Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do I need a lawyer?

   The Law is complex via highly technical rules and procedures coupled with constant change through newly decided cases by the Courts and new statutes passed by the Legislature.

2. Why do I need Mr. Colvin, Esq. to be my lawyer?

   My firm possesses the skills and experience to assist a layperson with the particular facts of their case. As a former prosecutor, I understand the power of the State and what it takes to navigate the Law successfully. As a litigator, I instill the confidence that only an experienced trial attorney can provide. Working together, we apply the facts to the relevant law and work diligently to predict outcomes and obtain favorable results.

3. How much is your legal fee?

   Every case is different so every fee is different depending upon the particular facts of the case. For qualified individuals, payment plans are available upon request.

4. Can you guarantee the outcome?

   Noone can guarantee the outcome of a case and it is unethical to do so. Working in tandem, we develop the case both factually and legally to weigh out what is possible versus what is probable. Then the client can make a well informed decision about what he/she desires to do in their particular case.

5. What if I already filed pleadings or went to court pro se without a lawyer but now need one myself?

   It is your right to have counsel in criminal cases and highly advisable to obtain one for any other type of legal matter. Even if you have started a case without an attorney or without the attorney of your choice, you may seek the benefits of retained counsel.

  However, it is always to your advantage to begin the proceedings represented by the lawyer of your choice. Damage, sometimes long lasting in nature, can occur even at the onset of legal proceedings.

6. Can the State take my children from me if I am charged with a crime?

  If you are charged with a crime and do not have the appropriate safeguards in place, it is possible for the State to remove your children from you. Time is of the essence, particularly for families with out-of-state relative placement options, as "red tape" can deny grandparents and others access to their children for long periods of time, and sometimes, permanently.

7. Most lawyers seem to be "out of the office" when I try to contact them, how can we best stay in touch?

   It is true that it is notoriously difficult to get ahold of lawyers due to their hectic schedules. However, at my firm you have many communication options. Personal consultations are always favored and the same are available for scheduling through my assistants during business hours.  We are available via mail, email, website and telephone 24/7. Just make sure to leave a detailed message and your inquiry will be answered, absent extraordinary circumstances, within 24 hours of receipt.

8. I showed up to Court without an attorney and the other party wants to offer me a "deal". What should I do?

   Since you are pro se, you may choose to do whatever you would wish. However, it is advisable to have counsel to review any agreement that you sign, in criminal or civil court, as you will be expected to live by the terms of any agreement, conceivably, for a long period of time.

9. What if I need treatment for addiction? Can that be part of my case without hurting my legal interests?

   Issues with addiction appear frequently in all cases, civil or criminal, and have a lasting impact upon people's lives and their loved ones. There is no shame in seeking help and the same can often be accomplished with little to no detriment to your case matter.

10. I really liked meeting you and I would like to hire you but I worry about the costs of representation. What should I do?

   It is important to only agree upon what you are able to do as all contracts with my office are in written form. My firm works as diligently as it can to provide quality service at a reasonable price to protect your interests in the short and long term. The costs of not addressing your legal issue in a timely and appropriate fashion, typically, vastly outweigh any short term cost of representation.