How to get a Lawyer

**voola** · May 31st, 2009, 11:40 AM

B"H

Hi guys, I always here people say that having a lawyers phone number is good for you in case you need one after you shoot some one. Now, how do people go about getting a lawyer? do you just walk into a law office and say "I want you to be my lawyer"? Do lawyers have any kind of annual subscription kind of fee to be your lawyer? How does this whole thing work?
Do you know any gun lawyers in the Wilkes-barre area?

**knight0334** · May 31st, 2009, 12:08 PM

All I've ever done was:

1. find one with a good reputation (word of mouth from friends/family/etc)
2. call their office and asked to speak to an attorney

If one is available, has the time, and is willing to take the call at the moment the assistant will forward you to the lawyer. He/she will ask you about the general nature of your situation and will tell you what he/she may be able to do for you. From there he/she will set up a personal consultation to discuss things. Some will offer a free initial consultation, some will charge.

Its pretty simple.. Always be straight up with your representation, even if you were in the wrong.

**voola** · May 31st, 2009, 01:38 PM

B"H

Thank you for your reply. Nothing happened to me. I was wondering how to get a lawyer to be on "stand by" for a possible future scenario. that was my question.

**GuyMontag** · May 31st, 2009, 01:53 PM

To be on 'stand by' is being retained. You essentially give them a significant amount of money up front and they're there for you when you call. Depending on what type of case, it might be $1,000 or $1,500.

Also, I would suggest if you have a lawyer etc to call, make a business card size laminated list. You won't be able to keep your cell phone once you're arrested and if you keep phone numbers there, you're SOL.

**ScaredOnce** · May 31st, 2009, 10:24 PM

Originally Posted by GuyMontag

Also, I would suggest if you have a lawyer etc to call, make a business card size laminated list. You won't be able to keep your cell phone once you're arrested and if you keep phone numbers there, you're SOL.

This is fantastic advice. Either know your attorney's phone numbers, or get them tattooed on your ass! haha Someone in jail will gladly read it to you. (sry, my attempt at making myself laugh)

I do keep a personal attorney retained. Her fee for retention is $1500. But remember, this is like an account balance. Your needs get charged to this and are deducted. It's not just a "sign-up fee". It gives you piece of mind and isn't just allocated to her. But rather, is established with the firm for the firm's services. This alludes to my next piece of advice...

When choosing an attorney, stay away from the sole-practitioner situations. You want a large (but not too large) reputable firm. Look at their credentials. See how many of the non-partners have been a local DA or ADA. You want them to have connections in the courthouse. Also, you want to retain a firm with a wide variety of specialties. That way, whatever comes up... You have that covered. Wills, estate, criminal defense, property suits, workman's comp, etc.

Also, remember... You get what you pay for in most cases. If the firm assigns you an attorney that charges $50/hr, go elsewhere. Expect to pay $175-350/hr for good representation. And... ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH. They are on your side, they work for you.

**kevindsingleton** · June 1st, 2009, 08:19 AM

Another option is to sign up with Pre-Paid Legal. You'll be assigned a local law firm, and they can refer you to other member attorneys, as your needs require. I needed a lawyer in Texas, recently, and they found a specialist who contacted me the same day to proceed with my case.

The fee is about$20/month to be a member, and you get access to a great law firm, some freebies (wills, contract reviews, the occasional nasty letter, etc), discounts on their normal rates, and peace of mind knowing that there is someone available, should you need them.

The time to find an attorney is before you need one!

**WVneighbor** · June 1st, 2009, 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by ScaredOnce

Also, remember... You get what you pay for in most cases. If the firm assigns you an attorney that charges $50/hr, go elsewhere. Expect to pay $175-350/hr for good representation. And... ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH. They are on your side, they work for you.

To expand on this ... Aren't conversations between you and your lawyer private and confidential? Meaning if you are honest and have committed a crime, your lawyer is prohibited from sharing.

**tlgpa** · June 1st, 2009, 10:53 AM

Marry one, or get someone in your family to. My stepfather is an attorney.

He's not a defense attorney, but has connections out the wazoo. I know where my one phone call would go.

Sorry, besides what others have mentioned, thats the best advice I got.