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GENERAL LITIGATION

RESOLVING A WIDE VARIETY OF LEGAL DISPUTES

General litigation refers to the legal process of resolving disputes between parties through the court system. It encompasses a wide range of legal issues, including civil disputes, personal injury claims, contract disputes, and more. Litigation typically involves two parties—the plaintiff, who initiates the legal action, and the defendant, who responds to the allegations. The Law Offices of Jennifer R. Snyder can help with civil and criminal cases. Our law office is in Newark, CA and we have served clients from other Bay Area cities as well, including Fremont, Union, and Hayward.

WHAT DOES LITIGATION INVOLVE?

While the specifics can vary based on the nature of the case, general litigation typically involves the following elements:

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  1. Filing a Complaint or Charges: The process often begins with one party, known as the plaintiff in civil cases or the prosecutor in criminal cases, filing a formal complaint or charges outlining the allegations against the other party (defendant).

  2. Response: The defendant then responds to the allegations, presenting their side of the case. In criminal cases, this may involve entering a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).

  3. Discovery: Both parties engage in the discovery process, where they exchange information and gather evidence relevant to the case. This can include depositions, interrogatories, requests for documents, and other methods of obtaining information.

  4. Pretrial Motions: Before a case goes to trial, attorneys may file various motions, asking the court to make decisions on specific legal issues. For example, a motion for summary judgment may seek to have the case resolved without a trial if there are no material facts in dispute.

  5. Settlement Negotiations: Throughout the litigation process, the parties may engage in settlement negotiations to resolve the dispute without going to trial. Settlements can be reached at any stage of the litigation.

  6. Trial: If a resolution cannot be reached through settlement, the case proceeds to trial. During the trial, both parties present their evidence, call witnesses, and make legal arguments. A judge or jury then decides the outcome.

  7. Appeals: If either party is dissatisfied with the trial court's decision, they may have the right to appeal to a higher court. Appellate courts review the legal decisions made during the trial for errors.

  8. Enforcement of Judgments: If the court issues a judgment in favor of one party, there may be additional legal proceedings to enforce the judgment and ensure that the prevailing party receives the relief awarded by the court.

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