What Makes a Good Vacaville, CA Attorney

There are many circumstances where you will need the services of a lawyer. Legal services come in handy when you have a business or family matter at hand. You will also need a lawyer when you have been accused of breaking the law. The relationship between a lawyer and client should be cordial.

If you want the best from a lawyer, you must bond with them and disclose any relevant information that you feel will help win your case. In order to get a good Vacaville CA attorney, ask your friends or business associates to recommend attorneys they have worked with before. Interview your prospects before making up your mind on whom to hire.

Nonetheless, a good Vacaville CA attorney should have the following qualities:

  • He should have a lot of legal experience: The kind of training attorneys go through prepares them to handle any type of legal case. In order to get the best person, focus your search on someone who has specialized in a particular area. If you are faced with a DUI charge for instance, look for a DUI lawyer. Similarly, if contemplating divorce, hire a divorce attorney.
  • He must be an excellent communicator: Good lawyers know that not everyone understands legal jargon. Each profession has got its own language and only those who are in it can understand. Therefore, your lawyer should take the liberty to explain in simple terms the meaning of legal terms or phrases that he has used.
  • He should always be available for you: When you meet a lawyer for the first time, you may get to like and hire him to represent you. Later on, you find out that he keeps postponing meetings or sends other colleagues to court. There is no problem with this so long as it is brought to your attention right from the beginning. Make sure you get this clear.
  • His fees should be reasonable: Different attorneys charge their fees differently. There are those who will charge you by the hour. Others charge per session while personal injury lawyers use a contingency method. This means that you pay them only when you win a case. Irrespective of the method a lawyer uses, the fee should be reasonable and commensurate with the services rendered.
  • He should have good client relationship skills: Lawyers are in practice for the sake of making use of the skills they learnt in school in order to earn a living. Without clients, a lawyer would not be in business. It is therefore fair that he treats you well. There should be good chemistry between the two of you. If you feel uncomfortable being around a prospective lawyer, then he is not an ideal choice. Hire a lawyer that you can blend with.

When comparing the services offered by different lawyers, do not base your choice on the cheapest option. Use other features highlighted above and make an informed decision.

You can also negotiate for a fee discount, there’s no harm in doing that. Contact David Knecht Law today to schedule a consultation with our experts!

5 Tips for Choosing an Attorney

 

Dealing with a criminal law case requires the help of a skilled and experienced attorney. While the law presumes a person innocent until proven guilty, it can often be challenging for ordinary people to prove their innocence when they do not have the right tools and resources at hand. An attorney not only understands the law, they will have experience with the local court system. When you are looking for the best criminal defense attorney to handle your case, here are some important things you need to look for. 

Tip # 1 – Time

Does the attorney have the time to take on your case? Some attorneys are heavily sought after, which makes it difficult to hire them for your case. You need a person who can provide the right attention and time to your case in order to help you win. If you hire an attorney that you feel doesn’t understand your situation, or simply doesn’t take the time needed to call you back and answer your questions, move along. This case is important to you and you need an attorney that is willing to give your case plenty of time and attention.

Tip # 2 – Experience

The other area that makes an attorney qualified to take on your case is their overall experience. How long has the attorney dealt with cases similar to yours? What is their winning record? Have they been able to obtain fair outcomes for their previous clients? You need to look for an attorney that has plenty of experience with the local court system as well. This shows that the attorney has the right understanding you need for your case to move ahead properly. They know the judges in the area, and can easily work your case in a way that is favorable to what the judge likes to see. 

Tip # 3 – Costs

Attorney fees are not going to be cheap. What is their standard rate? Can the attorney come up with an arrangement to make it easier on you to pay them? The costs are always a concern for clients going up against larger companies and other things. You want to be able to hire the best attorney, but if you cannot afford them, you could end up dealing with another legal battle as the attorney takes you to court for their fees.

Tip # 4 – Confidence

Even if you do plan on hiring an attorney that is new to the world of criminal law, you want to hire a person that is confident. Do they have all the right education, training, and knowledge to hold their own in the courtroom? Do you feel that they can easily stand up for your rights and get you a fair trial? Having confidence in your lawyer will go a long way in your ability to trust them. Take a look at their previous client’s cases to see what people said about their presence in the courtroom, and the overall outcome for the case. 

