Get Started—Because Legal Problems Don’t Solve Themselves

Normally, we will meet in our office, or arrange for a phone consult. If the prospective client is detained in jail or injured and unable to leave their home, we will come to them. We prefer to do our consultations in person, but realize this is sometimes not possible, and we can arrange to do the consultation by phone when necessary. We will discuss the situation in detail, determine if we can help, and if so, we will develop a proposed plan of action.

• Any accident report
• Names addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses
• All insurance policies that might apply, such as life insurance, accidental death insurance, or automobile insurance policies
• Names addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses
• Any receipts for medication,medical bills or medical records
• Any documents relating in any way to the conduct that resulted in the accident or injury
• Any letters or documents from any insurance adjuster
• All prescription medications
• Health insurance identification card and policy documents if available
• Birth Certificates of any children who were injured [

• Names addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses.
• Any paperwork or documents provided by the police.
• Any paperwork provided by your bail bondsman
• Any documents relating to the conduct that resulted in the criminal charges

There is a $100.00 fee for an office or telephone consultation in criminal and related matters.

Out-of-office consultations are available at a charge of $200.00 within the Shreveport and Bossier City areas; this usually is necessary when a client has been arrested and is in jail.

If you decide we are the right lawyers for you and if we agree to accept your case, we will discuss attorney fees and expenses. We use a written Attorney-Client agreement that outlines the terms of our engagement and the arrangements for payment of fees and expenses. Our representation commences once payment arrangements are made and a the Attorney-Client agreement is executed.

How Fees are Set: Fees vary from case to case and always depend on a number of factors including the seriousness of the matter at stake, the amount and complexity of the work required, the timing and need for expedient action, the client’s expectations and desired results. Rules of Professional Conduct require a lawyer’s fees to be reasonable.

We try to set fees reflecting, among other things, consideration of the following factors:

• The time and labor likely to be required.
• The uniqueness and difficulty of the legal and factual issues involved.
• The skill required to competently deliver the legal service.
• The extent to which the representation will preclude other employment.
• The fee customarily charged by lawyers of similar experience, reputation and ability.
• The interests of the client and/or the amount of any claim involved.
• The client’s goals and objectives.
• The results obtained.
• Any time limitations involved.
• Nature and length of our relationship with client.
• Whether the fee is fixed or contingent.

Flat Fees: Flat fees work well for clients in routine or less complex matters such as minor drug possession offenses and DWI’s. The client knows exactly what his legal fees and expenses will be. Normally, the fee is paid in full when we are retained and expenses are billed monthly as they are incurred. A separate deposit to cover anticipated expenses is sometimes required when substantial out-of-pocket costs are anticipated.

Hourly Fees: Hourly billing works well for clients in more serious or complex matters. These kind of cases tend to be protracted over longer periods of time and often require expert and investigative expenses. An advantage of hourly billing is that it allows us to stretch the amount of funds available to the client by delegating appropriate work to associates, legal assistants, and paralegals at lower hourly rates than the lead attorney. In these cases, the client places an advance deposit of funds into the Firm’s trust account.

The size of the advance deposit will be determined after the initial consultation by the lead attorney, and depends on a number of factors, including the circumstances of the case, whether the client is merely under investigation or has been arrested and formally charged, the complexity of the matter,and the amount of anticipated work and expenses. Clients are billed on monthly basis for work performed and expenses incurred. Should the Advance Deposit fall below a specified amount, the client will need to replenish it by depositing additional funds. Any unbilled amount remaining in trust at the conclusion of the case is returned to the client.

Minimum Retainer Fees: Minimum Retainer Fees apply in some cases handled on an hourly basis. When a minimum retainer fee applies, the minimum fee will be paid from the Advance Deposit regardless of the length of time required to resolve the case. The minimum retainer is paid in exchange for the Attorney accepting the representation of the Client and for rendering advice on a plan of action.

Contingency fee arrangements provide access to the courts and the legal system for those who cannot afford to pay the attorneys fees and costs of civil litigation. Contingency fees are payable only if there is a favourable result for the client. In personal injury and accidental death cases this is a percentage of the amount of damages recovered for the client. The arrangement provides an incentive to the attorney to work diligently on the client’s case. However, contingency fees are not permitted in criminal matters.

Out-of-pocket and litigation expenses include things like the costs of hiring private investigators,court reporters, and expert witnesses, costs of transcripts, exhibits, court costs, filing fees, mileage and travel expenses, and copy costs. A client is responsible for paying these costs in addition to the Attorney’s fee.

Financing of Attorney Fees:

We understand that nobody plans on having a legal problem. We also understand our services are not inexpensive. Most people would have at least some difficulty in making financial arrangements to hire a lawyer on short notice. It is very common for parents, grandparents and siblings to help fund a client’s defense. They know you, believe in you, have a lot invested in your future, and will generally be supportive of your efforts. So, family members should never be overlooked as a possible source of funds.

We are occasionally asked to finance attorney fees. As an option, our office accepts credit cards, and in appropriate cases, we will arrange for a short-term payment plan. It is, however, generally preferable for clients to secure financing from regular credit sources such as a bank, credit union, or lending company. We can refer you to a reputable lender willing to help people facing criminal accusations to defend themselves.