Selecting The Right Employment Lawyer

Los Angeles lawyers

Ever encountered a situation at work, where you are left to tackle some legal issues? The workplace, for most people, is often the place that they would rather not be on a given day. Majority of the people has to work only because of the income that they need to earn and not because they like their job. But, as in every case, if you are to work at a place for a long time, you might actually get attached to it. So, if some legal problems arise in your office, whom would you turn to? Remember that, in the case of legal matters, even your mentors at work might not be able to help you, due to obvious reasons.

In such situations, you might be required to get the help of a professional, adept at handling such situations. Yes; they are the employment attorneys who earn a living from sorting out matters that are related to people’s work. It goes without saying, that having a good and efficient employment attorney by your side would hugely improve the chances of you coming out on top in a legal matter. Therefore, it is vital that you choose the best employment attorney out there in your area. The number of employment lawyers Los Angeles has produced over the last few years is an indication of the popularity of this job as a career. Here are some tips that will help you in selecting the best employment lawyers in Los Angeles.

Tips for choosing the best lawyer

You will need to select a lawyer based on the issue that you are facing at work. If you are being discriminated at your workplace, the type of lawyer that you would need to select is a lawyer who specializes in civil rights.
employment lawyers in Los Angeles
It is always good to have the opinion of someone who has had to face such trials at work. Since they have already been through such an experience, they will be able to guide you through the necessary steps.
You will get information regarding the lawyers in your area by contacting your local bar association.
Attorneys can be expensive. You can get legal help for free from your local legal aid organization.

Of all the employment lawyers Los Angeles has, only some of them are really competitive and efficient. So, choose wisely!

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Becoming An Immigration Attorney In Los Angeles

Los Angeles immigration attorneys

The job of an attorney is one of the most challenging in the world. He always has to put the interests of his client first, and try his maximum to get the best possible outcome for him, within the framework of the justice system. Lawyers have practices that fall under different categories, and one such category is immigration law. Immigration lawyers form a unique group because of the fact that immigration law, with which they work, has many aspects. There are many sub-issues within immigration law itself, which the immigration lawyers have to take care of. Immigration lawyers in Los Angeles in particular, have a tough job on their hands, especially since the city of Los Angeles has one of the largest foreign populations.

If you choose to go into a career in immigration law, there will be many opportunities, and you will not be stuck into one category. Obtaining work visas for large companies, filing a case on the behalf of an immigrant, etc are some of the areas that will help with displaying your talent.

Tips to become an immigration lawyer

Here are some tips that will help you in becoming an immigration lawyer.

Improve your communication skills while studying at the law school itself. Try to learn up on as many foreign languages as possible, so that communicating with your clients will become an easy job.
immigration attorneys in Los Angeles
Join for a special course in the field of immigration law at your law school. If your school does not provide the facilities, then you can explore the possibility of taking the course at another school, and having the course credits transferred to your school. The American Bar Association offers yearly seminars on immigration law.
Try to enter into an internship program with a reputed immigration lawyer from your area. It is important for you to have a hands-on experience before you graduate out of law school.

These are some opportunities that you can further explore, and which once pursued will further, enhance your knowledge in the area of immigration law.

There are several immigration lawyers in Los Angeles who will be able to assist you in the process of becoming an immigration lawyer. If you prove capable in this field of law, you will be able to land several jobs including government jobs such as at the Department of Homeland Security.

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Short Note On Personal Injury Lawyers

Personal Injury lawyer, Personal injury law

About Personal injury lawyers

A personal injury lawyer is a legal representative who helps a client who was injured in an accident or some other action because of the negligence or carelessness of another individual, receive compensations for all the injuries suffered, both physical as well as emotional. The compensations claimed for can include wages lost because of the accident, all medical expenses as well as replacement and repair of all properties damaged.

A personal injury lawyer obtains compensations for the client by negotiating on behalf of the client with the insurance companies and the responsible parties. He should also make sure that the client is not coerced into giving up any rights during the settlement. If the case cannot be settled, then he will present the case before the court during the trial.

Costs

Majority of the personal injury lawyers work based on a ‘contingency fee’ system. If the lawyer succeeds in getting a verdict in favor of the client, then a certain percentage of the settlement awarded is paid as the lawyer fees. The percentage paid varies from state to state. Usually it is around 30-40 percent of the total settlement received. On the other hand, the lawyer receives no fees if he/she loses the trial and cannot win a settlement. However, the client will have to pay for expenses such as court fees, photocopying costs and postages irrespective of whether the lawyer wins or loses the case.

Types

Personal injury law is a very broad field and covers numerous areas such as workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, automobile accidents and the like. Most personal injury lawyers specialize in one or two areas of personal injury.

