When you need an attorney, you might struggle to find the right fit for your situation. So how do you know what type of lawyer to work with? You’ve probably passed billboards with smiling faces in suits telling you to contact ABC Super Law Firm. They may have several offices and many partners and paralegals, but do they have your best interest at heart? Should you choose a multi-city, large firm, or should you consider hiring a local law firm?
When you choose your Bossier City law firm and get the expertise of David L. White to work for you, you can count on a proven track record and personalized attention. We have years of experience in areas of practice that matter to you, such as estate planning, criminal defense, family law, personal injury, commercial litigation, and interdiction. Choose to work with an attorney that understands your needs and fights for your rights.
5 Benefits You Don’t Want to Miss in Your Choice of a Law Firm
Finding a competent attorney may seem overwhelming and picking from a television commercial or billboard is easy. However, there are a few advantages you receive when you forego the marketing gimmicks and hire a local law firm in Bossier City with knowledge of Louisiana’s laws to represent you:
Prioritized Treatment. A local law firm takes on cases they believe in. They get to know you personally and develop a deeper understanding of your situation. Your attorney lives and works in the community they serve. They are committed to your success throughout the process. The most significant advantage is the ability to understand the details of your case better, which will bring you the biggest comfort.
Simpler Communication Lines. A big-name firm will have many layers of communication options. For instance, one moment you may speak to an attorney only to be turned over to a junior associate or a paralegal who is already juggling dozens of files. Cases get handed off, and you may not have the same lawyer handling your legal situation as you initially thought. That is not the case when you hire a legal office in your community. You can reach your attorney via email, phone, and other methods, knowing they will see this through to the end.
Increased Availability and Flexibility. Often you may need to reach out to your lawyer. Many times, big firms don’t have convenient accessibility as others do. Your Bossier City lawyer can be more flexible with their time because they handle fewer clients in a given moment. Additionally, they truly care for your needs, so they are willing to go the extra mile.
Specialized Services to Meet Your Needs. You should hire someone with years of experience in cases like yours instead of a firm that will take on any case. David L. White and his law firm in Bossier City, focuses on specific areas of law and repeatedly takes on those types of cases to become your go-to attorney.
Reasonable Fee Structures. Lower overhead leads to lower fee structures. Sometimes a firm will work on a contingency basis instead of an hourly or flat fee. That means that they receive a percentage of any recovery from a settlement or jury verdict. If they don’t win, they don’t get paid.
Hire Bossier City’s Law Firm Built with Heart – Call David L. White
Make the right choice when you hire a local firm for your legal needs. Let David L. White and his team work with you and guide you through the often complicated legal process. We strive to give you the best personalized representation possible. We fight for you so you can get your life back. Call us for a free phone consultation and discover the difference we make.
Contact your trusted Bossier City law firm to find out more. Give us a call at 318-747-7023.
– Helpful Suggestions from Bossier City’s Leading Personal Injury Attorney
Watch tv for any length of time, and you’ll see many well-dressed lawyers advertising for personal injury cases. These ads may lean toward one area or another, such as medical malpractice or car accidents. In reality, many different types of injuries may lead to compensation under the court system.
Choose a Bossier City personal injury attorney who has your best interests in mind. David L. White has a long track record of obtaining the maximum compensation for his clients. He fights for you so you can get a quick and satisfying resolution and get back to living your life. You can trust him to evaluate your situation and provide expert legal counsel.
5 Types of Personal Injury Cases
There is a variety of different personal injuries. Here are five common ones:
Motor Vehicle Accidents: Each year, millions of people are injured in vehicle accidents. These include cars, trucks, motorcycles, pedestrians, and bike riders. This type of accident generally happens when someone isn’t following the rules of the road. The careless driver may be held financially responsible for any injuries unless the accident occurs in a “no-fault” state. In that case, each driver seeks compensation from their respective insurance companies.
Medical Malpractice: This type of claim may occur when a doctor or other health care professional fails to provide the appropriate medical standard of care during treatment, resulting in an injury from the lack of correct procedures. Sometimes, this takes the form of misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or birthing injuries. These can be very complicated cases.
