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This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice, nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When do I need an attorney?

A: Practically speaking, you need an attorney whenever you find yourself dealing with the legal system. Modern procedure is a complex maze of both statutory and case law, and it benefits you to have somebody on your side who knows how to navigate that maze. An analogy that I usually use is to tell people that when they have an electrical problem, they call an electrician. If you have a legal problem, you should call a lawyer. Another good rule of thumb is that if the other party has an attorney, don’t show up to court without an attorney of your own.

Q: Can’t I take care of this on my own?

A: In this country, you have the right to represent yourself in any legal proceeding, either civil or criminal, so, yes, you can theoretically take care of your legal problem without an attorney. However, you must consider that your case may reach a point where you do not have the knowedge and/or ability to proceed on your own. Any attorney retained in the middle of a legal proceeding will need time to acquaint himself with the case as it stands, and may need to correct legal errors or explore ideas which have been overlooked. This extra time and effort could prove costly to you, the client. It is much better to get an attorney at the start of your legal troubles rather than have to pay him more after your case has entered the legal system.

Q: Are these the only areas of law that you practice?

A: The areas described on this web page are the areas of law that I most frequently practice. However, I am always happy to assist people if they have a problem that falls outside of one of my normal practice areas. I am also associated with a law firm that has several attorneys working for it, and one of those attorneys would likely be able to help you, even if I couldn’t.

Q: How much do you charge?

A: That’s not a question I can really answer until I speak with you. Each case is unique, and the amount of complexity that a case requires affects the amount I charge in fees.

Q: How much/how long will my case cost/take?

A: This is another question that cannot be answered simply. The length of time that it takes to resolve a particular legal issue depends heavily on your personal goals, and the opinions and attitudes of the other parties involved in the case. Simple goals that are uncontested take very little time and don’t cost much. Complex goals that each party has dug in to fight about can take significant amounts of time and expense.

Q: My cousin was in an accident and just bumped his head, and got $10,000. I broke my arm in the exact same type of accident. How much can you get me?

A: As I’ve said, each case is fact sensitive. There is no possible way for me to predict what your case is worth. I will work with you to settle your case for as much as possible, but I cannot provide numbers in advance.