– Helpful Guidance from Bossier City’s Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
When you last went to your doctor, did you see a general practitioner or a specialist? While your regular doctor can help you maintain your overall health, when something comes up that they are unfamiliar with, they will often refer you to a specialist. Specialists are interested in a particular area, whether in medicine, accounting, or other fields. Similar to a specialist, lawyers can also focus on specific practice areas of law to gather depth of experience and knowledge.
Choose representation from a criminal defense attorney in Bossier City who has years of experience defending your type of case. David L. White has the knowledge and tenacity you need, whether you face a felony or misdemeanor. Each case is different, but David White knows how to navigate the complex system and fight for you.
4 Kinds of Defense Lawyers to Represent You
Say the words ‘defense lawyer’, and most people automatically assume that a crime took place, hence the need for a criminal attorney. That’s only a portion of the types of defense you may need in court. Here are the four most common types:
Criminal: These law professionals often handle cases involving assault, battery, theft, fraud, DUIs, white-collar crime, sex offence, drug abuse, and violent crimes. Once your lawyer is on the job, they will gather information regarding your case, review it, and build a strong defense strategy. Their goal is to challenge every aspect of the case against you to obtain the best outcome under the circumstances. Each case is different, so the results will vary.
Juvenile: Some lawyers will offer their services mainly to defendants between the ages of 10 and 17. This law area is unique as the sentences and penalties are not the same as for adults, even if the crime is the same. In most situations, the goal is to find rehabilitative solutions so the children can have a fresh start in life and avoid incarceration.
Civil Litigation: People who have been named in a lawsuit will look for representation from a civil litigation attorney. The goal is to prove that the defendants are not liable for the claimed damages. These types of cases include divorce, personal injury, and mass torts.
Public Defense: When you cannot afford to hire a private lawyer, you may have one appointed to you by the court. Your public defender general works for government agencies and will handle several cases at one time. Their job is similar to that of their privately hired counterparts, working to get you a fair and reasonable outcome to your lawsuit.
Get Fair and Honest Representation for Your Criminal Case – Hire David L. White
No one holds a crystal ball to tell you how your case will go, but your chances are better when choosing a criminal defense attorney with the experience you need. We have a high success rate and help many families get their lives back. Don’t let a criminal case turn your life upside down. Contact David L. White and his team today for a free phone consultation. Let him restore hope to your situation.
Contact your criminal defense attorney in Bossier City to discuss your case and discover your options. Give us a call at 318-747-7023.
– Handy Tips to Keep in Mind from an Experienced Shreveport Attorney
Goal setting is common; most of us like to feel organized by starting out with defined objectives. From the first time we’re asked what we want to be when we grow up, to the day we graduate high school and beyond, we think about our future and where we would like to be someday. Not so many of us think about planning for our death. It’s often a hush-hush subject that makes us feel a little sad to think about. There’s no need to dread what happens after you pass away; instead, take the time to handle it now.
Add estate planning for your family’s future to your list of goals. Then speak with an experienced Shreveport estate planning attorney like David L. White. He understands the complexities and nuances of Louisiana’s probate laws. He will sit with you, discuss your options, draft the needed documents, and be there to help when probate becomes necessary.
5 Mistakes in Estate Planning and Probate
As you begin your journey into the realm of estates and probate, it’s good to learn from others who have forged ahead of you. Here are five common mistakes that happen either in the estate planning phase or during probate that you will want to avoid:
Failing to Plan or Updating an Existing Plan: Few of us like to think of our own demise. However, when we don’t have a will or estate plan in place, the state will determine how your estate will be handled and it may not be the way you would have wished. A will makes provisions for your spouse, children, and others you want to leave an inheritance for. Additionally, you can take advantage of estate tax savings provisions, you get to choose your executor, and you pick who controls your minor children’s assets. Remember that things change, making it vital to review and update your will regularly and after a significant change in life circumstances, like marriage or divorce.
Not Planning for Incapacitation or Long-Term Care Needs: COVID-19 proved to everyone that you could become incapacitated at any time. On the flip side, without emergencies like a pandemic, we generally live longer and likely will need long-term care for those waning years. In either case, you should consider having someone available to manage your affairs if you become incapacitated and have funding in place for your long-term care needs.
