Finding yourself on the wrong side of the law can be a daunting prospect at the best of times – but particularly if you’re facing criminal proceedings or charges that might result in a fine, criminal record or, worse yet, spending time behind bars.
While the law can vary considerably from country to country around the world, certain criteria can be used to help you decide whether you need to pay for legal representation to get the best results from a case.
Points you need to consider when choosing whether to engage the services of a legal professional
All cases are different and the implications of legal action can also vary massively depending on circumstances and location. However, as a general rule, if you’re facing legal proceedings, considering the following criteria should help you work out whether it’s worth paying for a lawyer.
Accept the law is complicated: While we all like to consider ourselves worldly-wise, the rules get considerably more complex when it comes to legal proceedings. If you’re in any doubt at all about your understanding of your case or the charges you could potentially face, you should seek legal advice immediately. In truth, understanding the intricacies and gray areas of the law goes far beyond most people’s comprehension.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking personal representation is cheaper: The stakes can be high with legal proceedings. In a criminal trial, if you lose your case, you could ultimately lose your liberty – in a civil case, the penalties could result in financial ruin. Resist the temptation to consider the idea of saving money by defending yourself.
Remember you’re paying for access to experts: Lawyers rarely win cases under just their own steam – rather, they have access to a pool of experts and witnesses that could mean the difference between your case being thrown out or you losing and paying the penalty.
Note, a reputable legal firm like solicitors Dublin should offer you free and impartial advice – at least in an initial consultation – to help you decide.
Think about the evidence against you: In the vast majority of cases, there will be at least some evidence stacked against you if you’re facing legal proceedings. It’s worth remembering lawyers are specifically trained to challenge even the most robust evidence – a talent you almost certainly do not possess.
Bear in mind, the other party almost definitely has legal representation: In almost all cases, the other party will have sourced legal advice if you’re being brought to court. As noted above, with the complexities of the legal system, this means you’ll immediately be on the back foot trying to defend yourself against another expert that knows the law inside and out.
Sometimes settlements or negotiated plea bargains are the best options: There is a tendency among none legally-trained individuals to believe cases are a simple case of black and white, win or lose. In fact, a more successful outcome for many cases can be gained via settlements or similar arrangements – the type of result you simply won’t be able to achieve without adequate training or knowledge.
