A recent move may impact your ability to protect property in bankruptcy

Article Source: National Banruptcy Forum

You’ve recently moved, which state’s exemptions apply?

First of all, why is this important? Whether federal or state, the exemption laws vary in the amount of property they allow you to protect from creditors. Some states may allow you to protect $100,000 of equity in your home, others $40,000 or less. O.J. Simpson famously moved to Florida to take advantage of its absolute exemption for the homestead.

As the guardian of your assets, exemption laws are crucial to any personal bankruptcy filing. Indeed, since exempt property is sheilded from creditors, the availability of exemptions is usually key to the determination of whether to file bankruptcy in the first place. If the debtor has significant amounts of property that could potentially be lost in a chapter 7 liquidation, chapter 13 may be the answer. Even in a chapter 13 setting, the value of nonexempt property may determine the minimum that must be paid to unsecured creditors. All Denver bankruptcy lawyers can agree about the fundamental importance of the exemption laws, however, sometimes it can be tricky figuring out which state’s exemption laws apply.

When states have “opted out” of federal exemption standards and only allow citizens to use their own, choice of exemption law is decided by domicile or residence. The state exemption law that applies to a debtor is determined by the state in which the debtor’s domicile has been located for the 730 days (two years) immediately preceeding the filing. What if the debtor has lived in two different places in the past two years? For example, Colorado has experienced rapid growth in population by people drawn to its pleasant climate and strong economy.

If the debtor’s domicile has changed in the last two years, the determining factor for exemption law purposes will be where the debtor resided for the 180 day period preceding the two year period. In other words, we look back two years plus 180 days. Wherever the debtor spent the majority of this 180 day period will be his or her exemption state. The plot thickens when the debtor’s exemption state requires that a debtor be a resident to take advantage of its laws. Some states such as Colorado limit their exemption laws only to current residents (defined as someone who lived in Colorado longer than anywhere else in the actual 180 day period immediately preceeding the bankruptcy filing).

So what becomes of the debtor who lived in Colorado for 10 years but moved to North Carolina 1 year ago? Colorado and North Carolina are both opt out states, meaning federal exemptions are normally not available. Let’s run through the analysis. Since the debtor has not lived in North Carolina for the last two years, North Carolina exemption law is not applicable. We turn to the Colorado bankruptcy exemptions. But wait! Colorado law mandates residency in Colorado in order to claim its exemptions. The debtor will not qaulify for the protections of Georgia law because the Colorado legislature has limited the scope of Colorado exemptions to current residents only. Have we created the Yaser Arafat of bankruptcy debtors who has no protection from any state’s bankruptcy exemption laws? Thankfully, No. If the effect of this complicated residency scheme is to render the debtor ineligible to claim any exemptions, the debtor may elect to exempt property under the federal exemptions, even if the state of the debtor’s domicile is an opt out state.

Questions about bankruptcy? Consult a Denver bankruptcy attorney.

How Long Does Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Take

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a fairly quick process that generally lasts about four months after you file your case.

Your case will be filed electronically. A few minutes after the case is filed, you will be given a hearing date. This hearing is called a 341 hearing (after section 341 of the Bankruptcy Code) or a First Meeting of Creditors. We’ll just call it “your hearing.”

Your hearing will be held four to six weeks after you file your case. All of the deadlines in your case run from the hearing date. Creditors and the United State Trustee have 60 days after your hearing date to file motions to dismiss your case, object to discharge, or file non-dischargeability actions for specific debts. A non-dischargeability action is where the creditor asks the court to rule that a particular debt is non-dischargeable. Not all debts can be discharged. For example, debts incurred by fraud cannot be discharged.

Once the 60 day period runs after your hearing, neither creditors nor the United States Trustee can bring complaints or motions to disallow your discharge of your debts.

However, the United States Trustee could bring an action to revoke your discharge if he later learned that you comitted fraud during your bankruptcy. For example if the U.S. Trustee found out you lied about your assets or income, the bankruptcy court could later revoke your discharge. This could be done years after your bankruptcy case was closed, so be sure to be honest and provide your attorney with accurate information.

In the vast majority of cases, the 60-day period is just a waiting period where nothing happens. As with many things in life, no news is good news.

After the 60-day period runs, you will get a discharge from the court. The discharge order provides that all dischargeable debts are now discharged. Put simply, you don’t owe them anymore. Any debts excepted from discharge, such as alimony, child support, certain taxes, student loans, or specific debts the court ruled that are non-dischargeable will not be discharged.

The actual discharge order will not be issued immediately after the end of the 60-day period. The bankruptcy court clerk’s office is busy dealing with thousands of other matters. Because of this you may not get your discharge until 90 days or even longer after your hearing. Don’t worry; this is normal. Once you get past the 60-day period after your hearing, you can breathe easy. Your discharge will arrive shortly. Enjoy your financial fresh start!

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Help

written by: Steve Young

In the financial system that people are facing now, many are challenged with very complex financial decisions. Many people have just lost their job, incurred great medical bills or are even going through a divorce. These can be devastating at times to your everyday life and financial expectations.

Every individual is unique, but when you face a challenge like working through bankruptcy, you are never alone. You can always get a chapter 7 bankruptcy support. Countless men and women have faced the exact same problem and have survived and thrived. Luckily, people who file for bankruptcy in Denver may find that other difficult debts are removed from their lives and they may be able to re-structure their budgets to handle money much better. This freedom may make it much easier to maintain timely child support payments and pay off medical debts as a result. With other debts out of the way, persons going through bankruptcy may find it easier to pay off the debts that were not discharged. Over the year's people's opinion of bankruptcy have certainly changed. Whilst years ago you may have been imprisoned and looked down on it is now a viable and humane option for dealing with debts that you cannot afford to repay.

Bankruptcy can sometimes help in situations where support obligations are in arrears or a garnishment is about to effectuated for arrears. In some cases, the Bankruptcy Court could provide a forum to address any arguments about what may be owed or may have already been paid prior to filing bankruptcy. A bankruptcy judge may address accounting issues on what is due and owing in a support claim, but a Bankruptcy Court will typically not address any support orders made by a Family Law Court, or modify any future ongoing support.

Many people think that if they simply file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, then they will get rid of all of their debts. Unfortunately, this is not the case. There are some types of debts that cannot be discharged in bankruptcy by law. In other words, even if you complete bankruptcy proceedings, you still have to pay back these debts. These debts include child support, alimony, student loans, most taxes, many secured debts, and debts not listed in your bankruptcy petition. Filing for bankruptcy protection does not let your ex to discharge past due child support obligations. Any back payments owed for child support cannot be discharged in a bankruptcy proceeding.

The automatic stay rule which prevents creditors and other debt collection entities from seeking compensation from borrowers does not apply to child support payments. In other words, if you are trying to collect from an ex-spouse, his or her bankruptcy filing will not protect him or her from having to making good on past due support bills. Child support payments are considered main priority -- meaning that they must be paid off before other creditor obligations, such as payday loans, credit cards and medical bills -- but the receiving spouse may have to work with an attorney to ensure the proper and speedy expedition of said child support payments. If you want to know more about Denver bankruptcy, just visit Denver bankruptcy information.

Should You File For Bankruptcy To Stop Foreclosure?

written by: Ginger Taylor

If you are facing foreclosure, your biggest concern right now is how to save your home. Nothing else really matters. You are facing an uphill battle, but it is not impossible to stop foreclosure. Filing for chapter thirteen bankruptcy is last resort way to keep from losing your home.

