Guide to Finding Brooklyn New York Lawyer

Everyday life may often bring you into contact with the law. Brooklyn, New York lawyers offer a variety of specialized services to help citizens who are pursuing or defending themselves against charges. No matter the particulars of your case, anytime you are dealing with the court system you want to make sure you are taking full advantage of your legal rights. If you find yourself in need of a Brooklyn, New York lawyer, here are some things to keep in mind.

Civil and criminal law

There is virtually no aspect of daily life that the law does not apply to. Many different kinds of courts exist to process different kinds of charges.

If you appear in criminal court, this means you have been charged with a crime by the police or a government agency. Though the death penalty is no longer applied in New York, you may still be subject to fines or jail time if you are found guilty of the charges against you. Minor offenses such as speeding tickets are considered infractions do not allow you to receive trial by jury or consult a Brooklyn, NY lawyer for free.

Two more serious kinds of offenses entitle you to receive legal advice from the moment you are made aware of the charges against you. If you cannot afford the services of a Brooklyn, NY lawyer, the court will appoint a free pro bono attorney to act on your behalf. If you are arrested, it is unwise to answer any questions or take other actions until you have received legal advice.

The first step of the criminal prosecution is known as an arraignment hearing. During this procedure, the public prosecutor will present the official charges against you. You may also be offered a plea bargain in exchange for a guilty or no contest pleas. Your Brooklyn, New York lawyer can help by:

• Advising you on how to plead and whether to accept any plea bargains offered

• Move to dismiss the charges against on the grounds of procedural errors committed by the prosecution, such as using illegal measures to collect evidence

• Help to reduce how much bail you may be charged

Throughout the pretrial process, Brooklyn, New York lawyers will share information and evidence with prosecutors, who do the same in return. This helps you know what kind of testimony the prosecution intends to present in court. It also allows your Brooklyn, New York lawyer to make sure the prosecution has not invalidated their case by incorrectly following the legal process. If they find this to be the case and a judge agrees, all charges against you will be dismissed. Your attorney will also help make sure none of the jury members who are selected have some kind of bias that would prejudice them against you.

During your trial, the role of your Brooklyn, New York defense lawyer is much the same as it is during pretrial. Your attorney may call attention to legal errors by the prosecution or police, present evidence on your behalf, present witnesses who can testify your favor and take many other measures to present a strong case for your innocence. If you are convicted, Brooklyn, NY lawyers will also appear at your sentencing hearing to argue that mitigating circumstances or evidence require that the penalty the prosecution requests be made less severe.

In civil court, you are not entitled to pro bono representation. Charges you may bring or defend yourself against include:

• Allegations of fraudulent, deceptive or otherwise illegal business practices that do not honor the terms of an agreement between two parties

• Charges of domestic violence that a public prosecutor has declined

• Real estate disputes

• Personal injury lawsuits in which one party seeks damages from another person they feel is liable for medical expenses, physical damages, emotional distress or other charges

Most civil court cases will be settled by Brooklyn, New York lawyers before they ever come to trial. If you are considering filing civil litigation, it is important to know whether you are willing to settle for any out-of-court settlements or wish to pursue a larger financial reward in court. Establishing this at the outset with any Brooklyn, New York lawyer you consult will make sure you receive representation that follows your wishes.

Other kinds of legal issues

Sometimes you may have to appear in family court. This will be the case if you are filing for divorce and you and your partner cannot agree on the terms of your separation. Other people may want to consult Brooklyn, New York lawyers if they are considering filing for bankruptcy, since the process is very technical and allows little room for error. Couples wishing to adopt will probably need an attorney’s services to broker the process.

Finding a Brooklyn, NY lawyer

If you decide you need private legal counsel, your first step should be to ask friends and family to recommend any specialists in your field they have worked with. You may also choose to ask either the New York City Bar or Brooklyn Bar Association for a referral for a small fee. Before agreeing to meet with any attorney, look up their disciplinary record online and make sure they are in good standing.

Enter any first meeting prepared to explain in as much detail as possible the specifics of your case, what you expect, and what you can commit too. Present any documentation or evidence you have assembled. Ask and answer questions to make sure you are speaking with an attorney who is as dedicated, honest and committed as you are. You may have to talk to multiple Brooklyn, New York lawyers before you find one whose answers satisfy you.

During your first meeting, receive a written, detailed outline of the actions your attorney proposes to take, along with an estimate of expenses you will be liable for. Having any agreements you make in writing helps to ensure both you and your Brooklyn, New York lawyer are clear on what to expect from your professional relationship.