Advertisement
10 Questions to Ask a Defense Attorney: Navigating the Complexities of Legal Representation
By Anya Sharma, Esq.
Anya Sharma is a seasoned criminal defense attorney with over 15 years of experience practicing law in New York. She is a former prosecutor and currently heads the criminal defense division at Sharma & Associates, a highly respected law firm known for its aggressive advocacy and high success rate.
Published by: LexisNexis Legal & Professional
LexisNexis is a leading global provider of legal, regulatory, and business information and analytics. For over 70 years, LexisNexis has been a trusted source of information for legal professionals worldwide.
Edited by: David Chen, J.D.
David Chen is a senior editor at LexisNexis with over 10 years of experience in legal publishing and editing. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School and specializes in criminal justice and legal ethics.
Introduction: Finding the right legal representation is crucial when facing criminal charges. Knowing what questions to ask a defense attorney can significantly influence your case's outcome. This article provides a framework – '10 questions to ask a defense attorney' – to help you make an informed decision and choose the best advocate for your situation. The implications of this process extend far beyond your individual case, impacting the entire legal industry by fostering greater client empowerment and accountability within the legal profession.
10 Crucial Questions to Ask a Defense Attorney
Choosing a defense attorney is a pivotal decision. Asking the right questions can illuminate their experience, strategies, and commitment to your case. Here are 10 questions to ask a defense attorney that will help you navigate this crucial process:
1. What is your experience handling cases similar to mine? This question directly addresses the attorney's expertise in your specific area of law. Knowing their success rate in comparable cases offers valuable insight.
2. What is your strategy for defending me against these charges? A clear and detailed explanation of their defense strategy demonstrates preparedness and foresight. Avoid attorneys who offer vague or generic answers.
3. How will you communicate with me throughout the process? Open communication is essential. Inquire about their responsiveness, methods of contact, and frequency of updates.
4. What is your fee structure, and what are the potential additional costs? Transparency regarding fees is paramount. Understand all costs involved upfront to avoid unexpected financial burdens.
5. What is your availability, and who will handle my case if you are unavailable? Knowing their availability and backup plan assures you of consistent legal representation.
6. Can you provide me with references from previous clients? Client testimonials and references provide valuable insight into their professionalism, work ethic, and client relationships.
7. How will you handle plea bargaining negotiations? Understanding their approach to plea bargaining is crucial as it often significantly impacts case outcomes.
8. What is your experience with the specific court and judge assigned to my case? Familiarity with the court and judge can be a significant advantage, offering valuable insights into potential courtroom dynamics.
9. What is your approach to pretrial motions and discovery? A robust pretrial strategy, including the handling of motions and discovery, is key to a successful defense.
10. What is your expected timeframe for resolving my case? While unpredictable, a realistic timeframe estimation demonstrates planning and case management skills. This question is crucial in helping you manage your expectations.
Implications for the Legal Industry:
The act of asking these ‘10 questions to ask a defense attorney’ has significant implications for the legal industry. It fosters greater transparency and accountability among legal professionals. Clients who are well-informed and actively participate in their defense are more likely to secure favorable outcomes. This informed client base drives a more client-centric approach, encouraging attorneys to improve their communication skills, case management, and overall service delivery. Ultimately, this leads to a higher quality of legal representation across the board. The increasing prevalence of online resources detailing questions like '10 questions to ask a defense attorney' further empowers clients and contributes to a more equitable legal system.
Conclusion:
Choosing a defense attorney is a crucial step in navigating the complex world of criminal justice. Asking the ‘10 questions to ask a defense attorney’ outlined above empowers you to make an informed decision, selecting a lawyer who is not only skilled but also a good fit for your needs and expectations. By taking an active role in your defense, you enhance the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Remember, selecting the right attorney is an investment in your future.
FAQs:
1. Can I change attorneys during my case? Yes, but it may affect your case's timeline.
2. What if I cannot afford an attorney? You may qualify for a public defender.
3. How do I verify an attorney's credentials? Check your state's bar association website.
4. What if my attorney doesn't answer my questions? Consider seeking a second opinion.
5. Can I record my conversations with my attorney? Consult with your attorney regarding recording conversations.
6. What if I disagree with my attorney's strategy? Open communication is key; express concerns and seek clarification.
7. How do I file a complaint against my attorney? File a grievance with your state's bar association.
8. What is the difference between a public defender and a private attorney? Public defenders are government-employed; private attorneys are privately hired.
9. What happens if my attorney is ineffective? You may have grounds for an appeal based on ineffective assistance of counsel.
Related Articles:
1. Choosing the Right Criminal Defense Attorney: This article discusses the process of selecting a lawyer, focusing on experience and compatibility.
2. Understanding Your Rights When Arrested: This article provides a detailed overview of your rights during an arrest and subsequent questioning.
3. The Importance of Communication with Your Attorney: This article emphasizes the importance of open communication between client and attorney for successful case outcomes.
4. Navigating Plea Bargains in Criminal Cases: This article explains the plea bargaining process and strategies for negotiation.
5. Understanding Pretrial Motions and Discovery: A detailed look at the significance of pretrial motions and the discovery process.
6. The Role of the Public Defender: This article explores the role and limitations of public defenders.
7. How to Prepare for Your First Meeting with a Defense Attorney: This article offers practical tips on preparing for the initial consultation.
