Avoiding a “Messy” Divorce
A lawyer’s assistance can prevent you from adding considerable stress and hardship to a divorce that is already emotionally taxing to begin with. Do you have the time to research legal information, prepare forms, and meet deadlines while taking care of yourself and your children? While these tasks can be difficult for those without a legal background, many attorneys can do them without breaking a sweat. A lawyer can also help you take a more neutral or collaborative approach with your ex-spouse and their lawyer, allowing you to make fair decisions about things like property division, spousal support, and child custody. If your situation is complex in terms of property, debts, or assets, an attorney will be better equipped to protect your interests. Overall, the best family lawyers know how to turn a potential legal “battle” into a legal solution.
Criminal Cases Have Consequences
It’s inadvisable to divorce without an attorney, but it’s downright dangerous to attempt a criminal case without competent legal representation. Many types of legal infractions stay on your criminal record indefinitely, affecting your ability to find employment and housing, among others. On top of that, the penalty for your specific charge could involve fines, community service, a driver’s license suspension (in the case of traffic offenses), or jail time. Even a minor offense could affect you for the rest of your life. A criminal defense attorney can usually predict the likely punishment for your crime, help you decide whether to plead guilty or not guilty, argue the merits of your case, and give you better chances overall.
The Perils of DIY
In any legal matter, the commitment a do-it-yourself approach puts you at a clear disadvantage when the other party has an attorney. If you represent yourself in a criminal court, you risk making incriminating statements that can later be used against you. Even if you are totally innocent of the charges, your mistakes could land you in serious trouble. In the case of a divorce, you may find yourself overwhelmed with the amount of work that is really necessary. An experienced lawyer will be familiar with court rules and procedures, understands the court’s expectations in terms of forms and deadlines, and knows how to work under pressure.
The Best Defense
When it comes to divorce without a lawyer, you stand to lose your money, your home, and even your children. In a criminal case, representing yourself could mean sacrificing your livelihood or your freedom. When you work with a lawyer, you don’t have to take any unnecessary risks. Call the knowledgeable family law and criminal defense attorneys at Frankfurt Law to maximize your chances of success. We will always represent your interests and defend your rights to the fullest extent of the law.