Getting a Lawyer: Why You Need One and How to Find the Right One for You

Legal issues can arise at any time, and when they do, it’s essential to have a reliable and competent lawyer by your side. Whether you’re dealing with a criminal case, a civil lawsuit, or a business dispute, a lawyer can provide the legal expertise and support you need to navigate the legal system and protect your rights.

Here are some reasons why you may need a lawyer:

  1. Legal expertise: Lawyers have in-depth knowledge of the law and can provide you with legal advice and representation based on your specific situation.
  2. Protection of rights: A lawyer can help protect your rights and interests, especially in cases where you’re facing criminal charges, civil lawsuits, or other legal disputes.
  3. Negotiation skills: Lawyers are skilled negotiators and can help you reach a favorable settlement in legal matters such as divorce, child custody, and personal injury cases.
  4. Legal paperwork: Lawyers can help you draft legal documents, such as contracts, wills, and trusts, that ensure your interests are protected.

Now that you understand the importance of having a lawyer, the next question is how to find the right one for you. Here are some tips to help you with your search:

  1. Determine your legal needs: Consider the specific legal issue you’re facing and the type of lawyer you need. For example, if you’re dealing with a criminal case, you’ll need a criminal defense lawyer, while a personal injury case may require a personal injury lawyer.
  2. Research potential lawyers: Use online directories, referrals from friends and family, and other resources to create a list of potential lawyers. Look at their credentials, experience, and reviews from past clients to narrow down your options.
  3. Schedule consultations: Once you’ve identified potential lawyers, schedule consultations to discuss your case and get a sense of their approach and communication style. This will help you determine if they’re the right fit for you.
  4. Ask about fees: Be sure to ask about the lawyer’s fees and payment structure, including whether they charge hourly or on a contingency basis.

The Average Cost of a DUI Attorney

The Average Cost of a DUI Attorney

There are various elements that affect the costs charged by a DUI attorney, but the complexity of the case and how you want it addressed are the most important.

Attorney Fees for DUI

How Much Does a DUI Attorney Charge?

 

To handle a DUI case in the quickest and most convenient manner possible, you will require the assistance of a lawyer. DUI attorney fees are mostly influenced by two factors: the sort of attorney hired and the result sought.

 

You have the option of hiring a public defender or a private attorney when it comes to hiring a DUI attorney. You may also represent yourself in court, but this is not recommended unless you are an attorney.

 

For comparison, the typical cost of a DUI attorney, the cost of self-representation, and other DUI-related fees are as follows:

 

Public Defenders

Total average cost – $5,600

Fees for attorneys – $800

$4,800 in penalties and other expenses

Average rise in insurance premiums – $2,500 over three years

Average time required for resolution – 7 months

Private attorneys

Total average cost – $6,600

$2,400 in attorney fees

$4,200 in penalties and other fees

Average increase in insurance premiums – $1,900 over three years

Average time required for resolution – 7 months

Self-representation

Total average cost – $5,800

Average rise in insurance premiums – $3,000 over three years

Average time required for resolution – six months

Self-representation can save you approximately $800 in attorney fees. However, DUI defendants without counsel have a high conviction rate, which is typically due to a lack of knowledge of the law. If convicted, you will be required to pay the full amount of the fines. Additionally, the average rise in your insurance premium will be larger as a result of your high risk status.

If you retain the services of a lawyer, he or she will advise you on how to proceed correctly with your case. If your defense is excellent, you may even be acquitted. Additionally, your attorney may advise you on plea bargaining and assist you in negotiating a deal.

Bear in mind that entering into a DUI plea deal does not guarantee that the charges against you will be dismissed. It will just be substituted for a less severe penalty.

 

Resolution of Cases

In terms of case settlement, the average cost of a DUI lawyer is between $750 and $1,500 to negotiate a plea deal. On the other side, if you wish to contest the matter and proceed to trial, you need budget between $2,500 and $25,000.

 

Penalties

Penalties and associated fines for first-time DUI offenders can total $3,600. This amount increases to $4,000 for a second offense. Fines and other costs associated with third and fourth infractions can total up to $18,000. Bear in mind that these are only applicable to fines and other state-mandated expenses.

 

Cost Considerations for a DUI Attorney

Choosing a DUI attorney is more than simply deciding between a private and a public counsel. Additionally, cost considerations must be made, particularly if you are on a budget. Understanding these aspects might also assist you in getting the most from your lawyer.

 

Billing

DUI attorneys may charge an hourly rate or a flat fee. If you employ a lawyer on an hourly basis, you will also be required to pay a retainer fee.

 

Generally, attorneys who bill hourly divide their fee into portions. Some will divide their hour into 15- or six-minute halves. Simply keep in mind that little per-minute increases will save you money in the long run. Hourly costs may be advantageous if your case is handled fast, but they will cost you more if it is not.