Slips and Falls: Property owners have an obligation to keep their premises safe and free of hazards so that others don’t get injured. Sometimes if a person slips and falls and is hurt because of poor upkeep of the property, a claim may be filed.
Libel and Slander (aka Defamation): When a person’s reputation is damaged from the distribution of untrue statements, defamation may have occurred. There are many elements behind this type of personal injury, so be sure to speak with your attorney if you feel you are a victim of libel and slander.
Products Liability: Improper warnings and misleading operation manuals may lead to an injury or even death in the home, in public areas, and at work. Some examples of harmful products include dangerous drugs, food, consumer and children’s products, defective vehicle parts, and medical devices.
Hire the Best Attorney to Fight Your Personal Injury Case – Call David L. White
Your personal injury case deserves expert attention and experienced legal counsel. Call on David L. White and his team to guide you through the complicated legal process. Rest assured that we will not charge you any legal fees unless your case is successfully resolved. Call us for a free phone consultation and start getting your life back after your accident.
Contact your personal injury attorney in Bossier City to find out more. Give us a call at 318-747-7023.
– Bossier City’s Leading Criminal Defense Attorney Weighs in
Police-style dramas for TV viewers have been around since 1949 when Stand By For Crime came on the air. Soon it was followed with the likes of Dragnet, Hawaii Five-O, NYPD Blues, Law and Order, and Criminal Minds. We have a fascination with these televisions shows that show the inner workings and complexities of the court systems and the people involved. There are many scenes where you see a prosecutor and defense attorney haggle over a plea bargain for a defendant. Do the episodes show you the reality that happens in a courtroom or across the bargaining table?
When your freedom is on the line, don’t depend on a TV show you watched to guide you in accepting a plea deal. Instead, you should rely on an expert criminal defense attorney in Bossier City, like David L. White. He has the knowledge and extensive experience dealing with local prosecutors to get you a satisfactory plea agreement when possible so that you can get back to your life.
Learn the Pros and Cons of Accepting a Plea Bargain
Life is not like the drama on TV. Before you accept a plea bargain, discuss the advantages and disadvantages with your lawyer first, including:
Pros
You may receive a lighter sentence. This could mean less time sitting in jail than if you were convicted of the crime after a full trial.
Your charges may be reduced. Instead of facing a felony, you may be charged with a misdemeanor. There are generally different consequences for different charges.
Once a plea agreement is accepted, the case may be over. You will still have to face the court, but you’ll know what the outcome should be. It removes the uncertainty that occurs when you stand trial.
Cons
You may be accepting a conviction that could not have been proved. Sometimes a defendant is offered a plea bargain because the state’s case is weak. It’s possible they don’t have credible witnesses or have other issues that could give them problems with winning the case.
You are accepting guilt for the crime. If you are genuinely not guilty of the crime and you take a plea agreement, you are basically saying you are guilty. In turn, you will have that conviction on your record forever.
You may feel pressure to accept. Everything may seem overwhelming, and the prosecutor may take advantage of that by painting a grim picture of the maximum punishment possible.
The court is not bound to the agreement. Even after everything is present and agreed upon, the judge may reject it. You may have no recourse and will be at the mercy of the court.
Don’t Sign a Plea Bargain Before Consulting a Criminal Defense Attorney
Before accepting any plea bargain, call David L. White in Bossier City. He will fight for your rights and see that you get a fair deal if a plea agreement is necessary. His team is understanding and works hard to get you through the process and out of a tough situation. Get your life back. Call us today!
Contact your criminal defense attorney in Bossier City to find out more. Give us a call at 318-747-7023.
– Shreveport’s Experienced Estate Attorney Weighs in
Many of us don’t think we own enough “stuff” to worry about creating an estate plan. In reality, having a comprehensive plan in place can bring you and your loved one’s peace of mind. You can also meet some of your goals, like providing financial stability after you die, and preserving your assets for future generations. You can even ensure that your favorite charity is supported.
Work with an experienced estate planning attorney in Shreveport. Talk with David L. White about establishing your family’s future so you can be assured that your family gets what you want them to have. There are many intricacies to Louisiana’s estate laws, and our team is on hand to help you navigate through each one.
