FAQs
What types of cases do you handle?
We handle many different types of cases including:
- Criminal: State, Federal, DWI and Traffic.
- Family Law: Divorce, Modification of Custody and Child Support, Registration of Foreign Judgments, Restraining Orders.
- Constitutional Law: 2nd Amendment and Civil Rights Cases.
- Civil Litigation: Personal Injury, Landlord Tenant, Breach of Contract, Fraud, Missouri Merchandising Practices Act.
- Defense Base Act
- Estate Planning/Asset Protection/Wills/Power of Attorney
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act/Fair Credit Reporting Act
- Sports and Entertainment Representation
- Business: Incorporation, Forming LLCs, Acquisitions and Mergers
What does it cost to speak to an attorney?
Free Initial Consultation
We’re happy to discuss your legal rights and explore how we may assist you. Your initial consultation is free; however, we cannot accept every case. Please note that meeting with one of our attorneys does not create an attorney-client relationship. Representation begins only after you sign an employment agreement with our firm.
How much will services cost?
Depending on the complexity and difficulty of your case, the amount of the fee will vary. However, attorneys generally bill in 3 different ways.
- Flat Fee: the attorney quotes the client a price for a service and the attorney’s fee is limited to that agreed upon amount. Court costs, fines and other costs may be additional.
- e.g., fixing or amending a traffic ticket
- Hourly Basis: the attorney and the client agree on an hourly rate that will be paid for work done on the case. A retainer or lump sum is usually required to be paid to the attorney when the contract is signed, and money is deducted from the retainer over time. When the retainer is exhausted, the attorney bills the client. Work continues after payment is received. The client is still responsible for court and other costs.
- e.g., a divorce case
- Contingency Fee: the attorney is paid a percentage of what they win. The more the attorney gets for the client, the more the attorney gets paid for his work. Court and other costs are typically paid from the client’s portion of the award or settlement.
- e.g., a car accident or personal injury case
- Fee Shifting: in a few rare types of cases such as Defense Base Act, some Civil Rights suits, or where allowed by statute like the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the court can determine that if successful, the attorney’s fee will be paid by the opposing party. The client does not pay his attorney.
- This type of case is not typical and only applies in a few situations.
Why should I hire an attorney?
The law is complex, involving statutes, case law, and procedural rules at the federal, state, and local levels. Without legal training, it’s easy to make mistakes that can harm your case.
An experienced attorney understands the law, knows the procedures, and has the litigation skills to navigate the system effectively. In many situations — such as corporate representation or criminal cases — the law even requires an attorney, as prosecutors often refuse to work with unrepresented individuals.
Hiring an attorney ensures you have a knowledgeable advocate protecting your rights. The cost of legal counsel is often far less than the potential losses from going it alone.
If you are serious about your legal issue you need an expert to help guide you through the legal system. The cost of hiring an attorney may pale in comparison to the rights you may have unknowingly lost as a result of making an uninformed decision.