Blog - Vacaville Attorney

3 Differences Between Top Notch & Mediocre Family Attorneys

December 7, 2019 By davidknecht

With the number of attorneys in the Vacaville area, how do you know if you are hiring the right one? Here are three key differences that will help you identify a top-notch attorney from a mediocre family attorney.

Time

A big indicator of a good attorney is how much time they spend with their clients. If you struggle to get them on the phone, or even to get a response to an email, they may not have the dedication to you that you desire. A good attorney is focused on spending time with you and focusing on your case. The attorney should have one of their paralegals send you updates on the case so you do stay informed, even if nothing changes.

A top-notch attorney will spend time studying the facts of the case and looking at the case from all angles. Attorneys will also consult with experts and other attorneys to ensure they have identified all problems and possible issues that could arise with your case. Speak to your attorney and find out how many other cases they are currently working so you know how much attention they will provide to you.

Empathy

Family law is a personal matter, leading to many emotions for clients. You need to have an attorney that understands the sensitive nature of your case and wants to help. A good attorney will know how the decisions they make with you can impact your children and your future. Here are some of the signs that show the signs of a good attorney from a mediocre one:

The attorney gives you the confidence to talk candidly.
The attorney will listen to you.
The attorney makes you feel comfortable with everything that you are facing.
The attorney will answer questions you ask.
The attorney will be honest about your case including fees, timeframe, and how the process will work.

A good attorney has a heart and they understand how difficult this entire process will be for you. If you do not feel good about the attorney when you meet with them, contact a new attorney to find one that shows empathy for your situation and your case.

Trust

A good attorney is understandable and wants to help you through your case. If you ask questions and the attorney cannot give you clear answers, it may be wise to look for a different attorney. Everything you provide to the attorney is in confidence with them. Your attorney will listen and take the information and will not share it with other people. Trust is critical when it comes to family law case and you deserve an attorney that cares about you and will not break your trust.

After you meet with multiple attorneys, go over the pros and cons of the attorneys and determine which one checks all the boxes you need. David Knecht Law in Vacaville is here to help with all your family law needs. Our experts have over three decades of family law experience, and our goal is to ensure the best outcome for you and your case. Contact our office to schedule a consultation today.

Filed Under: Family Law, Legal Advice, Vacaville Attorney, Vacaville Lawyer

3 Most Important Things to Avoid After Being Charged with DUI

December 1, 2019 By davidknecht

Drunk driving continues to be one of the most serious crimes in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about 1.5 million people are arrested yearly for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. First-time offenders are not always prepared to handle the legalities that start when they have been charged with a DUI. Hiring a good attorney is one of the most important things you can do as you navigate the next steps to take.

Not Contacting a DUI Attorney

Many people aren’t sure what they should and should not do following a DUI charge. In some states, you can make your situation worse by doing the breathalyzer test or volunteering information to law enforcement. An attorney will be able to help you understand what you should and should not do so you don’t make the charges worse. DUI laws are complex and do require in-depth knowledge of the legal system.

An experienced and skilled DUI attorney will have experience with cases similar to yours and will be able to create a case strategy that provides a favorable outcome. The judges are another thing to consider as some are tougher on different types of DUI cases, so you do want an attorney who has dealt with the judges previously. The right attorney knows how to effectively present the information to the court in a way the judge prefers. Always make sure you are protected and do yourself a favor and hire an experienced DUI attorney.

Social Media

After you have been charged with a DUI, avoid social media. Make sure you have set your social media account to private so the information on your accounts cannot be used against you. Unfortunately, many people make their situation worse with pictures and postings showing you with drugs or alcohol on the night of the arrest. Prosecutors often use social media accounts and pull the incriminating photos to use against you in court. Not only do the images on the account hurt your case, they can also damage your reputation. Even if you are innocent, photographs and posts are not the information you need circulating about you. Do yourself a favor and avoid social media in the wake of a DUI arrest and do not post anything!

