Frequently Asked Questions
Legal problems often come with a lot of questions. The answers below address some of the questions I hear most often from clients and potential clients.
Hiring & Consultations
Who will actually handle my case?
I personally handle the cases I accept. When you contact my office, you communicate directly with me rather than being passed off to staff or junior associates.
What happens during the initial consultation?
We first confirm there are no legal conflicts of interest. Then, I listen to your situation, examine available documents, identify immediate deadlines, explain potential strategies, and outline the fees and next steps.
What should I bring to my consultation?
For criminal cases, bring any citations, warrants, bond paperwork, charging documents, and court notices. For injury claims, bring crash reports, insurance cards or policies, photos, medical records, and any correspondence from an insurer. If you do not have every document yet, simply bring whatever you currently have available.
What will representation cost?
Criminal defense matters are typically handled for a flat fee based on complexity and scope. Personal injury claims are handled on a contingency fee basis. I will explain all fees, expenses, and agreement terms before you decide to retain services.
What should I ask before hiring a lawyer?
Ask who will handle the work, their experience with similar cases, how client communication works, what fees cover, potential expenses, initial case strengths/weaknesses, and whether they are prepared to go to trial if necessary
What if I am hesitant or nervous about calling?
You do not need to know legal terminology or have every detail organized. Simply share what happened, when it occurred, and any upcoming dates or deadlines. I will walk you through the process step-by-step.
Criminal Defense
Am I going to jail?
An arrest or charge does not automatically mean you are going to jail. Exposure depends on the charge, evidence, criminal history, bond/probation status, and the court handling your case. Once I review these details, I can explain your actual exposure and options.
Should I talk to the police?
Provide any required identifying information, but do not discuss the facts or attempt to explain your way out of the allegation. Do not lie or resist. Clearly state: "I am exercising my right to remain silent, and I want an attorney." Then stop answering questions.
Do I have to appear in court?
Sometimes I can appear on your behalf, but certain proceedings require your presence. Never miss a court date unless I have explicitly confirmed that your appearance was excused.
What happens during a trial?
While many criminal cases are resolved through negotiation, every case should be prepared with trial in mind. If a trial becomes necessary, I will walk you through the evidence, available defenses, potential risks, and possible outcomes so you can make informed choices.
What can an attorney actually do for me?
Once I review the facts and evidence, I can explain your options and develop a strategy for your case. Depending on the circumstances, that may include investigating the allegations, reviewing evidence, negotiating with the State, filing motions, challenging evidence or legal issues, and preparing for a hearing or trial.
Can my charge be dismissed or reduced?
Possibly. Resolution depends on the evidence, witness statements, legal issues, your history, and negotiations with the State. While I cannot promise an outcome before reviewing the case, I will outline your options directly.
I was arrested. What should I do first?
Remain calm, do not resist, and state clearly that you wish to remain silent and speak with an attorney. Do not consent to searches. Follow all bond conditions, keep track of your court dates, and contact a defense attorney immediately.
What happens at my first court date?
The first court date is rarely a trial. Depending on the court and case, it typically addresses formal charges, legal representation, and bond conditions before setting future dates. I will brief you on what to expect beforehand.
What happens if I am convicted?
Beyond jail, prison, probation, or fines, a conviction can impact your employment, professional licenses, housing, education, driving privileges, and personal record.
Can my case be expunged?
Certain dismissed charges, completed diversion programs, and specific convictions qualify for expungement. Eligibility depends on the specific charge, the final disposition, and Tennessee law.
Criminal Appeals
Can I appeal a criminal conviction?
A conviction following a trial can generally be appealed, though it is limited to the trial record and preserved legal issues. Rights to appeal after a guilty plea are much narrower. I must review the judgment, motions, and trial record to determine your options.
Can I get a new trial?
A trial court may grant a new trial following a timely motion, or an appellate court may order one if reversible legal errors occurred. Eligibility depends on the specific issues, whether they were preserved, and the procedural history.
How long do I have to file an appeal?
Act quickly. Critical Tennessee deadlines can be as short as 30 days from the court's order. Contact an appellate attorney immediately—do not wait for the trial transcript to be completed.
Can I remain out of custody while an appeal is pending?
Sometimes, but it is not automatic. It depends on the offense, sentence, procedural history, and trial court rulings. I can evaluate whether appeal bond or release is legally available for your case.
Personal Injury
What should I do after a car accident?
Seek medical attention, contact law enforcement, exchange information, and document the scene with photos if safe to do so. Gather witness contacts, keep all receipts, and avoid discussing fault. If symptoms develop or worsen later, seek a medical evaluation immediately.
How much is my personal injury case worth?
Case value depends on fault determination, available insurance policy limits, medical evidence, required treatment, lost income, and long-term impacts on your daily life. Any fixed estimate provided before examining these factors is purely speculative.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim?
Tennessee generally imposes a one-year statute of limitations from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Because strict deadlines apply, consult an attorney well before the year expires.
Should I give the insurance company a recorded statement?
Be cautious. While you may have obligations to your own insurer, you generally should not provide a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company. Avoid speculating about speed, fault, or injuries. I can handle insurance communications on your behalf.
What if I am partly at fault for the accident?
Tennessee follows comparative fault rules. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, and you are barred from recovery if found 50% or more at fault. Because fault is frequently disputed, preserve all evidence before accepting an insurer's assessment.
What does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney?
Personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. The attorney fee is an agreed-upon percentage of any eventual recovery, meaning no upfront fees. The written representation agreement details the percentages and case expenses.