When you are accused of a crime, hiring a criminal defense attorney is crucial. The prosecution can access all records and evidence from the investigation. The defense is usually able to access this information first, so the prosecutor has a strategic advantage. Here are some things to consider when hiring an Arkansas criminal defense attorney. The prosecution has the advantage of having investigation materials at its disposal before the defense can begin its case.
Matthew McKay
There may be an Arkansas attorney that can represent you if your case has been referred to the Arkansas Supreme Court. Matthew P. McKay was admitted to Arkansas in 2007. He practices in many areas, including drug crimes and juvenile crimes. He has experience in all types of trials and will aggressively represent you in court to secure the best possible outcome.
When hiring a criminal defense attorney, it's important to find one that can offer you a free consultation. Ask about any hidden fees. This includes the cost of your initial interview. It's also helpful to check out the attorney's reputation. Does he have a good reputation in his area? Is he capable of providing a list with satisfied clients? Refer to previous clients if you aren't sure. They will be able to provide you with 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, Arkansas native who served six years with 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 has a network that includes specialized divisions, which specialize in different criminal law areas. The Juvenile Ombudsman Division supervises juvenile delinquency, and committal cases. The Capital, Conflicts and Appellate Division provides protection for individuals facing capital crimes and death punishments. Each division has its own judicial offices, clerks, and judges. Each judicial region has its own court terms and schedule.
John Wesley Hall
Hall is a former prosecutor who was also the chief of Little Rock's career criminal section. He is a federal court practitioner, which includes the United States Court of Appeals of the 2nd and 5th Circuits. He is also a member of Arkansas Bar Association’s House of Delegates.
Hall graduated in 1973 from the University of Arkansas Law School and has been actively involved in the legal community eversince. He has served 14 years on the NACDL Board of Directors including as its Treasurer and Secretary. He is also a past president of the Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Hall has won many awards and honors for the work he did, including the Heeney Award or 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 defence attorney with national exposure. He pleaded guilty in two cases of theft and burglary. He was sentenced to two-year probation and a $500 penalty. He was also required to undergo psychiatric counseling. Clevenger was also dismissed by the judge. Benca gained national attention during his time at Clevenger for his representations of the late 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. They have a focus on the northwest Arkansas region including Little Rock Springdale and Fayetteville. However, they accept cases from all parts of Arkansas. Wilkinson is a member of the Arkansas Bar Association's directory. He has extensive jury trial and courtroom experience. He has lectured to attorneys in 40 different states.
FAQ
Are all lawyers required to wear suits
It is not necessary. Some people prefer casual attire while others like suits. Many lawyers dress casually. Some states do require lawyers to dress professionally.
What is the average salary of lawyers?
No. No. Lawyers are typically paid less than dentists, engineers and architects, doctors, teachers, nurses and accountants, as well as pharmacists, pharmacists and veterinarians. Lawyers are paid an average of $55,000 each year.
Which type of lawyer is the most in-demand?
The best way to describe this question is to say that there are two types of lawyers. These are transactional and litigation lawyers. Transactional lawyers are involved in business and contract law. Litigation lawyers handle lawsuits. Specialists in both areas of law are known as generalists. One of the most prominent examples of a generalist lawyer is the "Big Law" one, who practices in large firms that handle many different types of cases. Generalists are either transactional lawyers or litigation attorneys.
Transactional lawyers handle all sorts of legal matters: divorces, wills, trusts, real estate transactions, employment agreements, etc. These lawyers are often paid a contingency basis. Lawyers are paid only if the case is won by their client. If the client loses, the lawyer doesn't get paid. This is why these lawyers are usually referred to as "trial lawyers" because they have to go through trials to win their cases.
Litigation lawyers handle lawsuits. They may represent clients in courtrooms or administrative hearings. In addition, some litigators also do transactional work. For example, they could draft documents on behalf of their clients. A company can hire litigation lawyers to help it defend itself against a lawsuit brought forward by another company. Or they may be hired by one person (the plaintiff) to sue another person (the defendant). Some litigation lawyers specialize in personal injury claims. Others are more focused on commercial disputes. Some others specialize in family law.
It is essential that litigation lawyers are able to present and argue evidence before judges and juries. They must understand the rules of civil procedure and other aspects of the law governing litigation. They should be able analyze and research facts. They must be skilled negotiators.
What is the distinction between a civil lawyer and a personal attorney?
People who are hurt by no fault of theirs can have personal injury lawyers representing them. These injuries may include car accidents and slip-and-falls as well as dog bites.
Civil rights lawyers represent those whose constitutional rights have been violated. Discrimination on the basis of race, gender, religion, disability, or any other factor is an example.
How long does it take for a lawyer to become one?
The answer may not be as simple as you think. While you need to be a hard worker for at most four years after graduating high school, there are also other factors.
Also, you must pass exams and score well enough to be accepted into law school. Then, you'll continue to study law for two more years.
After all this, you'll graduate from law school and then go back to college for an extra year to study for the bar exam. You'll be licensed as an attorney after you have passed the bar exam.
What kind of job opportunities are there once I graduate?
Graduates have three main career options: private practice, public interest, and government service. Public interest jobs can be as an attorney in a non-profit or as a judge. Private practice positions include being a solo practitioner, a partner in a firm, or corporate counsel. A government career can include a job as a prosecutor or defense attorney or judge.
Statistics
- 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)
- The nationwide number of first-year students enrolling last fall increased by almost 12%, according to recent data by the American Bar Association. (stfrancislaw.com)
- 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 Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average annual wage of a lawyer is $144,230. (legal.io)
External Links
How To
Where can I get legal aid for free?
It can be difficult to find a pro bono attorney because there are many people who would love your business. There are many options for finding a pro-bono attorney. You can contact your local bar association for information, search online to find a list, or consult your state's bar association. You can also find a probono attorney through your local law school. Many law schools offer students the chance to help low-income clients in order to provide them with justice. If none of these options appeal to you, you might consider reaching out to a non-profit organization like Legal Services Corporation (LSC). LSC finances organizations in the United States that provide civil legal assistance free of charge to people below the poverty threshold. The organization finances programs that help low income individuals with housing problems, child support enforcement matters, family law matters and consumer protection. LSC assists grantees with financial advice and guidance. Some services include:
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Financial counseling
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Assistance with bankruptcy filing
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Helping families resolve domestic violence situations
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Representation in front of administrative agencies
Here are some suggestions for people who are looking for pro bono attorneys.
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You shouldn't waste your time looking for a specialist in your case. Pro bono lawyers often represent different types of clients, which means they'll likely have little experience working with your particular kind of issue.
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It is important to find a lawyer who has represented low-income clients. This means he or she already knows what it takes to communicate effectively with this demographic.
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Ask if the lawyer is certified in your specific area. If you are dealing with landlord/tenant matters, make sure the lawyer you choose is experienced in handling these types of cases.
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Find out whether the lawyer is available to take on new clients. Some lawyers only take on certain types of cases, so you won't be able to find one who works exclusively with pro bono clients.
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Be wary of lawyers who claim to specialize in a specific field of law. Many lawyers claim that they specialize in different areas of law, but don't have any knowledge about the subject.
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Check that the lawyer has a good reputation. Ask for referrals from family members and friends. Also, search online for reviews from other clients.