Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much do you charge? Attorney fees are based on a case by case basis. No two cases are the same, likewise, no two fees are the same. Some cases are more complex and require far more work than others. After a free consultation, retainer agreements can be discussed.
What is a retainer? A retainer is a contract between the attorney and the client. In this contract, the attorney agrees to represent the client for a particular case and the client agrees to pay the attorney for the attorney's services.
Do I have to pay the entire fee upfront? In most cases, flat fees must be paid upfront before work begins. However, in some cases payment arrangements can be agreed to. We also offer contingency and hourly fee arrangements in certain cases.
Do I have to pay it all in cash? No! At CLG we accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards (American Express, Visa, MasterCard, & Discover).
How much experience do you have? I worked as a prosecutor for over a year and half. During that time, I handled hundreds upon hundreds of cases over a wide range of different charges including misdemeanors, DWI, and felonies.
CRIMINAL DEFENSE QUESTIONS
What happens after an arrest? Once a person is arrested they go before a judge for an arraignment. This is where you learn the charges against you and make a plea of 'guilty' or 'not guilty.' This is also where a judge determines bail. Many cases result in a defendant being 'released on their own recognizance' (ROR), meaning they are free to go as long as they promise to return to court. When a judge sets bail, the defendant must pay the bail amount in order to be released. At this stage, the judge will set a date for you to come back so the case can proceed.
How long does the process take? Many cases are resolved right at the arraignment, usually 24 hours after an arrest. However, if it continues after the arraignment, a case may last for a few weeks to as long as a few years. All cases are different and you have the right to a speedy trial, however depending on the type of crime you are charged with, the time frame can be different.
Can you get me off on the charges against me? No attorney can guarantee a particular result. If a lawyer tells you they can achieve a particular result, you should not trust them. As an attorney, it is our primary responsibility to fight to the best of our abilities for you, however, we can NEVER promise you a specific outcome.
FAMILY LAW QUESTIONS
How can I get divorced? There are generally two types of divorce, contested and uncontested. A contested divorce is one where the two spouses do not agree on the divorce or the term. These can be costly, emotionally draining, and time consuming. Uncontested divorces are those in which both parties agree to the divorce and on the terms of the split. They are fast, inexpensive and usually cordial.
CIVIL RIGHTS QUESTIONS
EMPLOYMENT LAW QUESTIONS
APPEALS QUESTIONS