An attorney for criminal defense is vital when you are facing charges of a crime. The prosecution has access to all the records and investigation materials as well as any evidence collected during the investigation. This information is often available to the prosecution before the defense, which gives them a strategic advantage. Here are some considerations when you hire an Arkansas criminal defense attorney. The advantage for the prosecution over the defense is having all necessary investigation materials available before it can begin its case.
Matthew McKay
Perhaps you are wondering if Arkansas has an attorney who can represent your case if you have been accused of a crime. Matthew P. McKay, who was admitted to the Arkansas bar in 2007, practices in many areas of criminal law, including drug crimes, juvenile crimes, and probation and parole. He has experience in all types of trials and will aggressively represent you in court to secure the best possible outcome.
A free consultation is a must when hiring a criminal defense attorney. Ask about hidden fees and the cost of the initial interview. It is also important to assess the attorney's credibility. Is he well-known in his field of work? Is he capable of providing a list with satisfied clients? Ask for references if you're not sure. This will ensure that you receive high-quality legal representation.
Dan Hancock
Dan Hancock, a criminal defence attorney, is licensed to practice law in all state and federal courts. He has extensive experience in Arkansas as well as the surrounding regions. He is a White Hall native and served six year in the United States Navy. He earned his undergraduate degree from University of West Florida in Pensacola (Florida) and his Juris Doctorate through the William H. Bowen School of Law. He is a member of the Arkansas Bar Association, Pulaski County Bar Association, and National Criminal Defense Attorneys Association.
Arkansas Public Defender Commission manages a network specialized divisions that are experts in criminal law. The Juvenile Ombudsman Division oversees cases of juvenile delinquency and commitment. The Capital, Conflicts and Appellate Division represents those accused of capital crimes and death penalty. Each division has its own judicial offices, clerks, and judges. Each judicial district has its unique terms and scheduling.
John Wesley Hall
Hall is an ex-prosecutor and former chief of the career crime division at the Little Rock District Attorney's Office. He is a Federal Court practitioner in the United States Court of Appeals of both the 2nd Circuit and the 5th Circuits. He is also a member of Arkansas Bar Association’s House of Delegates.
Hall graduated from University of Arkansas Law School 1973. Since then, he has been active in legal communities. For 14 years, he has been a member of the NACDL Board of Directors, serving as its Secretary/Treasurer. He is also past president of Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Hall has won numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Heeney Award and the Distinguished Achievement Award.
Clevenger Law Firm
Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality appointed Benca to be his lead attorney at Clevenger Law Firm. Benca is a former criminal defense attorney with national exposure. He pleaded guilty in two cases of theft and burglary. He was sentenced to two years probation, a $500 fine, and ordered to undergo psychiatric counseling. Clevenger was also acquitted of an attempted theft offense by the judge. Benca also received national attention for his representation at Clevenger of Damien Echols. Previously, Benca was a corporate attorney who worked for an Arkansas environmental agency, earning $62,531 per year.
Although the firm is based in Bentonville (Arkansas), it handles cases across Arkansas. Their practice is centered in northwest Arkansas, which includes Little Rock, Springdale and Fayetteville. However, the firm also accepts high-profile cases originating from Arkansas. Listed in the Arkansas Bar Association's directory, Mr. Wilkinson has extensive courtroom and jury trial experience. He is a regular speaker for attorneys in 40 States.
FAQ
How can I get into law school
Applications are accepted throughout the year by law schools. Many students apply early to avoid waiting for the applications to flood in late fall/early Winter. If you are interested in applying, contact the admissions office of the law school of your choice.
What is the difference between a transactional lawyer and a litigation lawyer?
An attorney who specializes in transactional law is likely to encounter different legal issues than one who focuses on litigation. Transactional attorneys deal with contracts, real-estate transactions, business formations, intellectual property issues, and other matters. Litigation lawyers focus on disputes involving corporations and partnerships, trusts estates, personal injury cases, insurance claims, and trusts.
There are different types of attorneys and each one has a different set of skills and knowledge. If you are looking to hire a transactional lawyer, for example, he will need to be able to prepare agreements, negotiate terms, and handle conflicts. A litigation attorney should be familiar with the rules and limitations of evidence, discovery rules, and rules of proof.
In addition, there may be other differences based on where the client is located. A New York City attorney might not have the same knowledge as an attorney practicing in California. And a Florida attorney would be less familiar with Texas laws than someone practicing in Texas.