As soon as you file, the foreclosure must be stayed and the bank cannot pursue any further collection action until your Denver bankruptcy is dealt with. This allows you to come up with a plan to save your home by offering a modified schedule for paying your debts. The plan does not have to cover all of your unsecured debts, but it does have to get the approval of a bankruptcy judge before it can go into effect.

Before you file for bankruptcy, you will be required to attend a credit counseling session. This can help you determine whether you really need to file for bankruptcy or if your debts can be repaid in some other way. If the credit counseling agency prepares a debt repayment plan for you, it must be submitted to the court along with your bankruptcy filing. You may also want to consult a Denver bankruptcy lawyer on how to handle your bankruptcy. Filing bankruptcy can be tricky and if you file incorrectly, you will have to live with that decision the rest of your life instead of putting your bankruptcy behind you and moving on.

Within fourteen days after you file for chapter thirteen, you must file your repayment plan. This is usually done at the same time as the original filing, but it can be done later if you are not quite ready yet, as long as it is on file with the court within fourteen days.

You will be required to attend a creditor's meeting, and all of the companies and people you owe money will have a chance to ask you questions. The purpose of this meeting is to give your creditors a chance to object if they do not feel you will be paying as much as you possibly could under the proposed plan.

After the meeting has been conducted, the bankruptcy judge can take up to 45 days to approve or deny your proposal. In any case, you are required to start making the payments proposed under the plan within 30 days, so that means you may have to start paying on the plan before you know whether it will be accepted.

The downside to using bankruptcy to avoid foreclosure is that sometimes it only postpones it, and then you end up with both a foreclosure and a bankruptcy on your credit. It is often difficult to stick to the repayment plan, and if you fail, you can still lose your home. But before you file chapter thirteen bankruptcy explore all possible options, talk to an experienced Denver bankruptcy attorney first.

Debt Relief without Filing Bankruptcy

If you are greatly pressured by an overwhelming debt, which beyond your financial capability to resolve it, does it mean bankruptcy filing is the only option for you to get a debt relief?

Most often, debt counselors will not advise debtors to file a bankruptcy unless there is no way out of debt. The survey results found that 90% of debtors who go for this option do have other options, they just either don't know or they don't really explore for available debt relief solutions before deciding to go for a bankruptcy filing. If you are one more step toward a bankruptcy filing, hold-on for a moment because you might be able to get rid of debt with a better option. Don't ever choose to go for bankruptcy filing before you explore the available options.

If you are about to file a bankruptcy, it is no harm to explore more options since there is no other option as bad as this debt solution. The very first step you might need to take is to approach a credit counseling service. Most of credit counseling services are free of charge in term of providing counseling services. When you approach a credit counseling agency, a counselor will be assigned to understand your financial situation and your debt problem before they propose a solution that best fit your condition. Most probably you will be proposed with a debt management plan that may involve a monthly fee if your financial condition can fit into a debt management program. This means you have a solution that is better than filing a bankruptcy.

Other than credit counseling service, you may also approach a debt negotiation company to help you negotiate for a settlement. But, this option may require a lump-sum of money to be paid for the agreed settlement amount. So, you are able to prepare the money for settlement. Be aware that the fee you need to pay for the service of negotiation might be rather high, so make sure you get the negotiator to reduce your debt as low as possible. Some companies may help you to cut off 40% to 60% of your debt if you are able to pay a lump-sum of money to your creditors and get your debt erased. Therefore, debt negotiation for settlement should be a better option if you can afford to pay the negotiation fee and the settlement amount.

You will be a better situation to get your debt problem resolved if you have asset that can be pledged for a secure loan. Although paying off your debt with a loan does not mean you are free from debt, you will be able to relax the overwhelming and high pressure condition to a more comfortable level. For example, if you own a house, then you can apply for a consolidation loan or refinancing it to cash out the money and pay off your debt. Be aware that by securing a loan with an asset, you are putting your asset at risk because it will be foreclosed if you default the loan payments. Therefore, you need to make sure you pay the loan on-time during the repayment period. If you have asset that can be used to secure a loan, you can always get rid of debt without bankruptcy, what you need to do is to make sure you pay the loan on-tine so that you won't get yourself into bad debt again.

Summary

There are always other options other than bankruptcy filing to resolve a debt problem. You should always explore the available options to get rid of debt and avoid filing a bankruptcy with the best effort.

Visit Henry Davidson at http://www.debtconsolidation.theinfoplus.com for more information and resources on how to manage your money properly. If you are in debt, then visit the site to find out how to be debt free without bankruptcy filing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Henry_Davidson

Trying to Find Low Costing Bankruptcy Attorney?

After coming to a decision that they need a bankruptcy attorney, lots of folks are not certain where to begin. Used to be, you would thumb through the phone book and look all through ad after ad that listed the law firm's name with a prim photo and the region and state in which they practice. By way of the growing popularity of the internet, a lot of people now begin with an online search. However, before you begin entering "low cost bankruptcy attorney in Denver, CO," there might be a small number of factors you should think about.

You will receive the value of service for which you pay. The first lawyer that comes up in your exploration might very well be the cheapest lawyer in your region, however they might also not be ready or knowledgeable enough to manage your case appropriately. A lawyer who charges very little is not anticipating to do much work.

Firstly, the costs charged by bankruptcy lawyers are controlled by the bankruptcy court. Nearly all bankruptcy cases involve the same amount of effort and time. So, it only makes sense that the majority of them would charge a comparable hourly rate. Try to find a lawyer who is honest and open with you concerning the cost at the very start instead of one who waits until it's too late to inform you that you have an unexpected fee at the conclusion of your case.

Secondly, consider what's truly important. Ask yourself this: If you required open heart surgery, would you be looking for the cheapest physician? More likely, you would be in search of the best rather than the cheapest. Why would you deal with your bankruptcy any differently?

Thirdly, scrutinize what other sort of assistance your lawyer is ready to give you. Do they provide support after you file your case? There are specific errors that can be made following a bankruptcy that might leave you in a similar place as you began-or worse.

There are mistakes that you can make when in search of a suitable Denver bankruptcy attorney to manage your case. There are individuals every day who go to another attorney after their first one did not handle their case properly or was not up front with them about the actual cost of their bankruptcy. You should keep this information in mind to make sure you have found the proper bankruptcy attorney for your case. Simply do the right investigation and bear the correct facts in mind and you will surely find the ideal attorney for your case.

What to Know about Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is the name given to a process where a person legally declares himself or his business unable to pay outstanding debts. Depending upon the type of bankruptcy filed, one meets with a judge in order to determine a payment schedule, or for having a legal bankruptcy discharge most if not all debts.

Bankruptcy may also be declare by the businesses , which either means that the business will close, or that the business will continue to operate but with reduced payments to debtors. Each country has its own bankruptcy designations, but here I will explain you the most common types of bankruptcy in the US.

3 Forms of Bankruptcy

There are three forms of bankruptcy for the individual or the married or domestic partner couple, these are called “Chapters.” The most common form filed by spouses or individuals is Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Chapter 12 bankruptcy is restricted to those people who are family farmers or fisherman. Chapter 13 bankruptcy may also be filed by the individuals or married couples, but this is rare.

Bankruptcy for Business

The two common forms of bankruptcy that are utilized for businesses, are Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Less common is that an individual or business might file under Chapter 15 bankruptcy. This bankruptcy involves the clearing of international debts. If a bankruptcy must be declared by an agency of the state, such as a city then they file Chapter 9 which is also called municipal bankruptcy.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy

Either individuals or businesses that want a total clean slate tends to use chapter 7 bankruptcy. A business that files Chapter 7 bankruptcy as a result of that has to close their business. Chapter 7 bankruptcy for the individual, means that the courts declare that the person is unable to pay debts incurred, and almost all debts are then void.

When filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy all assets must be declared. Other assets like second houses, collectibles, and additional vehicles are liquidated in order to pay debts. Most who file Chapter 7 bankruptcy do because they have very little left what they can lose. Once a judge approves the bankruptcy filing, then virtually all debts, like those that are owed to credit card companies and doctors or hospitals are cleared and that person is given a clean slate.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy

Those individuals file chapter 13 bankruptcy who do own a great deal of property or assets, but find that their income cannot cover the exorbitant payments on debts that are own by them.

In this form, the debt is restructured, and in some cases they are reduced so that people retain their assets but they have reasonable payments which can be made by them to debtors. Generally the court-ordered payments must be made on time and regularly so that the seizure of assets might be avoided.

Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Businesses file a similar form of bankruptcy that is referred to as chapter 11 bankruptcy. Some or part of the business’ debt may be cleared, and the payment plans are restructured. The purpose of chapter 11 bankruptcy is to reorganize the debt so that the business can continue to operate.

All forms of Denver bankruptcy are a costly means of gaining debt relief. There is a reduction in the credit score of both individuals and businesses after a bankruptcy. Individual bankruptcy remains on one’s credit report for almost 10 years, due to which it could be difficult and costly for that person to get approved for new cars, homes, or credit cards.

Choosing the Perfect Denver Bankruptcy Lawyer

Most bankruptcy cases need the help of a Denver lawyer to ensure the process is handled correctly and to benefit the individual filing for bankruptcy. The selection of a Denver bankruptcy lawyer that you are going to hire for this, is the most important thing that you can do when you are in this situation. You must find somebody that has a lot of experience in this field, and in the same time knows well the bankruptcy laws and regulations.

In this article we are going to give you some tips how you can select the perfect bankruptcy lawyer for your case. It's important that you have some knowledge regarding this issue, before you are going to start.

A bankruptcy lawyer must have a license to operate in your state. You need to know that each and every state from United States has its own bankruptcy laws. To ensure you have the right lawyer, make sure they are certified to handle bankruptcy cases in your state. The one that has a license to deal with bankruptcy cases in the state where you are located. You are not allowed to hire a bankruptcy lawyer from another state. It's not just regulations but also you must have a person that knows exactly the bankruptcy laws from your state, so he can understand exactly your case, and help you get the most out of it.

Another important thing is that this lawyer that you've selected is able to communicate well with you, and also you should feel comfortable to talk about your financial problems with him. You must understand that the comfort level that is going to be between you and him, is one of the most important factors when you would like to defend your case in a successful way.

You should as ask many questioins as possible to get your answers. Ask questions about your case, your financial life, and ask question about his reputation, his previous experience and so on. Anything that could help you select the lawyer it will be great to ask.

And the final tip that we are going to give you is to find Denver lawyers, who's attorney fee is going to be decent. If you are right now in this situation you certainly don't want to waste money. This is why you should go and talk with more than just one bankruptcy lawyer, before you actually select him.

How A Denver Immigration Lawyer can Help get your US Citizenship

The immigration process is very difficult especially to a country like the United States where there are hundreds of immigrants everyday trying to get into this country. There is a specific set of rules which have to be followed. There are various processes which have to be followed correctly. A little variation or wrongly followed rule or process can degrade your chances of migrating to the United States.

In the US, the general immigration laws are determined by the federal government. The states create their own patterns of the immigration policies and these are done according to the federal laws. You have to follow the same rules and processes in the United States whether you are in California or South Carolina. Proper advice of a Denver immigration lawyer is very helpful as they can guide you through the whole immigration process.
How can an Immigration Attorney Help You?

When you hire a good Denver immigration attorney, you can make sure that you get the best legal advice from a person who knows everything and can help you follow everything according to the rules when you apply for citizenship in the US. Even if you commit a violation, the attorneys can help you out in some way as they have the means and the right knowledge needed to defend you.

Even if the immigration lawyers guides you on everything you need to successfully migrate, you should still have the knowledge about the various rules and regulations so you are not fully dependent upon the lawyers. You should have a good knowledge of what you should and should not do in this process. The immigration rules of the United States are very strict and hiring a good lawyer can go a long way in getting your application approved for citizenship or immigrant status.

Finding a Medical Malpractice Law Firm

Doctors are trained to provide you the best treatments for a variety of ailments. If your condition does not fall into their field of expertise, they should refer you to the right specialist. Now if the doctor causes harm or irreparable damage, instead of curing your condition, he or she is liable for charges. As the patient, you have the right to sue your doctor for medical malpractice. But first, you should find a dependable medical malpractice law firm.

Contingent Fees

A Denver lawyer who works with contingent fees is ideal. If he or she fails to win the case, you don't get charged at all for the service. Having been charged a hefty sum for the bungled up treatment, paying for legal fees becomes a problem for many people. A Denver lawyer who charges contingent fees is the best deal you could get for medical malpractice cases. You can pay for his or her services using the damages you collect, if you win the case.

Contact a Bar Association

A bar association is a group of lawyers often practicing various aspects of the law. Most communities have one, which you can find on the newspaper, the directory, or the Internet. Seeing you as a potential client for future cases, these people will refer you to their recommended lawyers in the field of medical malpractice. Just do some Internet research on the lawyers they recommend and pick the one that wins the most cases.

Refer to Previous Cases

Most, if not all, court cases are documented, so you can view the track record of a particular law firm. Once you get the names of prospective law firms, you can do some sleuthing on line or ask lawyers and law students about the credibility of each. Check how the lawyers handled the case, based on the documentation, and from there, you could select a representative who has a good shot of winning your case.

Listen Carefully to Legal Advice

When you have selected a Denver lawyer, listen carefully to his advice. He or she will explain the merits and the weak points of your case. Analyze the course of action planed by the lawyer. If possible, get a second opinion from your contacts. You would then see how good your lawyer truly is, regardless of his or her credentials. If the lawyer fails to provide sound advice, better replace your legal representative, before the trial begins. Remember, doctors are protected by some of the finest lawyers in the land.

Use Your Resources and Wit

Getting a good law firm is a must when suing for medical malpractice; otherwise you'll end up throwing loads of cash while suffering the effects of flawed medical treatment. Use your resources and your wits to the hilt, to ensure a won court case.

To learn much more about medical malpractice visit AllAboutMedicalMalpractice.com where you'll find this and much more, including malpractice attorneys, and medical malpractice litigation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Evelyn_E._Cole

Ways to Find a Good Denver Immigration Attorney

It is very important to get yourself a professional Denver immigration lawyer when you are facing immigration related issues. Immigration attorneys are experts in the immigration law field and they truly understand every aspect of it. Unfortunately, there is no perfect human being in this world. Some immigration attorneys are excellent while others are terrible at doing their job. Therefore, you should always find yourself a good attorney to make sure they meet your requirements.

Before you hire a professional immigration lawyer, you must always do some research. Find out what kind of lawyers do you need. For example; an immigration lawyer who specializes in amnesty law is certainly not the best person to handle deportation matters and vice versa. Then, find out weather the person you wish to hire has a record of winning a case similar to yours. This is important to ensure the chances of you winning the case.

Secondly, background check is also a must in finding you a good Denver immigration attorney. You should check which school or institutions they went to, where did they took their bar exam and which organization do they belong to and much more. Above all, find yourself an attorney who has interest in helping you genuinely instead of those who only wish to get huge amount of money from you.

