Frequently Asked Questions
Even minor misdemeanors can have a significant impact on your ability to find work, maintain employment, and qualify for professional licenses.
Secondary consequences of having a record can follow you around your entire life.
An attorney has value in many ways beyond just taking a case to trial.
You should have an attorney review a case for violations of due process which can lead to a dismissal of the entire case.
An attorney can help you find other options for resolving a case such as a civil compromise or downgrading to a non-criminal violation.
Southwell Law specializes in Driving While Intoxicated (DUI) and other traffic offenses such as:
- Fleeing Eluding Police, Driving While Suspended, Assault with a
- Motor Vehicle and Reckless Driving, and traffic violations
domestic violence and restraining order cases - Property Offenses, both misdemeanor and felony such as
- Trespassing, Burglary and Theft cases
- Person Crimes, both misdemeanor and felony, including:
- Assaults and Disorderly Conduct
- Violations of Restraining Orders
- Robbery
- Sex Offenses including Sexual Abuse
- Child abuse and Child Neglect charges.
Southwell Law has successfully received dismissals for everything from minor traffic infractions to major felony crimes that have a minimum prison sentences
Southwell Law has been practicing in Marion County, Polk County, Clackamas County, Linn County, and Washington County. Our home office is located in Salem.
Absolutely you do. The prosecutor may not think you are innocent and the criminal justice system has many flaws that result in guilty convictions for innocent people. Southwell Law will make sure that you are able to put your best foot forward regardless of how you want to resolve your case. Sometimes, a lawyer can help secure a quick dismissal so you do not have to go to trial to prove your innocence.
This can depend upon many factors. One advantage of hiring an attorney is that you will get your case moved to the front of the docket for quicker resolution. This is important because even innocent people are placed on many restrictions from a release agreement while the case is pending. You may be restricted on where you can live, or who you can talk to. Generally, Southwell Law tries to have a strategy that meets with your needs for defending your case within the first week of meeting. This way you will not have to continually come to court nor wait for months to know what is happening with your case.
There are many skilled public defenders. However, they are generally overworked, and most courts now have a long wait list for court-appointed lawyers. Hiring your own private attorney at Southwell Law, LLC, will ensure you have both a skilled attorney at your side, and all of your important questions answered immediately.
Some restraining orders are actually permanent. There are also different types of restraining orders including FAPA (Family Abuse Prevention Act), Stalking Prevention Orders, Elderly Abuse Prevention Orders, etc. Once these become approved by the Court, if you do not fight them they can severely restrict your ability to communicate with family members, your children, or even go to your primary residence. Whether you are thinking about filing or contesting a restraining order, we would encourage you to contact an attorney at Southwell Law, LLC, to make sure you understand the best way to proceed.
That is made on a case-by-case basis. It depends upon many factors. At Southwell Law, LLC, we have free consultations so you will be provided a cost that is tailored to your particular circumstances and case complexity.