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Lawyer: This article highlights common mistakes to avoid when selecting legal representation.
9. Appealing a Criminal Conviction: This article outlines the process of appealing a criminal conviction and the grounds for appeal.
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: Lessons from Prison Justin M. Paperny, 2009 |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: Tried and Convicted Michael D. Cicchini, 2012-07-12 When an individual is accused of a crime he is provided, at least in theory, with numerous constitutional rights throughout the legal process. These constitutional rights, however, are soft and flexible, and are subject to a tremendous amount of manipulation by police, prosecutors, and judges. The result is that these government agents are easily able to bypass, and in fact destroy, our constitutional protections. This abuse of our fundamental rights is extremely dangerous. Far from being mere technicalities, constitutional rights benefit all citizens, not just the factually guilty, in ways that go unappreciated by most of us. In today’s hyper-vigilant, tough-on-crime climate, many good people from all walks of life find themselves charged with serious crimes for behaving in ways that most of us would be shocked to learn are criminal. For these reasons, it is in all of our interests to ensure strong constitutional safeguards for everyone. Tried and Convicted explains several individual constitutional rights that are intended to protect us from the vagaries of the criminal justice system, and gives detailed examples of how government agents routinely circumvent those rights. It also exposes the underlying problems that enable government agents to circumvent the constitution, and concludes by offering potential solutions to these problems. Using real life examples throughout, Cicchini provides a wake-up call for all of us. |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: The Perfect Marriage Jeneva Rose, 2020-07-13 One million sold: “A tantalizing premise . . . twists at every turn . . . [A] masterful debut about betrayal and justice” by a New York Times-bestselling author (Samantha M. Bailey, #1 national bestselling author of Watch Out for Her). Optioned by Picture Perfect Federation for development as a film or TV series Sarah Morgan is a successful and powerful defense attorney in Washington D.C. As a named partner at her firm, life is going exactly how she planned. The same cannot be said for her husband, Adam. He’s a struggling writer who has had little success in his career and he tires of his and Sarah’s relationship as she is constantly working. Out in the secluded woods, at the couple’s lake house, Adam engages in a passionate affair with Kelly Summers. But one morning everything changes. Kelly is found brutally stabbed to death and now, Sarah must take on her hardest case yet, defending her own husband, a man accused of murdering his mistress. The Perfect Marriage is a juicy, twisty, and utterly addictive thriller that will keep you turning pages. You won’t see the ending coming . . . guaranteed! “Everything I want in a thriller. Sexy, shocking, and tense with an ending I never saw coming. Jeneva Rose is the queen of twists.” —Colleen Hoover, #1 New York Times–bestselling author on You Shouldn’t Have Come Here “A twisty, compulsive book that will keep you reading all night! Fast-paced with crisp writing and an intriguing plot. Jeneva Rose is one to watch.” —Samantha Downing, #1 international bestselling author of My Lovely Wife “A book to be read in one gulp—this dastardly debut flies to a shocking reveal. I couldn’t put it down; I had to see what happened. Twists galore.” —J.T. Ellison, New York Times–bestselling author of Her Dark Lies |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: The "Good Soldier" on Trial Stjepan Gabriel Meštrović, 2009 An expert witness in legal cases involving rules of engagement and the US military murder of prisoners, Prof. Mestrovic exposes profound contradictions and systemic flaws that confuse criminal brutality and heroism, making victims of soldiers like Sergeant Michael Leahy who won a purple heart but also was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2009. |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: Model Rules of Professional Conduct American Bar Association. House of Delegates, Center for Professional Responsibility (American Bar Association), 2007 The Model Rules of Professional Conduct provides an up-to-date resource for information on legal ethics. Federal, state and local courts in all jurisdictions look to the Rules for guidance in solving lawyer malpractice cases, disciplinary actions, disqualification issues, sanctions questions and much more. In this volume, black-letter Rules of Professional Conduct are followed by numbered Comments that explain each Rule's purpose and provide suggestions for its practical application. The Rules will help you identify proper conduct in a variety of given situations, review those instances where discretionary action is possible, and define the nature of the relationship between you and your clients, colleagues and the courts. |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: The Good Lawyer Douglas O. Linder, Nancy Levit, 2014-05-01 Every lawyer wants to be a good lawyer. They want to do right by their clients, contribute to the professional community, become good colleagues, interact effectively with people of all persuasions, and choose the right cases. All of these skills and behaviors are important, but they spring from hard-to-identify foundational qualities necessary for good lawyering. After focusing for three years on getting high grades and sharpening analytical skills, far too many lawyers leave law school without a real sense of what it takes to be a good lawyer. In The Good Lawyer, Douglas O. Linder and Nancy Levit combine evidence from the latest social science research with numerous engaging accounts of top-notch attorneys at work to explain just what makes a good lawyer. They outline and analyze several crucial qualities: courage, empathy, integrity, diligence, realism, a strong sense of justice, clarity of purpose, and an ability to transcend emotionalism. Many qualities require apportionment in the right measure, and achieving the right balance is difficult. Lawyers need to know when to empathize and also when to detach; courage without an appreciation of consequences becomes recklessness; working too hard leads to exhaustion and mistakes. And what do you do in tricky situations, where the urge to deceive is high? How can you maintain focus through a mind-taxing (or mind-numbing) project? Every