Category: General Posts

Personal Injury Attorney

Aggressive & Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers (Attorneys) Salt Lake City, Utah

The Law Offices of Haskins James Law serve injured people involved in various types of accidents and injuries throughout Salt Lake City.

We have years of experience litigating accident and injury related cases. Our personal injury lawyers are selective in the cases we handle, allowing us to personally devote the time needed to build a solid case for you. We are prepared to litigate each case to verdict in order to obtain the maximum amount of damages recoverable. Our firm has a reputation for excellence and aggressive representation against major insurance companies, defense firms and irresponsible parties.

We Will Fight For You

We deal exclusively with clients whose lives have been seriously affected by the negligence of others and who have suffered personal injury. Any victim of an automobile accident, truck accident, dog bite, wrongful death, motorcycle accident, slip and fall, product defect, trip and fall or product liability, as well as other injury related accidents, is our main focus, and those are the people we fight to represent everyday. We do everything legally possible for our clients to make sure a full and complete compensation for injuries are obtained, including recovering for lost wages future income, pain and suffering, medical bills and emotional distress.

Medical Malpractice Attorney

Dedication, Experience, & Trust..
Helping to Protect Your Interests

We entrust our doctors with our lives and the lives of loved ones, and we expect those professionals to practice medicine and perform to the highest standards of care. Unfortunately, sometimes those professionals fail to live up to these standards, and the results of such failure can be devastating, and sometimes fatal. If a medical professional has seriously injured you or a family member as a result of an error, it is critical that you contact our Salt Lake City Medical Malpractice attorneys as soon as possible. Medical malpractice cases can be difficult and expensive to pursue. Our attorneys have the skill, experience, and resources necessary to help you obtain the optimal compensation for catastrophic injuries or death that result from medical malpractice.

Experienced Salt Lake City Medical Malpractice Attorneys

At the Haskins James Law we handle cases including:

  • Prescription errors
  • Pharmaceutical errors
  • Surgical errors
  • Birth injuries
  • Critical care errors
  • Failure to diagnose cancer

Dog Bites Attorney

If you or your child has suffered a serious injury as a result of a dog bite, it is important to quickly contact our experienced Salt Lake City dog bite attorneys. Salt Lake City pet owners are held to a strict liability standard for one year after a canine attack occurs. After one year, the case can still be pursued, but the standard shifts to simple negligence, which means the pet owner is no longer held to a strict liability standard and gets to claim defenses an owner would not otherwise be able to claim if a lawsuit was filed within one year.

Skilled Salt Lake City, Utah Dog Bite Attorneys

At the Law Office of Haskins James Law, we have the knowledge, experience and expertise to handle all dog bite cases. We have experience representing children, who are the most common victims. While most people think of Pit-bulls, German Shepherds and Rottweilers when they think of vicious dogs, Labradors, Poodles, Golden Retrievers and Chihuahas also attack and can cause serious injuries to children and adults.

According to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), about 386,000 dog bite victims seek medical treatment every year. The largest percentages of victims are children between the ages of 5 to 9 years, and most canine attack injuries are to the face and neck. Lacerations from dog bites cause permanent scarring that can last a lifetime, not to mention the long term psychological effects of a vicious attack.

Divorce Attorney

An experienced family law attorney from Haskins James Law Firm can guide you through the process of divorce and help you come out on the other side ready to begin the next segment of your life.

The main areas of consideration in a divorce are property division, spousal support, debt division or alimony, and if there are children involved, child custody, parent time, and child support.

If you and your spouse agree on all of the issues, your divorce is “uncontested” and can be done relatively quickly. Even if you believe you have everything worked out between the two of you, it is still a good idea to have the advice of an experienced family law attorney. An attorney can help you recognize oversights and point out areas that may become problems down the road. Too many on line divorces later result in greater expense and stress because they did not resolve all of the hidden issues or contemplate how circumstances could change in the future.

If you and your spouse do not agree on one or more issues, your divorce is “contested.” Just because your divorce is contested does not mean it must be resolved by a judge in a court trial. Our divorce attorneys will represent your interests and help you negotiate a settlement that fits your best needs. And if you do end up in court, we have the knowledge and experience to ensure you get a fair outcome with your case.

