When To Call

In deciding whether to contact an attorney, Barre recommends that clients take a "better safe than sorry" approach. In many cases, an early consultation can simplify the client's matter tremendously. Additionally, timely contact with an attorney may result in the preservation/creation of important evidence. The bottom line is that the sooner a client contacts an attorney, the sooner his/her rights will be protected.

It is also important to understand that people whom the client felt he/she could rely on may not be acting in their best interests at the time. For example, if the client is having family difficulties, the spouse will likely not be looking out for the client's best interests. Likewise, if a law enforcement agency is investigating a case, they will likely place a higher priority on solving the case than protecting the client's rights.

If you contact an attorney and his/her services are not yet needed, you will have the peace of mind knowing that you do not need an attorney. However, if the attorney can provide you with any helpful information, you will have benefited by the contact.

Barre believes that you cannot contact an attorney too early. He has seen too many people in both family and criminal cases prejudiced when there have been delays in contacting an attorney. His philosophy is that, if you feel you might need an attorney, you probably do need one.