For most people, they will never have a brush with the law, and therefore will never need serious legal advice. However, for those people that are rightly or wrongly accused of doing something criminal, it is important that they seek out sound legal advice.
The first thought that springs to mind, is that it can be quite expensive. This is not always the case though, and legal aid is available to many people. To find out if you may be eligible for this, you could have a look online for a guide which may describe what you may be entitled to.
Another option is to consult a citizen's advice bureau. Here, it is possible to receive independent advice and perhaps the names and contact numbers of solicitors that might be able to help you out. They may also be able to put you in touch with support groups relevant to your circumstances.
If you do find yourself in the unfortunate situation that you have been arrested then always request a duty solicitor if you do not have one of your own. This may increase your processing time whilst at the station, but is really in your overall interests.
Finally, use the internet as a research tool. Whatever circumstances that you find yourself in, you can be assured that someone has also been in the same situation. Search online for their experiences and thoughts, and you will realise that you are not as alone as you might have thought.