Acting Nonchalant

Following a DUI arrest, you need to take the situation seriously. Unfortunately, too many people act nonchalant after the arrest and assume their attorney will swoop in and take care of everything. If you haven’t taken a moment to write down everything that has occurred, you can make your attorney’s job extremely difficult to negotiate the best deal possible. Here are some things you need to work on following a DUI stop:

When and where were you when you were stopped?
Why did the officer stop you?
Did you take a breath test? What did the device look like?
Did you tell the officer anything about what you ate or drank?
What tests did the officer do in addition to the breath test? Did you do a eye tracking test, talk and turn, and one leg stand?

Taking a few minutes to go over everything and writing it down can help your attorney work on your case. The Law Offices of David Knecht Law in Vacaville has been working in DUI law for over three decades. Our experts are here to help. Contact our office for a consultation.

Filed Under: DUI, Fairfield Attorney, Fairfield Lawyer

3 Things Most People Knew Before Hiring a Family Attorney

November 7, 2019 By davidknecht

Hiring the right person to handle your family law case may feel like an arduous process. However, if you spend some time doing some research, you can find the right attorney for your needs. Here are some things you need to know before you hire a family attorney.

Prepare for a Consultation

When you schedule a consultation, you need to be aware of what you are planning to ask when you talk to the attorney. Are you looking to get some advice from the attorney? Are you planning to have a specific task completed by the attorney as you do plan on representing yourself in some way? You need to have a budget and discuss this with your attorney in order to make sure you are on the same page when it pertains to the costs.

There are some attorneys who will do phone consultations if you are seeking some advice. Make a list of questions you’d like answered prior to meeting with the attorney to go over the specifics related to your case.

How Much Involvement Do You Want?

Some people do not want to have a lot of involvement in their case, while others want to have multiple updates. Do you prefer them to send you email or phone updates? You need to make sure you are up-front and have realistic expectations with the attorney. Would you like the attorney to be more aggressive and focus on moving the case into court versus working on negotiation and mediation?

Forecasting a Positive Outcome

When you work with an attorney, you want to find someone who is on your side. Forecasting a positive outcome will make you feel better about your case, but also about your future. You need to make sure you have a positive attitude when you come into the room with the attorney so they can see your hopefulness for the future. A good attorney will not only feel capable of handling your case, but they will also help you get established in the future with connections for a support network.

Define What is Important to You

There are always people who say they are unhappy with the outcome of the divorce. While it is normal for there to be situations when you cannot get everything you want in a divorce, a good attorney will do their best to give you the best outcome. Divorce does mean you will have to sacrifice things, but your attorney will work on making sure you are treated fairly. If there are certain assets or intangibles that are important to you, make sure you tell your attorney. The attorney will have a priority list with the negotiations and will work hard to bring you the right outcome.

Contact David Knecht Law firm in Vacaville, CA today to schedule a consultation for your family law case.

Filed Under: General

Characteristics of a Great DUI Attorney

November 1, 2019 By davidknecht

Finding a great DUI attorney can be a difficult process, especially if this is your first DUI. Finding a good criminal defense attorney comes down to the following five characteristics:

Excellent Communication
Confidentiality
Experience and Knowledge
Aggressiveness
Empathy

Excellent Communication

A good attorney will know how to listen to their clients. If you have an attorney that doesn’t put your needs first could cause you to have a larger fee to pay, or jail time to face. Not only should your DUI attorney be able to listen to you, they should be able to listen to the judges and opposing attorney. Having excellent communication is vital to making sure the case will go in your favor. A good attorney will know how to communicate with everyone and will know how to negotiate effectively.

Confidentiality

A DUI case can be embarrassing for some people. If you want to keep your arrest on the down low, you need to make sure you are working with an attorney who focuses on confidentiality. The information you communicate to your attorney should stay between the two of you. Make sure you talk about confidentiality with your DUI attorney prior to hiring them.

Experience and Knowledge

DUI law is always changing, which can lead to confusion for a lot of clients and even their attorneys. You need to make sure the DUI attorney you work with keeps up with the latest changes in the law and has recent experience in the courtroom with similar cases. Having more experience in DUI law is beneficial to your case as the attorney not only has recent information, but they have likely worked with the judge who was assigned to your case. A good attorney has experience with each judge and can tailor your case accordingly to obtain the best possible outcome.

