For someone that lacks experience with the legal system, paying for a lawyer and his or her expertise may seem an unneeded expense. After all, how complicated can it all be? This is especially the case when one has to deal with a local municipal court, which typically hears minor offenses and deals with matters that may seem simple enough to handle on one’s own. The reality is that in many cases the judge will advise a defendant to hire an attorney because the law is confusing and defendants that represent themselves often are at a disadvantage.
In the case of municipal court, for example, not all issues the court considers are petty or insignificant. Municipal court also handles cases that can result in a permanent criminal record, jail time and even make you lose your job. There are many different types of criminal cases that can be heard on the municipal level. Often failing to hire an attorney to defend oneself can cost you in the long run in fines, penalties, possible loss of license and even jail time. Many misdemeanor-type crimes can result in a maximum of 1 year in jail.
Unfortunately, a criminal record of any kind can make future prospects involving employment and other opportunities less possible. Few people realize how damaging a criminal history can be, and it is in your interest to do everything possible to minimize the potential damage done to your reputation.
One of the other major problems that defendants run into is that they want to dispose of their case as soon as possible and decide to plead guilty to charges without fully understanding the consequences. Clients call us often and complain about how they didn't fully understand the issues of pleading guilty and now are facing an even bigger problem with the appeals process that can be very difficult to succeed.
This becomes even more important in courts above the municipal level. Here, the punishments, fines and criminal records become much more dramatic and can seriously disrupt and in extreme cases ruin your life. Unfortunately, the law is extremely difficult to master and requires an expert to properly understand. At the very least it is advisable to consult with a lawyer, if not hire him or her. Getting some outside input from a qualified expert might give you the edge to secure a better legal outcome, and hiring a lawyer to consult with you every step of the way will increase those chances.
Think of it this way, you wouldn't want to get even the smallest medical procedure done by someone without a license to practice medicine or someone who does not practice in the field (i.e., you wouldn't want an eye doctor working on your root canal). Hiring an experienced licensed attorney means that the person has completed the necessary educational requirements, passed the licensing exam and has built his career practicing in the field. At a certain point you realize that seeing the right doctor for your medical problem is your best option. The situation is similar with the law. The reality is that your chances in court vastly improve when you have a licensed attorney on your side.
If you are charged or accused of a traffic or minor criminal offense in municipal court, and require support and consultation from a legal professional, the experienced attorneys at the Rosenblum Law are available at a moment’s notice to assist you. Call us at 888-883-5529 today.
