Picture of a former client's vehicle taken at the scene of a very-serious collision (on left).
Picture of a different former client's vehicle taken after a very-serious collision.
Notice: Once retained, every client will sign a fee agreement. How and when my fees are earned will be clearly disclosed therein.
Personal injury, car accident, and truck accident cases:
My fee for all injury cases is a contingency fee arrangement. That means you pay me nothing in advance to represent you. If I'm able to settle your case, or a verdict is reached in your favor, my fee comes from that verdict or settlement. 33.33% of the gross recovery is my fee for any case that settles before a lawsuit is filed. 40% of the gross recovery is my fee for any case in which a lawsuit is filed. These fees are standard in the industry. Fee agreements explain exactly how all this works.
With these cases, you're asking someone (usually an insurance company) to pay you money. In your experience, has asking for money from anyone ever been easy? You, through your attorney, will face every possible roadblock when trying to convince the responsible party's insurance that they should pay you lots and lots of money. This is true even if the injury was entirely the other person's fault. Everything you claim they did wrong will be met with equal blame on your part. They'll scrutinize your failure to get prompt medical attention and/or failure to follow medical advice. They'll argue that your pain and suffering wasn't really caused by their insured and that you're exaggerating everything. These cases are not as simple as the TV commercials make them appear. There is never an immediate settlement resulting in money in your pocket. Settlements only happen AFTER all medical treatment providers have finished treatment and their records and bills have been obtained. Your lawyer then has to prepare a demand package containing all records and bills. Thoughtful, aggressive writing is used to persuade the insurance adjuster that your case has merit and is worthy of compensation. Don't be turned off by the reality I've just shown here. I make sure every client understands the process and is comfortable throughout. I've been dealing with tough insurance adjusters for 25 years now and trust me, I'm not intimidated.
In the last ten (10) years, in more than 95% of all injury cases I've handled, a lawsuit has been filed on behalf of my clients. That's because ALL insurance companies, big and small, have forced me to do so by low-balling settlement offers. You see, these companies take in billions of dollars every year in insurance premiums. They claim profits in the dozens of billions in dollars every year. This isn't happening because they're paying large, pre-trial settlement money. No, these companies have adopted an incredible strategy (incredible for their shareholders, that is): "Deny, deny, then defend." No matter how serious the collision; no matter if their insured was clearly at fault in causing the collision; make low-ball counter-offers to plaintiff's lawyers. This strategy works because too many injured people with or without lawyers need money quickly and cannot afford to spend years litigating their case. But those that can hold out for justice at trial are never guaranteed a large verdict. In fact, the insurance companies know that sometimes juries award far less than what plaintiff's lawyers expect from juries. And, sometimes juries award huge verdicts. But, overall, the insurance strategy of deny, deny, then defend really works for their bottom line.
What I offer injured clients that don't have medical insurance is top-notch medical treatment without them having to pay any money in advance. This includes chiropractors for soft-tissue, whiplash injuries, and medical doctors for more severe injuries. If surgery is needed, relax, these doctors will also perform surgery without insurance or money up front. All they require is that I pay their fees when any settlement or verdict is reached. And, should you require prescription drugs, they're covered too without insurance or money up front. A good personal injury attorney will have these resources available to their clients. Don't settle for less.
In addition to offering you top-notch medical treatment with no up-front cost, I have relationships with companies that can provide you pre-settlement/verdict money. Every personal injury case comes with the need to obtain medical records from all providers that treated you. This can be quite expensive. Also, it may be necessary to obtain medical narratives or take depositions of treating doctors. No doctors I've met will sign one of these narratives without financial compensation. And with every doctor deposition, there's the doctor's hourly rate (in the thousands of dollars per hour), a court reporter fee, and a videographer fee. In fact, the average doctor deposition will cost a plaintiff approximately $5,000.00 - $7,000.00). Without this deposition for use at trial, you will not win your case. Period!
Without the availability of pre-settlement/verdict financing, winning an injury case is very difficult. These finance companies don't expect you to reimburse them unless you are successful with your case. If you lose after a trial, you owe them nothing! Again, a good personal injury attorney will have these resources available to their clients.
