Introduction
Sometime in your life, you will probably encounter certain situations such as a divorce or bankruptcy that can be complicated to navigate for those who have no experience with them. Many people are unaware that these situations require a reliable and trustworthy lawyer like personal injury solicitors dublin to give appropriate advice tailored specifically for your situation to prevent further complications in the future. Fret not if you have no inkling of where this is going—this article will bring you through the basic legal categories and the common instances to contact a lawyer for his services.
Civil Law vs Criminal Law
Civil law covers all issues besides criminal acts or acts of breaking the law. In most scenarios, it occurs when an injury or damage has been made on a party and said party demands compensation from the individual that caused the damage(s). Common areas covered by civil law included divorces, child custody, legal agreements, and others.
Criminal law relates to crimes against the laws of the government. In most cases, the government prosecutes an individual for their wrongdoing. The prosecution will be done by lawyers employed by the government while the defendant is defended by either a private defense attorney of his choice or a publicly appointed defender.
If you ever find yourself in a tricky situation involving the legal system, your first course of action is to consult a trusted and professional attorney. Most reputable law firms and lawyers offer some degree of consultancy for free. The consultation will be beneficial in helping you to decide if you require legal representation. It is highly probable that the lawyer you consult offers to take on your case or direct you towards a more suitable lawyer. The remuneration and legal fees should be negotiated once you decide on your lawyer.
Situations that require professional legal consultation
Messy Divorce
Divorces can be straightforward and clear-cut if both parties are agreeable with their separation terms. However, more often than not, divorces are usually complex and messy due to the multiple assets registered under the couple and obligations that come with their marriage. These include monetary assets, alimony, and child custody, which are all up for disputes. It is imperative that one receives proper legal representation when it comes to divorce to prevent future complications down the road.
Workplace discrimination
Workplace discrimination is real and you may find yourself on the short end of the stick when it comes to your working hours, remuneration, or even the circumstances of the termination of your current job. The laws surrounding this issue is complex, involving state and federal laws. It will do you and your case good to consult a lawyer specialized in this area to represent you because it is likely that the opposing side would have an impeccable legal representation as well.
Lawsuits
Lawsuits can be highly damaging to your finances especially if losing the case means the loss of a big sum of monetary assets. It goes without saying—if the other side has a lawyer, you should get an experienced lawyer as well. Although most lawsuits are negotiated between both outside the court, it would be in your best interests to have a professional lawyer to help navigate the situation in your favor.
Driving Under Influence (DUI)
DUI is a serious offense with heavy implications that could be a combination of fines, revoked driving license, jail time, or all of the above. Having an experienced lawyer who knows their way around the system can help you reduce charges against you. This is especially so if this happens to be your first offense and a regrettable oversight on your part. Those who head into court on a DUI charge without a lawyer risk being charged with the most punitive penalties.
Drugs
Getting a personal attorney hired on your behest would be your best course of action in this case. Public defenders may not be inclined to help you strive for the least punishing penalties especially if they are stretched thin on multiple cases. Opt for an attorney of your choice if your financial capabilities allow you to do so as the charges for this offense can be rather punitive depending on the laws of the state you reside in.
Car accident
If you get injured in an unfortunate car accident that was outside your control, it is likely that the other party’s insurance company will be contacting you immediately to settle this case as soon as possible. In such a scenario, it is important that you do not agree immediately to their terms without consulting privately with a personal injury attorney. Some insurance companies may undercompensate unsuspecting individuals and you can avoid that with a seasoned attorney on your side.
Criminal Charges
Regardless of your culpability, one should contact a reliable lawyer to inform you of your rights as the accused and defend you to the best of their abilities.
Trusts and Wills
Save your loved ones from inheritance drama after your death by setting up your trust or will in the early years of parenthood with the trusted lawyer of your choice. You can alter your will periodically down the years if you ever have a change of mind.
Business Startups
Being an entrepreneur and setting up your own business is a complex process. There are many business laws at play and a business lawyer is needed to go through the necessary procedures to protect your business’ interests.
Bankruptcy
If you hit rock bottom, know that you still can fall deeper without a lawyer to cushion your descent as your creditors will demand immediate payments once news of your bankruptcy gets out.
In conclusion
The legal systems can be highly confusing for the common man who has not practiced law. Legal situations that do not involve large amounts of money like small claims and traffic tickets do not require legal advice. However, any other troubling legal situation you find yourself in warrants legal advice from a reputable lawyer. Lawyers also have their own specialty, so it is recommended that you approach the appropriate lawyers for useful and sound legal advice.
