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  1. #1
    Featured Member tRoUbLeMaKeR's Avatar
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    Default Attorney Fees

    I'm in the process of hiring an attorney for my fiance. I've never had to hire one so I don't know what price is good. We met with one guy yesterday who said my fiance's felony theft charge from like three years ago would be easy to get him out of and he would charge a flat rate of $1000 for that case. My fiance's traffic case which involves speeding, reckless driving, dui, and alleuding on military property (this isn't at all related to the theft charge) is kind of messy and he said he has a higher chance of going to jail with that than the theft one anyway. For that case he quoted a flat rate of $1600.
    I never knew lawyers were so expensive ng: - I'm in the wrong profession! My fiance said that sounds about right but I'm not sure. I'm sure someone here has had some lawyer experiance - what do you think?
    $2600 just seems like a lot. The more I get ahead the more I seem to get behind! And I know his $9 and hour job isn't going to pay for this attorney by the end of the week so I'm really starting to get irritated....sorry I'm just a little upset with him right now {grrrr....}
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

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    God/dess Emily's Avatar
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    Default Re:Attorney Fees

    why are you making this your responsibility?

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    Featured Member tRoUbLeMaKeR's Avatar
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    Default Re:Attorney Fees

    because I trying to move to texas with him in November so I want this all taken care of and part of the reason he has the theft thing haunting him is cause he didn't take care of things when he was a kid. I just don't feel like things will get done right if he does them
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

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    God/dess Emily's Avatar
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    Default Re:Attorney Fees

    But this is not your problem!

    I've seen a lot of good women sucked into situations like this (including my own mother) where they are paying beyond their means for a lawyer for a guy that isn't really worth it.

    I'm obviously looking at this from a different perspective than you are, but the picture you paint isn't very glamourous. He's a criminal with a shitty job who is asking his girlfriend to take financial responsibillity for problems that are solely his. You said yourself that he won't do it riht if he does it himself, so he can't really take care of himself. And what's to say that he still won't go to jail? or he won't require more legal fees?

    edit: sorry to veer off-topic, but this situation really bugs me and I can't get over that you'd even think to pay for his legal fees

  5. #5
    God/dess onlythebest's Avatar
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    Default Re:Attorney Fees

    I agree with Emily 100%.If you stay with a guy that's like this,you'll be his "mommy" so long as you're with him.
    One of woman's cardinal rule: Body parts can be fake,everything else has to be real.

    一个女人的枢机规则:肢体可以伪造,一切必须真实.

    中国大CHINESE BIG BOOBS!!!中国大




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    Featured Member tRoUbLeMaKeR's Avatar
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    Default Re:Attorney Fees

    I know... I know.... but if I don't help him he'll get stuck with a public defender and god knows what will happen. I was raised to stand by people. To not leave them when they're down.
    Besides... I posted his bail - I have to make sure he gets to court in October or I owe the courts $9000!
    I think he has tremendous potential and hasn't tapped into that yet. I'm trying to help him discover his assests.

    Big D - if maybe when you get a chance if you could ask your hubby how that price sounds. I'm in the process of meeting with another attorney to see what he says and what price he gives me.
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

  7. #7
    Sitri
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    Default Re:Attorney Fees

    Sorry to steer back to the question, but I don't believe she is looking for parents right now. I guess we have opinions, but the question needs to be answered.

    Yes, attorneys are expensive. If you can get it done at a flat rate do it. I just had to spend $2000 to collect 9,000 from a deadbeat company.

    Recently had to spend $12,000 to enforce a broken contact.

    GO FOR THE FLAT RATE. But, also understand exactly what the flat rate covers. There may be open ended uncovered items.

    What if it goes to trial? What if there are multiple meetings? What about expenses - photocopying, etc.

    What if there are depositions?

    What if it doesn't turn out in his favor?

