What type of attorney do I need?
The type of lawyer you need depends on many different factors. Of course, also very important are the specific facts and circumstances of your case. In general, it is best to consult with a lawyer who specializes in the area of law that is relevant to your situation. It used to be that many lawyers would handle a little bit of everything when it came to law, and this is still true in some very small jurisdictions. However, to provide the absolute best legal services in increasingly complex fields of law, most attorneys specialize in just one area now.
For example, many people will call our office asking for real estate, personal injury, or landlord/tenant issues. This is equivalent to asking a cardiologist about a skin rash. We might know the basics since we all went to law school, but you definitely want to go to the lawyer with the right specialization. They will have the knowledge and experience to provide you with the legal advice and representation that you need. Here are some general guidelines to help you determine the type of lawyer that you need:
Criminal Defense Attorneys
If you have been charged with a crime, you will need to hire the best criminal defense lawyers you can find. Do everything you can to ensure your case is in the best position to beat your charges. The best way to protect your rights is by hiring a team of experts who have seen both sides of the criminal justice system to fight for you. If you’re in Southern California, The Law Firm of Gomez, Radford, & Rome has the experience you need to stay out of jail. Note: Criminal Defense attorneys are not usually the attorneys you want to contact if you believe you’re entitled to financial compensation as a result of your rights being violated and you want to sue. We help you stay out of jail first and foremost, suing for money comes after you’re free.
Civil Litigators
If you are involved in a dispute with another person or company, and are considering taking legal action, you will need a litigator. That means someone who goes to court for you. If you’re not charged with a crime, you need someone who specializes in civil litigation. This is very common and there are several even more specialized fields of litigation that civil attorneys will specialize in. For example, if you’ve been injured in an accident, you should find a personal injury attorney. If you were hurt at work, you’ll want to find an experienced workman’s compensation attorney.
Finding the right attorney can be hard. If you’re in Southern California, contact us if you need a referral to an experienced civil litigation attorney.
Employment Attorneys
If you have a dispute with your employer and feel you were wrongfully terminated or are not being paid what you are owed, you need an employment attorney. This is a sub-section of civil litigation. The Law Firm of Gomez, Radford, & Rome has a wealth of experience in employment law and can help you get the money you deserve. Call us for a free consultation so we can discuss next steps.
Real Estate Attorneys
If you are buying or selling real estate, you will need a real estate lawyer. These are the firms that can help with transactional questions and helping you closing on your home.
Business Attorneys
If you are starting a business or need help with business-related legal issues, you will need a business lawyer.
Estate Planning Attorneys
If a relative or loved one has passed away or you are simply planning ahead, (e.g., creating a will or trust), the type of lawyer you need is called an estate planning attorney.
Domestic/Family Law Attorneys
If you are getting divorced or need help with other family law issues (e.g., child custody or support), you will need a family law lawyer. This is not the type of lawyer you would need if you were charged with a crime. There is some overlap between criminal defense and family law when there are domestic violence issues, however. Not all criminal defense firms will help with Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, but Gomez, Radford, & Rome can help if you’re in need in California.
What Do Criminal Defense Attorneys Do?
Criminal defense attorneys like those at Gomez, Radford, & Rome represent individuals who have been charged with a crime. Our primary role is to provide legal representation for our clients throughout the criminal justice process, from the initial stages of an investigation through to trial and appeal, if necessary. Appeals are actually a very specialized subset and many appeals attorneys only handle criminal appeals.
That’s our specialty, and it doesn’t involve suing the police for money because of a wrongful arrest or other violation of your rights. We can help you by using those civil rights abuses to get your criminal case thrown out in some circumstances, however! If you’re looking to sue the police or government for money, you need a civil litigator who specializes in that area of law.
Criminal defense attorneys have a number of responsibilities, including:
Essentially, criminal defense attorneys play a critical role in the criminal justice system, providing legal representation and advocacy for individuals who have been charged with a crime. Criminal Defense involves protecting your constitutional rights and freedom, but suing to recover money after your rights are violated will require a very different set of skills. Their goal is to help their clients achieve the best possible outcome in their case.
Especially when your freedom is on the line, it is better to hire an experienced attorney (or team of attorneys, if you can) when you are facing criminal charges. A law firm with multiple attorneys may be expensive, but they will have a strong understanding of the law and the criminal justice system, and will be better equipped to provide you with the legal representation that you need. The Lawyers at the Law Firm of Gomez, Radford, & Rome are all elite attorneys who can help you fight your case and get the best results.
Contact an attorney now:
Get in touch as soon as you’re charged with a crime or if you believe you may be charged soon. Don’t wait, because time is the enemy when it comes to defending your rights.