Do I need a lawyer?
If you are reading this page and asking yourself that question, the answer is almost certainly yes. Believe us, if the answer is no, we are happy to tell you. Rarely, if ever, are you better off representing yourself. The earlier we are involved in your matter, the better. Your rights may be severely affected by the actions that you take very early in the process.
How do I pay for this?
We charge fees in three different ways.
1. Personal Injury
These cases are usually handled on a “contingent fee basis.” We are only paid if you recover from the insurance company or other party. Typically, our fee is one-third of the total recovery. In addition, you will be responsible for paying “ordinary and necessary” expenses. These include the cost of obtaining medical records or opinion letters, filing fees, and investigator or expert costs. Expenses vary with each case, but can range from $5 to several hundred dollars or more. We will discuss this with you if we accept your case, so there are no surprises down the road.
2. Criminal Defense
These cases are handled on either a “flat fee basis,” a set guaranteed price, or on an hourly basis. In the latter case, we will give you an expected budget. All criminal cases require that a retainer be paid before we begin our work, with the balance due on the day the case is resolved.
3. Divorce and Other Domestic Problems
We are paid on our hourly billing. We require that a retainer be paid when we are hired. This is neither a minimum nor a maximum fee. We bill against that retainer and keep time in 6-minute increments. When that retainer is exhausted, we will either ask you to replace it or bill you monthly.
Do you accept credit cards?
We happily accept Visa or MasterCard. Many clients find this a convenient way to pay.
