Whether we like them or not, laws have been put in place to ensure a safe and secure society. Part of the American legal system is the assurance that all people have access to an attorney who will defend them, no matter the case. This institution is key to a fair society, as it keeps the justice system as balanced as possible.
By virtue of being thorough and fair, the law is also extremely complicated. This is a big reason why lawyers are such an integral part of the legal system. A lawyer’s job is to understand and interpret the law well enough to properly defend a client. In terms of cost and quality, some lawyers are certainly better than others. But with so many attorneys and law firms out there, how can you know which are the best? And if you find yourself in a situation where you need to find a good lawyer quickly, how do you go about that?
Finding a Good Lawyer
The first step to finding a good lawyer is understanding the nature of your situation. There are different types of lawyers who specialize in certain areas. For instance, family law lawyers deal with situations involving divorce, cohabitation, and child custody. A DUI lawyer, on the other hand, specifically handles instances of driving under the influence and related circumstances. Since the law covers so many scenarios and crimes, there are several types of lawyers who are best suited for a given situation.
After figuring out what kind of lawyer you need, the next step is to find one that is both affordable and able to provide quality services. Fortunately, finding a good lawyer is easier now than ever before. In the past, the best way to find a decent, trustworthy lawyer was to rely on personal referrals from family, friends, and colleagues. Beyond that, you simply had to dig into a phone book, make some calls and appointments and hope for the best.
Today, finding a good lawyer has been simplified by the Internet. There are dozens of sites and databases that list, rate, and recommend lawyers and law firms based on cost, service, and personal reviews. Combining thorough online searches with personal referrals and appointments is the best way to make sure you find the best lawyer for your case.
Example of a Good Lawyer
If you’re wondering what a good lawyer looks like in a general sense, we can take a look at a DUI case. In this scenario, say someone was driving home after having a drink or two at a friend’s house. The police pull this person over and arrest them for driving under the influence. Afterwards, they’ll need to hire a good DUI lawyer.
In this situation, a good lawyer will know that the police must properly administer and record a breathalyzer test to prove their client’s guilt. Any blood or urine tests must likewise we properly done. A good DUI attorney will look into these records, including video and witness accounts to defend their client’s case. A good lawyer will also understand the potential severity of a DUI charge in terms of it going on one’s criminal record, and how that may affect one’s future employment and credit prospects. These are just a couple examples of what a good lawyer in this case should know, do, and make clear to their client. Doing some research on your own before hiring a lawyer is a good way to know your own rights and what to look for in a quality attorney.
No matter the case, remember that you have every right as an American citizen to a good lawyer and fair trial. While lawyers vary in cost, consider the long term value of receiving a solid defense. So take the time and do the research to find the best lawyer for your specific situation.
