Criminal attorneys in Grand Rapids can help you with your case if you have been accused of a crime. There are several local attorneys, including Mark Dodge of John Engman & Associates PC Rene Wagenaar of Tromp law offices, and Renee Wagenaar from Tromp. Read on to learn more about the attorneys listed below. You should never hire a lawyer without researching his or her track record and standing with the Michigan bar association.
Mark Dodge
If you are facing a criminal charge, you may be wondering whether you should hire a criminal defense lawyer. 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. The law firm, Dodge & Dodge, P.C., represents clients in a variety of West Michigan cases. Mark Dodge, a lawyer who has represented over 75 people in jury trials in 12 counties, offers free consultations.
John Engman & Associates PC
While many Michigan attorneys are highly respected when it comes to criminal defense work, few stand out as the best. John Engman & Associates PC offers free consultations that are a welcome relief for anyone going through a stressful time. The firm's attorneys will take the time and get to know your case. Expect to hear glowing reviews from clients and get the information you need to make informed decisions.
Renee Wagenaar
Renee Wagenaar can help you find a Grand Rapids criminal attorney. Renee has extensive experience in both criminal and family law cases, having graduated from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She is a Michigan State Bar Member and a Grand Rapids Bar Association member, along with the State Bar of Michigan.
Tromp Law Offices
Timothy L. Tromp has been representing clients accused of sexual assault, drug possession, and gun possession for more than thirty years. His expertise extends to drunk driving and administering sobriety exams. Attorney Tromp has been awarded the Top Attorneys of North America award. Tromp is a highly qualified lawyer who will fight for the best result in your case.
Jerry Lykins
It is important to hire one of Grand Rapids' criminal lawyers if you are being charged with a crime. Jerry Lykins has all the skills, knowledge and experience to handle any case. His reputation and unique style has benefited his clients. He will work diligently to minimize your stress and get you the best possible outcome for your case. He specializes in criminal defense and has successfully defended people in Michigan's courts.
FAQ
What is the difference between a paralegal and a legal assistant?
Paralegals are trained to perform specific tasks such as typing, filing, or researching. Paralegals can assist attorneys with research, writing motions, and preparation of pleadings. Both types of professionals help attorneys complete their workload.
What does it mean to be a pro bono attorney?
A pro bono lawyer provides free legal services to people who cannot afford them. They are usually lawyers who do this as part of their job, but they also do it on their own time. You can do pro bono work for elderly clients or indigent people.
How much should I pay for a lawyer's services?
You should ask yourself what information you require from your lawyer when you hire him/her. The hourly rate should be between $1,000 to $2,500. Many people don't realize the amount of time that is required to research the options, prepare paperwork and meet with a lawyer. So, even though you think you are paying just for his or her advice, you actually end up spending more money than that.
You also need to consider whether the lawyer is available part-time. Hourly rates are typically charged by full-time legal professionals. Part-time lawyers generally bill by the project. If you only need help once or twice a year, it makes sense to use a part-time lawyer. However, if you need ongoing assistance, you should seek a full-time lawyer.
Also, you should consider whether to hire a solo practitioner instead of a firm. Although solo practitioners often charge less per hour than firms they are often not able to provide the best representation. Firms offer greater experience and expertise as well as better access to resources.
The cost of malpractice insurance should be considered. While certain states require lawyers to have professional liability insurance, some do not. In any case, it is a good idea to check with the state bar association to see if there are any insurers in your area.
What is the difference between a personal injury lawyer and a civil rights lawyer?
People who are hurt by no fault of theirs can have personal injury lawyers representing them. These injuries may include car accidents and slip-and-falls as well as dog bites.
Individuals whose constitutional rights have been violated by civil rights lawyers are represented by civil rights attorneys. Examples include discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, etc.
What is the distinction between a transactional attorney and a lawsuit lawyer?
A lawyer who specializes exclusively in transactional legal is different from one who specializes only in litigation. This is because they will encounter different types of legal problems. Transactional lawyers are primarily concerned with contracts, commercial transactions, corporate formations, intellectual properties, and the like. The litigation attorneys are specialized in disputes involving corporations, partnerships and trusts. They also handle insurance claims and personal injuries cases.
The two types of attorneys have different sets of skills and knowledge required for each type of case. A transactional attorney would be required to understand how to create agreements, prepare documents and negotiate terms. A litigation attorney needs to be familiarized with the rules for evidence, statutes, limitations, rules on discovery, etc.
In addition, there may be other differences based on where the client is located. A New York City attorney might not have the same knowledge as an attorney practicing in California. A Florida attorney may not be as familiar in Texas with Texas laws, than someone who practiced in Texas.
How many years does it take to become a lawyer?
The answer is not as simple as you might think. While you need to be a hard worker for at most four years after graduating high school, there are also other factors.
In order to gain admission to law school, you'll need to pass and do well on exams. After that, you will spend the next two years studying legal studies.
After all of this, your law school degree will be awarded. You'll be licensed as an attorney after you have passed the bar exam.
Statistics
- 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)
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for lawyers in 2020 was $126,930. (stfrancislaw.com)
- According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average annual wage of a lawyer is $144,230. (legal.io)
- 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)
- A Johns Hopkins study of more than 100 professions found lawyers the most likely to have severe depression—four times more likely than the average person. (rasmussen.edu)
External Links
How To
How can I get 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 many options for finding a pro-bono attorney. There are many options. You can ask your local bar associations for help, search the internet to find pro bono lawyers, or contact your state's bars association. Local law schools are another option for finding a pro-bono attorney. Many law school students have the opportunity to assist clients with low income to get justice. If none these options appeal to your needs, then you might want to consider working with a nonprofit such as Legal Services Corporation. LSC provides free civil legal aid to those living below the poverty level by funding organizations all across the country. LSC funds programs that help low-income people with housing, child support enforcement, family legal matters, consumer protection and bankruptcy, as well as public benefits. LSC offers financial assistance and also guides grantees in how to best serve clients. Some examples of services include:
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Financial counseling
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Assistance in filing for bankruptcy
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Helping families to resolve domestic violence issues
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Representation in front of administrative agencies
If you're looking for a pro bono attorney, but aren't sure where to start, here are some things to keep in mind :
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You don't have to spend your time searching for a lawyer who is experienced in your particular case. Lawyers who work pro bono often represent clients from different backgrounds, so they may not have the experience to handle your specific case.
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Consider hiring a lawyer that has had experience representing clients with low income. This means he or she already knows what it takes to communicate effectively with this demographic.
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Ask the lawyer if they have any training in your particular area. If you are dealing with landlord/tenant matters, make sure the lawyer you choose is experienced in handling these types of cases.
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Ask if the lawyer is open to new clients. Some lawyers are limited to certain types of cases. This means that you may not find one who is willing to take on pro bono clients.
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Do not trust lawyers who claim that they specialize in a certain area of law. Many lawyers state that they have specialized in other areas but are not knowledgeable about the subject.
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Make sure the lawyer has a strong reputation. Ask your family members and friends to recommend a lawyer. Also, search online for reviews from other clients.