When To Seek Legal Advice
M
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.
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 docucontinued on page 85
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WE CARE WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU
A
t Shelly Law Offices, LLC, Carol A. Shelly is a trial lawyer with a well-earned reputation for aggressive representation. Insurance companies don't roll over easily. While some attorneys may aim for a good-enough settlement for medical bills, lost wages and other expenses, our firm keeps pushing until we achieve the best possible result. For us, good enough isn't good enough. We pursue every possible avenue of compensation and prepare from the beginning assuming that your case could go to trial. Even if it doesn't, our meticulous preparation and unyielding approach helps us secure the maximum possible compensation for every case. If you or a loved one have suffered a serious injury, we understand that your life has likely been turned upside down. Your normal life patterns have been disrupted, and the future you had envisioned could be permanently altered. We are sensitive to the highly personal and emotional nature of serious injuries, and provide an understanding ear as well as strong legal representation. This could be the most important fight of your life. We respect what you're going through and look forward to learning how we can help you prevail in this difficult time. Carol A. Shelly. More than 34 years experience.
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASHES MEDICAL MALPRACTICE WRONGFUL DEATH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY PREMISES LIABILITY
OUR
DECADES OF EXPERIENCE TRANSLATES INTO
EFFECTIVE
&
POWERFUL RESOLUTION FOR YOUR CASE.
After a serious injuiry, you need the strongest legal help you can get as soon as possible. Carol A. Shelly is a seasoned trial lawyer with a reputation for aggressive representation.
70 West Oakland Ave., Doylestown, PA • 267-454-7940 • www.shelly-law.com
Grim, Biehn & Thatcher Trusted Legal Counsel
F
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
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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.
Shelly Law Offices, LLC And Car Insurance Options
O
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, unin-
sured/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 better, we know how important it is for you to consider your options carefully before
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the only choice, even if there is evidence
Sometimes a settlement is the best choice,
pointing directly at you. An attorney who
while other times it makes more sense to
ments and handle other legal proce-
understands the law will be best situated
see your case through to trial.
dures. If you're not an attorney, you
to explain your options and can help you
9. The other party has legal represen-
may struggle with the deadlines and
avoid potentially severe penalties even
tation. Non-attorneys are generally at a
before a criminal trial begins.
disadvantage when squaring off against
protocol for properly filling out and fil-
opposing counsel or doing business with
ing certain legal documents. One late or incorrect filing could derail your case, delay a given legal procedure or worse—have the case thrown out altogether (and not in your favor). 5. Because you don't know any expert witnesses or private detectives. Attorneys depend on an extended network of professionals to help their clients' cases. Most non-attorneys do not personally know the types of professionals who can help with discovery or challenge evidence or testimony by the opposing party. 6. You're not sure how to plead—or what a 'pleading' is? Pleading guilty is not
that accident happens. Shelly Law Offices, LLC, 70 West Oakland Ave., Doylestown, PA; 267-454-7940; www.shelly-law.com.
7. Because it is probably better to
another party that has legal counsel. As
avoid problems in the first place rather
explained above, the law is complicated
than try to fix them once they arise. You
and an attorney representing your adver-
may have heard the saying "an ounce of
sary (or even a non-adversarial party
prevention is worth a pound of cure?"
entering into a legal agreement with you)
Well, hiring a lawyer in many instances
will take advantage of this inequity.
will help you avoid potential legal headaches down the road. Do you really understand the fine print of that contract you are signing? A lawyer will. 8. A good lawyer can strike up a good settlement offer or plea bargain, if necessary. An experienced lawyer probably has seen cases similar to yours or at least knows enough to make a calculated guess
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.
about how it might resolve at trial. W I NT E R 2 0 2 0
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Keith J. Williams, Esq., Bucks County Defense Attorney
W
ith 37 years of experience, Bucks County attorney, Keith J. Williams, 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 works closely with his clients throughout the entire legal process, including court proceedings, negotiations, hearings and trials. Keith J. Williams is dedicated 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. Students interested in financial assistance may 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.
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