Sep 17, 2011 · Use the correct form of address. For best results, you will want to write a formal letter and address the district attorney appropriately. The envelope: The Honorable (Full name), District Attorney of (city or county) Letter salutation: Dear Mr. / …
implement as District Attorney to reduce crime and increase public safety in the county? » Do you support diversion and mentor programs for first-time offenders ages 18-25? If so, what would you do as District Attorney to promote such programs? JAILS » 63% of people in California’s jails are being held pretrial. What steps would you take to
Dec 14, 2010 · Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.
Apr 07, 2022 · The reason for writing the letter is to let the lawyer know exactly what is needed. Simple language is the best. There is no need to try and impress him with big words. Using outdated phrases such as “in regards to” or “advise me” would be better simply put as “regarding” or “let me know”. Keep the letter short and to the point.
You can ask for any information you think a public authority may hold. The right only covers recorded information which includes information held on computers, in emails and in printed or handwritten documents as well as images, video and audio recordings.
Public Information Request Form or a self-composed request in any legible format by:Emailing to openrecs@tceq.texas.gov.Faxing to 512-239-OPEN (6736).Mailing to: Public Information Officer, MC 197. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. ... Hand delivering to: Public Information Officer.
20 working daysYour main obligation under the Act is to respond to requests promptly, with a time limit acting as the longest time you can take. Under the Act, most public authorities may take up to 20 working days to respond, counting the first working day after the request is received as the first day.
A FOIA request can be used to request federal agency records for which access is currently restricted due to the presence of security-classified or other sensitive information.Aug 25, 2021
Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, gives you the right to access government records; and an officer for public information and the officer's agent may not ask why you want them. All government information is presumed to be available to the public. Certain exceptions may apply to the disclosure of the information.
Section 552.002 says that information is public if it “is collected, assembled, or maintained under a law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business” by a governmental body or for a governmental body, and the governmental body owns the information or has a right of access to it.
I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. I would be interested in any information held by your organisation regarding my request. I understand that I do not have to specify particular files or documents and it is the departments responsibilty to provide the information I require.
You can refuse a request if deciding whether you hold the information would mean you exceed the cost limit, for example, because it would require an extensive search in a number of locations.
There may, however, be material differences between a request that can be refused under section 12 of FOIA (the costs limit) and a request that can be refused as manifestly unreasonable under the EIR on the grounds of costs or diversion of resources. This exception is subject to a public interest test.
You may submit your request online or by mail, email, or fax to the Privacy Office or appropriate Component.Jan 24, 2022
Information/data that is NOT covered by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) includes: Non-agency records and personal records. Public requests for access to physical artifacts or scientific samples (e.g. core samples, sediment, rocks, fossils, specimen samples, blood samples).
Whenever you refuse a request you must always let people know about their right to complain to the ICO.
The DA front desk person generally has a computer in front of the them and can answer basic case status questions for anyone who calls, whether they're connected to the case or not. (The one bit of case information that will not be given out is the name and other personal information of the case victim.)
Sometimes weeks go by without communication only because women aren't quite sure how it's all supposed to work.
Probation and parole are similar in that a person on probation or a person on parole have both been convicted of a crime. Probation, however, refers to someone who has been convicted (of a misdemeanor or felony) and has been sentenced to the county jail. This usually means a sentence of one year or less.
In sum, if someone is arrested for a new criminal act while on probation, especially for a crime of violence, the district attorney should charge that person with a new criminal charge (assuming, of course, there is sufficient evidence), as well as handling the case as a violation of probation.
Family court operates on the 'preponderance of evidence standard', sometimes called the 'more likely than not' standard. So, if the defendant has been charged with domestic violence in the criminal system, that is usually sufficient for the family court to hold that the defendant is a perpetrator of domestic violence.
If this arraignment doesn't happen within 48 hours of arrest, then the jail must set the suspect free. This means that if the suspect is in custody, the DA must review the police report and decide which, if any, charges to file well within the 48 hour period, or the suspect will be set free.
In general, if you think about it, there usually is no good reason for any case to sit in the district attorney's office more than a couple days before the attorney makes some kind of a decision on the case. The attorney should read the case as soon as possible after it comes into the office.
Criminal Law – Handles issues pertaining to individual liberty and behaviors that may be considered illegal under U.S. criminal codes.#N#Defense Attorney – Defend the accused of their crimes as is their constitutional right.#N#Prosecuting Attorney – Prosecutes the case on behalf of the federal or state government, or a wronged party. 1 Defense Attorney – Defend the accused of their crimes as is their constitutional right. 2 Prosecuting Attorney – Prosecutes the case on behalf of the federal or state government, or a wronged party.
Prosecuting Attorney – Prosecutes the case on behalf of the federal or state government, or a wronged party. Entertainment Law – Deals with issues largely related to Intellectual Property law, rights, royalties, and contracts. Environmental Law – Enforces regulations, statutes, treaties, or conventions according to state or federal laws.
