There are a number of situations for which you might need the aid of a lawyer. You could be charged with a crime or have a civil issue such as a lawsuit or bankruptcy. When faced with a situation in which you might need an attorney, it is important that you work with the right legal team.
One of the most important factors to consider when looking for the right legal team is finding someone with the right expertise for your needs. For example, if you are charged with a crime, you want a lawyer that has experience in criminal law. On the other hand, if you are facing some sort of civil action, then you want an attorney with that kind of specialization.
Another consideration to make when vetting legal teams is the fee structure. It is common for attorneys to charge hourly fees in criminal cases, for example. In cases where you are suing someone and have a prospect of winning damages, attorneys often agree to work on a contingency basis where they get a portion of any judgment or settlement, but don’t get paid if you lose the case.
Don’t think you are likely to ever need an attorney? Think again. About 1.5 million people declare bankruptcy every year, which is about 1% of the adult population in the U.S. So your odds aren’t that long that you might face the prospect of bankruptcy at some point, and you will be much better off using an attorney to file. The success rate for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing with an attorney is about 95%, vs. 60% when you file on your own. for Chapter 13 cases, the success rate on your own is virtually zero, while using an attorney will bump that up to 55%.
Another situation in which you could find yourself needing an attorney? Drunk driving. More than 4,000 people are arrested for DUI every day, which works out to almost 1.5 million a year, or roughly 1% of the adult population.
Whatever the reason you need a lawyer, whether it’s a criminal charge or a lawsuit, it is important to make the right choice. Take some time and evaluate your legal team options fully before making a selection.