• How much does hiring an attorney cost?

The swift and obvious answer is... it depends.  The cost of each case will vary depending upon the charges, the facts of the case, and whether the matter proceeds to trial. Our rates are based on the type of case. Some cases are handled on an hourly rate while others are handled on a contingent fee base.

We provide a free initial consultation so that our attorneys can assess your case and establish a reasonable fee and so that you can decide whether you feel comfortable with us and our style. Do not be reluctant to ask specific questions of the our practice. We work for you, the client, and are open to any reasonable inquiries that you may have.
 

• Is the information that I provide confidential?

Yes, we will only disclose the information that you provide to make sure that an attorney does not have a conflict of interest in representing you. We will not disclose any information to the potential defendant.

• What to do if I have a legal question?

If you believe that you have a legal matter, the first step is to contact a lawyer. Next, you must arrange an office appointment to come into the office and meet with an attorney.  No legal advice will be given out over the phone and will only be given during a consultation with an attorney.  This is to ensure your privacy and protection.

• What can I expect during my initial interview?

Each potential client should arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for the initial interview with all case related paperwork. The potential client will be expected to complete an intake form relevant to his/her case. The intake form will provide the attorney with background information about the client and his/her potential legal matter. After the completion of intake form, the potential client will meet with an attorney in order to discuss the potential legal matter in more detail. Each potential case will then be discussed at the weekly office meeting and a decision will be made to accept or decline a potential client.

This initial interview process is at no charge to the potential client.

• How will I know if my case has been accepted or decline?

After reviewing the potential cases during the weekly office meeting, the potential client will receive a written correspondence by mail informing the client of the office's decision. Potential clients will NOT be notified by telephone or any other form. Potential clients should not contact the office to determine the decision of the office. The office understands that your potential legal matter is important to you and will respond in a timely manner.

If the potential client's matter has been declined by the office, the potential client will be notified of this in a short letter within five (5)business days of the weekly office meeting.

If the potential client's matter has been accepted by the office, the potential client will receive an office fee agreement within five (5) business days of the weekly office meeting.

• What happens after my case has been accepted?

After receiving a fee agreement, the client should thoroughly read and review each point of the agreement before signing. After signing, return the fee agreement to the office within two (2) weeks of the date on the agreement with the full retainer fee. The office will not begin working on any case without the receipt of a signed fee agreement and the full retainer fee amount.

After the office has received the signed fee agreement and retainer fee, a file will be opened and the client will be notified if any additional information or office appointments are needed. The responsible attorney will keep the client posted on any future court dates and progress of his/her case.

• Can I represent myself in court?

There is an old saying: "a person who represents himself in court has a fool for a client". Yes, you can represent yourself in court. However, you will be expected to know and adhere to the same rules of law, evidence, and procedure that attorneys spend years learning in law school, and perfecting in the courtroom. If you are being prosecuted for a criminal offense or a traffic ticket, the prosecuting attorney will, due to his or her training and experience, have a tremendous advantage over you. Acting as your own attorney can have disastrous consequences (jail time, probation, hefty fines, court costs, permanent loss of civil liberties, permanent criminal record, etc.) that might otherwise have been avoided or minimized had you simply hired a lawyer.

Do you have a question not answered above? Feel free to contact us, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible!

Copyright © 2004  [The Cosentino Law Firm] All rights reserved.
Revised: 01/30/04.