JTH Law Firm
Civil Law Suits Experts
Step 1
Hire us (John T. Hoggard Law Firm) and we will file the compliant with the proper court. The complaint is a formal statement naming you the plaintiff and the defendent. It also describes the lawsuit.
Step 2
The Court than sends a summons to the defendant telling them of the civil suit against them. It also tells them to appear in court on a certain day and time.
Step 2 B.
The defendant may respond to charges by hiring own attorney to answer the complaint. A plead or formal statement for the dense is made. Depending on strength of case, a settlement could be offered.
Step 3
The Judge might hold a pretrial discussions where both parties help clarify differences and prepare for trial. Mediation and arbitration are also possible. A settle is also possible at this stage.
Step 4
If parties do not reach a settlement, the case goes to trial. Here either 6-12 people on a jury or a Judge hears the case.
a. The plaintiff presents first followed by the defendant
b. Afterwards, both sides summarize
c. Next, the Judge or Jury decides.
a. The plaintiff presents first followed by the defendant
b. Afterwards, both sides summarize
c. Next, the Judge or Jury decides.
Step 5
The verdict or decision is handed down. If plaintiff wins, the defendant could pay court fees. If defenant wins, the plaintiff could pay court fees.
Step 6
If either party feels the verdict was incorrect or trail was unfair, an appeal is possible. Based upon the preponderance of evidence, it is possible that a higher court may reverse the earlier decision.