The vast majority of individuals are unfamiliar with the court system, and this uncertainty can leave you wondering whether or not you should have legal representation by your side as you challenge your case. In today’s blog, we share seven instances where you’ll almost always want to hire a lawyer to defend yourself against the charges, and we look at three scenarios where you can probably get by without legal representation.
When You Do And Don’t Need A Lawyer
Now, it’s important to remember that this is just general advice and you should always consult a lawyer if you have specific questions or concerns about your case. However, if you find yourself in one of these situations, you’ll probably be best to contest the charges with a lawyer by your side.
1. Felony Offense – A felony-level offense is the highest level of criminal charge and they carry significant penalties. Oftentimes huge fines and the potential for years in jail accompany a felony charge, so don’t take these charges lightly. You should always talk with a lawyer if you’re facing a felony charge.
2. License On The Line – If your driver’s license is on the line, you should seriously consider hiring an attorney. Oftentimes they can help you keep your full license or a conditional license so you can continue to get where you need to go, even if you can’t beat the charges.
3. Job or Business Prospects – If you are convicted of certain charges, it can result in your termination from your place of employment or prevent you from getting hired. For example, drug or drunk driving convictions can make it hard for people to get or keep a job as an educator or driver, respectively. If your conviction could inhibit your job prospects, hire a lawyer.
4. Scholarship Or Admission Issues – If a conviction could cost you admission to the college of your dreams, or it could result in the loss of your scholarship, hire a lawyer. Same goes for those in college who could be expelled in the wake of a conviction. Don’t throw away your future because of a dumb mistake, hire a lawyer to help sort everything out.
5. Sexual Or Domestic Abuse – We also often recommend that those who are facing sexual or domestic abuse charges seek legal counsel. These types of abuse charges carry significant penalties and lifelong stigma, so you need to have your day in court handled by an expert on the law.
6. Property Forfeiture – If police have seized significant assets as a result of your arrest, you can work to get those assets returned by beating the charges, and the best way to do that is with a lawyer by your side. Don’t let police take your vehicle or guns because of an arrest.
7. Subsequent Offense – Finally, we also recommend that if you have a criminal history, you should consult with a lawyer before court. It’s unlikely that the court will go easy on you with your past, so you need to put forth an aggressive defense.
Three Times You Don’t Need A Lawyer
Similarly, here are three times when you can probably get by without a lawyer.
1. Minor Traffic Ticket – If you’ve been cited for rolling a stop sign and you haven’t had many other traffic violations in the past, odds are it’s best contesting the ticket on your own, as a lawyer may cost more than the original ticket, but they also may have a better chance of getting the citation dropped, so it’s up to you.
2. You’re Pleading No Contest – If you’re being taken to small claims court or you’re facing a minor charge and you know you’re going to plead no contest, you can go through the proceedings without a lawyer by your side.
3. You’re a Defense Lawyer – If you’re a criminal defense lawyer, you can plan your own defense. But if you’re an expert in some other profession, it pays to consult with a lawyer before trial!
For more information, or to talk to a lawyer about your case, reach out to Appelman Law Firm today at (952) 224-2277.
