Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 7 discharges most unsecured debts in a few months, while Chapter 13 restructures debt into a 3–5 year repayment plan. Chapter 7 is faster but requires qualifying income levels, whereas Chapter 13 allows you to keep assets and catch up on secured debts like mortgages.

Filing bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay that immediately halts most wage garnishments and collection actions. At Joshua Bethea Law, we can file quickly to protect your paycheck while addressing the underlying debts through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.

Yes, DUI charges can be dismissed if the traffic stop was unlawful, field sobriety tests were improperly conducted, or breathalyzer results are unreliable. We review every aspect of the arrest to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case and pursue dismissal or reduced charges when possible.

Officers must have reasonable suspicion to stop your vehicle and probable cause to arrest you for DUI. They'll typically administer field sobriety tests and request a breath or blood test. At Joshua Bethea Law, we challenge stops that lack legal justification and question testing procedures.

An attorney protects your rights during questioning, challenges evidence, and helps you navigate injunctions and no-contact orders. We build a defense based on the facts of your case while managing sensitive family and employment concerns throughout the process.

Common defenses include illegal search and seizure, lack of knowledge or intent, and improper evidence handling. We analyze whether officers had probable cause and whether your Fourth Amendment rights were violated to weaken or dismiss the charges.

Yes, first-time offenders may qualify for pretrial diversion or reduced charges that avoid a permanent record. At Joshua Bethea Law, we pursue alternatives like restitution agreements and probation to help clients move forward without lasting consequences.

You should hire a lawyer immediately after arrest or when first questioned by law enforcement. Early representation allows your attorney to protect your rights, preserve evidence, and begin building a defense strategy before charges are formally filed.

Costs depend on whether you file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, the complexity of your debts, and whether you qualify for payment plans. At Joshua Bethea Law, Chapter 7 starts at $1,000 and Chapter 13 at $3,500 with plans as low as $500 down.

Civil litigation begins with reviewing the contract and gathering evidence, followed by negotiation or filing a lawsuit. We focus on cost-conscious strategies and realistic assessments to resolve disputes efficiently, whether through settlement or trial.

Many people fail to request a DMV hearing within 10 days, resulting in automatic license suspension. At Joshua Bethea Law, we act quickly to protect your driving privileges and challenge the administrative and criminal aspects of your DUI case.

Yes, filing bankruptcy immediately stops foreclosure through the automatic stay. Chapter 13 allows you to catch up on missed mortgage payments over time, while Chapter 7 can delay the process and discharge other debts to free up funds.