The
Richman Law Firm receives numerous phone calls from potential clients everyday. We answer
questions about
DUI
license suspension, bond issues, and other various issues about a criminal case.
Consistently, however, are questions about price. "How much do you
charge for a DUI?" "How much do you charge to represent me on a
traffic ticket?" "Will you work with me on a payment plan?"
First,
criminal defense is all about getting what you pay for. If you want the cheapest lawyer,
you may be better off hiring a general practitioner who handles all types
of law, such as family law, civil law, criminal law, bankruptcy law, and
maritime law. That specific lawyer will not be well-versed in criminal
defense, will not be up-to-date on the latest research and case law in
this field, and certainly will not be familiar with the prosecutor and
judge in your county. He may be cheaper, but probably won't fight
for you—how can you fight if you don't know what battle to choose?
I would equate this to a cancer patient going to a family practitioner
for treatment, instead of going to an oncologist. Likewise, don't
think only the most expensive lawyer is better. You may think you're
paying for his or her "years of experience." Most of the time,
you won't even be dealing with that lawyer on your case. Instead,
you'll have his or her associate, with no way of contacting them after-hours.
And you will most likely only have contact with a paralegal during office hours.
My firm practices criminal defense, all day, every day. If you have a civil
or a divorce matter, I will refer you to the best attorney in that field.
You are hiring me to attend court with you, to conduct investigations,
and to speak with anytime, day and night.
The price of a
DUI or criminal case varies from case to case. It would be totally improper
to charge a fixed amount per DUI case. Did you blow into or refuse the
Intoxilyzer breath machine? Did you perform the standardized field sobriety tests?
What training did the officer go through? What type of
drugs were found in your car, and how were they found? Do you have co-defendants?
What county and city did your arrest occur in?
I don't believe in charging all DUI clients $5,000, if I can do the
work less. Likewise, I could not represent a client to my fullest abilities
and conduct a complete investigation if I undercharge you. That wouldn't
be fair to you.
My firm accepts payment plans on certain types of cases. A lot of our
clients attend the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, Georgia in Lumpkin
County. We know those students do not have a substantial amount of money
to invest up front in a legal defense. Similarly, we know most of our
other potential clients do not anticipate being arrested, and therefore
have not set aside a rainy day legal fund. The Richman Law Firm will work
with you. We do it everyday.
Give us a
call. That part is free. Let's talk about your case and see what we can
do to help you through the criminal justice process.