FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I set my fees based on the amount of time a case will likely demand, usually excluding trial costs and fees. The reason an attorney excludes cost of trial is that most cases are resolved without going to trial. If trial is necessary, arrangements are made in advance to pay both my fees as well as any expert witness fees, such as doctors, forensic experts other other professional witnesses who are necessary to adequately defend a case.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
During an initial contact,I will generally try to give a potential client an idea of what my fee will be, which can range from one to several thousand dollars. If a client and I are able to reach an initial understanding of a fee range and how that fee will be paid, often over a period of several months, I will schedule a face to face meeting with them and their family or significant other, if they wish. Sometimes a client will already be in jail, so I will visit them there. The primary purpose of this initial meeting is to develop a better understanding of the facts of a case and determine whether a good working relationship exists or can develop between a client, their family and myself. In the event I agree to represent a client who wants me to represent them, we begin to develop a professional relationship that will help my clients in trusting my opinions and recommendations. Once I am hired, which is called "retained", I will file an Appearance giving notice to the court and the prosecuting attorney that I am my client's attorney, as well as demand all information or "evidence" the prosecuting attorney has that my client was involved in an offense. I will then discuss this information with my clients and we come up with a strategy to defend the accusations and over-come the evidence against them.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am constantly updating my knowledge of the law through involvement with the Michigan Bar Association, as well as the Criminal Bar Section, as well as attending seminars on given areas of the law and effective trial strategy. Additionally, I regularly (at least weekly!) read Michigan Court of Appeals and Supreme Court opinions to insure that I have the strongest and most current arguments possible for my clients.