Colorado Springs Law Firms

A brief guide to Colorado Springs law firms

Finding legal representation can be a costly but necessary expense. If you find yourself in need of the help of a Colorado Springs law firm, this is not a process to be rushed into. Though every set of circumstances is different, here are some general guidelines for anyone who finds themselves in need of an attorney.

Colorado Springs law firms’ structure

Some attorneys work by themselves and are known as “solo practitioners.” However, many attorneys belong to larger Colorado Springs law firms, which generally offer the services of two types of lawyers:

• Litigation attorneys represent clients in the courtroom, presenting an argument on their behalf.

• Transactional attorneys prepare and review paperwork.

Regardless of the type of legal work they do, Colorado Springs law firms have two levels of authority:

• Partners own the business and divide profits among themselves after paying their salaried employees.

• Associates are attorneys who work for a fixed salary.

Colorado Springs law firms can have just a few employees or hundreds. Additional staff members may include paralegals who prepare paperwork under an attorney’s supervision and librarians who maintain the firm’s records.

Preventive litigation

Transactional attorneys are often retained by people who wish to safeguard themselves against the possibility of a civil lawsuit. There are many different kinds of documents that can benefit from being reviewed by a Colorado Springs law firm:

• Employer-employee contracts

• Documents renting to the purchase or lease of property

• Employee handbooks

• Contracts between two businesses

• Mortgage agreements

Any document which involves a financial commitment or some sort or relates to the workplace should be in compliance with all applicable laws. Paying a Colorado Springs law firm a regular fee to review and maintain all such documents is standard practice for many businesses.

Bankruptcy

A private individual or corporation may decide at some point that they must file for bankruptcy because are in danger of not honoring their financial commitments and risk losing their property. This is a highly technical process that requires those filing to make sure they are in compliance with the local bankruptcy court’s rules. It is highly advisable to pay for the assistance of a Colorado Springs law firm specializing in this kind of procedure.

Divorce

Couples can easily complete the divorce process themselves if they are able to come to terms on all the issues related to their separation, such as:

• Alimony payments

• Child custody arrangements

• Child support payments

• Division of mutually acquired property

• Payment of jointly incurred debts

• Visitation rights

If two spouses can come to an agreement on these issues, they can draft a separation agreement themselves without needing to consult any Colorado Springs law firms. This will help keep the expense of divorce proceedings to a minimum. However, some couples may decide they need the help of a neutral third party to guide discussions. This mediator may be a non-attorney specialist or a representative of a Colorado Springs law firm. Should no agreement be reached, this attorney cannot represent either spouse in family court.

Criminal law

If you are charged with a crime by the police or a government agency, you are entitled to legal counsel. People who are unable to afford the private services of Colorado Springs law firms will be represented for free by an attorney appointed by the court. This lawyer will advise the defendant throughout the legal process:

• During an arraignment hearing, a representative of a Colorado Springs law firm can help advise clients whether to accept any plea bargain offered by the prosecution in return for pleading “guilty” or “no contest” to the charges against them.

• Throughout the pretrial process, attorneys for the prosecution and defense are required to regularly exchange any evidence they plan on presenting in court. Colorado Springs law firms will examine the prosecution’s case for any legal errors that have been committed invalidating the charges against you. If it becomes evident that no jury could reasonably be expected to convict on the strength of the prosecution’s case, the charges may be waived by a judge.

• During your trial, Colorado Springs law firms will provide a litigation lawyer to argue the strongest possible case on your behalf.

• If you are found guilty, a lawyer will present any mitigating evidence justifying a less severe penalty than the maximum during a sentencing hearing.

No one of sound mind is required to listen to any advice given by Colorado Springs law firms. However, the consequences of a criminal conviction can be severe. It is advisable to at least consider the guidance of an attorney before making any decisions.

Criminal court

Criminal courts resolve disputes between two private individuals or businesses. Generally speaking, one party is seeking a financial settlement related to issues such as:

• Real estate contract violations

• Workplace sexual harassment

• Injury caused by another person or a defective product

• Libel

Most civil litigation is resolved before any court appearance. Unless instructed to pursue a day in court, a Colorado Springs law firm will negotiate extensively with the other side throughout the pretrial period to create a mutually acceptable out-of-court settlement.

Finding a lawyer

When seeking legal counsel, it is important to clear on what area of the law you need help with and how much you can afford to pay. Ask friends, family and co-workers for referrals to Colorado Springs law firms they have worked with who specialize in your kind of legal situation. Arrive prepared to any initial consultation with all documents that are relevant to your case and answer any lawyer’s questions in as much detail as you are capable of.

During this first meetings, it is important to receive a detailed, written estimate of the expenses you can expect to be liable for. Doing so will help establish an open and trustworthy relationship with any Colorado Springs law firm whose services you decide to retain.