Questions about arrests, court and fees

No. You can give your name and identification where the law requires it, and then say you'd like to speak with a lawyer before answering anything else. Say it plainly, and then stop talking.

A judge sets the amount and the conditions, often within a day of the arrest. Some bonds are released on your promise to appear; others need cash. We can often ask for a lower amount or fewer conditions at the first hearing.

Find out where they're held and the charge, which the jail can usually tell you. Don't discuss the facts with them on a jail phone, because those calls are recorded. Then call us.

Most don't. Many are dismissed or resolved by agreement. But we prepare each one as though it will, because that's what produces a fair offer, and sometimes trial is the right choice.

A misdemeanor can be resolved in a few months. A felony often takes much longer. We'll give you a realistic timeline at the first meeting and update it as the case moves.

Everything you were given: the citation, the release papers, any bond receipt and the court date notice. Also a list of anyone who saw what happened, with how to reach them.

We charge a flat fee for each stage of a case, set by the charge and the court, and we put it in writing before we start. Court costs, fines and expert fees are separate, and we tell you about them ahead of time.

Often, yes. We can usually set up a payment plan for the fee. Ask us on the first call.