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Jonathan M. Edwards
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Jonathan M. Edwards
Jonathan M, Edwards, Attorney at Law
112 Marie Avenue
North Sioux City, SD 57049
Phone: (605) 741-5040 | Fax: (605) 741-0647
http://www.jonathanmedwardslaw.com
Experience Where it Counts
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
Information coming soon.
Sub-Categories
Criminal Defense
- Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
- Appeals
- Capital Crimes/Capital Cases
- Environmental Violations
- Felonies
- Grand Jury Proceedings
- Juvenile Crimes
- False Identification
- Truancy
- Military Crimes (UCMJ)
- Misdemeanors
- Parole
- Probation
- Perjury
- Plea Negotiation
- Search & Seizure
- Victims' Rights
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
- Animal Abuse
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- DUI
- Felony Auto Accidents
- Parking Tickets & Towing
- Traffic - Moving Violations
- Open Container
- Driving with a Suspended License
- Driving without a License
- DWI
- Hacking
- Malicious Code
- Unauthorized Access
- Expungement or Expunction
- Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
- Drug Possession
- Intent to Distribute Drugs
- Intent to Sell Drugs
- Medical Marijuana
- Constitutional Rights Defense
- Illegal Possession or Transportation
- Other Weapons & Devices
- Bank Fraud
- Checks & Credit Cards
- Corporate Espionage & Sabotage
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Forgery
- Identity Theft
- Insider Trading
- Insurance Claims
- Money Laundering
- Public Offerings
- Racketeering & RICO
- Securities Fraud
- Smuggling
- Tax Evasion & Fraud
- Trade Secrets
- Wire Transfer
- Arson
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Trespass
- Vandalism
- Abduction
- Child Abuse
- Child Pornography
- Indecent Exposure
- Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Stalking
- Trafficking in Women
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Robbery
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
Family issues - divorce, child needs (adoption, custody, support, etc.).
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Name Changes
- Restraining Orders
- Enforcement Actions
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Adoptions
- Child Support
- Custody
- Foster Care
- Paternity
- State Child Protection
- Visitation
- Civil Unions
- Common Law Marriage
- Domestic Partnerships
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender Rights
- Living Together/Cohabitation
- Marriage
- Power of Attorney
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Colleges & Universities
- Individualized Education Plans
- Private Schools
- Public Schools
- Student Rights
- Teacher Abuse
- Trade & Technical Schools
- Age Discrimination
- Competency Hearings
- Guardianships & Conservatorships
- Long-Term Care
- Nursing Homes
- Powers of Attorney
- Medicaid & Medicare Planning
- Advanced Health Care Directive
- Healthcare Power of Attorney
- Healthcare Proxy
- Tax Planning
- Nursing Home Negligence
- Grandparent Rights
- Termination of Parental Rights
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
Family issues - divorce, child needs (adoption, custody, support, etc.).
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
- Child Support
- Custody/Visitation Rights
- Delinquent Support Payments
- Division of Property
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR)
- Restraining Orders
- Uncontested Divorce
- Collaborative Law
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
Bar Admissions
SD, Sep 2008
Bar Number: 3920
Other Court Admissions
South Dakota State and Federal courts.
Association Memberships
South Dakota Bar, Clay Bar, Union Bar, American Bar Association.
Continuing Education
CLE is not required in SD, but I do attend various CLEs offered by both the State Bar and the State Trial Lawyers Association.
Example Cases
I am the attorney for our local "Friends of the Library," a nonprofit organization attempting to raise funds to build and open a new public library in North Sioux City. An interesting case I handled was one in which certain prisoners in the state penitentiary were challenging the application of a statute. This one is slowly working its way through the Federal Court system, beginning in March, 2009.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
University of South Dakota
City:
Vermillion
State:
SD
Year:
2008
Degree:
B.S. History
School:
Oregon University
City:
Ashland
State:
OR
Year:
1996
Focus and Accomplishments:
Middle Ages/Christian and Islamic history and interactions.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
South Dakota
Firm Focus and History
The firm was established in October of 2008 focusing on the needs of individual families. Our orientation is providing the legal support parents or children need, whether in finances, relationships or criminal defense.
Previous Employment Summary
Prior to opening the firm, I was an independent paralegal and Notary Public working with national title and mortgage companies. I also served my nation in a military career in the U.S. Air Force.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
If a client wishes to know the legal intricacies of his or her situation, I am happy to explain, and provide additional reading material if I have it available.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
If a client wants to know if a document he or she prepared is done properly, I will review it. Generally, though, I prefer my own work, if my name is on it.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I can work with clients who wish to represent themselves, but we will have a written agreement that limits my responsibilities in the case.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
When I was in the Air Force, a friend of mine, the JAG at the last base I was at, suggested I consider law. It took me a few years to actually do it, however.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My life experience generally has made me very aware of the needs of the typical family. I have been divorced and remarried, so am alert to issues including the needs of the children involved, and to children of previous marriages. I have gone through hard financial times, so understand what crushing debt feels like and have an empathy with my clients other attorneys may not be able to share.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Recognizing how my life had unfolded, I knew I could help individuals and families in their moments of distress. Other lawyers can deal with businesses; I prefer talking to folks and helping them out.
What do you like best about your career?
It is my life to live as I please; I am independent' I get to talk to folks, and help them out. I am not beholden to a boss, but rather can respond to my clients in a manner as suits my clients' needs, not what some boss tells me he needs.
Tell us about your law firm:
At the moment, I am a solo practitioner, so I deal directly with my clients in all aspects. I hope to add a legal secretary soon, and with my proximity to the law school, I plan on participating in externship programs.
What are your strengths and style?
I am a small town boy, at home on the farm, leaning on the fence talking crops with my client, or admiring the exploits of the child as I watch sporting events with his parents. Because I would rather visit with a client at a Little League game than on the golf course, I easily gain the trust of my family clients. It is a great way to do business. Families need to know their attorney understands them and their needs, and is not in it just for himself.
Personal Interests:
I am an outdoorsman, hunter, fisher, sailor, and also work with children in the community outside of my law practice. I have been a baseball and softball umpire for many years, as well.
Fax
(605) 741-0647
Office Hours
Monday and Tuesday:
12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday through Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
My bankruptcy cases are fixed fee, but at the moment, that is the only one.
Hourly Rates
$125 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
$25 fee for the initial consultation, free if they mention they found me on NOLO. Up to 30 minutes.
Typical Retainer
A minimum retainer for small claims is $500, and up to $1,500 for a contested divorce.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