Sources

Personal injury lawyers

Finding a good personal injury lawyer will take a little research. Start by asking around; ask your relatives, friends and local attorneys to know whom they recommend. Many of the personal injury lawyers will first offer a free consultation. This way you can meet up with them and discuss your case before you decide whether to avail their services or not. You can also check your states or local bar association to get a list of the lawyers. Televisions and printed ads are also another way to get information about personal injury lawyers in your area.

While looking for a personal injury lawyer, look for one who specializes in handling your type of case and make sure you meet up with him at least once before you hire one.

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A Short Note On Immigration Law Compliance Policy

Los Angeles immigration lawyers

Los Angeles is a city which is renowned for its diversity of cultures. A large part of the population is constituted by immigrants to the city. They are known to face trouble from various illegal agencies that try to take advantage of their immigration status. It is in these types of scenarios that immigration lawyers in Los Angeles can play a big part.

If you own a company that employs immigrants, then it is important that you take sufficient legal precautions to keep them safe. If you neglect immigrant laws while employing immigrant workers in your enterprise, it is possible that you will get in to trouble with the authorities. Immigrant employees have their own rights that need to be upheld. The first step in the direction of protecting immigrant workers is to follow the relevant rules. Assure them of your company’s policies by writing an immigration law compliance policy. The following steps will help you through the process of doing this.

Writing immigration law compliance policy

Before starting to write the policy, make a cover page for the document. Make sure that you give the document an appropriate title and date of approval. Also, add the logo of the company at the top of the document.
In the subject part of the document, give a brief description of the company’s policies, stressing on the fact that company employs only legal citizens. Also, mention that the company does not discriminate its employees based on nationality or religious belief.
Make sure to cite specific immigration reform laws on the document. Give the details of the employment verification documents that each employee must fill up, within two days after his hire date.
If any employee has to be re-hired, ask him or her to fill out the same employment verification details.
Immigration lawyers
Warn the employees against giving out false details on the verification form. Also, caution them against omitting or misinterpreting any details. Mention that such acts are liable to get the employee terminated from the job. Also, mention that, if any such acts were to be found out, they would not only be dismissed from their jobs, but also be reported to concerned appropriate governmental agencies.

These are some details, which will let you dispense with the need of finding good immigration lawyers in Los Angeles. With the help of these tips, you will be able to write an immigration law compliance policy.

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Duties Of A Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles

Criminal defense attorney and his duties

The criminal justice system entitles any individual charged with a crime to receive a fair trial before a judge or a jury. Both sides of a criminal case- the defense and the prosecution are represented by two lawyers or two groups of lawyers. Criminal defense lawyers have a number of duties and responsibilities as part of their work. Be it a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles or Michigan, he/she is responsible for proving that the accused is innocent and thus acquitting all charges against him. Given are some of the duties of a defense lawyer.

Advisory duties

Criminal defense attorneys are obligated to their clients even outside the courtroom. Individuals can be driven to a state of irrational fear when charged with misdemeanor or felony. They will not be able to think reasonably about their situation and the best course of action in such a state of mind. A defense lawyer is responsible for providing the defendant with the right advice if the prosecution offers a plea-bargain and if it would be best to accept it or not.

Information gathering

Criminal defense lawyers have the right to question witnesses about the events of the case within limits during the trial as well as before it. The criminal justice system consists of three types of witnesses- lay witnesses, character witnesses and expert witnesses. Lay witnesses are witnesses who were present at the scene of crime; character witnesses are people associated with the defendant or people who knew the defendant and expert witnesses are people who verify the technical facts of a case. Criminal defense attorneys also try to provide an alibi for the accused. An alibi is a type of defense that proves that the defendant could not have committed the crime by showing that he was elsewhere at the time of crime.

Arguing the case

Responsibilities of a criminal defense attorney

During trial, the defendant’s case is presented first by an opening statement by the criminal defense lawyer. The opening statement should be such that it gives the court and the presiding jury an outline of the case. It is also of utmost importance because of the emotional effect that it has on the jury. Defense lawyers are also allowed to cross examine the prosecution to confirm the authenticity of information that were obtained outside of the court so as to help the jury reach the right decision knowing all the relevant facts. If the questioning by any party is in any way unfair or flawed, both sides have the right to raise objections to the opposing counsel’s questioning. Defense lawyers end the trial by making a closing statement that sums up the facts of the case.

The above are some of the duties of a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles or any other state for that matter. If you find yourself faced with criminal charges, avail the services of an experienced attorney who can prove your innocence.

