Frequently Asked Questions 

‍Yes.

I feel strongly that you should have a conversation with a lawyer before you hire them.

To request a consultation, please share a few details through the "Request a Consultation" link.

If you provide this basic information, our conversation will be productive and helpful to you, not just a “sales pitch”.

At a minimum, please share:

• Your full legal name

• A short description of your situation

• Case number or charges, if you have them

• What you’re hoping for in representation

I will personally review your information and confirm availability, and then schedule a free 30‑minute consultation.

This meeting will help you decide whether I’m the right attorney to guide you forward.

An honest conversation.

My rates are competitive. But, I don’t publish a simple price list. That is intentional. Legal fees depend on your needs, timeline, and goals.

‍The truth is that many lawyers quote a standard, low initial retainer just to get you signed—only for the real and unexpected cost to surface later. I don’t work that way.

An initial consultation

It’s best to start with a conversation, even though this takes time. This is why I ask you to share information through the Request a Consultation link. Getting the ‘basic info’ part out of the way allows us to discuss important topics.

We’ll talk about your goals, what you’re facing, and what to expect. I will then take time to propose a fee structure that honestly reflects the work required.

You deserve an honest estimate, just like a contractor would give you. You can then take the time you need to decide if we’re a good fit.

Billing options include:

• Flat fee: Available for many matters, with your money held in trust and earned only after clear benchmarks. This provides fee predictability.

• Hourly rate with a retainer: Used for trial litigation. The retainer is a good‑faith estimate—not a teaser rate. You will receive regular updates. Any unused funds will be promptly returned.

A clear, written Representation Agreement

Before anything moves forward, all terms will be set out in a written Representation Agreement. You can ask questions and take time to review before making a decision.

A final note on this topic:

If you are shopping for legal services, be thoughtful.

Many people who are looking for a criminal defense lawyer are stressed. They feel time-pressured. They want a lawyer right away. But you want to choose your attorney carefully.

Getting a quick quote from an attorney who does not understand you or your situation often leads to misunderstanding or cookie‑cutter representation—with worse outcomes and higher costs down the road.

Whatever decision you make, you just want it to be the best one for the long haul.

Thoughtful partnership

Your goals shape the strategy. I will treat your case as a collaboration—not a file to be processed.

Clear, honest guidance

You’ll receive plain‑English explanations of your options so you can make informed decisions. I won’t sugarcoat reality or overwhelm you.

Strategic, steady representation

My focus is protecting your rights and long‑term well‑being through careful preparation and measured decision‑making.

By investing time upfront.

You can expect regular, predictable communication so you’re not left guessing.

Secure client portal

You’ll have access to a secure portal with encrypted, centralized access to:

• Case documents

• Court dates and deadlines

• Guidance and strategy updates

• Direct messages with your attorney

No digging through old texts or crowded inboxes.

Proactive updates

We will schedule check‑ins to review status, strategy, and next steps. Even when nothing major is happening, a brief update will reduce uncertainty and help you stay oriented.

Three things.

A Prompt, Confidential Response

You’ll hear directly from me—not a receptionist, chat-bot, or call center. What you share is handled discreetly and without judgment.

A Brief, Focused Consultation

If I’m available to take your case, we’ll schedule a conversation to cover:

• The charges or allegations

• Any upcoming deadlines (court dates, bond conditions, police contact)

• Your biggest concerns (family, work, reputation, travel)

A Clear Plan for Moving Forward

By the end of that conversation, you should have a sense of the following:

• Whether your situation is urgent

• How I approach cases like yours

• What the process of representation would look like

• What I can begin doing right away to protect you

I keep my practice small—so my clients have direct access and careful preparation.

The real question is whether my experience and approach align with your goals. If it’s not the right match, I’ll be honest and, when possible, point you to someone better suited.

If I can’t provide the level of attention and advocacy a client deserves.

That may be due to:

• Ethical conflicts

• Scheduling limits

• A case outside my area of expertise

Sometimes I’m just not the right fit. If this is the case, I’ll say so directly. I will then help you find more appropriate support if I can.

Jury Trial Success

Early in my career, I kept a spreadsheet and tracked a 76% trial success rate. After over 80 jury trials, I stopped counting. Then I kept going to trial for another 10 years.

The trials grew more complex. And I learned a difficult and important lesson: every client’s situation is unique. Success isn’t about some lawyer who is keeping score; it’s about achieving the outcome that best serves your life.

So I threw that spreadsheet in the trash. I don’t even know how many jury trials I’ve gone to… and I’m happy to keep it that way.

Results

Over the course of my legal career, I have helped clients in a wide range of cases—from petty offenses to felonies with life‑in‑prison exposure.

• Rare Early-Stage Wins: I’ve prevailed at the preliminary hearing stage in extremely serious felonies—a extraordinary result in our legal system.

• Strategic Dismissals: I’ve obtained dismissals through successful motions to suppress and by simply persuading the District Attorney.

• Trial Success: I’ve won trials that seemed impossible at the outset by combining persistence with creativity.

Humility

Success is about your future. When trial isn’t the right choice for your situation, we will keep working until we’re confident we’ve achieved the best possible resolution together.

That requires diligence, creativity, and maintaining professional relationships with prosecutors and judges, even in the midst of vigorous disagreement.

No.

If you are looking for prior case examples or testimonials from former clients, that’s completely understandable. But I do not provide them.

Ethical rules prohibit lawyers from revealing any information related to a client’s representation. I take that obligation seriously. I will never change a name and disclose a client’s private details for marketing purposes.

If you are facing criminal charges, you deserve privacy.

Confidentiality is non‑negotiable.

This is a commitment, not a transaction.

My practice is structured to provide quality representation, clear communication, and a personalized strategy. Everyone accused by the government deserves a serious, respectful defense.

Representing someone in court isn’t condoning a mistake—it means insisting the government follows the law and treats people fairly. I bring those values to every case, whether the charge is minor or life‑altering.

Yes. If we work together I need 3 things:

Trust and candor

Honest conversations—especially about hard topics—are critical. I’m here to fight for you, not to judge. The protection of confidentiality allows you to share sensitive information. Personal details often help more than clients expect.

Participation

I may ask for receipts, witness names, a site visit so you can explain things, or other information. Being responsive and thorough strengthens your defense and helps us move efficiently.

Patience and perspective

The court process can be stressful.

It will require a lot of patience. We’ll pause, reassess, and make deliberate decisions rather than reacting under pressure. This leads to better outcomes.

Yes.

You should contact other attorneys before you make the hiring decision.

Ask questions. Compare approaches. Kick the tires before you buy the car. You should never feel pressured into signing a retainer agreement when you are under stress.

Move slowly. You should feel informed about the risks and supported. In other words, an honest lawyer will talk about the difficulties, not just promise the outcome you want to hear.

The truth is that no lawyer is the right fit for everyone. The goal is finding one who earns your trust.