FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
All of my fee agreements are in writing and are clear from the beginning of the case. I charge either a single, fixed fee or a two-tiered fee for most cases, rather than an hourly rate. This makes the pricing more predictable for clients. My "tiered" fees are simple, and usually include two prices depending on how far a case goes: one price for pretrial issues and another price if the case goes all the way to trial.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I start by giving my client my personal contact information. Clients often need to reach me on their own schedules. I make sure they can do that. Next, I get to work on a quick dismissal for my client if possible. Clients shouldn't have to wait months to resolve a case that can be dismissed quickly. If a case is more complex, I begin working on a trial strategy. This starts with understanding my client. My first responsibility is to show the court and the prosecutor's office that my client is a good person, with a life history and his or her own difficulties as well as good characteristics. Next, I explore every possible avenue for a dismissal of a criminal case, from mistakes in the charging process to search and seizure problems. I've had thousands of cases dismissed over the years. All along, I prepare a trial strategy. This means a serious investigation and proper pretrial litigation. It involves serious preparation, and, for nearly all of my trial clients, a not guilty verdict.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a trial attorney. I went to law school to try cases. I have tried and won extremely difficult cases before juries. The first prerogative of a trial attorney is preparation. When I am on trial, all of my time and focus is on defending my client before that jury. I try the case during the day, and prepare through the night well after midnight. I begin preparation months in advance. The next factor is respecting the accusation, the accuser and the trial court process. I think the reason I have been so successful on trial is that juries recognize that I respect their time and the sensitivity they have about the seriousness of their job. I also show the appropriate amount of respect for the prosecution, who themselves are professionals with an important job to. Finally, I respect how serious the accusation, whether true or false, is to everyone involved: the government, the judge, the jury, any victims and my client. Trials are not places for grandstanding, bullying or making unnecessary noise. They are solemn proceedings with a lot at stake for everyone. Good lawyers conduct themselves accordingly.