Next, look for a professional immigration lawyer with good reputations. See if they have won any awards or perhaps they are a source for newspapers and magazines. You should know that when people have good reputation; it means they are pretty good at what they do.

Finally, in your part, you need to have knowledge about your case. Make sure you really understand your case. Then ask the Denver lawyer about it. Since you are the client, you have every right to question your potential attorney's credibility. If he looks a bit reluctant or uncertain about the issues you raised, then you should get someone else to represent you.

DUI/DWI Information

There are several different laws around DUI/DWI and each state varies on their punishment and regulations. Both a DUI and DWI are terms that refer to operating a motor vehicle while being impaired by alcohol or drugs. The term DUI refers to "Driving Under the Influence" while the term DWI refers to "Driving While Intoxicated". In the United States, usually a DUI is the less significant charge of the two and relates directly with the intoxication level of the driver. An intoxication level refers to the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and is usually measured in a percentage. If you are caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration over the states limit you will then be arrested. In all 50 states, .08% is the legal limit.

If you are arrested for a DUI or DWI you should contact a DUI attorney immediately. Usually with the help of a DUI attorney you can get a DWI reduced to a DUI in most instances. If a driver is arrested for either of these instances it is classified as being arrested for drunk driving. Just because you do not feel like you are drunk or impaired does not mean you will not be arrested for DUI/DWI. If you are above the legal limit you can still be arrested or asked to do a sobriety test.

What is a sobriety test?
A sobriety test (standardized field sobriety test) is commonly used by law officers to determine the level of the driver of a motor vehicle's sobriety. Although the sobriety test can be attested in court because it is bias they often times are the deciding factor if you get arrested or not. This is another area your DUI attorney can help you with in court. If you were given an unfair sobriety field test your lawyer can argue the result from your sobriety test to not be one of the determining factors in your sentence.

Hopefully this article will give you a better idea about what a DUI and DWI are. Remember if you have been drinking you should not drive, regardless your blood alcohol level. If you would like more information about hiring a Denver DUI Attorney or a Denver DUI Lawyer check out a Denver attorney blog or check out their website. A DUI Attorney can help you reduce your sentencing or even get your charges dropped.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicolas_Hantge

Top 10 Reasons to Hire an Immigration Attorney

Immigration laws are constantly changing and can be confusing to negotiate all of the legal hurdles to accomplish your goals. Individuals, families and employers are constantly seeking solutions to the ever-changing and confusion immigration legal system. Hiring the right Denver immigration attorney can help ease the pain of the process, simplify the system and achieve the best results for you, your company or family.

How Can an Immigration Lawyer Help You?
1. Analyze the facts of your case thoroughly
2. Explain all the options for which you may be eligible
3. Recommend the best ways for you to obtain legal status
4. Complete and submit your applications properly
5. Stay current on the new laws that affect you
6. Avoid delays and problems with your case whenever possible
7. Discuss the status of your case with you
8. Speak for you in discussions with the Department of Homeland Security or represent you in court
9. File necessary appeals and waivers
10. Utilize the system to your advantage because he or she has the experience to do so

Finding and retaining the right Denver immigration attorney may be the right solution for you. If you do decide to hire an immigration attorney, and follow the checklist above, your dealings with the various government agencies and courts will go much more smoothly.

Are you looking for a Denver immigration lawyer? Look no further. Peters & Associates (1-720-318-8847) is a full service Spanish and Russian speaking immigration law firm in Denver, Colorado.
• Peters & Associates exclusively practices business and family immigration law.
• Peters & Associates offers quick turnaround time (most petitions are prepared within 10 working days).
• Most of our business comes from referrals from former or existing clients.
• Peters & Associates offers state-of-the-art case management software that enables you to access and check the status of your case online.
• Offices of Peters & Associates are conveniently located in both the Denver and Arapahoe counties.
• Peters & Associates offers you direct communication with an attorney or a senior paralegal and a four business hour response time to your inquiries.
• Peters & Associates experienced staff is well versed in the preparation of all immigrant and Nonimmigrant Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) petitions, as well as PERM labor certifications.

Peters & Associates offices cater to corporate and individual clients living throughout the United States and abroad.

Peters & Associates uses state-of-the-art case management software, which provides our clients with easy access to their personal case status information over the Internet. Peters & Associates's average case preparation "turnaround" time is within 15 days. Peters & Associates's experienced office staff answers all client inquiries within 4 business hours. Call Peters & Associates for a free initial legal consultation. Peters & Associates listens to your concerns, answer all your questions and expertly guide you through your immigration process.

How to Pick the right Denver Immigration Attorney

Your immigration is extremely critical so choosing the right qualified Denver immigration attorney will make the difference between success and failure. A couple of things, make sure you choose an attorney who is licensed to practice in the United States jurisdiction and is in good standing with the state bar of Colorado. This may sound strange, but it must be said, because there are immigrants who refer attorneys to people who in their opinion, are good, but, some are not qualified, and often leave innocent people in a bad position. Be sure to spend the money for good representation.

Integrity and honesty are the main characteristics in a good immigration attorney, so be sure to choose a lawyer with these characteristics. One of the biggest things to think over, is to make sure that your attorney has high ethical standards. Check their references and if you need to, find someone else. Make sure your lawyer practices in the fields of immigration. If she focuses other types of law like criminal law or divorce, then you're probably better to find one that fits for you and your needs. Make sure your lawyer is a specialist in immigration in Denver.

Keep in mind that there is no real specific requirement that states that you must have your papers prepared by a lawyer, you can do them yourself. However in most cases this can be a recipe for disaster. Most people are not well versed in immigration law and by trying to save money and do it themselves they make mistakes. Law applies differently on a case-by-case basis and unless you know the mall you could get bogged down in a system and not be successful. In addition to local and state requirements you may also need to know about Federal law and federal standards.

When meeting with your Denver lawyer discuss the situation up front and make sure that they have experience dealing with all the things that are important to you. Depending on the kind of questions they ask you should also get a good feel and whether or not the attorney is a good match for you.

Make sure you know all the things you will need to pay for up front. Ethical lawyers will make sure that they do you exactly how much and how they're going to charge you. Be careful if you get the feel that the attorney is out just to increase their billable time.

Following these simple steps is a good start in getting a great Denver immigration attorney. A lot of common sense applies but don't take things for granted. Ideally, if you have someone that has had to do with immigration and they had a great lawyer sometimes a reference or a referral makes all the difference in the world.

Have you been arrested for DUI or DWI?

Being arrested for drunk driving is a serious offense that can have different consequences for each individual depending upon the particulars of the case. It is imperative that anyone facing such a charge understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of a competent and experienced Denver attorney will help you understand all of your rights and options.

What happens if I was arrested for DUI or DWI?
Under the state law, once you have been cited for violating the DUI or DWI statute, the state initiates two simultaneous, yet separate legal actions against you. The Criminal Action is in response to the ticket that was issued to you, while the Administrative Action is brought against your driver’s license. While both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges, it is important to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled separately. Make sure to talk to you Denver DUI attorney so you fully understand the differences and the penalties that go along with them.

When is my Administrative Hearing?
In order to preserve your right to an Administrative Hearing, it is crucial that you submit your request within the appropriate number of days. Failure to do so will result in the automatic suspension of your driving privileges. This number varies from state to state but is often 10 or 15 days. Once the arresting officer retains your state issued driver’s license, you are issued a “Notice of Suspension/Revocation of Your Driving Privileges” form. This form will serve as your driver’s license in lieu of the one retained by the officer until your Administrative Hearing. Once the state receives your request for a hearing, they will notify you as to the date and time of your Administrative Hearing. This will be something taken care of by your DUI attorney, a key reason you need to hire one!


