However, an appeals lawyer is in a position to investigate your criminal case to determine if there are legal issues that could be successful on appeal.even if they’re not necessarily the issues you believed were important. Example: Martha consults with an appeals attorney following her husband’s conviction.
The brief is your opportunity to explain why your trial attorney, the prosecutor, the jury, and/or the judge committed one or more legal errors, and why you believe you are entitled to get the conviction or sentence reversed.
It is commonly thought that anything shared with the pastor becomes privileged information. Pastors should check the laws of their jurisdiction to see the extent of the privilege and whether or not it is applicable. The privilege in most instances can only be waived by the person sharing information with the pastor and not by the pastor. In most jurisdictions, the privilege does not extend to cover certain types of anticipated crimes that may be committed. Most jurisdictions do not extend the privilege outside of a “priest-penitent” setting. Ordinary conversation between individuals not intended to be in this sacred environment and conversations that include a third party are not generally covered.
Good legal counsel can prevent a lot of costs and problems for the church. In many jurisdictions, the property will be exempt from property taxes if used exclusively for exempt purposes. Thus, renting out the church for nonreligious activities may trigger costs of property tax far in excess of the income.
The offerings given by members to support the mission are not taxable. But that does not mean that all income received is income tax free.
Litigation today has revealed pastors who have been charged with unauthorized practice of counseling when they venture into certain areas and being sued for malpractice when the advice given does not work out. Certainly, it is appropriate for pastors to assist their parishioners in areas of religious counseling and other areas where advanced and special training has been taken. But they should be warned to find out what the laws are in their jurisdiction for various types of counseling and have an understanding of the scope of any malpractice coverage provided by their employer.