June 3, 2012

  • How Should I Protect Myself Financially During My Divorce?

    Many people may go into a divorce thinking the process will remain as an uncontested divorce and that everything is going to stay amicable. Additionally, this desire to keep everything as friendly and simple as possible could mean not making the best financial decisions in an effort to not rock the boat and cause arguments. However, it's important that even in cases where the divorce seems to be going good, to still protect your finances.

    The first thing you will want to do is separate your bank accounts. Even if you feel this will make your ex mad, it's better to separate everything now, than run the risk of your ex cleaning everything out. While the divorce court would likely consider that spouse liable for waste of the marital assets, you may have to wait until long after the divorce is final before you will see any compensation for that financial loss.

    Secondly, along that same line, you should stop contributing to any retirement accounts, 401k’s, or whole life insurance policies. Open new accounts and continue any contributions to those accounts. The original accounts will likely be considered marital assets to which your spouse will be entitled to a part. The new accounts, however, can be successfully argued as your sole property. In addition, you should contact your insurance agent to change the name of your beneficiaries if it currently is your spouse.

    If you would like to speak to a Virginia Beach divorce attorney about asset distribution, please contact us today. (757) 422-0195.

    Garrett Law Group, PLC

  • What Is Robbery And How Do I Prepare A Good Defense?

    The crime of robbery is defined simply as larceny or theft from another by means of threat or violence. While the definition may be simple, a robbery case is anything but. Robbery is considered a major violent felony. In Virginia, anyone convicted of robbery is certain to be sentenced to a lengthy active prison sentence. If the crime involves the use of a firearm, there is a mandatory minimum sentence of three years for that charge, in addition to any sentence imposed for the robbery charge itself. When facing such steep punishment you will want to be sure you have a robbery defense attorney who understands and deals specifically with this type of criminal case on a regular basis. It is important to select a criminal lawyer who has experience in defending robbery charges and will defend your rights.

    In preparing for a robbery defense, you should be prepared to discuss certain issues with your defense attorney beginning with your version of the facts - how you know the alleged victim, were there any witnesses, and do you have an alibi. Also, your defense attorney will need to discuss the police investigation, including how you were arrested, what statements you made, if any, and what physical evidence was seized from you. With the basic information, our defense team will begin investigations on your behalf to build a quality defense for you.

    GarrettLawGroup.com

May 26, 2012

  • What Are the Consequences of An Underage Possession of Alcohol Charge in Virginia?

    Statistics indicate that over 5000 teenagers die each year as a result of alcohol. The statistics include various types of cases such as car accidents, suicides, and even homicides.

    In Virginia, it is a criminal offense for anyone under the age of twenty-one to possess alcohol in any manner. Possession can be established if someone is holding a can of beer, opened or unopened; has a bottle of vodka in their backpack or purse, even if the bag is not in their immediate possession; or has recently drank a glass of wine and has alcohol in their system.

    The consequences for a criminal charge of underage possession of alcohol vary from case to case. Some cases involve minor alcohol use, or curious experimentation; other cases involve frequent users and even those addicted to alcohol. In more severe cases and those charged with multiple or subsequent offenses, the court may convict the defendant of a Class 1 misdemeanor and punishment may then include jail time, or confinement in a juvenile detention center, as well as a fine and driver’s license suspension.

    Under Virginia law, a judge does have the authority to dismiss an underage alcohol possession charge provided it's a first offense, and the defendant presents a persuasive case to the court as to why they should receive such treatment. Many times a dismissal will be ordered only after completion of community service or payment of a fine and court costs. In some cases, the court may also suspend a defendant’s driver’s license, even if there was no association of vehicle operation with the charge.

    It is important that you discuss your underage possession of alcohol charge with a criminal defense lawyer so that you can present the best case to the court and achieve the best outcome possible.

    Garrett Law Group, PLC - http://www.garrettlawgroup.com

May 12, 2012

  • Domestic Violence In Divorce

    Are you presently trapped in a marriage gone bad, feeling entirely helpless and alone? Are you yearning to get out of this mess and to begin again having a renewed sense of hope and better self-esteem? Then maybe it is about time you truly assessed the relationship you are in right now and if it's still worth keeping. Perhaps it has come to the point that you ought to take action in order to enhance the remaining years of your life and not merely enduring all the pain and adding up on your collection of horrible memories.

    Free Consultation

    Many women today in are going for the free consultations being given by divorce lawyers. This is an option that's often open to women like you who may be going through an intense, painful experience in your marriage and are contemplating getting divorced.

    A cost-free consultation with a divorce expert in the legal field can educate you on the options you have as well as the legal proceedings involved. This will be advantageous for women who need to be empowered about the possibly brighter future waiting for them.