Tip # 5 – Trust

For the relationship to work with an attorney, you need to be able to trust them. Talk to your friends, neighbors, and others who have worked with the attorney before. Educate yourself about the attorney as much as you possibly can before you meet with them. Having some information about their background can easily help you to forge ahead with a trusting relationship. You will know that the attorney cares about you and your case and wants to fight hard to win the case for you.

Contact David Knecht Law today to schedule a consultation and discuss your legal rights!

 

What to Expect for a Quality Criminal Attorney

 

If you are facing serious criminal charges, which could lead to time in prison, you need to ensure that you have the best criminal defense attorney on your side. The fact is that no two criminal cases are the same, which means that you need to find a criminal attorney that is well versed in the type of charges that you are facing.

Some of the responsibilities that your criminal attorney will take care of include:

  • Working with the prosecuting attorney to negotiate a plea agreement or deal. These plea bargains can typically reduce the sentence that is imposed and may even eliminate some of the charges that you are facing. 
  • Work to create a better sentencing program. This typically involves serving a portion of your sentence in jail and the other at a treatment center or facility.
  • Informs you of the legal regulations and laws that pertain to your specific case. There are many aspects that you may not understand, which your attorney will be able to explain to you. 
  • Ensure that investigations into your case are handled properly and fairly.

When you hire a criminal attorney there are also certain characteristics that you should look for. This will ensure that they meet the standards that are needed to win a case. Some considerations to make include:

  • What is their record of successfully won cases? Also, how many of these cases are similar to your legal situation?
  • Do they have any special training or education that would provide them with additional knowledge that may help you out in your case?
  • Are they available to talk and ask questions to when you need them? Or do they get back to you in a reasonable amount of time?
  • How many years have they been practicing law? Many times, new attorneys will not have the experience or relationships that those who have been practicing longer do. 

A quality criminal attorney will provide you with support and guidance through this hard time. They have the training necessary to work with prosecuting attorneys and judges to ensure that the case comes out in the best possible way for your situation. 

A Vacaville criminal attorney will provide you with all of the guidance and help necessary for a positive outcome to your case. This is essential in ensuring that your sentence is reduced or eliminated. It is also important to understand that in most cases, prosecuting attorneys are not willing to negotiate or deal if you choose to represent yourself. This is why it is so important to find a qualified and experienced attorney that will be able to represent you in your criminal case and ensure that the best possible outcome is reached. 

 

3 Tips on Researching a DWI Defense Attorney

 

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious charge. It is vital that you meet with multiple attorneys to find one that can best represent you. How can you find the right person to trust with your case? Here are 3 tips on how to research a defense attorney to handle a DWI case. 

Tip # 1 – Experience

Research the experience of the attorney to know you are hiring the right person for the job. How long have they been a practicing attorney? Do they primarily focus on DWI cases? How long have they exclusively worked on DWI cases? It is vital that you hire an attorney that works on DUI and DWI cases as they are required to keep up with the latest information on drunk driving regulations. How many cases have they taken on in the past? What is their win/loss record? This is another thing to consider as you need to hire a person that has a lot of experience in the field. What can the attorney do to keep your case off your driving record? You need to demand clear answers to the questions you are asking an attorney. If they are not willing to give them to you, get a second opinion. 

Tip # 2 – Handling Your Case

Since each case is unique, it is expected to have multiple people working on the case with the attorney. How many people will focus on your case, and will the attorney be your primary point of contact? Will they work on other cases at the same time or will they devote all of their attention to your case? It is important to understand where the professional accountability lies. You need to hire an attorney that cares about you and is invested in your case. Look for a person that values the client relationship. Will they keep you informed of updates related to your case? If you do not know who will handle your case on a daily basis, it is best to seek out a second opinion. A good attorney will treat you like a person, not like another case. 

Tip # 3 – Cost

Paying for the legal fees associated with a DWI case can be costly, especially if you go to trial. How much will it cost you to hire the attorney? Will they ask for a fee up-front, or will you pay them once the case is settled? Many attorneys will have a flat-rate fee for their services. This cost will rise if they do need to take your case to court. In which case, you must make sure you are hiring a person with a good winning record in the court room. During the initial meeting with the attorney, try to get a sense for their personality. If they seem like a fighter, and you feel that they are trustworthy, it may help to ease some fears about taking your case to trial. Once you do settle upon a cost, get it in writing. You need to cover your end and make sure you are not getting charged for excess fees that were not in the original agreement. 

