Legal Scenarios
Were you arrested by police officers after some drinking and socializing at your local bar? If so, you may face both criminal and civil charges. Ms. Wilson can help. She’ll review the evidence surrounding the DUI stop, make sure law enforcement complied with their constitutional obligations, and help you determine the best course of action going forward.
Are you a Selectboard member, town manager or town administrator looking for affordable legal advice on how to respond to a public records request, respond to a lawsuit, or navigate the ins and outs of a tax sale? Ms. Wilson spent three years as a Vermont town clerk and is still the elected Treasurer of her Town and School District. She understands the often-complex legal issues – including liability issues – that can arise in municipalities both large and small.
[ba-pullquote align="left"]In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State…. to be confronted with the witnesses against him… and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.
6th Amendment, U.S. Constitution[/ba-pullquote]
Have you been hurt by another person or company’s carelessness? If so, Ms. Wilson can help evaluate whether you may have a cause of action to recover damages. During her clerkship, Ms. Wilson worked as part of a team with attorneys who succeeded, in many cases, in winning settlements as compensation for their injuries. Although every case is unique, she can help you seek the compensation you deserve, whether through jury trial or pre-trial settlement.
Are you a tenant who’s been served with an eviction notice, wondering what your options may be? Ms. Wilson can review all the circumstances of your eviction, determine whether your landlord has complied with the law, and if necessary, file a counterclaim or seek an injunction on your behalf.
Have you been sexually harassed at your workplace? Have you been discriminated against on the basis of your disabled status, your race or your sexual orientation? Workplace discrimination is notoriously difficult for employees to challenge. All too often, complaining about the discrimination puts you at risk of being fired. Ms. Wilson has a background as a union organizer and has helped workers in the auto parts, retail, hotel and health care industries stand up to workplace injustice. She understands what employers can and cannot lawfully do, and what the practical remedies are if you’ve experienced workplace harassment or discrimination.
Did you make a verbal or written contract with someone who’s failed to live up to its terms? Most of the time, the agreements we make, formally or informally with our colleagues and friends work out to the benefit of each party. But sometimes, one party may fail to deliver their end of the bargain, whether it be delivery of a product or monetary payment for goods. If you believe your contract has been breached, Ms. Wilson can help you determine whether the contract is binding and help you find a remedy.
Have you been procrastinating on drafting a will to protect and pass on your assets to your loved ones? Planning ahead for end-of-life issues isn’t always easy or comfortable. Ms. Wilson can help. She’ll sit down and talk through your goals and priorities and draft you a will that reflects those goals and priorities. In addition, she can assist in addressing a broad range of estate planning issues, from the creation of a revocable living trust, health care proxy, advance directive (“living will”) or durable power of attorney.
Was your municipal zoning permit denied, perhaps unjustly? With her experience in municipal government, Ms. Wilson can determine the relevant statutes and find out if your municipality acted properly and advise you on the possibility of an appeal to the Environmental Court or zoning board of adjustment.
