Normally, when you think of the potential situations in which you would need lawyers, the image of a mug shot and the back of a police car comes to mind. A person who finds themselves in some sort of criminal trouble most likely does need legal representation, but there are many other times in life in which a person might need legal counsel.
It can be difficult to know if you need legal representation. Of course, the need is more obvious and pressing in certain situations than in others. Other than instances in which you are charged with a crime, you will also need representation if you are ever served with a lawsuit, or if you have been involved in an accident where someone was injured or property was damaged. Lawyers can also be necessary if your familial status is changing-if you are involved in a divorce, if you are adopting a child, or in the event of a birth or a death. You could also need legal representation is if there is a change in your financial status, like filing for bankruptcy, losing or acquiring valuable property, or in a real estate transaction.
Then, of course, there are some instances when it is unclear whether or not lawyers are necessary. In most cases, it is better to at least have an initial consultation with an attorney so you can better understand what, if any, legal implications could arise. It is often wise to seek out legal advice first, paying a small fee, rather than facing a potentially disastrous situation, which could cost you a huge amount of money in legal representation and other costs.