You don’t have to get arrested to find yourself in need of a lawyer.
There are all kinds of lawyers, though, including ones that you don’t typically see in a courtroom on TV.
Here’s the thing: It may seem like overkill to ask “What kind of lawyer do I need?” if you don’t see any legal issues looming.
But if you wait until you’re in the middle of a high-stress situation, you risk making the wrong choice. Keep reading to find out how to prepare now if you need a lawyer later.
A Criminal Lawyer
If you’re in handcuffs, you should say, “I need a lawyer” and nothing else. But what if you only fear you’re about to get arrested?
A good criminal defense attorney can prevent you from getting arrested. If the police are calling you and asking you questions, what should you do?
Don’t call them back. Leave that part to the criminal defense attorney you hire.
What if you’re already arrested? Legal representation can mean the difference between getting charged with a felony and a misdemeanor.
Whatever you do, don’t try to talk your way out of criminal charges on your own. That may work sometimes on TV shows, but such shows are notoriously inaccurate.
A Civil Lawyer
Your neighbor invites the kids over to play in his new pool. Your child slips and falls in the water, sustaining a head injury.
You want your neighbor to help you pay the hospital bills. But he’s no longer talking to you. This is where a civil attorney can help you obtain justice.
The term “justice” means something different in civil court than criminal court. Jail is not a possible consequence of losing a civil court judgment.
But you can lose a lot of money, and even property. If you feel wronged, but also aren’t sure anyone broke a law that could put them in jail, you may need an attorney who specializes in civil torts.
A Divorce Lawyer
Your marriage is ending, but you and your spouse think you can work out an agreement without lawyers.
A few couples can do that. But it never hurts to at least consult with a divorce attorney and make sure you aren’t missing something that will come back to haunt you later.
Think about the money at stake in the divorce. Think about things like child custody as well.
The national average for a divorce is around $15,000. The more moving parts there are, the more likely it is you’ll go past that number.
If there’s no money and no children, then you’re less likely to spend thousands of dollars on lawyer fees. But you should still budget some cash for such expenses.
What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need?
Asking “What kind of lawyer do I need?” is not the only question you’ll need to answer if you see possible legal trouble on the horizon, but it is one of the most important ones.
In some cases, you might need more than one type of lawyer. Let’s say you’re in the middle of a divorce when your estranged spouse accuses you of child abuse. In that case, it’s time to ask your divorce lawyer if they know of any good criminal attorneys.
At Fliszar Law Offices, we’re here to protect your rights at every point of the legal process. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
