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Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT WILL YOU CHARGE FOR MY CASE?
 
As part of the initial consultation, the attorneys will work with you to establish a fee agreement that is most appropriate for your case and that is comfortable to you.  
 
Depending on the nature of your case, we work on a "flat fee", "contingency" or an "hourly" basis.
 
A "flat fee" is commonly charged in criminal cases.  The fee might be anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.  The range depends upon the complexity of your case and the seriousness of the charges.  
 
The benefit of the flat fee is that many clients prefer to know at the outset how much they are going to have to pay.  For some, it is simply too scary to wait for a potentially huge bill every month.   
 
In personal injury cases, a "contingency" fee agreement is most often utilized. Generally speaking, 33% of whatever is recovered will pay the attorney's fees.
 
Finally,  some cases are handled on an "hourly" basis.  In this case, you will usually be required to pay a retainer up-front, which will be debited periodically to cover accrued charges.  When the initial retainer is depleted, you may be asked to replenish it depending on the progress of your case.  
 
It is important to note that in all types of fee agreements, you will also be required to pay gross receipts tax (currently 7.875% of the fee) and any costs advanced on your behalf. Costs include things like the Motor Vehicle Hearing fee, police reports, subpoena and transcription fees, expert witness fees, postage, copies, etc.  
DO YOU OFFER FREE CONSULTATIONS?
 
Yes, we do!  An Initial Case Consultation is not only helpful to you, the client, but it also gives us invaluable insight into the details of your legal matter.  
 
It allows us to gain a better understanding of the scope of your case and how we can be of assistance in developing the best strategy for you.

SHOULD I REPRESENT MYSELF OR USE A PUBLIC DEFENDER IF ONE IS AVAILABLE TO ME?

 

In most cases, it is not a good idea to represent yourself.  You would be required to navigate a complex, and often confusing, legal system where the stakes are often very high.  In fact, your liberty and future opportunities may well be compromised if you do not understand the charges and penalties that you are facing.  

 

If you lack the resources to hire an attorney, and you have been charged with a crime, you are entitled to have a public defender represent you at little to no cost.

 

Public Defenders are fine attorneys but there are some drawbacks to being represented by one; specifically, their caseloads are often far too high to give your case the attention it deserves.

 

Public defenders also often switch assignments so frequently that you end up with a new attorney each time you go to court.  These factors can make it hard to get real answers about the progress of your case and can leave you feeling frustrated and anxious.  

 

At the Robert R. Cooper Law Firm, we pride ourselves at exceptional customer service.  We are available twenty four hours a day in case of emergency.

Question 4 Here
 
Answer.

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WHY SHOULD I HIRE YOUR FIRM TO HANDLE MY CASE?
 
  • We provide personal and aggressive legal representation
  • We are consistently recommended by satisfied clients
  • We offer free initial consultations
  • We are licensed to practice in all state and federal courts in New Mexico and in the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals
  • We have over 40 years of combined experience
 
We realize that regardless of the legal situation you are currently facing, you probably have a lot of questions and concerns about your options and what you should do next. As our client, you can be sure that we will passionately work to protect your rights.
 
We will make sure that you are informed with the legal process involved in your particular case, so that you are always able to make educated decisions about your future.

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