Criminal Attorney Fairfax VA: Mistakes When Facing Charges

Being charged with criminal acts is quite nerve wracking. You surely don’t want to ruin your future, reputation, and the safety of your family. To avoid worsening the situation, you should immediately hire a criminal attorney.

A criminal attorney will carefully guide you of the things you should and should not do during the whole legal process. Moreover, you can refrain from committing mistakes when getting arrested and when questioned during the trial. Remember that a little mistake can cause a big unpleasant event where you might find guilty or will face worse penalties.

Take notice of these common mistakes, you should avoid when facing criminal charges:

1. Talks too much when being arrested.

Don’t say anything when you are being arrested, instead, exercise your civil right to remain silent. You might think that people around you will assume that you are guilty if you keep your mouth shut. Well, that is certainly not a wise thought. It is more practical to not let go any statement because the police can use it against you even if it’s positive in nature.

2. Too confident that your innocence will set you free.

Let us say that you didn’t really commit a crime - that you are totally innocent, don’t ever let your guard down. Stay mindful with your actions and statements when questioned by the police because they will still perform their job of finding evidence against you.

3. Being aggressive.

Don’t make decisions or acts according to your current situation because it will not do you any good. Instead, keep your calm and just focus on how to clear up your name and in order to achieve this - you should have a criminal lawyer with you. Don’t talk back or be rude with the police officers or even try to flee and ignore summons from authorities because they can use it against you.

4. Not trusting your hired lawyer.

Since you chose to have a criminal lawyer to work with, trust him/her. Don’t be so confident that you can go through it all alone. Treat your lawyer as your partner where you should work together, listen to each other then compromise for a more effective and wise decision regarding your case. Trust in them because it is their job to help you.

5. Hiring a criminal attorney who charge too much and too cheap.

If you want to hire a less expensive lawyer because you want to save money, then don’t. Why? Because it’ll only get you in trouble, you can’t be sure that a certain lawyer will provide a service more than what you paid for. On the other hand, it is a grave mistake as well if your hire a very expensive lawyer. So make sure to do a research on how much a criminal lawyer usually costs in your area.

You can prevent a criminal charge from destroying your life. Sit down and do a consultation with a criminal attorney fairfax va or just dial to contact one.

Hire the most reliable and trustworthy criminal attorneys in Fairfax, VA.

Wise & Donahue Law Firm

703-934-6377

10476 Armstrong Street, Fairfax, Virginia 22033

www.wisedonahue.com

Criminal Lawyer Fairfax VA: What Are You Paying For

What are you really paying for when hiring a criminal lawyer fairfax va? What specific legal fees does it include?

Generally, you know that you’re paying the professional service provided by a lawyer and that’s all. Usually, a good lawyer should explain and break down all legal fees, you will be paying for before the start of the legal process. But to give you an initial knowledge, here are some fees you’ll probably encounter during the process.

Types of fee arrangements used by lawyers:

1. Initial Consultation Fee

Some law firms who offer free consultation to potential clients. But for those who charge consultation fees, they either offer you an hourly or fixed fee for your first meeting. This serves as a payment for analyzing and giving advice regarding your criminal case.

2. Retainer Fee

An advance fee deposit is the most common type of retainer fee, it is like a down payment because you will pay it up front. Thereafter, the lawyer will deduct his/her arranged hourly fees and costs, so this deposit does not pay for the entire case expenses. A retainer may also mean that your lawyer is on-call to handle legal problems that may occur over a period of time.

3. Flat Fee

Also referred to as ‘set fee’ because a lawyer will charge you a total fee. This often applies if your criminal case is not a complex one. Since it is set, no matter how much time your lawyer will spend working on your case, the fee will not change at all. When things get worse and your case became complicated, this is the time to talk and ask your lawyer if the fee will change or not.

4. Hourly Fee

An hourly fee is arranged depending on three factors; namely on the hourly rate set by a certain city or town, type of cases a lawyer worked on, and the lawyer’s length of experience.

A good criminal lawyer will give you an estimated hour of when the case will end with an estimated total cost beforehand. However, unexpected events may occur along the process which will prolong his.her service, so it’s better to ask your lawyer from time to time about the charges. If you are lucky enough, some lawyers may choose to reduce his/her hourly late considering your financial status.

