Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Your Questions, Answered!
We are pleased that you are considering our firm for your legal needs. Before making a decision to hire our law firm, we want to provide you with information about working with our firm. Communication between an attorney and a client is vital to the ultimate success of a case. This section contains important details about our firm’s policies and procedures.
We invite you to read through this as it will help you get the information you need to make working with us as smooth as possible.
If you have any other questions that are not answered here, please let us know. We strive to bring you the best legal representation possible.
What is expected out of me, the client?
We work for you, but there are some things related to your defense that only you can do. From time to time, we will let you know of things that we need you to do.
These include things like getting character letters from your friends and family, obtaining car insurance or other vehicle inspections, or completing treatment programs. Please be aware that when we ask this, it is for your benefit.
In every case, we need to know if you have changed your address or phone number. We rely on sending you mail, emails, texts and calling you, so if you move, we need to know. We cannot help you on your case if we cannot find you.
Finally, we need complete disclosure and honesty. Things that you tell us are confidential, so we need to know all of the details of your case to formulate our defense of your case. If you don’t give us all the information, we will not be able to do the best job possible.
Why haven’t I heard from my attorney?
Oftentimes, the litigation process is slow. We send requests to the prosecutors for information, but do not always get prompt replies. When there is no news, we do not call you. However, when there is a new development in your case, we will let you know. Other than court date letters, do not be alarmed if you sometimes do not hear from us in between court dates. But if at any time you want to talk to us to check in, please do so by giving us a call, email or text. It is important to us that you feel comfortable during these stressful times.
How can I get in touch with my lawyer?
The best times to get in touch with us is during normal business hours: M-F, 8:30am-5:30pm. If you wish to leave a voicemail message after hours, please call 314-341-0374. Many times, lawyers are in court or in meetings and not in their office. Our voicemail system is available or you can leave messages with the administrative staff. We also have e-mail available. However, you should know that e-mail communications are not always confidential. If an attorney is in trial, you will likely not get a return phone call until that attorney is finished with the trial. If there is an emergency, and your attorney is unavailable, you can send a text message to your attorney’s personal cell phone that you should have the number for.
What counts as an emergency?
If you are being pulled over, arrested, or questioned by the police, it is an emergency and we want you to call us. If your home is being searched or your family members are being questioned, please call us. For these situations, we have an attorney available 24 hours a day by calling 314-571-9474. Please use this service ONLY for emergencies. These attorneys do not have the ability to tell you your next court date, deal with payments, or check for warrants. This is only if you are in immediate need of legal assistance.
When I go to court, what am I supposed to do?
Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to your court appearance because many courts start early or close the door after they’ve started. When you get to court check in with the bailiff if you do not see your attorney there. After checking in with the bailiff, please sit down in the courtroom with the rest of the public until your attorney arrives. Many times, attorneys have several court appearances to cover. Judges know about this and do not hold it against you or us if we are late or going back and forth between courtrooms. You, on the other hand, unfortunately must wait until the attorney tells you it is OK to leave. Sometimes, court appearances take a long time so please be prepared to wait. If the judge calls your name and your attorney has not yet arrived, please tell the judge you are waiting for your lawyer.
Who sets up appointments and can they be changed?
We will notify you when we need to set up an appointment in our office for your case. Sometimes, circumstances arise last minute and we have to reschedule the appointment. We appreciate your understanding in this matter. If you need to meet with your attorney, you can set up that appointment with any of our administrative staff. You do not have to speak to your attorney to do that.
Who else is on staff , besides lawyers, and how can they help me?
Even if your attorney is in court, our office staff can often help you out. Here is a list of some of the things they can help you with:
- Scheduling appointments
- Finding out court date information
- Payments and Payment information
- Updates in address or phone number
However, they cannot:
- Give legal advice
- Tell you about details of your case (plea recommendation, police reports, etc.)
Do you accept collect calls?
Can I limit which of my family members my attorney talks to?
The law says that communication between you and your lawyer is confidential and protected. That means that the lawyer cannot tell anyone else what you say about your case. This means that if your friends or family members call our office wanting information about your case, we cannot tell them unless you tell us it is okay. If there is someone you want us to give information to, please let us know.