Grand Rapids' criminal attorneys can assist you with your case, if you have been arrested for a crime. There are several local attorneys to choose from, including Mark Dodge, John Engman & Associates PC, Renee Wagenaar, and Tromp Law Offices. Continue reading to learn more about these attorneys. Researching the credentials and standing of a Michigan lawyer is a must before hiring them.
Mark Dodge
Do you have a criminal accusation? If so, you might be wondering whether you should get a criminal defense attorney. Mark Dodge and his staff have extensive experience in guiding clients through the legal process and successfully defending clients against serious charges, including those with life-altering penalties. Dodge & Dodge P.C. represents clients across a range of West Michigan matters. Mark Dodge has represented more than 75 jurors in jury trials across twelve counties. He offers free consultations.
John Engman & Associates - PC
There are many Michigan criminal defense lawyers, but only a few that stand out. John Engman & Associates PC is a good example. Their free consultations can be a great relief during stressful times. The firm's lawyers will take the necessary time to learn about your case, your needs and then offer their suggestions on the best strategy. You will hear from satisfied clients and be able to get the help you need in making an informed decision.
Renee Wagenaar
Renee Wagenaar is a Grand Rapids criminal lawyer. Renee graduated in 2011 at the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She is skilled in criminal and family cases. She is a member of both the Michigan State Bar as well as the Grand Rapids Bar Association.
Tromp Law Firms
Timothy L. Tromp along with his Grand Rapids legal team have been successfully representing clients who are accused of crimes including sexual assault and gun possession. His practice also extends to investigations of cases involving drunk driving and sobriety test administration. Attorney Tromp is a recipient the Top Attorneys award in North America. He is a highly qualified attorney who will work hard to get the best outcome for your case.
Jerry Lykins
If you are charged with a crime, it is critical that you hire the services of one of the Grand Rapids criminal lawyers. Jerry Lykins has all the skills, knowledge and experience to handle any case. His reputation and unique style has benefited his clients. He will do everything possible to reduce stress and achieve the best outcome for you case. He is a criminal defense specialist and has successfully represented individuals in Michigan's Courts.
FAQ
What is the average cost of a lawyer?
When you are considering hiring a lawyer to represent you, think about what you would need. You should expect to spend at least $1,000 to $2,500 per hour. This includes the time it takes to research your options, prepare the paperwork, meet with the lawyer, negotiate the contract details, draft the agreement, file fees, and travel expenses. So, even though you think you are paying just for his or her advice, you actually end up spending more money than that.
You should also consider whether you want to retain the lawyer full-time or part-time. Hourly rates are typically charged by full-time legal professionals. Part-time legal professionals usually charge by the hour. A part-time lawyer is best for those who only require help once or twice a month. If you require ongoing support, however, you should consider a full-time attorney.
You should also consider whether you prefer to hire a solo practitioner or a firm. Solo practitioners usually charge lower hourly rates than firms, but they often lack the resources to provide effective representation. Firms can offer more experience, better expertise, and greater access to resources.
Also, be sure to consider the costs of malpractice insurance. Some states require all lawyers be covered by professional liability insurance. However, others don't. Check with your state bar association for information about which insurance options are available in your local area.
What kind of lawyer is most popular?
The best way to describe this question is to say that there are two types of lawyers. They are transactional lawyers and litigation lawyers. Transactional lawyers handle business law and contracts. Litigation lawyers handle lawsuits. Lawyers who specialize in both areas are called generalists. The best-known example of a generalist is the "Big Law" attorney, which is the term for an attorney who practices at large firms where he or she handles many different kinds of cases. Generalists are either transactional lawyers or litigation attorneys.
Transactional attorneys handle all kinds of legal matters such as divorces. Many of these lawyers work on a contingent fee basis. They are only paid if their client wins. If the client loses, then the lawyer does not get paid. These lawyers are often called "trial lawyers", as they must go through trials in order to win their cases.
