How Long Should I Wait Before Hiring a Lawyer in California?
Getting in trouble with the law is something that should never be taken lightly. No matter how small your charges may be, you should take your situation seriously. Furthermore, if you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, retaining the services of an attorney is imperative. No matter what your case may be, always make sure to call a lawyer as soon as you possibly can.
At The Law Offices of Bamieh and De Smeth, PLC, we can help. Our personal injury and criminal defense attorneys can help you defend your rights at all times. Read more about when you should hire an attorney for your personal injury case or criminal charge in California.
When Should You Call a Lawyer in California?
The short answer to this question is, whenever the situation justifies it. Any time you or a loved one is facing problems with the law is an excellent time to call a lawyer. One of the worst things you can do is delay calling a lawyer whenever you are charged with a crime. Furthermore, the mere suspicion of being arrested should be indication enough that you need legal representation by your side. However, many people tend to minimize the charges against them often waiting to “see what happens.” This is a grave mistake that can cost you thousands of dollars in fines, but also your freedom.
Retaining the services of a skilled, experienced lawyer should be the first thing you should think of following your encounter with law enforcement. Our California criminal defense attorneys can help you understand your rights as a defendant and the strategies to defend yourself in future proceedings.
Criminal cases are not the only situations where you may need to give your lawyer a call. For instance, you may have suffered injuries due to the negligence of another person. If you were injured in a premises liability accident, car accident, or slip and fall injury, are all examples of situations where you need to have a lawyer by your side.
In civil cases, there is a legal time limit known as the “statute of limitations.” They exist to persuade plaintiffs to bring their cause of action on time. This means if you miss your legal time window, you may lose your chance of obtaining compensation. Make sure to talk to a dedicated, committed Ventura personal injury lawyer who can help you through your case.
Tips to Hiring a Lawyer
Now that you have a clear idea of when you should call a lawyer, you may wonder which lawyer is the right one for your case. Selecting the appropriate lawyer requires taking several essential points into account. Some of the tips to consider when looking for legal representation include:
Legal Background
One of the very first things you should do is research the legal background of the lawyer you are considering hiring. Getting a feel for what they do or have done in recent times can put you in a better position of selecting the appropriate lawyer for you. Many people can make the mistake of hiring a lawyer who does not specialize in the specific area of the law your case is based on. No matter if you are doing your own research, or you are being referred by someone else, make sure to learn about your prospective lawyer’s legal background.
Prepare in Advance
Once you have selected what you believe is the best lawyer for your case, make sure to schedule a consultation. Typically, during a scheduled visit, your lawyer will sit down with you and talk about your case. This is the best time to ask as many questions as you can about your case. Questioning your lawyer can help you understand the details on your case from a legal standpoint, and it allows you to realize whether your lawyer is in control over the specific area of the law affecting your case.
Fee Structure
One of the main concerns most clients have is how they will pay for their legal representation. Make sure to ask what kinds of fee structures your lawyer provides. Many lawyers are flexible and can provide you with a payment plan, contingency fees, flat fee, or other methods. If you feel you can meet your obligations with your lawyer, you can proceed to retain his or her services.
Considering these tips will help point you in the right direction when retaining the services of a lawyer.
California Attorneys for Personal Injury and Criminal Defense Cases
If you or someone you know has been charged with a crime or has been injured in an accident, we can help. Our Ventura personal injury and criminal defense attorneys are ready to fight for your rights. Thanks to decades of experience, we have developed the necessary skills to handle cases like yours. To learn more about the specific circumstances surrounding your case, call The Law Offices of Bamieh and De Smeth, PLC, today at (805) 643-5555.