The critical role of legal translators in criminal court

   

Every word of the law holds authority and sacredness to it. Because of this, the translated text of the law is held with the same high regard. In recent years, the translation and interpretation industry in the U.S. has significantly grown. According to the Department of Labor, it has stated that from 2014 to 2024, the industry will have about 29% growth. However, this article will discuss translations and how it helps bridge language barriers, especially for those with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). We will also discuss the challenges of legal translations despite how readily available translation software and machines are in the market. 

Now, let’s get right into it! 

Problems of language barriers in court hearings

It cannot be denied that when it comes to criminal court hearings, legal representation is one of the rights readily given to any accused individual. But what happens to the accused if they are Limited English Proficiency (LEP)? There is a higher chance that justice isn’t achieved due to language barriers. According to an article by PBS entitled, “How bad translation by court interpreters can turn misunderstanding into injustice,” PBS interviewed Patricia Michelsen-King, who teaches interpretation at Virginia Commonwealth University. She recounted that a Spanish speaker screamed at court, “I didn’t rape her!” because his interpreter used the word violación. This word does not translate to “violation” in Spanish. It means rape. The article discussed how misunderstandings such as this aren’t all that uncommon in courts. Because of this, some laws have been passed to ensure that courts remain impartial and fair to those that are LEP. An example of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, wherein the Supreme Court has stated discrimination due to low English proficiency will not be tolerated. This was further emphasized in 2000 when President Bill Clinton signed Executive Order 13166, in which all LEPs should have access to any Federal funded language services such as interpreters and translators. 

Legal translation services filling up the gaps

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2019 to 2029, interpreters and translators will have a job outlook of 20%, which is much faster than any other industry. As we have established, language barriers can easily cause injustice for the LEP plaintiff or defendant. Finding the right legal translation services that can effectively impart the message of the source material to the translated text without jeopardizing it is absolutely crucial. We’ve gathered some information from three language experts regarding this matter. The American Translator’s Association (ATA) is an organization dedicated to advancing the translation and interpreting profession. On their website, members of their organization should be able to “faithfully, accurately, and impartially” translate the word and meaning of the translated text from the source material. The translator must uphold client confidentiality with the information they obtained. As for Slator, a language industry information provider, based on their interview with Dr. Victoria Froltsova, Head of Translation at Vienna-based law firm, points out that errors can change lives when it comes to legal translations, especially when it comes to legal translations in criminal cases. From Dr. Froltsova’s experience, they had to return translations due to some information from the crime scene not being translated well enough and quality management when it comes to legal translations is “the most demanding part of our work.” On our end from Tomedes, as an ATA-accredited language service provider, words matter and depending on the jurisdiction of the state or country from where you’re seeking legal translation services, the legal documents have to follow your court’s jurisdiction format. The legal translator must have a localized understanding of the law and language pairs of the legal document.

The importance of legal representation through translation

Since we have already established legal representation and having language-based services available is mandatory in court, let’s go a little deeper and focus on the subject of the translated text. Unlike interpretation, translation is more legally binding as it is documented. According to a research paper by Ali Darwish entitled “The Role of Forensic Translation in Courtrooms Contexts,” translators have a duty in not acting as “judges or jury to release or punish wrongdoers.” Their role is to ensure that the translated text carries the message of the original text for everyone to achieve justice. Even though the research article primarily deals with forensic translations, a more specialized aspect of the legal translation, it points out issues in translation that make the law and, in turn, achieve justice trickier. 

The law is already hard to grasp for the average English speaker. Think how much harder it is for the LEP plaintiff or defendant who now has to deal with legal jargon and terminology while barely understanding what’s going on due to language barriers. Because of this, the role of legal translators are crucial as they need a good understanding of the law, and they have to be fluent with the language pairs they specialize in. Due to globalization, the need for legal language services will increase. Another research paper by Radegundis Stolze entitled, “Translation and Law,” discusses that the lawyers don’t expect a replica of the source text when it comes to the translated text. What matters to them is that the message isn’t “lost in translation.” The paper discusses the lexical, cultural, and linguistic challenges when it comes to legal translations. Because of this, specialized subjects and courses were created to resolve these issues, such as comparative law and translation studies. The law is heavily influenced by the culture from which it originates. There’s a lot of considerations such as “the legal concepts, stylistic features, analysis of macrostructure, the problems of lexicography, etc.” With ever-increasing demand, how can translators keep up?