lawyer faces these problems at some point, but if properly recognized and approached, they can be overcome. It's not easy being good, but this engaging guide will serve as a handbook for any lawyer trying not only to figure out how to become a better--and, almost always, more fulfilled--lawyer. |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: Psychology and Law Ronald Roesch, Stephen D. Hart, James R.P. Ogloff, 2012-12-06 As law is instituted by society to serve society, there can be no question that psychology plays an important and inevitable role in the legal process, clarifying or complicating legal issues. In this enlightening text, Roesch, Hart, Ogloff, and the contributors review all the key areas of the use of psychological expertise in civil, criminal, and family law. An impressive selection of academic scholars and legal professionals discusses the contributions that psychology brings to the legal arena. Topics examined in this insightful text include: juries and the current empirical literature witnesses and the validity of reports preventing mistaken convictions in eyewitness identification trials forensic assessment and treatment predicting violence in mentally and personality disordered individuals employment and discrimination new `best interests' standards for children in courts education and training in psychology and law, and ethical and legal contours of forensic psychology. The volume also features a noteworthy appendix on specialty guidelines for forensic psychologists. Psychology and Law collects a range of expert testimony in its thorough examination of the legal process, affording readers a unique survey of contemporary knowledge. |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: Mistaken Identification Brian L. Cutler, Steven D. Penrod, 1995-08-25 Examines traditional safeguards against mistaken eyewitness identification. |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: CRIM EVID: CRIME SCENE TO COURTROOM - 3E Derek Regensburger, 2022-09-14 CRIM EVID: CRIME SCENE TO COURTROOM - 3E |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: Carried Debra McDonald, 2017-11-09 Carried is a true crime story of a divorced mother’s fight to save herself and her three children from a knife-wielding fifteen-year-old intruder in her home, and her battle in the courtroom to keep their attacker from terrorizing her family again. Carried is true and fully and completely describes a mother’s worst nightmare and the many blessings that followed the horrible attack on April 18, 1996. It is a reflection of the trauma, treatment, recovery, courtroom trial, verdict, and sentencing and the fear, pain, and anger each ordeal evoked. The compelling, and at times riveting, account of the attack, the courtroom drama, and the recovery process is an inspiration to all those who have been victimized. For those who have been fortunate enough not to have experienced such horrors in their own lives, Carried accurately and realistically captures the thoughts and feelings of a victim of a violent crime and outlines the steps necessary to cope and ultimately survive such an ordeal. |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: The Search for Justice Robert L Shapiro, 2009-11-29 You watched The People v. O.J. Simpson. Now read the explosive inside story in this behind-the-scenes account of the trial. From June 13, 1994, to October 3, 1995, Robert Shapiro stood in the middle of a drama that held millions of Americans in thrall. In this book, the architect of the defense strategy tells the inside story of the O.J. Simpson trial from the beginning. With candor, wit, and compassion, the man who assembled the dream team brings to light the details of what has been called the trial of the century, giving us revealing glimpses of the defendant and the others whose names have become so familiar: Johnnie Cochran, F. Lee Bailey, Marcia Clark, Judge Lance Ito, Chris Darden. Search for Justice deepens our understanding of the role and duty of a defense attorney, the reasonable doubt conclusion of the jury, and the place this story occupies in our culture. |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: A Criminal Defense William L. Myers, 2017 Losing the trial of his life could mean losing everything. When a young reporter is found dead and a prominent Philadelphia businessman is accused of her murder, Mick McFarland finds himself involved in the case of his life. The defendant, David Hanson, was Mick's close friend in law school, and the victim, a TV news reporter, had reached out to Mick for legal help only hours before her death. Mick's played both sides of Philadelphia's courtrooms. As a top-shelf defense attorney and former prosecutor, he knows all the tricks of the trade. And he'll need every one of them to win. But as the trial progresses, he's disturbed by developments that confirm his deepest fears. This trial, one that already hits too close to home, may jeopardize his firm, his family--everything. Now Mick's only way out is to mastermind the most brilliant defense he's ever spun, one that will cross every legal and moral boundary. |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: Good Cop, Dead Cop Jennifer Petkus, 2011-04-04 After the discovery of the afterlife, two cops in Denver, one living and one dead, investigate the disappearance of the disembodied. |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: The Secret Barrister The Secret Barrister, 2018-03-22 An anonymous barrister offers a shocking, darkly comic and very moving journey through the legal system – and explains how it's failing all of us. The Sunday Times number one bestseller. Winner of the Books are My Bag Non-Fiction Award. Shortlisted for Waterstones Book of the Year. Shortlisted for Specsavers Non-Fiction Book of the Year. You may not wish to think about it, but one day you or someone you love will almost certainly appear in a criminal courtroom. You might be a juror, a victim, a witness or – perhaps through no fault of your own – a defendant. Whatever your role, you’d expect a fair trial. I’m a barrister. I work in the criminal justice system, and every day I see how fairness is not guaranteed. Too often the system fails those it is meant to protect. The innocent are wronged and the guilty allowed to walk free. In The Secret Barrister: Stories of the Law and How It's Broken I want to share some stories from my daily life to show you how the system is broken, who broke it and why we should start caring before it’s too late. A Sunday Times top ten bestseller for twenty-four weeks. ‘Eye-opening, funny and horrifying’ – Observer ‘Everyone who has any interest in public life should read it’ – Daily Mail |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: Tough Cases Russell Canan, Gregory Mize, Frederick Weisberg, 2018-09-25 “Tough Cases stands out as a genuine revelation. . . . Our most distinguished judges should follow the lead of this groundbreaking volume.” —Justin Driver, The Washington Post A rare and illuminating view of how judges decide dramatic legal cases—Law and Order from behind the bench—including the Elián González, Terri Schiavo, and Scooter Libby cases Prosecutors and defense attorneys have it easy—all they have to do is to present the evidence and make arguments. It's the judges who have the heavy lift: they are the ones who have to make the ultimate decisions, many of which have profound consequences on the lives of the people standing in front of them. In Tough Cases, judges from different kinds of courts in different parts of the country write about the case that proved most difficult for them to decide. Some of these cases received international attention: the Elián González case in which Judge Jennifer Bailey had to decide whether to return a seven-year-old boy to his father in Cuba after his mother drowned trying to bring the child to the United States, or the Terri Schiavo case in which Judge George Greer had to decide whether to withdraw life support from a woman in a vegetative state over the wishes of her parents, or the Scooter Libby case about appropriate consequences for revealing the name of a CIA agent. Others are less well-known but equally fascinating: a judge on a Native American court trying to balance U.S. law with tribal law, a young Korean American former defense attorney struggling to adapt to her new responsibilities on the other side of the bench, and the difficult decisions faced by a judge tasked with assessing the mental health of a woman who has killed her own children. Relatively few judges have publicly shared the thought processes behind their decision making. Tough Cases makes for fascinating reading for everyone from armchair attorneys and fans of Law and Order to those actively involved in the legal profession who want insight into the people judging their work. |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: Cadaver Dog Handbook Andrew Rebmann, Edward David, 2000-08-29 Intended for those who train and handle cadaver dogs, this book also encompasses information for those who work closely with them, such as police, death investigators, and anthropologists. Its interdisciplinary approach is useful to any member of a forensic team who regularly participates in or evaluates the results of the human remains search effort. Cadaver Dog Handbook sets out the principles and procedures for the training and handling of dogs for the location of human remains. It explains scent theory and its applications, introduces basic training and searching strategies/tactics, and covers the legal and taphonomic issues associated with dog searches. Intended for those who train and handle cadaver dogs, this book also encompasses information for those who work closely with them, such as police, death investigators, and anthropologists. Its interdisciplinary approach is useful to any member of a forensic team who regularly participates in or evaluates the results of the human remains search effort. |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: The Lifer and the Lawyer George Critchlow, Michael Anderson, 2020-12-09 It is true that some people are very damaged. It is not true that they are all unsalvageable. The Lifer and the Lawyer raises questions about childhood trauma, religion, race, the purpose of punishment, and a criminal justice system that requires harmless old men to die in prison. It is a true story about Michael Anderson, an aging African American man who grew up poor and abused on Chicago's south side and became a violent and predatory criminal. Anderson has now spent the last forty-three years in prison as a result of a 1978 crime spree that took place in southeastern Washington. The book describes his spiritual and moral transformation in prison and challenges society's assumption that he was an irredeemable monster. It also tells the story of the author's evolving relationship with Anderson that began in 1979 when Critchlow, a young white lawyer from a privileged background, was appointed to defend Anderson on twenty-two violent felony charges. For Anderson, this is a story about overcoming childhood trauma and learning how to empathize and love through faith and self-knowledge. For Critchlow, the story also raises questions about how we become who we are--about race, culture, and opportunity. Finally, the book is a revealing commentary on our criminal justice system's obsession with life sentences. |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: The Good Lawyer David Luban, 1983 |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: Criminal Investigation Steven G. Brandl, 2017-12-07 Criminal Investigation, Fourth Edition, offers a comprehensive and engaging examination of criminal investigation and the vital role criminal evidence plays in the process. The text focuses on the five critical areas essential to understanding criminal investigations: background and contextual issues, criminal evidence, legal procedures, evidence collection procedures, and forensic science. In this new edition, esteemed author Steven G. Brandl goes beyond a simple how-to on investigative procedures and analyzes modern research and actual investigative cases to demonstrate their importance in the real world of criminal justice. New to the Fourth Edition: New and updated statistical information, research findings, investigative procedures, and legal cases ensure students are learning about the most current research in the field. Several new From the Case File chapter introductions and 25 new in-chapter Case-in-Point investigative case examples make it easier for students to connect the content to the real world. More than 75 new photos, most of which are case photos from actual investigations, illustrate key concepts to help keep students engaged with the content. New material on documenting evidence via reports provides examples of well-written police reports to help students build better writing skills. New material on social media and evidence from electronic digital devices discusses how to use new technology as a source of information. A stronger focus on terrorism and the use of technology in investigations encourages students to discuss and critically analyze the future of criminal investigations. New sections titled Mental Mistakes in Criminal Investigations, Perspectives on the Criminal Investigation Process, and Qualities and Characteristics of Investigators offer