Posted by TheSoulPitt.com
Submitted Question: I was convicted of a felony in 1995. I pleaded nolo contendre because I had a hung jury and was afraid that i was going to jail ( I had my elderly mom and a 2 year old to think about).I ran out of money to defend myself. I went to work release. My record has been clean and I have earned 2 college degrees in the meantime. I just want to be free of always having to explain what happened ( sweaty palms, etc)and getting rejected for jobs. i was going to go up for a pardon. If it is granted, what do i do about job applications, insurance, clearances? Will records still show I was convicted? Will I finally be free to move about the country? Do you do pardons?
Thanks!
My Answer: A person entering a Nolo Contendre Plea does not have to admit that he or she committed the crimes with which they have been charged. However they are required to admit that there is a factual basis to support the charges which were filed. Click here for more »
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Posted by TheSoulPitt.com
Submitted Question:
If someone does not pay you your money back, which was ordered by the magistrate, and they do not pay, what other options do we have to collect our money?
My answer:
If you sue a person at the magistrate and win, a judgment will be entered in your favor. Once a judgment has been entered you can take steps to have the defendant’s assets sold at a sheriff’s sale to satisfy the judgment. You can also have a person’s bank account frozen so that the money in the account can be used to satisfy the judgment. Click here for more »
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Posted by TheSoulPitt.com
Submitted Question:
My fiancé and I want to get married, but we are afraid that because he has other children with two other women (out of wedlock) that the mothers might be able to lay claim to my bank accounts and properties that I have. Is that true? He and I do a have a 2-year old together. Will I become legally responsible for his child support? Please help. I’m afraid to get married.
My answer:
My understanding is that your Fiancé’s obligation to pay child support is based solely upon the mother of the children’s income and the father’s income. Assuming that you have not adopted the children you are not recognized as a parent nor a person having a legal obligation to provide support for the children. Therefore, your individual bank accounts and properties are safe from seizure. However, after you are married should and your fiancé file your taxes jointly your refund could be taken and applied to his outstanding support obligations. In addition, money that you and your fiancé have in a joint bank account could be seized as well to satisfy his outstanding support obligation. Although I can give you countless reasons to be afraid of marriage, your concern about having your individual assets seized to provide financially for the children is not one of them.
Elliot Howsie, Esq. is a Criminal Defense Attorney hailed in 2006 as “Pittsburgh’s own Johnnie Cochran” by Pittsburgh Magazine. Visit his site at www.howsielaw.com
Anonymously submit your legal issue to “Legal Soul with Elliot Howsie, Esq.” Submitting the form provided below does not create an attorney/client relationship between you and Elliot Howsie, Esq. and check back to see if it has been posted! Click here to Submit Your Legal Question
The information contained in this email is for general information purposes only. Nothing in this email, comments, answers, or other communications should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information on this website is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing of this information does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
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Posted by TheSoulPitt.com
Submitted Question:
Is it possible to have a criminal record expunged? If so, how?
My answer:
It is possible to have a criminal record expunged.
However, you may only file an expungement if the charges against you were dismissed, suspended, nolle prossed or you were found not guilty. If your case resulted in a guilty verdict, your only chance for expungement is to obtain a Governor’s Pardon. To obtain an expungement please contact us for more information.
Elliot Howsie, Esq. is a Criminal Defense Attorney hailed in 2006 as “Pittsburgh’s own Johnnie Cochran” by Pittsburgh Magazine. Visit his site at www.howsielaw.com
Anonymously submit your legal issue to “Legal Soul with Elliot Howsie, Esq.” Submitting the form provided below does not create an attorney/client relationship between you and Elliot Howsie, Esq. and check back to see if it has been posted! Click here to Submit Your Legal Question
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Posted by TheSoulPitt.com
Q: When Should You Contact An Attorney?
A: Immediately! Time is of the essence.
If you are arrested or under investigation for an offense, you should contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Even if you are innocent of the charges against you or your case is still under investigation, you need competent legal representation to protect your rights.
Q: Why You Need An Attorney?
A: Only an experienced attorney can evaluate your case and determine the likelihood of success at trial or, in the alternative, negotiate a favorable plea-bargain.
Before charges are actually filed against you, your attorney, with the help of private investigators, may be able to provide evidence to the prosecutor or police agency that may persuade them not to file charges against you. Early planning gives your attorney more time to conduct a thorough investigation and preserve any evidence in your favor as early as possible.
After charges have been filed against you, your attorney will evaluate whether it is in your best interest to proceed to trial. Your attorney will develop the best strategy to build a winning defense. However, if a trial is not in your best interest, your attorney will then negotiate a favorable plea bargain.
About
Elliot Howsie, Esq. is a Criminal Defense Attorney hailed in 2006 as “Pittsburgh’s own Johnnie Cochran” by Pittsburgh Magazine. Visit his site at www.howsielaw.com
Anonymously submit your legal issue to “Legal Soul with Elliot Howsie, Esq.” Submitting the form provided below does not create an attorney/client relationship between you and Elliot Howsie, Esq. and check back to see if it has been posted! Click here to Submit Your Legal Question
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