Serving Southwest Kansas Since 1907.
Frequently Asked Questions
"How much does an attorney cost?"
Cost varies based on the attorney, the type of issue, the complexity of the issue, the length of engagement the attorney anticipates, and, yes, the market. Generally, you can expect to pay in one of three ways: Flat Fee, Hourly Rate, or a Contingency Rate.
A Flat Fee is appropriate when the issue is a standard matter which generally does not vary in complexity or duration.
An Hourly Rate is appropriate when the length of the engagement, the complexity of the matter, or the client's needs determine it is so. A case with many variables and unknowns could take 1 month or 18+ months. (NOTE: With the arrival of the COVID-19 virus and its variants, such timelines are even more uncertain.)
Occasionally, a Contingency Rate is appropriate. This may be the case in a collections matter where recovery for the client is directly proportional to the efforts of the attorney and subsequent issues with recovery would be anticipated and covered by the contingency fee.
Typically, HMBCR and its client agree to an hourly rate basis, which itself can vary by attorney, client, matter, or even task. Talk to your attorney for more specific terms and rates.
"What is a Fee Deposit?"
A fee deposit is a sum of money, decided by your attorney, which is required to be placed in the law firm's trust account as a prerequisite to engaging an attorney and commencing work on your matter. The fee deposit remains the property of the client while in the law firm's trust account. Once the attorney has performed work on your matter, the attorney will transfer to the firm's operating account only that amount needed to pay for those services. If the matter is concluded for an amount less than the fee deposit, the remainder is returned to you. If the fee deposit becomes depleted during representation, the attorney may ask you to replenish it prior to continuing work.
A fee deposit may be required by either the attorney or by firm policy and varies based on circumstances.
"Do you accept Credit/Debit Cards?"
Yes, we accept Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards. For more information about how to pay your bill online or to make payment arrangements please contact our offices. Under certain circumstances fee deposits may also be paid by credit or debit card (contact us for more information). We also accept cash and checks.
"Do I REALLY need to talk to an attorney?"
If you're asking that question then the answer is most definitely YES!
It is a widely held but seldom spoken belief in every legal field that people often talk to an attorney AFTER they should have. If you have to talk to an attorney now because someone didn’t keep a promise, breached a contract, or got injured on your property you may be starting late. Even so, seeking legal advice is a wise decision. Knowing your rights, obligations or liability will help you make an informed decision.
Too many people think they won’t need an attorney or a contract because ‘Joe is my buddy, he wouldn’t break our deal!’ but what if you’re wrong? Few friendships last forever without hardship, protecting yourself by having an attorney help you think ahead and avoid issues can help friendships weather even the most tumultuous challenges.
Talking to your attorney early and often can also help you avoid large litigation costs down the road.
We can help get you on the right path to protecting your interests but you need to decide to step on that path.
"My friend was arrested but he says he's innocent and doesn't need an attorney."
Okay, not really a question but we do hear it a lot.
In a criminal law context, whether someone "did something wrong" or not (and especially if "not") they need an attorney to advocate for them.
Attorneys are not just for "criminals," they are there to protect the rights of the accused and, far too often, innocent people are accused.
Do not be foolish enough to think that "I don't need an attorney because I didn't do anything wrong." That is precisely why your friend DOES need an attorney. As sad as it sounds, rarely in terms of the law does it matter what someone did or didn't do. What matters is what that "jury of their peers," filled with strangers, believes the defendant capable of. The prosecutor, the judge, and the jury are all there based on the premise that a crime was committed and, even if they don't come out and say it, they all think you're friend probably did it. Your friend needs an advocate on their side that can help protect them from whatever conclusions the police jumped to that got your friend into that mess in the first place.
"What kind of criminal law cases do you take?"
Each person's case is as unique as they are.
Generally, however, we represent clients in most types of traffic and misdemeanor cases as well as in felony cases where the highest felony is a level 5 non-drug felony or lower, or a level 3 drug felony or lower. Call and speak with an attorney regarding if our representation in your case (or your friend's) is appropriate.