4 Essential Steps Involved with Estate Planning
Before you can sign on the dotted line of your will, you need to know where to start. Here are some basic steps to point you in the right direction:
Identify Your Goals: To get started, ask a few questions, such as:
Are you worried about your heir’s ability to handle your wealth?
Do you have any family members with special needs that need to be addressed?
To whom do you want to leave your financial assets?
Do you need to protect assets from a former spouse?
Do you have a family business where a succession plan needs to be addressed?
List All Your Assets: You may have more than you think. Remember to list investments, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, retirement accounts, real estate, business interests, and all your personal property. Don’t forget your life insurance policies, annuities, trusts, and joint accounts.
Obtain the Right Documents to Accomplish Your Goals: There are a variety of documents that you may need. For example, you will need your will that directs who will receive what from your estate. Your attorney may suggest a trust to hold assets for a beneficiary. You can have a revocable or irrevocable trust, depending on the circumstances.
Decide on Your Fiduciaries: These are the people who will execute your estate, take care of your children, or distribute assets according to the terms of your trust. Look for those whom you trust and feel will take their role seriously.
Accomplish Your Plan with Help from Estate Planning Attorney, David L. White
Take proactive steps to ensure your family is well cared for in the event of your death. With all the laws surrounding heirs, it pays to utilize the services of Shreveport’s trusted estate planning attorney. David L. White has the years of experience to help you navigate Louisiana’s succession laws so that you and your family are prepared for the inevitable. Don’t bury your head in the sand. Call us today!
Contact your estate planning attorney in Shreveport to find out more about protecting your family after you pass. Give us a call at 318-747-7023.
– General Guidance from Bossier City’s Leading Personal Injury Lawyer
Watch television for any length of time and you will see a commercial from a well-dressed lawyer talking about personal injuries. When a large case is won, the news may showcase the millions of dollars the Plaintiff gained. You may wonder what really happens in those cases. Do people get that much money in compensation? Is it really that simple?
Personal injury is nothing to sneeze at. People who have been hurt in an accident may face years of pain and recovery. However, the process is not as simple as filing a claim one day and going to court in a month. In fact, quite often, these cases are settled out of court. It is imperative that you seek the services of a personal injury attorney like David L. White if you have been injured. He will fight hard to get you a fair settlement so that you can get back to living your life.
8 Steps in a Typical Personal Injury Case
We hope you are never involved in an accident. The effects can be devastating and long lasting. If you are injured, here are the general steps in a typical personal injury case:
You should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Before a claim is filed, it is imperative that you seek treatment for injuries. Even if you think you are fine, it pays to visit your doctor to ensure things are okay. Failing to visit a doctor may hamper your case later.
Consult with a personal injury attorney. It’s a good idea to discuss your situation, the events of the injury, and what has happened since your accident. Your lawyer can discuss your options and help you determine your next steps.
Your medical records and police reports will be reviewed. Now begins the investigation portion. Your personal injury attorney will interview you, pull your files and related bills, and police reports.
Your attorney considers making a demand for compensation and starts negotiating. When you reach the point of maximum medical improvement (MMI), your attorney will reach out to the other party or their attorney with a demand for compensation. They should wait until you reach MMI to have a better idea of how much your case may be worth, so you are not shortchanged with your healing and treatment process.
A personal injury lawsuit is filed. If your case cannot be settled with the demand package, then you and your attorney may opt to file a lawsuit in the Louisiana courts. This does not mean you will go to trial right away, but the countdown has begun.
The discovery phase begins. Once a lawsuit has been filed, both parties will start the process of discovering what happened. There will be many questions and document requests from both sides. Witnesses may be called in for depositions.
Mediation and negotiation may happen. Now that each party has had an opportunity to gather facts, the lawyers will talk about settling. It may be necessary to go to a neutral third-party mediator to resolve the case.
If all else fails, a trial will be held. When negotiations break down, the parties will then go before the court for resolution. Keep in mind that it is possible to have your date rescheduled several times, but that doesn’t mean things are not favorable for you. It is often changed because of a conflict in schedules.
