Why You Should Always Hire A Trial Attorney

Whether for a civil or criminal trial, the question of whether or not to hire an attorney is crucial, and can affect the outcome of the trial. People often overestimate their abilities in unfamiliar areas, which can lead to negative consequences when they take on tasks beyond their expertise. A layperson representing themself has an extremely poor chance at success in the courtroom. Having an experienced attorney in your corner will greatly bolster your odds.

Here are some of the biggest reasons not to defend yourself in court:

• Knowledge is Everything: There is a reason that prospective lawyers generally spend several years in law school before taking the Bar Examination. A deep familiarity with the legal system in one’s city, county, and state, as well as with federal laws, is an invaluable asset in both civil and legal trials. No matter how well you think you know the relevant laws, there’s no telling what obscure details, precedents, or rulings are out there that might greatly aid your case. An experienced attorney will be able to use their years of study to ensure that the strongest possible argument is presented on your behalf to the judge and jury.
• Experience Counts: You wouldn’t choose an attorney who has never litigated a case before. Therefore, considering that the vast majority of people who are considering representing themselves in court have not done so before, the same logic should apply. For optimal results in the courtroom, you need your case handled by an attorney who is intimately familiar with the techniques, strategies, traps, and pitfalls that are integral to court proceedings.
• Bias Weakens Your Case: Few attributes of a seasoned attorney are as important as objectivity. While it may not feel like it, you will naturally carry quite a lot of bias into your trial due to its personal nature. This is why even experienced lawyers tend to opt for representation by another attorney, who can view the case from a dispassionate bird’s eye view.
• Risk of Dismissal: The procedures required to bring your case to trial are numerous and complex. Without a thorough knowledge of this process, it is easy to miss a step or a deadline. Even the smallest such mistake can cause your case to be dismissed, denying you the opportunity to present your side of the story. By hiring an experienced trial attorney, you can ensure that every ’t’ is crossed and every ‘i’ dotted, allowing you to ignore the small stuff and focus on your case.

Don’t risk losing your entire case over a simple typo, misspeak, or blunder. No matter why you’re in the courtroom, competent legal representation is your biggest asset. The most effective way to protect your interests in a trial setting is to hire an experienced legal team like that of Fontenot Law, P.C. If you are in need of a skilled civil attorney, contact our legal office at (801-448-0156) for a free consultation.