what kind of lawyer do i need for a minor that did chocolate city

by Haley Smith 9 min read

Do attorneys help minors in court?

Attorneys can really help minors who are in trouble with the law. It’s almost always helpful for minors to have lawyers in their juvenile cases. The attorney should normally be one who specializes in or is at least familiar with juvenile court procedures. Research indicates that effective assistance of counsel can greatly affect a case’s outcome.

How do I get Minor Minor’s Counsel?

Minor’s counsel can be requested by either parent or their attorneys; the child or another relative on that child’s behalf; a mediator; attorneys or prosecutors in an abuse, neglect, or child abduction case; or certain professionals making custody recommendations to the court.

What is minor’s Counsel in a California custody case?

California law allows for “minor’s counsel” to be appointed in any case involving child custody or visitation. This includes divorce. A child doesn’t necessarily need their own lawyer in every custody case.

Do I need a lawyer for child custody?

Whether you need a lawyer for child custody depends largely on whether you and your spouse can agree. Some parents can work out a parenting plan or child custody agreement on their own, peacefully, while others will fight for what they believe is fair and right for their child.

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What Services Can Lawyers Help Me With?

A lawyer is a professional who is licensed to practice law by the governing Bar Association in the state where they practice. Lawyers are also known as attorneys when they represent clients in court.

What Types of Lawyers are There?

There are numerous types of laws in effect in the United States, with new laws being put into action constantly in our common law system. There are just as many types of lawyers who can help you navigate their specialty.

How Carey Leisure & Neal Can Help

No matter what kind of situation you find yourself in, the team at Carey Leisure & Neal is happy to help guide you in the right direction. We have worked hard to find the top local attorneys in each area of practice and would be happy to provide you with a referral.

How does a minor's counsel help the court?

A minor’s counsel can assist the court by bringing to light information and evidence that would otherwise never make it to the courthouse.

What is a minor's counsel?

Once appointed, a minor’s counsel is a fact finder working on behalf of your child, independent of either parent’s preferences or interests. They act as a neutral voice for the child until that child turns 18, or their appointment is ended by the court. Minor’s counsel assists the judge by gathering information that may not otherwise make its way to court. This may include:

What do you do when you are a minor?

Speaking to the child directly (without either parent present) Interviewing teachers, doctors, and therapists. Reviewing school records including report cards and disciplinary records. Accessing medical records. Requesting physical and psychological examinations that affect the minor.

What is a minor counsel report?

Once a minor’s counsel’s investigation is complete , he or she will prepare a report for the judge. In this report, the minor’s counsel may raise concerns about the child’s care, review findings related to the child’s health, safety, and well-being, and express an opinion about what is in the child’s best interests.

Can a family law judge appoint a child's counsel?

A family law judge can also decide to appoint a minor's counsel on their own. Where there are two or more children involved, the court may appoint each child a different attorney in case their interests are not the same.

Do children need their own lawyer?

A child doesn’t necessarily need their own lawyer in every custody case . In most low-conflict situations, parents are able to come to an agreement or present arguments to the court about custody and visitation that reflect their children’s best interests. However, in higher risk situations, including domestic violence, ...

Can you get another advocate on your side of the case?

You may think that by requesting appointment of a minor's counsel you will be getting another advocate on your side of the case. However, unless you are entirely certain of the facts, the independent nature of a minor’s counsel’s appointment could come back to haunt you.

Why are juvenile court judges hostile to defense attorneys?

Some probation officers, intake personnel, judges, and other juvenile court staff admit that they are hostile to defense attorneys because they think the attorneys slow down already overcrowded calendars. Some judges threaten to (and some actually do) give harsher treatment to juveniles represented by lawyers.

Do juvenile court regulars have an informed opinion?

However, juvenile court regulars, such as a deputy public defender assigned to the court, may have an informed opinion on whether the minor is likely to benefit from legal representation. Also, the more serious the crime and the worse the minor's record, the more important it is to have legal representation. Talk to a Lawyer.

Is the internet safe for minors?

The Internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent through this site could be intercepted or read by third parties. It's almost always helpful for minors to have lawyers in their juvenile cases. The attorney should normally be one who specializes in or is at least familiar with juvenile court procedures.

What is an estate planning lawyer?

The estate planning lawyer specializes in wills and trusts, and can help you to draw up a will to pass on your assets. Among other estate planning legal services, this type of lawyer can help you set up a trust which will help take care of your children’s financial needs.

What can a corporate lawyer do for you?

A corporate lawyer will be able to help you with issues related to the formation of your corporation, general corporate governance issues and corporate compliance issues.

What is a disability attorney?

The Social Security Disability system can be a particularly complex system in which to navigate. An attorney who specializes in Social Security Disability issues can help you with any step in the Social Security Disability process, including assisting you with eligibility issues, launching an appeal of a decision to deny you benefits and dealing with the reduction or termination of your benefits.

What is an employment lawyer?

Employment Lawyer. Whether you’re a company that’s having a problem with an employee, or an individual who’s having problems with the company you work for, an employment lawyer can generally provide advice about legal issues which arise from an employment contract or within an employment relationship.

Do lawyers specialize in a particular area of law?

