Frequently Asked Questions

I am frequently asked questions about free initial consultations and about the cost for my services. I hope that these answers will help you, but feel free to call my office at (937) 339-5555 with any other questions.

Q. What is the purpose of a free initial consultation? The purpose of an intial consultation is for me to learn enough about your case to decide if I can accept it and for you to learn enough about me to decide if you want to hire me.

Q. How long will a free initial consultation last? An initial consultation will usually last about 30 minutes.

Q. What should I bring to my free initial consultation? A consultation is most effective when you are as prepared as you can be. I encourage you to bring any legal documents, agreements, contracts, correspondence, or other documents that may be helpful in understanding your situation and what you want to accomplish. I also encourage you to write down and bring with you any questions that you have. Finally, if you want to retain me as your attorney, you may want to bring a checkbook or cash to pay a retainer.

Q. Can I have a free initial consultation by phone? Generally, unless you're physically disabled, incarcerated, or a great distance from my office, no. In order to properly evaluate your case and review any documents that you may have, I generally need to meet with you in person.

Q. How do I arrange a free initial consultation? Just call my office at (937) 339-5555.

Q. Where are you located? How do I get to your office? My office address is below. See my Contact Us page for directions.

Q. How much will it cost to hire you? It depends. Some cases are taken on a flat-fee basis, some on an hourly basis, and some on a contingency fee basis.

Q. What kinds of cases are taken on a flat-fee basis? Criminal defense cases, for example, are typically taken on a flat-fee basis. That means that I will quote you a flat fee to prepare your case for trial and try your case, regardless of the amount of time necessary to do so.

The flat fee must be paid prior to any work on the case is begun (beyond a free initial consultation). In some cases, I may quote a flat fee to take a case through a specific stage of the case, and another fee if the case proceeds to trial. Obviously, a fully litigated trial takes considerably more time and work than a matter that you choose to resolve prior to trial. The amount of the flat fee in a criminal case depends on the seriousness of the charge you face, your prior criminal record (if any), and the complexity of the case.

Q. What kinds of cases are taken on an hourly basis? Typically, cases other than criminal defense cases and personal injury cases are taken on an hourly basis. In those matters, a retainer is typically paid up front and then I will send you a bill on a periodic basis (usually monthly) for the hours worked and expenses paid during that period. With an hourly-fee basis, you pay only for time spent on your specific case. The terms and conditions of an hourly fee arrangement are usually spelled out in a written representation agreement.

Q. What kinds of cases are taken on a contingency fee basis? Finally, some cases are taken on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee is one that is based on the outcome of the case. With a contingency fee, your lawyer doesn't get paid unless you get paid. That is, if you receive a judgment or settlement in your favor, I would receive a previously agreed portion of it as my fee. If you don't receive a judgment or settlement, I would receive no fee at all. (Expenses, in any event, are typically the client's responsibility.)

Disclaimer: Nothing on this web site creates, or is intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with you, nor does it define the terms of my representation of any current or future client. The terms of my representation of you will be spelled out to you individually, and nothing on this web site will be deemed to affect those terms.

Contact information

Areas of practice

• Criminal Defense
•      Felonies
•      Misdemeanors
•      Drunk Driving
•      Traffic Offenses
• Family Law
•      Divorce
•      Child Custody
•      Child Support
•      Juvenile Delinquency
•      Child Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency
•      Protective Orders
• Business Litigation
• Employment Litigation
• Personal Injury
• Military Law
• Wills