when can you request a lawyer

Question: When does a person who is being investigated have the right to request an attorney? Answer: Usually during what the courts have interpreted to be “critical phases” of an investigation. So, for example, times that they wouldn’t have a right to an attorney, at least in the state of Florida, would be like in a DUI situation and someone is determining or deciding whether or not to take or not take a breath test and they say, “Well, I want to speak to my attorney.”.

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Can a lawyer ask you for personal information?

Question: When does a person who is being investigated have the right to request an attorney? Answer: Usually during what the courts have interpreted to be “critical phases” of an investigation. So, for example, times that they wouldn’t have a right to an attorney, at least in the state of Florida, would be like in a DUI situation and someone is determining or deciding …

Do I need a lawyer?

Apr 29, 2020 · You can call the second and fourth Fridays of each month from 9 to 11 a.m., as part of their Ask an Attorney Service, and they'll answer legal questions for free.

How do I get my attorney to give me my file?

If the lawyer is unresponsive and the matter involves a lawsuit, go to the courthouse and look at your case file, which contains all the papers that have actually been filed with the court. If you've hired a new lawyer, ask her for help in getting your file. …

Can a lawyer ask you questions over the phone?

The good thing is you will most likely get a continuance to obtain an attorney if you ask; As long as your case is not scheduled for trial and you have not failed to show up or otherwise continued the case in the immediate past. The judge will normally ask how much time you need and will generally give you between two and four weeks.

When should you talk to a lawyer?

An incident of driving under the influence or domestic violence; accusations of any kind of criminal behavior, including white collar crime or tax fraud, should send you straight to your lawyer. If you don't have a lawyer, then your first call should be to someone you trust to help you find one.Jan 7, 2013

How do you ask for a lawyer?

How to Ask Another Attorney for HelpStep 1: Know What You Need To Ask. It is best to determine how much help you need before picking up the phone. ... Step 2: Be Respectful of Their Time and Schedule.Step 3: Respect Their Advice.

Can I ask a lawyer something?

Every 5 seconds someone gets free legal advice from Avvo. Ask your question—it's free and anonymous. Get notified when a lawyer responds—usually within 12 hours.

Can you ask for a lawyer in Canada?

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects your right to talk to a lawyer without delay when you're being detained or arrested. The rights related to talking to a lawyer are called the right to counsel.Dec 31, 2016

What should you not say to a lawyer?

9 Taboo Sayings You Should Never Tell Your LawyerI forgot I had an appointment. ... I didn't bring the documents related to my case. ... I have already done some of the work for you. ... My case will be easy money for you. ... I have already spoken with 5 other lawyers. ... Other lawyers don't have my best interests at heart.More items...•Mar 17, 2021

What questions should I ask my lawyer?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?2) What would be your strategy for my case?3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?4) What are my possible outcomes?5) Who will actually handle my case?6) What is my role in my case?More items...•Jan 29, 2017

How do you ask for a legal opinion?

2 Answers the problem is deed of family settlement has not been stamped and registered . such a document would be in admissible in evidence . it is better to obtain deed of relinquishment from your 2 aunts. it should be duly stamped and registered.

Is there a website to ask lawyers questions?

ABA Free Legal Answers is a website on which you can submit your questions about civil (non-criminal) legal issues and receive answers from pro bono lawyers in your state.

What does avvo stand for?

AVVO comes from the Italian word for lawyer: avvocato. And the information AVVO provides is just as simple. The higher the rating, the more favorable an attorney's background, according to AVVO's algorithm. AVVO is unbiased, meaning attorneys cannot pay to improve ratings or hide negative information.

Can you be denied a lawyer in Canada?

The courts have decided that sometimes a person can't have a fair trial without a lawyer. If you want a lawyer and you have been denied legal aid, you can ask the judge to appoint a lawyer for you.

What are the three Miranda rights?

You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you.Aug 12, 2020

Should you always ask for a lawyer?

If you spontaneously or voluntarily speak without being questioned, your words can be used against you. Not only is it good to ask for an attorney, but you should also stop speaking until you have a chance to consult with an attorney on your case.

What time does the Akron Bar Association answer legal questions?

The Akron Bar Association, in Akron, Ohio, is an example of what's out there. You can call the second and fourth Fridays of each month from 9 to 11 a.m., as part of their Ask an Attorney Service, and they'll answer legal questions for free.

What happens if you can't afford a lawyer?

In a criminal proceeding, if you can't afford legal assistance, a court will appoint an attorney for you. In a civil case, generally described as a dispute between two private parties, to get legal representation, you have to get creative. Here's how to find legal help if you can't afford a lawyer:

What does it mean to spend time in court?

And to add fuel to the fire, spending time preparing for a court case can mean losing wages or part of a salary. In short, if you don't have the time to self-educate, and if you can't find enough free legal advice to help you have your day in court, it's a wise decision to seek out a competent attorney.

What is legal aid?

Legal aid societies are nonprofit organizations found in almost every corner of the country that provide free legal services to low-income people. While this is certainly worth exploring, the problem for many households is that the individual or couple makes too much money to qualify for help.

Can a lawyer represent you on contingency?