Do I need an attorney if I was arrested for DUI or DWI?
DUI/DWI laws can be confusing and complicated, and you may not be aware of the potential defenses available to your case. An experienced and competent DUI attorney can fight for your rights and guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a lawyer for an immediate, free consultation.

An Overview of Immigration

Immigration laws vary from country to country and also change according to the political changes in that country. Immigration law refers to the national government's policy with regard to immigration to their country. So if you are planning to visit or settle into any other country, it would be advisable that you check out the immigration laws in that country.


Today the number of international migrants is estimated to cross over 200 million people. Hence this law is of utmost importance for people in any country. Nearly 80% of such migration is attributed to financial aspirations - the pursuit of financial independence and happiness. These immigrants take a huge risk crossing boundaries and seas in search of a better life. Immigration laws are aimed at protecting such immigrants to help find a lawful place in the society where they live.



Immigration laws are nothing but the practices that are associated with immigration into that country. These practices vary quite widely because each country has a different perspective on immigration. These laws have been made more stringent in the wake of terrorism. Yet these laws only help peaceful immigration in proper ways. These laws are reflected in the country's foreign policy. Immigration laws are enacted by the legislative body of the country. Usually a department of immigration is set up to ensure that all legal procedures are abided by.

You need to ensure the authenticity of the information you collect with regard to immigration laws. This is because such laws are revised regularly as per the prevailing social and economic conditions in that country. These laws are too complex for a layman to understand. This is why the consulate offers free counseling services for immigrants. You can also get professional help to aid you with the procedures involved.

Some countries even have designed laws to help naturalization in due course. This helps immigrants to acquire citizenship in the country and get the same legal rights. Immigration laws help the immigrants understand their legal duties and rights during their stay in the country. It helps him to understand the eligibility of his immigration. One needs to satisfy all requirements of the immigration law to get a lawful entry into the country.

When you plan to move to another country, the first thing you need to check out on is its immigration law and speak with an immigration attorney or immigration Attorney. While some countries allow immigration, some don't. Also such laws are simple in some countries while in others they are quite stringent. Normally three kinds of immigrations are allowed in any country. These may be via employment, through business and finally through a blood relative staying in that country.

As per the statistics of U.N., nearly 50% of the immigration is illegal or undocumented. On the other hand, the trend of immigration is on rise around the globe. As companies shed their global barriers, people tend to travel from one country to another on a regular basis. By abiding to such laws, one can ensure that his every such visit is legal and proper.

Denver Immigration Attorneys

Some of the common immigration problems handled by Denver immigration attorney include permanent resident investor, relative petitions and applications, non-immigrant extension temporary worker or correlated issues and presupposition of fraud. Denver immigration assist individuals in dealing with matters such as revalidation of Visa, change of non-immigrant category and labor certification or permanent residence.

In addition to all the above issues, Denver immigration attorneys also aid individuals in maters relating to federal court trials, re-entry permit, registry and non-immigrant consular processing.

Most Denver immigration attorneys offer convenient locations throughout the community, exceptional cost effective plans for their clients on with budget constraints, and also accept all major credit cards. It is advisable for individuals facing deportation or removal problems, to get in touch with Denver immigration attorneys immediately. This is because the sooner an attorney is involved in the process, the greater the probability of halting the deportation.

Denver immigration attorneys make available complete legal services in all areas of immigration and nationality law to individuals, employers, and business entities. Denver immigration attorneys can offer clients assistance with visas, a common problem related to immigration. For instance, Denver immigration attorneys facilitate in speeding up the visa application process for foreign nationals looking for residency in some other state based on employment skills. In case of individuals, Denver attorneys guide and advocate individuals in obtaining provisional work visas, visa extensions, and permanent resident status for foreign nationals. In case of business concerns, Denver immigration attorneys assist clients in determining all immigration issues that arise on a daily basis in the international marketplace. They serve domestic as well as foreign clients who need to transfer personnel to other states.

Many immigration lawsuits involve financial and emotional issues that can dramatically affect people's lives. Hence, it is highly advisable to hire experienced and skillful Denver immigration attorneys that represent clients throughout the process.

The Benefits of Working in a Small Law Firm

By Sarah Jose

Lawyers work in big and small firms. Both have their unique advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage in working in a small law firm would be exposure to all kinds of tasks given to them. So, the exposure to varied experiences provides the lawyers to be able to handle all kinds of problems that have to be faced by the in the long run.

The work schedule in a small organization is flexible and the Denver lawyers can work adapt their working hours to suit their timings. The work has to be done by the limited staff. So, all the work is done by all of them. There is not much supervision. Even the new recruits are given their share of work which they have to do. This is in contrast to the big firms, where there will be more supervision. The contact with the clients will be more in a small Denver law firm. In a big firm, the contact will be established only by the senior lawyers and the juniors will not be able to establish direct contact with their clients. The whole atmosphere is more relaxed and the people are more casually dressed and the place is more informal than a big organization, where the dress code is strict and the people are more formal.

In a small Denver law firm there will not be many lawyers working. So, there will be lesser number of people competing for partnership of the firm. This will make the way to becoming a partner, smoother and quicker. With fewer people working in the small law firm, the in house competition will also be less. There will be a chance to perform to the best of one's ability and be recognized for the performance. A lawyer working in a small firm gains by being able to perform many tasks. These include directing and management tasks. The employees can thus gain recognition for the work they have done.

In a small organization, there will be direct contact between the lawyer and the top management in the law firm. There will also be a direct contact with the client. This is the best way in learning to do all the tasks that a lawyer needs to know and gain experience. Such experience cannot be had if a lawyer is working for a large law firm where there are many layers of management and the top lawyers will only be having direct contact with the client. They might not even know how a new lawyer performs. This personal touch is useful for advancement, recognition, on the job learning and gaining experience in the field. All this will definitely help the small firm lawyer when he wants set up his own law firm. He would have gained knowledge and dealt with all kinds of cases and all kinds of clients.

A new recruit in a small law firm must try to learn as much as possible by seeing his seniors, listening to the clients and analyzing the cases that are handled by the firm. Each case will give the lawyer a new experience and will improve his knowledge. The interaction with the seniors in an informal atmosphere will also be a help him in learning things faster. To go ahead in a career of law, the experience and knowledge gained in a small law firm will surely help a new recruit to perform all the varied jobs and learn the art of fighting any case that he has to handle in the future. So, the advantages are many

Credit Repair Law Firm

A credit repair law firm is a great resource for those individuals who have damaged and negligent credit files and bad credit reports on their record. Credit restoration companies specialize in negotiating with creditors, repairing the effects of erroneously reported information on the credit file, and helping you rebuild your borrowing history to have a better future.

Improve Your FICO Score
Having good credit is the cornerstone to living the American dream. Absent good credit, you cannot get the job you want, become a homeowner, or even have a traditional credit card for your convenience. But the truth of the matter is that many individual credit reports contain errors and inaccuracies that make you appear to be an unappealing borrower - not creditworthy.
And although the credit bureaus claim to take every precaution and make every effort to verify the data that is sent to them from creditors, they are by no means immune from making human errors. A credit repair law firm can work to remove these errors from your credit report - and they have the expertise to do just that.

Avoid Do-it-Yourself Mistakes
Although individuals can do many of the tasks that the credit restoration company undertakes to remove errors, your chances of removing the error are drastically increased when working with a professional. Look at it from this viewpoint - you likely know how to swim - but so does Michael Phelps. What's the difference between you and Michael? Experience and a few gold medals, for starters.

