Virginia Beach Law Firms

A brief guide to Virginia Beach law firms

Many different circumstances can lead people to obtain private legal representation. Regardless of the circumstances, there is a Virginia Beach law firm that can offer specialized assistance to help you through the legal process. Though no two cases are alike, here are some general guidelines if you decide to find an attorney.

The structure of Virginia Beach law firms

Some attorneys work by themselves and are known as “solo practitioners.” However, in many cases you may decide to work with a lawyer who is part of a Virginia Beach law firm. These businesses employ two types of attorneys:

• Litigation lawyers represent their clients in the courtroom.

• Transactional lawyers create, review and maintain records outside of the courtroom.

Generally, both types of attorneys are employed when a case goes to court. Regardless of their legal function, Virginia Beach law firms may have these lawyers on staff either as partners who own part of the business or as associates who are paid a fixed salary.

Criminal court

When the police or a government agency press criminal charges against someone, this can result in jail time or a significant fine. For this reason, anyone who is charged with a misdemeanor or felony will have an attorney appointed to act on their behalf for free by the court if they cannot afford to pay for the assistance of a Virginia Beach law firm.

An attorney will be present throughout the steps of criminal prosecution:

• When charges are formally unveiled during an arraignment hearing, a plea bargain may be offered by the prosecution in return for a plea of “guilty” or “no contest.” A representative of a Virginia Beach law firm can help their client decide whether it is advisable to accept this offer.

• If you decide to plead “not guilty,” a court date will be scheduled for a trial by jury. Leading up to this, the prosecution and defense are required to regularly share all evidence they plan on presenting in court. Virginia Beach law firms may decide to file a motion to dismiss the charges against you on the grounds that evidence has been improperly acquired.

• During the jury selection process, an attorney will be present to ensure no one who is potentially biased against you is selected.

• At any time before a verdict is returned, the prosecution and a Virginia Beach law firm can submit a plea bargain for a judge’s approval.

• If your case ends up proceeding to court, an attorney will present the strongest possible case in your defense.

• Defendants who are found guilty of some or all the charges against them will attend a sentencing hearing. A Virginia Beach law firm lawyer will be present to argue that the sentence requested by the prosecution is too harsh and should be listened.

Any adult of sound mental health is not required to have legal representation or to listen to an attorney’s advice. However, it is always advisable to consult with a representative of a Virginia Beach law firm before making any decisions.

Civil court

Civil litigation is filed by one party against another private individual or business for the purpose of obtaining financial compensation related to underpayment, an injury that is someone else’s responsibility or for other similar causes. Most such cases will be resolved by Virginia Beach law firms before the scheduled court date. Unless expressly directed to pursue a hearing, attorneys for both sides will negotiate extensively to create a mutually acceptable settlement agreement.

Domestic abuse

Victims of domestic abuse are required to file a complaint with the public prosecutor’s office as a first step. If they decline to press criminal charges, you may wish to contact a Virginia Beach law firm which can help file the appropriate lawsuit in civil court. A judgment in your favor can result in a restraining order, financial compensation or a court-ordered divorce, among other outcomes.

Divorce

Two spouses who can cooperate throughout the divorce process will be able to avoid the expense of hiring a Virginia Beach law firm. By using online templates to craft a separation agreement, a couple can prepare a document outlining how they plan to resolve such issues as:

• Alimony payments

• Child custody arrangements

• Child support payments

• Visitation rights for the non-custodial parent

Sometimes, couples who agree on the necessity of preparing a separation agreement for a judge’s approval may still be unable to reach a resolution over every potential aspect of their divorce. In this case, a mediator can be hired to act as a neutral third party during discussions designed to yield an agreement. This mediator can be a non-attorney specialist or part of a Virginia Beach law firm.

If a mutually acceptable separation agreement can be arrived at, one or both parties may decide to seek private legal representation for their court date. This attorney may not be anyone who acted as a mediator. Retaining the services of a Virginia Beach law firm experienced with divorce cases will add considerably to the expense of the process.

Finding an attorney

If you decide to find private legal counsel, ask yourself how much you can afford to pay for such services. Also take into account how much time, attention and energy you can devote to the legal process and what you hope to get from entering the court system. Ask friends, family and business associates for referrals to Virginia Beach law firms that specialize in your kind of case. Prior to scheduling an initial consultation, look up the disciplinary record of the attorney you will be meeting with to make sure they are in good legal standing.

During any meetings at Virginia Beach law firms, ask as many questions as you feel are necessary to be sure you are engaging an attorney who can help resolve your case. Be sure to request a detailed, written estimate of any expenses you may be liable for, as well as a proposed timeline for your case.