criminal defense

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criminal defense firm

criminal defense firm questions and answers

Q: Is it criminal that Iowa contracts Elron (Israeli defense firm) to tally the votes?
why can't they just use municipal entities to do the most important job in a democracy? Does anyone foresee a conflict of interest?

A: Wow. That's taking privatisation to ridiculous lengths. Why doesn't the US have an independent Electoral Commission like Australia? It conducts elections (State, Federal, and many other types), counts the votes, and declares the winners.

Q: Criminal Justice question. Pretending u r a defense attorney?
You have just been hired as a lawyer at a small criminal defense firm. On your first day, Robert Crook entered into the office and asked to speak to an attorney. All of the other lawyers are at lunch so you have to speak to Mr. Crook. Mr. Crook states that he is worried about being arrested for an armed robbery of a gas station that occurred the night before. Mr. Crook explains the following to you after you ensured him that anything said would be protected under the attorney-client privilege. Mr. Crook stated that he has been out of work and owes money for gambling debts. Mr. Crook stated that he was desperate for money and admitted to robbing a gas station last night located a couple blocks from his house. Mr. Crook stated that he used a BB gun but admitted that it looks like a real gun. Mr. Crook took a total of $130.00 during the robbery. Mr. Crook states that he was not wearing a mask and that the attendant got a good look at his face. This morning, Mr. Crook heard that officers had stopped by his apartment looking for him. Mr. Crook tells you that the only person at the apartment this morning was his 13 year old nephew. Mr. Crook did not know whether the 13 year old let the police in or if the police forced themselves in, but states that the police found the BB gun he used under Mr. Crook�s bed. Mr. Crook wants to know what is going to happen to him should he be arrested all the way from when the police arrest him until sentencing. Mr. Crook has no experience with the criminal justice system and has never been arrested before. all of the major steps that Mr. Crook will go through should he be arrested for a felony like Armed Robbery. Make sure to include an explanation of each step and any legal advice you would give to Mr. Crook as his attorney including any motions you could possibly file. Include a discussion of the possible sentences that Mr. Crook could face if convicted based on a review of your own state�s criminal�s laws.

A: Do your own homework. Really, I think it's even a violation of the forum rules to cheat so flagrantly.

Q: CJA /Criminal Defense Investigator?
I enjoy this type of work, but I am having a extremely hard time finding work. I don't have a pd license, because I have not been with a firm for 5 years, nor am I a retired law enforcement officer. I have roughly 2 years experience. Right I now I am just looking for contractual work. Any investigators out there that can point me in the right direction?

A: i dont know but i need help maybe you can give me some tips

Q: Is this considered harrassment?
I have worked for a very large law firm (over 400 lawyers) for 4 years. Just recently I was relocated to one of our sister firms where we just merged with a very small (4 lawyers) criminal defense firm. The main partner that I work for treats all of the employees here awfully. Calling them "stupid" and he loves to use the "F" word in almost every sentence. In one case, I heard him call one of the attorneys an idiot and I was told that I should wait until I hit "F-ing Idiot" status. Then you know you've made it. Everybody walks on egg shells around this man and it's crazy. Yesterday, after he rudely told an attorney to "shut their trap" I looked at him with disapproval and he said, "why are you giving me that look?" then I said, "That was kindof mean" and he said, "What are you? Dorothy? Are you going to click your heels together and make my attitude magically disappear? Good luck with that, toots". They say because he's in criminal defense that's why he's like that. Whatever.

A: One could claim this constitutes a hostile work environment. You don't have to take crap from anyone no matter who they are.

Q: Does is matter which LAW SCHOOL you go to?
i just got out the military and have the gi bill so i want to go to law school i have my bs, took the lsat got a 155 3.63 gpa, and i want to be a criminal lawyer its my dream. SO does it matter which law school you go to if your going to be a criminal lawyer, i just want to work for the da for 5 years and then start my own solo criminal defense firm. I plan on going to the new law school FAMU in orlando because thats where I live and I can live with my parents during school so I dont have to pay living expenses, and FAMU tuition is very low because they have a provisional accreditation but are expected to have full accreditation this year. SO will i be shooting myself in the foot by going to a new law school, or will it not matter because I am going to pursue criminal defense. I talked with a local lawyer and he told me it wont matter. Is he correct? THANKS FOR THE ADVICE.

