19 Dec Top 8 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Lawyer
There are many legal matters that do not require the use of an attorney. For example, if you are fighting a speeding ticket and going to small claims courts, an attorney is not necessary. However, it’s important to know when hiring an attorney is in your best interest. There are many situations involving a legal dispute, challenge, or deal, in which you may not want to chance the risks of going it alone. Without the advice of an experienced lawyer, things could quickly end up not going your way.
In fact, while good legal representation may not be cheap, it can help get you out of a number of sticky situations such as a bad divorce, lost job, or DUI violation. Not to mention, the potential alternatives for not using an attorney which includes broken agreements, lost claims, or worse, jail time.
Here are some reasons why hiring an attorney for certain situations is worth the money.
- The law is complicated.
Even experienced lawyers typically do not represent themselves in court. What can seem like an easy case could quickly unravel without the help of a trained and emotionally detached attorney. Similarly, failing to hire a lawyer when starting a business, reviewing a contract or embarking on other endeavors with potential legal ramifications can result in otherwise avoidable pitfalls.
- Not having a lawyer may actually cost you more.
Without a lawyer, you have a lot at stake, from money to jail time. A criminal case may determine whether or not you spend time behind bars, while a civil case could hurt you financially. Furthermore, many civil attorneys don’t collect a cent unless they win your case. Also, you may be able to claim legal fees as a plaintiff in a civil case. All in all, hiring a lawyer can actually save or make you money.
- Attorneys understand how to properly file court documents and handle other legal procedures.
If you’re not an attorney, you may struggle with the deadlines and protocol for properly filling out and filing certain legal documents. If you have one late or incorrect filing your whole case could be derailed, delay a given legal procedure or worse, have the case thrown out altogether.
- Because you don’t know any expert witnesses or private detectives.
Attorneys network of legal professional aid extends far and they rely on it to win cases. Most non-attorneys do not personally know the types of professionals who can help with discovery or challenge evidence or testimony by the opposing party.
- You’re not sure how to plead.
Pleading guilty and innocent are both well known but pleading guilty is not the only choice, even if there is evidence pointing directly at you. An attorney who understands the law will know how to explain your options and can help you avoid severe penalties even before a criminal trial begins.
- It is better to avoid problems in the first place rather than try to fix them once they arise.
Hiring a lawyer in many instances will help you avoid potential legal headaches down the road. They understand the fine print of a contract you are signing and will explain it to you.
7. A good lawyer can strike up a good settlement offer or plea bargain, if necessary.
An experienced lawyer has most likely seen cases similar to yours. They can make calculated guesses about how your case will go. Sometimes a settlement is the best choice, while other times it makes more sense to see your case through to trial. An attorney can help negotiate a fair settlement with the opposing party.
8. The other party has legal representation.
If the other party has legal representation and you don’t, you may find yourself at a disadvantage. As explained above, the law is complicated and an attorney representing your adversary will take advantage of this inequity.