Aggressiveness

A good attorney will have the experience in the courtroom you need in order to be aggressive. Having the right level of aggressiveness in the courtroom can help to improve your outcome in the case, and hopefully reduce the risk of large penalties and jail time.

Empathy

A DUI is not an easy thing to process for a lot of people. To some people, it’s a wake-up call to change their behaviors. To others, a DUI is simply a nuisance. No matter what, your attorney needs to have empathy for your situation. Some attorneys try to help their patients with their future by offering some counseling services to help you on your journey towards recovery and a positive future.

Contact the Law Offices of David Knecht Law in Vacaville, CA, today to discuss your DUI. These five characteristics will help you find the right attorney to represent you in court.

Filed Under: Fairfield Lawyer, Vacaville Attorney, Vacaville Lawyer

3 Secrets to Finding the Best Vacaville Divorce Attorney

October 27, 2019 By davidknecht

One of the hardest moments in life is going through a divorce. In the United States, a divorce occurs every 36 seconds. With such a high percentage of divorce, there is no question why many people are consulting attorney’s prior to marriage in order to protect their assets. If you are in a position where you do need a Vacaville divorce attorney, here are 3 things you need to find to find the right one.

Search for an Attorney Who Focuses on Everyone’s Best Interests

When it comes to divorce, there will be a lot of emotions happening. Some people cannot think clearly and can easily make mistakes in the divorce proceedings. Protecting yourself is important, but it also pays to have an attorney who watches out for everyone in the divorce. Are the decisions you making going to have a large impact on the daily routine of your children? Understanding how negotiation works may help you select an attorney that feels right for your situation, especially if neither you and your soon to be ex-spouse have the desire to “battle” for everything acquired in the marriage.

Up Front with Costs

As you work with an attorney, consider discussing the divorce costs with them right away. Will a flat rate fee be easier for your situation, or do you fear getting a large bill for the divorce? A simple divorce may not be worth the amount of money you pay in a large flat rate fee. A good attorney will talk to you about the financial ramifications you can expect from a divorce.

Does the Attorney Care?

Meet with several attorneys before you hire someone. An experienced attorney in divorce law should have empathy and compassion for their clients. You need to hire someone that feels like a good fit for your case. Here are some questions to ask yourself when you are comparing attorneys:

Have they dealt with similar divorces to yours?
Do they have plenty of experience?
Do you feel like you can speak with them directly?

Find an attorney you can connect with, and one that you feel has your best interests in mind when handling your case. There are attorneys who can provide you with compassion and care while also fighting for your rights. Contact David Knecht Law in Vacaville to schedule a consultation to discuss your divorce case.

Filed Under: General

Why David Knecht is The Best Vacaville Attorney

October 22, 2019 By davidknecht

An attorney is someone who needs to have experience and the right level of knowledge in all aspects of the law. Attorneys can learn from any law school, but it takes the right characteristics to truly become the best Vacaville attorney. With experience comes new knowledge, which allows many attorneys to become successful in the courtroom. David Knecht has been practicing in the Vacaville area for almost two decades. David brings years of experience in law to his clients as he specializes in multiple areas of the law including:

Divorce
Child Custody
Child Support
Wills
Living Trusts
Probate
Trust Administration
Criminal
DUI
Juvenile

Why an Attorney Needs Excellent Communication

A good attorney will be able to listen well in addition to having good written communication. There are several documents that need to be filed, and one simple mistake on a form could delay your case for several weeks or months!

Analytical Skills

At the Law Offices of David Knecht, we focus on looking at each case we take on from all angles. We believe it is important to have both points of view in order to have a well-rounded position when working a case. Our experts are able to take in large amounts of information, process it effectively, and use it to present the best place possible. A good attorney has to be capable of thinking on their toes as the courtroom will toss curveballs at them from time to time. David Knecht has proven time and time again that he is always willing and capable of getting the job done!

Personable Skills

Your Vacaville attorney needs to be able to work with all personality types. David Knecht Law Offices work with a skilled team of experts who are accountable, organized, and have the listening and people skills needed to manage a courtroom. We know that we work with people, and the way we work on a case can impact a person’s life forever. Our experts know how to read people, and we know how to focus on presenting an honest case to the judge.