For those that do have medical insurance, the same pre-settlement financing is absolutely available to assist you with your case. If you do have insurance, it is always best to use it when you are injured. That's why you have the insurance after all. In almost every case, those that have and use their insurance always get more money at the end of the case than do those without it. This is because those without insurance get treatment on a lien basis. The providers of services generally will reduce their fees somewhat, but nowhere near the reduction when insurance is used.
The television commercials with lawyers claiming fast recoveries are misleading to say the least. What you must understand, however, is that you live in America. This is a capitalistic society. Businesses rule! Profits are what's most important to them, not paying people money the rightfully deserve. It's a sad, sad state of this country, but it is what it is, as they say. All you can do is hire an attorney that knows this and who's willing to fight the insurance giants in a court of law.
Criminal defense cases:
My fees for criminal cases range between $10,000.00 - $20,000.00 depending on the severity of the charge(s). If you know in advance that a trial will not be needed, the attorney's fees will likely be less. Attorney's fees must be paid in full before representation will begin. I do not accept partial payments in any criminal case, felony or misdemeanor.
Face it, a good defense is not cheap. Now's not the time to be bargain hunting for the cheapest attorney. Low-priced attorneys rush you to pleas that may not be in your best interest. Often they do this without having obtained all evidence for or against you. If you sense your lawyer is rushing your case along, find another one. You should expect to sign a fee agreement when you pay a lawyer to represent you. This contract should spell out when and for what the fee you pay the lawyer is earned. Just paying an attorney $10,000.00 in a case, without knowing exactly what that includes, is ludicrous! Be weary of lawyers that don't use fee agreements.
Good lawyers know that almost every major criminal case requires multiple court appearances. While you may think this is no big deal, every court appearance involves hours of time spent in court waiting to be heard. On every court date, there are literally dozens of other cases all wanting to have their time with the judge. Don't fail to understand this when considering whether an attorney's fees seem higher than what you thought you should pay.
In addition to all the court appearances, good attorneys conduct dozens of hours of legal research. All that time is dedicated to finding laws that support, or in some situations hurt your case. Also, good attorneys draft lots of motions for the judge's consideration and ruling. The motions require very specific wording and case citations in order to be both effective and successful. So, in summary, if you're shopping for a cheap lawyer, you're really not going to get the justice you deserve.
If you are accused of a crime, you have the right to plead not guilty at your arraignment. At that time, you have to decide whether you want a trial by judge or a trial by jury. The safer announcement is a trial by jury. You can always change your mind at a later date and get a judge trial. That choice is between you and your lawyer, but you make the final decision on which is best for your case. Your arraignment date is very important. In addition to pleading guilty or not guilty, you have to have prepared and be ready to file and serve your criminal motions. Failure to file them timely could result in being barred from doing so at a later date. Unless you know what you are doing, do not attempt to prepare these motions on your own. It is critical that you hire an experienced, aggressive criminal defense lawyer to assist you.
Assuming you plead not guilty at arraignment, your case is placed on an active trial calendar. That doesn't mean you'll go to trial quickly. However, if you demand a speedy trial, your right by the way, expect a very quick trial. If not, there are dozens, perhaps hundreds of cases that are also on this trial calendar. By law, older cases are tried before newer ones.
Many people think they can represent themselves at a trial. You have the right to do this, but the judge will warn you when you tell them you intend to represent yourself. Judges do not like people accused of crimes to make a mockery out of a trial. Some judges warn people that unless they know how to admit evidence, unless they know criminal trial procedure, and evidence laws, they'll be held in contempt of court at a trial. Do not think you know more than a seasoned prosecuting attorney. You need to get an attorney.
In my 25 years of experience, I've represented both indigent and wealthy people in criminal cases. Regardless of your social status, with me you can be assured I'll fight hard for a favorable outcome to your case. I've tried cases in front of juries in Pickens, Cobb, Paulding, Gilmer, Fannin, and Forsyth counties.
If you're in jail, without bond, once retained, I ask for a probable cause hearing with the Magistrate Judge. There, a hearing will be held to determining whether there's enough evidence against you for the case to go forward in a higher court. If you've been given a bond, but cannot pay it, I'll still ask for this hearing, but the judge doesn't have to give the hearing in that circumstance. What you need then is a motion for a bond reduction.
