About Tim Kelly, J.D.
Tim Kelly is a graduate of Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. A writer by trade, Tim worked for years in retail copywriting before serving as an entertainment journalist both online and in print. As a journalist, he was quoted by the New York Times, CNN.com, and EW.com; and saw his written work published in the World Film Locations series of books. In 2017, he shifted his focus toward the legal industry, with an emphasis on small business law. Tim currently writes for SuperLawyers.com and lives in the Twin Cities, where he enjoys being a husband and new dad.
Articles written by Tim Kelly, J.D.
Driving Barefoot: Is It Legal?
Admit it. At one time or another, we've all done something that had us running to a search engine later on asking, "Was this legal?" Oftentimes, these are purely inconsequential acts such as accidentally double parking or unknowingly wandering onto private property. With so many laws, it's easy to have questions about certain acts that, while arguably mischievous, might not rise to the seriousness of a crime. For many, the act of driving barefoot can fall into this category. The good news is …
Private Gun Sales: Are They Legal?
Gun purchases are on the rise, but people looking to make a quick buck should take note: Gun purchases are heavily regulated. Whether it's the FBI or state police, you don't want to run afoul of a law enforcement agency simply because you weren't thorough in conducting a background search. Speak to an attorney to make sure you are in compliance with the law. Handgun sales are regulated at both the federal and state levels. Gun sellers who obtain a federal license are subject to a higher degree …
When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?
Whether you're facing criminal charges, believe you're about to be charged, or even if you want to confess to a crime, “You really can’t get a lawyer too soon,” says Steven F. Fairlie, a criminal defense lawyer at Fairlie & Lippy in North Wales, Pennsylvania. “As soon as there’s an inkling that there might be a criminal investigation filed against you, you want to get a lawyer.” Effective legal counsel can help you navigate every possible outcome when facing criminal …
How To Pay For a Criminal Defense Attorney
Whether you're facing misdemeanor or felony charges, navigating the criminal justice system can cause a lot of uncertainty. One of the most pressing concerns during this time is finding an experienced criminal defense attorney you can afford. Many factors go into how much you will have to pay for an attorney in your area. Further, criminal defense attorneys can be compensated in a variety of different ways. It would be best to find an attorney who accepts a method and timeline for payment that …
What Is the Difference Between Civil and Criminal Law?
With a subject as vast and comprehensive as the United States legal system, it can get difficult to understand the distinctions between civil and criminal law properly. These two unique bodies of law both serve to deter or punish wrongdoing in the United States. However, that's generally where their similarities end. Criminal cases are prosecuted by the state or federal government. Criminal law is designed to protect the public and general society from offensive wrongdoings such as murder, …
What Are the Different Types of Criminal Defense Attorneys?
Criminal defense attorneys account for a complex and multifaceted area of criminal law. If you face criminal charges, a criminal lawyer has to work in your defense and reduce your legal penalties to the best of their abilities. A criminal defense attorney’s ability will depend on the court experience they've built throughout their career. Each criminal lawyer you consult with can speak about the different cases they have worked on. Through these free consultations, it will become clear that …
How To Choose the Right Criminal Defense Attorney for You
Facing a criminal charge is a stressful experience. Criminal charges can pose serious risks to your finances, criminal record, and (in severe cases) your freedom. The good news is that there is an industry of skilled criminal law professionals who can help you in your time of need. But know this, finding the right criminal defense attorney is one of the most important decisions you can make for your legal defense. Make sure you find the right criminal defense lawyer by following the valuable …
What To Do When Facing Drug Charges
If you’re facing drug charges such as drug possession or drug trafficking, it’s never too early to consider your legal defense. Criminal cases for drug crimes can be complex, time-consuming, and stressful. It’s essential to know and protect your legal rights before, during, and after an arrest on drug charges. This article will help you quickly educate yourself on this complicated area of law as you seek legal representation. What Are Drug Violation Charges? People face criminal drug …
State Drug Crimes and Penalties
Drug laws are created and enforced at both the state and federal levels. Federal law differs from state laws in that it typically punishes larger, interstate drug trafficking operations. States draft their own laws to punish drug offenses; so, while similar, these crimes and their resulting penalties can vary widely by state. Because of this, it’s best to contact a criminal defense attorney who has experience fighting drug charges in your local area, as they will be familiar with your …
How To Pay for a Drug Charge Attorney
When confronted with drug charges, it’s best to seek the services of a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. However, that's never as easy as it sounds. Finding an affordable attorney can be difficult. This is why many criminal defense lawyers offer various fee structures to meet the financial constraints of their clients. In the United States, you can face serious criminal repercussions from law enforcement for drug charges. People face criminal drug charges when they are found to …
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