Law firms using machines for translation

As the world gets more and more automated for the past decade, translation technology has advanced significantly. Because of this, some law firms are incorporating translation software and machines to translate their legal documents. The reason for doing this is that it’s cheaper and takes up less time than hiring a translator. However, according to an article by Madison Elizabeth Wahler, “A Word is Worth a Thousand Words: Legal Implications of Relying on Machine Translation Technology,” it found that malpractice can quickly occur due to the translations of the machines and software. Let’s be clear. These law firms are not using Google Translate. They are using the same state-of-the-art technology being used by language service companies. However, there is a reason why these companies still employ translators and experts in legal translations, and that’s because the machines used for translation are still in their infancy. They don’t have the legal and cultural understanding of the text they are translating, which leads to a higher chance of mistranslating legal text.   

         

Conclusion

Legal translation services are needed more than ever due to our globalized world. In different parts of the world, like in the U.S., legal language services are made available to anyone who needs them to bring true justice, especially when it comes to criminal court. The challenge now is developing a method in which legal documents can be translated quickly without compromising the quality of the translated text. The current solution to this dilemma is by combining both the skill and expertise of legal translators and the advanced technology of translation software and machines.

Author Bio: Ofer Tirosh, CEO of Tomedes, a language service provider that specializes in legal translation services. Over the years, our legal translation services have successfully assisted legal projects in over 1,000+ language pairs for brands and organizations to help them achieve their global objectives. To know more, visit their website.

Apple’s wrongful termination case and what other corporates should know – guest post

  

Case against Apple for wrongful termination

 

Apple Inc. bombed at convincing a judge to dissolve a wrongful termination claim by Anita Nariani Schulze, Apple’s former company engineer. Schulze filed a case against the firm for the charges of two East Asian male supervisors discriminating against her based on her ethnic Pakistani background.

 

Judge Sunil R. Kulkarni, California state court in San Joe, conditionally ruled that the woman can go further with her claim of unlawful termination. The judge mentioned that although Schulze resigned from the job voluntarily, she has the right to file for a wrongful termination case because she had to leave the job due to continuous discrimination at their workplace.

 

Apple faces a setback

 

This discrimination case is seen as a major setback for Apple’s reputation. The company has also lost an early round in this case. As per the woman, her two managers – one from her own country and another one from Pakistan – used to treat her like a submissive individual.

 

She also alleges that there is workplace bias in the firm, pointing towards discrimination based on cultural differences of certain workers coming from South Asia.

 

Even Cisco System Inc. Is fighting a similar kind of case that’s filed against them by a civil rights agency in California, alleging bias against Dalits (India’s lower castes).

 

Coming back to the case against Apple, Schulze is from the Sindhi minority. She is Hindu by religion with her ancestral roots belonging to the Sidh region that’s presently in Pakistan. According to her complaint, her direct and senior managers (both males) used to purposely keep her out of all meetings while inviting her male colleagues to the same meetings. Besides that, they even criticized her for micromanaging her work. And, also didn’t give her all the bonuses she deserved despite her noteworthy team contributions and good performance.

 

Schulze further mentioned that the reason for her managers’ behavior stems from racism, sexism, discrimination based on ethnicity, and religious bias. She also stated that the  People of Sindhi Hindu ethnicity is popular for its “technical acumen”. And, due to gender equality in today’s workplaces “provoked the managers’  to show discriminatory behavior towards her.

Even Apple did not respond quickly after the regular business hours to her request for comment.

The Case is – Schulze v. Apple, Inc., 20CV369611, California Superior Court, Santa Clara County (San Jose).

 

5 things corporates should know about employee termination

Employee termination is not a very simple matter. Although employers have the legal right for dismissing their employees any time they want, managers and HR leaders must be careful about their decision of firing someone.

Before firing an employee, the human resource department should consult a corporate lawyer who has a vast experience in dealing with such cases. It is because they need to ensure that their order for termination doesn’t violate any state or federal laws.

As per some state-exclusive laws and public policy exemptions, at-will employment doesn’t allow employers to just dismiss their employees on a whim. The termination is a straightforward process, but the employer needs to do it properly following the due process and documentation work to avoid themselves from any potential lawsuit.

 

  1. What can’t I fire an employee for?

Employers cannot fire even their at-will employees for any illegal reasons. And, discrimination is not legal. Employees can file a lawsuit against their firm if they feel they have been terminated wrongfully due to color, race, religion, disability, age, national origin, due to pregnancy, gender, or genetic information.