  8. #8
    Featured Member tRoUbLeMaKeR's Avatar
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    Default Re:Attorney Fees

    about your last question.... about if it doesn't come out in his favor... what does that have to do with the lawyer?
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

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    God/dess VenusGoddess's Avatar
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    Default Re:Attorney Fees

    Ugh...as much as I hate to say it...I really think that you are doing yourself a diservice by financially rescuing this guy. There is a difference between "standing by your man" and "allowing your man to continue in his dysfuntion". I believe that you are making a horrible, horrible mistake.

    Now, with that being said...you really need to get 2nd, 3rd, and 4th opinions. Ask for prices...what that includes...get to a local bar association and check on their licenses...don't just go with the lowest price. There is so much more involved here than price. You only have until October, so you really need to get a jump on the research. Getting a lawyer IS expensive (I KNOW...I used to work with them). But, if you think THIS is expensive, tell him to pull the same stunt twice. The price magically increases by tenfold for a second and third offense.

    Research, research, research...ask questions...call the bar association and ask for dependable lawyers...ask questions about the ones you've seen. They can give you tons of help. Good luck.

  10. #10
    Jay Zeno
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    Default Re:Attorney Fees

    The flat rate sounds pretty market to me for felonies. In larger cities, it sounds kinda low.

    There are private lawyers who don't do as good a job as public defenders. Just because you're paying money doesn't mean you've got a good one. Even a good one might not be able to do much if the DA has a great case and doesn't want to play ball.

    I've been taught to stand by people, too. I've also been taught that people are responsible for their own actions. There's a fine line between helping and enabling. I hope your choices keep you on the right side of that line.

  11. #11
    Sitri
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    Default Re:Attorney Fees

    Quote Originally Posted by tRoUbLeMaKeR link=board=1;threadid=12571;start=msg162623#msg162 623 date=1093369483
    about your last question.... about if it doesn't come out in his favor... what does that have to do with the lawyer?
    I know little about criminal law, but are there appeals, how would that be handled.

    If he does a quick plea bargain on the felony down to a misdemeanor instead of being found not guilty, is that an acceptable result for your money?

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    Featured Member tRoUbLeMaKeR's Avatar
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    Default Re:Attorney Fees

    hmmm.... thanks guys. I guess I'll be calling a couple more lawyers tomorrow. I tried to talk to my fiance about the whole situation. He said I was too focused on moeny and it didn't end on a good note so I guess we'll see in the morning. Thanks everyone!
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

  13. #13
    God/dess MojoJojo's Avatar
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    Default Re:Attorney Fees

    He said I was too focused on moeny
    Oh for fuck's sake. Yeah...stop being stop a cheapskate when it comes to YOU spending money on HIS fuck ups.

    Yanno what? A LOT of people have shitty childhoods. Yanno what happens when you become a GROWN UP? You become RESPONSIBLE.

    So now you have a nice little project...a fixer-upper. And you are going to run yourself into debt trying to fix it. Trying. And trying.

    You think you're the only one who has done this? No. Do you think you'll be more successful than the millions who have tried this before you? Well, you probably think so.

    Ever see a story about someone who is obese, and the spouse complains, but keeps on cooking 50 pounds of bacon for breakfast?

    I appreciate your concern for this person's well being. What you are doing will not help him or you. He needs to pull up his huggies and learn how to fend for himself, and you need to pull your teet from his mouth.
    "The problem with the world is that everyone is a few drinks behind."
    -Humphrey Bogart

    "Sir, if you were my husband, I would poison your drink."
    -Lady Astor to Winston Churchill
    "Madam, if you were my wife, I would drink it."
    -His reply

    "If God had intended us to drink beer, He would have given us stomachs."
    -David Daye

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    Veteran Member stant's Avatar
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    Default Re:Attorney Fees

    For better or worse, troublemaker is looking for some practical advice about hiring a lawyer for her fiance, whom she undoubtedly loves and intends to spend her life with. She didn't ask for relationship advice.