5. Referral Fee

This fee applies when a lawyer refers you to another lawyer and will ask a share of the total fee you pay for the case. However, regulations and qualifications from the state or local bar association are to be met in order to approve a referral fee. Primarily, the amount charged should be reasonable and you agreed to it.

Make sure that you are paying for the right person and for the right service. Find a criminal lawyer who is fully committed to execute his professional obligation and has high work ethics.

Looking for credible and experienced criminal lawyers?

Wise & Donahue Law Firm

703-934-6377

10476 Armstrong Street, Fairfax, Virginia 22033

www.wisedonahue.com

Assess A Good Criminal Attorney By Experience

Facing a criminal charge or know someone who is accused of a criminal act? Then this is not something you can settle alone.

Don’t even think twice about hiring an attorney who specializes in criminal law. You might not see the effect immediately, but in the long run, you’ll realize you made the right choice of hiring one. This is because their expertise and experience in the legal world will help you deal with the legal process cleanly and smoothly preventing future complications.

Most people ask first the experience of a criminal attorney. Here are some points on how to properly assess him/her based on experience, specifically.

1. The length of practicing law

You can identify an amateur or a veteran attorney through this. Two years is still very short and a shaky foundation, yet five to ten years in the field of law is enough to gain wide knowledge of how the court works as well as the ins and outs. There’s even a saying, “Experience is the best teacher”, actual ones in that case.

2. Majority of cases handled

Now that you know how long a criminal attorney if practicing law, you still need to ask about what are the most common cases he/she encountered. With this, you can determine if an attorney matches well the specific nature of your criminal case and if he/she will effectively handle yours. You can even ask an additional question relating to it such as, “How many cases have you represented in the court similar to mine?”

3. Common clients work with

You may think that this kind of point is not necessary or not important at all. Yet, for your information, this is as significant as the other aforementioned points. Why? Simply because some attorneys mostly handled corporate cases which is not really ideal if he/she will handle an individual case like yours. Two cases are far more different in terms of court regulations and state laws.

4. Kind of approach when representing a case

Attorneys have different ways in dealing with a case because they are holding different philosophies. If you are not a kind of aggressive person then an attorney who is involved with arguments all the time is a NO NO for you. Assess the experience of an attorney on how he/she approach cases in the past, so that you can determine if you’ll be comfortable working with him/her.

Experience always counts, so ask any questions you like into dig deeper to an attorney’s experience. It would be your ticket to find a good one who is fit for you and your legal needs and most importantly, the appropriate skill and knowledge you need to go through with your criminal case.

Find an experienced attorney and at the same a good match for you. The one you are confident working with and who listens well to your requests. Visit Wise & Donahue Law Firm at 10476 Armstrong Street, Fairfax Virginia.

Wise & Donahue Law Firm
10476 Armstrong Street Fairfax, Virginia 22030
703-934-6377
www.wisedonahue.com

The Reasons You Need a Criminal Attorney

You are in a tight situation — a very serious one. You have been arrested, gone before the court, spoken with your criminal attorney. Condolences on the fact of your pending criminal case. If you are in custody, you are entitled to a court-appointed lawyer or public defender, no matter how much money you make. As you now know, an arrest is just the start of a long, complicated process. If you were arrested and taken directly into custody, it probably felt like you were plucked out of the life you thought you were going to lead.)  You had your clothing replaced with an ill-fitting jumpsuit with orange colors that almost hide the stains.  

A Criminal Attorney Understands the Law and Legal Procedures Better than You

Let’s be honest here. You could spend a few years trying to understand the section of the law that applies to your case, as well as sub-sections and any changes over the years. When you’re fighting any kind of legal case, there is a mountain of paperwork, proper legal procedures, court documents, deadlines and other stuff that can be very time-consuming and stressful to deal with on your own. An attorney, on the other hand, has invested those years already and keeps abreast with changes and modifications in the law too. Use their training to your benefit, since their education has prepared them for this battle better than you. Attorneys are well-versed with these, so they know what kind of documents you need to bring on a certain day, how to file a plea bargain correctly and much more, saving you the time and trouble.

