Having a Lawyer on retainer

[wjh2657]

Originally Posted by FN1910

I don't know about a field day but would sure get his case off to a good start.

Doesn't hurt any of the bad guys in court. I have sat on enough juries to know that everyone of the BGs has a lawyer's card in his pocket.If the PA is this much out to get you, he already has your a**, you deliberately brought a gun to a shooting, he doesn't need to play the lawyer card.

Me, after watching the circus called court justice enough times, I want a lawyer!

[FN1910]

that everyone of the BGs has a lawyer's card in his pocket.

Many do but most do not and there is where the public defenders come in. As for a lawyers card it is always a good idea to have a relationship with a lawyer that you can call in case of any king of emergency. As for having putting a $500 deposit down on you court fees in case you shoot someone, that is a little over the top for me.

A retainer fee does two things. First it guarantees that if someone sues you they can't use the attorney that you have on retainer. Second it covers the fee for the first couple of hours that you spend with the attorney. After that you can put up some more money for him to continue to represent you, you can get another lawyer or he can tell you that you need to get someone else more experienced in defending you.

A retainer fee is not an insurance policy in case you shoot someone you will have an attorney at your side rather it is just his normal fee paid in advance. The amount is determined by him based on how much he thinks your case will run.

As for the jury duty I have been on at least a dozen juries and have either been struck and had to sit and watch about two dozen more cases waiting to be called again The last time I was called for jury duty I was dismissed from every case on the docket that week because I knew one of the lawyers handling the cases or had some inside information. If you are involved in a shooting you want someone to get you out of jail on bond if you are arrested. Just about any attorney can handle that and will then either take your case or help you find someone who will. BTW - The last time I needed a lawyer the retainer fee was $10,000 for him to take the case.

[wjh2657]

All of this will vary by demographics of your area. I don't use retainer myself, so I am not that conversant with the procedures. I do pay a prepaid legal service though. That keeps the cops from hounding me anymore until I can get to a lawyer. If nothing else have a list lawyers and numbers with you that you can call. If you have nothing, the cops are going to hound you. If you can pop a name and number, they back off, they know they are in a "gray area" if they question you any further. I have served as a reserve deputy and I know what I have seen. A lawyer's name and number coming out of your mouth means the hassle ends.

[ricbak]

Originally Posted by wjh2657

~ I do pay a prepaid legal service though. That keeps the cops from hounding me anymore until I can get to a lawyer. ~

Which Pre-Paid Legal Service do you use? If you don't mind me asking....

[wjh2657]

Originally Posted by ricbak

Which Pre-Paid Legal Service do you use? If you don't mind me asking....

Legal Shield. They were at the HCP class and specialize in Accident, HCP and HD law. I have a laminated card in my wallet, kept right under my HCP. You just hand it to the LEO and shut up. They get in touch with the lawyer and start bail proceedings for you right away. I am a former reserve LEO and I know what can happen if you get a hotshot investigator and/or prosecutor involved. They also do wills, powers of attorney, etc. at big discounts.

[ricbak]

That sounds like the program I have had since '97. Except here in PRMI, our insuance comission would not allow the Legal Shield Rider to be added 'till a few years ago. I know some one that is an Independent Associate for that "insurance provider" and I can forward a name and number upon request via PM.

[DougG]

I looked at both the CHLPP site as well as ASDI site. I have thought about this since I got my licence but have not done anything about it. I think if you do not have a freind that is an attorney we should all join one of these groups.