Our legal system is vast and complex, and confusing to the average person who is suddenly thrust into a legal situation.  Here are some of the most common questions I get asked, with my  generic answer, but it will at least give you a start of where to turn and who to ask for help specific to your situation.  Every state has different statutes, laws, filing timelines, and penalty guidelines.  Start here and go forward with some knowledge of what you're getting into! "I've been charged with a crime.  Do I need a lawyer?"  ABSOLUTELY!  Regardless of it being a misdemeanor or a felony, one charge or several, no layman can do an effective job of representing themselves in a criminal court.  Plus, there are a lot of hidden factors here.  If you simply plan on pleading guilty to "get it over with", consider this... a felony conviction is forever.  You cannot qualify for 80% of employment, own a gun, vote, your rights are stripped away for good.  A misdemeanor conviction will cost you $$ of fines, court costs, and will come up on background checks by future employers over, and over...  a good criminal defense attorney will go to work for you trying to negotiate a lesser sentence or hopefully a set aside or deferred sentence, which will make everything go away eventually.    "What can we do about our loved one dying? They would be here today if it wasn't for someone else's actions."  Wrongful death suits are very complex, but I love doing them, and they are the primary focus of my investigative practice.  Each one has it's own set of circumstances, and it's own chance for success in court.  Please contact me with the specifics of your case, and I will do my best to put something in motion to at least bring the family some justice regarding your loss.   "My relative passed away.  What do we do now?"  Contact a probate or estate law attorney as soon as possible, and let them begin the process to settle the estate.  In the meantime, you and anyone else are NOT liable for the debts of the deceased.  Many of these slimy credit collection companies are calling relatives telling them they have to pay the bills of their now deceased father, brother, etc.  No, you don't.  They have a process they have to follow to file a claim with the probate court, and they know that, but they try to BS the greiving family into paying something they're not obligated to pay.    "How do I get a restraining order?"  This procedure varies from state to state, but everywhere this is true... contact your local police department and they will give you the procedure for filing a restraining order.  IF YOU FEEL YOU ARE IN PHYSICAL DANGER, do not hesitate to call the police and do a report.  When a break-up or divorce occurs, more and more the "injured" spouse is lashing out with violence towards their partner, the extended family, and sadly, their own children.  Please do not think you can handle it on your own, get help immediately and protect yourself and your loved ones.   "Can I get my criminal record expunged?"  This is tough, no matter what state you reside in, and every state approaches it differently.  One thing is usually standard though, you have to start the process in the jurisdiction where you received the conviction.  Contact an attorney where you were convicted and ask them what if anything you can do to clear a felony record.