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Connecticut Law Firms

A brief guide to Connecticut law firms

Though there are many different circumstances which may seem to call for legal representation, this is not always the case. It is important to carefully consider what kind of help you need when considering retaining the services of a Connecticut law firms. Though no two cases are the same, here are some general guidelines to keep in mind when you are seeking out legal advice.

How CT law firms work

Though some attorneys work by themselves as “solo practitioners,” many belong to larger organizations. Connecticut law firms are owned by “partners,” the term for attorneys who divide profits among themselves after salaried employees have been paid. “Associates” are attorneys who worked for a salary. Whether a partner or associate, CT law firms generally have two types of attorneys: 

• Transactional lawyers review, create and maintain legally binding paperwork 

• Litigation lawyers represent clients in the courtroom

When to find a Connecticut law firm

Not every legal problem requires an attorney. For example, couples who are seeking a divorce and can agree on all the terms of their separation can complete this process without incurring the expense of consulting CT law firms. In order to complete the divorce process as cheaply as possible, two spouses must cooperate in drafting an agreement that details how they plan to handle issues such as:

• Alimony payments
• Child support payments
• Child custody arrangements
• Visitation rights for non-custodial parents
• Division of mutually owned property

It will only be necessary to seek out a Connecticut law firm if no agreement can be reached on these issues. This will add considerably to the expense of the divorce process.

Many other legal processes can be handled without contacting a CT law firm, such as completing paperwork related to immigration issues. Attorneys should be considered when you are undertaking a complex process that has technicalities that are difficult for laymen to understand, such as bankruptcy, or when you are faced with the necessity of going to court.

Criminal charges

The most serious kind of legal problems occur when the police or a government agency charge someone with a criminal violation. If you cannot afford the private services of a Connecticut law firm, the court will appoint an attorney to represent you for free. While you are not required to take advantage of their advice and are allowed to represent yourself, it is always wise to take into consideration the guidance of a lawyer before making any decisions about how to handle your case.

The criminal prosecution process begins with an initial courtroom appearance known as an “arraignment hearing.” At this time, the prosecution will formally detail the charges that have been filed against you. 

Additionally they may choose to offer a plea bargain in return for an official response of “guilty” or “no contest.” A representative of a CT law firm can help you decide what course of action is in your best interests. Additionally, they will argue for the lowering of any bail that has been set.

During the pretrial process, CT law firms will assemble the case for the defence. Throughout, they must regularly exchange all evidence with the prosecution. After evaluating the prosecution’s case, a Connecticut law firm may conclude that some evidence was improperly obtained and file a motion to dismiss the charges against you.

In the courtroom, an attorney will present the strongest possible case in your defence. At any time before a verdict is returned, a Connecticut law firm and the prosecution may be able to create a mutually acceptable plea bargain to submit a judge for approval. If you are found guilty, an attorney will attend your sentencing hearing to request leniency in your punishment.

Civil court

In civil court, private parties resolve a dispute concerning such common issues as:

• Real estate disputes
• Personal injury caused by another person
• Workplace safety violations
• Underpaid or unpaid wages
• Sexual harassment

The purpose of almost all civil litigation is to obtain financial compensation. CT law firms representing both parties will negotiate extensively prior to a court date to come up with a settlement agreement. The vast majority of civil lawsuits are resolved outside of the courtroom. 

Unlike criminal court, people who have a lawsuit filed against them are not entitled to free representation from a CT law firm. You will have to defend yourself or pay for private legal counsel if this is the case.

Finding a Connecticut law firm

You should be cautious when entering into any professional relationship. The first step in finding a Connecticut law firm to represent you is to determine:

• What kind of specialized legal advice you need
• How much you can pay for the services of a CT law firm
• What you hope to achieve through the legal process

Once you understand your goals and resources, ask friends, family and business associates for referrals to any Connecticut law firms they have successfully worked with. Before scheduling a meeting at any of these businesses, be sure to look up the disciplinary record of the attorney you will be speaking to and make sure they have not been cited for any ethical violations.

It may be necessary to schedule meetings at several CT law firms before deciding which one is best qualified to represent you. Prepare to get the most out of any initial consultation by assembling all documentation related to your case. After reviewing these papers, a CT law firm attorney will have many questions they must ask before they can make a thorough assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of your case.

During your initial consultation, you should ask many questions. Some queries a CT law firm should be prepared to answer include: 

• What is your level of specialized experience with my kind of case?

• If you are not qualified to represent me in court, can you refer me to a Connecticut law firm with more specialized experience? 

• What kind of expenses can I expect to incur throughout the legal process?

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