The legal field is vast and complex, and you’ll find that many lawyers specialize in a particular area of law. If you find yourself in need of a lawyer, make sure they have the expertise to handle your unique situation. Because there are so many different types of lawyers, you'll want to match your legal concern with the appropriate attorney.

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How to save money on court case prep?

You can save money by handling all paperwork and case prep yourself, but this is a large, time-consuming feat. You can ask a lawyer to review your paperwork and help ensure it will meet the judge's expectations. You can have an attorney only for your court hearings.

How much does an attorney cost?

Attorney are always a large expense that people do not plan for. Most cost $100-$500 per hour, and your case may need many hours. However, attorneys can cost less in the long run because they don't make mistakes in the process, and generally, the overall process goes faster.

How to handle a custody dispute?

Even if the other parent isn't entirely willing to cooperate, you may have some options to save money while handling a child custody dispute: 1 Some law firms can advise you on a case by-the-hour, or act as your counsel outside of court. 2 You can save money by handling all paperwork and case prep yourself, but this is a large, time-consuming feat. 3 You can ask a lawyer to review your paperwork and help ensure it will meet the judge's expectations 4 You can have an attorney only for your court hearings. Just remember that the case will not be as strong if the attorney gets involved last minute, so involving them early is a good idea. 5 An attorney can work with your ex-partner to compromise on a parenting plan, which keeps the case out of court. 6 You can also use a lawyer to try to convince the other parent to use mediation if they refused before.

Can both parents have custody of their children?

Both parents have the right to seek custody of their children — with or without an attorney. However, some factors make the case lean in favor of one side or the other. It is a good idea to have an attorney if: You have a history of drug or alcohol use.

Is it a right to represent yourself in court?

Representing yourself in court is your right and can have pros and cons. The obvious pro is that you will save money on legal fees. However, going to court generally means the parents cannot find a solution. So you are looking at a complex process in front of you before you even get to the courtroom.

Can a parent find a solution to custody?

However, many parents cannot find a solution on their own and at least need mediation, if not a judge's input. If you think the custody of your child should be your decision, but you cannot find an agreement with the other parent, then you have some options when going to court.

Can a court tell you what is best for your child?

If you feel frustrated that a court can tell you what is best for your child, you are not alone. Many parents think a custody order (also called "custody agreement") should be decided by the parents and not a family court. If parents can find a solution that works for both of them and, more importantly, is in their child's best interests, ...

How do I become a child advocate attorney?

Child advocate attorneys are usually trained in representing minors or have taken particular courses in family and juvenile law issues. Attorneys can become certified through the National Association of Counsel for Children (NACC) in child welfare law. To be certified attorneys must have been in practice for three years, have spent 30 percent of the past three years working in the field of child welfare, and completed 36 hours or more of continuing legal education courses in child welfare law. They must also demonstrate written proficiency and legal knowledge in this specialized area.

Why do courts appoint child advocates?

Courts will appoint a child advocate attorney in the following circumstances: In criminal cases brought in juvenile court, parents can retain a private attorney to represent the minor, or the court will appoint a child advocate attorney because juveniles are entitled to legal representation in these matters.

What is an advocate in juvenile court?

In juvenile court proceedings, an attorney advocate will coordinate court services with community agencies and resources that provide assistance or treatment programs for children in need of drug or alcohol abuse or other counseling. Advocates also investigate the circumstances of a criminal charge and make recommendations to ...

How many hours of continuing education do you need to become a child welfare attorney?

To be certified attorneys must have been in practice for three years, have spent 30 percent of the past three years working in the field of child welfare, and completed 36 hours or more of continuing legal education courses in child welfare law.

Can a parent retain a private attorney for a juvenile?

In criminal cases brought in juvenile court, parents can retain a private attorney to represent the minor, or the court will appoint a child advocate attorney because juveniles are entitled to legal representation in these matters.

What Does A Probate Attorney Do?

A probate attorney is basically an advisor to the beneficiaries of an estate or personal representative on how to handle any final matters of someone who is deceased.

What Are The Benefits Of Hiring An Estate Planning Attorney?

If you want to make sure all of your affairs will be handled with extra care, expertise and attention, you most definitely want to consider hiring an attorney. The benefits and security that come from taking this route produce a vast amount of benefits for you and your family.

How Do I Know I Need An Estate Planning Attorney?

Knowing when and for what reasons to hire an estate planning attorney can be challenging if you have never been informed of the appropriate circumstances in which to do so. Throughout your life, there are many things that can prompt the need to hire an estate planning attorney. Some of these things include:

How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Probate Attorney?

The important thing to understand when it comes to hiring a probate lawyer and how much it will cost you is that there are two separate areas of cost.

How Do I Find The Right Probate Lawyer?

When looking to hire a probate lawyer, it can be tempting to say yes to the first lawyer and jump right in to start going through the nitty-gritty of all the details immediately. While this may be time-efficient, it may be damaging to the long term results of your case.

What Happens If I Die Without A Will?

If you or someone you know unfortunately passes without having a will written, it means that you or this individual has died “intestate”. Laws that apply to this situation within your state will decide what to do with your property and assets and where they are distributed when someone is deceased.

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