Depending on the lawyer and their firm, it could vary from a $100 per hour to $1000s per hour. Flat fee – These are an option for cases that are more predictable, such as the drawing up of an estate plan. If this is what they offer, make sure to ask whether or not there are services and expenses that aren’t covered.
Statutory fee – Some forms of legal work have legally set fees involved. Once you’ve gone over payment, request an estimate of total cost. Although, in many cases, it’s impossible to give you an on-the-number appraisal, having a ballpark figure can help you determine if you can afford it and then budget accordingly. 6.
Common matters in family law include divorce, custody, adoption, child welfare, child abuse, marriages, and civil unions. Real Estate Law – Encompasses issues pertaining to land or construction on property in relation to ownership, development, disputes, or tenant rights. Tax Law – Stay apprised with the most recent updates ...
1. Are you a generalist or a specialist? – Since the legal field covers a broad swath of industries and subject matters, it’s exceedingly rare to find a lawyer who’s well versed in several sects of law. Typically, as is the case for most professionals, they tend to specialize and focus on a specific legal field.
Remember that they’ve invested years of their lives studying and practicing law, so their services won’t come cheap—nor should they.
DISCOVERY -- EVIDENCE -- INVESTIGATION Has your lawyer obtained and reviewed all "Discovery", including: police reports, witness statements, video and audio tapes, photographs and other material provided through "discovery" by the Prosecutor? Has the attorney made copies of all of it and reviewed it with you? What is your attorney's evaluation of the evidence? What is the "worst evidence" against you? Has you attorney considered not only what evidence is there, but what evidence is not there (missing)? What physical or testimony evidence does the prosecution rely on open to challenge? Or what evidence does the DA not have that could mean dismissal of your case? Are there eyewitnesses that should be interviewed? What sort of defense investigation should be conducted to find that evidence to disprove your guilt?.
CLIENT ACTIONS - What should you do? Sometimes there are steps you can (and should) take which will dramatically lessen your sentence.
STRATEGY What is your lawyer's preliminary evaluation of the case against you? What defenses are available to you? What is the best defense strategy? What are the risks and benefits of strategy? Can your attorney mount a successful defense at trial or is it in your best interests to plea bargain?
COSTS How much defense investigation needs to be done, and what will it cost? Do you need to hire Expert Witnesses to testify for you at trial? How much will they cost? Is their testimony worth it? What is the time table preparing for trial; how long will the trial last and what will it cost?
SENTENCING ALTERNATIVES Are there any Sentencing Alternatives to standard Jail that you may be eligible for, such as electronic home detention, Sheriff's Work Program, Work Furlough, or community service? Are there any standard or creative Probationary Terms that are preferable to you which will satisfy the prosecution and court's concerns and allow you to receive a lesser sentence, easier to accept? Some clients want to avoid fines, others want to keep their driver's license, others want to avoid jail, and others who are not citizens, just want to remain in the U.S.
CONCLUSION This case is not just any case; it’s your case! You deserve the best defense from an attorney who considers all of these questions.
A letter to an attorney can be the first step to getting the help that is needed. There are several reasons to ask a lawyer for help . A letter can ask for initial help with a variety of issues. Help may be needed to know what is happening with a pending case such as a child custody case or a car accident.
The reason for writing the letter is to let the lawyer know exactly what is needed. Simple language is the best. There is no need to try and impress him with big words. Using outdated phrases such as “in regards to” or “advise me” would be better simply put as “regarding” or “let me know”. Keep the letter short and to the point.
The body of the letter is the main reason for writing to the lawyer. If there are questions being asked, explain why they are being asked. If important information is being referenced make certain names, places, dates, and any other pertinent facts are included. This will ensure that the attorney knows exactly what is needed from him.
There are two formats for writing the letter. Since it is a business letter use either a full block format or a modified block format. The full block format is when all parts of the letter including the address begin on the left side of the page.
Choosing a lawyer is a crucial step in the resolution of your legal matter. Whether you are a plaintiff or a defendant, or merely a party looking for counsel, the right lawyer is key. But like all relationships, the lawyer-client relationship does not always last forever. Common problems that clients report with attorneys include: 1 Poor results. The lawyer is simply not achieving the results you were led to believe he or she could achieve. 2 Bad communication. The lawyer is not communicating about crucial legal matters and decisions, leaving you uncertain of where your matter is or what's expected of you. 3 Lack of professionalism. The lawyer perhaps arrives late to meetings, doesn't remember key facts about the case, cannot find documents already provided by the client, and even forgets to submit documents by key deadlines.
Judges in particular might become annoyed at a client who is "lawyer shopping," because this delays the matter and clogs their dockets. It also suggests that you are a difficult client, or that your claims are not meritorious.
Bad communication. The lawyer is not communicating about crucial legal matters and decisions, leaving you uncertain of where your matter is or what's expected of you. Lack of professionalism.
Choosing a lawyer is a crucial step in the resolution of your legal matter. Whether you are a plaintiff or a defendant, or merely a party looking for counsel, the right lawyer is key. But like all relationships, the lawyer-client relationship does not always last forever.
