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Karen E. Davis
George & Davis P.C. Law & Mediation now provides Limited Assistance Representation. Here is what you need to know.
At George & Davis P.C., we understand that legal representation can be a significant investment, and we strive to offer flexible solutions for our clients. We are pleased to announce that we now provide Limited Assistance Representation (LAR) services. LAR is a cost-effective alternative to full representation, allowing clients to choose the level of legal support they require for their specific needs. Read on to learn more about this innovative service and how it can benefit you. All sorts of bad things happen when police charge you with drunk driving — fines, probation, random testing --- but that’s not what worries a lot of the accused. They worry most about losing their license.
How long they lose it often depends on whether they take a breathalyzer test. Take it and fail and, in most cases, you lose your license, but only for 30 days. Refusing can have more dire consequences for your license.
You start with a six month suspension for the first time you refuse. If you’ve admitted to driving drunk in a previous case, that jumps to three years. From there it goes to five years, then a lifetime suspension.
It’s even more severe if you aren’t old enough to be drinking in the first place. Get charged for the first time with drunk driving when you’re under 21 and you get a three-year suspension for refusing a breathalyzer.
Of course by the time someone has been charged with driving drunk three times, the prospect of jail usually outweighs any concerns they may have about losing their license. And we can probably agree that it’s a not such a bad idea to keep repeat offenders off the road. They probably should refuse the test, lose their license and try to win in court.
It’s the first time offenders -- people who may have made one bad mistake they aren’t likely to make a second time -- who worry most about losing license. Often, there’s a job at stake, kids to pick up after soccer practice, groceries to buy.
For them, the question of whether to take a breathalyzer is toughest of all. Take it, and you may lose whatever defense you have. Refuse it, and lose your license for sure.
How long they lose it often depends on whether they take a breathalyzer test. Take it and fail and, in most cases, you lose your license, but only for 30 days. Refusing can have more dire consequences for your license.
You start with a six month suspension for the first time you refuse. If you’ve admitted to driving drunk in a previous case, that jumps to three years. From there it goes to five years, then a lifetime suspension.
It’s even more severe if you aren’t old enough to be drinking in the first place. Get charged for the first time with drunk driving when you’re under 21 and you get a three-year suspension for refusing a breathalyzer.
Of course by the time someone has been charged with driving drunk three times, the prospect of jail usually outweighs any concerns they may have about losing their license. And we can probably agree that it’s a not such a bad idea to keep repeat offenders off the road. They probably should refuse the test, lose their license and try to win in court.
It’s the first time offenders -- people who may have made one bad mistake they aren’t likely to make a second time -- who worry most about losing license. Often, there’s a job at stake, kids to pick up after soccer practice, groceries to buy.
For them, the question of whether to take a breathalyzer is toughest of all. Take it, and you may lose whatever defense you have. Refuse it, and lose your license for sure.
Limited Assistance Representation is a legal service model that allows clients to hire an attorney for specific tasks, rather than full representation throughout the entire legal process. This can include consultation, document preparation, negotiation, and other services as needed. LAR is an affordable alternative for clients who prefer to handle some aspects of their case independently, while still benefiting from professional legal guidance.
LAR offers several advantages, including reduced legal costs, increased control over your case, and the ability to tailor services to your unique needs. By selecting specific tasks for an attorney to handle, you can ensure that you are receiving expert assistance in the areas where you need it most, while managing other aspects of your case on your own.
LAR can be used in various types of civil cases, such as family law, probate, consumer disputes, and housing matters. However, it may not be suitable for all situations. Our attorneys will help you determine if LAR is a good fit for your case during an initial consultation.
Yes, if you find that you require more comprehensive legal support during the course of your case, you can discuss the possibility of transitioning to full representation with your attorney. Conversely, if you initially choose full representation and later decide that LAR is a better fit, you can discuss modifying the scope of your representation agreement.
LAR services are typically billed on an hourly basis, with the fees depending on the specific tasks you request assistance with. During your initial consultation, your attorney will provide an estimate of the cost for the services you need and will discuss any necessary retainer fees.
Your attorney can appear in court on your behalf for specific hearings or proceedings if you request this service under LAR. It is essential to discuss your needs and expectations with your attorney, so they can provide the appropriate level of representation.
To get started with LAR, please contact us to schedule an initial consultation. During this meeting, you can discuss your case with one of our attorneys, who will help determine if LAR is the right fit for your situation and provide guidance on the specific tasks they can assist you with.
Effective communication is essential for successful LAR. You and your attorney will establish a communication plan at the outset of your representation, outlining the preferred methods (e.g., email, phone, in-person meetings) and frequency of communication. Keep in mind that while your attorney is only responsible for the tasks you have agreed upon, maintaining open communication is crucial for the best possible outcome.
Yes, you can consult your attorney for guidance on aspects of your case that you are managing independently. However, be aware that any additional consultations or assistance beyond the agreed-upon scope of work may result in additional fees. Make sure to clarify the scope of your representation agreement and discuss any potential additional costs before seeking further advice.
During your initial consultation, your attorney will help you assess your ability to manage specific aspects of your case independently. Factors to consider include your familiarity with the legal system, the complexity of your case, and your comfort level with negotiation and advocacy. It is essential to be honest with yourself and your attorney about your abilities and limitations, as this will ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
If you have agreed with your attorney that document review is part of the LAR services provided, your attorney will review the documents you prepare and provide feedback or suggest revisions. It is important to clearly outline the scope of work in your representation agreement, so both you and your attorney understand the extent of their involvement in document preparation.
Under LAR, the attorney-client privilege and confidentiality rules still apply, meaning that any information you share with your attorney in the course of the representation will be kept confidential. However, keep in mind that the scope of the privilege may be limited to the specific tasks your attorney is assisting with, so it is crucial to clearly define the scope of work in your representation agreement.
LAR can be used for various stages of the legal process, including appeals. However, the suitability of LAR for an appeal will depend on the complexity of the case, your familiarity with appellate procedures, and your ability to draft persuasive legal arguments. During your initial consultation, your attorney will help you determine if LAR is appropriate for your appeal and the specific tasks they can assist with.
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509 Main Street
P.O. Box 199
Sturbridge, MA 01566
P.O. Box 199
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Phone: +1 (508) 347–7114
Fax: +1–508–347–5627
Fax: +1–508–347–5627