If you're out on bond, once retained, I start making calls to the prosecuting attorney. I want to know if there's any way they'll consider holding off on a grand jury presentment (felony cases) or wait before filing an accusation (misdemeanor cases). Usually, I have to offer something in return. It ranges from a pretrial diversion program, inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation, or other similar options. If the prosecutor agrees, I get that moving forward immediately. If you complete your end of the bargain, usually your charges are either dismissed or reduced substantially.
If the prosecutor refuses any such pretrial deal, my representation shifts to continued evidence gathering, interviewing witnesses, and preparation of critical defense motions before arraignment. The motions are very important. If you have drug charges, I'll prepare a Motion to Suppress evidence based upon a possible illegal search and/or arrest. Regardless of the charge, a Motion for Discovery will be prepared. This entitles me to receive whatever evidence the other side has in your case. These are just two examples of motions that I prepare in every case. There are many, many more I always prepare regardless of the charge. It's better to prepare and use them early than it is to not have done so wishing I did. I can always withdraw any motions I later determine were without merit.
Before your arraignment, I usually know what the state's offer is should you plead guilty, nolo, etc. If you agree to the sentence, we can take your plea at arraignment or before. Assuming there's no plea agreement before arraignment, both you and I go to court. Once there, we receive the formal accusatory charging document for your case. You sign on the line where it says "not guilty," and we are done. However, the prosecutor will have an offer available in the event you wish to plead guilty, nolo, etc. If you like the offer, your plea will be taken that day.
Without an attorney, you can plan on spending hours at an arraignment. With me, unless we are taking your plea, you'll be out of there within minutes in most cases.
At some point after your arraignment, assuming no deal is accepted, a hearing will be scheduled where the judge will hear my motions. The judge will make a ruling on each one. If you're lucky, your case could be dismissed depending on what motions are successful. Most times, however, the case still goes forward after a motions hearing.
By this point, you will have an offer from the prosecution. As mentioned, one will always be given to you at arraignment. I rarely advise clients to accept these initial offers. However, if I've done all my investigation before then and have interviewed all witnesses and applicable law, then you may plead out then. Be warned: whatever offer the state made at your arraignment usually is taken off the table unless accepted that day. While there are exceptions, this has been my experience. If you have a motions hearing, most prosecutors still make offers, but they are always worse than the initial offers. Face it: you made them work. They had to prepare for the motions hearing, subpoena witnesses, review laws, etc. You, the accused, usually suffer as a result. This is not to say, however, that good deals are impossible unless taken at arraignment.
Unless you reach an agreement with the state, your case waits for trial. The court will notify your attorney when your case in likely to go to trial. There's a ton of things I have to do in order to be ready. I have to prepare many other important documents before trial. The state has the right to know what witnesses we have, what evidence we have, etc. I also have to prepare jury charges. This is what law I feel the judge should read to the jury after all evidence is in. There is a great deal of work involved with trials.
If you win your trial, GREAT! You leave the court a free person. If you lose, you have a sentencing hearing. That may be held the same date, but depending on the charges, another date will be set for this. You may be taken into custody immediately, however, assuming the jury found you guilty.
If you need to speak with me, please call, anytime! I'd love the chance to represent you in your criminal case.
Probation revocation cases:
If you have a probation revocation case, my fees will range from $4,000.00 - $6,000.00. These cases are very easy for the State to prove. The standard of proof is by a preponderance of the evidence, not beyond a reasonable doubt. Do not think you can win these cases on your own. Get an aggressive, experienced lawyer to fight for you when facing this situation.
Juvenile defense cases:
These cases, like the criminal defense cases, do require payment of attorney's fees before representation will begin. Depending on the charge, you can expect to pay between $5,000.00 - $8,000.00 for my services. If, however, you are accused of a major crime, my fees will be similar to those listed above in the criminal defense area.
The case against a juvenile is exactly the same as for adults. The standard of proof and the procedure (for the most part). Make sure you get an aggressive advocate for your child's juvenile case. There is no reason for hiring anything less than that.
Miscellaneous:
If you need anything lawyer related, just call me, and if it's not my primary area of practice, I'll tell you. Perhaps I'll know an attorney that can help you.