A: It probably will not matter, but it will limit your options. The reason famu's tuition is low is because it is a state school, not that it is provisionally accreditated. Thus, you can attend UF or FSU, much better schools, and still pay a low tuition. You should consider attending another law school. Famu should and might lose its accreditation. A large number of Famu students are transferring to Barry or other law schools. The bar passage rates are 30% lower for Famu than any other Florida law schools. Also, Famu has a terrible reputation. In general, the administration of Famu is viewed as incompetent. Although the new dean at Famu might turn things around, it will not be before the deadline to receive full accreditation. Thus, you should not take your chances with Famu.

Q: juvenile sex defense attorneys.?
Do you think a law firm called Imhoff & Associates, P.C. Criminal Defense Attorneys is a good law firm that will get charges dismissed? There website is criminalattorney.com

A: Personally, I use Dewy, Cheatum and Howe. They're great.

Q: Can an Employee offer lower cost services, similar but different as their Employer??
I am a Bankruptcy Paralegal for a firm that handles Criminal Defense and Bankruptcy Law. I would like to do a little side work as a Petition Preparer and offer individuals a lower cost option. I cannot offer legal advice or complete the process like an Attorney can, although I can draft all legal documents concerning the Bankruptcy for a small fee. I have never signed anything with my employer as to side work. Could they sue me if they found out? Fire me?? Just to clarify. There has been no compete contract signed. The firm is a small firm, husband & wife, who are not very professional. If I lost my job I would be okay, considering taking a new position as is. I am not looking to take clients from the database nothing of that nature. I am considering placing flyers out for Bankruptcy Options at lower cost. No Legal Advice. My main concern is if I start this prior to taking a new position in a completely different field of law, could they sue me. Thank you for all your responses!

A: Doing what you're planning may not be illegal, but it is unethical. I would recommend one of two courses of action: 1. Be upfront with your current employers. Tell them what you would like to do and ask them for their advice and their concurrence in your plans. If, like you say, this would not be taking any business away from them, they should not have a problem with your plans. This would be your preferred course of action if you would like to remain with your current employers. 2. If this is out of the question, then I would recommend that you delay your side business until you have moved to a different job. You indicate that you are considering moving on to another firm even now. However, if your new job is similar to your current one, be sure to have an agreement with your new employer concerning your side business before you begin.

Q: Would being a police officer for a couple years hurt my chances of admission into a law school later on?
Some basic info to consider: - 3.4 Undergraduate GPA from University of California, San Diego - Major: Political Science - Public Law - Minor: Management Science (Business) - Score of 170 on the LSAT - My extracurricular activities include volunteer work for Student Legal Services at UCSD, other community service activities, a legal internship at a criminal defense law firm, employment for the UCSD Police Department, and volunteer work for the San Diego District Attorney's Office. I REALLY want to attend law school at UC Hastings, USF Law, or Loyola-Marymount Law. UC Hastings is my school of preference. I have done plenty of research and determined that law is the career field I want to go into. My goal is to study for a dual JD/MBA degree and go into corporate law. However, one of my lifelong dreams is to become a police officer... I want to spend 1-2 years being a police officer, then pursue a law degree thereafter. I love law enforcement and really want to do it (only if it doesn't hurt my chances at a law school after those 1-2 years). I've gone on ride-alongs and have worked for a police department so I somewhat know what to expect. However, I only want to do this for a couple years. So does it affect my law school admissions (specifically to UC Hastings)? Would it help my application? Any insight is much appreciated! If it will affect my chances for admissions adversely, I wont do it... :( Thank you!

A: I had a friend in law school who was a cop (and actually went to school PT while he was working as a cop). I think, if anything, it would help you (there aren't a lot of cops who go to law school, and you'll do really well in Crim Law and Procedure).

Q: what do i major in to become a criminal lawyer?
I want to become a criminal lawyer.In on year i will be going off to college,I would like to attend howard university because they have on of the best law schools.The problem is i do not know what to major in.Honestly i don't know what i have to be to become a lawyer.All I think I know is you go to a 4 year college.After that I don't know if you go to graduate school and get an internship at a law firm,or if you go straight to law school and get a internship or a job.I was also wondering what is the difference between a criminal lawyer,criminal defense lawyer,or which is better.So can you tell me what i should major in or should i double major,what is the different between the two types of lawyers i stated above and which is better,and do or should i go to graduate school and everything else i stated above.Thank you so much i hope i'm not asking for to much!!

