Here’s a guest post by my partner – and daughter – Courtney Peterson
I was reminded this week how the impact of hiring an attorney can last long after a jury has reached a verdict, a settlement has been made, or a case has been dismissed. So many attorneys focus on the “big” cases – serious felonies, federal charges, large civil suits – they forget how important a “little” case can be. My practice consists of both big and little cases and I like it that way.
I love those cases other attorneys scoff at, like juvenile offenses and minor misdemeanor charges.
Charged with petty theft? Malicious injury? Driving without privileges or a juvenile case?
Of course you deserve the best legal help you can get, and you need a lawyer who cares about you, and about your case and more importantly, about your future.
Why don’t I focus all of my attention on catching the big one? Because the little cases matter. Sometimes, they matter even more. A minor misdemeanor charge for a person who has no legal status in the country is often a huge deal, even if it’s a simple driving offense. People can lose their right to remain here with loved ones over simple driving offenses. Little cases matter big time.
Juvenile offenses aren’t always about a kid who wants to run away or is skipping class. On a daily basis, juveniles are charged with misdemeanors and felonies that have the potential to completely change their lives at such an early age. The juvenile system is focused on ensuring that a child does not end up in the adult criminal system years later. They courts work with juveniles and their parents, as well as teachers, counselors, and probation officers to get these kids on the right track for their future. These are not just “little” cases. Juvenile case matter big time, too!
A former juvenile client contacted me a couple weeks ago with what she described as a huge favor – would I be her mentor for her senior project this year?
This client, by the way, had a case that included both a big and little charge. The felony charge was ultimately dismissed and she plead guilty to the misdemeanor. With the help of the court and the prosecutor, my client and her family had a positive experience and she now thinks she’d like to go to law school.
Being her mentor for a semester is not a huge favor, it’s an honor. An honor that I might not have gotten to experience if I focused only on catching the big case.
So call us or drop a comment here if you have a big little case. Maybe I can help.