Hiring a criminal defense attorney when you are accused is critical. The prosecution can access all records and evidence from the investigation. The prosecution usually has access to this information before the defense, giving them an advantage. Here are some things to consider when hiring an Arkansas criminal defense attorney. The advantage for the prosecution is that it has all of the necessary investigation materials before the defense can begin their case.
Matthew McKay
It is possible to wonder if Arkansas has any lawyers who could represent you if you are charged with a criminal offense. Matthew P. McKay (accredited to the Arkansas bar in 2007) practices in many areas including drug crimes, juvenile crime, probation, and parole. 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 hidden fees such as the cost for the initial interview. It's also worth checking 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 references if you are unsure. This will guarantee a quality legal representation.
Dan Hancock
Dan Hancock is licensed to practice criminal defense law in Arkansas and the surrounding areas. He is a White Hall, Arkansas native who served six years with the United States Navy. He earned his undergraduate degree in law from the University of West Florida. His Juris Doctorate was obtained from 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 is responsible for juvenile delinquency cases and their commitment. The Capital, Conflicts and Appellate Division represents those accused of capital crimes and death penalty. Each division has its own judges, clerks and judicial offices. Each judicial district has its unique terms and scheduling.
John Wesley Hall
Hall is a former prosecutor who was also the chief of Little Rock's career criminal section. He is a licensed federal judge, including the United States Court of Appeals of 2nd and 5th circuits, and the International Criminal Court. 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 on the NACDL Board of Directors for 14 years, including as its Secretary and Treasurer. He is also past president of 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 (Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality) hired Benca in June 2018, to serve as his lead attorney. Benca is a former criminal defense attorney with national exposure. He pleaded guilty for two counts each of burglary and theft. He received two years probation and a $500 fine and was ordered to complete psychiatric counseling. Clevenger was also acquitted of an attempted theft offense by the judge. Benca's representation of Damien Echols was a highlight of his Clevenger tenure. Benca was previously a corporate attorney who earned $62,531 a year for Arkansas' environmental agency.
The firm is based out of Bentonville, Arkansas. However, they handle cases throughout Arkansas. They are based in Arkansas' northwest region, including Little Rock and Springdale. The firm accepts cases with high profile from all over Arkansas. Listed in the Arkansas Bar Association's directory, Mr. Wilkinson has extensive courtroom and jury trial experience. He is a frequent lecturer to attorneys in 40 states.
FAQ
How do lawyers get paid for their work?
Lawyers are paid hourly for the time spent on legal matter. Hourly rates depend on the complexity and experience of the matter.
Because they have gained expertise over many years, experienced lawyers are more likely to charge hourly fees.
A less experienced lawyer might be able to charge lower hourly rates, as he/she is able to efficiently handle cases.
Additional compensation is often offered to lawyers for the handling of certain types cases, in addition to their hourly rates. In some cases, lawyers representing criminal defense may be eligible for bonuses if their case is successful.
What is the difference between a personal injury lawyer and a civil rights lawyer?
People who are hurt by no fault of theirs can have personal injury lawyers representing them. These injuries could include car accidents or slip-and fall, dog bites, or any other type of injury.
Lawyers who represent civil rights victims of violations of their constitutional rights are called civil rights lawyers. Examples of discrimination include those based on race or gender, sexual orientation, disability and religion.
Is it possible to become a lawyer without attending law school?
Yes, you can!
An unrelated degree is acceptable if the law system and its workings are well understood. You should learn how laws work together and what makes them different.
You need to know how to read and interpret regulations, statutes and court decisions. You must be familiar with the concepts of civil procedure, criminal procedure, evidence, trial law, case law, employment law, and administrative law.
The bar exam is required to be able to practice law. The bar examination tests your knowledge of law and your ability apply the law in real-life scenarios. This exam tests your knowledge of the law as well as your ability to read and analyze cases.
The bar exam has two phases. One is the written section, and one is the oral section. The written section consists of multiple-choice questions. Simulated trials make up the oral portion. Before you can sit for the bar examination, you will need to prepare for it.
Not only will you need to pass your bar exam but you also have to be admitted to the jurisdiction where you intend to practice law. Different jurisdictions have different admission requirements. You can check with State Bar Association for information.
Statistics
- The median annual salary for lawyers in 2016 was $118,160, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (rasmussen.edu)
- 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 states that saw the biggest increase in average salary over the last 5 years are Rhode Island (+26.6%), Wisconsin (+24.1), Massachusetts (23.2%), Wyoming (18.3%), and North Dakota (18.1%). (legal.io)
- A Johns Hopkins study of more than 100 professions found lawyers the most likely to have severe depression—four times more likely than the average person. (rasmussen.edu)
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for lawyers in 2020 was $126,930. (stfrancislaw.com)
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How To
How to make your will with a lawyer
A will is an important legal document determining who gets what after you die. It also contains instructions regarding how to pay any financial debts.
A will must be written by a solicitor and signed by at least two witnesses. If you wish to leave everything to someone without any restrictions as to how they use it, you can choose to not make awill. This can cause problems later, if you are unable or unwilling to consent to medical treatment.
The state can appoint trustees to administer your estate until you are buried. This includes paying off all your debts and giving away any property you own. The trustees will then sell your house and divide the proceeds between your beneficiaries if there is not a will. The trustees will charge you a fee to administer your estate.
A will is necessary for three reasons. Firstly, it protects your loved ones against being left penniless. It ensures your wishes are fulfilled after you pass away. Thirdly, it makes it easier for your executor (the person appointed to fulfill your wishes).
The first step is to contact a solicitor to discuss your options. The cost of a will depends on whether you're single, married, or widowed. As well as writing a will for you, solicitors can offer advice on many other issues such as:
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Make gifts for family members
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Guardianship of children
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Lending money
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Manage your affairs while you're still alive
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Avoid probate
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How to avoid capital losses tax when selling assets
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What happens to your home if you die before you sell it
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Who pays funeral costs
You can either write your own will or ask someone you know to help. You cannot alter a will that you have signed at the request of another individual.