Call now: (770) 893-7273
ANYTIME! 365 days a year, between 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Personal injury, car accident, and truck accident cases:
My fee for all injury cases is a contingency fee arrangement. That means you pay me nothing in advance to represent you. If I'm able to settle your case, or a verdict is reached in your favor, my fee comes from that verdict or settlement. 33.33% of the gross recovery is my fee for any case that settles before a lawsuit is filed. 40% of the gross recovery is my fee for any case in which a lawsuit is filed. These fees are standard in the industry. Fee agreements explain exactly how all this works.
With these cases, you're asking someone (usually an insurance company) to pay you money. In your experience, has asking for money from anyone ever been easy? You, through your attorney, will face every possible roadblock when trying to convince the responsible party's insurance that they should pay you lots and lots of money. This is true even if the injury was entirely the other person's fault. Everything you claim they did wrong will be met with equal blame on your part. They'll scrutinize your failure to get prompt medical attention and/or failure to follow medical advice. They'll argue that your pain and suffering wasn't really caused by their insured and that you're exaggerating everything. These cases are not as simple as the TV commercials make them appear. There is never an immediate settlement resulting in money in your pocket. Settlements only happen AFTER all medical treatment providers have finished treatment and their records and bills have been obtained. Your lawyer then has to prepare a demand package containing all records and bills. Thoughtful, aggressive writing is used to persuade the insurance adjuster that your case has merit and is worthy of compensation. Don't be turned off by the reality I've just shown here. I make sure every client understands the process and is comfortable throughout. I've been dealing with tough insurance adjusters for 25 years now and trust me, I'm not intimidated.
In the last ten (10) years, in more than 95% of all injury cases I've handled, a lawsuit has been filed on behalf of my clients. That's because ALL insurance companies, big and small, have forced me to do so by low-balling settlement offers. You see, these companies take in billions of dollars every year in insurance premiums. They claim profits in the dozens of billions in dollars every year. This isn't happening because they're paying large, pre-trial settlement money. No, these companies have adopted an incredible strategy (incredible for their shareholders, that is): "Deny, deny, then defend." No matter how serious the collision; no matter if their insured was clearly at fault in causing the collision; make low-ball counter-offers to plaintiff's lawyers. This strategy works because too many injured people with or without lawyers need money quickly and cannot afford to spend years litigating their case. But those that can hold out for justice at trial are never guaranteed a large verdict. In fact, the insurance companies know that sometimes juries award far less than what plaintiff's lawyers expect from juries. And, sometimes juries award huge verdicts. But, overall, the insurance strategy of deny, deny, then defend really works for their bottom line.
What I offer injured clients that don't have medical insurance is top-notch medical treatment without them having to pay any money in advance. This includes chiropractors for soft-tissue, whiplash injuries, and medical doctors for more severe injuries. If surgery is needed, relax, these doctors will also perform surgery without insurance or money up front. All they require is that I pay their fees when any settlement or verdict is reached. And, should you require prescription drugs, they're covered too without insurance or money up front. A good personal injury attorney will have these resources available to their clients. Don't settle for less.
In addition to offering you top-notch medical treatment with no up-front cost, I have relationships with companies that can provide you pre-settlement/verdict money. Every personal injury case comes with the need to obtain medical records from all providers that treated you. This can be quite expensive. Also, it may be necessary to obtain medical narratives or take depositions of treating doctors. No doctors I've met will sign one of these narratives without financial compensation. And with every doctor deposition, there's the doctor's hourly rate (in the thousands of dollars per hour), a court reporter fee, and a videographer fee. In fact, the average doctor deposition will cost a plaintiff approximately $5,000.00 - $7,000.00). Without this deposition for use at trial, you will not win your case. Period!
Without the availability of pre-settlement/verdict financing, winning an injury case is very difficult. These finance companies don't expect you to reimburse them unless you are successful with your case. If you lose after a trial, you owe them nothing! Again, a good personal injury attorney will have these resources available to their clients.
