When To Seek Legal Advice
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ost people think that they only need a lawyer in an extreme situation. You were the last person to leave work the night before and police are at your door because that boss who didn’t give you the promotion was found slouched over his desk from a bullet wound to the heart. Or you go for carpal tunnel surgery, and the hospital makes a mistake and you end up with a triple bypass. Other than such extreme situations, you figure that you can do without legal representation. There are, however, plenty of reasons you may need a lawyer and most of them are not extreme in the least. There are areas of life that involve legalities where a lawyer isn’t called for, like dealing with a parking ticket or paying a fine for not shoveling the snow on your sidewalk. However there are many things that involve severe consequences and could result in broken agreements, loss of income and even jail time. HERE IS A LIST OF SOME COMMON REASONS TO SEEK LEGAL ADVICE: Injuries: Auto accident, defective product, or a medical practitioner. Administrative Problems: A zoning variance, workman’s compensation, regulatory violations that carry a stiff fine or other penalties. Financial: Bankruptcy, business indebtedness, selling a business, business collections, law suits by employees, not being paid for services, not getting settlement from insurance company. Criminal: DUI, domestic violence, possession of illegal substance, juvenile offences. Family Problems: Divorce, child support, child custody. 117 B U C K S C O U N T Y M A G . C O M
Trusts: Wills, powers of attorney, advance directives. A competent attorney can navigate the complexities of our legal system as your advocate and can make sure that you get the best results depending for your situation. The Website www.hire alawyer.findlaw.com lists 10 reasons to hire a lawyer instead of trying to act on your on behalf. 1. The law is complicated. If you are not a lawyer you probably have no business acting like one in certain instances. Even experienced lawyers typically do not represent themselves in court. A solid case can quickly unravel without the help of a trained and emotionally detached attorney. Similarly, failing to hire a lawyer when starting a business, reviewing a contract or embarking on other endeavors with potential legal ramifications can result in otherwise avoidable pitfalls. 2. Not having a lawyer may actually cost you more. What is at stake? A criminal case may determine whether or not you spend time behind bars, while a civil case could hurt you financially. Besides, many civil attorneys don't collect a dime unless they win your case. Also, you may be able to claim legal fees as a plaintiff in a civil case, so hiring a lawyer can actually save or make you money. 3. Lawyers know how to challenge (and sometimes suppress) evidence. You may not even know that a key piece of evidence against you was improperly obtained or that the testimony of a witness contradicts an earlier statement. And did the crime lab properly handle the evidence every step of the way? Your attorney will find out. 4. Attorneys understand how to properly file court docu-
Shelly Law Offices, LLC And Car Insurance Options
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ptions, options, options. Once you seek out insurance from one of the many auto insurance companies out there, you will be presented with many options to protect yourself and your family. First, you will need to choose monetary amounts which will cover you if you’re found legally accountable for an accident which causes bodily injury or property damage to another. Second, you will need to decide if you want or need comprehensive or collision coverage for physical damage to your own motor vehicle, regardless of fault. Third, you will need to choose from the many insurance options available if you are injured. You have the option to choose the amount of benefits you want for medical expenses, funeral benefits and wage loss benefits. You also have the option to select one of the
most important forms of coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist benefits, which will protect you if you’re involved in an accident where the at fault party is either uninsured or doesn’t carry enough insurance to cover the costs related to your bodily injury (or property damage). You will be presented with the option to choose from limited or full tort coverage. Limited tort coverage may be less expensive, but it limits your rights to seek financial compensation for pain and suffering due to injury from an accident. Selecting the full tort option allows you retain unrestricted rights. At Shelly Law Offices, LLC we have the experience and the knowledge to help you interpret your auto insurance policy after you are involved in an accident and to secure for you the compensation you deserve. Even
We emphasize mediation instead of expensive litigation!
better, we know how important it is for you to consider your options carefully before that accident happens. Shelly Law Offices, LLC, 70 West Oakland Ave., Doylestown, PA; 267-454-7940; www.shelly-law.com.