A: You major in something that will get you a paying job after college. You need a degree from an accredited university - any degree. And while you're in college, wake up to reality about law. There's a glut of lawyers in this country and most grads are not getting jobs. The ones who are, can't live independently and pay off the student loans they have for college and law school. Large firms and major corporations have begun outsourcing legal work to India where they can have their pick of the finest young legal minds for about $22,000/year. Moreover, the path to criminal law is through a public defender's office or a prosecutor's office. Plan on making absolutely no money if you can even get hired. A criminal lawyer and acriminal defense lawyer are the same thing since the only other party to a criminal case is the government (the prosecutor).

Q: Is just irony that Attny. Gen.'s push for civilian trials coincided w/ his old law firm providing the defense?
Of all the infuriating aspects of the decision to transfer five 9/11 war criminals to civilian federal court, the one that grates most is the contention that the Obama administration is finally moving forward after “eight years of delay” — as Attorney General Eric Holder put it at his Friday press conference — during which the Bush administration managed to complete only three military-commission trials. This is chutzpah writ large. The principal reason there were so few military trials is the tireless campaign conducted by leftist lawyers to derail military tribunals by challenging them in the courts. Many of those lawyers are now working for the Obama Justice Department. That includes Holder, whose firm, Covington & Burling, volunteered its services to at least 18 of America’s enemies in lawsuits they brought against the American people. (During 2007 alone, Covington contributed more than 3,000 hours of free, top-flight legal assistance to our enemy detainees.) http://www.thefoxnation.com/eric-holder/2009/11/18/holders-former-law-firm-representing-high-value-detainees Now he won't release the names for good reason! http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/republicans-eric-holder-answers-appointees-defended-terror-suspects/story?id=9959102&page=2

A: I have pointed this out here over the last year that the law firm Holder comes out of represents Gitmo detainees.. The lawyers that represent the defendants in the up coming trials will not do it this time "pro-bono". These attorneys, because of the length of time the trials will take, stand to make hundreds of thousands if not millions from the taxpayers. A payoff to the Trail Lawyers. The Democrats have suggested in the past capping the amount Doctors would be allowed to make. They have suggested capping the profit business could make. Perhaps they should suggest the capping of the amount trial lawyers could make.

Q: A question about becoming a lawyer?
I plan on becoming a criminal defense lawyer. Is it easier to find a job in a firm or start your own business. I hear both are pretty difficult and I know it does depend on how well you do in school. Any suggestions?

A: I just graduated law school, so maybe I can help. If you want to be a criminal defense lawyer you should start working for the Public Defender's office in the city you want to work in. It is easier to start on your own, but without experience or money it is difficult to last very long. You will gain experience working for Public Defender very quickly without worrying about getting clients. Doing well in law school is important. Also, the school you go to is important. While you may be able to start at a defense firm, most graduates go to Public Defender's office. They are almost always hiring and it is good to hit the ground running.

Q: Should I lie to women about my occupation?
Well... I'm a reasonably truthful guy.... as a truthful honest guy I really haven't had much success with women. They seem to turn away after they hear about my occupation which is a uni philosophy psych student and part time process worker. If women ask me what do I do for a living (being judgemental as they always are) should I just tell them I work for a prestigious law firm specialising in criminal defense as a barrister? Then I can just tell them all my work is highly confidential lol the right woman? whatever... they always want to date the movie stars, top lawyers and doctors while ignoring everyone who isn't earning the 200k per year annum threshold. The right women only exist when you have the $$$ next to your name. Anyway screw this... if women ask me what I do then barrister it is. Then I'll just walk off..

A: no, lying is never good. The right woman will appreciate your honesty

Q: How do I get a lawyer?
It's my first time getting involved with this whole law thing, so I'll need a criminal defense lawyer. Since it's my first time appointing one, I don't know what to do. should I just randomly call up local firms and get a free consultation? or are lawyers who have web sites generally the better ones? I don't know who is really good that can work things out for me to expunge or seal this record. Should i look up the yellow page for a lawyer snd find like 20 lawyers and give them my stories and see who has the best deal (price, their education, experience, etc)? Someone please help.

