Being accused of a crime is a very serious matter, and one that brings a lot of stress into people’s lives. A critical part of the legal process when accused is finding and meeting a good criminal defense attorney. The Illinois Truck Accident Attorneys at Dolan Legal recently created a blog post with advice on how to handle your first meeting.

In their post they say: “Despite the importance of a first meeting, criminal defendants need not feel anxious about the meeting. The meeting is nothing more than a conversation.  Your lawyer will ask you about the circumstances of the incident(s) leading to the arrest, discuss the charges against you, and the potential penalties that may be imposed if you are convicted.  Together, you will explore your defense and you will develop a plan to move forward with your case.  Of course, any pressing issues such as bail or restraining orders will be addressed and all of your questions will be answered.”

One of the most important things to remember is that your attorney will not be trying to incriminate you. They will ask questions, but the goal of which will be to establish the facts about the case and develop as strong a defense as possible. It may feel awkward and uncomfortable revealing all the details surrounding your situation, but is important not to lie or withhold on your attorney.

At first meeting, it is also key to get a sense of how committed your attorney is for you. If you are getting the impression that he/she is “phoning it in”, it may be in your best interest to find someone else who will take an active interest in your case. To be certain you are finding someone who is both competent and ethical, it can be valuable to go through a service that recommends lawyers (free of consultation charge). They can give you the best advice on how to proceed and who to pursue.

You criminal defense attorney will be your most important line of defense in securing the best result possible in court and preserving your good name. Give the situation your best effort and try to maximize results even from the very first  meeting. Be prepared, open minded, and ready to communicate.

Published August 21, 2009: 09:22 AM ET by CNNMoney

Drug maker Eli Lilly & Co. (LLY) has agreed to pay $22.5 million to settle a lawsuit in which West Virginia’s attorney general accused Lilly of improperly promoting the antipyschotic Zyprexa.

It’s the latest Lilly payout for Zyprexa. In recent years, the company has agreed to pay at least $2.6 billion to settle various personal-injury lawsuits and government investigations of its marketing practices related to the drug. Zyprexa is Lilly’s best-selling drug, generating $2.3 billion in sales for the first half of 2009.

The massive litigation stems largely from allegations that use of Zyprexa caused high blood sugar and diabetes in users, and that Lilly improperly warned of these risks. In addition, Lilly marketed the drug for unapproved uses such as helping nursing-home patients fall asleep, which authorities say caused improper reimbursement claims for the drug to be submitted to government health-insurance programs.

Indianapolis-based Lilly reached the settlement with West Virginia in late July and the pact was unsealed by a court Thursday. In the second quarter ended June 30, Lilly booked a pretax charge of $105 million to cover anticipated settlements with various U.S. states. Lilly is in advanced discussions with several states, the company said.

The West Virginia payout comprises $15.75 million to the state, plus $6.75 million to its outside attorneys, said spokeswoman Marni Lemons. Non-monetary terms of the deal include Lilly’s commitment to proper promotional practices, dissemination of Lilly’s funding of continuing-medical education for doctors, and disclosure of Zyprexa clinical trial data.

Lilly didn’t admit any wrongdoing under the agreement.

The states with pending cases against Lilly are Arkansas, Connecticut, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Utah.

This week, a U.S. judge in Brooklyn who is overseeing the Zyprexa litigation sent letters to some state judges urging that the remaining state and federal cases be resolved in a coordinated settlement.

I think it is a fair assumption to say that most people who smoke wish they had never started.  Unfortunately, it is a very rare occasion to quit smoking on the first attempt.  I personally know of a woman who used cigarettes as a weight loss tool.  She died of emphysema at the age of 57.  The woman was my mother-in-law.  Not only is smoking debilitating to your health, it is just downright expensive.

            It is no wonder that the public was excited when Pfizer introduced Chantix and received approval by the F.D.A. in May, 2006 as a smoking cessation drug.  Here was medication that promised them freedom from their dependence on cigarettes.  Sadly, it didn’t take long to discover that Chantix had some potentially tragic side effects. 

            The United States Food and Drug Administration issued an Early Communication to the public and health care providers on November 20, 2007 that they were evaluating “…adverse event reports on Chantix related to changes in behavior, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal ideation, and actual suicidal behavior…”  Tragically, this announcement came too late for some. 

            As I have said, I have seen the powerful grip that cigarettes can have and the desperation to break free.  I have also spoken to individuals who have taken Chantix and have experienced its heartbreaking effects.   If you or someone you love has been a victim of these side effects, you don’t need to go through this alone.  I would like to invite you to visit my website at www.dreamlegalteam.com.  Feel free to fill out an online consultation form or engage in a live chat.  Once again, the website is www.dreamlegalteam.com.  Don’t wait.

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