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Dealing With Mayhem Charges

Aggravated mayhem explained

The crime of mayhem, when charged against a person, will require that person to appear in a court of law and face litigation. Although the crime of mayhem may not itself be as ominous and dangerous as it sounds, the punishment from the court certainly can be, especially of you do not have a capable attorney to back you up. The crime of mayhem certainly involves the victim being seriously injured. If a person was to attack another person with an intention to maim or permanently disable the other person and succeed in doing so, then he will be guilty of mayhem crime. If the crime of mayhem is found to be quite severe, then it might be classified as aggravated mayhem.

Seriousness of injury

The courts will count only serious injuries if a crime has to be classified as mayhem. Only injuries that result in the victim getting permanently disabled are considered. If the injury sustained by the victim is permanent, then the person responsible for the crime can be tried in a court of law for crime of mayhem.

Serious injuries do happen when two persons attack each other, but the mere fact that a serious injury happened, is not enough for a person to be tried for the crime of mayhem. As in the case of other laws and rules, the definitions of the crime of mayhem will also differ from one state to another. However, these differences are only slight, and the main defining points are the same in most states. If a person was to negligently or recklessly injure another person and if the injury suffered was to be serious, then the person who committed the crime can be tried in a court of law for the crime of mayhem.

aggravated mayhem charges

Extreme cases

If the defendant was to disfigure the victim then such cases are considered as extreme cases of mayhem, and may even be classified as aggravated mayhem. Such injuries may even lead to the death of the victim in some cases. In such cases where the victim was to die of the injuries suffered, the defendant can be charged with murder even if he or she did not intend to murder the victim.

These are some details concerning the crime of mayhem. It is a serious crime and the punishments that are handed out in such cases reflect the seriousness with which the courts consider such cases.

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Distinguishing Between Pleading Guilty And “No Contest”

Alford plea explained

Although pleading guilty and pleading no contest might appear to be the same to a nonprofessional, there are some subtle differences between these two pleas, when some finer points of the laws existing in our state are considered. A different kind of plea exists too, called as the Alford plea, which can be used by a defendant to plead guilty of a crime, not by of admission of the guilt itself, but because sufficient evidence exists to prove that he or she is guilty.

Alford plea vs no contest

The basic definitions of these two pleas have already been mentioned above. A person can plead guilty of a crime in a court of law, and can wait for the judgment on his or her case to be given out by the jury and the judge. This usually happens in cases where the defendant is convinced that the evidence against him or her is undisputable, or if they have committed the crime themselves. In such cases, the person does not have any defense of their own, and the court can proceed with levying punishment against the person.

A defendant can enter a no contest plea in a court of law if the evidence against him or her is overwhelming, but the defendant wants to state that he or she is not guilty of the crime. Pleading no contest or nolo contendere means that, the court can proceed with punishing the defendant for the crime, but will have to bear in mind that a plea of no contest has been entered. This is often done in cases to avoid a civil action against the defendant.

Alford plea is a very different type of plea, and it deals with the situations where the defendant does not admit guilt in a court of law, but admits that the prosecution has sufficient evidence that can incriminate him.

No contest plea explained

If you are trying to differentiate between Alford plea vs no contest plea, then this brief description of both pleas would have helped you. Pleading guilty in a court of law is not as easy as it seems. The court will not accept the admission of crime at face value, and will require some details in order to accept the plea for the guilty.

These are some details regarding some of the pleas, which are used in a court of law. These pleas help in the smooth running of the judicial machinery.

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Different Pleas In Docket Sheets

Entering the no contest plea

A docket sheet is one that records all the events related to a particular order, usually in the chronological order. Docket sheets in a criminal case will document the plea that the defendant entered and how he responded to the charges against him. In the case of criminals, there are a few different pleas that an accused may choose to enter, as given below.

Not guilty

By making a ‘not guilty,’ the defendant out rightly denies all the charges made against him and the evidences constituting the case. In such a case, the prosecutor will have to prove the facts beyond a reasonable doubt. The defendant is entitled to fair jury trial if he enters a ‘not guilty’ plea, but does not have to be necessarily present any evidence. If the defendant does not enter into any plea by himself, then the court will enter a ‘not guilty’ plea on his behalf.

Guilty

In a guilty plea, the defendant admits to having committed the crime that he has been charged with. By entering such a plea, he gives up his right to a fair trial. The court may not acknowledge the guilty plea unless there are facts to show that the defendant entered such a plea knowingly and willingly. While making such a plea, the defendant should understand what this charge involves, the punishments that can be awarded and the different consequences.

No contest

A defendant who pleads to no contest does not admit to having committed the crime, but admits that there is enough evidence to get him convicted. The court does not hold a trial in case of a ‘no contest’ plea. For all practical purposes, the defendant is considered as guilty and the court may sentence him unless there is no crime at all. Otherwise, the prosecution does not necessarily have to prove the crime beyond doubt and the defendant does not necessarily have to prove his innocence either.

