Being a lawyer is a noble profession, but it’s also a very complex one. After all, there are many different areas of the law. Here’s a quick overview of the various types of lawyers.
Criminal Defense Lawyers
A criminal defense lawyer is responsible for many things, including investigating the case, interviewing witnesses, filing motions, conducting discovery, and advising the client on how to plead. In some cases, a criminal defense lawyer may also represent the defendant in plea negotiations with the prosecutor. If the case goes to trial, the criminal defense lawyer will present the defense’s case in court.
The goal of a criminal defense lawyer is to obtain the best possible outcome for their client. This may mean having the charges dismissed, obtaining an acquittal at trial, or negotiating a favorable plea deal.
There are different types of criminal defense lawyers. Public defenders are assigned by the court to represent indigent defendants who cannot afford to hire a private attorney. Private criminal defense attorneys are hired by the defendant or their family. Prosecutors are lawyers who work for the government and who bring charges against the defendant. In some jurisdictions, prosecutors may be referred to as district attorneys DAs.
There are also DUI lawyers. Because drunk driving laws are complex and vary from state to state, an attorney who specializes in DUI cases can be extremely helpful.
Personal Injury Lawyers
A personal injury lawyer is a lawyer who represents people who have been injured. These lawyers are also known as trial lawyers or plaintiff lawyers. They primarily practice in the area of tort law. Tort law is a branch of civil law that deals with damages or injuries caused by the wrongful act of another person.
Personal injury lawyers handle a wide variety of cases, including but not limited to car accidents, slip or fall accidents, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, defective products, wrongful death, dog bites, and birth injuries.
Personal injury lawyers typically only get paid if you win your case. If you lose, the lawyer does not receive any compensation. Their fees are typically a percentage of the total amount awarded to the plaintiff. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 by the court, the lawyer may receive $30,000 as his or her contingency fee. If you are going to hire a personal injury lawyer, be sure to ask about their fee structure so that there are no surprises down the road.
Family Lawyers
Family lawyers help their clients deal with legal issues that pertain to the family. This can include everything from drafting prenuptial agreements to negotiating child custody arrangements. In short, if there is a legal issue that affects the family, a family lawyer can help.
There are many reasons why you might need a family lawyer. If you are getting divorced, you will need a lawyer to help you navigate the divorce process and protect your rights. If you are trying to adopt a child, you will need a lawyer to help you with the legal paperwork and make sure that the adoption goes smoothly. If you have been accused of domestic violence, you will need a lawyer to help you defend yourself in court. No matter what your situation may be, if there is a legal issue affecting your family, a family lawyer can help.
Probate Lawyers
A probate lawyer helps executors settle the estate of a deceased person. This includes distributing the assets of the estate to the beneficiaries, paying any debts or taxes that are owed by the estate, and resolving any disputes that may arise among the beneficiaries. Probate lawyers also help beneficiaries who wish to contest the will.
If you are named in a will as an executor, you do not have to hire a probate lawyer. However, unless you have experience with settling estates, it is probably in your best interest to at least consult with a probate lawyer to find out what your legal responsibilities are and what to expect during the probate process.
The cost of hiring a probate lawyer varies depending on the size and complexity of the estate and how much work is involved in settling it. Typically, lawyers charge by the hour for their services. You can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $350 per hour for a probate lawyer’s services.
These are just some of the many types of lawyers who specialize in different areas of the law. Remember, it’s important to know which one is right for you before you commit to working with one or to a legal career.
