An Alford Plea-Not Necessarily the Best Defense –Criminal Defense Attorney in Minnesota

You Have Been Told To Take An Alford Plea, Should You?

You find yourself in a predicament where you are faced with charges.  Maybe you are guilty of one charge, but not the other.  You are offered a plea for both.  Maybe it is a good deal for the one, but not really for the other.  Should you take an Alford plea for the one charge you didn’t do?

What is an Alford Plea exactly?  An Alford Plea is a plea in criminal court in which the defendant does not admit the act and asserts innocence, but admits that sufficient evidence exists with which the prosecution could likely convince a judge or jury to find the defendant guilty.  Upon receiving an Alford plea from a defendant, the court may immediately pronounce the defendant guilty and impose sentence as if the defendant had otherwise been convicted of the crime.  It is basically the same as a guilty plea, and is treated as such by all parties, except-the defendant, who is proclaiming their innocence. 

If you find yourself in a situation like this, or you need council in your court proceedings, call me John Scott at 612-840-8961, or visit our website.

 

 

 

 

What Your Automobile Is Worth If It Is “Totaled Out” By Insurance Companies In MN.

Your Vehicle Is Totaled After An Accident, Now What?

 

You’ve just been in an accident, and after accessing the injuries you now have to deal with the insurance companies in Minnesota.  The insurance company says your vehicle “Is Totaled”.  Does that mean that you are getting a new car?  Not likely, but only money “for” a new car.  The Insurance companies don’t give the new car price, so what do you do about that?

 

One service that I provide to clients is pursuing insurance claims for property loss that occurred during a motor vehicle accident. I experience quite frequently lately that clients call me questioning the amount of money that an insurance company is willing to pay for a vehicle that is “totaled out”. The basic rule is fair market value, so instead of “blue book” or NADA values, insurance companies are using newspaper ads for comparable cars, which are often cheaper than other methods.

 

If you or your loved ones are experiencing this, and you would like some guidance on what to do, or if you have a question concerning a total vehicle loss claim in Minnesota, please call Attorney John Scott at 612-840-8961, or visit our firm’s website.