You don’t automatically require an attorney every time the going gets tough legally for you. A good example of a time when you don’t need a lawyer is when you’re trying to dispute a speeding fine, or when you are sorting out a small legal matter in court. Of course, there are also situations where you absolutely must have a lawyer to give you the right kind of representation in court. These include serious legal claims, challenges, and settlement negotiations. Good legal help doesn’t come cheap, but it pays off when you get out of your fix with ease. Here are some situations where having a lawyer by your side is useful.
When the Law Gets Complex
As a rule, the law can be pretty simple in some cases. In others, it can make your feel rather dizzy. If you aren’t a lawyer, stop trying to pretend you are one. According to the attorneys at Liberty Law, not even they try to represent themselves in a court case. The only way you can hope to build and present a strong, failsafe case is to hire the services of an outside attorney who can be unbiased, unemotional, and trained well. Use a lawyer in any situation where the law is beyond your mental grasp.
When There is a Lot to Lose
In some situations, your lack of a lawyer could cost you a lot more than having one at your side. Think about what you stand to lose in the case you’re involved in. Criminal cases that end badly could see you in prison, while civil cases that don’t turn out well could give you a pretty solid punch in the finances. Remember that most civil attorneys only ask for a fee if they actually win your case for you.
When the Evidence Isn’t in Your Favor
Lawyers are experts at suppressing damning evidence that could lose your case for you. There are tons of legal loopholes they can jump through that an average person won’t know about. You probably won’t realize that certain evidence wasn’t obtained legally, or ethically. Evidence could be circumstantial, contradictory, and much more. A good lawyer will recognize this and leap at objecting to the presence of such evidence in the courtroom.
When There is Filing to Be Done
An attorney knows how to file what, when it needs to be filed. All legal procedures are second nature to a well-trained lawyer. If you aren’t a qualified lawyer, you probably won’t have the slightest idea how to deal with court deadlines and proper procedures for filing motions and reports. Remember that a court functions on filing. If you don’t file it right, you’re going to lose your case.
Hiring legal help is one of the smartest decisions you can make when dealing with any one of these situations. Remember – if you ever feel like you are in over your head, there is no shame in asking for the assistance of a legal team, attorney, or advisor. In fact, it could tip the odds in your favor.