students tips and advice for conducting successful investigations. New material on touch DNA helps students see the benefits and limitations of scientific evidence gathered from a crime scene. Give your students the SAGE edge! SAGE edge offers a robust online environment featuring an impressive array of free tools and resources for review, study, and further exploration, keeping both instructors and students on the cutting edge of teaching and learning. Learn more at edge.sagepub.com/brandl4e. |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: Letters to a Young Lawer Alan Dershowitz, 2009-12 As defender of both the righteous and the questionable, Alan Dershowitz has become perhaps the most famous and outspoken attorney in the land. Whether or not they agree with his legal tactics, most people would agree that he possesses a powerful and profound sense of justice. In this meditation on his profession, Dershowitz writes about life, law, and the opportunities that young lawyers have to do good and do well at the same time. We live in an age of growing dissatisfaction with law as a career, which ironically comes at a time of unprecedented wealth for many lawyers. Dershowitz addresses this paradox, as well as the uncomfortable reality of working hard for clients who are often without many redeeming qualities. He writes about the lure of money, fame, and power, as well as about the seduction of success. In the process, he conveys some of the ''tricks of the trade'' that have helped him win cases and become successful at the art and practice of ''lawyering.'' |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: Representing the Accused Jill Paperno, 2012 Whether you are a law clinic student making your first foray into criminal defense, a newly admitted attorney, a general practitioner, or an attorney whose practice is concentrated in criminal defense, Representing the Accused will provide you with invaluable advice as you navigate your way through a criminal case. Authored by an experienced criminal defense attorney in a large public defenders office who has personally handled thousands of criminal cases, supervised representation in thousands more, and trained scores of attorneys, this book provides insight and guidance on how to efficiently and effectively manage each step in the handling of a criminal case. In order to help you provide quality representation to your clients, this publication offers clear explanations of a criminal attorneys role at every stage, from the arrest through the conclusion of the case. |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: 10 cc's Can Be....Murder , |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: Practical Investigation Techniques Kevin B. Kinnee, Vernon J. Geberth, 2020-04-08 Practical Investigation Techniques is useful for new as well as veteran investigators to establish a practical standard for conducting a wide range of diverse criminal investigations. Written by a veteran investigator, the book teaches the proper investigative techniques for such criminal activities as extortion, blackmail, credit card fraud, check fraud, fencing operations, employee theft, sports gambling, money laundering, and shoplifting rings. Practical Investigation Techniques is presented in an easy-to-read format and provides a wealth of specific investigation techniques, checklists, and case studies. |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: The Army Lawyer , 1991 |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: House Document , 1998 |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: Understanding Criminal Evidence Samuel P. Newton, Teresa L. Welch, 2012-12-05 Understanding Criminal Evidence is a carefully designed undergraduate text featuring a case-method approach and focused solely on criminal evidence. Learning the rules from case analysis allows students to apply the material to real world situations, fostering an understanding of the Rules of Evidence. Solid pedagogy makes the material more accessible than a traditional law school casebook text and features end-of-chapter review questions and key terms. Each chapter has a major introductory case that highlights the evidentiary issues. Several sub-cases in chap every chapter illustrate the ramifications of the rules. Trial transcripts and real world problems help students apply the rules to real situations they may face in practice. Features: Case-method approach to criminal evidence Case analysis methodology students apply the rules to the real world and to real life Features a traditional approach material designed specifically for undergraduates focused solely on criminal evidence Sound pedagogy end-of-chapter review questions key terms material more accessible than a traditional law school casebooks Cases in each chapter one major introductory case highlighting evidentiary issues several sub-cases illustrating ramifications of the rules Trial transcripts and real world problems help students apply the rules |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: Investigator’s Manual James T. Born, 2018-10-22 The world of law and investigations are truly a wonderous marriage. The author felt that over fifty years ago, as he walked up the steps of the Los Angeles Police Academy, when he first entered into a career in law enforcement. Jim, as he prefers to be called, enjoyed this new world and endeavored to learn everything he could about it. During his career, Jim attended 88 investigative training programs and completed 38 law enforcement related correspondence courses. In his spare time, he managed to obtain his Associates in Arts Degree in Police Science and his Bachelors of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration. Today, he is a District Court Certified Forensic and Fingerprint Expert; and has held a California State Private Investigators License for over 40 years. Jim has taught Crime Scene Technology to law enforcement officers throughout the United States. In his giveback to those who want to enter into the field of law enforcement, or private investigation, he wrote his Manual. Come with him into this new world, and give back to your community through knowledge and practice of what you learn within the covers of this book. Mark 5:09 “Blessed are the peace-makers: for they shall be called the children of God.” KJV |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: Coercive Control Evan Stark, 2009 Drawing on cases, Stark identifies the problems with our current approach to domestic violence, outlines the components of coercive control, and then uses this alternate framework to analyse the cases of battered women charged with criminal offenses directed at their