When you need an attorney, for whatever reason, you want to make sure you choose one that has the right expertise. Whether you are facing jail time or a serious financial hit from a civil suit, you will have a better chance of a good outcome if you have a lawyer who has the right expertise to handle your case.
One of the most common reasons people need an attorney is because of a drunken driving charge. Each day, about 4,000 people are arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, which actually is only a fraction of the number of people who are driving with blood alcohol levels above the legal limit. If you are charged with a DUI, using a DUI lawyer is important. While a first offense DUI may not carry penalties that are that severe, having one on your record can be a bad thing. A DUI attorney will know strategies that may help you get a first offense DUI reduced to something less severe, such as a reckless driving charge.
Another common reason that people need attorneys is because of divorce. In the U.S., there are about 876,000 divorces a year, and it’s estimated that nearly half of all first marriages and about 60% of all second marriages end in divorce. Though some divorces are amicable, many end badly, and those going through divorce need to have a good attorney to protect their rights. The process becomes even more complicated when a divorcing couple has children. If you are going to have to fight for custody rights, you need to hire an attorney who is well versed in family law. Family law is even more complicated than regular divorce law, so you need a specialist to have the best chance to get the custody outcome you want.
One additional reason why you might need an attorney is if you are injured in an accident. Drunken driving is the top cause of injury accidents, with speeding a close second. In any case, most “accidents” are not accidental, and one driver is at fault. You also could be injured in a work accident or be injured by someone else’s negligence, such as falling on an icy sidewalk. In each case, you need an experienced attorney to be sure you can get a settlement that protects you.