Working With Me
I want to give you an idea of what it’s like working with me and the costs involved. No one likes surprises – especially big, expensive, surprises when it comes to an arrest and criminal issues. I know that hiring a lawyer or going in for a consultation with a lawyer doesn’t happen every day with most people.
In fact, many clients that I’ve worked with in the past have never had to hire a lawyer before me. Because most people don’t deal with lawyers regularly, there are a lot of questions that I know you have. Especially when it comes to questions about the cost of hiring me.
A lot of clients have told me that they were scared or nervous before they came in to see me. I realize that this process isn’t like buying a car, shopping for furniture, or hiring someone to repair your home. This isn’t something that most people are familiar with. I don’t expect you to be, and that’s OK! If you want to know more about me, where I grew up, and the activities I’m involved in, follow this link to find out about me.
I’m here to help you, and I’ll guide you through this. Let’s get started and put this behind you.
What should you expect from me during our first consultation?
On time. You expect me to be on time and I expect you to be on time for your appointment. If you can’t make it, or are running late, call me at 512-270-8676, leave a voicemail, text, or email me. If you are running late, that’s OK! I just like the heads up. I’m planning my time around you. If you can’t make it to our first meeting, another one of my clients might be able to.
Ready to discuss your case. If I know a little bit about your case to begin with, or even what you’re charged with, we can start talking about the strengths and weaknesses of your case. This includes thinking about our defense when we go to Court together. I’ll be prepared to talk to you and let you know what to expect. I’m not going to sugarcoat your case. I tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. That’s why I don’t promise dismissals. I don’t make promises I can’t keep.
Personal Attention. I’m the only lawyer working on your case. When you have a question, it’s me that answers it – not my secretary or paralegal. I respond to emails and I return phone calls once a day. On days we have Court, I’ll let you know what to expect when we show up. I don’t lead my clients into surprises. Most importantly, I want you to feel that you had a voice in your case!
Cost to hire me on your case. No consultation could be complete without talking about the cost of hiring me on your case. I do charge a consultation fee. I don’t want you to be shocked or surprised at any point when we’re working together. My job is to reduce surprises for you, remember? This is especially true when it comes to questions about the cost to hire me.
What do I expect from you during our first consultation?
Honesty. More important than anything else, I expect you to be honest and open with me. This works both ways. The more I know about the issues you’re facing, the better I can help you! If you went to the doctor because you were stabbed with a knife or shot with a gun, that would make a difference, right? The doctor needs to know what happened in order to treat you and get you the help you need. Bring any questions with you that you might have. I’ll be glad to answer them.
Openness. Everyone has skeletons in their closet. I’ve heard a lot and I’ve seen a lot. I’m not judging you at all. I’d rather you tell me more information that less. The more information I have, the fewer surprises there will be for you and me both! Hiding things from me won’t help you in any way. I promise you that.
Paperwork. Lawyers like paperwork and documents. Bring any papers you received from your jail release. These might include a Setting Notice, Bond Forms, or even a Court Appointed Lawyer Request. I want you to bring ALL the paperwork you received when you got out of jail. It helps me know what crimes you’re charged with.
Questions?
Call my office at 512-270-8676 or email me at: Terrence@attorneymarsh.com