    Regarding the advice forthcoming so far, sitri is mistaken about how crim defense lawyers bill for this type of matter. The flat rate troublemaker was quoted for defending the new pending charges will cover all costs and attorney fees up to trial. Crim D lawyers (except white collar crim defense) always bill this way because, a) almost no cases go to trial, and b) try billing a guy in jail for photocopy costs and attorney fees. Money in advance, always. Trial and appeals are not covered. Expert fees won't be covered either. More on this later.


    Jay's post was more on point. I'll add some specifics.

    Your profile says you live in Baltimore, MD. I'll assume this is true.

    I'm also assuming the $1000 for the former felony matter will cover defending some type of probation violation, possibly an FTA of some sort. This might be money well spent. Be aware Maryland will no doubt want their share of your cash as well. (I'm guessing $700 for an FTA) I suggest you let your fiance do a little community service to work off this part of the financial damage. Competant crim D attorneys I know here in LA charge $300/hour. $1K is fine.

    The new charges are an entirely different issue. I'm guessing your bad boy did a little jail time before you bonded him out. I hope so. You'll get monetary credit for any time he spent in custody. Sounds like he got popped for a DUI and the cop threw on a few gratuitous charges. The alluding on military property charge, however, is very puzzling. This is a Federal bust, and an entirely different criminal system (courts and jails). I hope you are mistaken about this; if true, it could substantially increase the costs and complexity. Worse is that you cannot jointly plea the cases. $1600 would be far too low to defend state and fed crim matters. So I'll assume wonder boy is only facing state charges. DUI and reckless are typically misdemeanors, unless someone was injured. Alluding could be mis-D or felony. The troubling-fiance probably mouthed off to the cops and they threw in felony alluding. This would explain the $9K bail amount. A DUI felony bail would be much higher, probably $25K.

    The good news: From what I know, Baltimore county jail is overcrowded. Getting popped in counties with overcrowded jails is good. The DA's will be much more generous with plea offers. I predict the DA will offer to drop the alluding, reckless, and speeding violations for a guilty plea on the DUI. I doubt the cops have any real evidence on these side charges, aside from their own testimony, which a good attorney could probably rip apart (like it or not, most cops lie in court). This is the deal you will get for $1600. Do not forget the DUI guilty plea will set you back another $600 or more in fines. Trouble-man will also have to go to Saturday morning classes and meetings for months. I wouldn't plan on moving to Texas before springtime 2005.

    A PD will probably get the this same exact plea deal at no charge. Although the PD's have a heavy case load, many of them are pretty good, and even better, have tight relationships with the DA's and judges. No reason not to at least start with a PD, see how you feel about them, and then consider upgrading. If your boy is out, why the rush to spend money on a private attorney. No way is the $1600 guy going to do the discovery and expert work that take the defense to the next level. Make your next call to the PD office.

    Or you could immediately opt for an upgrade to a real criminal defense lawyer. I'm guessing that $4000 will get you counsel that will be able to weasel the DA down to a wet reckless plea. If he or she is really good, maybe dry reckless. In California, this plea arrangement is also highly dependant on the blood alcohol of the driver. More than 2.0 is bad, under 1.0 is good. Not sure about MD. I'd go this route, but it doesn't sound like you can afford it.

    I don't know any crim-d lawyers in Baltimore, but I do know the best DUI attorney in Southern Cal. The guy works magic. He may know someone in MD. I'll send you a link to his website if you send me a message.

    Nolo press puts out great books on this sort of thing. Also check their web site:
    http://www.nolo.com/lawcenter/index....6A1E017A20FE13

    http://www.nolo.com/lawstore/product...652A257D80DABE

    Your fiance is very lucky to have you. Our current president once faced similar problems that your boy is facing (as did his daughters). People should not be so quick to judge.

    Best of luck.



