If you’re caught up in legal matters pertaining to family law or criminal law, you can feel bewildered, hopeless and out of your depth. Dealing with either civil or criminal cases on your own can be frightening and even harmful to your interests. That’s because the legal and court system are very confusing for someone who is not familiar with them. Experienced lawyers like divorce attorneys or personal injury attorneys can help you navigate the dangers and ambiguities of the legal system.
Criminal cases: DUI
Being charged with a DUI can be a difficult experience and the legal repercussions can be far reaching. DUI first offense charges are very common and as many as 1.4 million people face these charges year.
Like other criminal charges, a DUI can affect your life in many different ways. If convicted, your record may make it difficult for you to find a job, get a loan, buy a house or pass background checks.
In some states, a first DUI conviction can even carry a penalty of jail time. In California, a first DUI conviction is considered a misdemeanor. The maximum penalty is a fine of $1,000 fine and an additional $2,600 or more in penalty assessments. It can also carry a six month term in the county jail and your license could be suspended for six months.
Civil cases: family court
Some of the bitterest battles are fought in family court. The number of divorces across the country is soaring, with one happening about every 36 seconds. That works out to almost 2,400 divorces a day, or 16,800 divorces a week or 876,000 divorces a year.
In most cases where there are children, some kind of legal or informal child support agreement is worked out. This can be mandated by the court, or a settlement can be mediated for the two parties. Having a divorce lawyer to guide you through the process can help to ensure that the best interests of the children will be protected.
Why you need a lawyer
Whether you’re facing criminal charges or involved in a civil case, having an experienced lawyer like a dwi lawyer or a personal injury attorney greatly improves your chances of a positive outcome. Many people think that they can handle criminal charges like a DUI on their own, but they couldn’t be more wrong.
Wrongful convictions happen every day of the week, mostly due to incorrect evidence given by a witness or even perjury. As many as 100,000 people could be wrongfully convicted of serious crimes each year in the U.S., according a survey of 188 judges, prosecuting attorneys, public defenders, sheriffs and police officers.
With a competent civil attorney such as a personal injury attorney or a criminal defense attorney, you can be better prepared for your day in court. They can help you defend your reputation, your career, your family and your life from the disruption caused by civil and criminal cases.
