Up to now in my life, I've never needed a lawyer. So when people say things like "... and then you call your lawyer", I have no-one to call.
Let's say I get busted for doing something and suddenly find myself in custody needing a lawyer. If I don't have one yet by this point, is it too late and I'm doomed to a public defender? If I want a better one, am I expected to already have one on hand for that?
Yes, after my first charges I paid 5000$ to have my lawyer on retainer. He pretty much answers whenever I have a question. Pretty awesome because tired of getting Shit advice from dark net markets :)