A: just call around or ask your friends and co-workers on who they recommend

Q: Can someone please proofread and edit my writing sample?
I am applying for a new job and they require a writing sample with the topic "why I would be great for the position". No more than 300 words, I have omitted company names and changed other names: I am the best person that you could hire to fill the **** and **** Administrative Assistant position currently open within your firm. I’m extremely hard working, intelligent, creative, and have grown very fond of the staff over the past three weeks while I’ve been temporarily filling the **** position. Before I came to work with ****, I was an administrative assistant for a very busy criminal defense attorney with an extremely small staff. I worked long hours even though I was a salary employee and went above and beyond what was required of me on a daily basis. The knowledge I gained with his office has prepared me to be an extremely successful employee within your firm. I’m able utilize information I have learned in my adult years while exercising a considerable amount of common sense. I easily adapt to new environments and pick up new skills quickly. I also attempt to problem solve on my own, which has fashioned me to be a very independent worker with little need of supervision. I have grown extremely fond of the **** office staff. Their willingness to answer questions and extend a helpful comment is a rarity in most professional environments. I mesh well with the staff and find it easy to be successful in a firm with such intelligent and welcoming individuals. I have enjoyed helping John Smith with piecemeal work from the **** and **** Department during down time at reception and I would be an excellent assistant to her. I appreciate the opportunity I’ve been given over the past three weeks to work with and learn about your company. I would love to become a permanent employee of **** so that I can prove that you made the right decision to place me in the **** **** position.

A: I am the best "best" sounds a little boastful. They want to know why you would be "great"...show that you can stick to the exact assignment person that you could hire to fill the **** and **** Administrative Assistant position currently open within your firm. I’m extremely hard working, intelligent, creative, and have grown very fond of the staff "fond of" sounds almost condescending. Find another more positive term to describe your working relationships. over the past three weeks while I’ve been temporarily filling the **** position. Before I came to work with ****, I was an administrative assistant for a very busy criminal defense attorney with an extremely small staff. How does the extremely small staff at previous position make you look good? Is this new position similar in some way? Make the connection more explicit. I worked long hours even though I was a salary employee and went above and beyond what was required of me on a daily basis. The knowledge I gained with his office "gained with his office" does not sound quite right has prepared me to be an extremely successful employee within your firm. What knowledge? How does it apply to this new job? Draw the connection very specifically. I’m able utilize information I have learned in my adult years why are you talking about "utilize information" and "adult years"? sounds contrived while exercising a considerable amount of common sense. knowledge, common sense...sounds vague...back it up with specifics I easily adapt to new environments and pick up new skills quickly. I also attempt to problem solve on my own, which has fashioned me to be a very independent worker with little need of supervision. "fashioned me" sounds like you are trying to be fancy. This isn't a creative writing job. Just the facts please. I have grown extremely fond of the **** office staff. repeating the fond of thing Their willingness to answer questions and extend a helpful comment is a rarity in most professional environments. I mesh well with the staff and find it easy to be successful in a firm with such intelligent and welcoming individuals. sucking up works, but this is a little too blatant. Do you have a more specific example of what you have appreciated? I have enjoyed helping John Smith with piecemeal work from the **** and **** Department during down time at reception and I would be an excellent assistant to her. I appreciate the opportunity I’ve been given over the past three weeks to work with and learn about your company. I would love to become a permanent employee of **** so that I can prove that you made the right decision to place me in the **** **** position Ok, good ending. I know you have only a few words to make your case, but get more specific, then go back and tighten it down to 300 words with a focus on facts. Read it out loud to yourself. Does that sound like how you actually talk? Aren't there a lot of words that you really don't need? Good Luck!

Q: most lucrative law firms?
which are the highest paying law firms for a criminal defense student to join after college?

A: You are not drawing any answers to your question because your question does not make sense. Law firms do not hire undergraduate "criminal defense" students out of "college." They hire persons with graduate degrees in law, who have graduated not only from college but also from law school and who have passed, or who can be counted on to pass, the bar examination, so that they can be licensed to practice law. The highest paying law firms are the large full-service commercial law firms, and they are looking for law students who concentrate in commercial issues, not in criminal law. Salaries vary from city to city, but at the top tier, they do not vary much from firm to firm, because the market for the very best students is quite competitive. Someone could tell you what the top salary is for a city, but the top firms in the city will all pay pretty much the same salary. If you want this information, identify the city. Highest salaries are paid in New York, Washington, DC, and San Francisco. Again, the highest paying law firms do not hire law school graduates focused on criminal law. Criminal law pays rather poorly as compared to most other branches of law--it is far less complex. Law school graduates who wish to practice criminal law usually go to work for the prosecutor's office (aka the district attorney), for the public defender, or, occasionally, for a small criminal law firm. They do not draw large paychecks until they demonstrate their worth. Salary will still depend more on the city than on the firm. So, again, name the city and someone can tell you a top salary, but the name of a "firm" will not be part of the answer. I hope I have helped. At least now perhaps you have the tools to ask a better question.