And although you can repair your credit on your own, taking advantage of the services offered by a repair group who can make Olympian strides to fix your credit can make a huge difference in the outcome of your disputes. A reputable company that works to repair credit will have the strategies that are successful down to an exact science, making your credit repair be executed much faster and with more favorable results.

Don't Fall Victim to Scams
Choosing a well-established credit services group also helps you to avoid the multiple scams that are prevalent right now in regards to credit repair. Always go with a credit repair law firm that has been around the block a time or two, and follow up your choice with an inquiry to the Better Business Bureau regarding their performance. All professional firms will have a rating (like a report card) with the BBB that you can use as a guide to selecting the best one for your needs.
Looking for more research on a good credit repair law firm? Take a look at my top credit repair companies review website where I review the top 10 credit repair companies online for you.

Will Your DUI Attorney Do Justice in Your Case?

How is justice achieved in our criminal justice system if you are charged with a DUI?

The justice system in Denver and throughout America is based upon the idea that if both the prosecutor and the defense attorney know the law, have the appropriate skills to do their jobs, and fight zealously for their side, then the truth will be known and justice will be done. This isn't always the case, especially in drunk driving cases which are usually more complex and offer more opportunities for dui lawyers to make mistakes.

I'm sure you are asking yourself some questions. What if your Denver DUI attorney doesn't know the law? What if your DUI lawyer doesn't have the necessary skills to do the job? What if your attorney doesn't fight passionately and do all that he or she can to win your case? If your DUI lawyer fails any one of these criteria, then justices will not be done. But you will be the only one to get hurt because of it.

These questions bring other questions and worries to mind. How are you supposed to be able to tell whether or not your Denver DUI attorney knows the law? Isn't that why attorneys go to law school anyway, to know the law?

How can I know if my attorney doesn't have the skills necessary to handle my case? What skills are necessary anyway?

How can I know whether or not my attorney has done all he could do to defend me and win my case. Besides, what are all the different things an attorney can do to win a case?

These are all questions that many defendants have but are afraid to ask. But you might also be asking, "Well can't I just win on appeal if my attorney screws up?" Read on.

Winning on Appeal and Ineffective Assistance of Counsel in DUI Cases
During my years as a prosecutor and defense attorney, I was able to see all too well exactly how our criminal justice system works in America. I got to see all the good and all the bad. In everything I saw, one observation stood out; every day too many people charged with a crime lost their case or accepted a very bad plea bargain from the prosecutor all because of hidden mistakes that their attorneys made. And since DUI cases were more complex there were more mistakes made in those cases

What was worse was the fact that almost none of these defendant's ever knew or even suspected that their dui attorney had done anything wrong. And even worse than that, was the fact that if they had even known the attorney had screwed up, under the laws of the land very few of these cases would ever be able to be overturned on appeal.

You see, the law states that a case can be thrown out if there is what we call in the legal world ineffective assistance of counsel. It basically means that your attorney screwed up so bad that the outcome of the case would be in doubt to your average reasonable person. But the key here is not just that the attorney made a mistake. The key is that the mistake was so bad that the outcome of the case would be in doubt.

So, if you go to jury trial and lose because of something your attorney did or failed to do, then the court of appeals can overturn your conviction if they believe there is a reasonable chance that the outcome of your case would have been different had the mistake not been made. But here's the catch; it is very difficult to prove this, especially if you enter a plea and do not go to trial.
Most cases do not go to trial, so most mistakes never have a chance of ever being noticed, much less ever even appealed and corrected. Once you enter a plea it becomes very difficult to ever appeal your case because you most likely either pled guilty or no contest. And if you plea no contest, the judge assumes you are guilty.

You may be asking one final question. How can you be certain that your Denver DUI attorney is one of the great DUI attorneys? You can learn more about what to look for in a good DUI attorney and how to find one of the great Denver DUI attorneys near you.

Immigration Attorney With Free Consultation

The dream of starting fresh in a new country can sometimes be hampered by economy and racial separation. The effect of such issues have a double negative effect as it also affects the expectations an person gets from society as well as how they perceive themselves as a citizen of their new country.

Hopeful immigrants may thus find themselves stuck somewhere between fulfilling their dreams and "living up to" the role they feel society has assigned them.

The problem outlined above does not automatically mean that very successful immigration by any means would be impossible. When it comes to making the process as elegant as possible, a good attorney may play a big part.

The Denver Immigration Attorney Free Consultation

Indeed, immigrants today are facing many challenges. This is why a Denver immigration attorney free consultation is now admitted to those who are in need of great assistance to be able to acclimatize to a new country that they want to live in. It is certain that these proceedings shall give the hopeful immigrants an opportunity to have an overview of the arrangements of the society that they want to reside in.

Trough the said Denver immigration attorney free consultation service, an immigrant too would have a better chance of having the essential meet with an immigration and naturalization attorney. This stage is needed in order to becoming a legally owned resident. It is also a very important step in truly becoming a part of the new society.

In many western countries there is already a kind of "we and them" kind of thinking in place often, rightly or not, based on the level of education and income. Probably, the situation is governed by the fact that the human society today is so diverse that people have already applied the differences that they have from each other as a basis of the status that each person is expected to belong to.

(Source: Bob H. Clarke, http://ezinearticles.com)

How an Immigration Attorney Can Help You Get USA Citizenship

The immigration process is very difficult especially to a country like the United States. There is a specific set of rules which have to be followed. There are various processes which have to be followed correctly. A little variation or wrongly followed rule or process can degrade your chances of migrating to the United States.

In the US, the general immigration laws are determined by the federal government. The states create their own patterns of the immigration policies and these are done according to the federal laws. You have to follow the same rules and processes in the United States whether you are in California or South Carolina. Proper advice of a Denver immigration lawyer is very helpful as he can guide you through the whole process.

How can a Denver Immigration Attorney Help You?

When you hire a good Denver immigration attorney, you can make sure that you get the best legal advice from a person who knows everything and can help you follow everything according to the rules when you apply for citizenship in the US. Even if you commit a violation, the attorneys can help you out in some way as they have the means and the right knowledge needed to defend you.

Even if the Denver immigration lawyer guides you on everything you need to successfully migrate, you should still have the knowledge about the various rules and regulations so you are not fully dependent upon the lawyers. You should know what should do and what you shouldn't. The immigration rules of the United States are very strict and hiring a good Denver immigration lawyer can go a long way in getting your application approved for citizenship or immigrant status.

(Source: Nicholas Burns, http://ezinearticles.com)

Driving under the influence

An article in the New York Times begins: "In the latest salvo in the battle over liquor and beer advertising, a new commercial this week encourages people to feel free to have a drink before driving home." The Times says 10 million viewers saw the commercial on CNN and the Fox News Channel. You can view the ad here.

Predictably, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) President Wendy Hamilton accuses the ad of using "scare tactics." Here's what the voiceover actually says. You be the judge:

Here's to conversation over dinner out instead of over TV. Here's to places where they remember your name. And here's to the millions of Americans who, every night of the week, enjoy an evening out with close friends, great food and adult beverages - responsibly.

The spot closes with the "Drink Responsibly. Drive Responsibly." logo over a busy highway at night. The ad, far from a scare tactic, encourages people to not be scared of sensible drinking. It's MADD that employs scare tactics and misinformation. "The most effective way to deal with (people who drink and drive) is to arrest them," says a MADD spokesman.

