Common Legal Questions & Answers
Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions page at your source for legal articles and information: H.W. Achala Law. At H.W. Achala, we know that the law can be confusing. To help de-mystify some of the most common legal questions, attorney Harold W. Achala – a California attorney with more than 20 years of experience in corporate law, civil litigation and real estate litigation – has put together straightforward answers. You have a right to know about the law. We believe that in a society guided by laws, it is the people’s right to knowledge. Our answers are meant as a way to empower you to know your legal rights and responsibilities and not as a way to dissuade you for retaining an attorney.
💡 Click on any question to reveal the answer
🤔 If I am interviewed by law enforcement, what should I say to them?
Be polite and courteous. You have a right to remain silent and have an attorney present when being questioned. Always say: “Am I free to leave?” If you are not free to leave, you are being detained.
⚖️ Do I need an attorney to represent me in small claims court?
Most types of small claims courts do not require that litigants hire an attorney. However, if you prepare your evidence, know your evidence, how it is obtained and are familiar with procedures used in courts, you will be victorious as many times as possible.
🏢 How do I protect my business from lawsuit?
Properly register your business; accurately draft contracts; properly and accurately maintain records. Familiarize yourself with your company’s compliance requirements and responsibilities so that lawsuits do not arise. Our materials on business law offer assistance to entrepreneurs in learning how best to protect themselves.
⏳ What is the time limit for filing a personal injury claim?
Yes, statutes of limitation apply and vary by state and type of personal injury claim. Generally, you have two or three years from the date of incident. Familiarize yourself with your state’s statutes in our personal injury section.
📄 What should I do if I get a legal notice?
Read the notice, and don’t discard it. Write down any deadlines shown and pull together any relevant documentation. Our articles provide direction about how to respond properly, and consult with an attorney where appropriate.
💡 How do I protect my intellectual property?
You may want to copyright, trademark or patent your creation, as may be applicable. Articles describing each of these are available on this site, along with an analysis of the pros and cons of each for protecting your ideas and brands.
🔏 Can I expunge a criminal record?
Yes, in most states you can petition the court to have certain offenses expunged. Your eligibility will vary according to the state, so see our criminal defense area for procedures and eligibility in various states.
🏠 What are the rights of tenants?
The right to a healthy home or apartment free from hazards, and not to be unlawfully removed from it. Details about obtaining copies of your lease, recognizing hazards, and understanding state laws will be found in our tenant rights articles.
❓ Still have questions?
These are only some brief summaries of the vast area known as the law, but we hope they have helped you. Read more from our articles collection. You are welcome to send us legal questions that you have, and we will consider posting those frequently asked questions and our responses. Our content is for informational purposes only—use in place of professional legal advice, which should be sought when needed.
Questions? We are H.W. Achala Law – 1300 Clay St Ste 29, Oakland CA 94612, (510) 480-1997, email [email protected]
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