Not Utilizing Trusts for Family Who Are Minors, Disabled, or Immature: Those in your family who cannot manage assets on their own, such as a minor child, need assistance. Too often, a financially immature beneficiary gets hold of a large sum of money and squanders it away. Trusts are one way to ensure that the funds you leave are available to support them or for specific purposes.
Waiting for the Death Certificate to Start Probate: If you happen to be an executor or beneficiary of a deceased loved one, you may think you should wait to start probate until after receiving the death certificate. In some cases, it can take weeks to get it. Instead, get started immediately on handling the affairs of the deceased’s estate.
Not Gathering All Financial Assets into an Estate Account: Once a person dies, their executor needs to start gathering all financial assets into an estate account. If mom had her checking in one bank and her savings and CDs in another, they need to be brought under one account. Failure to do so can leave you with a personal judgment from the courts.
Hire the Right Shreveport Estate Planning Attorney – Choose David L. White
Don’t leave your family in a lurch by failing to create an estate plan or acting on an open estate. David L. White, Shreveport’s established estate planning attorney, has decades of experience to help you. He understands Louisiana’s complex probate laws and can assist you in establishing a plan. If you need support on probate for a loved one’s estate, he can help, as well. Our firm can handle your planning needs, so please give us a call today!
Contact your estate planning attorney in Shreveport to find out more about planning your estate or handling probate. Give us a call at 318-747-7023.
– Helpful Answers from Your Personal Injury Attorney in Bossier City
If you find yourself in an accident or hurt by another person or even an animal, you may have a lot of questions about what to do next. What now? How will I pay my bills if I’m off work? Should I sue? The list goes on and on. It can be overwhelming and frustrating when all you want is closure and go back to living your life.
Get answers to all your questions when you reach out to Bossier City’s personal injury attorney, David L. White, and his staff. He understands your frustrations and concerns and works diligently to get you answers, support, and the compensation you deserve. You can trust him to guide you and do what’s best for your case.
5 Common Questions about Personal Injury
Here are the key questions most people have when they suffer a personal injury:
How do I know if I should contact an attorney? If you’re in an accident, getting medical attention is your first priority. It’s also critical to get photos of the accident scene, assuming you are not badly injured and transported to the emergency room. Next, consider talking with an experienced personal injury attorney. It doesn’t hurt to speak with a third-party that understands the laws surrounding personal injuries, and who can help you determine if filing a lawsuit is the best choice for you. Most lawyers offer free consultations.
I don’t feel hurt, should I still file a claim? Not feeling pain at the scene of the accident doesn’t discount that you were injured. Many times, adrenaline rushing through the body reduces the sensation of pain so you may develop pain and symptoms later. Always seek out a consultation with your doctor as some severe conditions can emerge at a later time. Your attorney will prove very helpful through this process.
How much time do I have to file a personal injury case? Each state is different. Louisiana has a statute of limitations for most accident and injury cases of one year from the accident or injury date. Therefore, you don’t have a lot of time to contact a lawyer and begin the process.
How much money can I get from my case? This depends on many factors, primarily the specific nature of your injuries. To make a determination, a thorough investigation must take place. Your lawyer may be able to give you a ballpark idea but can’t guarantee the exact amount.
How long will the process take? Again, many factors come into play. Few personal injury cases make it to trial as they are often settled out of court. The claims that are complex or where an insurance company is fighting hard to avoid paying will take longer to complete.
Obtain a Favorable Settlement for Your Personal Injury – Hire David L. White
Avoid fretting over the unknown. Contact David L. White, Bossier City’s experienced personal injury attorney. He fights for you and your needs and handles the Louisiana legal system’s complexities to get you the settlement you deserve. Call today and get the representation you can count on.
Contact your personal injury attorney in Bossier City to find out more about your personal injury case. Give us a call at 318-747-7023.
– Helpful Advice from Your Experienced Divorce Lawyer in Bossier City, Louisiana
Divorce is hard on families. The pandemic brought on by COVID-19 has made things much more difficult. Successful families learn quickly to be flexible and frequently communicate about continually changing events. They also know that the pandemic will not last forever, but their kids may be very anxious. Now is the time for divorced parents to step up and take control of their co-parenting duties for the sake of all involved.
It is a very challenging time to navigate through the court system. Choose to work with David L. White, a knowledgeable and experienced divorce lawyer in Bossier City, Louisiana. He and his team will look out for you and your children’s best interests amid the COVID-19 pandemic. We can help resolve family law matters in your favor.