 

  1. How do I terminate an employee for poor performance?

Here are the steps to follow for terminating an employee with bad performance:

  • You need to document everything. While it is time-consuming, it is important to document everything related to employees.
  • Review employee’s job descriptions and mention the reason for their termination.
  • Also, follow up with the employee.
  • And, finally terminate the employee with a valid and legal reason

 

  1. How do I fire (and comply with the due process) an employee?

Here are some simple ways to fire an employee:

  • Do it face to face: You need to fire someone face to face, even though it can be uncomfortable. Never do it over the phone or through email.
  • Be concise and clear: You don’t have to waste time on winging it. How you break them the news is essential. Be sure that the reason for their termination is clear and concise. Also, show them documentation with examples when giving them the reason.

 

  • Expect emotion, but be firm with yourself: Some workers may take this news in stride, while others may go through various emotions, such as anger, grief, and shock. You need to show empathy but also be firm at the same time without any physical contact.
  • Be honest with them: If there are big layoffs, never leave employees in the dark. Be honest with them and move swiftly.

 

  1. Can I terminate an employee with mental health issues?

Being an employer, you have to take care of your employees. Not just this, employees with any disabilities are always protected by the country or state laws.  Due to this, termination from a job due to mental health issues may pose a risk to your firm.

Since the law sees mental health issues like disability, it leaves employers liable for discrimination claims. It may come with a major fine with no minimum service period. So, it is best to avoid it at all costs.

If possible you have given them sufficient time, provided them health services, and considered reasonable adjustments. If still, there is no sign of improvement in their work, you can consider a dismissal.

 

  1. Are terminated employees entitled to a severance package?

Generally, employees who are terminated are not provided any severance package – especially if they are terminated for misconduct. But an employee is terminated wrongfully, he/she can certainly claim their severance package along with the fine for their unlawful dismissal.

Why Is Having a Personal Injury Lawyer Important? – Guest Post

  

If a car has ever struck you or someone close to you, you know how bewildered you may feel while they are. You can seek reimbursement for your healthcare bills and other connected costs if you have been wounded or injured by another person, corporation, or driver’s negligence.

 

By selecting a personal injury lawyer, you might have a major effect on your trial. Of course, after vehicle accidents, you should consult an injury lawyer, but these are some important advantages you should know.

 

Better decisions 

 

If you’re not a lawyer, it might seem like a long and difficult legal process to file a personal injury claim. However, sometimes the offended person is wrong and ready to reward you. In such situations, it will be unnecessary to initiate legal action if the compensation sum is enough for your injuries. A skilled personal injury lawyer will examine your particular circumstances and advise you of the choices. You can also advise on the best course of action based on your situation’s severity.

 

Better Fairness and Professionalism

 

Extreme physical pain and mental anguish can cause you serious injury. You can avoid being fair in the pain and suffering that results from your injury. Your own feelings and beliefs can affect your ability to maintain facts. The circumstances of your case are of concern only to an accident lawyer. Don’t focus on the things that are insignificant; they will fight for you.

 

Better representation in the courtroom:

 

The last choice is to submit a legal complaint to be handled at court if you cannot reach a legal settlement. You want a professional on your side to plead your case under these conditions.

 

The defendant will undoubtedly have a skilled litigator working on their behalf, while you will be able to represent himself. If you wish to have a chance, you need a personal injury agent to match this level of experience.

 

Help you receive medical care.

 

If your lawyer knows about medical misconduct and personal harm, they may also guarantee that you get adequate treatment. As you recover, your injury lawyer may lodge claims against anyone who has hit you or is responsible for the injuries you have been injured. Please contact them if you need an injury lawyer. 

 

Help with your legal proceedings.

If the guilty party contests your compensation claims, court action is the next alternative. Thus, even if your personal injury claims are genuine, you may be in court, in particular, if you do not have a lawyer from the opposing side.

 

The ability of a lawyer for personal injuries in your corner makes it even. The lawyers you need to make the most of your claim might be obtained too. You will collect all the necessary proof to win your case.

 

Help you get quicker compensation.

 

If you don’t have a lawyer, wait until you recuperate enough before you seek recompense. This means that your settlement will take you a lot longer. Immediately after your accident, you should call a personal injury lawyer. In this method, you may submit claims for personal injury while you recover. A skilled lawyer with an extensive background in personal injuries and the laws involved can therefore take care of all reverses and help you be paid as quickly as possible.

 

No charge unless you win

 

Most lawyers in personal injuries pay cases. That implies that you do not pay legal costs unless the lawyer has a verdict or settlement in your name. During other expenses, you don’t have to worry about the upfront charges. The attorney takes the risk.

 

Consult a personally experienced lawyer

 

If another person’s carelessness injures you, you have the right to seek compensation for recuperation and compensation for financial losses that come from the accident.