If you have a question about Divorce, contact Haskins James Law Firm at 801-539-0234

Salt Lake City Family Law Attorney

If you are going through a divorce it can be one of the most stressful times in your life. The mixture of emotions, from sadness to anger, to confusion, can take its toll. We understand how hard it is to share your most intimate family and financial details with a Utah divorce lawyer. Our Salt Lake City Utah divorce attorneys understand how difficult this can be. We want you to be completely comfortable. We are a family-owned law firm and believe in being sensitive to your needs during these times. At Haskins James Law we offer emotional support, and most importantly, excellent legal advice to clients when they need it most.

Whether you are seeking a legal separation, paternity claim or a divorce settlement, our family law attorneys will guide you through this emotional process. We are equipped to negotiate an amicable settlement or aggressively battle all the way to trial. The father and son attorneys at our law office have more than 32 years of combined legal experience, and are ready to counsel clients on issues such as:

  • Annulments
  • Alimony / Spousal Support / Spousal Maintenance
  • Contested and Uncontested Divorces
  • Paternity Actions
  • Property Settlements
  • Debt Division
  • Prenuptial Agreements
  • Asset Division and Business Valuations
  • Domestic Violence Charges and Restraining Orders

Our Utah Lawyers Can Handle High-End Divorces

There are additional factors to consider in marriage dissolutions where there are sizable assets involved. We can help if there are family businesses, boats, vacation homes, or retirement / pension accounts that need to be valued and fairly distributed. At Haskins James Law we have extensive experience in handling high-end divorces, both contested and uncontested. And even though mediation is mandatory in Utah divorce cases, it is advisable that we are there by your side to make sure your rights and needs are fully represented.

We Can Make the Difference in Your Divorce Case

If you also need legal representation negotiating child visitation and custody arrangements, or need to make modifications to your earlier divorce decree, contact our Utah divorce lawyers today for a free consultation

Utah Criminal Lawyers Salt Lake City

Have you been arrested or charged with a crime? If so, you need to get accurate legal advice from the minute you are considered a suspect until the matter is resolved. The best way to protect your Constitutional rights is to know what they are, and be familiar with the best way to respond to requests and questions from law enforcement officials.

At Haskins James Law in Salt Lake City, Utah, our criminal defense attorneys have years of legal experience representing clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges related to:

  • Assault
  • Murder
  • Theft
  • Drug Possession
  • Embezzlement
  • Drug Manufacturing
  • Drug Distrubution
  • Burglary

We Defend All Clients

Our family-owned law firm was established in 1979, and since then we have represented clients charged with all types of crimes ranging from traffic violations to serious felonies.

If you need a strong criminal defense against a misdemeanor or felony charge, we can make a difference. When you contact our Utah criminal defense attorneys for a free initial consultation, we will listen carefully to find out all of the facts. We will work with you and explain all of the possible outcomes – reduction of charges, dismissal, requesting probation, or asking for leniency from the judge. If the prosecutor will not dismiss the case or reduce the charges and a trial is in your best interests, we will have already done much of the groundwork for a successful trial effort.

For honest, effective, and non-judgmental legal advice regarding your case our criminal defense attorneys at Haskins James Law will mount a defense on your behalf. Contact our Salt Lake City office and speak to our Criminal Defense attorneys today at (801) 539-0234

Criminal Defense FAQ

Q: What is a capital offense?
A: A crime for which the death penalty may be imposed.

Q: What is a federal crime?
A: A criminal offense under a federal statute. Unlike the state system, there is no parole in the federal system. A sentence is determined using the United States Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Q: What is probation 
A: Probation is occurs when a person receives a suspended sentence. The person is permitted to stay in the community rather than serving time in prison, as long as he or she complies with certain conditions, such as regularly reporting to a probation officer, refraining from alcohol and drugs and not committing further crimes. If the person violates any of the conditions of probation, he/she can be ordered to serve the suspended sentence.

Q: What is parole?
A: Parole is the supervised release of a person before the expiration of a prison sentence. There are usually conditions attached to parole which vary depending upon the underlying crime and the individual. If the terms and conditions of parole are violated the person can be returned to prison to serve the remainder of the sentence. There is no parole in federal system.

Q: What is hate crime?
A: A crime motivated by the victim’s race, color, ethnicity, religion, or national origin.

