Henry Wade, who has been practicing law in Texas for over 20 years, and is currently a member of The Wade Law Firm, has spent countless hours making sure people receive the justice they deserve. With all his experience in the courtroom, Wade understands the benefits of having a lawyer and tries to educate current and perspective clients on the importance of having a well-informed attorney. Here he shares why to consult a lawyer.
- The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better. Many times people think that they can handle their case by themselves. Or, they believe that the only time you need a lawyer is when you already have a court date set. But, the sooner you contact a lawyer, the better, urges Wade. When you first suspect or learn that you are under investigation, contact a lawyer, even if you don’t think your case is criminal. Not only will he be able to provide you with great legal advice, but he can stop you from damaging your case through admission.
- Officers may not treat you right. There are two main ways that officers will try to get information from you. The first is by acting like your friend and the second is through intimidation. Police officers have been trained to get the information they need from suspects, which should always be in the forefront of your mind. When an officer asks to enter your home, or starts a conversation with you, always have your guard up and don’t say too much, even if he seems nice and understanding. Ask to speak with a lawyer or say that you’d rather not supply any information, besides your name, without the presence of a lawyer. Law enforcement may also try to pressure or scare you into giving them the information they are after. Stand your ground and remain persistent, but polite. Anything you say at this stage can be used against you, and can damage your case.
- You shouldn’t rely too heavily on the prosecutor. When many people appear for their court date, they automatically get in line to speak with the prosecutor, who they suspect will cut them a deal, says Wade. But he should not be your first point of contact when it comes to seeking legal advice. The prosecutor is under no obligation to go over every possibility with you. And, if you are not well-versed in the area of law for which you are being charged, then it’s likely you’re not being offered the best possible outcome. Instead, you should hire a lawyer who will be able to negotiate better terms for you, or get your charges thrown out altogether. The right lawyer will know about possible loopholes, past precedents and legal jargon. Even if you haven’t had a lawyer up until this stage of your prosecution, it can still be beneficial for you to contact an attorney who will appear in court with you.
