The Requirements of a Successful Defense

Our Commitment to You

The Attorney-Client relationship is a special thing. It is a time honored tradition, but it is also a "two-way street." We are committed to providing you with quality ethical legal representation of the highest caliber. In striving to do that we will make a number of commitments to our relationship. By the same token we will ask you to do the same.

A Successful Defense Requires Candid and Open Communication

All good relationships require candid and open communication. The same is true of the Attorney-Client relationship. All of our conversations and communications with you will be considered confidential. The information you provide us in confidence will remain confidential. We will not otherwise reveal any confidences or secrets without your consent, except as necessary to the defense of your case. We will see that you get copies of important documents and correspondence, and keep you informed of all court dates, and other developments in your case.

At the same time, we will need you to be completely open with us, and give us as much information as you can about yourself and the circumstances surrounding your case. We may also need you to provide extensive information about your background, some of which may prove embarrassing. We will expect you to keep us informed about anything that happens that might affect your case. Please trust that we will only use this information as necessary to advance your defense.

A Successful Defense Requires Teamwork

Our office works as a Team. Though I will not do all the work on your case, I will always be in charge and will be directing the representation and the actions of the team members to achieve the best result possible for you. We hold regular staff meetings to discuss every case and ensure everyone knows the status of every case, is aware of any upcoming court dates and deadlines, and communicates any new information or developments to the remainder of the staff. We bring professionals from other fields as necessary to assist in the preparation and presentation of your defense, including investigators, mental health and substance abuse treatment professionals.

You are in important member of the Team. After all, it is your case. The best defenses are not contrived by lawyers, but come from listening to clients explain what they know about what happened. We value the information and suggestions you provide, and expect you to provide input as we go about the business of preparing and presenting your defense. I may not be available when you call to give information or pose a question. I expect you to take advantage of the fact that all staff members are familiar with your case, and feel free to provide information or pose your questions to the staff member that is available when you call. If you have a problem or question requiring my personal attention, and I am not immediately available, my staff is trained to get with me and get you a response. Be patient with them and give them time to do their job.

A Successful Defense Takes Work And Cooperation

Recognizing we cannot control every aspect of a case, particularly with respect to the inherent nature of the criminal justice system, or the actions of other parties, we will work diligently and conscientiously on your case, without unnecessary delay. We will work with you to develop an understanding of your case, your needs and your expectations. We will work together to develop a plan to achieve your goals to the extent it is possible.

Of course, in order to provide you with the highest quality representation, we will need your full and timely cooperation and assistance. We will need you to be available during business hours to review documents, meet with our investigator, or forensic experts, and prepare for court. We will also need you to be patient with your case. Good results in criminal matters rarely result from a "rush to judgment."

We strive to provide high quality representation to all our clients. To do this we schedule our week to schedule time to work on specific cases, and see clients by appointment only. We will devote sufficient time to investigate, research and prepare your case, and will try to provide you with as much advance notice of any demands we will make on your time, as we can.

Similarly, we ask that you call ahead and schedule all office visits. If a client drops by without calling first, they will be unlikely to meet with me or spend significant time with any other staff member. Of course, we will do our best to accommodate any urgent situation, but it is still important to call first as many “emergencies” can be handled over the phone.

A Successful Defense Requires Resources

We realize our fees are not the least expensive. But, it is a plain fact that a lawyer’s ability to provide a client with high quality representation is related to the client’s willingness to commit the necessary financial resources to pay for the costs of quality legal work and related expenses as they are incurred.

We will charge you a reasonable fee, and we will try to delegate work efficiently in order to control costs. We will provide timely statements accurately reflecting the work performed and expenses incurred. We will consult with you before we incur large expenses,such as retaining expert witnesses. Whenever possible, we will work with you to develop a practical case budget. We will give you good value for your dollar.

We will meet with you at your request to discuss our services and fees.  If you are dissatisfied with our services, or if you feel we have failed to meet any of our commitments, we ask you to call to discuss the matter.  We will try very hard to honestly and fairly address your concerns.

By the same token we expect you to honor your agreement to pay fees and expenses as you have agreed, in a timely manner. We expect you to commit your resources of time, money and energy to your defense just as we will commit our knowledge, skill, effort and reputation. After all, it is your case.