Guide to Finding Ann Arbor Lawyer

At some point in your life, you may find yourself needing legal advice. Ann Arbor lawyers can offer many different kinds of help in dealing with the law. No two cases are the same, and no attorney is qualified to represent you in every kind of case. While finding an Ann Arbor lawyer with the specialized experience you need involves many different considerations, here are some general guidelines to keep in mind.

Types of charges

Criminal courts hear cases in which someone has been charged by the police or a government agency with a violation of the law. There are three types of charges:

• Felonies refer to the most serious types of crimes, such as murder, rape and kidnapping

• Misdemeanors are less serious violations, such as drunk driving or assault

• Infractions are minor offenses, such as speeding and other violations

Felony or misdemeanor charges both entitle you to be represented by an Ann Arbor lawyer from the moment you are arrested. If you do not already have private legal counsel or cannot afford to hire an attorney, the court will appoint a lawyer who will represent you in a free, “pro bono” capacity. They will offer advice throughout the legal process:

• Your first court date will be an “arraignment hearing,” when you will be informed of the charges against you. Prosecutors may offer you a plea bargain at this time in return for a “guilty” or “no contest” plea. An Ann Arbor lawyer can help you decide how to proceed at this time.

• If you plead “not guilty,” your case will proceed to court. During this pretrial process, Ann Arbor lawyers for both the defense and prosecution will attempt to negotiate a mutually acceptable plea bargain. Both sides must regularly share any evidence they plan on preventing in court. If there is insufficient evidence that could be reasonably expected to convince a jury of your guilt, your Ann Arbor lawyer may file a motion for dismissal of the case.

• During your trial, an attorney will present the strongest possible case for your defence. If any procedural or technical errors have been committed by the prosecution, an Ann Arbor lawyer may use these as grounds for a dismissal of the charges against you.

• If you are found guilty of part or all of the charges against you, your attorney will be present at your sentencing hearing to argue for a less harsh sentence than the prosecution calls for.

Civil charges follow a very different procedure. These kinds of lawsuits involve a private individual or business suing a business, person or government agency. In most cases, financial compensation is being asked for. Most of these cases can be resolved before a trial commences. Unless you specifically instruct your attorney that you want to appear in court, Ann Arbor lawyers for both sides will attempt to negotiate a mutually satisfactory agreement.

Real estate disputes, business agreements which have not been honored and medical malpractice can all be grounds for litigation. One especially prominent area of civil law concerns personal injuries. People who have been harmed by another person, a defective product or on unsafely maintained property are free to seek damages and compensation in court. You must file within three years of the accident. After this time, an Ann Arbor lawyer is prohibited by Michigan’s statute of limitations from filing a lawsuit.

Other areas of the law

Businessmen or people with many financial aspects to protect may consider retaining an attorney’s services to help make sure they do not end up in court. These kinds of Ann Arbor lawyers practice “preventive litigation,” reviewing all contracts, employer-employee agreements and similar documents to make sure you are in compliance with all applicable laws. This kind of meticulous review can be helpful if you want to make sure you are protecting yourself against the threat of future litigation.

Some legal procedures are designed to be simple enough for people to complete without hiring Ann Arbor lawyers. For example, couples who wish to divorce and can come to agreement on the terms of their separation can complete all the relevant paperwork themselves. Likewise, foreigners applying for temporary or permanent American residence will generally not need to consult an attorney for help.

Hiring an Ann Arbor lawyer

If you decide you need private legal help, do not rush into a professional relationship with any attorney. As with any business transaction you undertake, you should think clearly about what you want to achieve and how much you can afford. Ask friends and family for referrals to Ann Arbor lawyers they have successfully worked with who have experience with your kind of case. You may also obtain a recommendation for a qualified specialist in your field from the State Bar of Michigan.

To make sure you are not wasting your time before scheduling any initial meetings, look up the discipline records of any attorney you plan on consulting. Arrive with all the relevant documentation that may count as evidence in your case. Provide as much detail as you are capable of and answer any questions the Ann Arbor lawyer has. You should also have a list of your own questions to ask, such as:

• What is your level of experience in handling my kind of case?

• If you do not possess specialized knowledge relevant to my situation, can you refer me to a more experienced Ann Arbor lawyer?

• What can I expect from the legal process?

• How much time will my case take to resolve?

• How often will I be updated on any progress made on my behalf?

• Who can I contact at your office if I have any questions? How soon can I expect a responses?

During your first consultation, it is important to receive a written estimate outlining all costs you may have to pay. Ann Arbor lawyers must explain any prospective expenses you do not understand. Clarifying the terms of your professional relationship from the outset will help prevent distracting attorney-client friction later on.