- What happens when I call you?
If you call between 8am and 5pm, a receptionist will take some brief information from
you and then connect you with one of the Partners. The Partner will make an
appointment with you for a free half-hour consultation in our office. We make every
effort to offer a same day consultation.
If you call between 5pm and 8am, please leave us a voicemail, and one of the partners will
get back to you to schedule a consultation.
- What happens in the consultation?
The Partner who meets with you will ask you to talk about the events leading up to you
being charged or the circumstances of the investigation, if there is no charge yet. The
Partner will ask you questions to clarify facts and to ensure that they understand exactly
what has happened so far. You will review any paperwork that you have been given by
law enforcement during the process of being charged and the Partner will describe for
you the court process to give you an overview of what to expect in the coming days. We
will also tell you how much the legal fee will be to represent you in your case and the
payment terms that the firm accepts. Please note, costs are not included in the legal fee.
Costs include expenses paid to a third party like a court reporter, an investigator, or
payments for medical records. Everything we discuss is strictly confidential and protected by the attorney-client privilege.
- Can you promise me that my case will be dismissed?
No. No attorney should make promises to you about the outcome of any criminal or
traffic case. Attorneys don't control the end result of any criminal case or traffic case.
Beware of any attorney who says things like, "don't worry, we'll get this case dismissed" or, "we'll take
care of it." Remember the attorney is not the decision maker and does not control the
outcome. At our firm, we tell clients the truth, even when it is hard to hear.
- Do you accept payment plans?
We do, but all of our payment plans require that your fee be paid in full before your final
court date. Additionally, we require a deposit of half of the amount of your full fee
before we will begin work on your case. You will be given your full fee amount during
the consultation.
- How do I know who will be working on my case?
Your case will be handled by a partner. Your case will never be passed off to someone
with less experience. We make every effort to match you with the partner best suited to your type of case and jurisdiction. We encourage you to meet
with several attorneys before making your decision about who to hire. When you meet
with an attorney at a firm of multiple attorneys, ask them who will be doing the work on
your case and who will be in court with you. Don't be surprised if it is not the attorney
sitting in front of you, but another attorney with far less experience than the one meeting
with you.
- My husband/wife/child is charged with a crime and I am
accompanying them to the consultation, can I be present during the
meeting?
Although we make every effort to keep family informed about a client's case (if that is what the client wishes), a client only has the protection. A client only has the protection of attorney client privilege when the
communication remains between the attorney and the client alone. Generally, we
interview the prospective client first alone and then ask the interested loved one to join
the meeting toward the end. The partner will answer as many questions as are possible
and permissible.
- Why should I hire your firm to represent me or my loved one?
We handle only criminal and traffic cases. We are not a general practice. Between the
four partners, we have 40 years of experience. One is a former Fairfax County
Prosecutor. One is a former Fairfax County Public Defender. Two have been in private
criminal defense practice for their entire careers. We have represented many different
clients on charges where life is the maximum penalty and won not guilty verdicts.
Between the four partners, the firm has tried over 100 cases. In short, we have the
experience to help you and the ability to see you and your family through one of the
most difficult experiences that a family can face together.
