Frequently Asked Questions
While we believe things that might seem like a “minor detail” can make a huge difference in a case; we also understand that you may have some questions that need an answer now.
How can I check the status of my case?
If you are one of our clients, you can contact us by phone or email to check on the status of your case. If you wish to check on the status of your case on your own, your ability to do so will depend on the type of matter you have.
For criminal matters, whether you can access the County Court’s online system will depend on which county your case is being heard in.
San Bernardino County: https://portal.sb-court.org/portal
Riverside County: http://public-access.riverside.courts.ca.gov/OpenAccess/CriminalMainMenu.asp
Orange County: http://occourts.org/online-services/case-access/
Los Angeles County: www.lacourt.org/criminalcalendar/ui/
For Immigration cases, if you do not understand the status of your application our office will be happy to explain it to you. You may also track your current case at www.uscis.gov using the “Check your Case Status” link.
What should I bring with me to the consultation?
To make it easy, you should bring anything and everything you have related to your matter. Don’t worry about whether it is relevant — it’s better to have “too much” information with you than not enough. Once we begin discussing your situation, we’ll figure out what information is necessary, which is good to have, and which we simply don’t need.
If you have possible witnesses that may be needed, make sure to have their contact information handy as well.
How long will it take to resolve my case?
Each area of law has its own legal processes that require different amounts of attention, filing and processing times, etc. Estimating the time it will take for any kind of matter to resolve is extremely difficult — our office wouldn’t want to mislead anyone by lumping any amount of time together. To get an accurate estimate, our office will have to consider our case load, how quickly you can get additional information we request back to us, as well as opposing parties and their processing times. When you come in for a consultation, we may be able to give you a general time frame of how long your matter will take, once we know more specifics about your situation.
Rest assured, we’ll be with you every step of the way. You can always call in to check the status of a case, or simply send an email.
Do I really have to rely on a law firm to help me with my case?
Of course, we will not say that you have to hire a lawyer, but the reality is that unfortunately many people do not know the in’s and out’s of the legal system. Our team highly recommends that you hire a specialized lawyer that is an expert in the area of law that your case applies to.
As times have changed, no attorney can possibly keep up with all areas and complexities of the law. That is why our firm specializes in the areas of law that our attorneys are the most familiar with and have the most experience in. Our firm is also unique in that while we take pride in staying on top of the most relevant changes in the law, we focus on criminal and immigration law to hone in our expertise.
If you need legal representation regarding these matters, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We are readily available to schedule your consultation to discuss the details of your case.
What do I do when I have a question about my case?
Just as much as you are invested in your case, so are we. Our legal team wants to keep you in the loop at all times when it comes to developments on your case. We are interested in your questions and invite you to ask them when they come to you.
When in the office, we meet with clients, complete research, review documents, or prepare contracts, briefs or pleadings. Sometimes we are required to be out of the office, even for days at a time due to different cases that we may be handling. For the most efficient and quickest response please contact one of our legal assistants, as they have a working knowledge of all aspects of your case.
In the case that the legal assistant cannot answer your question, every attempt will be made get the answer for you in a timely manner, or arrange to have your attorney contact you as quickly as possible. Above all, leave a message so we know your concern in advance. If you do that, we will always try to get an answer back to you as soon as we possibly can.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?
Every single case is different. Depending on your needs, your fees may vary from others. There are several factors that we evaluate when calculating the overall cost including (but not limited to) the complexity of the case, potential obstacles, filing fees, and other details. However, if you have an inability to pay, you may qualify for a fee waiver for certain forms. Filing fees are separate from attorney representation fees. We are considerate of our clients and work with you to provide the best legal services for what you can afford.
Are you too busy to take on my case?
The short answer is: We handle enough cases.
The longer answer is: There is no specific number of matters that we can handle. The number of cases we take on varies, depending on several factors. To make this determination, we look at our current cases and your own case, and weigh several factors, including: type of case, where the case is located, what stage of proceeding a case is in, how much additional investigative work needs to happen, and the amount of time we generally expect the new case to take.
We always make sure that we are not taking on too many cases so that we can make sure we provide the proper attention to each case that comes into our office. We believe in quality representation.
Of course, this means that we turn down cases from time to time.
Can I fire my current attorney and hire you?
Clients are free to change attorneys if they no longer feel comfortable with their current representation. However, the problem is if you are already represented, it may be difficult to find another attorney who is willing to discuss your case at all due to ethical concerns that may exist from speaking with a client who already has legal representation.
If you are thinking of firing your current lawyer, the first thing you should do is schedule an appointment to address the concerns you have with your current lawyer. If you are still unhappy after meeting with your lawyer, you’ll want to send a letter terminating the services of the law firm and requesting your case files. Keep a copy of this letter, as your new lawyer will likely want to see it as proof you have legally and properly terminated the contract.
We are more than happy to help with your case details, but of course, we want to go about it the legal way to avoid any disruptions during your case.
How do I know if this is the lawyer for me?
Choosing a lawyer is actually a very intimate process. When you’re facing legal action, there are many aspects of your life and your loved ones that become intertwined and complex. It’s imperative that you trust the legal team that you decide to work with on your case.
We do our best to not only be a listening ear for clients, but also remain organized and professional, taking less stresser off the backs of families that are already facing trying times. Our job is to make your life easier and to represent you in the complicated realms of the law. When you’re ready to choose your lawyer, you should feel comfortable, confident, and leave the office with a strong plan of action on how you’re going to move forward.
If you’re ready to speak to someone about your case, don’t hesitate to give our office a call to see if we are the right fit for you.
Will I have to go to court?
With any legal case that is filed in the Inland Empire, there is a chance that you will have to go to court whether it’s an immigration case or a criminal case. However, most of these cases can be settled without the need for a trial, depending on the details of your case. Our firm can work diligently to settle your case in a timely manner, but if going to court is necessary, we can represent you with a strong legal strategy in place to work towards the results you desire.