What should I budget for when hiring a lawyer?
When you are considering hiring a lawyer to represent you, think about what you would need. The hourly rate should be between $1,000 to $2,500. This includes the time it takes to research your options, prepare the paperwork, meet with the lawyer, negotiate the contract details, draft the agreement, file fees, and travel expenses. So, even though you think you are paying just for his or her advice, you actually end up spending more money than that.
You should also consider whether you want to retain the lawyer full-time or part-time. Hourly rates for full-time attorneys are more common. Part-time lawyers usually bill by project. Part-time lawyers are best if you need assistance only once or twice per year. You should however seek out a full time lawyer if you require ongoing assistance.
Consider whether you prefer to have a solo practitioner or a full-service firm. Although solo practitioners often charge less per hour than firms they are often not able to provide the best representation. Firms can offer more experience, better expertise, and greater access to resources.
Last, but not least, consider the cost of malpractice insurance. While certain states require lawyers to have professional liability insurance, some do not. To find out which insurance companies are available in your region, check with your state bar association.
What is the difference between a personal injury lawyer and a civil rights lawyer?
Personal injury lawyers represent victims of injuries that were not their fault. These injuries can include car accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, among others.
Civil rights lawyers represent those whose constitutional rights have been violated. This could include discrimination based racial, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and so on.
Which law firm is the most lucrative?
Firms that have been around for decades are more likely to be successful and well-respected in their respective fields. Because they provide outstanding service at an affordable price, they have built a loyal client base. These firms offer excellent benefits such as retirement plans or health insurance.
Which type of lawyer do you prefer?
Legal professionals don't hesitate to ask clients what they need. They will do whatever it takes to make sure clients receive the best possible representation.
They are willing to take on cases that other lawyers would turn away from because they know that if they don't win these cases, then they won't have any business at all.
A lawyer knows how to negotiate, and uses their skills to get the best deal possible for their client.
Someone who is committed in providing quality service and excellent results. A person who can think outside of the box and find solutions others might not consider.
Someone who is honest and ethical. A person who observes the rules and regulations established by the courts or government agencies.
A lawyer with integrity and a strong work ethic.
What types of job opportunities do I have after I have finished my degree?
There are three main career paths for graduates: public service, private practice and public interest. Public interest jobs can include being an attorney for a non-profit organization or as a judge. Private practice positions include being a solo practitioner, a partner in a firm, or corporate counsel. Government service careers include working as a prosecutor, defense attorney, or judge.
Statistics
- The median annual salary for lawyers in 2016 was $118,160, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (rasmussen.edu)
- According to the Law School Admission Council, the number of people applying for these programs was up 13% last fall. (stfrancislaw.com)
- Just 59.2 percent of 2015 law school grads held full-time, long-term jobs as lawyers 10 months after graduation, according to data from the American Bar Association (ABA). (rasmussen.edu)
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for lawyers in 2020 was $126,930. (stfrancislaw.com)
- Though the BLS predicts that growth in employment for lawyers will continue at six percent through 2024, that growth may not be enough to provide jobs for all graduating law school students. (rasmussen.edu)
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How To
How to make a Will with a Lawyer
A will is an important legal document which determines who gets the property after you die. It also includes instructions for how to pay off any debts or other financial obligations.
A solicitor (lawyer), should draft a will and have it signed by two witnesses. If you do not wish to make a will, you can opt to not have one. This can cause problems later, if you are unable or unwilling to consent to medical treatment.
The state will appoint trustees for your estate until your death if you do not have one. This includes paying off your debts, and giving away any property. If there's no will, trustees may sell your house to make the funds available for your beneficiaries. They may charge a fee to manage your estate.
There are three main reasons that you need to create a will. It protects your loved ones from being left behind. It protects your loved ones from being left without a will. It also makes it easier to designate an executor (person who will carry out your wishes).
The first step is to contact a solicitor to discuss your options. Costs for a will vary depending on whether you are married or single. Not only can solicitors help you write a will but they can also advise you about other matters such:
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Give gifts to your family
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Choose guardians for your children
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Lending money
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Manage your affairs while you're still alive
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Avoid probate
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How to avoid capital losses tax when selling assets
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What happens to your property if you are unable to sell it before you die?
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Who pays for funeral costs
You have the option of writing your will by yourself or asking a relative or friend to do it for you. However, if you sign a will on behalf of someone else, it cannot be changed.