Know Your Rights

The Statute of Liberty, the Lady of Justice and the U.S. Constitution symbolize our principles of freedom, justice and due process of law. Attorneys are charged with the duty to protect these fundamental principles. You should have the freedom to choose your own attorney, to seek justice and to have your case tried before a jury of your peers.

Justice means being able to hire a personal injury attorney on a contingency fee basis when you do not have the financial ability to pay $150 - $250 per hour for an attorney who bills by the hour regardless of whether the attorney wins or losses your case. A contingent fee means paying the attorney a percentage of the recovery normally between 25% to 40% (depending on the complexity of the litigation) in the event of a recovery either by settlement or verdict. In the event of no recovery, the client owes the contingent fee attorney nothing for services rendered.

In the current session of the Texas Legislature, special interest legislation will be proposed to limit a person’s right to hire an attorney on a contingent fee basis. Why? Because in complex personal injury litigation these special interest groups know that personal injury attorneys take the risk of loosing large sums of money and receiving nothing for their services rendered when representing their clients on a contingent fee basis. If legislation can be passed reducing or limiting the contingent fee, they know it will have a "chilling" effect on contingent fee litigation. We invite you to join us in opposing any legislation restricting the right of the less fortunate victims of negligent acts to be able to hire an attorney on a contingent fee basis.

What is Justice?

1. Personal Injury

If you are severely injured by the negligence of another person or corporation, you should be allowed to recover damages for what you have lost. If you have suffered painful injuries; if you have lost the physical or mental ability to work; if you have been permanently injured; and if you have incurred substantial medical expenses, justice means having the right to recover what you have lost because of the negligence of another person or corporation.

2. Family Law

We seek justice for what is in the best interest for your children and for your family. When dealing with a divorce case we will seek a fair division of assets and debts. We will also seek possession or reasonable visitation with your children. Family law is a stressful and confusing situation. We will take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and explain to you what your legal rights will be concerning your case. Because we believe that every person should be afforded the right to competent, skilled, and professional legal services, we will make every reasonable effort to work with you on legal fees to make our representation affordable.

3. Criminal Law

The most important goals of American society are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. When you are charged with a crime, the government can take away those goals. When you or a loved one are charged with a crime, whether it be a misdemeanor or a felony, you have the legal rights that are guaranteed by the United States Constitution, the Constitution of the State of Texas, the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, and the laws of the State of Texas. For example, (1) You have the right to remain silent when questioned by law enforcement (we do recommend cooperating and giving your correct name, address and other basic background information to law enforcement officers). (2) You have the right to an attorney present when you make a statement to law enforcement. (3) You have the right to a jury trial, and, (4) You have the right to have a lawyer question witnesses testifying against you at trial.

Don’t gamble with your freedom, let us protect your legal rights.