The Times quotes Richard Berman, Executive Director of the Center for Consumer Freedom, saying he hopes the "Drink Responsibly. Drive Responsibly." message "literally crowds out this 'don't drink and drive' message, which is not legally, socially or scientifically accurate."

Denver Immigration Attorneys

An attorney is a person who advises his clients on legal matters and represents them in the courts of law. A US immigration attorney deals with issues concerning foreign nationals who enter the U.S either temporarily or permanently. Their line of work involves everything associated with the legal rights, duties, and obligations of foreigners in the United States. Immigration attorneys also deal with the application process and procedures involved in neutralizing foreigners who want to become US citizens. They deal with legal issues related to refugees or asylees, people who cross US borders illegally and people that illegally transport these people.

American immigration law is very complicated. It is constantly changing. An immigration lawyer will be able to help with issues such as obtaining a U.S. work visa or other type of visa or a green card. They are also able to assist on issues concerning naturalization, immigrating to the US for education, adopting a child from another country, gaining asylum in the US and other immigration matters. Consulting an immigration attorney ensures that a clients immigration matters are handled in the best way possible. Immigration attorneys keep themselves updated about the changing rules and regulations of American immigration law. An immigration law attorney can help a person overcome and avoid many legal issues.

In certain cases, lawyers only guide their clients and provide the basic legal consultation, which the client can afford. Most often, in such cases, lawyers do not represent their clients in court. Organizations like the American Bar Association have gladly accepted the concept although this practice is still controversial in some segments of the legal fraternity. A person can find names of immigration lawyers specializing in immigration law in the Internet yellow pages. Alternatively, state Bar Associations can also provide referrals. The INS employees at the local office may also assist immigrants.

Immigration provides detailed information on Immigration, Immigration Lawyers, Canadian Immigration, Immigration Attornies and more. Immigration is affiliated with Canada Immigration Lawyers.

How to find the Best Immigration Attorney

When you have an immigration problem, how do you find the best immigration attorney to represent you?

It can be difficult to find the right attorney or immigration lawyer to guide you through the assortment of laws and regulations associated with immigration in the United States. There are just so many different services for legal representation available. Global Law Centers realizes you have options when selecting an immigration law firm and go the extra mile to ensure your path to obtaining a US work visa, or green card is a smooth one.

To make your transition easier, our office staff speaks English, Spanish, Farsi, Hindi, Tagalog, Urdu and Punjabi. Many of our international clients have expressed their satisfaction with these additional services that make immigration to the United States a simpler process. Read from our immigration testimonials page to read about the experiences of our past clients.

Our immigration lawyer at Global Law Centers also brings years of experience to every legal matter we are involved with. From preparing h1b visa, TN visas, L visas to Fiancee & green card petitions you'll soon see why we are the best immigration law firm in Los Angeles and Orange County.

Another reason we are one of the best immigration law firms is our versatility and speed. Most matters are efficiently filed by Global Law Centers within weeks, not months. As previously mentioned our services include, but are not limited to help with H1B, K1 and K3 fiancée visas, labor certification, and employment-based and family green cards.

Global Law Centers can also assist corporations and employees with business immigration. Whether you're a hospital administrator that is interested in obtaining nurse immigrant visas to increase staff or an executive looking to recruit talent from abroad, we can help.

Visit http://www.globallawcenters.com or call us at 1-800-605-5801 to find out what makes us the best Immigration Attorney Services operating in Orange County and Los Angeles.

DUI Alcohol Classes

Why School is Not Out for the Summer

If you have been convicted of a DUI, get out your pencils and paper - you’re most likely going to attend alcohol education classes. Courts often impose DUI school as a means to help a DUI convict get his or her life back on track. If you successfully complete your DUI classes, you can often avoid having points added to your drivers' license and have reduced penalties. DUI classes can sometimes be a one day session or a series of shorter classes. This may require 12 hours or more of instruction.

Attending alcohol education courses are a great way of lessening a DUI conviction. Taking these courses can not only lessen a penalty. And attending support classes often bring a long-term solution to an individual’s alcohol problem. However, the effectiveness of courses has been long debated going back to the foundation of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). This is the most well-known alcoholic support organization today.

The alcohol education courses you may take range in intensity. The severity of a DUI conviction often determines what class best fits the offender. If the crime was minor, the court may conclude a one day session is sufficient. A more sever violation may result in ongoing attendance and an intense curriculum.

Attendance fees also range based on the intensity of the course and length. They are paid by the convicted party. Often times the DUI school will allow payment plans or a sliding scale for those with low incomes.

Charged with a DUI? A DUI attorney specializing in DUI is the only way to effectively complete the court process. A DUI attorney may be able to eliminate the need for classes, or completely beat your DUI charge.
(Source: www.duilawyers.net/duieducation.html)

DUI Penalties

Being charged with a DUI can seem like the end of the world for many. The list of penalties is seemingly endless and the effects of these punishments are long-lasting. But with the right DUI attorney, you can help avoid some or all of the penalties. While the specific DUI penalties vary from state to state, it helps to know what you or someone you love could be facing. Arming yourself with this knowledge and discussing your options with your attorney can be the most comforting feeling during this difficult time.

Throughout the country, many of states have put the following penalties into place to stop drinking and driving:
• Fines of typically a minimum of $2000 or more depending on jurisdiction
• Administrative license suspension and/or revocation
• Court appointed alcohol education classes and treatments
• Community service
• Installation of an ignition interlock system
• Vehicle impounding or confiscation
• Jail, with the term depending on the jurisdiction and the severity of the crime and number offenses

While these are some of the harshest penalties you could face for a DUI conviction, it does not stop there. There are other penalties that are more discreet or “hidden”.

For example, did you know that with a DUI conviction you may not be able to enter other countries? Canada, for example considers any crime whether it be a misdemeanor or felony to be an offense. They consider this a reason to not be allowed to enter the country.

You can also be facing higher insurance premiums or a cancellation or your policy altogether. You can even lose your job due to the affects of the other penalties. Jail, community and vehicle impoundment can seriously affect your job.

This is why it is so important to contact an experienced DUI defense attorney to represent you. They can find ways to lessen charges or even have the case against you dismissed. Breathe a sigh of relief and contact one in your state today!

Choosing A Denver Attorney

At times people need legal help. Most of us are not trained legal professionals and may have little real knowledge of the law; this is when you will need a good Denver attorney the most. Finding the right lawyer may feel like a daunting task, by taking chances you may not realize the trouble you are in for until it is too late. While it may take some time to find the right Denver lawyer, it is time worth spending.

Most lawyers are able to decipher if another attorney is sensible and competent, or on the other hand not as honest as they are eager to please. Unfortunately, becoming a Denver lawyer yourself is not the way most people go about selecting the right lawyer. There are, however, a number of things you can watch for to tell if the attorney you are chatting with will be able to help solve whatever problem you may have, or whether you should run away as fast as humanly possible. Here are some things to look for:

1) Professionalism is extremely important when selecting someone to hire. Regardless of the trade or profession, you usually know when you meet true professionals. They are completely at ease in their environment; they act in a way that seems natural and appropriate; and they exude a quiet confidence. Lawyers are the same and you should look for just that.

2) Besides being professional, be sure to pick a lawyer with experience in the field for which you need help and always check his or her credentials. Some states have specialty certification programs; others do not. But unless your problem is routine paper-processing, an attorney who lacks experience in the field will have a poor feel for the nuances and subtleties of a problem, and may cause avoidable complications while trying to resolve things to your satisfaction. If your attorney is not forth coming with their credentials in conversation you should always check into it.