    Domestic Violence

    At present, there are plenty of cases of domestic violence in family law which divorce attorneys encounter on a daily basis. If you're currently experiencing any type of domestic violence, you ought to certainly begin taking into consideration divorce. Whether or not your husband is constantly threatening you with words or giving you verbal abuse, it is without a doubt time to take action. If your husband is hurting you physically, then there is no doubt that you've fallen into a dark pit from which you need to get out as soon as possible. Choosing to remain may push you further down until you are engulfed in pure darkness and have nowhere to run to anymore.

    The Benefits of Getting Out

    Being freed from this trap will offer you a possibility at a fresh life that is more peaceful and healthier for you and for the children, if there are any. This will uplift your spirit and let you excel once again at the things you used to do well in. You'll be in a position to check out a lot of new things or even to possibly fall in love once more when you are ready. In addition, you can appreciate a renewed strength of character and much greater confidence and self-esteem that will drive you to succeed in life despite the difficulties you went through.

    Whenever you begin to falter in your faith that things might be better and that you can actually survive this terrible circumstance and get out of the seemingly unending distress, think of the things that encourage you to go on and to bounce back. It can be your parents and your children. It can be the job you have often desired to pursue. It can be that moment of waking up with the sun shining radiantly and with a feeling of incredible peace in your heart. No matter what it is that you are thinking of, let it out and hold on to it. These are the things that will keep you afloat and will push you to ultimately remove yourself from this nightmare.

    The Help You Need

    After you retain the expertise of a divorce attorney, you can be guaranteed of sound legal assistance which can save you from your bad marriage and can finally give you a new life.

    Be certain to pick out divorce attorneys from trustworthy and reliable organizations and with sound background and experience in this area. By doing this, you won't have any concern. These experts can assist you with your concerns and can constantly update you on the status of your particular case. The best one will definitely return your phone calls quickly and will painstakingly describe the details that you have to bear in mind.

    As you are going through this challenging ordeal, it would be beneficial for you to be hopeful that things will go well. Look forward to the great things that will come out of this divorce. Make the most of this experience by understanding and coming out more powerful and braver.

    All throughout the entire predicament, your divorce attorney will be with you every step of the way. Collectively you can fight for your legal rights and for the new found life you deserve to have at the conclusion of it all.

    Garrett Law Group, PLC
    Virginia Beach Divorce Attorney
    Virginia Beach Divorce Lawyers

May 4, 2012

  • When Looking For A Divorce Lawyer, Where Should You Look?

    Data declare that about 50 % of all the marriages will lead to divorce. Some unions last, but not all unions were made to last. During this turbulent time in your lifetime, you will discover numerous areas to seek out an attorney for a divorce proceeding. Here's a simple menu of where yow will discover a divorce legal professional.

    1. Neighbor of Family Recommendations It's possible you have a fellow worker, colleague, co-worker or member of the family that has experienced a divorce case previously. These folks can provide you a good understanding on their particular knowledge of the divorce attorney that they hired for their legal actions. In some instances, that friend or family member will be located outside your jurisdiction and thus varied laws may apply. Always make an effort to seek a reference from a person who is near you for divorce advice simply because the same local laws will apply.

    2. Internet- Most individuals these days seek out resources quickly and can accomplish this by merely connecting to the net. The internet is filled with legal information along with local divorce attorneys in your city. The online world is a wonderful alternative as the major search engines can display exhaustive results that are relevant to your search. An alternative choice, if available, is connecting to the web through your mobile device since your soon to be ex spouse won't be able to examine your recent history on the home desktop.

    3. Local Phone Directory Listings- By taking a search through your city phone book or yellow pages, you will see a sizable number of licensed law offices in your neighborhood. Try to remember, the attorney or lawyer with the biggest ad may not be the correct fit for your divorce. If you decide to elect to choose a divorce attorney by yellow page advertisements, make sure that you call on several local law firms and make certain they specialize in divorce cases. Some legal professionals practicing family law, may only focus on adoption services. Ensure that the knowledge of divorces is their principal practice.

    4. Bar Association- Many municipalities will likely have a local bar organization. This can be another area to search for divorce lawyers. Should you speak to the association, they can place you in contact with a handful of recognized nearby divorce attorneys. Here, you are sure that the law firm is licensed and fulfills all of the qualifications necessary.

    5. Local Law Schools- If you need a divorce attorney or lawyer and do not have a great deal of money to pay, find a local law school and speak to their legal aid clinic. If your financial circumstance is approved for their pro bono program, it is possible to take advantage of their lower prices. But, should you not, they could still point you to a divorce lawyer that might match your requirements.

    6. Legal Aid Services- Another choice for anybody who is strapped for cash or have little salary is legal aid society. Carry out a search for legal aid society in your home town. Particular requirements might apply to you to become entitled to legal aid. Legal aid providers also perform pro bono circumstances for financial hardship candidates. Many divorce attorneys in towns will take cases through pro bono.

    Virginia Beach Divorce Attorney

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