Top Berkeley, CA Condemnation Lawyers Near You

Do You Need Help with a Condemnation Issue?

Property owners, be it of residential or commercial property, could find themselves in a condemnation case where the government seeks to acquire the property. The governmental power that allows this is eminent domain. If you are faced with condemnation, contacting a skilled and experienced Berkeley condemnation lawyer is the most important step you take.

Protect Your Rights During Condemnation

Condemnation permits a local, state or the federal government to purchase private property for the purpose of creating roads, parks, or some other public use. While it is true that the government has the ability to take private property for public use, it doesn’t mean you are without rights.

You will want to consult with a condemnation attorney to see if you could challenge the government’s decision to take your property. It may not meet certain public necessity or public purpose standards. This is a very complicated area of law and requires the assistance of a condemnation lawyer.

When to Hire a Lawyer

It is in your best interest to get legal help early on in addressing your situation. There are times when hiring a lawyer quickly is critical to your case, such as if you are charged with a crime. It may also be in your best interest to have a lawyer review the fine print before signing legal documents. A lawyer can also help you get the compensation you deserve if you’ve suffered a serious injury. For issues where money or property is at stake, having a lawyer guide you through the complexities of the legal system can save you time, hassle, and possibly a lot of grief in the long run.

What to Expect from an Initial Consultation

• Seek to determine whether the attorney can represent you. There is no one-size-fits-all legal solution and it may turn out your needs are better served by an attorney in a different specialization.
• It’s important to find a legal ally who is both competent in the law and someone you can trust to protect your interests.
• Discuss how the practice’s billing works and discuss possible additional charges or fees that may arise during or after the resolution of your case.

An attorney consultation should provide you with enough information so that you can make an informed decision on whether to proceed with legal help.

Does firm size matter?

For most consumer legal issues, the size of the practice is much less important than the experience, competence, and reputation of the attorney(s) handling your case. Among the most important factors when choosing an attorney are your comfort level with the attorney or practice and the attorney’s track record in bringing about quick, successful resolutions to cases similar to yours.

Common legal terms explained

Plaintiff – a person or party who brings a lawsuit against another person(s) or party/parties in a court of law. Private persons or parties can only file suit in civil court.

Judgment – A decision of the court. Also known as a decree or order. Judgments handed down by the court are usually binding on the parties before the court.