Why should I use you as an attorney?

The number one factor in selecting an attorney to represent you, is to find an attorney with whom you feel comfortable. Some attorneys are not very personable, i.e., they’re brash, heavy handed, and not able to communicate well with clients or with prosecutors, Judges, and Jurors (even though they are highly educated), all of which can, in sometimes subtle ways, be damaging to your case. Furthermore, some attorneys, especially those in larger law firms, are not readily accessible.

You will feel comfortable with TIM ECKERMAN as your attorney, not only because he is highly skilled, knowledgeable, and a tough litigator, but perhaps more importantly, because he is personable (easy to get along with) and is ALWAYS ACCESSABLE TO YOU, HIS CLIENT! Because of his personal and trial skills, he can speak from the heart to a Jury, and/or Judge, that results in a fairer disposition for you, the client. Anytime you need to talk to Tim, just call (312) 540-0451, 24/7, and he is always available, either directly by reaching him in his office during regular business hours, or by way of his answering service (after working hours and on weekends), who will immediately page him. Once he is paged, or otherwise notified of your call, he can usually get back to you within minutes, if not seconds. You won’t get this kind of personal service with a larger firm.

The different legal disciplines sometimes over lap. If you are charged with a criminal offense, for example, it’s possible that you may have a Civil or Personal Injury cause of action against the accusing party, for false arrest, false imprisonment, or battery, or use of excessive force, whether the complainant be a police officer or a private citizen. Therefore, it is imperative that you talk to a skilled attorney that handles both Civil and Criminal work (like Mr. Eckerman) before you consider entering any kind of a plea of guilty on a Criminal case. Remember, if you plead guilty on the Criminal case, you most likely will be giving up any reasonable chance of winning any Civil action against your accuser.

What should I know about associated laws?

The different legal disciplines sometimes over lap. Keep in mind that if you have a work related injury (Workman’s Compensation case), you may also have a separate Personal Injury or Product Liability case. Or, if you have a Personal Injury case, you may also have a separate Workman’s Compensation claim. Therefore, it is best that you consult with a skilled attorney that handles both Personal Injury and Work Related Injuries (like Mr. Eckerman), to make sure that all avenues of recovery are aggressively pursued so that you can make the highest recovery possible.

What are my rights?

You have a right to remain silent. This is perhaps one of your most important rights. All too often, defendants convict themselves by giving statements about the incident that come back to haunt them. It’s usually best, especially if you are charged with a serious offense, is to exercise this right, and not give any statements related to the alleged criminal incident.

You have a right to have an attorney present during questioning.

You have a right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures.

You have a right to a speedy trial.

You have a right to a Jury trial (where 12 people selected from the community decide your case) verses a bench trial (where the Judge decides your case). As a general rule, if your case turns on a legal issue, it is generally better to have a bench trial (the Judge will know the law, where a Jury usually will not). In other cases, especially where the possible penalties are quite severe, it may be best to have a Jury trial, where the State has to convince 12 people of your guilt, and not just one person, a Judge, at a bench trial. Each case is unique in itself, and your attorney can best advise you as to whether or not you should exercise your right to a trial by Jury.

You have a right to the attorney of your choice. To properly protect your rights (including those indicated above), it is important that you make a wise choice in selecting an attorney. If you make a choice, and later feel you’ve selected an attorney that (in your opinion) is not properly representing you or your best interests, remember you can always change attorneys – because you have the absolute right to the attorney of your choice.

What should I do if I'm charged with a Crime?

1. Call an attorney for advise ASAP on how to best proceed under your particular circumstances.
   
   
2. Remain silent. As a general rule, if you are charged with a serious crime that might subject you to jail time, it’s best to refuse to answer questions concerning the incident, at least until you’ve had an opportunity to talk to an attorney of your choice. Remember, anything you say can, and will, be used against you.
   
   
3. Obtain and write down, the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses (if possible)
   
   
4. Demand medical care if you are injured.
   
   
5. Take photos of the scene (if possible).
   
   
6. Contact a family member (if you are locked up), and have them (a) contact an attorney for you if you are not able to yourself, (b) start putting together bond money in case it becomes necessary to post bond, and (c) take photos of the scene and put together a list of possible witnesses
   

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Thank you for submitting your case review to Tim Eckerman & Associates and allowing us to provide you with a free review of your injury/arrest claim. Please remember: - Many times, in order to give you a complete review of your claim, we will need to speak with you on the telephone, so please provide us with a telephone number where you can be reached. - Submission of this form and the information contained in it is not privileged nor is it intended to create an attorney-client relationship between the sender and Tim Eckerman & Associates. In fact, there is no attorney-client relationship created unless you and our firm both sign a written agreement. - Your information will be reviewed during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm.

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The viewing of any part of the content of this website does not establish an attorney/client relationship between Tim Eckerman & Associates and the viewer, and no such relationship is implied or should be inferred. Such a relationship can only begin with a contract that is mutually agreed upon and signed by both the attorney and the client. Further, the forwarding by e-mail of any information to the firm by any viewer of the website does not constitute the establishment of an attorney/client relationship. Visitors are discouraged from sending sensitive information through e-mail, due to the insecure nature of e-mail communication.