abusers. |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: State Court Organization, 1980 , 1981 |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: Introduction to Criminal Investigation Michael Birzer, Cliff Roberson, 2018-07-31 The manner in which criminal investigators are trained is neither uniform nor consistent, ranging from sophisticated training protocols in some departments to on-the-job experience alongside senior investigators in others. Ideal for students taking a first course in the subject as well as professionals in need of a refresher, Introduction to Criminal Investigation uses an accessible format to convey concepts in practical, concrete terms. Topics discussed include: The history of criminal investigation in Western society Qualifications for becoming an investigator, the selection process, and ideal training requirements Crime scene search techniques, including planning and post-search debriefing Preparing effective field notes and investigative reports Interviewing and interrogating Types of evidence found at the crime scene and how to collect, package, and preserve it The contributions of forensic science to criminal investigations and the equipment used in crime labs Investigative protocol for a range of crimes, including property crimes, auto theft, arson, financial crimes, homicide, assault, sex crimes, and robbery Specialized investigations, including drug trafficking, cybercrime, and gang-related crime Legal issues involved in criminal investigations and preparing a case for trial Bringing together contributions from law enforcement personnel, academics, and attorneys, the book combines practical and theoretical elements to provide a comprehensive examination of today‘s criminal investigative process. The accessible manner in which the information is conveyed makes this an ideal text for a wide-ranging audience. |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: Common Sense Rules of Advocacy for Lawyers Keith Evans, 2010-03 Reading this book would profit any advocate of any experience level. Judicious application of the advice contained in the book will make anyone a better advocate.-- Bob Dekle, Legal Skills Professor, University of Florida, and retired assistant state attorney. |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: Courts and Their Judgments Arun Shourie, 2018-05-05 'An outstanding effort' - Chief Justice Venkatachaliah 'An extraordinary book' - Fali S. Nariman 'Unputdownable' - Ashok Desai First published in 2001, Courts and Their Judgments soon became a pioneering work on the subject. It raised important questions on the functioning of our judiciary - questions that continue to be as relevant today. Do judges merely enforce and interpret the law? Or do they at times interpolate words into statutes, even into the Constitution? Where does interpretation end and rewriting commence? How is it that in one judgment a court declares that it is the right of ministers to determine how far and in what direction a criminal investigation shall be carried, and in another the same court, indeed the same judge, decides to as good as monitor an investigation? How is it that in some cases a court delves into detailed facts that do not just bear on the case, but on why a law was passed, and in another the same court lays it down as a principle that facts need not be considered once the legislature has passed a law? The failure of other institutions to discharge their duties has compelled the courts to step far outside their traditional role. In doing so, have they stretched the law and Constitution too far? Has the intervention been effective? Courts and Their Judgments looks at judicial activism through some brilliantly argued cases and at the need for and pitfalls of such overreach. With its searing answers, evidence, dissection of judgments on these and other issues, the book remains a must-read for strengthening the country. |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: Practical Aspects of Rape Investigation Ken W. Day, 2001-04-25 Less than half of all rapes believed to occur are reported to law enforcement, and of those assailants arrested even fewer are convicted of rape. This problem is now being addressed by all professions whose work brings them into contact with the victim or the offender. This Third Edition of Practical Aspects of Rape Investigation: A Multidi |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: Investigation of Illegal Or Improper Activities in Connection with 1996 Federal Election Campaigns , 1999 |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: A Cup of Coffee with 10 of the Top Criminal Defense Attorneys in the United States Noah Pines, Randy Van Ittersum, Anthony Falangetti, Stephen Riebling Jr., Carmen Gosselin, Alex Foster, Lorin Zaner, William DeNardo, Jeremiah Allen, David Mejia, John Teakell, 2015-03-22 The first words most people utter when they find themselves in legal trouble go something like this: I can't afford a lawyer. In A Cup of Coffee with 10 of the Top Criminal Defense Attorneys in the United States, you will discover the multitude of reasons why you cannot afford NOT to hire an attorney.Put simply, the consequences of a conviction of any kind, but particularly a felony conviction, can and will change your life forever. Beyond the specter of prison time and other losses of liberty, including your right to cast a ballot or to own a gun, there are countless other penalties you will face if you are convicted of a crime. Even if this is the only black mark on your otherwise clean record, it will change the way in which employers, bankers, and even online love interests look at you. Why? Because your record is public and permanent. It's available for everyone to see. In this troubled economy, a black mark such as a criminal conviction can remove you from the job market permanently and prevent you from the pursuit of your version of happiness. A criminal conviction can leave you on the outside looking in while others achieve their dreams.Between the covers of this book you will find the advice you need to locate the very best criminal defense lawyer wherever you happen to be-and have every advantage possible as you face your legal problem. |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: A Hands-On Introduction to Forensic Science Mark M. Okuda, Frank H. Stephenson, PhD., 2019-07-19 A Hands-On Introduction to Forensic Science, Second Edition continues in the tradition of the first edition taking a wholly unique approach to teaching forensic science. Each chapter begins with a brief, fictional narrative that runs through the entire book; it is a crime fiction narrative that describes the interaction of a