Creating A Great Impression In Court

If you have ever had to attend court in order to prove your innocence, you know how much your appearance and attitude can impact the proceedings. Unfortunately, all too many people misinterpret how they should dress and what they should do in court, which is why I decided to make this blog. This website is all about creating a great impression in court and understanding how to present yourself to the judge and jury. After all, you might be trying to defend your innocence to avoid potential jail time. Check out this blog for great tips that could help you to protect your freedom.

Why You May Need A Lawyer For A Small Claims Court

Law Blog

Many people handle lawsuits in small claims courts without legal representation. This may not be bad, but there are cases where it is best to hire an attorney. Here are three examples of situations that call for the assistance of a professional lawyer:

1. The Defendant Is a Business Entity

You may not need a lawyer if you will be facing your neighbor (for example, for damaging your fence) in court, but you need one if you are suing a business or a corporation such as a local gym or an auto garage franchise. One reason for this is that some state laws require business entities to have legal representation. This means you will be going up against a lawyer, so you need to be represented too.

Even if your state doesn't have such a requirement, expect the business to have the best lawyers it can afford. Businesses have their reputation to think about, in addition to the monetary damages, which means they take such matters seriously. 

2. The Defendant Has One

Going up against a professional lawyer is not a good idea because he or she has the skills and experience of legal matters. If you don't hire an attorney to match his or her wits, then it will be your inexperience against his or her mighty knowledge of the law. Starting a case with such dismal odds of winning isn't a good idea.

You will have to dedicate a lot of resources, such as time spent in research, if you have to face a lawyer on your own. Your opponent's lawyer may start raising counterclaims that you can't handle on your own. This is not the case if you are facing your opponent, a layperson, himself or herself in court because both of you are inexperienced in court matters.

3. The Value of the Case Is Significant

Most states have dollar limits on the value of cases that small claims courts handle. Although they are tagged "small," these courts can handle relatively valuable cases. For example, Tennessee has a limit of $25,000; this is not a small amount of money by many individuals' standards. Also, some states waive these limits for certain cases, such as eviction suits. The cost of losing such a case is so high that it doesn't make sense to approach it without a lawyer's representation. 

At the end of the day, it may be up to your state whether to allow you legal representation. However, if you have a say in the matter, then use the factors above to make an informed decision.  

To learn more, contact a company like Metropolitan Lawyer Referral Service Inc.

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10 September 2015