Rates
Our rates are a flat fee retainer based upon the complexity of the case and the amount of work anticipated.
We do not charge our clients for services they do not need. In order to try and keep the initial fee down, we do not include a trail fee or any costs in the initial flat rate. That way if your cases settles without a trail or without any extra costs, you do not waste your money on services and costs that you never used.
Please contact my office to set up your free initial consultation. Certain types of cases I will be able to quote you a price over the phone.
We accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards:
Stages of a Criminal Case
| Stages: | What Generally Happens: | What A Lawyer Should Generally Do: |
| Investigation | Government agents investigate to develop evidence against a person. | Act as a liaison between the accused and the government; try to prevent the accused from incriminating himself; collect exculpatory evidence. |
| Formal Charge | Prosecutor files an indictment, a complaint, or any information with a court. | Explain to the prosecutor or the grand jury why formal charges are not appropriate. Try to prevent indictment. |
| Bail | Judge decides whether to set bail, and how much bail to set. | Get reasonable bail set; assist the accused in making bail and getting released |
| Pretrial proceedings | Parties exchange information and prepare for trial. | Investigate all of the facts of the case and the applicable law. Speak to witnesses. File motions and briefs. If appropriate, try to negotiate a plea bargain agreement. |
| Trial | Parties present their case to a jury. | Try to keep the government from proving its case, and present any evidence that might suggest that the accused is not guilty. |
| Sentencing | (If accused lost at trial) Judge decides what the punishment should be. | Try to minimize punishment. Present any mitigating evidence. |
| Appeal | Court of appeals (three judges, generally) decide if trial judge made mistakes in trial. | Try to win a new trial or a judgment of acquittal. |
I Can Help You Avoid Jail
One of the most common requests that I hear from my clients is that they want to avoid doing any jail time. Very often people might have a drug or alcohol problem, need help, and can avoid spending time in jail by completing a drug or alcohol program. Call me to find out how I can help you.
Alternative Sentencing
Finding the right Alternative Sentencing strategy that the judge and prosecutor will accept is the job of a knowledgeable and skilled attorney. Alternative Sentencing includes community-based programs, such as community service, work release programs, and graffiti cleanup, as well as drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs. Alternative Sentencing is punishment and must fit the crime.