Do you know if you have been involved in a situation that could be a criminal case? Whether you are the accused or the accuser, there might be a need for you to get legal counseling.
So how do you know if you are in legal trouble and if you need a lawyer?
Here’s what you need to know:
- Criminal Law
First, you must know what criminal law is. This occurs if a local, state, or federal law has been violated. There is a range of severity of crimes from misdemeanors to felonies.
If you get charged with violating such a law, then it’s a very serious accusation. A conviction will have serious consequences on your life.
As a result, you want to hire a great criminal defense lawyer if you find yourself in this situation.
- Civil Law
Civil law is less serious than criminal law but might also require legal counseling. This happens when one person (“party”) accuses another party of wrongdoing. The accusation might lead to you being sued.
If you get sued, then you will definitely need legal counseling. If you don’t get sued, then you can find a way to settle matters out of court. Civil law can involve divorces, child custody, libel, workplace violations, among other violations.
- Why You Should Consider Legal Counseling
Whether you find that you need legal counseling or not, you should always consider it. If you get into legal trouble, you can hire a lawyer to ensure a better chance of winning your case.
With legal counseling, your lawyer can inform you of the severity of the charges. You can also know about what punishment you might face. The lawyer will advise you on how to fight the case and what the laws are.
For example, if you get charged with a DUI for the first time, a lawyer can help drop charges or reduce a punishment since it’s your first time. Or if you’re a woman, and you’ve experienced signs of pregnancy discrimination from your employer, a lawyer specializes in that area will guide you on what legal actions you can make.
Legal counsel can also help dismiss a civil case where you get sued. They can convince the plaintiff to drop the charges altogether. They can also fight for you to receive compensation for the case.
Legal counsel has helped parents win custody of their children. They’ve helped spouses receive settlements and alimony in a divorce case. They’ve helped protect intellectual property from infringement.
They are an invaluable asset if you need to fight a case should you get into legal trouble.
- Other Uses of Legal Counseling
Finally, there are other times when you need a lawyer. If you set up a company, legal counseling will help you with your business structure.
If you want to set up a will or trust for your heirs, a lawyer will help you set this up in accordance with the law.
If you just need proper legal advice for any endeavor, a lawyer will provide expert consultancy so that you never unwittingly violate a law.
Hire a Lawyer
Now that you know the benefits of legal counseling, you can start looking for a lawyer. Make sure to share this guide with anyone considering legal counsel.
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