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Idaho Law Firms

A brief guide to Idaho law firms

There are many occasions in daily life which may require you to seek out the advice of an attorney. Idaho law firms vary in size and the specialized services they offer. Regardless of the specific circumstances of your legal problem, here are some general guidelines to keep in mind if you decide you need to consult with a lawyer.

The structure of Idaho law firms

Some attorneys work by themselves as “solo practitioners,” but many others are part of larger businesses. ID law firms are owned by lawyers known as “partners,” who divide the profits after paying their salaried employees. These includes “associates,” or lawyers who work for a fixed salary. Large ID law firms commonly also include other employees, such as paralegals who process paperwork under the supervision of an attorney.

Whether they are a partner or associate, there are two types of attorneys:

• Litigation lawyers represent clients in the courtroom by arguing cases on their behalf.

• Transactional lawyers review, create and maintain legally binding documents.

Most Idaho law firms employs both types of attorneys.

Criminal court

If the police or a government agency file criminal charges against someone, the potential consequences include jail time or a large financial penalty. Because these charges are so serious, you are entitled to free legal representation from a court-appointed attorney if you cannot afford to pay for the counsel of ID law firms.

The first step of the criminal prosecution process is an “arraignment hearing.” At this time:

• The prosecutor will formally present the charges against you.

• A plea bargain may be offered in return for a response of “guilty” or “no contest.” An Idaho law firm attorney can help you decide whether accepting such an offer is in your best interest.

• If bail has been set, an attorney will try to have the amount lowered.

Defendants who plead “not guilty” will have a court date set for their trial. An Idaho law firm will take several steps during the pretrial process:

• The prosecution and defense must regularly exchange all evidence they plan on presenting in court as part of the “discovery” process. After evaluating the case against you, ID law firms may file a motion to dismiss the charges because they are based on improperly collected evidence. Additionally, if there is not enough evidence that could reasonably be expected to lead to a conviction, this can also be grounds for dismissal of your case.

• At any time before a verdict is issued, an Idaho law firm and the prosecution may submit a plea bargain agreement for a judge to approve.

• An attorney will attend the jury selection process to make sure no potentially biased jurors are chosen.

In the courtroom, an Idaho law firm will present the strongest possible case in your defense. Should you be found guilty, an attorney will attend your sentencing hearing to argue that mitigating evidence justifies a punishment less severe than called for by the prosecution.

Any adult of sound mind is not required to use an ID law firm and may choose to represent themselves instead. However, it is always a good idea to consult with an attorney before making any decisions about how to handle your defense.

Civil court

Civil litigation involves two private parties which are in dispute and is generally undertaken for the purpose of obtaining financial compensation. These lawsuits can be filed by people acting on their behalf or by an ID law firm. Common grounds for a lawsuit include:

• Unpaid wages
• Sexual harassment
• Violation of a business contract’s terms
• Injury caused by another person or a defective product
• Landlord-tenant disputes

Unless directed by their clients to pursue a day in court, Idaho law firms representing both parties will negotiate extensively throughout the pretrial process to draft a mutually acceptable settlement agreement. Nearly all such cases are resolved before their scheduled court date.

Victims of domestic abuse are required to first file a complaint with the public prosecutor’s office if they wish for charges to be pressed. If the prosecutor decides not to pursue criminal charges, you may want to contact an ID law firm to represent you in court to obtain financial compensation or a restraining order.

Finding an attorney

It is important to never rush into any professional relationship. When you decide it is advisable to consult with an Idaho law firm, it is important to first figure out:

• What kind of specialized legal assistance you require
• How much you can afford to pay an ID law firm
• What you hope to achieve through the legal process

Once you understand your goals and resources, ask friends, family and business associates to refer you to any ID law firms they have successfully worked with. Prior to scheduling meetings at any of these businesses, make sure to look up the disciplinary record of the attorney you will be speaking to and confirm that they are in good legal standing.

It may be necessary to attend meetings at several Idaho law firms before deciding which is best capable of representing you. To make the most informed decision, arrive to any consultation with all the documents that are relevant to your case. After examining these, an ID law firm attorney will have to ask further questions before being able to give you a trustworthy evaluation of the strength and weaknesses of your case. Answer all queries in as much detail as you are capable of. Do not conceal any information you feel may harm your case, as a Idaho law firm must have all the relevant facts to adequately represent you.

During your first consultation, be sure to obtain a detailed, written estimate of all costs you can expect to be liable for. ID law firms must explain any charges you do not understand. If you are filing civil litigation and there is a good chance you will receive financial compensation, some attorneys may be willing to represent you for free in exchange for a percentage of whatever you are awarded.

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