Guide to Finding Albany Lawyer

Daily life often presents situations in which you may wish to consult an attorney. Some people will need the help of an Albany lawyer when they are facing criminal charges, while others may return the services of an attorney to try to safeguard them against having to appear in court. No two cases are the same, but the process of finding private legal counsel is similar regardless of the circumstances. Here are some things to keep in mind if you are thinking of talking to an Albany lawyer.

Types of legal problems

When most people think of hiring an Albany lawyer, they think of court appearances. In fact, there are many situations which can benefit from private legal counsel without involving a trial. Businesspeople who wish to safeguard themselves from the threat of future lawsuits may often consider retaining an Albany lawyer who practices this kind of preventive litigation. These attorneys can help by:

• Reviewing any contracts or business agreements you sign

• Making sure your workplace, employee manuals and all related matters are in compliance with all local, state and federal laws

• Reviewing all tax paperwork filed

• Reviewing all mortgages or property purchase contracts

However, many people first think of hiring Albany lawyers when they must appear in court. There are two kinds of court systems to handle most cases:

• Criminal courts deal with charges brought against a person by the police or a government agency. These kinds of offenses can result in jail time, a severe fine or both.

• Civil courts handle private lawsuits filed by an individual or business against another private entity. In most cases, only money is being sought.

The legal process for civil and criminal charges is different, If you are arrested for a criminal offense, there are three categories of charges:

• Felonies, such as rape or murder, are the most serious kinds of crimes.

• Misdemeanors are lesser offenses, such as assault.

• Infractions are minor violations such as traffic tickets.

Except in the case of infractions, you are entitled to free representation from an Albany lawyer if you cannot afford to retain private legal counsel. From the moment you are arrested, an attorney will advise you throughout the process:

• At your arraignment hearing, the prosecution will formally present the charges against you. A plea bargain may be offered to defendants. An Albany lawyer will advise you whether to plead “guilty,” “not guilty” or “no contest,” and whether you should accept any plea bargain. If bail has been set for your release for jail, an attorney will try to lessen the amount.

• During the pretrial process, Albany lawyers working for the prosecution and defense must regularly share all evidence they plan on presenting in court. Your attorney may discover procedural or technical errors committed in the process of accumulating the case against you and file a request to dismiss the case accordingly. Frequently, both sides will try to reach a mutually acceptable plea bargain.

• If the case proceeds to trial, Albany lawyers will present the strongest possible case in your defense. Should you be found guilty of any or all of the charges against you, your attorney will present any mitigating circumstances justifying a sentence less severe than requested by the prosecution.

If civil charges are pressed against you, you are not entitled to free legal counsel from an Albany lawyer. Some of the grounds for civil litigation include:

• Personal injury caused by another person or business

• Real estate disputes between landlord and tenant or buyer and seller

• Workplace violations, such as sexual harassment

Most civil cases never make it to trial. Unless you specifically wish to have your date in court, Albany lawyers representing both sides will attempt to draft an acceptable resolution of your case, including financial compensation, before the date set for your hearing.
When to hire an Albany lawyer

Some legal procedures can be easily executed without the advice of private legal counsel. For example, couples who wish to divorce and can agree on all the terms of their separation can complete all the necessary paperwork without consulting Albany lawyers. Unless you are assigned free legal counsel in a criminal case, most people will need to pay for an attorney’s services. This should not be done before considering what you can afford and what exact areas of the law you need help with.

No two attorneys have the same practice areas. To find a specialist experienced in your kind of case, ask friends and family to recommend Albany lawyers they have successfully worked with in the past. Prior to scheduling any meetings with attorneys, look up their disciplinary records online to make sure they are qualified to practice law and have not been cited for any ethical violations.

Prepare for your initial meeting by assembling any documentation that may have a bearing on your case. Albany lawyers cannot offer a useful opinion of the strength of your case and your chances of courtroom success until they have all the relevant facts. Be prepared to ask and answer many questions. Establishing an open and trustworthy attorney-client relationship at the outset will help prevent future misunderstandings or tension later on. Some things to ask about include:

• What is your level of experience with my case?

• Would a past or current client be willing to provide a referral?

• How long can I expect my case to take before a resolution is reached?

• How often will I be updated about any progress made on my behalf, and by whom?

Paying your Albany lawyer

During your first meeting with any attorney, be sure to receive a detailed, written estimate of how much their services will cost. If you are filing civil litigation and have a good chance of receiving financial compensation, some lawyers may be willing to represent you in return for a percentage of whatever you are awarded. However, be sure to ask about any pretrial expenses you may still be liable for, such as the cost of filing paperwork with the applicable court.