Frequently Asked Questions
These are questions people usually have about hiring a lawyer. These FAQs are NOT MEANT to convey legal advice, nor do they constitute the creation of an attorney-client relationship. For specific questions on your case, please call M.C. Bruce.
Do I really Need a Lawyer?
It depends on what you're going to court for. Small claims? No. If you're getting sued in the Superior Court, yes. The procedure is very complicated and confusing. If you're getting a divorce, sometimes you can do it without a lawyer, but only if you and your spouse agree on everything. And if you're facing criminal charges of misdemeanor and above, it's smart to bring a lawyer with you.
Can you go to court for me?
In most instances an attorney can make appearances for you in misdemeanor, divorce, and civil matters. On felonies the attorney needs permission of the court to appear without you.
Should I get a well known lawyer for my case instead of someone I've never heard of?
That's up to you. However, usually the well known lawyers are very busy and can't deal with you personally. A solo practitioner, on the other hand, builds his or her business by making sure the client's questions are answered, that he knows the attorney remembers him and his issues, and is happy about the way the attorney handles the case.
Does Experience count?
Yes. A lawyer with many years experience will be more likely to understand your case and see ways to help you than one who has never practiced in that area of the law.
Can You guarantee I'll win my case?
Any lawyer who guarantees that you'll win any case is not being honest with you. There are so many things that happen in the course of a case that no one can predict how they turn out.
What's a Public Defender and should I get one instead of hiring a private lawyer like you?
Public Defenders are provided by the county to represent people who can't afford to pay a private lawyer. Most PD's have very heavy calendars and it's difficult for them to devote the time and energy to their clients that they would like to. There are many good PD's out there. But there are also some who are overwhelmed by their calendars. It really comes down to how much attention you want from your lawyer. Most solo practitioners have a policy of returning phone calls quickly.
Isn't it true that lawyers try to make a case complicated so they can charge more fees?
Like most people, lawyers don't want their lives to be complicated. So usually, a lawyer will try to handle your case in the most efficient and ethical manner possible.
Can I Call you on the weekends or at night?
If we need to talk, there's no bad time to call. I do ask, however, that if it's something that can be handled during the business day, you call me during those hours.
Will my lawyer lie to me?
No. Your lawyer is ethically obligated to tell you the truth about your case.
Will my lawyer lie to the court for me?
No. As an officer of the court, your lawyer cannot misrepresent facts to the judge.
So if I tell my lawyer something in secret, does he have to tell the opposition or the judge?
No. When you talk to a lawyer, the law makes that completely confidential. No one can force your lawyer to tell them what you've said. The only exception is if you tell your lawyer that you intend to commit a violent crime.
Do lawyers take credit cards for fees?
Yes. State Bar rules allow us to take credit cards for "flat fees" or "earned fees." We are not allowed to take them for retainers.
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