Protect Yourself after a Personal Injury – Contact David L. White
Get the help you need after an accident when you call the team at David L. White. We work with you to get the best results for your case and ensure you and your family get what you deserve to continue healing and make a strong recovery.
Contact your personal injury attorney in Bossier City to find out more. Give us a call at 318-747-7023.
– Helpful Suggestions from an Experienced Bossier City Estate Attorney
It’s a scene straight out of the movies – a rich man dies under mysterious circumstances and leaves his entire estate to his very young and beautiful second wife. You know what happens next. Strife occurs as the man’s children contest his will. They question the distribution of assets, especially since his wife is the same age as his daughter. Eventually, all is revealed, the plot to take over the family business, the lies, the cheating, and in the end, the truth prevails. Not everyone can anticipate this same scenario in their life, but that doesn’t mean you should be lax and not have a valid will in place before you die.
Ensure you have your estate adequately prepared for your passing when you seek out the services of a Bossier City, Louisiana estate attorney like David. L. White. David and his team can establish if you have any forced heirs, explain how community property works when you die, and guide you through the Bayou state’s probate laws. Don’t leave anything to chance when writing out your will.
3 Common Questions about Wills Writing a will can sometimes occur under strange circumstances. Our imaginations can go wild. For example, we imagine the scraps of a barroom napkin with the scrawl of an inebriated rich guy leaving his vast fortune to the bartender. The reality is this: certain conditions can hamper your final wishes.
Here are three common questions when it comes to writing your will:
Can I handwrite my will? It is possible to write out your will, but keep in mind that it has to be written, dated, and signed by you. No one else can write it for you. It is critical that you understand that there are many estate laws in place that may render your handwritten, also called a holographic will, void. An estate attorney is your best help in these matters.
Should my spouse and I have separate wills? In short, yes. By keeping things separate, it helps when addressing the subject of any former spouses and children from previous relationships. Remember, you and your spouse probably will not die at the same time, and you may have separate property that will need to be addressed.
What if I die without a will? What happens next? The court will step in to decide who gets what and how your estate should be divided. You may have wanted your vacation house to go to your son, but the court has the final say if you don’t have a valid will.
Plan Your Will Now – Talk to the Experienced Estate Attorney, David L. White
Don’t leave the future of your estate to the whims of the court system or the threat of a divided family after your death. Take the necessary steps to have your will prepared by an experienced estate attorney. David L. White can help you alleviate the long drawn out battle that can ensue if you don’t have a will in place. We help you ensure your family gets the inheritance you intended. Give us a call today!
Contact your estate attorney in Bossier City to find out more about wills and succession in Louisiana. Give us a call at 318-747-7023.
– Tips from Your Experienced Bossier City Law Firm
You don’t need to hire an attorney for every major event that occurs in your life. However, there are times when it makes sense to find someone to step in and protect your best interests. For example, if you are going through a nasty divorce, you need capable, sound counsel on your side. You might also need a lawyer if someone slips and falls on your property, resulting in an injury.
Knowing when to talk with a legal professional and when you might be okay without one can be a thin line. Speaking with a knowledgeable attorney, like David L. White, can mean the difference between having your rights protected and being sued or sent to jail. Our law firm in Bossier City works with clients throughout Louisiana to get them the representation they deserve.
You Should Hire an Attorney When…
If you are headed to a small claims court, having a lawyer is not always necessary. However, there are certain instances when you should consider hiring legal representation:
You are getting a divorce and/or need help with custody issues. If you and your spouse can mutually agree on everything, that’s fantastic! However, that is not always the case. Many couples may have property, investments, savings, debt, and child custody issues to address. Your lawyer can assist in assuring things get handled as they should be in this community property state.
You want to draw up a will, trust, or power of attorney. Louisiana’s estate laws are complex. A poorly constructed will may leave out those you wanted to protect. The state also has forced heirship laws that can quickly cause problems when not handled correctly.