 

Hiring the right DWI defense attorney is a decision you must carefully consider. Make sure you are taking the time to research multiple attorneys so you can find a person you can trust. Any case is winnable with the right team on your side. Contact David Knecht Law for a consultation! 

 

Tips to Hire an Honest Vacaville CA Attorney

Wrongful death, divorce, injuries and business disputes are all difficult issues to deal with. In order to gain some restitution, you need to hire an attorney. The legal fraternity has some highly competent people who are always ready to assist their clients. However, finding a good Vacaville CA attorney can at times overwhelm you. Fortunately, if you know the qualities to look out for, the task becomes very easy. The success of a case depends on how well your attorney has prepared for it. It calls for finding credible witnesses and gathering evidence that will make the case watertight.

A good attorney should exhibit the following qualities:

Passion

Professional attorneys are always passionate about cases they take up. Being an attorney does not just come on its own. It is a calling. Without the zeal to serve other people, no lawyer can be successful. The work requires putting in long hours for a client’s sake. A lawyer must take time to understand the circumstances his clients are in. He then applies the right legal principles in order to advice, go to court or negotiate with other parties. Clearly, without passion this may not be possible. Find an attorney who is passionate about what he does.

Empathy

Good attorneys understand how their clients feel. They know that it is not easy to deal with the emotions that come with the death of a loved one. Similarly, an attorney tries to imagine how people who have loved each other suddenly decide they are not ideal mates. This is another quality you should look for in an attorney. An empathetic attorney takes time to get acquainted with clients, obtain facts and gain an understanding of their case. Only then will he be able to represent them in court.

Fearlessness

A fearless attorney gains a lot of respect from prosecutors, judges and other colleagues. Being fearless means taking a stand and not wavering no matter the circumstances. At times, influential people issue threats to attorneys in the hope of making them drop a case. Others try to bribe them so that they can change their line of argument. An experienced attorney develops thick skin and argues with facts. In the end, you get a fair judgment and a reprieve. The quality of being without fear makes a good lawyer remain confident.

Creativity

Good lawyers are supposed to be creative people. In order to attain this, they prepare thoroughly for their cases. If it is a medical case, they obtain medical reports, talk to doctors and even obtain statements from the police. They then look for a path of argument that convinces the judge or jury beyond reasonable doubt. It requires a lot of creativity to do this considering the fact that the opposing side may also be represented by an equally competent attorney. It requires creativity for an attorney to spot a loophole and capitalize on it.

A competent lawyer knows how to use logic in his arguments. Above all, he needs to be organized in the way he presents his case. That is what makes a good attorney.

 

3 Things I Wish I Knew Before Hiring My Fairfield Divorce Lawyer 

Hiring someone to represent you in a divorce case can be challenging. The lawyer you hire will need to know personal details about your life, including information about your assets, finances, and children. Failure to hire the right person can land you into a frustrating future as you deal with expensive payments, less time with your children, and other difficulties. Here are 3 things you should look for when hiring a trustworthy divorce lawyer.

How Many Cases Have Gone to Trial?

When you meet with a lawyer, ask them about the percentage of cases they have that have gone to trial. Most people are able to come to an agreement out of court, but there are rare cases that do go to trial. In actuality, 1-2% of divorce cases go to trial. It is important to discuss this information with your attorney.

If you know you will be dealing with a complex case, you do need to be aware of the way the court will run. When you have a trial date, you want to know you have a trusted attorney on your side. How much experience do they have in cases similar to yours? Having an attorney with years of experience in needed when it comes to many difficult divorce cases. Contact David Knecht Law Firm today to discuss your divorce case. Our lawyers all have years of experience in family law with an emphasis in divorce.

Who Will Handle my Case?

Family law is an extremely personal and painful process for many people. There are some lawyers who outsource the majority of the work to new attorneys in the office, or even to the paralegals. It is important to know who will be working on your case and making sure you are working with the person that will handle your case directly.

State your case to the lawyer so they know how important it is to you to have contact with them directly. A good office will focus on making sure you have updates related to your case, and to make sure you are in touch with your lawyer frequently.

How Will the Billing Work?

Part of working with an attorney also comes down to understanding how the billing it set up. What are the details of billing? Will you be charged a retainer and how much will it cost when there are additional complexities added to your case? Some law firms have different billing rates when it comes to support staff. Filing fees and other court costs can be associated with a complex divorce case. Talk to your attorney about these costs as it is important to be aware of what you will be financially responsible for with your divorce case.

