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Common Mistake #5: Waiting Too Long to Hire a Lawyer

Posted by Aaron D. Lawrence | Feb 23, 2025 | 0 Comments

Every Day You Wait, the State Gets Further Ahead


⏳ “I Haven't Hired a Lawyer Yet… But I'm Thinking About It.”

Maybe you were just arrested.
Maybe you've bonded out.
Maybe the court date feels far away.
Or maybe you're still waiting to see if the DA files charges.

Either way, here's a hard truth:

The longer you wait to hire a criminal defense attorney, the more vulnerable your case becomes.

At Lawrence Law Firm, we've stepped into countless cases in Ruston and North Louisiana where valuable time was lost before we ever got involved. And while we fight hard no matter when we enter the case, it's always easier — and smarter — when we're brought in early.


🧠 What Happens When You Wait?

  • Evidence disappears — video surveillance, text messages, social media content, and eyewitness accounts fade or get lost

  • The DA builds their case without hearing your side

  • Police make statements or gather information unchallenged

  • Deadlines pass to file key motions, secure treatment options, or negotiate from strength

  • You risk appearing unprepared or unserious in court — which can affect how prosecutors and judges treat your case

Waiting is not strategy. It's surrender.


🚫 Common Reasons People Delay — and Why They're Dangerous

Excuse Reality

“I'm innocent, I don't need a lawyer yet.”

Innocence doesn't stop the state from filing charges — or winning convictions.

“I can't afford one right now.”

Many attorneys (including us) offer payment plans or limited-scope help — but time is crucial.

“I'm just going to wait and see what happens.”

If you're reactive, not proactive, you let the state control the timeline and the story.


🔐 Why Early Legal Help Changes the Game

When you hire us early, we can:

  • Monitor your case before charges are even filed

  • Contact the DA to present evidence or argue for non-prosecution

  • Preserve important evidence before it's lost

  • File motions early to suppress bad evidence or dismiss charges

  • Negotiate from the beginning — not after the state has everything lined up against you

  • Give you peace of mind so you're not guessing your way through a crisis


🛡️ The Sooner We're Involved, the Better We Can Protect You

Hiring a criminal defense lawyer doesn't mean you're guilty. It means you're smart.

It tells the court, the prosecutor, and the police:

“I take this seriously. I have help. I won't be pushed around.”

Whether you're facing a DWI, drug charge, assault, theft, or even just being investigated — this is the time to act.


📞 Stop Waiting. Start Fighting Back.

📞 Call 318.232.4000 to speak with a criminal defense attorney in Ruston, Louisiana.
🖥️ Or [schedule your free consultation] online.

We'll tell you the truth, lay out your options, and start building your defense — right now.


✅ Wrap-Up: The “Common Mistake” Series Recap

Missed the earlier entries? Here's what we've covered so far:

  1. Talking to the Police Without a Lawyer

  2. Posting About Your Arrest on Social Media

  3. Trusting the Charges Will “Go Away” on Their Own

  4. Pleading Guilty Just to Get It Over With

  5. Waiting Too Long to Hire a Lawyer

The blog published by Lawrence 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. Artificial Intelligence has been used to assist in formatting, topic selection, and organization, and while this information has been reviewed an attorney, this article 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.

About the Author

Aaron D. Lawrence

Aaron is a Criminal Defense and Personal Injury Attorney in Ruston, Louisiana. He received his Juris Doctor and Graduate Diploma in Comparative Law from the Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center. He received his Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences from the University of North Tex...

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