Woosley Naragon, LLC, the Finish Up Experts
WoosleyNaragon.com
Dave Woosley
Welcome to the Woosley Naragon law group! Prepare to have your expectations exceeded by our experienced legal team. We’ll guide you in an empathetic, highly-effective, expeditious & ethical manner to help you regain your peace of mind even though you’re dealing with challenging situations and unpredictable life events. Our law offices are located right next to the Justice Center, on Main Street, in beautiful Bucks County Pennsylvania.
We help you identify solutions that meet your needs. • • • •
Mediation & Arbitration Business Matters Divorce done right LGBTQ and Civil Rights
• • • •
Wills and Trusts Drone Law Bankruptcy DUI
A veteran-owed business–all veterans 20% off
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e've earned our reputation as the "finish-up" experts; many of our clients contact us, frustrated and discouraged, after they've become disheartened
that their case has not advanced as they had reasonably hoped. Our reputation is based upon commitment to personal service and we work individually and personally to help identify solutions that will meet your needs. Although we stress mediation instead of expensive litigation, if we need to go to court we will diligently, vigorously and aggressively pursue and protect your interests. We specialize in business matters and divorce done right. Woosley Naragon LLC is located at 72 North Main Street, Doylestown, PA 18901. Visit www.woosley-
Call for a free phone consultation 72 N. Main Street • Doylestown, PA 215.230.7776
naragon.com or call us for a free initial phone consultation. W I NT E R 2 0 1 9
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Keith J. Williams, Esq., Bucks County Defense Attorney
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ith 36 years of experience, Bucks County attorney, Keith J. Williams, Esq., is dedicated to defending and protecting the rights of the accused and their presumption of innocence through aggressive, award-winning criminal defense. “I believe everyone deserves the best possible representation available regardless of age, race, sexual orientation or economic circumstance. Providing aggressive, effective and reasonably-priced advice, counsel and representation to all my clients, I’m always here to help in your time of need.” Located in the heart of Doylestown, Keith’s practice focuses on representing individuals in a variety of legal matters including: Criminal Defense, DUI Defense, Juvenile Defense and Traffic Violations Defense. Keith is distinguished for working closely with his clients throughout the entire legal process, including court proceedings, negotiations, hearings and trials. Keith J. Williams has dedicated his life to giving back to his community. To further that endeavor and encourage a passion for law in the next generation, he has established The Keith J. Williams Law Scholarship. Apply online: www.KeithJWilliamsLaw.com/Scholarship When you need an experienced defense attorney, call Keith J. Williams at 215-340-1134 for aggressive, strategic and affordable representation from an award-winning lawyer who will fight passionately for you and treat you with respect. For more information, visit www.keithjwilliamslaw.com. 120 B U C K S C O U N T Y M A G . C O M
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ounded in 1895, Grim, Biehn & Thatcher is the second oldest law firm in Bucks County and is the oldest and largest law firm with its principal offices in Upper Bucks County. Since its founding by Webster Grim, Grim, Biehn & Thatcher has been providing trusted legal counsel, practical, commonsense advice and values-based business solutions to clients throughout the Philadelphia region. Currently, the firm is comprised of 19 attorneys, including fourth-generation Grim family members, along with an experienced and loyal support staff. Grim, Biehn & Thatcher provides high-quality legal services covering a wide range of practice areas at reasonable rates for our clients, including: business matters, commercial & tax law, litigation, criminal law, family law, landlord/tenant matters, municipal & zoning law, real estate, personal injury, and wills & estates. The firm’s client base includes individuals; small, midsize, and large businesses; municipalities; financial institutions; hospitals; medical providers; and non-profit community organizations. Grim, Biehn & Thatcher is committed to providing its
clients with thoughtful, personalized counsel that complies with the following statement of values: • Responsibility — We recognize that we are in a service business and that our clients expect and deserve timeliness and responsiveness. This priority is imbedded into our culture and values. • Trust — We represent clients in a skillful and honest manner, taking ownership of every action in our dealings with clients and others with unyielding integrity. • Diligence — Providing the best service means being confident about what we do and always working hard to deliver quality service with the client’s goals in mind throughout. • Value — We strive to pool our firm talents and resources to better serve clients and minimize unnecessary costs and expenses, thus providing increased value to our clients. Grim, Biehn & Thatcher is located at 104 South 6th Street, P.O. Box 215, Perkasie, PA 18944. For more information about Grim, Biehn & Thatcher, call 215-257-6811 or visit www.grimlaw.com.
