Finding the right attorney is essential

Most of us at one time or another will require the services of an attorney whether that's for criminal defense, personal injury or getting a fiance visa.  Given the complexities of the ever-changing legal system, finding the right attorney isn’t just smart – it’s essential.

Criminal vs. civil attorneys

Much like choosing the right doctor, you need to choose the right lawyer to address your problems.  Have heart problems?  Don’t turn to your dermatologist.  Likewise, if you are facing criminal charges (meaning you have been charged with some sort of crime) then you won’t want to rely on the skills of a civil attorney to represent you.  Even within the realm of criminal attorneys you should find someone who has experience handling -- successfully – the type of charges you are facing.  Defense attorneys may specialize in representing lesser charges, like traffic violations, public intoxication, and disorderly conduct or more egregious cases, like rape, aggravated assault, and murder.  So if you find yourself in the unfortunate position of needing a defense attorney, and you have the time and money to retain top-notch representation, make sure you do your homework:  find out what kinds of cases they take, how long they’ve been practicing, their rate of acquittal, their availability, and, of course, their fees.

The best advice?  Don’t find yourself in need of their services to begin with!

Civil attorneys are who most of us are likely to work with at some point in time.  These lawyers can help us navigate the legal waters of adoption, taxes, real estate, wills and estate planning, elder care, preparing contracts, etc.  Many times their services are not tied in any way to litigation, or court proceedings, but rather in preparing legally enforceable documents; some civil attorneys do, however, spend plenty of time in court – personal injury attorneys or those filing class action lawsuits, for example..  Here’s a breakdown on just some of the different types of civil attorneys you may encounter and how they might be of service to you:

• Bankruptcy: assist with filing for various types of bankruptcy and help clients protect assets as allowed by law
• Civil rights:  provide counsel and representation to those who feel their civil liberties have been violated.
• Contracts:  prepare, negotiate, and/or review legal contracts
• Elder law: help elderly clients receive services that they are due and represent them when they have been taken advantage of or had their rights violated
• Family law: may handle issues ranging from child advocacy, pre-nuptial agreements, divorce, collection of child support, etc.
• Intellectual property:  help clients obtain trademarks & patents; may litigate if there are infringements
• Personal injury: help clients file for restitution from injury
• Real estate:  preparing titles and negotiating transfers
• Trusts and estates: prepare legally enforceable documentation indicating the client’s plans for management and distribution of their estate
• Wills and probate: will preparation and distribution

The law is a complicated field with constantly evolving ground rules.  Given this complex nature of the legal system it is truly imperative that anyone seeking representation put in the time and effort toward finding the right attorney.  The alternative could be costly.