My Standard Fee Provides the Following:
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Carefully review of entire file that District Attorney (DA) is relying on
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Client interview to hear "your side of the story"
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Client consultation and advisement throughout the process
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All courtroom appearances (Note: You do not ever have to appear in court)
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Negotiations with DA
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Completion of all steps for a fair and final resolution of your case
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Consultation for 'special handling', when appropriate *
* My standard fee does not include 'special handling' of any matter:
Special Handling: In a small number of cases, facts or evidence indicate that the negotiated plea agreement offered by the DA is not a “good deal”. Under such circumstances there are a number of strategies, legal maneuvers, and legal motions that may be appropriate to reach a “good deal” agreement.
In rare cases, it may be advisable to take a matter to trial.
In either of these 'special handling' circumstances, if after consultation the client decides to pursue special handling of the case, there are additional fees that would apply.
My Standard Fee vs. Other Attorneys:
Since most cases can be handled without special handling circumstances, I charge based on “best case scenario” rather than the “worst case scenario”. Most attorneys charge a flat fee that includes special handling - which is usually unnecessary.
My approach results in a much more fair billing for clients. I mainly serve middle income working-class clients.