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LIEBMANN FAMILY LAW Family Law Attorneys
DIVORCE • PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENTS CUSTODY & SUPPORT • LGBT LAW ESTATES & PROBATE • ADOPTION DOMESTIC VIOLENCE • ELDER LAW • PATERNITY GRANDPARENTS’ RIGHTS • WILLS
Free initial consultation. Weekend and Evening Appointments Available.
4 Terry Drive, Suite 4, Newtown, PA 18940
(215) 860-8200
Jeffrey Liebmann, David J. Sowerbutts, J. Snyder David A. J. Sowerbutts,.Mindy J. Snyder, JeffreyMindy A. Liebmann.
www.liebmannfamilylaw.com
Liebmann Family Law
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iebmann Family Law in Newtown was founded in 2008 and is one of a handful of firms in Bucks County that focuses exclusively on family law and related issues: Contested and uncontested divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support and alimony; pre-nuptial and postnuptial agreements, Division of property, wills and estate planning; probate of wills, grandparents’ rights, and adoption. The Liebmann Family Law Team includes three full-time attorneys: Jeffrey A. Liebmann, David Sowerbutts, and Mindy J. Snyder, as well as four legal assistants. Each of the attorneys has more than 25 years of Family Law experience, and are known for their special skills and knowledge, as well as handling cases with a great deal of care and compassion. The firm has created an atmosphere in which any one of the attorneys can step in and handle any emergency, and each of them has access to all the files to answer any questions that arise throughout a case. The attorneys of the firm appear in Bucks and the surrounding counties, including New Jersey. Please contact the office to schedule an initial free consultation. Liebmann Family Law is located at The Atrium, 4 Terry Drive, Suite 4, Newtown, PA 18940. For more information, call 215-860-8200 or visit www.Liebmannfamilylaw.com.
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ments and handle other legal proce-
understands the law will be best situated
while other times it makes more sense to
dures. If you're not an attorney, you
to explain your options and can help you
see your case through to trial.
may struggle with the deadlines and
avoid potentially severe penalties even
protocol for properly filling out and fil-
before a criminal trial begins.
9. The other party has legal representation. Non-attorneys are generally at a disadvantage when squaring off against
ing certain legal documents. One late or incorrect filing could derail your case,
7. Because it is probably better to
opposing counsel or doing business with
delay a given legal procedure or
avoid problems in the first place rather
another party that has legal counsel. As
worse—have the case thrown out alto-
than try to fix them once they arise. You
explained above, the law is complicated
gether (and not in your favor).
may have heard the saying "an ounce of
and an attorney representing your adver-
prevention is worth a pound of cure?"
sary (or even a non-adversarial party
5. Because you don't know any expert
Well, hiring a lawyer in many instances
entering into a legal agreement with you)
witnesses or private detectives. Attorneys
will help you avoid potential legal
will take advantage of this inequity.
depend on an extended network of pro-
headaches down the road. Do you really
fessionals to help their clients' cases. Most
understand the fine print of that contract
non-attorneys do not personally know the
you are signing? A lawyer will.
types of professionals who can help with discovery or challenge evidence or testimony by the opposing party.
8. A good lawyer can strike up a good settlement offer or plea bargain, if necessary. An experienced lawyer probably has
6. You're not sure how to plead—or
seen cases similar to yours or at least
what a 'pleading' is? Pleading guilty is not
knows enough to make a calculated guess
the only choice, even if there is evidence
about how it might resolve at trial.
pointing directly at you. An attorney who
Sometimes a settlement is the best choice,
10. Lawyers often provide a free initial consultation. Since many attorneys will meet with you for free during a faceto-face consultation, there is really no harm in talking with one. Not only will a free consultation give you an idea of the type of case you have, it will help you decide whether you actually need to hire a lawyer.
Visit BUCKSCOUNTYMAG.COM
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