3) Attorney-client privilege is the practice of keeping information provided to your attorney between yourself and your attorney confidential in any and all circumstances. When selecting a lawyer a key quality is trust and knowing that your attorney will not reveal anything about the legal affairs of your case. That does not prevent them from telling you about other cases they have worked on, or about their professional background. Remember, though, that the law school they attended is usually less important than the kind of work they have done since. It says nothing about their professional ethics, and is no guarantee that they have an ounce of common sense.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to guarantee after selecting your attorney that you will automatically win your case or that Denver attorney is the right one for you. The decision often depends on many factors that vary from person to person, and case to case. The decision to hire a lawyer is intensely personal since, you are about to trust that attorney with your legal affairs. You should always devote an adequate amount of time to selecting the right attorney.

6 Steps to Finding an Englewood Criminal Defense Attorney

If you or your friend has been, unfortunately, charged with a crime, do not panic. Often the unthinkable happens in life and in such times, it is necessary to keep your cool. Even if you are not in a position to hire an Englewood criminal defense attorney, you are eligible to seek the legal assistance of a public defender. But, in order to make sure that you hire a Englewood criminal defense lawyer, you should follow the following six steps:

1) Make a list of all the Denver Lawyers who provide service in your locality. You can make this list easily by going through the online lawyer listings, such as the one provided at ColoradAttorneySearch.com, by checking with the attorney referral services, or by asking friends who have had need of a Englewood defense attorney before. Once the list is prepared, narrow it down to about ten or so. In case, you do not find lawyers in your locality, try searching in other areas closest to you. For instance, if your place of residence is in Englewood, you can consider the listings of lawyers in Denver.
2) After short listing a few candidates, get down to their particulars, like area of specialization, reputation, experience, and cases won by them in the past. Most Englewood lawyers list these details on their websites. So, be it a Denver lawyer or a Denver law firm, make sure you collect all the required details before approaching them. These particulars will help you hire a lawyer who has expertise in the area of crime in which you have been charged.
3) Also, using a popular search engine, get hold of some legal articles and court records relating to the lawyers or the law firms you are taking into consideration. After an extensive research, you will certainly be able to short list 3-4 trustworthy criminal defense lawyers, who have a proven track record and good experience in the required area of specialization.
4) Next, consult the state bar association's website to find out which lawyer has a better standing in the courts in your locality.
5) While dealing with a case, it is very necessary to be able to build a good communication with your attorney. Therefore, make sure the attorney you are considering understands the language you are comfortable in.
6) Finally, after you narrow down your list to 1-2 Englewood lawyers, get an appointment fixed with each one of them. Meeting face to face will help you judge if you would have a cordial and practicable relationship with your lawyer. When you go to meet the lawyer, ensure that the lawyer's office staff is professional and skilled as you will have to deal with them directly a number of times in future.
Following each of the above six steps might take a little time, but will definitely help you choose the best Englewood criminal defense attorney to handle your case. Trust my words, the time spent in research will surely be worth it.

What Makes A Good Denver Lawyer

When people look for jobs with law firms, they have to meet certain criteria. Law firms, unsurprisingly, want the best candidates. Although it is difficult for people to know exactly what law firms want, there are certain general requirements that all candidates should be able to meet. It is these criteria, indeed, that make a good lawyer.

One of the most important criteria that separate good lawyers from bad ones is writing skills. Lawyers have to write a lot. They have to lay out their argument and how their points of support and evidence fit into the overall picture of what they are saying. Every case requires a brief, and lawyers often take on many cases at once. Consequently, they need to be able to convey their ideas quickly and in a short amount of space so that anyone reading the brief can quickly understand the attorney's argument.

Another important criteria that good lawyers meet is a thorough understanding of the law. Some people have said that a good Denver lawyer reads the law, but the truth is that good lawyers do more: they comprehend the laws and know the law inside and out. This is crucial to being a successful lawyer because attorneys have to use laws in their clients' favor. For example, defense attorneys need to understand the law so that they know what penalties their clients face and what level of evidence is needed for a conviction. With this knowledge, criminal defense lawyers can better find ways to give their clients an advantage in trials.

Furthermore, it is important that attorneys can maintain their objectivity and independence fro their clients. Many times, Denver lawyers defend their clients for publicity purposes, but in the process their judgment gets weakened. When attorneys believe one thing over another and start to espouse their beliefs, they lose the ability to think clearly because they have become involved in the case; they want to prove themselves right. By maintaining their neutrality, lawyers can more level-headedly decided what is in the best interest of their clients.

Furthermore, good Denver lawyers can and do look at things from the opposing parties' viewpoint. For example, prosecution attorneys should not try to wrongly convict people because of the negative effects it can have on the convicted individual; to understand this they should look at the situation from the defendant's eyes. Moreover, looking at the case from the opposing party's eyes also allows attorneys to understand what arguments the opposing party might use.

These are only some of the characteristics of good lawyers. If you are looking to be recruited by a law firm, you should be able to decide whether you the qualities of a good lawyer; that way you can better assess your chances of being hired. For information in the job recruitment process contact the Sapire Search Group.

5 Tech Functions Every Law Firm Needs

1. High data availability & control
At the end of the day, a lawyer's work revolves around the access, creation and storage of documents. Once these documents were produced and stored by hand leading to enormous filing cabinets overflowing with paper. Now, most documents are stored electronically (though there still seems to be reams of paper everywhere!). Any computer system you install must allow you and your associates the ability to access files without interruptions or difficulty. You should also be able to secure documents so that only those who need something have access. As an attorney you understand that some information must be kept in the strictest confidence. If your computer systems do not permit easy control of your information, then you must find something better for your law firm.

2. Professional document creation
You must always put your best foot forward. With the advent of desktop publishing, every computer with minimal software is capable of producing high quality professional documents. If you wanted it to look like it came out of a type writer, you wouldn't have spent the money on a computer. Your desktop software allows you to easily create incredible publications with impressive graphics and charts. With the right equipment you can even print posters and other large displays. Your staff most likely has the tools to create impressive documents; chances are they only need some additional training. If your staff only creates regular, uninspired documents, then you need something better.

3. Swift communication
You must all be able to communicate with one another quickly if you are an attorney. When moments count, you need to be able to get through! More than just email, you need a quick and easy means of communicating with anyone in your office. Whether this happens via a telephone or via internet chat, you need multiple available streams of communications between your staff. But beware! These communications must also be secure! You must not ever allow your private chats to be intercepted. You cannot betray your client's trust. If your communications are not swift and secure, then you need something better.

4. Easy to use time keeping
As a lawyer, you must track the amount of time you work for your clients. You should be able to account for every moment you have dedicated to a client. You need to know what was done and who did it. You want accurate, up to the minute reporting that tells you how much precious time your practice has dedicated to any one issue. This will allow you to better distribute your available staff members to support important clients. It gives you the information you need to best allocate resources. If you cannot track every minute, then you need something better.

5. Accurate accounting
You work hard for your law firm. You should know how much that work has earned you. You need accounting systems that are friendly and easy to operate yet also intelligent enough to catch errors. You need reliable accounting data to help you plan the expansion of your firm. You need flexible reporting that shows you how your money is spent. And above all, it must be accurate to the penny. Your accounting system should be a seamless aspect to your company, not a painful and terrible ordeal. It needs to merge and grow with your firm. If your accounting cannot handle these requirements, then you need something better.

Your law firm practice technology systems are vital to your success. By relying on outdated and old systems you risk losing your vital business edge to the competition. By offering advanced technological services you can provide additional value to your clients, in addition to your brilliant counsel. And your client's will be happy knowing you have the tools to get the job done.