Without good people skills, an attorney would not be able to look at the case from all angles and bring you the right outcome. David Knecht has the personable skills needed to make him the best Vacaville attorney. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.

Filed Under: Vacaville Attorney, Vacaville Lawyer

What to Look for in Your Fairfield DUI Attorney

September 27, 2019 By davidknecht

A DUI case is complex and quite challenging. It is important to have a good DUI attorney managing your case to help you properly navigate this. Here are some tips to help you find the right Fairfield DUI attorney:

Experience

No matter what time of case you are dealing with, you need to find someone with experience. Look for an attorney with a good reputation, and one who has dealt with cases similar to yours in the past. Online reviews are helpful, but it is also beneficial to talk to an attorney about their previous cases.

Empathy and Understanding

A good Fairfield DUI attorney will be understanding about your case and this situation. The attorney will look for options to help you through this case, and even options for where you can go from here.

Honesty

A DUI case can come with a number of unexpected twists and turns in the case. A good attorney will be honest with you about the outcomes you are facing. The DUI attorney will have experience in other cases like yours, and they will be able to let you know honestly what to expect.

Communication

A good attorney will know how to communicate effectively with their clients. The attorney will promptly return the phone calls, emails, and text messages. Having an attorney that is honest and will openly communicate with their clients shows they truly have their clients best interest in mind.

Chemistry

When you meet with the attorney, gauge how well they treat you. If you do not feel that you can trust this person and do not have good chemistry with them, it is a good idea to talk to another attorney. You need to find someone you are comfortable being with, and knowing will protect you and your rights.

Reasonable Fees

The attorney should be up front with you about the fees you will experience related to your case. A DUI is expensive, and you need to be prepared for the costs that you will need to pay. However, there are certain attorneys out there that do try to charge more than their fair share for the case. It is important to look for an attorney that you know will be reasonable and you can trust.

Contact the experts at David Knecht Law to discuss your DUI case and determine what is the best option to take for your case.

Filed Under: Contract Law, Criminal Law, General Legal Advice

3 Things People Wish They Knew Before Hiring a Divorce Attorney

September 19, 2019 By davidknecht

When it comes to divorce, it’s always going to be a stressful and emotional process. Some amical couples focus on trying to divorce without the need of hiring an attorney, but many quickly regret this decision. Saving time and money is usually the reason people try and divorce without an attorney. Assets, children, and some other complex factors can make a “simple” divorce complicated. Hiring an attorney is the best way to make sure you are protected and represented fairly in the case. Here are 3 things people wish they knew before they choose to represent yourself in a divorce case.

Experience in Family Law Matters

Some attorneys do not have experience in family law. If your soon to be ex has a top divorce attorney, you won’t want to be left without someone with experience in family law is helping you. Certain attorneys will try and take more than what is reasonable for your ex, so it’s important to protect yourself.

Divorce is emotional, and it can be hard to make rational, clear decisions. An attorney is someone who is focused on protecting you, and they will reduce the risk of you making decisions that are not in your best interest. An attorney is an objective third-party so it is easier for them to be able to provide you with sound advice.

Divorce Attorneys Know Multiple Options

When you work with an experienced divorce attorney, you can be certain they will have experience with a variety of cases. Some attorneys know which judges tend to lean different ways in their rulings. If people work out a ruling they need to know if the judge will reject it or not. Lawyers will focus on creating settlement proposals, which need to be proposed in a specific manner to obtain a fair ruling. A lawyer with experience will come up with similar options that others may not know yet. Always seek out an attorney that does have plenty of experience in all types of divorce cases and is familiar with updated family law.

Divorce Can Take a Long Time

Even when you think you will have a simple divorce, it can take a long time for divorce to be completed. The amount of paperwork that one needs to do for divorce can be lengthy and challenging. Producing the proper paperwork and making sure it is filled out correctly can make a difference in how your divorce plays out.

It is important to meet with multiple lawyers to find the right one who fits your needs. Consider not only the number of divorces they have been involved with, but also one that understands your situation. The personality of the lawyer can make you feel at-ease during this emotional time in your life. Contact David Knecht Law to schedule a consultation to discuss your divorce case.

