Retaining The Firm

Communication! We will communicate with you every step of the way, and help you navigate the sometimes daunting process of the law. Calls are returned and someone is always available to put your mind at ease.

• DO NOT consent to a search of your person, home, or auto. Make law enforcement get a search warrant. It’s your right. Once you consent, you waive the right to fight it later. If law enforcement searches your vehicle without a warrant, do not resist, but do not consent. Cooperate with the officer’s instructions. Your attorney will analyze whether it was an unconstitutional search and advise you whether you have a viable motion to suppress when you go to court.
• DO provide law enforcement with your name and your ID when pulled over. Be polite and cooperative. Everything you do is on video. If you get arrested, your behavior and the behavior of the law enforcement officer, will hurt or help your case. Do not resist, argue, whine or cry. Contact us as soon as you get to the jail.
• DO NOT provide law enforcement with more information than necessary. Remember, your statements WILL be used against you. After you have provided identification and insurance, politely respond, “With all due respect, I am not making any statements unless my lawyer is present.” Then, DO NOT make any statements. Period.
• DO contact us immediately. Many legal remedies are time-sensitive. We will advise you of important deadlines and prevent any further damage from occurring.
• DO NOT talk to anybody about the facts of your case except your lawyer. Your lawyer is the only person with whom you have privileged communication. There are no rights of privacy in jail and your phone calls and visits are monitored and recorded. All voluntary statements you make while in custody will be used against you.

• Dress nicely for court. Remember, this may be the judge’s first impression of you. No ripped clothing. No clothing with holes. No shorts. No flip flops. No sweat pants.
• Turn off your cell phone and be on time. If you’re late, you may be tested for drugs if you have been released on bond. If you test positive for an illegal substance, the court will revoke or increase your bond and you’ll be arrested.
• The court will call the docket at your scheduled time. Answer loudly, it’s hard to hear in a crowded courtroom. You will meet with the attorney after she visits with the prosecutor about your case. Cases are rarely resolved during the first setting.
• Sometimes, the attorney is waiting for additional evidence. Often, the client or the State, need additional time in order to obtain a dismissal, an agreement, or prepare for trial.
• How long will it take? The attorney will try to get you in and out quickly. But, depending on the status of your case, you may be required to stay longer. Worst case scenario? You could be in court for up to 3 hours. If you have a 9:00 a.m. docket call, don’t make plans until after 12:00 p.m. If you have a 1:30 p.m. docket call, you may be required to stay until 5:00 p.m. Your attorney will arrive in time 
• Do not get frustrated. The wheels of justice grind very slowly.
• Always keep us updated with your current contact information. New phone? New address? New email? Let us know. The court has designated us as your contact.