 

Contact a personal injury lawyer for free counsel if you or someone you know have sustained a severe wound.

A Guide to Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Orlando- Guest Post

   

Whether you are facing charges for drunk driving, fraud, murder or anything illegal, hire a licensed criminal defense lawyer in Orlando to get all possible help.

A knowledgeable attorney will benefit you in several ways. Starting with taking care of the paperwork so that the documents are filed properly. These trained professionals are well-versed with criminal laws and various loopholes that can work in their client’s favor.

With countless criminal defense lawyers out there, it is baffling to decide on the right one. How do you know whether someone is worth trusting for such a massive job of defending you? Fortunately, in this article, we have curated a detailed guide to making an informed decision that you will be proud of for many years to come.

So, read on as we learn about hiring a criminal defense attorney:-

#1 Learn About their Qualification

The first and foremost question is about their education.  The year when they completed the degree, how many criminal cases they have defended, the type of criminal cases they handle the most, in which courts they have defended so far and many more.

Find about any awards and achievements they have been conferred with. It will give you an insight into how much you can count on the attorney.

#2 Do They Have Courtroom Experience?

One of the crucial facets to look into when deciding on a criminal defense lawyer is their courtroom experience. The criminal court trials move fast. There are often times, a lawyer has a second or two to make an objection that significantly impacts your case’s outcome. It is imperative to ensure that your attorney has enough courtroom confidence. Also, well-aware of the rules to strongly defend you in court.

In this regard, you can easily judge a book from its cover. Is your defense lawyer well-spoken and has a neat appearance when you meet them? They’re likely to behave the same way in court.

All this will contribute to the chances of you winning or losing the case in the court.

 

 

#3 Have You Checked Reputable Sources?

You can learn a lot about your potential criminal defense lawyer through sources Some of the sources are reputable, and others not.

Do check the State Bar of Orlando to see if your criminal defense attorney has any formal discipline on their record. It is a reliable source to check, but you should not stop here.

Several other top-rated reputable sources such as Google+ and Facebook to determine the credibility of your prospective criminal defense lawyer. These sites display genuine customer reviews, and attorneys can not remove the bad reviews about them.

Unlike other sites, these platforms won’t let criminal defense lawyers paint a rosy picture for their upcoming clients.

While, you should not count out an attorney just because of one bad review. However, reviews give a general idea of what previous clients say about your prospective criminal defense lawyer.

#4 Do They Have a Clear Fee Structure?

A  reputed criminal defense lawyer often doesn’t confuse their clients with their bills. Instead, they will clearly explain the terms and conditions about how they are going to bill. They will also give a rough idea with regards to the total cost for your legal representation.

Your criminal defense attorney should be honest and transparent to explain the legal fees upfront. Plus, be ready to take questions to clear all your doubts right away. Some lawyers charge on an hourly basis or flat fees.

While hiring a cheap attorney is easy, you can’t expect favorable results. Before inking a contract with your potential attorney on an hourly basis, you should ask for how many hours you expect to pay for.

No matter what type of fee method you agreed on, it is highly advisable to obtain proof in writing.

Trust Your Instincts

With so much at stake, it’s worth your time and efforts to locate a dependable criminal defense lawyer in Orlando to defend you in the court. Do comprehensive research over the Internet. And, personally interview before you decide whether to hire them or not.

Don’t feel timid to ask queries. Take recommendations from your friends or those who have recently hired a criminal defense attorney.

10 Domestic Violence Myths & Misconceptions- Guest Post

  

Domestic Violence and Abuse as a Abstract

Domestic violence, like any other topic, is filled with misconceptions. To assist you to differentiate reality from fiction, we’ve compiled a list of five of the most common myths about domestic abuse:

 

  1. Domestic violence is only physical.

 

 

Domestic violence can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including intimidation, coercion, economic responsibility, isolation, psychological control/abuse, and physical assault.

 

  1. It only occurs in low-income households living on council estates.

 

Anyone, regardless of where they reside or how much money they have, maybe mistreated. Women and men who have been abused come from many areas of life. Consider the superstars we read about in the news to understand that money cannot safeguard you from domestic abuse.

 

  1. Men are equally as likely as women to be victims of domestic and familial violence.

 

 

Men can be victims of violence, yet the majority of men do not engage in domestic violence. However, women may utilise violence in relationships as well.

 

According to research, men are the most likely perpetrators of domestic and familial violence against women.

 

Men are more likely to be harmed by a stranger in a public location, but women are more likely to be harmed by someone they know in their own house.