A Criminal Attorney Will Communicate with Other Involved Parties

If another party is involved in your case, there is a great chance that you will not want to communicate with them. They can use any of your words against you and it is not in your best interest. A criminal attorney will be able to do the talking for you. A criminal attorney will be able to talk to witnesses and find the necessary evidence to help your case. Witnesses might not be open to talking about your case right away, but the attorney will be able to make them feel more secure.

A Criminal Attorney Will Be Honest to the Courts

A criminal attorney, like all legal counsels, is an officer of the court and owes a duty of frankness to judges and juries. He or she may not knowingly make representations to courts that are untruthful. He or she is obligated to be as honest as possible when communicating with courts. He or she cannot support clients who commit perjury. Criminal attorneys must take reasonable steps to remedy known perjury by clients, which may include lawfully breaking attorney-client privilege to report it.

Your criminal attorney can also discuss the pros and cons of pleading guilty, especially when a plea bargain may be on the table. He or she can also assist with the standard steps of a criminal trial, from jury selection to providing opening statements to questioning witnesses. And if your trial does not go in your favor, criminal defense attorneys can assist you with the appeals process. If you have further questions about what a criminal attorney can do for you, schedule a consultation with one.

Wise & Donahue Law Firm
10476 Armstrong Street Fairfax, Virginia 22030
703-934-6377
www.wisedonahue.com

What Makes an Ideal Criminal Attorney?

Criminal law is an intricate blend of state and federal statutes. Each state defines its own set of laws and punishments for state crimes. Due to the complexity of the criminal justice process, the average person is often unable to understanding the full breadth of the law or how to navigating the system on their own.

A Criminal Attorney Needs to Possess Virtue

If a criminal attorney is not caring about their client or the outcome of the case; they will not fight as hard for you. You will want to look into the guilty versus not guilty ratio for the attorney prior to hiring them. A criminal attorney, as with all lawyers, must have a high level of integrity. He must be honest with his client, keeping him informed of the progress of his case and the likely outcome of the proceedings.

A Criminal Attorney Must Have Research Skills

He must be able to conduct research -- not only legal research to find precedents and other cases with a bearing on his, but also research into the alleged crime committed by his client and circumstances that the police may have overlooked.

A Criminal Attorney Must Be Empathetic

A defense attorney that understands and can relate to the police is important as well. Knowing what the police endure and how difficult it is to get an accurate statement is always a plus. Almost as if he is putting himself or herself in the shoes of the client.

A Criminal Attorney Must Be Knowledgeable

Knowledge of the law and the ever-changing realm of it are crucial. Having a sharp mind and the ability to make quick decisions is a great characteristic. You want an attorney on hand that can make a split-second decision; especially in the courtroom in front of a judge. Having knowledge of the intricacies of the law is vital to his performance. So is his knowledge of the mannerisms and personalities of the judges who preside over his cases and the prosecutors who oppose him.

A Criminal Attorney Must Be a Good Communicator

To obtain the most effective goal of your legal battle, there should be open communication between the client and their attorney. Good communication should always be in the top five when it comes to legal representation. Making certain any criminal attorney you are interested in hiring is not only a great public speaker but also a professional when it comes to writing briefs and other pertinent documents.

Conclusion

As much as you need the criminal attorney to be honest with you, you also need to be totally honest with the him or her. Don’t be afraid to honestly answer questions asked by the attorney regarding the situation and circumstances leading up to and then after the arrest.  What you tell the lawyer is protected under attorney-client privilege, which means it can’t be used against you later in the trial. Lastly but certainly not least; you want to make sure that a criminal attorney has an excellent courtroom demeanor. Perseverance and the determination to win your case should be the most important thing on their mind.

Wise & Donahue Law Firm10476 Armstrong Street Fairfax, Virginia 22030
703-934-6377
www.wisedonahue.com

Criminal Attorney Fairfax VA:What Can You Expect

Facing a criminal charge is never a simple case regardless if it’s minor or major. It is then necessary to hire a criminal lawyer because they are the authorized person to do so, as required in the legal system.

You can expect more help from a criminal lawyer whom you’ve chosen to represent your case. He/She should point out the distinctive element of your case since each has differences - maybe in the argument or circumstance.

Numerous expectations also means a lot of tasks for your lawyer. So, what can you expect from your criminal lawyer during the whole legal process?

