Can an Attorney Help Me Understand My Legal Remedies?

As an advisor, an attorney provides the client with an informed understanding of their legal rights and obligations and explains their practical implications.

Defense attorney

means any lawyer (including those hired privately, appointed by the court, acting for free or serving indigent defendants in a legal aid or public defense office) who acts as counsel on behalf of a client who is being investigated or prosecuted for alleged criminal conduct, or a client seeking legal advice on a criminal matter or a potential criminal subpoena, including as a witness. These rules are intended to apply in any context in which a lawyer reasonably understands that criminal prosecution could result. The Rules are intended to serve the best interests of customers and should not be relied upon to justify any decision that is against the customer's interests.

The burden of justifying any exception must be on the lawyer requesting it. Under federal law that took effect on April 24, 1996, Congress made restitution mandatory for many types of federal crimes. For most crimes committed before this date, judges have more discretion to order restitution. Unfortunately, in practice, a defendant who has no money or money-making potential is unlikely to pay significant compensation to victims of a crime.

If a defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty at trial, the United States Attorney's Office will provide the United States Parole Office with available information regarding the loss of each identified victim. The case agent usually obtains this information during the investigation. A United States probation officer is assigned to investigate the defendant's background and prepare a filing report for the judge, recommending the most appropriate sentence. Identified victims whose losses are included in conviction charges or as part of a plea agreement will also have the opportunity to request restitution and explain their losses in a victim's loss statement.

A U. S. probation officer gives victims a statement form after the defendant has been convicted at trial or has pleaded guilty. Victims should carefully consider the types of restitution allowed, as they are often limited and may not include damages for causes such as pain and suffering.

Victims should provide receipts or other verification when possible. If you think you may be entitled to compensation, discuss it immediately with the investigating agent or assistant United States prosecutor assigned to the case. In any case, when passing judgment, the judge may order the defendant to reimburse the victim for the verified loss of income and for child care, transportation, and other necessary expenses related to participating in the investigation or prosecution of the crime or attending the prosecution related to the crime. Victims of crimes such as telephone sales, child exploitation, interstate domestic violence, and sexual assault may be eligible to receive the full amount of losses from identified victims.

In most cases of fraud, restitution can be ordered when the victims of the crime of conviction have suffered the loss of money or any negotiable instrument (crimes of fraud against investors or crimes related to the misuse of stolen credit cards) or the damage or loss of property. The court may order the defendant to pay an amount equal to the actual losses of each victim, usually the value of the principal or of the assets obtained in a fraudulent manner. The FLU unit will use various means to enforce restitution, as permitted by the sentence and its remedies, on behalf of the victims identified for 20 years from the date of submission of the sentence (plus the period of actual imprisonment) or until death of accused. While under supervision by a probation officer, that probation officer will also oversee and ensure that appropriate compensation is paid whenever possible.

Victims of violent crime may be entitled to compensation which can often cover medical and psychological expenses, loss of income or maintenance, or funeral expenses related to crime. In some cases victims of fraud crimes can seek compensation through regulatory agency. In some cases victim may also want to file civil action or file small claims court lawsuit against defendant to recover losses caused by crime. For advice on appropriateness such lawsuit you should consult with private lawyer of your choice or with Small Claims Court in county in which crime occurred.

There is generally statute limitations that limits time in which civil lawsuit can be filed. It is duty lawyer when necessary challenge correctness official action but also duty lawyer defend legal process. If debt collector knows consumer represented by attorney with respect debt and knows can easily find out name address lawyer unless lawyer does not respond within reasonable period time communication from debt collector unless lawyer consents communicate directly with consumer; or lawyer must strive achieve highest level skill improve law legal profession exemplify public service ideals legal profession when law allows filing interim appeals orders challenge adverse judgments court first instance defense counsel should consider.