Do I need a lawyer?
If you are accused of anything that carries the possibility of going to jail (and this is really any criminal charge other than a traffic ticket), you should at least let an experienced attorney review your case and talk with you about your options.
Why not just go with the Public Defender?
The public defender performs a very valuable service for those who truly cannot afford private counsel. Having a public defender is certainly better than representing yourself. However, there are 2 serious problems with settling on a public defender:
1. You do not get to choose who your lawyer will be. You are randomly assigned one by the State. Your future and your freedom are too precious to take that kind of risk.
2. Public Defenders have a HUGE caseload; as many as 200 clients at any one time. With so many cases, crucial details can be missed. You don't want your case to be one that falls through the cracks.
Wouldn't you be more confident with a lawyer YOU have chosen rather than one assigned to you by the State?
I want to hire a lawyer but I'm not sure I can afford it. What should I do?
I want you to contact me today for a free visit. At the very least, we can sit down together and talk about your case. I can answer your questions and give you some honest, useful advice about your case. I think you might find that hiring a talented and experienced attorney is NOT just a luxury for the well-off; it might be an affordable option for you. Either way, after meeting with me, you will leave feeling far more confident and at ease than you were before you came in.
How much will this cost me?
Many clients are worried about how much it will cost to hire an attorney to defend them. It's a fair question. I understand that being arrested is not something you planned or budgeted for.
I charge a Flat Fee. This gives you absolute certainty about the cost. Once we agree on the Flat Fee, there will not be any additional costs for my services. You will know this price BEFORE you commit to hiring me, and it will be in writing. We will discuss the cost at your Free Consultation.
I live out of town. Will I need to come back for court?
If you have the public defender, or no attorney at all, you MUST appear in person at all of your court dates. If you hire an attorney, you will definitely NOT have to come back for the initial court date, known as arraignment or plea day. In many instances, especially in misdemeanor cases, we can handle your case from start to finish without you ever having to come back for court unless your case goes to trial.
I should also point out that if you live out of town, we can do our initial consultation over the phone.
Am I going to jail?
A lot of attorneys will use this topic to try and scare you into hiring them. I do not believe in treating people that way. You are going through a difficult enough time as it is. On the other hand, in certain types of cases, you might well be facing incarceration. What I pledge to you is that I will always tell you straight without resorting to scare tactics.
Will my case go to trial?
Over 99% of criminal cases are resolved one way or the other without a trial. Some get dismissed. Some get thrown out by the Judge when the defense attorney files the appropriate motion. Most are resolved with some sort of plea-bargain. Almost certainly, the terms will be FAR less serious if your agreement is negotiated by someone who not only knows what they are doing, but also has credibility with the prosecutor.
My philosophy is that we prepare every case as if it were going to trial. We don't assume anything. We question and challenge every piece of evidence the State has against you. Not only does this make success at trial more likely, it also puts us in a much stronger negotiating position with the prosecutor. The prosecutor knows that I am not simply looking to "plead out." Having that reputation allows me to negotiate agreements that are much better for my clients if they decide not to go to trial.
What if a trial is in my best interest? Will you try to talk me out of it?
NO. Criminal Defense is the only type of law I practice. I chose this area of law because I like going to court. However, if I push you into a trial with a bad case, and you get convicted and go to jail, I have failed as your lawyer. I will never forget that you are a person, not just a file. Your case has real consequences for you and your family, and the reality is that if you go to trial and lose, you most likely WILL go to jail. This is a huge responsibility that I take very seriously.
I don't trust lawyers. I am afraid that once you get my money, I'll never get any attention from you. How are you any different?
Customer service is a priority in my firm. There are plenty of lawyers out there who could do a competent job representing you. But that is not enough. My firm will provide more than just the exceptional representation you expect and deserve. We will also take care of you. Your phone calls will be returned quickly. You will be kept informed about the status of your case. You will be treated with dignity, warmth, and compassion.
I hope that this section has answered at least some of your questions. I know that there are probably other things you are worried about. Other things you need answers for. I invite you to contact me right away. I am ready to dedicate myself to your defense.
