Best Litigation Attorneys in Jacksonville

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Jacksonville, Florida?

  904-630-0500 is the non-emergency number of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Jacksonville, Florida?

  There are several ways police reports can be obtained. This can be by calling the police's Public Records Unit, visiting them at the station, sending them mail, or making an online request. Contact details are as follows: Public Records Unit Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Police Memorial Building 501 E. Bay St., Jacksonville, FL 32202 Tel. phone no.: (904) 630-2209 https://jacksonvilleso.mycusthelp.com/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(izwvatirdf4ric5qefe50xvj))/supporthome.aspx

• Are there cases where a bankruptcy in Jacksonville is litigated in court?

  A bankruptcy case in Jacksonville may be necessary to settle a dispute. Depending on whether it is an adversary proceeding, the litigation can resemble a full-fledged trial or motion hearing. It can be used to determine whether a debt can be discharged, a lien is valid, or a claim can be subordinated. The majority of the time, a bankruptcy case involves an administrative proceeding.

• Can you file an appeal case without a lawyer in Jacksonville?

  Yes, you can file your own appeal case. You will, however, be required to follow all court rules as well as the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure, just like the lawyer. One of these rules states that the appeal must be filed within 30 days after the court decision is issued. Please be aware that the Duval County Clerk of Court in Jacksonville cannot provide legal advice.

• Is defamation a criminal charge in Jacksonville?

  Defamation is mostly heard in civil court in Jacksonville, but some states have laws that make defamation a crime. Libel is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 in Florida, according to Florida Statute 836.01. In cases such as allegations of a woman's chastity and anonymous defamatory statements in a newspaper, libel statutes apply. In contrast, criminal defamation laws are rarely enforced in Jacksonville and throughout the state.

• Should you sue a tenant in Jacksonville for failing to pay the rent?

  Before filing a lawsuit in Jacksonville, the landlord should first speak with the tenant. This is important for a landlord's credibility, especially if they have multiple properties, to ensure that their claims are valid before going to court. If there are still problems with rent payment, the landlord can proceed with a legal eviction or file a lawsuit in court.

• How can you serve court papers to a defendant through the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office?

  You can hire the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office to serve court papers in a variety of ways. For more information on the service process, contact the Sheriff's Office's Civil Unit at 904-255-2470. Alternatively, go to the Duval County Courthouse, 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202, Room 5141 5th Floor. Court documents can also be mailed to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, 501 E. Bay Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202, Attention: Civil Unit.

• 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.