For those that do have medical insurance, the same pre-settlement financing is absolutely available to assist you with your case. If you do have insurance, it is always best to use it when you are injured. That's why you have the insurance after all. In almost every case, those that have and use their insurance always get more money at the end of the case than do those without it. This is because those without insurance get treatment on a lien basis. The providers of services generally will reduce their fees somewhat, but nowhere near the reduction when insurance is used.
The television commercials with lawyers claiming fast recoveries are misleading to say the least. What you must understand, however, is that you live in America. This is a capitalistic society. Businesses rule! Profits are what's most important to them, not paying people money the rightfully deserve. It's a sad, sad state of this country, but it is what it is, as they say. All you can do is hire an attorney that knows this and who's willing to fight the insurance giants in a court of law.
Criminal defense cases:
My fees for criminal cases range between $10,000.00 - $20,000.00 depending on the severity of the charge(s). If you know in advance that a trial will not be needed, the attorney's fees will likely be less. Attorney's fees must be paid in full before representation will begin. I do not accept partial payments in any criminal case, felony or misdemeanor.
Face it, a good defense is not cheap. Now's not the time to be bargain hunting for the cheapest attorney. Low-priced attorneys rush you to pleas that may not be in your best interest. Often they do this without having obtained all evidence for or against you. If you sense your lawyer is rushing your case along, find another one. You should expect to sign a fee agreement when you pay a lawyer to represent you. This contract should spell out when and for what the fee you pay the lawyer is earned. Just paying an attorney $10,000.00 in a case, without knowing exactly what that includes, is ludicrous! Be weary of lawyers that don't use fee agreements.
Good lawyers know that almost every major criminal case requires multiple court appearances. While you may think this is no big deal, every court appearance involves hours of time spent in court waiting to be heard. On every court date, there are literally dozens of other cases all wanting to have their time with the judge. Don't fail to understand this when considering whether an attorney's fees seem higher than what you thought you should pay.
In addition to all the court appearances, good attorneys conduct dozens of hours of legal research. All that time is dedicated to finding laws that support, or in some situations hurt your case. Also, good attorneys draft lots of motions for the judge's consideration and ruling. The motions require very specific wording and case citations in order to be both effective and successful. So, in summary, if you're shopping for a cheap lawyer, you're really not going to get the justice you deserve.
If you are accused of a crime, you have the right to plead not guilty at your arraignment. At that time, you have to decide whether you want a trial by judge or a trial by jury. The safer announcement is a trial by jury. You can always change your mind at a later date and get a judge trial. That choice is between you and your lawyer, but you make the final decision on which is best for your case. Your arraignment date is very important. In addition to pleading guilty or not guilty, you have to have prepared and be ready to file and serve your criminal motions. Failure to file them timely could result in being barred from doing so at a later date. Unless you know what you are doing, do not attempt to prepare these motions on your own. It is critical that you hire an experienced, aggressive criminal defense lawyer to assist you.
Assuming you plead not guilty at arraignment, your case is placed on an active trial calendar. That doesn't mean you'll go to trial quickly. However, if you demand a speedy trial, your right by the way, expect a very quick trial. If not, there are dozens, perhaps hundreds of cases that are also on this trial calendar. By law, older cases are tried before newer ones.
Many people think they can represent themselves at a trial. You have the right to do this, but the judge will warn you when you tell them you intend to represent yourself. Judges do not like people accused of crimes to make a mockery out of a trial. Some judges warn people that unless they know how to admit evidence, unless they know criminal trial procedure, and evidence laws, they'll be held in contempt of court at a trial. Do not think you know more than a seasoned prosecuting attorney. You need to get an attorney.
In my 25 years of experience, I've represented both indigent and wealthy people in criminal cases. Regardless of your social status, with me you can be assured I'll fight hard for a favorable outcome to your case. I've tried cases in front of juries in Pickens, Cobb, Paulding, Gilmer, Fannin, and Forsyth counties.
If you're in jail, without bond, once retained, I ask for a probable cause hearing with the Magistrate Judge. There, a hearing will be held to determining whether there's enough evidence against you for the case to go forward in a higher court. If you've been given a bond, but cannot pay it, I'll still ask for this hearing, but the judge doesn't have to give the hearing in that circumstance. What you need then is a motion for a bond reduction.
