least six months. Individuals may show such proof in the form of rental agreements, utility bills, and other official documentation that shows the person’s address in the state. People are also often required to show proper identification, which may include driver’s licenses, social security cards, or other forms of government-issued identification.

Persons who have been convicted of violent crimes or other types of weapons convictions may not apply for a concealed handgun license if the conviction occurred within the past ten years. The laws require that only individuals in good standing with the law and a clean record for the decade prior to the application be granted the right to carry a handgun on their person. Although many people do not realize it, persons who have been convicted of DWI and DUI may also be denied the right to carry a concealed weapon.

Persons seeking a concealed weapons permit are usually required to take weapons-safety classes that usually include up to fifteen hours of instruction regarding the rules and regulations of the state. Following the completion of classes, the applicant must wait a period of sixty-days in order for the application to be processed and acceptance or rejection to be finalized.

It is important to remember that you should always obtain the correct licenses before carrying a concealed weapon. It is also essential for license holders to be aware of government buildings, schools, and other locations that do not allow non-commissioned individuals to carry weapons, even if they hold a concealed weapons permit. If you would like to know more about weapons permits and unlawful weapons possession, visit the website of the Austin criminal defense attorney Ian Inglis.…

Seek Help If Your Child is Charged With an Offense

Seek Help If Your Child is Charged With an Offense

One of your worst fears has just been realized. You have received a call that your child has been arrested. You now have to go down to the police station to pick him or her up, and then face the numerous problems involved in the situation. You are angry, you are hurt, you may feel betrayed. You emotions run the gamut from failure as a parent to anger at your child. Something needs to be done, but what?

Doing nothing may be one of the worst avenues to take. Ignoring the situation will obviously not resolve it, nor do criminal matters resolve themselves. Without first learning all of the facts of the matter at hand, it is impossible to make an informed decision of the course of action to take. Your child may have been the victim of mistaken identity, at the wrong place at the wrong time, or, may have in fact committed a criminal act. But you won’t know until you find out the particulars.

Your child will be at a crossroads in this situation, the actions taken will have a long lasting effect on his or her future, for better or worse. A criminal record, even a juvenile record, can follow them long into the future. College, future employment and various licenses might be affected by the course of action in your child’s matter. As important, you have to determine if you will be financially responsible for the actions of your child. Will you be required to pay restitution? Will you be financially responsible if your child is placed in a juvenile facility?

Tough love does not mean abandonment. You can remain tough as a parent, fulfilling your responsibilities, while at the same time working towards the best possible solution to minimize the permanent damage to your child and you. A part of “tough love” is “love”, something your child may very well need at this time.

Hiring a competent criminal lawyer at the first instance can make all of the difference. The sooner the lawyer is retained, the sooner he or she can investigate the facts, and determine the best course of action. As importantly, a competent, criminal attorney can take some of the emotional burden off of your shoulders, providing emotionally detached advice on how to proceed.

A law firm that is experienced in juvenile criminal matters can represent you from the beginning of your child’s case until the end. They will have dealt with many, many of the same circumstances you are currently experiencing, and their guidance will prevent you from groping in the dark, as many often do. Don’t delay, these experts are there to help and most often offer a free consultation.…