Best Litigation Attorneys in Huntington Beach

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Huntington Beach, California?

  714-960-8825 is the non-emergency police dispatch Line in Huntington Beach.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Huntington Beach, California?

  Pick up reports at the public counter of the Huntington Beach Police Department at 2000 Main Street. Requests can also be facilitated faster online at https://huntingtonbeachca.mycusthelp.com/webapp/_rs/(S(s22xst2lxtyd1zk2p3r2t2qs))/supporthome.aspx. Call the Records Bureau at 714-536-5641 for further assistance.

• Which is better, a jury trial or a judge trial for a case in Huntington Beach?

  Cases in Huntington Beach that are emotionally charged are better with a jury trial because juries tend to sympathize more with emotions in the case rather than the hard evidence. For self-represented individuals, a judge's trial might be favorable for them if they do not want to make opening statements before a jury or go through the jury selection process. Do note that even the most experienced trial lawyer cannot always tell which will have a more successful outcome.

• When can the defendant in Huntington Beach request the judge to exclude the plaintiff's Declaration during the trial?

  Defendants in Huntington Beach can request the judge to deny the use of the Declaration during the trial if it does not meet legal requirements. Some of these requirements are not following the rules for service and lacking the mandatory information. The declaration must contain information on the current address of the witness and the location to serve the witness. Additionally, the declaration must have been served by the plaintiff at least 30 days before the trial.

• Can you file a lawsuit in Huntington Beach if you have some fault in the accident?

  Under California's pure comparative negligence laws, you can file a lawsuit even if you are 99% at fault. However, the compensation that you receive will be reduced by the percentage of fault you contributed to the accident in Huntington Beach. It is important to consult with a personal injury lawyer before filing a lawsuit, especially if the fault and liability in the accident are not clear.

• If you have a probate case in Huntington Beach, where do you file your petition?

  Filings for probate cases in Huntington Beach can be done at the Costa Mesa Justice Complex located at 3390 Harbor Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. The probate court in this location can be reached at 657-622-7845. Self-represented applicants have the option to file online through Orange County Superior Court's E-filing system.

• Can you terminate the services of your trial lawyer in Huntington Beach even if you have already signed a contract?

  Yes, state laws allow you to cancel your contract after you have signed it. This is applicable in contingency fee arrangements or retainer fee services. If your trial lawyer in Huntington Beach already started some work before you terminated their services, you may still have to pay for this work. You can also switch lawyers along the course of your case, but this is not recommended if you are already close to trial.

• What does a litigation attorney do?

  Litigation attorneys offer comprehensive legal representation before, during, and after litigation—aka the lawsuit. They provide initial consultations, investigate legal issues, draft pleadings, and oversee the discovery process. While litigators often are responsible for negotiating settlements and keeping cases out of court, their main job is presenting facts to a judge or jury at trial. Litigation attorneys also handle appeals and post-trial motions.

• Can an individual or business go to court without a litigation attorney?

  Generally, it’s possible to go to court without hiring a litigation attorney. In fact, lawyers are prohibited from practicing in some small claims courts. However, other cases are nearly impossible to prove without professional assistance. These include medical malpractice claims, wrongful death lawsuits, complex real estate disputes, and employment law cases. When assessing the feasibility of pro se representation, or representing oneself, individuals and businesses should evaluate their ability to develop a strategy, prepare legal documents, and present their case effectively. To prevail, plaintiffs must have a complete understanding of the law, local rules of civil procedure, and the facts of the case.

• What’s the difference between a lawyer and a litigator?

  Litigators, also called trial lawyers, are attorneys who present cases in the courtroom before a judge or jury. They may represent plaintiffs or defendants, including individuals and companies, in civil matters. Litigators investigate lawsuits, facilitate the discovery process, and prepare legal documents. While they may negotiate settlements, they’re equipped to take each case to court to achieve the best outcome for their clients.

• What’s the difference between a lawsuit and litigation?

  A lawsuit is a formal legal action that begins when the plaintiff files a complaint with the court. Litigation is a broad term that describes the entire process of resolving a dispute from sending notice of intent to sue, through pretrial preparations and beyond. It also includes settlement negotiations, courtroom proceedings, and appeals.

• What’s the difference between arbitration, mediation, and litigation?

  Arbitration, mediation, and litigation are three of the most common methods of resolving legal disputes. With arbitration, a case is heard by a panel of individuals called arbitrators who function as judges. In most cases, the parties are bound to the outcome. Mediation is typically a nonbinding process where discussions are facilitated by a single intermediary called a mediator. With litigation, a case is heard in a courtroom before a judge and jury, which is the most costly and time-consuming option, so it’s best suited for disputes that can’t be worked out using alternative methods.

• What is a civil lawsuit?

  A civil lawsuit is a court-based legal dispute between two parties that seeks court intervention and does not include punishment for a crime. While most civil lawsuits seek monetary compensation, they may also involve the pursuit of court action, such as a cease-and-desist order or an injunction. Since the majority of civil lawsuits are settled out of court, the process of pursuing a lawsuit usually begins with negotiations between the two parties. Any lawsuits that are not resolved through a settlement may go to trial and are decided by a judge or jury.

• What is a civil litigation lawyer?

  A civil litigation lawyer is a trial lawyer or litigator who specializes in handling all of the procedures involved in filing a civil lawsuit. Litigation is the process of resolving legal disputes between two parties, including before, during, and after a civil trial. A civil litigation lawyer may represent the person filing the lawsuit or the person being sued.

• What is a pre-litigation attorney?

  Because most civil lawsuits are resolved between the two parties, a pre-litigation attorney is any civil litigation attorney that can facilitate negotiations or a settlement prior to any legal action being taken. Some disputes may be settled through mediation, arbitration, or agreements and don't require any further legal action after a settlement has been reached.

• What does a commercial litigator do?

  A commercial litigator is a civil litigation attorney who specializes in disputes that involve companies rather than individuals. Commercial litigation is usually much more complicated than legal disputes between individuals and typically filed in the federal rather than the state court system. Commercial litigators also handle employment disputes between companies and individuals who are workers.

• How can I file a lawsuit against a company?

  Although you could file a lawsuit on your own, it's better to consult with a civil litigation attorney that's experienced in resolving disputes and negotiating settlements. The first step in filing a lawsuit should involve communication with the company in an attempt to reach an agreement. An experienced attorney is in a better position to reach a settlement that's in your best interest. Because lawsuits involve numerous steps, including filing motions, discovery, and other legal proceedings, you are better off working with an experienced professional rather than attempting to navigate the legal system on your own.