Litigation lawyers handle lawsuits. They can represent clients in courtrooms and administrative hearings. Some litigators also do transactional tasks. They may also draft documents for clients. A company can employ litigation lawyers to defend against a lawsuit brought against it by another firm. Or they may be hired by one person (the plaintiff) to sue another person (the defendant). Some litigation lawyers specialize in personal injury claims. Others specialize in commercial disputes. Others practice family law.
Litigation lawyers must know how to argue and present evidence before judges and juries. They need to know the rules of civil procedural and other aspects governing litigation. They must be able research and analyze facts and issues. They should also be skilled negotiators.
Can I become a Lawyer without Law School?
Yes, you can!
An unrelated degree is acceptable if the law system and its workings are well understood. You need to learn how laws are interrelated and what makes them different.
You must know how to read and interpret statutes, regulations, court decisions, and case law. It is important to understand the basics of administrative, constitutional, contract, criminal, and property law.
Passing the bar exam is necessary to become a lawyer. The bar exam tests both your legal knowledge as well as your ability to apply law to real-life situations. It is a test of both your general knowledge and your ability analyze and write briefs.
There are two parts to the bar exam: the oral and written sections. Multiple choice questions make up the written portion. The oral part is composed of simulated trials. Before you can sit for the bar examination, you will need to prepare for it.
You will need to pass the bar exam and be admitted to the state in which you want to practice law. There are different admission requirements depending on which jurisdiction you live in. Please check with the State Bar Association for more details.
Statistics
- The states that saw the biggest increase in average salary over the last 5 years are Rhode Island (+26.6%), Wisconsin (+24.1), Massachusetts (23.2%), Wyoming (18.3%), and North Dakota (18.1%). (legal.io)
- Just 59.2 percent of 2015 law school grads held full-time, long-term jobs as lawyers 10 months after graduation, according to data from the American Bar Association (ABA). (rasmussen.edu)
- The nationwide number of first-year students enrolling last fall increased by almost 12%, according to recent data by the American Bar Association. (stfrancislaw.com)
- According to the Law School Admission Council, the number of people applying for these programs was up 13% last fall. (stfrancislaw.com)
- The median annual salary for lawyers in 2016 was $118,160, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (rasmussen.edu)
External Links
How To
How do I find free legal help?
Because there are many lawyers who want your business, it can be very difficult to find a pro-bono lawyer. There are several options to help you find a probono lawyer. You can contact your local bar association for information, search online to find a list, or consult your state's bar association. Another way to find a pro bono attorney is through a local law school. Many law schools offer their students the opportunity to work with low-income clients to give them access to justice. If none of these options seem like a good fit for you, then you should consider contacting a nonprofit organization such as Legal Services Corporation (LSC). LSC provides free civil legal aid to those living below the poverty level by funding organizations all across the country. This organization funds programs that aid low-income persons with housing issues, child support enforcement and family law matters. In addition to providing financial assistance, LSC also advises and guides its grantees on how best to serve their clientele. Some services include:
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Financial counseling
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Assistance in filing for bankruptcy
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Families can help to end domestic violence
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Representation before administrative bodies
Here are some tips to help you find a pro bono lawyer if you are struggling to find one.
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You don't have to spend your time searching for a lawyer who is experienced in your particular case. Many pro bono lawyers represent many different types of clients. This means that they won't have much experience with your particular case.
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It is important to find a lawyer who has represented low-income clients. This means that they are familiar with the communication needs of this client group.
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Ask the lawyer if they have any training in your particular area. If you have to deal with landlord/tenant issues for instance, make sure that you ask the lawyer about their experience in these cases.
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Find out whether the lawyer is available to take on new clients. Some lawyers only take on certain types of cases, so you won't be able to find one who works exclusively with pro bono clients.
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Avoid lawyers who claim they are experts in one particular area of law. Many lawyers will claim to be specialists in one area but not the other.
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Check that the lawyer has a good reputation. Ask friends and relatives for recommendations. Find reviews online from clients.