Q: What is white collar crime?
A: A nonviolent financial crime usually involving cheating or dishonesty in business or commercial matters such as fraud and tax evasion.

Q: What is the Miranda Warning?
You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney present during questioning. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you. Do you understand these rights?

A: A Miranda warning must be given by police to criminal suspects in custody, before they are questioned/ interrogated. A custodial situation is one in which the suspect’s freedom of movement is restrained (judged by the “free to leave” test), even if he is not under arrest. An elicited incriminating statement by a suspect will not constitute admissible evidence unless the suspect was informed of his/her “Miranda rights” and made a knowing, intelligent, and voluntary waiver of those rights. However, a 2004 Supreme Court ruling upheld state “stop-and-identify” laws, allowing police to require biographical information such as name, date of birth, and address, without arresting suspects or providing them Miranda warnings.

Q: Is it a good idea to speak with police?
A: It is the difficult job of a police officer to try to solve crimes. It is not their job to consider the best interests of a suspect which may or may not be served by speaking with he police. Therefore, in the majority of cases, it is always best to speak to a lawyer before speaking with the police if you are suspect, believe you have violated the law, or, have been arrested.

Q: What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
A: Generally, a felony is a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or by death. A misdemeanor is less serious than a felony and is usually punishable by a sentence of less than a year. Also, an individual can lost some rights when convicted of a felony such as the right to vote which they do not lose if convicted of a misdemeanor.

Salt Lake City, Utah Support Modifications Lawyer

You want to do what is best for your children, even in a divorce. You also want to protect your personal financial future. An experienced Salt Lake City child support attorney can help you accomplish both. At Haskins James Law we can help you understand and anticipate Utah child support guidelines and how they apply to your case. We focused on long-term solutions and will help you find a plan that works in the best interests of your children.

For informed Guidance for You and Your Family, Contact Haskins James Law

Child support in Utah is driven by statutory guidelines that determine a plan according to a formula established by the state legislature. With little room for deviation, the Salt Lake City, UT child support guidelines primarily consider the income of both guardians, your physical custody arrangement and any special needs of your children. Other critical issues, such as health care insurance coverage and tax implications, will also be included in the child support order.

The guidelines become increasingly difficult to interpret in the case where a parent is self-employed, unemployed or underemployed, possibly necessitating the court to impute the proper income to make a fair child support order or vary from guidelines. We are prepared to handle complex cases involving the Department of Child Support Services or the issues that come with high-income child support.

Modifications and Enforcement of Child Support Orders

When child support payments are not going as planned, or there has been a significant change in the economic circumstances of one party, it is possible to obtain a modification or court enforcement of child support. Post-judgment modifications to child support may be available in certain circumstances, such as:

  • A change in the child’s needs such as child care
  • An increase or decrease in either parent’s income
  • A change in the child custody and visitation arrangement

When it comes to enforcement, child support agencies have many legal tools at their disposals to collect payments from the noncustodial parent, including wage garnishments. We represent both custodial and noncustodial parents in child support enforcement disputes.

Salt Lake City Bankruptcy Attorney

If your debt has become unmanageable it is most likely taking a toll on all aspects of your life. No one should live in fear of threatening letters from creditors, wage garnishment, harassing calls or home foreclosure. Their comes a point that you need to find financial relief in order to live your life again.

Bankruptcy Lawyers in Salt Lake City

At Haskins James Law, our bankruptcy lawyers understand deciding to file bankruptcy should only be done after careful evaluation of your options. When you visit our office in Salt Lake City, our bankruptcy attorneys will review your financial situation. If bankruptcy is not right for you, we will tell you. It may be possible that negotiating with your creditors will yield a better results. If bankruptcy will help, our bankruptcy attorneys will guide you through the process of filing either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy on your behalf and serving as your legal counsel throughout your case.

When you file for bankruptcy in the state of Utah, you are immediately granted an automatic stay. This puts an end to:

  • Creditor Harassment
  • Foreclosure and Garnishment Proceedings
  • Vehicle repossession

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy vs Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

• Chapter 7 bankruptcy, or liquidation bankruptcy, is a way to get a fresh financial start. With this plan, you will be able to keep most of your personal belongings, while your unsecured debt is discharged. As long as you are current on the payments, you should be able to keep your home and vehicles if that is what you wish to do.

• Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a debt reorganization plan. With this bankruptcy plan, all your unsecured debts are combined into one monthly payment that you make over 3-5 years. After that time, your remaining consumer debts are eliminated. You may even be able to roll past due mortgage and vehicle payments into the repayment amount, freeing up much-needed funds to make future payments.

• Bankruptcy and Your Credit Score

Bankruptcy will affect your credit score, but if you are already having trouble making payments, your credit score has most likely already taken a sizeable hit. Fortunately, as soon as one year after filing bankruptcy, you may be able to obtain credit, at which time you can begin working to build your score. Oftentimes people end up with better credit after a bankruptcy filing than they had before.

Contacting a Bankruptcy Lawyer

To learn more about bankruptcy and how it will affect you, contact our Bankruptcy 801-539-0234 to schedule a free confidential consultation.

Salt Lake City Haskins James Law Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney

When You Need a new Financial Start – Call Haskins James Law Firm.

Are you struggling with debt you can’t pay off? Are you making enough money to cover your living expenses, but not much more than that? If so, Chapter 7 bankruptcy could allow you to discharge your debts and make a new financial start.

At Haskins James Law, we understand the decision to file bankruptcy is a major decision. That’s why we will give you the necessary tools to decide if it is the right choice for you or not. Contact us at our office in Salt Lake City to schedule a free initial consultation and learn about your debt relief options.

How Does Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Work?

In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, or liquidation bankruptcy, most of your unsecured debt is discharged or eliminated. This includes:

  • Credit card debt
  • Personal loans (not student loans)
  • Medical expenses
  • Certain judgments
  • Some taxes
  • Other qualifying debt

With Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you will be allowed to keep your clothing, most furniture and the majority of your personal belongings. You may also be able to retain your financed vehicle or home, provided you can continue to make payments on them.

Not all debt however, can be discharged through a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Child support payments, student loans, certain taxes and specific judgments cannot be discharged. However, with your other debt erased or minimized, you will be in a much better position to pay these non-dischargeable expenses.

The Means Test

To determine whether or not you are eligible for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, or if you qualify for Chapter 13 bankruptcy instead, the court requires you to undergo something called a means test. This evaluation takes your income and living expenses into consideration and balances them against your debt level. To learn if you are qualified to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, contact our office to schedule a confidential consultation.

Allow Yourself to Start Over

You don’t need to live with stress and frustration anymore because of overwhelming debt. Contact us online or call our office locally at 801-539-0234 to schedule a free confidential consultation with a knowledgeable Salt Lake City, Utah bankruptcy lawyer.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Lawyer

Reorganize Your Debt with the help of Haskins James Law in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Are you facing mounting debt, but only able to keep up with a small portion of it each month? Would you be able to catch up on your bills if you were just able to get some breathing room? If so, Chapter 13 bankruptcy maybe an option for you to consider.

Bankruptcy is not right for everyone; debt negotiation could possibly be a better option for your particular situation. Sometimes, though, it is the only way for a person to get out from under a mountain of crippling debt. At Haskins James Law in Salt Lake City, Utah our knowledgeable attorneys will explain your options and guide you through the bankruptcy process, helping you get back on track to financial freedom.

How Does Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Work?

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is essentially a debt reorganization plan. With this type of bankruptcy, your unsecured debt is rolled into one monthly payment that you make over the period of 3-5 years. The court trustee uses that money to pay your creditors. After the 3-5 years are over, any remaining consumer debt is discharged.

Chapter 13 bankruptcies allows people to:

  • Stop foreclosure proceedings
  • Avoid vehicle repossession
  • Stop most wage garnishments
  • Protect their assets
  • Possibly strip away a second mortgage

People who make too much money to qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy or have assets they want to protect may find Chapter 13 bankruptcy a better alternative. This debt repayment plan is particularly helpful for people with non-dischargeable debt like:

  • A home mortgage
  • Student loans
  • Tax debt
  • A vehicle loan
  • Spousal support
  • Child support

To learn if Chapter 13 bankruptcy is right for you, contact our office for a free initial consultation with our knowledgeable attorneys.

Give Yourself a New Start

To discuss whether or not bankruptcy can help you find debt relief, contact us online or call our office locally at 801-539-0234 to schedule a free confidential consultation with a knowledgeable Salt Lake City bankruptcy lawyer.