There are several situations where the answer to this question is an obvious "Yes!". If you are arrested, you are a business owner that has received notice of civil action then you need to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible. Remember in any legal action there is a short time period in which you must respond. Your lawyer will need time to prepare. 

In other situations it may not be as clear to whether you will need to consult with an attorney. If you are experiencing a problem with a purchase of merchandise or a service, often you can contact the customer service department to work on a resolution. Be persistent and document your phone calls and correspondence. 

In other situations where you are not sure, consider asking for a free consultation with a lawyer. They will be able to assist you in assessing your situation, determining what risks you may face with or without legal representation. Remember, it is important to consult with a lawyer as early as possible so that important deadlines are not missed that may limit or eliminate your opportunities to seek remedies to your situation.