Alford plea

While comparing the Alford plea vs no contest, there is very little, that differentiates the two. By entering an Alford plea, the defendant pleads guilty while refusing his involvement in a crime, i.e., he pleads guilty, yet at the same time maintains his innocence as well.

Consequences of entering the Alford plea

That was some information about the various pleas that a defendant may choose to enter when faced with criminal charges. Before entering a plea, it important that the defendant understand various pleas, the difference between the Alford plea vs no contest plea, the consequence of each plea, the punishments that may be awarded and various aspects like that.

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Aggravating Factors That Make Battery A Felony

Punishments for aggravated mayhem

Domestic battery is defined as the non-consensual touching of another individual, be it a spouse, partner or another person living within the same household, and which does not cause any serious injury. Domestic battery as defined above is generally only a misdemeanor. The crime becomes aggravated battery if it results in serious injury. Aggravated battery is punishable up to four years in state prison. Given below are certain aggravating factors that make a battery a felony.

Sexual battery

Sexual battery is the non-consensual touching the intimate parts of a body for sexual arousal. This is considered as a misdemeanor. However, if the victim is a minor with a previous history of convictions, then in such cases, sexual battery becomes a felony. If it is committed against the employee of the batterer, then it will be considered as an aggravating factor.

Hazing

Hazing can be defined as any initiation or pre-initiation process by a student body or organization, irrespective of whether it has been recognized by an educational institution or not. In many states, hazing can be charged as a felony if it results in serious bodily injury. It can be awarded up to one year in prison and up to $5000 fine.

Discharge of a firearm or laser

Discharging a firearm with malicious or willful intent in a dwelling, building, motor vehicle or aircraft can be considered as a felony. By ‘inhabited,’ we mean that the structure is one that is currently under use irrespective of whether it is in fact occupied at the time of discharge or not. It can also be if a firearm or laser is shot at an aircraft, again regardless of whether it s occupied in flight or not. Such a felony is punishable up to seven years jail time in state prison.

Mayhem

Aggravated mayhem explained

An action can be termed as mayhem if it deprives an individual of any body part. Mayhem can include, but not restricted to slitting or injuring a nose, ear or lip. Generally, mayhem is misdemeanor, but aggravated mayhem that is a crime, which is committed intentionally and recklessly, with extreme indifference is considered as a felony. Punishments awarded for aggravated mayhem may be lifetime in prison with only a possibility of parole.

That was some information on the various aggravating factors that makes battery a felony. For more info on the same, refer online legal resources or visit your local library.

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How To Become An Immigration Lawyer

Becoming an immigration lawyer

Becoming a lawyer is a dream for many, and in the many divisions that exist within a lawyer’s field of work; immigration is certainly an area that has managed to gather a lot of interest in recent years. It certainly has some of the most sought after jobs, and once you have managed to establish yourself as an immigration lawyer, the cases will flow unabated in your direction. However, becoming an immigration lawyer is not easy, and it will require some hard work. Here are some steps that will certainly guide you on the way to becoming one of the elite immigration lawyers in Los Angeles.

Selecting Law school

The first step involved is of course, the selection of the right law school. Most of the law schools have at least one elective course in immigration law, but it is better to concentrate on colleges that offer a specialization in immigration law to its students. This is because, those colleges that specialize in immigration will be able to offer a variety of courses that are related to various immigration related issues. Graduating from such schools that offer specialized courses, will help you with improving your knowledge in the relevant areas. Another advantage of joining such schools is that they allow the third year students to specialize on specific immigration issues. University of Michigan, Stanford, Harvard, University of Texas and John Marshall law schools are some reputed institutions in this area.

Internship programs

Once you manage to enroll into a reputed law school, the next step involved is finding a relevant internship program. There will be several second summer internship programs available for the students, but it is crucial that you select the right one. One of the important steps to becoming an immigration lawyer involves you getting into an internship program at an immigration law firm, or at a related nonprofit organization. Make sure that you select the right organization to pursue your internship program, as there will be several organizations that will be interested in offering internship programs.

Faring well at internship

It is important that you are able to make an impression at the firm where you are pursuing your internship program. Otherwise, the firm will not become interested in hiring you for a full time job. If the firm where you pursued your internship program does not hire you, the other firms might follow suit.

Los Angeles immigration lawyers

These are some details regarding immigration law in the country. These tips will help you in pursuing a career as an immigration lawyer. Immigration lawyers in Los Angeles are widely respected, and you will be able to build a healthy career.

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