  15. #15
    God/dess MojoJojo's Avatar
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    Default Re:Attorney Fees

    Your fiance is very lucky to have you.
    Unfortunately, he is also having no problems with fucking you over.
    "The problem with the world is that everyone is a few drinks behind."
    -Humphrey Bogart

    "Sir, if you were my husband, I would poison your drink."
    -Lady Astor to Winston Churchill
    "Madam, if you were my wife, I would drink it."
    -His reply

    "If God had intended us to drink beer, He would have given us stomachs."
    -David Daye

  16. #16
    God/dess onlythebest's Avatar
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    Default Re:Attorney Fees

    Quote Originally Posted by MojoJojo link=board=1;threadid=12571;start=msg163288#msg163 288 date=1093433094
    Your fiance is very lucky to have you.
    Unfortunately, he is also having no problems with fucking you over.
    This is true.I believe in helping others' to a certain degree,but after you reach that point,it's just taking advantage of the helping person.Please identify which is the reality.
    One of woman's cardinal rule: Body parts can be fake,everything else has to be real.

    一个女人的枢机规则:肢体可以伪造,一切必须真实.

    中国大CHINESE BIG BOOBS!!!中国大




  17. #17
    tampafldancer
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    Default Re:Attorney Fees

    wow sweetie, i think you really need to take a look at your relationship from "outside the box"

    What your post says to me is that he just doesn't give a FLYING FUCK about you(sorry 4 the french)

    Then he is so arrogant to say you are to focused on money!! PLEASE!!! find yourself a real man. There are plenty out there that WOULDNT EXPECT you to pay for their problems.
    Part of standing BY SOMEONE, is picking someone WHO IS WORTH IT!!!!

    been there, done it and FOUND myself a real man.

    Don't pay for his legal bills, im warning you that it will only get worse once he knows you are an easy target

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    Veteran Member stant's Avatar
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    Default Re:Attorney Fees

    Mojo, if the genders were reversed would you feel the same way?

    [I know, I know....YES....followed by bitter ranting....]

    Trouble : I forgot to mention that California has this nasty law where when you get arrested on a DUI they take you license, and to get it back pending the outcome of your case you need to set a DMV hearing within 10 days of the arrest. If MD has such a law you need to act on it right away.

    For info on picking prospective lawyers, see:
    http://hutton-wilson.com/DUI-legal-strategies.htm

    [check out his record. All true.]

    and

    http://www.ncdd.com/


  19. #19
    God/dess MojoJojo's Avatar
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    Default Re:Attorney Fees

    Yes, Newbie...I would feel exactly the same way....and with no bitter rambling whatsoever. I have a dear friend who is in the same position (as the male in question) ...and in need of her boyfriend's financial help...again. In this case...I cannot backup my friend. She has fucked up too many times, and taken advantage of him too many times. It's not bitter...it's basic logic.

    As for the California law - yeah? And? It's a DUI...I'm not real fond of drunks on the road in my neighborhood where my child plays. Go to jail, bend over, and grab your ankles.
    "The problem with the world is that everyone is a few drinks behind."
    -Humphrey Bogart

    "Sir, if you were my husband, I would poison your drink."
    -Lady Astor to Winston Churchill
    "Madam, if you were my wife, I would drink it."
    -His reply

    "If God had intended us to drink beer, He would have given us stomachs."
    -David Daye

  20. #20
    Veteran Member stant's Avatar
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    Default Re:Attorney Fees

    Remember innocent until proven guilty? Innocent means innocent. A bedrock principle that used to mean something.

    God forbid you ever get falsely accused of a crime.

    I have a strong feeling your flippant judgements would come to a screeching halt.

    Look. Maybe this guy is a complete loser and leech. But maybe not. She wanted info about attorneys fees and crim defense and I offerred some input. I'll agree the situation smells a bit foul, which is why I wanted her to get the full potential picture of what lies ahead, including a major problem delaying her move to Texas, and substantial fines in addition to attorney's fees.



  21. #21
    Jay Zeno
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    Default Re:Attorney Fees

    stant, you gave excellent advice regarding the attorney fees.

    As far as a pissing contest between you and MoJo, he's advising her not to take on an ongoing thankless project. You're advising her about attorney fees.

