Relationships in recovery can be a tricky thing. In fact, most people probably don’t realize it, but relationships are the number one problem when it comes to relapse. Nothing else has the same amount of power to create such turmoil in our lives. There are essentially 3 types of relationships in your life: one with yourself, one with your higher power, and one with a significant other. There are also dozens of other relationships in your life, such as with your coworkers or your friends, but those are the 3 big ones. Let’s take a look at them in more detail.

Relationship with yourself – This is the first relationship that you must cultivate and repair in early recovery, because it forms the basis for all other relationships. For most recovering addicts and alcoholics, this means forgiving yourself. What does this mean? It means that you have to let go of all of the emotional baggage that you are carrying around with you and give yourself a break. Now that you’re in recovery you’re trying to do something different. You need to forgive yourself and allow yourself to live again.

Relationship with your higher power – Again, most addicts and alcoholics in early recovery need to do some work in this area. When we first get clean and sober, we are usually far removed from our connection with our higher power because we’ve been essentially ignoring God for so long. Getting back in touch with our spiritual side is critical for success in early recovery. There is a hierarchy here with relationship building. Start out by connecting with yourself and with your higher power, and this will lead to better relationships with others. As you get more in tune with your own spiritual side, your ability to connect and empathize with others will increase.

Relationship with your significant other – This can only flourish if you have nailed the other two relationships. In early recovery, there is a danger in rushing out and finding a new relationship with a significant other. The reason this is so dangerous is because a new relationship will create a temporary and false spiritual connection, one that replaces any need to cultivate and nurture the other two relationships (with yourself and with your higher power). Those other two relationships are the ones that will keep you clean and sober, not the relationship with a significant other. But there is a strong tendency to use a new relationship as a recovery strategy without even realizing it, and many newcomers relapse because of this.

Criminal defense lawyers are a special breed of individuals because they specialize in criminal law. Some of these people represent those who are guilty and will do everything in their power to make sure their client does not go to jail. But how do you select a criminal defense lawyer? For that, you have to find someone who specializes in this field. If you don’t know any, ask your friends or family for help.

When you see them for the first time, this is not a social call but business. You should ask them straight out how long has he or she practiced criminal law, the number of cases that went to trial and how many times have they won.

Do a background check on the criminal defense lawyer. Find out if they belong to any legal organizations like the County or State Bar Associations. If this person is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, then chances are you are already in good hands.

You should also find out how much they charge for their legal fees and if they will be the one who will personally handle your case. If they are asking you for a large sum of money up front, leave the office and find someone else right away.

Now discuss your case and then follow whatever instructions are given. This person should be able to explain to you how things will go and what they will do.

The ideal criminal defense lawyer is the public defender because this is what they do day in and day out. Although they usually get a bad rap, they are very experienced when it comes to going to court which is why they are often used as consultants by private attorneys. Some have even left and established their own firms specializing in criminal law.

Will this guarantee that you will win your day in court? Of course not. Nobody can guarantee that even if you can afford hiring a very rich attorney.

This all boils down to how well this person will be able to cast doubt on the evidence used by the prosecution because you will only get a guilty verdict if they can prove beyond reasonable doubt that you are indeed responsible for the crime.

Selecting a criminal defense lawyer is crucial because not be able to get a good defense will likely get you a guilty verdict. You can prevent that form happening since you are given time to look for one before you are arraigned and asked how do you plead in front of the judge.

The law office of Albert M. Quirantes & Associates is a skilled criminal trial law firm composed of Albert M. Quirantes, Esq. and Carlos Pelayo Gonzalez, Esq. They know and apply criminal trial law in all of its facets. They are committed to zealously and aggressively defending your rights and fighting for your freedom at a surprisingly reasonable legal fee. They can also work out payment plans.

Since 1990, their firm has been located at the Ticket Law Center, P.A. in Miami, Florida. They fight all Florida criminal traffic tickets, DUI, and civil infraction citations for Florida residents (and non-residents by affidavit of defense) in most Florida counties. They are committed to providing the best legal counsel available at reasonable fees—no matter how big or small the offense—for all federal and state criminal law issues and traffic violations in most of Florida.

Their firm handles legal matters in the following practice areas:
* DWI and DUI
* Traffic violations
* Suspended license
* Boating violations
* Domestic violence
* Juvenile law
* Violation of probation
* Theft, burglary, robbery
* Toll Violations – Sun Pass

Over 8,000 clients for more than 20 years have called on Albert M. Quirantes & Associates in their time of need. Their lawyers and paralegals combined with their modern, fully computerized facility will work with you, for you and your rights. Based in Miami, They handle cases in most Florida counties and circuit courts. For more information contact to them to set up a free, no obligation consultation.

If you’ve been charged with a criminal act, the law firm you go with will affect the result of your situation tremendously. The defense tactics employed, with the total resilience of your case, needs to be designed by a gifted criminal law firm. It’s essential to hire a law firm who appreciates the basics of your individual scenario.

Create a Short List

Start the process of choosing a criminal lawyer by creating a short list of good potential candidates. You can use online searches or the phone book to find some options in your area. Visit the websites of the lawyers you are considering, and see if they have expertise in the particular area in which you are being prosecuted. You can often find this information in the lawyer’s biographical profile on the website.

One suggestion for you, The Memphis criminal defense attorneys at the Law Office of Massey McClusky bring over 40 years of experience and skill to the courtroom. They also bring the heart for the fight. They focus exclusively on criminal defense:

* State and Federal Criminal law – white-collar crime, capital murder, homicide, drug crime, illegal search and seizures, aggravated robbery, sex crime, sexual assault, murder defense
* Criminal appeals – constitutional issues, evidentiary rulings, new trials, illegal sentences

The Law Office of Massey McClusky represents criminal defendants throughout the Mid-South, including Memphis, Tennessee; Oxford, Mississippi; Nashville, Tennessee; and Little Rock, Arkansas. Contact them to see the difference they can make in your defense.

Make a Phone Call

Once you have your short list, make a phone call to try to set up an interview with the lawyer. This may not always be possible, because good criminal lawyers are very busy people and may not have the time for an interview with a prospective client. However, calling the firm will give you a chance to get a feel for the staff. Make sure they treat you with professionalism and common courtesy.

If you can get an interview with the lawyer, take it. Do not tell him too much about your case until you have agreed to work with him, but ask him how he has handled cases similar to yours. As the lawyer for references, and call those references. This is time consuming, but getting first-hand knowledge about how the lawyer works with people who have been in your shoes is invaluable.

Find out how he is paid, as well. Lawyers usually will be paid by the hour or through an upfront fee, and these rates can vary significantly from firm to firm, so you will want to know ahead of time how much to expect to pay for services. Keep in mind, however, that the cheapest lawyer may not be the best one for your case. On the other hand, the most expensive one may not be best either. Consider the cost as part of the overall picture of the lawyer, and choose the one you are the most comfortable about working with on a daily basis.

Make Your Choice

Make sure that you feel confident that the lawyer you have chosen will handle your case well. Your instincts are invaluable in helping you choose a good criminal lawyer. So do your homework, count the cost, and then go with your gut and hire the lawyer you feel the most confident in at the end of the process.