. . . like all relationships, the lawyer-client relationship does not always last forever.
One important thing to realize is that, even though you hired the services of a professional, you are still ultimately responsible for your own legal affairs, and for what your lawyer says and does on your behalf. If you believe there is a problem with the service you are receiving, it may be vital to your interests to do something about it.
As a client, you're absolutely entitled to factual work product concerning your case, such as deposition testimony, correspondence, and court filings . These materials are crucial to getting your new lawyer up to speed on a case. For example, if you are in the midst of litigation but trial has not yet occurred, you will want all discovery, motions filed, and documents produced by the other side.
You are not required to provide consent as a condition of service. Attorneys have the option, but are not required, to send text messages to you. You will receive up to 2 messages per week from Martindale-Nolo. Frequency from attorney may vary.
Your new attorney will want to communicate with that body and make sure it sends any new correspondence, such as motions from the opposing party, directly to the new attorney.) Your attorney should not charge you a fee for copying the documents in your file.
If you've ever switched dentists, you may have faced the awkward situation of asking your old dentist to forward your X-rays and records to your new dentist. Switching attorneys presents a similar problem. If you are thinking about leaving your old lawyer for a new one—and there are several reasons you might choose to do so—one question you're ...
You may feel that your old lawyer doesn't deserve any more money. But you need to weigh these costs against the harm that could be done to your legal interests if your old lawyer acts in bad faith and holds documents hostage. It might be better to pay your bill in order to facilitate a clean break of the relationship.
Upon request, an attorney is required to promptly hand over the contents of your case files. Under the American Bar Association's Model Rule 1.16 (d) (which has been adopted by most U.S. states), an attorney must, to comply with ethical and professional standards, " [surrender] papers and property to which the client is entitled and [refund] any advance payment of fee or expense that has not been earned or incurred" as soon as the representation is terminated.
Redd's attorney may be able to contact the arraignment prosecutor to seek a mutually agreeable outcome. Redd's attorney can point out information that the intake prosecutor may not have been aware of—Redd didn't own the gun; he had borrowed it for protection, and inadvertently had it in his backpack.
First, in most parts of the country, intake prosecutors (not the police) are supposed to anal yze cases to make sure that there is evidence of guilt and that prosecution is in the interests of justice. Frequently, however, the caseload is so heavy that reviews are cursory, and weak cases sometimes slip into the pipeline. If an attorney who is well known to the courtroom prosecutor can convince that prosecutor of the weaknesses in the case, the case may get dismissed.
He was arrested when the airport metal detector revealed the gun. Redd has no prior arrests. The only reason that he had the gun in the first place is that a series of robberies had taken place in his apartment building, and his father had loaned him the gun for protection.
The only reason that he had the gun in the first place is that a series of robberies had taken place in his apartment building, and his father had loaned him the gun for protection. Redd is out on bail and is scheduled for arraignment in a week.
Especially in urban areas, courtroom dockets (schedules) are crowded. By quickly disposing of weak cases , prosecutors can devote the little time they have to more serious cases. And disposing of iffy cases early on spares the courtroom prosecutor of the embarrassment of showing up in court with weak cases.
First, in most parts of the country, intake prosecutors (not the police) are supposed to analyze cases to make sure that there is evidence of guilt and that prosecution is in the interests of justice.
Before arraignment, no one in the prosecutor's office has invested a lot of time or money in the case. With less invested, it's easier to let a weak case go.
If you admit to something—even if it seems obvious—you may be giving the prosecutor the ammunition he needs to sink you. For example, say you admit that you were driving the car, but law enforcement never saw you in the vehicle. Now the prosecutor knows you were driving.
Say all you’ve got is a pink citation in your hand. The prosecutor says just pay a fine and it’s done. You don’t ever need to come back to Wyoming. That doesn’t sound too bad and you pay the fine. Now, that citation is likely a criminal citation.
Negotiations with the prosecutor take into account factors you may not be aware of. For instance, court calendars, officer availability, judicial temperament all can influence negotiation. These are the kinds of things you learn through repeated interactions with law enforcement, prosecutors and the Court.
Here are five ways that can go badly for you. You give them information they don’t know. Most of us were brought up to cooperate with authority figures. In family, school, and the workplace, we’re told that if we’re truthful, cooperate, and own up to our mistakes, all will be forgiven.The law isn’t like that.
More than occasionally, a criminal defense attorney can bring a motion before the judge to get the case thrown out. More often than that, a criminal defense attorney can raise a legal problem with the case and get you a better deal. It all depends on the facts, the law, and what the prosecutor can prove.
However, in most jurisdictions, the prosecutor will not call you and doesn ’t want to talk to you. All lawyers have legal ethics that govern talking to non-lawyers about their cases. If the prosecutor says the wrong thing, or even if the prosecutor says the right thing, but you hear the wrong thing (hey, it’s not like legal jargon is confusing), ...