544 - Do you know your rights?

Whenever someone gets into a legal situation, they have the right to legal counsel.

That's fancy talk for they have the right to talk to a lawyer.

This is not about going down the rabbit hole of intense dramatic legal situations that we see on the news or depicted in movies.

The focus here is on more common life events such as the headaches of small claims, traffic violations, or consumer issues.

It's important to know your rights.

I once received consultation on a small claims suit I filed against an unethical business coach.

In a small claims situation, the parties don't have attorneys with them in court, but it's not unheard of.

While receiving advice on going to court, I asked my attorney what I should do if the other party brings his attorney to court with him.

The attorney said that if that happens I should ask the judge for a "continuance to seek counsel".

I said, "SAY WHAT? Could you spell that". I had never heard the term before.

He laughed and apologized for getting legalese on me. He said just ask for more time so you can get your own attorney.

He then gave me some more great terminology to use if I needed it.

The day I walked into the courtroom, I felt like Perry Mason. I was prepared.

I had documents, bank statements, calendars, emails and more to show the incompetence and unprofessional standards this man had used to con me and others.

I had a witness, who later won her own case against the man.

The sound legal advice I received before going to court helped me win that case.

Having access to your rights is more important than ever.

Do you know your rights?