Best Litigation Lawyers in Newport News, VA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Newport News, Virginia?

  Non-emergency cases like parking disputes, noise complaints, and property theft can be reported to the local police of Newport News by dialing 757-247-2500.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Newport News, Virginia?

  Police reports can be obtained by the residents of Newport News by submitting a request through the following:

  • Online: https://newportnewsva.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(motzt4kwnn5gfdv3afwz54mj))/supporthome.aspx?lp=2&sSessionID=.
  • Phone:757-926-3685.
  • In-person or mail: FOIA Officer, Department of Communications, 2400 Washington Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607.

• Are there pro bono or low-cost litigation services for the residents of Newport News?

  Newport News residents can utilize the Virginia Legal Aid website or hotline to explore options for pro bono or affordable legal services. The organization offers reduced consultation fees, ensuring access to legal support without undue financial strain. Eligibility for these services is determined based on the individual's income and place of residence.

• What must you prove to increase your chances of winning a money-related civil case in Newport News?

  For money-related cases in Newport News, evidence of the owed amount is crucial. For instance, unpaid bills or wages necessitate proving the owed sum, while in cases of property damage, the fair market value must be demonstrated, not the purchase or replacement cost. Generally, in a civil lawsuit, it is essential to establish that the opposing party breached a legal duty, which may involve ordinary and workmanlike care, adherence to agreements or contracts, or compliance with legal requirements.

• How can civil litigation court papers be served to a missing party residing in Newport News?

  If a party living in Newport News cannot be located, you can employ the "Affidavit for Service of Process on the Secretary of the Commonwealth" or "Form DC-410." This document requires you to provide the party's name and physical address, along with confirming attempts to locate their actual physical address.

• Where can you file a complaint if there was possible misconduct from the judge handling your case in Newport News?

  In Newport News, the Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission handles complaints related only to judicial misconduct or substantial mental or physical impairment that might have affected a judge's performance. Its scope does not cover matters of judicial discretion, including court rulings or decisions, and it lacks the authority to alter any judicial findings. Additionally, it refrains from intervening in ongoing cases, except in situations involving complaints of undue delays.

• How can a litigation attorney in Newport News help with inaccurate consumer credit reports and background checks?

  A Newport News litigation attorney can aid individuals facing inaccurate credit reports or background checks by taking legal action to address false payment marks, outdated lender information, or identity theft concerns. They can also seek remedies for irregularities affecting loan interest rates, financing denials for essential needs like home repairs or vehicle purchases, and housing applications. An attorney ensures compliance with Fair Credit Reporting Act standards and recovers just compensation for clients harmed by these errors.

• 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.