Legal Guide

When Should I Hire A Lawyer?

There are many circumstances when it is necessary for an individual to hire a lawyer. The help of an attorney will prove invaluable when facing serious criminal charges or complex legal issues. Regardless of the nature of your issue, it is important to hire a lawyer who has experience handling your type of case in order to get the best outcome for your situation.

DUI and Criminal Offense Charges
Being charged with a DUI is one common reason for a person to seek out legal counsel. It is important to hire a lawyer as soon as possible after this happens to ensure that your rights were upheld during the process and so your attorney can interview any witnesses, gather evidence or other material important to your case. Being charged with a criminal offense is another situation that will require the help of a qualified lawyer. A criminal charge can include:


• domestic violence 
• disorderly conduct
• robbery
• sexual assault 
• drug charges


DUI charges and criminal offense charges carry serious consequences that can have a huge impact on your future. Hiring a qualified lawyer to help with your case will ensure that you get the expert legal representation you need. Your lawyer will be able to inform you of the legal process and prepare you for each step involved with fighting your case. This way you will not be surprised or caught off guard during the proceedings. An experienced criminal offense lawyer will also be able to fight aggressively for you in court.
Bankruptcy and Divorce


People facing a divorce or contemplating filing for bankruptcy can also benefit from seeking out legal counsel. While it is possible to file for bankruptcy or a divorce yourself, hiring a lawyer to help you file the proper paperwork can make the process less complicated and avoid costly mistakes. Defining the terms of a divorce can be a very difficult and emotional situation. An experienced attorney will be able to help you navigate through the legal process and make sure your voice and rights are being considered appropriately. Your lawyer will be able to help you decide which course of action will work best for your situation and can help with defining the terms of important issues like:


• child custody issues
• alimony
• child visitation arrangements
• division of assets
An attorney can also help people understand the bankruptcy process and inform them of their legal options. Preparing the paperwork for a bankruptcy on your own can be a complicated and overwhelming undertaking. An experienced lawyer will help you:


• file a Chapter 7, 11 or 13 bankruptcy
• stop the foreclosure process
• remove wage garnishments
• stop collection calls
• help prepare you for life after filing for bankruptcy


Your bankruptcy attorney will be able to explain how you may get to keep your home and cars after filing for bankruptcy and set you up with credit counseling to get your financial life back on track. The help of an experienced lawyer will help alleviate some of the stress involved with this process.

Whether you are facing criminal charges, a divorce or bankruptcy or just need help understanding a legal issue, a qualified lawyer will help you navigate easily through the legal procedure. Most lawyers will offer a free consultation to see if they can help with your situation. Be sure to understand their fee structure and what kinds of payment arrangements are available before enlisting their help. An experienced and qualified lawyer will help ensure you get the best outcome for your specific situation.

This article was written by Phil Balbo. Phil is a law clerk and staff writer. For more information please consult a Prince William County Criminal Lawyer if you have any other questions. 


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