The Situation: A Loved One in Jail

It's late on a Friday night in North Louisiana, and your phone rings. The news is the kind no one wants to hear—a family member or loved one has just been arrested. Panic sets in as you imagine them sitting in a jail cell, alone and frightened. Desperate to help, you do the only thing that makes sense: you open your phone, type “Criminal Defense Lawyers” into Google, start reading reviews, and start dialing every number that pops up.

The Search: Endless Calls, Endless Frustration

You begin your frantic search for help. First, you speak to a few secretaries who take your information and assure you that someone will call you back. But time is ticking, and you feel the urgency building. You move on to paralegals, repeating the details of the arrest over and over, hoping someone will listen and take action. Finally, you get through to two different attorneys. You explain the situation again, laying out every detail with the hope that one of them will step up and say, “Don't worry, I'll handle this.” One provides you a quote for their services and the other says they will look into this and call you back.

The Question: Which Attorney Did You Hire?

After hours of phone calls and recounting the story of your loved one's arrest to five secretaries, three paralegals, and two attorneys, you're exhausted. But here's the trick question: Which attorney or law firm did you hire?

The Answer: Likely, none of Them

The answer is simple but crucial—you may not have hired either of them. No matter how many calls you made, how many times you shared your loved one's story, or how much empathy you felt from the other end of the line, until a signed retainer agreement is in place, no attorney may officially be on the case. Without this agreement, your loved one is still sitting in jail, and you're still without the legal help you desperately need.

The Lesson: Secure Representation, Leave no doubt!

In moments of crisis, it's easy to assume that speaking to an attorney means they're already working on your case. But the truth is, until you've signed a retainer agreement, an attorney may not be obligated to act on your behalf. This document is more than just a formality—it's the contract that ensures the attorney is committed to defending your loved one.

What You Should Do:

1. Be Clear About Your Needs: When you first speak to a law firm, make sure you're clear about the urgency of your situation. Ask directly if they are available to take the case and what the next steps are.            

2. Request a Retainer Agreement: If you find an attorney you trust, don't wait. Ask for a retainer agreement immediately and make arrangements to sign it as soon as possible. This is the only way to officially retain their services.

3. Follow-up: If you don't receive the agreement promptly, follow up with the firm. Time is of the essence, especially in criminal cases.

Conclusion: Choose Wisely, Act Quickly

In North Louisiana, where legal issues can arise suddenly and without warning, knowing how to secure the right representation for your loved one is essential. Don't leave their fate to chance. Once you've found an attorney who understands your case and is ready to help, make sure you secure their commitment with a signed retainer agreement. Only then can you rest assured that your loved one's defense is in capable hands.

From all of us at Lawrence & Odom, we're here to help you navigate these difficult moments with clarity and compassion. If you find yourself in this situation, don't hesitate to reach out, sign the agreement, and let us get to work.

The blog published by Lawrence and Odom Law Firm is available for informational purposes only and is not considered legal advice on any subject matter. By viewing blog posts, the reader understands there is no attorney-client relationship between the reader and the blog publisher. The blog should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed professional attorney, and readers are urged to consult their own legal counsel on any specific legal questions concerning a specific situation.