veteran homicide detective teamed with a criminalist and the journey they take together to solve a missing persons case. Step-by-step the book progressive reveals pieces of information about the crime, followed by the more traditional presentation of scientific principles and concepts on a given forensic topics. Each chapter concludes with a series of user friendly, cost effective, hands-on lab activities that provide the students the skills necessary to analyze the evidence presented in each chapters. The new edition is completely updated with special focus on new DNA techniques in DNA sequencing, DNA phenotyping, and bioinformatics. Students will engage in solving a missing persons case by documenting the crime scene, analyzing physical evidence in the lab, and presenting findings in a mock trial setting. Within the chapters themselves, students learn about the technical, forensic concepts presented within each of the opening stories segments. The book culminates with having the students playing to role of the main characters in a trial—attorneys, scientific experts, suspect, judge, bailiff, and jury—to present and judge the evidence in a mock trial setting. The mock trial will mimic what takes place in a real courtroom, and the jury of swill be asked to deliberate on the evidence presented to determine the guilt or innocence of the suspect. |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: The Respiratory Therapist's Legal Answer Book Anthony L. DeWitt, 2006 Each day a new law or regulation affects the way respiratory therapists perform their jobs. This basic legal guide contains the extensive information respiratory therapists need to know about the court system, lawyers, law, and litigation. Written by the author, a lawyer and therapist with 13 years of clinical experience ranging from floor therapy to administrative and management functions, this book combines the author's knowledge of the complex interactions in the legal system and how the legal system relates to therapy delivered at the bedside. A resource for students and professionals, the book presents 16 areas of the law, including medical negligence, hospital law and employment law. The text also contains a series of questions and answers about the subject areas of the law, and provides extensive guidance for therapists navigating the treacherous currents of ever changing laws. This is a book for anyone who treats respiratory therapy patients or manages therapists. Most legal texts are written either by non-lawyers or non-therapists. Non-lawyers do not understand the complex interactions in the legal system, and are not permitted to give advice. Non-therapists may understand the law very well, but be unable to relate to how therapy is delivered at the bedside. This book is written by a therapist who is a lawyer, and who has been at the bedside. With thirteen years of clinical experience ranging from floor-therapy to administration and management functions, the author understands how a hospital works. The result is a book that is useful both as a course-book and as a reference |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: Medical Malpractice; Report: Appendix United States. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Secretary's Commission on Medical Malpractice, 1973 |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: Amendments to Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure United States. Congress. House. Committee on the Judiciary. Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, 1975 |
| 10 questions to ask a defense attorney: Appendix: Report of the Secretary's Commission on Medical Malpractice United States. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Secretary's Commission on Medical Malpractice, 1973 |
IV. DISCOVERY TECHNIQUES FOR THE DEFENSE A.
discovery the defense lawyer should focus on at the interrogatory stage and to provide specific examples of questions which the lawye r or his paralegal can use to dra ft the maj ority of the …
Ten Things I Wish I’d Known Before My First Expert Deposition
before, find someone who has and ask that lawyer about his or her experience with the expert. Most of the time, defense lawyers are happy to share their experiences and in sights with other …
Appendix 9-1: Sample Questions for Probable Cause and …
The sample questions were created for probable cause hearings in criminal cases, but they may be useful for such hearings in juvenile cases. The following questions are very basic and include …
Defense Interview Pointers - WCSAP
Types of Defense Questions Fishing Questions: Irrelevant questions. Sometimes defense will “fish” for information unrelated to the criminal case. Choose your battles. You can always refuse to …
The deposition and cross-exam of defense experts - Advocate …
self-contained questions Because you are videotaping the dep - osition, you need to be aware of the need to have self-contained, logical questions and answers. So, if it took four jumbled …
3.850/3.851 SUGGESTED QUESTIONS TO HELP ENSURE …
3.850/3.851 SUGGESTED QUESTIONS TO HELP ENSURE THE EFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL PRIOR TO BRINGING IN THE JURY PANEL 1. Defense witnesses - Ask defense counsel …
LAWYER TO LAWYER MENTORING PROGRAM WORKSHEET …
Discuss how to properly advise and prepare your client or witness for a deposition. What constitutes improper advice and/or preparation? Discuss professional ways to handle a situation where …
MODEL JURY SELECTION QUESTIONS FOR CRIMINAL TRIALS
4. Defense Attorney . Are you, or a close friend or relative, familiar with the Defendant’s attorney(s) [name(s) including law firm(s)] ocial, business or other contact? through any family, s [Ask …
12 Questions To Ask Your Potential Lawyer - Rice County, MN
12 Questions To Ask Your Potential Lawyer Here is a handy checklist of basic questions to ask before you hire a lawyer: What is your experience in this field? Have you handled matters like …
1. General Voir Dire - United States District Court for the …
1.4. Does anyone know the Assistant United States Attorney(s) here or anyone in the United States Attorney’s Office? 1.5. I will now ask counsel for the defense [or the Defendant, if pro se] to …
Teen Court Attorney Training Manual Summary - CJIS 20
Defense Attorneys should spend as much time with their client, asking questions and taking notes on information not in the summary. To tell the truth. Not to guess. To make sure they understand …
15 KEY DEPOSITION TECHNIQUES IN A MEDICAL …
In New York, in a medical malpractice deposition, you must ask opinion questions. The doctor- as a defendant is required to answer ‘expert’ questions and give answers about his medical opinions.