 

  1. Victims provoke domestic and familial violence.

 

Nobody wants or deserves to be abused. Unfortunately, people who use violence may attempt to transfer responsibility to the victim by claiming that they caused them to be angry or jealous.

 

 

Most sufferers of domestic violence do anything they can to prevent violence and even try to modify their own behaviour in the hope of stopping the abuse. However, this will not put an end to the violence since they are not the source of it. The aggressive individual attempting to keep power and control over the victim is the cause of the violence.

 

  1. Domestic and familial violence will stop upon separation.

 

When a victim ends a relationship, the person who uses violence may perceive it as a direct threat to their power over the victim.

 

According to research, the months after separation are one of the most dangerous.

 

A person who used violence in the relationship may employ a variety of strategies to reestablish control over a victim. As a result, it is critical to seek assistance and remain secure.

 

  1. Domestic violence is triggered by factors such as alcohol or drug abuse, anger management disorders, or financial difficulties.

 

Domestic and family violence can be triggered by the use of alcohol or drugs, challenges with anger management, or financial concerns, but they are not the cause.

 

People who commit violence frequently blame it on things like this.

 

Even when they are sober or when money is not an issue, they are frequently aggressive to the victim.

 

It is unusual for anger control to be the primary concern. Often, the perpetrator of violence will aim their rage towards the victim but will be able to control their behaviour in front of friends, coworkers, other family members, or strangers. This is due to the fact that domestic and family violence is generally driven by power and control rather than merely anger.

 

There are also numerous households where alcohol, drugs, and money are challenges, but there is no domestic violence.

 

  1. Domestic violence is a private family matter.

 

Domestic violence affects everyone. Keeping domestic violence hidden benefits no one has been demonstrated to hurt children, has high societal costs, and serves to perpetuate abuse via taught patterns of behaviour.

 

  1. Abusers are raised in violent families.

 

 

This is not correct. Growing up in a violent family is a risk factor, and some abuse victims go on to be violent in their relationships. Many, however, do not. They are instead repulsed by violence because they have witnessed the devastation it creates. As a result, they would never consider hitting their lover.

 

Abusers learn to be violent as a result of the culture in which they grow up. People who blame violence on their upbringing avoid taking responsibility for their conduct. 

 

  1. Some individuals like violence.

 

Nobody enjoys or finds violence pleasing. The majority of abused individuals live in fear and terror. This is a method of blaming the victim for what is going on.

 

  1. Abusive persons suffer from a mental illness.

 

The great majority of persons who physically or verbally abuse their partner are not mentally sick. However, according to research, the proportion of abusers who have mental health problems is the same as in the general population. And, if an abusive individual is mentally sick, why do they exclusively attack their spouse and not coworkers, strangers, or friends?

 

Bio-

 

Our Brisbane Domestic Violence Lawyers have a proven track record of getting excellent outcomes for our clients, whether the offences are those drawing life sentences, repeat offences, or children court cases. Our Lawyers has the correct approach when dealing with your court matters. From the most serious offences, when your liberty is at stake, to potentially losing your driver’s licence for traffic violations, our Brisbane criminal lawyers will assist and support you as you through the judicial system.

 

 

 

 

 

 

How To Find an Appropriate Criminal Defence Lawyer for Your Case?- Guest Post

  

In the legal system, the criminal defence lawyer has the most difficult job role because they represent people who have been charged for any kind of criminal activities as per the law. They have all the knowledge about criminal laws and regulations and are able to guide their clients and provide the options that are available to them. Criminal lawyer represents alleged delinquent accused of certain criminal activities to prove their client innocent.

 

The accused can either hire a criminal defence lawyer or the lawyer can be appointed by the state or federal government in case the accused is unable to get one. If you have been charged with any criminal offence, then you must visit a criminal lawyer.

Here is how you can find the right criminal defence lawyer for your case:

  • Seek a lawyer online: In the process of finding a criminal lawyer, firstly you have to perform an intensive and extensive search online. You will find many criminal defence lawyers and some of them may even have their own websites too which will help you know about their associated law firms. Go through all the websites to understand their values, vision and testimonials and then decide which lawyer or a law firm will be most helpful to you. Finding out the best criminal lawyer is time-consuming and requires patience, but all this will pay out in your favor. Try to compare all the services they provide and select the lawyer who is highly recommended by most people.
  • Gather knowledge from people: If you are facing a problem in finding a criminal defence lawyer over the internet, then you can talk to people who have some knowledge about criminal lawyers and/or used their service. You can also approach the BAR Association to advise you of a lawyer. It can help you in many ways. You will be able to know about different criminal lawyers. Talking to people can help you understand how well the lawyer handled their case. You can also find out how much it will cost you to hire a criminal lawyer. By recommendations, you can easily get a criminal lawyer without wasting too much time.
  •  Evaluate a lawyer by people’s review: in the pursuit of searching for a criminal defence lawyer, most people do not take heed of the reviews or testimonials on the website of the lawyer or the law firm. You will simply know about people’s experiences with a lawyer if you read the review section. You should determine a lawyer based on the information you have gathered from referrals and reviews. Look for what people have to say about the lawyer in terms of how well he understood their case and what solutions were provided to them. Reviews also help you determine if the criminal defence lawyer is worth the money you pay them as their fees.
  • Ask questions: Make it a point to meet them in person and ask questions. Most of the lawyers will agree to meet you and for those who do not give you time then there is no need to take their service. Take the advantage of the interview and ask them plenty of questions. They will be happy to answer all your questions and only if you feel satisfied with their answers to hire them as your lawyer.

Conclusion:

A criminal defence lawyer will be your guide through the right process. They will represent you in the court of law on behalf of you and make you understand how the case is moving. Taking timely actions will only save you from any further legal trouble. To ensure everything goes smoothly, contact a criminal defence lawyer as early as possible.

How to Check your UK Visa Application Status

   

United Kingdom passport with Union Jack Great Britain flag

A crucial part of your UK visa application is tracking the application status. This helps you to plan beforehand your visa application especially if you are pressed for time.

The tracking of visa applications could be overwhelming for a few but many would want to track their application status. A system in the Home Office that lets you track and see the update of your UK visa application unhindered.

Tracking the UK visa application within the UK

The UK visa and citizenship application services (UKVCAS) has been launched by the UK Home Office to expedite the processing of UK visa applications.

Applicants are required to attend a single appointment to get their identity confirmed, enrol any biometric information (fingerprints and photograph to be taken) that may be needed to complete their documentation in support.

However, applicants will not know the decision at their UKVACS appointment. The visa application and relevant supporting documents will be sent to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) office to be processed. The UKVI is a special division of the Home Office in charge of the UK’s visa system, which will assign a specific caseworker for a decision to be made.

If you have already made a UK visa application and are now waiting for your decision, you must visit the UK government website (www.gov.uk) to find all the information and updates from UKVI on your UK visa processing.

How to proceed further

You will not be able to currently track your individual visa application online, but you can use an online system to obtain information as to which department to contact for your specific visa application.

You will need to answer a few of the questions about your application when using this e-system, such as the case reference number assigned while you were submitting the application, and you will have access to the contact information for that specific department at UKVI.

You can also contact them over the phone. The contact centre (phone number- 0300 123 2241) is available from Monday to Thursday, between 9 am to 4:45 pm, and on Fridays between 9 am to 4:30 pm.

When you speak with the staff you can make enquiries about the status of your application and track your visa application UK.

It should be noted that contact staff cannot provide or support in handling any personal circumstances or how it will impact the decision on your application.

Further, you can also seek clarity about British citizenship. You will need to contact the citizenship and nationality enquiries team on 0300 123 2253 from Monday to Thursday between 9 am to 4:45 pm and Fridays, 9 am to 4:30 pm. You can also email them at [email protected] if the phone number is not accessible.

Tracking the application from outside the UK

 

You have the option to make a call to the contact staff at UKV to ask any questions about your application on 00 44 203 481 1736. This call facility is open Monday to Friday, 24 hours, and can cost you £1.37 per minute additionally with your standard network charges.

You can also use the UKVI online system at: www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk. This email service is far more fruitful as it directly sends your enquiries to the caseworkers tasked with your visa application.

Every email enquiry can cost you £5.48, although there are no charges levied on you for any follow-up email.

Expedited services

You can also choose expedited services for your UK visa application if you are pressed for time.

A premium processing option is available which helps you to track and get decisions on your application within five working days.

A super priority service allows you to get decisions in one working day.

 

Need legal assistance

You must take legal assistance from the best law firms dealing in UK immigration, London to help represent your case. You won’t have to make additional efforts in tracking. A Y & J Solicitors have been industry experts for over 10 years representing clients with complete success.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drug Possession vs. Drug Distribution: Everything You Need to Know- Guest Post

  

According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics or NCDAS, around 19.4% of the country’s population has used illegal drugs at least once in their lifetime. Since the year 2000, there has been an estimated 700,000 deaths attributed to drug overdose. There are more or less 31 million illegal drug users in the United States. 