Filed Under: General

What to Do if You Need a Vacaville Divorce Lawyer

September 12, 2019 By davidknecht

Depending upon your situation, you may need to hire a divorce attorney to help you with your case. If your soon to be ex-partner has hired someone to represent them, it might be a good idea to contact an attorney on your own to help you. Many people try to avoid hiring divorce lawyers because they want to save money, but it normally costs them in the long-run. Here are some tips to follow if you need to hire a Vacaville divorce lawyer.

Experience

One thing you need to consider is the experience of the Vacaville divorce lawyer. Not all divorce cases are the same, so it is vital to make sure you are finding someone who knows how to handle cases like yours. If you have children involved, it will add a different element to your case. A good attorney will have experience handling other cases like yours, but they will focus on making sure your children are cared for as well. A good attorney wants the best outcome for your entire family.

Understanding

Everyone is in different life situations. When you go through a divorce, you may be at a time when you or your spouse was financially dependent upon each other. Separating money and assets will become complicated quickly. It pays to look for a lawyer who is going to listen to you and will be understanding about your situation. Their goal should be to help you and to make sure the divorce goes off as simply as possible.

Communication

One of the most frustrating things when going through a legal case is dealing with someone who doesn’t take your case seriously. If you feel like your attorney isn’t communicating with you, you are probably right! Look for an attorney who prioritizes your time and answers your questions. How promptly do they answer the phone or return your phone calls? Do they update you often with news about your case?

Costs

A Vacaville divorce lawyer is someone that needs to be up-front with you about their fees. People need to know what they will be paying for the divorce costs, along with the settlement agreement that will occur. People need to know if they can even afford hiring a divorce lawyer. Here are some things that you need to discuss with the attorney:

Spousal support costs or estimates as to what you will owe or receive monthly
Child support needs
Proposed agreements and if they are legally enforceable
Explanation of your legal rights and making sure your rights are protected

Dealing with a divorce is hard, but it doesn’t have to ruin your life. Working with a Vacaville divorce lawyer will make sure you are taken care of, and your best interests are kept in mind at all times. Contact David Knecht Law to discuss your divorce case, and to ensure you are working with an honest, fair lawyer.

Filed Under: General

How to Find the Best Vacaville Family Attorney

September 2, 2019 By davidknecht

When you deal with a divorce case, it’s hard to know who to trust and has your best interests at heart. No divorce is as simple as a cut and dry method. There are several things to handle like the division of assets, boundaries, custody, etc. A good child custody lawyer can help with this case as they have experience in similar cases. Finding the right one can come down to selecting through several Vacaville family attorneys. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Experience With Similar Cases

Family law cases will work with a variety of areas in family law that include custody. There is a difference when you find an attorney who truly cares about their clients, and wants to help them individually versus an attorney who is in it for money. Focus on finding a lawyer who wants to help everyone in your family including your children as they will make decisions that are in their best interest.

Proximity

If you are going across state lines, you need an attorney who is in proximity to you and your region. Having a working knowledge of the case’s jurisdiction is important. Another thing to consider is where you live and how close it is for you to get to.

Personality

The personality of the attorney can make a difference in your case as well. You need to be able to find someone you can connect with. The attorney needs to be someone you can trust. If you feel like you cannot tell the attorney about your experiences and things that might help your case, you could end up with an unfair deal in whatever family law situation you are dealing with. You need an attorney that is kind, understanding, level-headed, and has your best interests in mind.

Communication

A good attorney will be prompt in the way they communicate with their clients. A good attorney will make sure they return phone calls from clients. Attorneys will send regular emails and updates to clients so they don’t end up feeling like they are not aware of what is happening with the case.

Experience

One of the important things to consider when working with an attorney is to review their experience. What do their other clients say about them? Read online reviews to learn more about the attorney and how their reputation is in the industry.

It’s not uncommon for people to have three or four different family law attorneys over time. It can be hard for people to find a person they feel does have their best interests at heart. Working with a family law attorney doesn’t have to be hard, work with the right experts at David Knecht Law today!

Filed Under: Legal Advice, Locations Served, Vacaville Attorney, Vacaville Lawyer