Legal Tips and Resources

Whenever you find yourself in legal trouble, the very first thing you should do is find yourself an attorney. However, if you are like most people, you have never had to hire an attorney before. It can be an intimidating process, especially with all the stress of the situation. This guide will go over what you should do to find a defense attorney.

Criminal Vs. Civil

The first factor to consider is whether your case is a criminal or civil one. If you were arrested and the prosecution is the state, then it is a criminal case. If you were sued by another citizen, then it is a civil case.

Public Defenders

In criminal cases, you have the option to receive a public defender. Everyone has the right to legal representation in criminal cases, regardless of their financial situation. If you wish to use a public defender, ask for one at your arraignment. You have no input on which public defender you are assigned.

Private Attorneys

In civil cases, you must hire your own attorney. If you find yourself in this situation, or if you do not want to use a public defender in a criminal case, you should know what to look for in a private attorney. The most important aspect is confidence. You should have utmost faith in your attorney’s ability to represent you competently.

Secondly, you should always hire an attorney who specializes in the specific kind of case you are involved in. If you have been accused of causing an injury, hire a personal injury attorney. If you have been accused of driving while intoxicated, hire a DUI attorney. There is a legal specialization for every kind of court case. You should search online for specific kinds of lawyer in your area, which will give you more information about style and pricing.

Finally, cost may be a serious consideration for you. If you cannot afford an attorney in a civil case where a public defender is not an option, there are a few other options available you. The American Bar Association recommends that every lawyer provide 50 hours of free legal service each year. This means it may be possible to find a lawyer willing to take your case for free. There are also some law firms that receive funding from the state. These legal aid law firms take cases at little or no cost to the client.

No matter what situation you are in, you should take the time to find a criminal defense attorney in San Mateo, CA, rather than trying to represent yourself.

Thanks to The Morales Law Firm for their insight into criminal law and how to find a private defense lawyer.