You are arrested on criminal charges. You don’t want to stand before a judge over criminal charges without having strong representation. You need someone to analyze the charges and help you navigate the complex process, whether it is through a plea bargain or a court trial.
You want to start a new business. It is not difficult to start a business. However, it would be best if you worked with a lawyer to ensure your enterprise is established correctly according to Louisiana law. Your Bossier law firm can also help with assessing contracts before you sign on the dotted line to avoid the risk of financial ruin.
You have been injured in a motor vehicle accident. Before you talk with an insurance adjuster, reach out to your personal injury attorney. The insurance companies will work hard to protect their interests, and so should you.
You need to set up an interdiction to protect a loved one. It is hard to watch a loved one succumb to a disease like dementia. When the time comes, you need the assistance of a caring and knowledgeable attorney to navigate this delicate and complex area of law.
Gain the Right Representation from Bossier City’s Trusted Law Firm
Don’t leave yourself to the mercy of the court or defenseless from another party against you. David L. White and his team will work with you to ensure your rights are protected. We take time to educate you on your rights and explain all your options. Don’t wait! Talk to us the moment you think you might need legal representation.
Contact our Bossier City law firm for your specific case. Give us a call at 318-747-7023 to make an appointment today.
– Help from a Compassionate Divorce Lawyer in Bossier City, Louisiana
With the holiday season pressing in, some people will unfortunately, feel more lonely and sad than festive and cheerful. Facing your first Thanksgiving, Christmas or Hanukkah alone after your divorce can be depressing. If you have children, it can be devastating to think you will not be able to watch them open their gifts on Christmas morning. You can rebuild and learn to enjoy the holiday season even after your divorce.
Choose to take proactive steps to enjoy and make the most of this special time of year for you, your kids, and your ex-spouse. The staff at David L. White’s office understands the difficult time you may be going through. We are here to assist you in ensuring your parental rights are considered, especially during the holidays.
4 Suggestions to Handle the Holidays after Your Divorce
You may have a freshly-inked divorce decree that sets out who gets the children when, but that does not alleviate the pain and emotions you may face through this particular time of year. Even if you do not have children to share the festivities with an ex, it can still be tough when it is your first Thanksgiving or Christmas after your divorce. Here are a few suggestions to help you:
Give yourself a break. The holidays are already a hectic time of year. When you add celebrating as a single or as a divorcee shuffling kids to your ex’s, it can be downright overwhelming! Have a little patience with yourself, as well as everyone else, while you navigate through this new stage in your life.
Plan ahead if you have children. Making holiday plans at the 11th hour will only wreak havoc on everyone’s nerves. Instead, reach out to your ex and decide early how the holidays will work. Remember to look at your decree for guidance, and reach out to your divorce lawyer if you have questions.
Make new traditions. It may not be possible to have your regular Christmas morning breakfast if the kids are at your ex-spouse’s house. Maybe shift the focus to Christmas Eve if that is when you have your kids. The goal is to enjoy the festivities, even if they come in a slightly different format.
Take it one holiday at a time. Many of us lump the season together into one big blur. There will be many emotions pulsing through you at this time. Avoid trying to overthink things. Be in the moment and take each one as it comes.
Handle the Holidays with Help from Your Divorce Lawyer in Bossier City, Louisiana
Prepare for the holiday season by taking proactive steps to be patient with yourself, planning with your ex, and taking it one day at a time. If you are struggling to get your children’s other parent to cooperate with the terms of your divorce, call on David L. White. We understand your parental and visitation rights. We assist you in fighting for your rights and obtaining the desired results with minimal effect on your children. Call us and find out how we may be able to help you during this holiday season.
Contact your divorce lawyer in Bossier City to find out more about your visitation and spousal rights. Give us a call at 318-747-7023.
– Guidance from an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Bossier City
Certain criminal records may be erased or sealed, also known as expunged. When this happens, your file will be hidden from the public, leaving it visible only to law enforcement agencies and some professional licensing boards.
Not every case is eligible for expungement, but when it is possible, your criminal defense attorney is ready to help. David L. White is a Bossier City lawyer with the experience and knowledge to ask the tough questions and defend your rights. Rest assured, he will fight for you as needed and get you the justice you deserve.