    All both good. MoJo's not saying anything about falsely accused, and Trouble didn't say anything about "I think he's innocent."

    Back to topic: Trouble, listen to what stant says about lawyers. Please listen to what almost everyone else is saying about taking on a project. You might even try a test: "I'm doing all the work and paying the money. You might try helping me to find a lawyer for you." If he doesn't want to do that much.......

  22. #22
    God/dess Emily's Avatar
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    Default Re:Attorney Fees

    Correct...it wasn't the advice the OP was looking for, but when it's screaming to be said, I will give unsolicited advice. I figure I can save her a small fortune in legal fees this way!

    This guy is a loser. Sorry.

    Sure, our incomes are good, but it doesn't come without a price. Now, I'm cool with that because it's part of what I signed up for, but to go through all the work BS (guys grabbing or just basic treating me like a second-class person) just to keep a moocher boyfriend out of jail seems crazy! And he sits there and complains about her being too focused on money. He should be grateful for her help and figuring out a plan to pay her back. That's what any normal, self-respecting human being who respects their partner would do...male or female.

  23. #23
    God/dess Emily's Avatar
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    Default Re:Attorney Fees

    Quote Originally Posted by stant link=board=1;threadid=12571;start=msg163351#msg163 351 date=1093442083
    Remember innocent until proven guilty? Innocent means innocent. A bedrock principle that used to mean something.

    God forbid you ever get falsely accused of a crime.

    I have a strong feeling your flippant judgements would come to a screeching halt.

    Look. Maybe this guy is a complete loser and leech. But maybe not. She wanted info about attorneys fees and crim defense and I offerred some input. I'll agree the situation smells a bit foul, which is why I wanted her to get the full potential picture of what lies ahead, including a major problem delaying her move to Texas, and substantial fines in addition to attorney's fees.


    Okay, you've made three posts total on this bulletin board, and they are all defending this guy.

    Are you troublemaker's boyfriend!? :

  24. #24
    Veteran Member stant's Avatar
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    Default Re:Attorney Fees

    Quote Originally Posted by Emily link=board=1;threadid=12571;start=msg163356#msg163 356 date=1093442613
    ...

    Sure, our incomes are good, but it doesn't come without a price. Now, I'm cool with that because it's part of what I signed up for, but to go through all the work BS (guys grabbing or just basic treating me like a second-class person) just to keep a moocher boyfriend out of jail seems crazy! And he sits there and complains about her being too focused on money. He should be grateful for her help and figuring out a plan to pay her back. That's what any normal, self-respecting human being who respects their partner would do...male or female.

    Amen to this. I completely agree. Well put.

    But isn't having a moocher boyfriend part of the whole stripper lifestyle package? [please say no....]

  25. #25
    Veteran Member stant's Avatar
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    Default Re:Attorney Fees

    Quote Originally Posted by Emily link=board=1;threadid=12571;start=msg163358#msg163 358 date=1093442917
    Quote Originally Posted by stant link=board=1;threadid=12571;start=msg163351#msg163 351 date=1093442083
    Remember innocent until proven guilty? Innocent means innocent. A bedrock principle that used to mean something.

    God forbid you ever get falsely accused of a crime.

    I have a strong feeling your flippant judgements would come to a screeching halt.

    Look. Maybe this guy is a complete loser and leech. But maybe not. She wanted info about attorneys fees and crim defense and I offerred some input. I'll agree the situation smells a bit foul, which is why I wanted her to get the full potential picture of what lies ahead, including a major problem delaying her move to Texas, and substantial fines in addition to attorney's fees.


    Okay, you've made three posts total on this bulletin board, and they are all defending this guy.

    Are you troublemaker's boyfriend!? :

    I was referring to the California law suspending your driver's license prior to a conviction, not trouble's bo. BTW I checked and MD has a similar law.

    I'm not her boyfriend, nor licensed to practice law in Maryland. However, I'm certainly willing to change both of those, preferably at the same time. I draw the line at moving to Texas.

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