Divorce is a challenging time for everyone. It pays to hire the right lawyer to represent you and make sure you are properly taken care of during this time. Contact David Knecht Law in Vacaville today to schedule a consultation.

4 Reasons David Knecht is The Right Vacaville Family Attorney

When it comes to finding the right Vacaville attorney, it is vital to go beyond a Google search to identify the right person. Hiring an attorney to represent your legal rights is one of the most important decisions you will make. Family law matters require a person you can trust, and one that will have your best interest in mind when representing you. Here are four reasons why David Knecht is the Vacaville attorney you need to represent your legal rights:

  1. Effective Communication
  2. Experience 
  3. Ethics
  4. Fees

Effective Communication with an Attorney

One of the main signs of a good attorney is one who always returns your phone calls and focuses on making sure you are in the loop. Communication problems are one of the biggest issues people cite when working with attorneys. With over three decades of family law experience, David Knecht knows how vital it is to keep the lines of communication open with clients. A good attorney will provide information about case progress. Here are some things to discuss when you meet with various attorneys:

  • What legal options available for my case?
  • What should the strategy be to approach my case?
  • What is the timeline to move forward?
  • How often will you communicate with me?
  • What type of communication methods are available and when can I expect updates on my case?

While it is expected for an attorney to be busy, it is important to know that most attorneys have several people working with them and part of their role is to assist in case updates.

Experience in Family Law

Hiring an ethical attorney is vital to your case! In 2019 alone, there were 300,000 family law petitions filed in the state of California. With family law being filled with a variety of different attorneys, how do you know you have chosen the right one?

A good attorney will have years of experience handling similar cases to yours. Family law is a complex matter. Seek out a lawyer with a skillset in your particular area. For some people, this means looking for an attorney who not only specializes in divorce cases, but also handles child custody. List out your needs to make it easier to find the right attorney for your needs.

One simple mistake such as failing to file a lawsuit on time can derail your entire case. Do yourself a favor and meet with multiple attorneys so you can be sure you have chosen someone you know you can trust.

Finding an Ethical Family Law Attorney in Vacaville

Going along with experience, you need to seek out the attorney you know will represent you ethically. David Knecht has built his firm on the foundation of trust and ethics. We don’t use improper tactics to try and win a case. We work directly with our clients to ensure we are putting together an ethical case with your best interests in mind. Some additional elements to consider about your attorney include:

  • Ability to maintain client confidence
  • Represent clients with undivided loyalty
  • Represent clients within the bounds of the law
  • Place client interests above their own

California has a disciplinary agency to ensure all attorneys are meeting the correct standards. A good attorney won’t be found on this site as they are always making sure they are practicing within the correct parameters of the law.

Read through our testimonials to learn for yourself how David Knecht maintains high client-attorney trust. We are proud to provide honest and fair family law services for Vacaville and surrounding communities.

Fair Legal Fees

When you are dealing with family law, you should always be able to understand the legal fees. When you hire an attorney, be upfront with them about your case and what you are expecting. Some of the common complaints people have about legal matters include:

  • Expensive bills
  • Bills are not itemized
  • Feeling that attorney is being paid too much for an inadequate job
  • Feeling that the paralegals did more work than the attorney
  • Nickel and diming the bill for every text message, short phone call, and other contact with the attorney or paralegals

As we have been in family law for many years, we know how infuriating it is for a client to have a large bill with no clarification or knowledge about the bill. We always discuss our legal fees with you directly so you know what to expect. In California, a written retainer is required in order to make sure all clients have a written retainer that discloses the billing system and charges. We show how you will be billed, itemize the statement, and make sure clients understand all charges. If you ever have a question pertaining to legal fees, please contact us directly at 707-451-4502.

The Law Offices of David Knecht is dedicated to providing you with the best family law services in the state. We are proud of our reputation, and always put our clients’ needs first. Contact our office to schedule a consultation or contact our office today at 707-451-4502!

3 Things Most People Knew Before Hiring a Family Attorney

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.

3 Secrets to Finding the Best Vacaville Divorce Attorney

 

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.

3 Things People Wish They Knew Before Hiring a Divorce Attorney

 

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 choosing someone to represent them 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.