Do I Need a Criminal Lawyer?

Sometimes bad things happen to good people. And sometimes you just get involved in something you shouldn’t have. Either way, there may come a time when you find yourself in a circumstance that leaves you wondering, “Do I need a criminal lawyer right now?”

When you’re searching for a general practice attorney for issues like estate planning, family law, divorce, real estate transactions, probate concerns or business litigation, you have a little time to shop around. Most folks don’t have a lawyer on speed dial for emergencies. But it’s a good idea to do a little research into attorneys near you so if you find yourself in an unexpected legal situation, you’re not scrambling to find representation when you need it immediately. Here are some situations in which it’s better not to try to go it alone, and instead make a phone call to an attorney you can trust.

1. You’ve been arrested for a DUI. If you’re headed home from a night on the town, experience that sinking feeling of flashing lights in the rear view mirror and find yourself sitting in disbelief in a jail cell, you absolutely need a criminal lawyer. Even if you feel you were “fine” to drive, if your BAC tells a different tale, you can face jail time or probation, fines and a license suspension for a minimum of 90 days. Your first phone call should be to a trusted attorney who can help you navigate the situation you’ve found yourself in.
2. You are the target of a criminal investigation. Whether you feel you’ve done anything wrong or not, if the police come knocking on your door with a search warrant, or tell you they’d just like to “ask you a few questions,” you need to call an attorney immediately. Don’t answer any questions without your attorney present. While they might say no, it’s worth asking the police officers if they will wait until your attorney arrives to begin their search.
3. Drug charges. If you find yourself facing a drug charge, you need to retain a trusted attorney immediately. A court-appointed lawyer will often be overloaded with cases and simply recommend a plea bargain. If you do enter a plea, you won’t have a chance to fight those charges, and you may end up with a criminal record that haunts you for the rest of your life.
4. A car accident with serious injury or death that was your fault. Sure, it was an accident. The person who was injured will most likely hire a personal injury attorney, and they’ll fight for fair compensation for their damages through your insurance company. But if it can be shown that you were negligent, you may face serious charges that result in jail time, fines and suspension or revocation of your license.

Facing unexpected legal issues is unsettling and can make you feel like your life has been turned upside-down. Before you find yourself in any of the previous situations, make sure you’ve found a criminal lawyer who can be by your side quickly if you need them.

Residents of Brownstown, Indianapolis, Seymour, Bloomington, Columbus and Jeffersonville and other cities and towns throughout Jackson County, Indiana who find themselves in need of a trusted attorney to help them with criminal cases should contact Miller Law.