 

Illegal drug use is also prevalent in other regions and countries, as proven by the numbers released by Statista.com. More or less 5.4% of the world’s population uses or has used illegal drugs.  

 

Using illegal drugs is a crime practically anywhere in the world. In the United States, anyone found possessing or using illegal drugs commits a federal and state crime. The consequences may vary by the state since some have legalized the cultivation and use of marijuana, but violations can range from fines to court cases and jail time.  

 

A person who is caught carrying illicit or illegal drugs can be accused of drug possession or drug distribution. These two criminal offenses are often used interchangeably, but each one is distinct from the other. 

Drug Possession 

 

A person charged with drug possession is caught intentionally and knowingly carrying illegal drugs, be it for personal use, selling, or distribution purposes. The substance in possession does not have a valid prescription and may be of substantial quantity. 

 

If there is proof that the person can control the illegal drugs in his possession, authorities will arrest him right away. If the substance is of limited quantity, it can mean that the drugs are intended for personal use. 

 

Drug possession laws vary in every state. For example, in Arizona, possessing illegal drugs is a serious offense. If you are caught near or beside an illegal drug or are proven to be under the influence, you can be charged with a felony. If you are caught committing such an offense, you need to work with a drug possession attorney. Your penalties will depend on the circumstances of your case, such as previous criminal history and the kind of substance in your possession.  

Types of Drug Possession 

Actual Possession/Possession in Fact – 

 

This happens when a suspect is caught making physical contact with an illicit substance or when the illegal drug is found on his person. 

Constructive Possession/Possession in Law – 

 

This happens when a person has access to, knowledge about, or a way of controlling the illegal substances involved. He could be charged with constructive possession of illegal drugs even if there were no substances with or anywhere near him when he was arrested. 

Drug Distribution 

 

A person charged with drug distribution is in possession of a significant quantity of illegal substances and money. Authorities consider this as evidence that the suspect is planning to distribute or sell the illegal drugs.  

 

Drug distribution is a felony, so anybody charged with it will face serious consequences, including a court hearing. Anyone caught importing, transporting, and selling cocaine, heroin, meth, and MDMA (among others) can be charged with felony drug distribution.  

What Happens When One is Charged with Drug Possession or Drug Distribution? 

 

If you are caught engaging in any activity that involves illegal drugs, there are inevitable legal repercussions that are dependent on your case. Typically, the consequences involve heavy fines, probation, federal prison or jail time, community service, and house arrest or any other type of confinement. Your offense will also be entered into the system, so you’ll have a criminal record.  

 

The length of your jail time will depend on the severity of your case, along with other vital factors such as the kind and quantity of the substance that you possessed or used. If only a small amount of illegal drugs were found near you or on your person, it would be classified as a misdemeanor. Larger amounts of illicit substances will be considered a felony with the intent to distribute. 

 

Several states charge first-time offenders with simple possession regardless of the quantity of illegal drugs involved in the case. However, if you are a repeat offender, you’ll be charged with harsher penalties. In some states, your driver’s license may also be suspended.  

 

Most of these penalties apply to drug possession. Since drug distribution is considered a felony, the fines are higher, and prison time is extended. 

 

In addition, if you are charged with drug distribution to a minor or had a gun with you when you were arrested, you will face a more complex case and maximum penalties.  

 

If you were arrested for distributing illegal drugs in a different state or across international borders, you violated federal laws. In such circumstances, the DEA or Drug Enforcement Administration will be called in. Federal-level offenses are serious legal violations, so your conviction may put you in federal prison.  

 

 

If you or someone you know has been charged with drug possession or drug distribution, get in touch with a lawyer experienced in illegal drug cases right away. 

5 Tips For Dealing With Property Disputes In The Family- Guest post

  

family dispute

Property disputes – this is one of the most common problems faced by many families, especially those who co-own a property and aren’t on the same page as to what needs to be done with it (whether to sell the property or keep it).

Most of the time, family members get the ownership of a property through inheritance. There are, however, times when they get to own it because of a business venture not working out. Either way, it usually results in them not knowing what’s to be done and how they can avoid this situation from driving a wedge between their family.

If you’re facing the same problem and aren’t sure as to how you should be approaching this situation and solving it without causing major disputes, you’ve come to the right place!

In this article, we’ve put together 5 tips from professional family/charity solicitors to help you deal with property disputes the right way.

Let’s take a look!

1. Choose a Settlement or Early Mediation Conference

If you’re unable to find a middle ground for the ongoing property dispute with your family, it’s best to seek assistance from a third party. This could be anyone from a family friend to a family/charity lawyer or judge.

