Even if you’ve never committed a crime, there is a chance that you might need a lawyer in certain situations. In some of these cases, you might require the lawyer to help defend you or bring a lawsuit on your behalf, while in other cases, you may just need some legal assistance and advice. So, how do you differentiate between the two? Below, we will look at how you can do this.
When You Need Advice
In some situations, you may need a lawyer to let you know if it would be a good idea to take a case to court. Many of these cases are civil cases where the case might not be as straightforward as you think. Some of these civil cases include suing for wrongful termination, personal injury cases, and the division of assets during a divorce. A lawyer can also give advice after the fact, for example after a car accident, and let you know if taking your case to a judge is a good idea.
In some cases, you might need a lawyer to give you business advice. This is common when a business is being sued or is caught up in some legal situation. Business lawyers can also advise you when expanding your business, opening a new company, or even when you need to move your headquarters to a new location.
When You Need Representation
There are situations where a lawyer’s advice can lead to you needing legal representation. One of these areas is divorce or child custody disputes. You also need a lawyer to be present when drafting a will, estate plan or trust. The lawyer is likely to be the custodian of these documents and will be responsible for the distribution of the estate when the time comes. Accidents that involve personal injury, property damage or loss of life will also require that you have a lawyer represent you.
When buying or selling property, you might need a lawyer to not only advise you on whether you are making the right decisions but to also draft any contracts and legal documents needed for a successful transaction. Every DUI case requires multiple levels of defense that only a Woodbury MN Dwi Lawyer can offer you.
Finally, if you get arrested or are taken in for questioning by law enforcement officers, you’ll need a lawyer. Since you have the right to remain silent in these situations, the lawyer can talk on your behalf to ensure your words are not taken out of context and used against you.
Ensure Your Lawyer Understands You
Finding a lawyer who understands you is very important. This is so that anything you tell them is not lost in translation and so that they do not misunderstand you. The simplest way to find such a lawyer is to find one who speaks your native language if English is not your native language. If you are a Spanish speaker, for example, look for Spanish speaking lawyers in NYC. Such a lawyer will not only understand what you are saying but also the context in which your communication takes place.
Conclusion
There is a surprising number of people who do not know if or when they need a lawyer. Even if you do not have one on retainer, it is always a good idea to know when you need a lawyer so you can contact one as soon as you do.