Maintain Effective Co-Parenting during COVID-19
When you put your differences aside and follow these tips, you can effectively co-parent:
Stay Informed of Events and Model Best Practices: By listening to reliable news outlets and visiting the CDC website, you can stay up-to-date on the latest developments. Use this information to adhere to local and state recommendations; this can include social distancing, regular hand washing, and cleaning and sanitizing surfaces of frequently used objects. Remember that your kids are watching you so now is a good time for both parents to model best practices during this time.
Try to Remain Calm: You and your kids’ other parent should exhibit a sense of calm. Take time to have age-appropriate conversations with your offspring about the pandemic in a manner that is realistic, yet optimistic. Reassure them that you are taking steps to keep them safe and so is their other parent. Let them ask questions instead of relying on social media to feed their fear.
Keep Lines of Communication Open: Now is the time to communicate openly with your co-parent about what is happening. Discuss potential exposures or confirmed cases with the goal of keeping your kids safe. Also make sure you are both staying abreast of any symptoms your children may have and talking about it with each other.
Now is the Time for Flexibility and Understanding: The best co-parents know that they need to be understanding and flexible. There is nothing like a pandemic to emphasize this requirement. Talk with each other and create a plan to address potential schedules and possible financial issues that may arise. We haven’t faced anything like this before, so it’s imperative to work together for everyone’s sake.
Encourage Parental Bonding for Each Parent: During this unprecedented time, parents may be working from home while kids are doing remote learning. Some parents may be out of work. Higher stress levels brought on by the pandemic can be alleviated by opportunities to enjoy some extra time with your kids and the same for their other parent. Try to encourage any additional time for parental bonding.
Ensure Your Kids Get the Most from their Parents
Don’t let COVID-19 keep you and your kids from enjoying an opportunity to grow as a family, even if divorce is involved. David L. White has years of experience to help you navigate Louisiana’s family law system. We fight for you and your kid’s rights that encourage effective co-parenting. Contact us today!
Contact your divorce lawyer in Bossier City to find out more about co-parenting. Give us a call at 318-747-7023.
– Helpful Tips from Your Knowledgeable Shreveport Estate Planning Attorney
Never in our history has it been more vital to keep our finances and estate in order. The coronavirus pandemic has left us bewildered and realizing that time is of the essence to make sure our families are cared for after our death. If you don’t have your estate planning in order, now is a perfect time.
Ensure your family can abide by your wishes and take the right steps today. Call upon the help of your Shreveport estate planning attorney. David L. White and his team understand the nuances of the Louisiana legal system and know how to assist you. Make better decisions when you talk with us first.
5 Essential Documents to Have in Place
One thing that the pandemic has taught us is that we should keep “our house in order” and our financial affairs ready. Start here to make certain your family is taken care of in the event of illness or death:
Will: You should list out who will receive your property at the time of your death. If not, the state will decide who gets what, and it may not match your wishes. This is imperative if you have minor children who will need a legal guardian if both parents are deceased.
Medical Directives/Living Will: If you should become incapacitated, someone needs to be able to step in and make choices for you. A living will provides instructions to your healthcare team about decisions regarding life support in the event you are terminally ill or in a vegetative state.
Power of Attorney: You may need help with your finances if you become ill. The power of attorney designates someone you trust to handle your financial affairs for you. No one can represent you if you don’t have a durable power of attorney in place, and the court can choose whoever they want, even if it is someone you wouldn’t pick.
Trust: You may want to place your property and belongings into a trust that goes into effect at the time of your death. The trust will hold legal title to your assets, and the beneficiaries can receive it after you pass away. Sometimes this helps with the process of probate or succession.
Beneficiary Designations: While this isn’t a specific document, any life insurance or retirement plans have beneficiaries. You should regularly check your listed beneficiaries and keep them up-to-date.
Establish an Effective Estate Plan with Help from David L. White
Estate planning has never been as critical as during this pandemic. We quickly learned that nothing is as we believe it is but having a plan of action in place makes things easier for all of us. Worry about staying healthy instead of what may happen after you pass. Call upon the services of David L. White. We help families and individuals with estate planning and succession issues. We can also set up a virtual meeting to assist in maintaining social distancing and safety. Give us a call today!
Contact your estate planning attorney in Shreveport to find out more. Give us a call at 318-747-7023.
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.