By conducting an early mediation or settlement meeting, you can easily resolve the differences with your shared owners and other family members. This will also help save a lot of money, animosity and stress; for both the parties involved, of course!

2. Crunch the Numbers

In case of property disputes, most of the partitioning cases hardly get off the ground. This is primarily because family members are unable to come to a decision without a good hold on numbers – the accounting numbers!

You see every partition case includes accounting which basically means understanding who has the right to repayment for the money being shelled out for the common benefits. These expenses normally include categories like property taxes, repairs to the property, mortgage payments and property insurance.

Without a strong hold on all these costs, resolving a property ownership dispute is going to be very difficult.

3. Set Your Objectives Beforehand

More often than not, the common issue related to property co-owned by family members is that all of them have different objectives and stick to the ones that they feel is right.

This is why it’s essential for you to discuss your goals beforehand and assess whether the family members would want to sell the property or do you have to buy out the others. In doing so, you’ll be able to understand the role of the property and the value you’ll get out of it.

4. Figure Out What the Property Is Worth

When you talk about property dispute cases, its value is often the tail that wags the dog!

Most families find it difficult to resolve their partition disputes mainly because they don’t agree to the value that’s being put out for the potential buy out by a particular family member.

The best way out here is to list the property for sale and then figure out its true market value. However, if a specific family member is trying to buy the other one out of the property, then it’s unlikely that they’d agree with the market value.

This is where you can seek assistance from an appraiser.

An appraiser is someone who will share their opinion on the market value of your property which you could later use as the foundation for your buy or settlement.

5. Seek Assistance From a Charity/Estate Lawyer

While this might seem like a plug, in reality, seeking assistance from a solicitor is extremely crucial especially when it comes to protecting your rights.

Not only are these lawyers experienced in this field but have also handled several property dispute cases. Moreover, they can help you and your family members easily navigate through your rights and responsibilities.

Since they know what the law would provide and adding their years of experience to the mix about understanding the judges’ decision, lawyers can help determine areas that need a firm holding and areas that you can compromise on.

Being a part of this field for quite some years, lawyers know the entire process inside out, meaning they can give you the right advice and guide you through the proceedings.

To Conclude

There’s no doubt that any issues involving our family members are extremely delicate and a property dispute case is no exception!

This is exactly why it’s important for you to take cautious steps while also seeking assistance from the right person, like an experienced property estate/family attorney, as they’ll help you and the entire family in the right way!

When Should You Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer?-Guest Post

   

personal injury lawyer

Types of cases a Personal Injury Attorney can help you with

When should you contact a personal injury lawyer? This is the question that many people who have been involved in an auto accident wish they had an answer to. When you are involved in a personal injury case, you want to make sure that you are properly prepared to present your case. The following paragraphs will explain what type of cases a personal injury attorney can help you with.

Gather all the necessary information and documents to file your claim

Most personal injury cases deal with injuries that happen to you or a family member as a result of another person’s negligence or wrongdoing. To determine the best course of action, you must contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. This will allow him/her to gather all the necessary information and documents that are needed to file your claim. You will need to also give him/her a detailed description of the accident, as well as wht, happened before and after the vehicle accident.

File a personal injury claim 

When should you contact a personal injury attorney if you are involved in an auto accident that was not your fault? If you were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you may be able to sue the person who caused the accident. Even if it was someone else’s fault, it is important to file a personal injury claim against the other driver. Once you have the documents in order, you can contact your attorney and see how much money you can recover.

Notify your personal injury lawyer if you have been injured in a car accident

Do you know when you should contact a personal injury attorney regarding a car accident? If you have been injured in a car accident, there is a good chance that you will be able to recover medical and other costs from the other driver. In addition to this, you may be entitled to compensation for your loss of wages and the repair or replacement of your vehicle. However, it is important to first notify your personal injury lawyer to ensure your case is handled expertly, from the start.

Your attorney can help you collect damages for pain and suffering as well

When should you contact your personal injury attorney if you were involved in a motorcycle accident? Motorcycles are very powerful vehicles and they are often difficult to control. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to collect payment from the person who hit you. In addition to this, your attorney can help you collect damages for pain and suffering as well.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

When should you contact a personal injury lawyer regarding an automobile accident? Foremost, when there is negligence, impairment, or injury involved, it is extremely important to contact a personal injury attorney. Injuries can be extremely severe, including brain and spinal cord-related- this type of injury generally always requires an expert. However, there is no need to panic if you are injured due to no fault of your own, Sidhu Lawyers is here to provide the assistance you need when you need it.