It's risky for lawyers to take cases on contingency, and they need to be confident a judge or jury will side with you, and that there's going to be something sizable awarded to you. While no legal expert will suggest you represent yourself, it is an option if you're in a financial bind.

Can you go to small claims court after divorce?

For instance, you can't go to small claims court if you're trying to work out your financial affairs after a divorce. But if the stakes are fairly low where someone owes you money or is trying to collect money from you, and it isn't worth risking lawyer fees, you might consider small claims court.

Do attorneys give discounts?

An attorney might give you a discount. Also, many attorneys offer payment plans, so that you're paying monthly instead of one huge sum all at once. Of course, you could hit the jackpot and find a pro bono lawyer, or you might find someone willing to take your case on contingency.

What to do if your lawyer doesn't work?

If that doesn't work, as a last resort you may need to sue your lawyer in small claims court, asking the court for money to compensate you for what you've spent on redoing work in the file or trying to get the file.

Where to go if you are not satisfied with your lawyer?

If you're not satisfied with your lawyer's strategy decisions or with the arguments the lawyer has been making on your behalf, you may even want to go to the law library and do some reading to educate yourself about your legal problem.

What is the agency responsible for licensing and disciplining lawyers?

Every state has an agency responsible for licensing and disciplining lawyers. In most states, it's the bar association; in others, the state supreme court. The agency is most likely to take action if your lawyer has failed to pay you money that you won in a settlement or lawsuit, made some egregious error such as failing to show up in court, didn't do legal work you paid for, committed a crime, or has a drug or alcohol abuse problem.

What to do if you lost money because of a lawyer?

If you lost money because of the way your lawyer handled your case, consider suing for malpractice. Know, however, that it is not an easy task. You must prove two things:

What is the defense of a lawyer who is sued for malpractice?

A common defense raised by attorneys sued for malpractice is that the client waited too long to sue. And because this area of the law can be surprisingly complicated and confusing, there's often plenty of room for argument. Legal malpractice cases are expensive to pursue, so do some investigating before you dive in.

What to do if your lawyer is unresponsive?

If the lawyer is unresponsive and the matter involves a lawsuit, go to the courthouse and look at your case file, which contains all the papers that have actually been filed with the court. If you've hired a new lawyer, ask her for help in getting your file. Also, ask your state bar association for assistance.

What to do if you can't find out what has been done?

If you can't find out what has (and has not) been done, you need to get hold of your file. You can read it in your lawyer's office or ask your lawyer to send you copies of everything -- all correspondence and everything filed with the court or recorded with a government agency.

How long does it take to get a continuance?

The judge will normally ask how much time you need and will generally give you between two and four weeks.

Is it easier to deal with an issue than others?

Some issues are just easier to deal with than others. Some people are comfortable speaking for themselves and some are not. Sometimes people assume that the other party is also representing themselves… then they find out at court that they have an attorney.

What to do if your attorney fails to comply with the law?

If he fails to comply, you should explore filing a grievance with the state supreme court's attorney regulation office.

What to do if your attorney is in violation of ethics?

Your attorney may be in violation of attorney ethical rules. You should provide him one more opportunity to provide you copies of your file by making a written request. If he fails to comply, you should explore filing a grievance with the state supreme court's attorney regulation office. Report Abuse. Report Abuse.

What happens if an attorney doesn't surrender a file?

If the attorney doesn't surrender the file, then, I'd think that your next step would be a complaint to the Bar Association. Report Abuse. Report Abuse.

Can an attorney hold a file hostage?

She/He must return your entire file within a reasonable time even if you owe money. An attorney can not hold hostage your file.

How long do you have to verify your SAR?

Each firm should have a policy on SARs, but they may need to verify your identification before comp iling within the one month deadline. If the firm fails to comply or properly comply with your SAR, you can refer the matter to the Information Commissioner’s Office.

What is the right of a solicitor to hold property?

This is the ability of a solicitor to hold property belonging to the client (such as files) pending payment of their fees – it is long recognised right in common law but also embodied in the Solicitors Act 1974 (s73 (1)). If you are instructing replacement solicitors, then usually the new solicitors will offer to preserve ...

Can a solicitor request a copy of my documents?

It is not unusual once you have instructed a professional, such as a solicitor, to want a copy of your files, especially if you think something has gone wrong. However, you may not be aware of the limitations on what, when and how you can request a copy of your files.

What to do if you disagree with your attorney?

Bar Association Assistance. If you and your former attorney disagree on the amount of refund you are due, you can usually get help. State and local agencies that regulate attorney conduct in each state, called bar associations, often offer fee arbitration services.

Why is it important to read the fee agreement?

It is important to read and understand the fee agreement that you sign with your attorney before he begins working on your behalf. You'll also need to read it when you are ending the relationship. It holds the key to determining whether your lawyer owes you money.

1 attorney answer

Send the attorney a letter by certified mail which instructs him to cease all work on your behalf and demands an itemized accounting of all fees claimed as earned and all work accomplished for the claimed earned fees. The attorney is entitled to be paid for work already done.

Christine C McCall

Send the attorney a letter by certified mail which instructs him to cease all work on your behalf and demands an itemized accounting of all fees claimed as earned and all work accomplished for the claimed earned fees. The attorney is entitled to be paid for work already done.