 

On the other hand, flat charges include all fees associated with the case’s conclusion. The majority of lawyers actually prefer this method of payment because they receive the entire sum up front.

 

However, most attorneys do not offer refunds if you change counsel over the course of your case’s prosecution. With flat charges, overpayment is also a possibility, particularly if the matter is resolved swiftly. However, given that the majority of DUI cases are resolved within six to seven months, a flat cost may save you more money in the long term.

 

Whether your lawyer charges on an hourly or fixed-fee basis, keep in mind that lawyers at large firms typically charge more than those at smaller law firms.

 

Lawyer’s level of experience

The amount charged by a lawyer is also determined by his or her level of experience. Veteran DUI attorneys will charge a higher fee than rookie attorneys. Lawyers with a high success rate, whether in obtaining an acquittal or a moderate sentence, also charge a higher fee.

 

On the flipside, popular lawyers frequently have multiple clients concurrently. If your attorney is overburdened with cases, he or she may be unable to devote their full attention to your case. The basic conclusion is that a good DUI attorney will cost more, but your case will have a better chance of success.

 

Conclusion

The issue with DUI charges is that they are costly. You will have to pay regardless of whether you are acquitted or guilty. Additionally, because you’re already spending money, it’s prudent to employ the best DUI attorney you can afford.

5 Steps to Clearing Your Garden for Spring

The winter storms have finally passed, and it’s time to start preparing your garden for spring planting. You might look at the snow mess outside and feel overwhelmed, but don’t worry. Follow these five steps to get your garden ready to bloom again.

Get Your Garden Ready

1. Make a Clean Sweep

The first step to getting your garden ready is to sweep away all the old leaves and twigs. Clean old garden debris from your yard with a rake, a blower or both. Check your garden borders to see if they’re broken or dented. Replace the broken sections to create a tidy look.

2. Scrub Your Stuff

If you didn’t clean your tools, buckets and garden equipment before you put them away last winter, do it now. Wash your garden tools, garden gloves and even your garden clogs in warm, soapy water. Scrub them well and let them dry. This cuts down on pests and diseases going into your soil and into your home.

3. Check for Pests

Are you seeing signs of pests in your garden? Common garden pests in Washington include aphids, cherry fruit flies, paper wasps and codling moths, which can attack apple trees. If you spot the larvae of these common invaders in your garden, now is the time to introduce predator insects and organic pesticides into your yard.

4. Condition the Soil

Get your planting beds ready by raking through the top layer, cleaning out any debris and turning over the soil. Add compost, manure or soil conditioner about two weeks before you put plants in the soil. Adding it after you plant or place seeds can cause the roots of your new plants to burn.

5. Plan Your Planting

Make a plan for your garden. Decide which plants are going into which beds. If you have perennials, cut them back and decide which annuals would look good near them. Take height and color into account when you’re making a garden plan.

Get Ready to Get Growing

If you need any tools for your spring planting or advice on any aspect of successful gardening, contact our landscape supply in Camas. We want to see your garden grow.

New Virginia Traffic Laws Taking Affect in Virginia

Most states have similar laws regarding common traffic violations. However, Virginia traffic laws are some of the nation’s toughest ones, as they treat speeding over 80 mph, or any speed of 20 mph or more over the speed limit, rather harshly. This kind of speeding offense is considered reckless driving, a class I misdemeanor equivalent in level to a DUI one, that carries the possibility of a suspended license, substantial fines that vary from $350 up to $ 2,500, and even jail time.

New state laws in Virginia have now changed the law regarding slow drivers, setting the fine for failing to drive on the right side of the highway or for failing to observe traffic lanes at $ 100. Furthermore, the law has now changed regarding driving on a suspended or revoked license. Suspensions can now run concurrently, meaning that if a license is suspended for any reason, and the driver is convicted of driving on a suspended license, then the two suspensions can now run at the same time.

The new state laws also changed the criminal procedure regarding the suspension of a driver’s license in cases of marijuana possession charges. Previously, these charges entailed a six-month license suspension, but as of July 1, there will be a requirement to perform 50 hours of community service instead.

Conviction of a criminal traffic offense leads to a permanent criminal record that can affect one’s future, jeopardizing prospective employment, housing, and education opportunities. That is why it is crucial to get the help of a Virginia traffic lawyer who has the relevant knowledge and experience in dealing with traffic violations. A local traffic lawyer comprehends the seriousness of this type of charges and can protect the rights of those facing them, by aiming to dismiss or reduce the charges as much as possible. In the event of a conviction, a traffic lawyer in Richmond can also give legal assistance post-conviction by explaining the obligations and restrictions that a conviction might entail, and by working to make sure the client can regain his or her full driving privileges as early as possible.

 

http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter8/section46.2-862/

http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter1/section18.2-11/

http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?ses=171&typ=bil&val=HB2201

http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?ses=171&typ=bil&val=HB2467

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/New-Laws-Take-Effect-in-Virginia-on-July-1-431572173.html