If you're out on bond, once retained, I start making calls to the prosecuting attorney. I want to know if there's any way they'll consider holding off on a grand jury presentment (felony cases) or wait before filing an accusation (misdemeanor cases). Usually, I have to offer something in return. It ranges from a pretrial diversion program, inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation, or other similar options. If the prosecutor agrees, I get that moving forward immediately. If you complete your end of the bargain, usually your charges are either dismissed or reduced substantially.
If the prosecutor refuses any such pretrial deal, my representation shifts to continued evidence gathering, interviewing witnesses, and preparation of critical defense motions before arraignment. The motions are very important. If you have drug charges, I'll prepare a Motion to Suppress evidence based upon a possible illegal search and/or arrest. Regardless of the charge, a Motion for Discovery will be prepared. This entitles me to receive whatever evidence the other side has in your case. These are just two examples of motions that I prepare in every case. There are many, many more I always prepare regardless of the charge. It's better to prepare and use them early than it is to not have done so wishing I did. I can always withdraw any motions I later determine were without merit.
Before your arraignment, I usually know what the state's offer is should you plead guilty, nolo, etc. If you agree to the sentence, we can take your plea at arraignment or before. Assuming there's no plea agreement before arraignment, both you and I go to court. Once there, we receive the formal accusatory charging document for your case. You sign on the line where it says "not guilty," and we are done. However, the prosecutor will have an offer available in the event you wish to plead guilty, nolo, etc. If you like the offer, your plea will be taken that day.
Without an attorney, you can plan on spending hours at an arraignment. With me, unless we are taking your plea, you'll be out of there within minutes in most cases.
At some point after your arraignment, assuming no deal is accepted, a hearing will be scheduled where the judge will hear my motions. The judge will make a ruling on each one. If you're lucky, your case could be dismissed depending on what motions are successful. Most times, however, the case still goes forward after a motions hearing.
By this point, you will have an offer from the prosecution. As mentioned, one will always be given to you at arraignment. I rarely advise clients to accept these initial offers. However, if I've done all my investigation before then and have interviewed all witnesses and applicable law, then you may plead out then. Be warned: whatever offer the state made at your arraignment usually is taken off the table unless accepted that day. While there are exceptions, this has been my experience. If you have a motions hearing, most prosecutors still make offers, but they are always worse than the initial offers. Face it: you made them work. They had to prepare for the motions hearing, subpoena witnesses, review laws, etc. You, the accused, usually suffer as a result. This is not to say, however, that good deals are impossible unless taken at arraignment.
Unless you reach an agreement with the state, your case waits for trial. The court will notify your attorney when your case in likely to go to trial. There's a ton of things I have to do in order to be ready. I have to prepare many other important documents before trial. The state has the right to know what witnesses we have, what evidence we have, etc. I also have to prepare jury charges. This is what law I feel the judge should read to the jury after all evidence is in. There is a great deal of work involved with trials.
If you win your trial, GREAT! You leave the court a free person. If you lose, you have a sentencing hearing. That may be held the same date, but depending on the charges, another date will be set for this. You may be taken into custody immediately, however, assuming the jury found you guilty.
If you need to speak with me, please call, anytime! I'd love the chance to represent you in your criminal case.
Probation revocation cases:
If you have a probation revocation case, my fees will range from $4,000.00 - $6,000.00. These cases are very easy for the State to prove. The standard of proof is by a preponderance of the evidence, not beyond a reasonable doubt. Do not think you can win these cases on your own. Get an aggressive, experienced lawyer to fight for you when facing this situation.
Juvenile defense cases:
These cases, like the criminal defense cases, do require payment of attorney's fees before representation will begin. Depending on the charge, you can expect to pay between $5,000.00 - $8,000.00 for my services. If, however, you are accused of a major crime, my fees will be similar to those listed above in the criminal defense area.
The case against a juvenile is exactly the same as for adults. The standard of proof and the procedure (for the most part). Make sure you get an aggressive advocate for your child's juvenile case. There is no reason for hiring anything less than that.
Miscellaneous:
If you need anything lawyer related, just call me, and if it's not my primary area of practice, I'll tell you. Perhaps I'll know an attorney that can help you.
Call now: (770) 893-7273
ANYTIME! 365 days a year, between 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