1. You should expect that your lawyer will find and hire an investigator to seek witnesses in your defense by questioning and research evidences to prove the credibility of the testimonies.

2. He/She should pursue a negotiation with the prosecutor to come up with a plea bargain for a great possibility of reducing the potential sentence and other charges.

3. If in case you are judged guilty, your lawyer should work through a good sentencing program that would save you from undertaking back the hassles of criminal justice system.

4. The concern of your lawyer also covers your personal concerns regarding the case apart from the legality of it. Your lawyer is of great help as well during rising up of emotions and temper that go along with criminal trials.

5. Expect also that your lawyer will keep you on track of what is going on in your case and the possible consequences that might occur. He/She has already set his/her mind to be objective all the time in order to keep well with the proceedings.

6. Don’t worry if you miss out some significant legal regulations because your lawyer will make sure that every action taken against you is in accordance with the law and that you’re not violating any rules as well.

What can you expect from a criminal lawyer during pre-trial?

1.  If charged of any criminal case, expect that your lawyer will guide you on how to answer questions from authorities. This is to avoid disclosing information that can be used against you in the court.

2. He/She is expected to make a deal with the court to drop charges against you if found to have insufficient evidence.

3. If you are detained pending trial because of a crime, usually you are only to be released after you pay the bail imposed by the authorities. It is expected from your lawyer to take the possibilities of convincing the court to reduce your bail or more waive it all.

You may choose to represent yourself in the court. However, being an average person, you don’t have a full grasp of how criminal justice works making it hard for you to keep up with the process and would most likely end up with a no-so-good judgement.

Seek professional and firm help from a good criminal lawyer. Work out your case with Wise & Donahue, PLC, because we don’t only give you a good legal assistance but the best instead. Visit us at 10476 Armstrong Street, Fairfax, Virginia 22030 or contact 703-934-6377.

Wise & Donahue Law Firm10476 Armstrong Street Fairfax, Virginia 22030
703-934-6377
www.wisedonahue.com

What is Paralegal?

According to the American Bar Association (ABA), a paralegal is a person qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, government agency or other entity and who performs delegated legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.

They provide support for lawyers making them a valuable part of the legal system. They should perform their job under the direct supervision of a lawyer.

What does a paralegal do?

Paralegals execute a lot of errands inside and outside of office. There are some who spend eight hours a day studying contract documents. Others are occupied for more than eight hours meeting with various clients dealing with paperworks and identifying potential cases. They also assist a litigator in the courtroom from time to time. Moreover, what are the other specific tasks of a paralegal?

• Making sure that the methods taken are legally acceptable
• Conducting legal investigations and organizing evidences for the hearing
• Gathering facts and interviewing witnesses
• Organizing files and preparing legal documents to be used during the trial
• Writing reports as a guide for lawyer on how to handle a certain case
• Conducting interviews with the clients
• Attending and summarizing legal proceedings

What does a paralegal must not do?

What are the limitations of what a paralegal can do? It does include:

• Must not offer legal advice to clients
• Must not represent clients in the court for a trial
• Must not accept clients and ask for a legal fee
• Must not make an initial step to connect with the client
• Must not sign papers which would be filed in the court

What are the skills a paralegal should have?

A paralegal must have good written and communication skills to institute good connection with the clients, witnesses and partners. Likewise, he/she must have exceptional logic and problem-solving skills to to be able to solve minor and major problems in the office as well as in the court.

A paralegal should have good organizing skills to maintain an efficient office in order to keep things running smoothly for everyone.

A paralegal should be tech-savvy, meaning - someone who knows more than the basic use of a computer. Problems in technicalities cannot be avoided and a technologically-inclined paralegal would be of great help in the office. One who knows how to troubleshoot a jammed printer, or knows how to recover lost computer files.

Last but not the least, a paralegal should be people-smart because they will negotiate with clients, witnesses and partners regarding case matters. They should know what words to use for a certain situation and what approach to employ in order to establish credibility and authority.

There’s a slight difference between a lawyer and a paralegal. A lawyer has greater legal credentials, extensive education in the field and a license.

