Case Evaluations and Consults
We offer no-obligation initial case evaluations for our services. Potential clients are welcome to call or stop by the office without a prior appointment in order to give their information and documentation (if any) to one of the office staff members. [The documentation can also be texted to (704) 208-4041 or emailed to Info@TateHelmsLaw.com.] Potential clients are also welcome to submit their information using our online contact form.
For many types of cases, such as routine traffic tickets, simple divorces, Driving While Impaired / DWI cases, etc., the staff member will be able to explain the legal process, timeframe, and attorney fee immediately to the potential client.
For more complicated types of cases, such as high-speed traffic tickets and more serious criminal charges, the attorney will first have to review the information and documentation that was provided by the potential client. The attorney typically reviews potential new cases in the late afternoon or early evening, after returning from the courthouse. The attorney will type specific instructions and follow-up questions into an electronic case file, and then a staff member will contact the potential client (often on the next business day after initial contact with the potential client) in order to provide an overview of how we could help, as well as a price quote.
If, after receiving this initial case evaluation, the potential client would like to discuss the matter directly with the attorney, then there is a $200.00 initial consult fee. The consult may be conducted either on the phone or in person. If the potential client later decides to hire the Firm, then the client will receive a credit for the initial consult fee against the total attorney fee. (For example, assume the total attorney fee for a case is $500.00. The potential client pays $200.00 to meet with the attorney. After meeting with the attorney, the potential client decides to hire the Firm. The client would now only owe an additional $300.00. Effectively, the initial consult is free of charge for persons who eventually hire the Firm.)
It is not necessary to make a prior appointment to drop off items or payments with the office staff.
Please click here for information about our office, including our hours of operation.