Does LegalShield Cover Criminal Cases?
As a LegalShield member, you may have questions about the scope of coverage provided by your plan. One common concern is whether LegalShield covers criminal cases. In this article, we will delve into the details of LegalShield’s coverage and provide a clear answer to this question.
What is LegalShield?
Before we dive into the specifics of criminal cases, let’s take a step back and understand what LegalShield is. LegalShield is a membership-based legal services provider that offers access to legal representation, advice, and documentation assistance for individuals and families. With over 45 years of experience, LegalShield has become a leading provider of legal services in the United States and Canada.
What is Included in a LegalShield Membership?
A LegalShield membership provides access to a range of legal services, including:
- Advice and Consultations: Unlimited consultations with a network of experienced attorneys on a variety of legal matters, from family law to employment disputes.
- Document Preparation: Assistance with document preparation, such as wills, powers of attorney, and contracts.
- Dispute Resolution: Assistance with dispute resolution, including negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.
- Criminal Defense: (But only for certain circumstances, as we will discuss later)
Does LegalShield Cover Criminal Cases?
The short answer is: yes, but with limitations. LegalShield’s criminal defense coverage is limited to certain circumstances. Here are the specific scenarios where LegalShield provides criminal defense coverage:
- Misdemeanors: LegalShield covers misdemeanor charges, such as disorderly conduct, petty theft, or driving under the influence (DUI).
- Traffic Violations: LegalShield covers traffic violations, such as speeding, reckless driving, or driving without a license.
- Minor Criminal Charges: LegalShield covers minor criminal charges, such as simple assault, trespassing, or vandalism.
However, LegalShield does not cover:
- Felonies: LegalShield does not provide coverage for felony charges, such as murder, robbery, or burglary.
- Major Crimes: LegalShield does not provide coverage for major crimes, such as assault with a deadly weapon, rape, or child molestation.
- Crimes Involving Harm to Others: LegalShield does not provide coverage for crimes that result in serious physical harm or death to others.
What Happens if I’m Arrested?
If you’re arrested, here’s what you can expect from LegalShield:
- Immediate Assistance: LegalShield’s 24/7 hotline provides immediate assistance to help you navigate the legal process.
- Attorney Representation: A LegalShield attorney will represent you at the police station, helping you understand your rights and provide guidance on what to say and do.
- Bail Hearing: LegalShield’s attorney will represent you at the bail hearing, helping you obtain a fair and reasonable bail amount.
How Do I Know if I Need a Criminal Defense Attorney?
If you’re facing a criminal charge, it’s essential to know whether you need a criminal defense attorney. Here are some signs that you may need a criminal defense attorney:
- You’re Being Charged with a Crime: If you’re facing a criminal charge, it’s crucial to have an attorney who can help you navigate the legal process.
- You’re Uncertain About Your Rights: If you’re unsure about your rights or what to say during an investigation or at a hearing, an attorney can provide guidance and representation.
- You’re Facing Serious Consequences: If you’re facing serious consequences, such as jail time or fines, an attorney can help you negotiate a better outcome.
Conclusion
In conclusion, LegalShield does cover criminal cases, but with limitations. While LegalShield provides coverage for misdemeanor charges, traffic violations, and minor criminal charges, it does not cover felonies, major crimes, or crimes that result in serious physical harm or death to others. If you’re facing a criminal charge, it’s essential to know whether you need a criminal defense attorney and to understand the scope of coverage provided by your LegalShield membership.