Evidentiary Foundation Questions For Prosecutors in 2020
Jun 4, 2020 · To be successful, a prosecutor must know the law of evidence. In particular, you must know the foundation questions – sometimes called predicate questions. necessary to get each …
Scaled Questions During Jury Selection - Gair, Gair
One of the most crucial tasks a trial attorney must undertake is selecting a pool of jurors that will view her client's case in the most favorable light possible. By carefully crafting and preparing a …
Outside Counsel Don’ts and More Don’ts Of Taking Depositio
The “who” and “why” questions meld into the reasons—and there usu - ally is more than one—for taking the deposition. Some of the reasons are to learn the facts of the case beyond the pleading …
I. SUGGESTED QUESTIONS FOR SCREENING A JURY PANEL
Do you believe that you may know the defendant(s), a lawyer, a member of the court personnel, the judge, or a person whose name the judge will read to you? 4. Do you believe that you may have …
VOIR DIRE DO's AND DON'Ts Rule of - Leon County, Florida
Hypothetical questions that correctly state the applicable law are proper. For instance, defense counsel can ask juror about their willingness to accept a particular defense or determine a …
Career Development Office Guide to Interviewing with …
Attorneys interviewing second-year students will often ask about plans to become a public defender, or may question students who have interned with a prosecutor’s office about their …
CRIMINAL LAW CLIENT INTAKE FORM - Carter & Rader, …
High School Graduate? _____Yes/No If Yes, School Name:_____ Year of Graduation/Last Grade Completed _____ College? _____Yes/No
Deposition dos and don’ts: How to answer 8 tricky …
the questions that can be asked.10 The de-ponent and defending counsel, opposing counsel, and transcriptionist typically at-tend the deposition. To help you prepare appropriately, confi rm …
IV. DISCOVERY TECHNIQUES FOR THE DEFENSE A.
discovery the defense lawyer should focus on at the interrogatory stage and to provide specific examples of questions which the lawye r or his paralegal can use to dra ft the maj ority of the …
Ten Things I Wish I’d Known Before My First Expert Deposition
before, find someone who has and ask that lawyer about his or her experience with the expert. Most of the time, defense lawyers are happy to share their experiences and in sights with …
Appendix 9-1: Sample Questions for Probable Cause and …
The sample questions were created for probable cause hearings in criminal cases, but they may be useful for such hearings in juvenile cases. The following questions are very basic and …
Defense Interview Pointers - WCSAP
Types of Defense Questions Fishing Questions: Irrelevant questions. Sometimes defense will “fish” for information unrelated to the criminal case. Choose your battles. You can always …
The deposition and cross-exam of defense experts
self-contained questions Because you are videotaping the dep - osition, you need to be aware of the need to have self-contained, logical questions and answers. So, if it took four jumbled …
3.850/3.851 SUGGESTED QUESTIONS TO HELP ENSURE THE …
3.850/3.851 SUGGESTED QUESTIONS TO HELP ENSURE THE EFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL PRIOR TO BRINGING IN THE JURY PANEL 1. Defense witnesses - Ask defense …
LAWYER TO LAWYER MENTORING PROGRAM WORKSHEET JJ …
Discuss how to properly advise and prepare your client or witness for a deposition. What constitutes improper advice and/or preparation? Discuss professional ways to handle a …
MODEL JURY SELECTION QUESTIONS FOR CRIMINAL TRIALS
4. Defense Attorney . Are you, or a close friend or relative, familiar with the Defendant’s attorney(s) [name(s) including law firm(s)] ocial, business or other contact? through any family, …
12 Questions To Ask Your Potential Lawyer - Rice County, MN
12 Questions To Ask Your Potential Lawyer Here is a handy checklist of basic questions to ask before you hire a lawyer: What is your experience in this field? Have you handled matters like …
1. General Voir Dire - United States District Court for the …
1.4. Does anyone know the Assistant United States Attorney(s) here or anyone in the United States Attorney’s Office? 1.5. I will now ask counsel for the defense [or the Defendant, if pro …
Teen Court Attorney Training Manual Summary - CJIS 20
Defense Attorneys should spend as much time with their client, asking questions and taking notes on information not in the summary. To tell the truth. Not to guess. To make sure they …
15 KEY DEPOSITION TECHNIQUES IN A MEDICAL …
In New York, in a medical malpractice deposition, you must ask opinion questions. The doctor- as a defendant is required to answer ‘expert’ questions and give answers about his medical …
Evidentiary Foundation Questions For Prosecutors in 2020
Jun 4, 2020 · To be successful, a prosecutor must know the law of evidence. In particular, you must know the foundation questions – sometimes called predicate questions. necessary to get …
Scaled Questions During Jury Selection - Gair, Gair
One of the most crucial tasks a trial attorney must undertake is selecting a pool of jurors that will view her client's case in the most favorable light possible. By carefully crafting and preparing a …
Outside Counsel Don’ts and More Don’ts Of Taking Depositio
The “who” and “why” questions meld into the reasons—and there usu - ally is more than one—for taking the deposition. Some of the reasons are to learn the facts of the case beyond the …
I. SUGGESTED QUESTIONS FOR SCREENING A JURY PANEL
Do you believe that you may know the defendant(s), a lawyer, a member of the court personnel, the judge, or a person whose name the judge will read to you? 4. Do you believe that you may …
VOIR DIRE DO's AND DON'Ts Rule of - Leon County, Florida
Hypothetical questions that correctly state the applicable law are proper. For instance, defense counsel can ask juror about their willingness to accept a particular defense or determine a …
Career Development Office Guide to Interviewing with …
Attorneys interviewing second-year students will often ask about plans to become a public defender, or may question students who have interned with a prosecutor’s office about their …
CRIMINAL LAW CLIENT INTAKE FORM - Carter & Rader, …
High School Graduate? _____Yes/No If Yes, School Name:_____ Year of Graduation/Last Grade Completed _____ College? _____Yes/No
