Parenting Tips

Do I really need a Lawyer?
By Attorney Richard J. McKyton
Published: July / August 2008

I have been an attorney since 1995. It’s rarely boring and I am one of the few, and I mean this, who actually enjoys what he does for a living. At least once a week, at a lunch or a dinner, or outside of a courtroom, I’ll introduce myself to someone new and he or she will ask what I do for a living. I’ll tell them I am an attorney and they inevitably ask, “What kind of law do you practice?” I tell them that I practice criminal defense and personal injury law. An awkward moment of silence is often followed by something like, “Well … that’s great … but I’ll never need your help because I don’t get in trouble and I don’t sue people for personal injury.” Hopefully, that person will never be faced with one of these situations. However, the reality is that he or she, or a friend, family member, or acquaintance of that person, at some time, will need help in at least one of these areas of law. When that happens, consult with a good lawyer. Why? I can answer that question with another question: “What’s at stake?”

A person in the criminal justice system for the first time is facing a possible arrest, a public criminal accusation, fines, probation, incarceration and, most seriously, a criminal conviction that will stick to every job, apartment, or school application for the rest of your life. Your attorney will examine the evidence, question the witnesses, and research the law. Your lawyer will be there with you in court to address the judge and deal with the prosecutor to make sure the case is resolved fairly and appropriately, considering all of the circumstances. If the case can not be resolved, your lawyer will be with you in trial, in front of a judge and jury, and will be the only person in the room fighting for you.

A personal injury case is certainly different than a criminal matter but, for many people, the stakes can be nearly as high. Imagine this situation: your spouse is on I-4 returning from Orlando and is involved in a serious motor vehicle accident. The accident was caused by the other driver, but right now that doesn’t matter. The injuries are severe, and will require a lengthy and expensive hospital stay, followed by a long rehabilitation. The aftermath can be financial and emotional ruin. You and your spouse will be faced with the following questions:

1. Does the other driver have insurance and how much is available?
2. What, if anything, does my insurance cover?
3. Who pays for medical expenses now, next year or several years from now that were caused by the accident?
4. How do we get the car replaced?
5. What about lost work and wages?

A good lawyer will guide you through the financial minefield caused by the accident and will fight to make sure that the other driver and his insurance carrier are forced to pay everything that the law requires.

Why is it important to have a good lawyer when facing a personal injury matter or criminal charge? Considering what’s at stake, can you afford not to?

Richard J. McKyton is a 1992 Honors graduate of the University of Florida where he earned his Political Science Degree. Richard has been a resident of Pinellas County since he began attending Stetson University College of Law in January of 1993. Following his graduation in May of 1995, Richard spent three (3) years as a Prosecutor with the State Attorney’s Office, in the Clearwater, FL. He left that office in 1998 and has been in private practice ever since. Richard currently represents individuals in personal injury and criminal defense matters in both State and Federal Court.

Richard and his wife Cathy have been married for almost ten (10) years and have two children: Jack, age six (6) and Katie, age four (4).

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