Questions
Straight answers about a criminal case
If yours isn't here, call. Most questions take two minutes on the phone.
Right now
I was just released. What should I do first?
Read your release conditions and follow every one. Find your court date. Don't talk about the case with anyone but a lawyer. Then call.
Should I talk to the police and explain my side?
Not before you've talked to a lawyer. You can say, politely, that you won't answer questions without one, and then stop talking.
Do I really need a lawyer for a misdemeanor?
A misdemeanor can still bring jail time, fines, probation and a record that shows up on background checks. It's worth a free meeting to find out what's at stake.
Fees
How do your fees work?
One flat fee, written into our agreement before you pay anything, for my work through a stated stage of the case. Trial is priced separately. A misdemeanor and a felony are quoted differently, because the work is.
What isn't included in the fee?
Court costs, fines, bond, expert witnesses, investigators and transcripts. I'll tell you at the start which ones your case is likely to need.
Can I pay over time?
Yes. Most clients pay part up front and the rest across the case, on a schedule written into the agreement.
The case
Can you promise a dismissal?
No honest lawyer can. I can promise to test the evidence, tell you what I find, and give you my honest view of your options.
How often will I hear from you?
Whenever something happens, and at least every few weeks when nothing does. You'll have my direct number.
Do you take DUI or traffic cases?
No. I keep to juvenile, federal and theft cases. If yours is something else, call anyway and I'll give you names of lawyers I trust.
Still have a question?
Ask it on the phone, or in a short note with your court date.