Wise & Donahue Law Firm offers legal assistance for cases such as divorce, family law, criminal lawyer fairfax va, wrongful death, personal injury, construction, commercial and business litigation. Contact us today!

Wise & Donahue Law Firm
10476 Armstrong Street Fairfax, Virginia 22030

703-934-6377
www.wisedonahue.com

Criminal Attorney Fairfax VA: How to Pick Out a Suitable Lawyer

What could be the worst possible fate than facing a criminal charge? The only choice you have is to put your faith to a competent criminal lawyer in fairfax va. One who will navigate you on a smooth road through this challenging situation.

Below are some of the key qualities to look for when you are calling and interviewing prospective lawyers.

• First, find a lawyer who specializes in criminal representation. You can begin by shopping around in your area. This is helpful so that you can learn a little about how they practice this branch of law, their attorney’s fee and importantly their overall character.

• Remember, before you bind yourself to a legal contract with a criminal attorney, see to it that you can both work together in your case. Also, don’t immediately decide after you have your first meeting with your lawyer.

• Find a criminal attorney in fairfax va in which you have that gut feeling of trust. You want someone on your side who does make you uncomfortable especially in private matters. He or she is not just a legal representation moving forward in your case but a close confidant who will be telling you about your options and help you choose the best ones.

Importantly, check for credentials and know upfront how the legal fees are done. Choose a criminal attorney who is honest about the payment of his services. The last thing you would want during the legal proceedings is getting a hefty bill with a representation that doesn’t have the right credentials.

Conclusion:

If you are seeking a criminal lawyer who will give you all the positive check marks advised above, look no further than Wise & Donahue Law Firm . They are located in the following locations for your convenience: Fairfax, Virginia, Annapolis, Maryland, and Reno, Nevada.

The law firm is known for building a solid legal reputation especially when it comes to providing a criminal attorney. Call them for a free consultation today and start realizing that their years of experience will work for you when you moved forward.

Wise & Donahue Law Firm
10476 Armstrong Street Fairfax, Virginia 22030
703-934-6377
www.wisedonahue.com

Criminal Attorney Fairfax VA: A Checklist of Other Questions

Criminal Lawyer Fairfax VA

When you see a criminal attorney for the first time, you might have a lot of apprehensions on your mind. Will you be asking about the experience that he or she has gained? Will it be right to have questions regarding the attorney’s fee? How about the number of times that you will be keep posted on the progress of your case? These are some of the usual questions that will come up prior to your meet-up. But how about those inquiries that are seldom asked.

Here's a checklist of other important questions to ask before you hire a lawyer. Print it out and take it with you; it may help you feel more comfortable asking some of the questions during the interview.

Are You Giving Lectures Presently That Covers Your Practice? Additionally, Have You Written Articles That Have Been Circulated in Law Journals?

A good gauge in finding a criminal attorney fairfax va is the certain number of times that he or she has been invited to speak or train other professionals in the field. Having established a good reputation within these professional conferences is a good factor when you consider hiring someone to represent you. Even much better if your attorney has published works in law journals or reviews. These two factors are an indication that he or she has been recognized for having skill and experience.

Can You Guarantee the Outcome of My Case?

Of course, no criminal attorney can guarantee the outcome of a case. However, he or she should be able to examine your case, talk about the possible legal conclusions, and expect what is likely to happen in your case. Bear something in mind that an attorney who guarantees the results of your case and one who expects what is likely to happen are different. Ask your criminal attorney what will be the possible positive results of your case and what negative results that my surface.

Have You Ever Been Sanctioned for Professional Misconduct?

You may feel somewhat tricky asking this question but it is central to your case. Your criminal attorney’s past resume should present following all the rules, acting professionally, and never telling a lie while working within the judicial branch. You can obtain this information from your state bar association asking your attorney about any misconduct in person gives them a chance to explain the circumstances surrounding a violation.

Remember, your hiring of a good criminal attorney fairfax va depends on your case, your preferences, and your ability to decide who is the right person to represent you.

Wise & Donahue Law Firm
703-934-6377

10476 Armstrong Street, Fairfax, Virginia 22033

www.wisedonahue.com

Criminal Attorney in Fairfax VA

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Wise & Donahue Law Firm

703-934-6377

10476 Armstrong Street Fairfax, Virginia 22030

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