Expungement When You Have Not Been Convicted of a Crime
Being arrested for a misdemeanor or felony, but not convicted, may mean you can have your record expunged if the following apply:
The district attorney chose not to prosecute you
Charges were not brought against you during the statute of limitations, nor were proceedings initiated
Any charges against you have been dismissed
The court granted your attorney’s motion to quash the charges against you
You were acquitted of all charges
Expungement When You Have Been Convicted of a Crime
Just because you have been convicted of a crime, it does not mean your record can never be expunged. Here are a few ways it might be possible:
Misdemeanors: If it has been at least five years since your sentence ended, deferred adjudication, probation, or parole, then you can file a petition for expungement. A requirement is that you have had no felony convictions during the same five-year waiting period. There can also not be any felony charged against you.
Felonies: There are a couple of ways your felony offense may be expunged. If your conviction was set aside and prosecution was dismissed, or it has been more than ten years since you finished all the terms of your sentence. Also, you cannot have any other convictions during the same period.
Having your records expunged can be quite a relief, but keep in mind that certain felonies do not qualify for expungement. They include violent crimes, sex offenses, domestic abuse battery, and specific drug offenses. Your criminal defense attorney can explain the full list of ineligible crimes.
Discover Your Options for Expungement – Bossier City Criminal Defense Attorney Steps In
Get rid of the stigma of a prior legal mistake and get your life back when you call upon the assistance of your criminal defense lawyer, David L. White. We understand that your life was turned upside down but you want to make things right by contributing to your community productively. We assist you in fighting for your rights and obtaining the appropriate expungement. Don’t delay. Call us and find out how we may be able to help you.
Contact your Bossier City personal injury lawyer to find out more about options for your claim. Call us today at 318-747-7023.
– Assistance from an Experienced Bossier City Lawyer
Diana was riding her bike down the street when a car ran a stop sign and pulled out in front of her. She tried to stop and pulled on the brakes hard but not before her tire hit the automobile, causing her to fly over it and land on the pavement. She suffered a broken arm and severe bruising over most of her body. Diana had several medical bills and missed work. She wondered if it was worth contacting an attorney since the driver’s insurance contacted her about settling a claim. If you were in Diana’s shoes, what would you do?
Before you sign a settlement, talk with a personal injury attorney. Many factors play into these types of cases, and you may not get all the money you deserve. The Bossier City law office of David L. White understands the parameters of this complicated area of law. You can trust him to do what is best for you and your case.
Personal Injury Basics
Sometimes people use the term personal injury interchangeably with bodily harm. In legal terms, they are not the same. Here are the basics of personal injury:
Definition: Personal injury is a claim that a person was injured by another. Examples include cuts, bruises, broken limbs, or death. There is generally negligence involved by the one who caused the injury. It does not include a claim for damage done to property.
Claims are taken to civil, not criminal, court: If a person or business is found to be legally responsible for your injury, the remedy is payment of damages. Criminal cases involve imprisonment, fines, and community service if convicted in a criminal court.
Personal injury can come from different sources: We often think of a car accident, but this type of claim can stem for other areas too. For example, if you are injured from a defective product, you may be able to file a claim. Another example applies if someone’s intentional conduct causes injuries. The most common ones include:
Pedestrian accidents
Defective products
Medical malpractice
Slips and falls
Dog bite due to owner’s negligence
Statute of limitations apply: The moment an injury occurs, the legal clock starts ticking. You may have limited time to file a claim, so it is a good idea to reach out to a personal injury lawyer as quickly as you can. This will help ensure you get timely legal counsel and see that your rights are preserved.
Hire an Established Personal Injury Lawyer in Bossier City
Stop before you sign an insurance settlement after your accident. Instead, call the personal injury attorney that has a long track record of getting his clients the maximum compensation available. Hire the services of David L. White. We understand that your life turned upside down in one fell swoop. We can help with all aspects of your claim including medical bills and property damage. Call us today and let us help you get your life back.
Contact your Bossier City personal injury lawyer to find out more about options for your claim. Call us today at 318-747-7023.
