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Many clients have indicated they were intimidated to call an attorney. Please do not feel reluctant. Attorneys (whether judge, magistrate, arbitrator, mediator, prosecutor or private attorney) wake up each day, shower & go to work just as you do. All attorneys have taken an oath to represent their client's interests zealously within the bounds of the law, and each has a fiduciary obligation (trust) to clients. Contrary to the jokes we've all heard, nearly all volunteer time to the community and work hard for clients. I am quite informal and after 20+ years of practice, your problem is likely not new to me. I hope this dispels any fear factor. Given the complexity of law and possible severity of consequences or sanctions, it is frequently advisable to retain an attorney familiar with the relevant type of law to assist you. However in less serious circumstances, such as minor traffic infractions, I usually recommend the prospective client not retain counsel unless combined with more serious matters or unless particular unacceptable consequences may result. Many attorneys offer a free first visit. You may consult with any number of attorneys before finally selecting the one to represent you. Be comfortable with the attorney you retain and with your assessment of his / her competence. Special circumstances requiring immediate action. Domestic violence criminal charges and domestic abuse civil injunctions have very serious consequences which permeate well beyond the orders of the trial court. Domestic violence criminal cases are set for trial on a "fast track" expedited docket - jury trial date usually 60 day from the date of alleged offense. 60 days is very little time for motions hearing and criminal jury trial defense preparation, and the court is reluctant to grant continuances. Domestic abuse civil injunctions are set for hearing on permanent restraining orders approximately 10 days after filing the lawsuit and issuance of a temporary restraining order. 10 days is a scramble to learn the facts of the case, interview witnesses or have private investigation conducted, serve each subpoena and subpoena duces tecum with 48 hours mandatory notice prior to hearing, and prepare for a contested final orders hearing. In each type of case, time is very short. Be comfortable with the counsel you retain, but move quickly. Most attorneys (including myself) will decline a case if insufficient time exits to adequately prepare for trial, and you can not count on a continuance or delay in domestic violence or domestic abuse cases. I have included a significant amount of information in this website, however ask that visitors read the below notice and disclaimer and first consultation advisement before proceeding further. I've also included information regarding community resources. Should you require legal representation in one of the areas of my practice, I look forward to meeting you.
Adobe
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website For visitors' convenience and education, I have provided a substantial amount of information in the linked pages contained in this website, including governmental and other community agencies or resources (addresses, phone numbers and links), law, procedure and forms, as well as legal research resources. In each law topic I have included an information page which answers common questions people have asked and which may address aspects of litigation relevant to your current circumstances. I hope some of the information provided in my site may be useful to you, however this information is not legal advice - you should not rely on it. Everything on these web pages should be construed only as general educational information to the public. Although I have made sincere efforts to provide correct information, law changes rapidly and I do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or current status of any information contained in this website. Do not assume the information provided herein pertains to your given facts or circumstances or rely upon it. Applicable law may vary depending on the facts of each case. If you have a legal question or problem, consult an attorney licensed in the relevant state. CAVEAT: I make no promise or guarantee that any agency or website will remain at the locations indicated, or remain active. All linked sites were free when last visited unless otherwise indicated - but I make no promise they'll stay free. No warranty is made regarding reliability, efficiency or integrity of any agency or website referenced herein. NOTICE: attorney does not endorse any
referenced agency, website or product From the Website Index Gateway page you should be able to navigate easily throughout this entire website to any topic of interest. I've also included an abbreviated index page with links to a few common areas of interest. The Colorado Quick Index page provides a limited number of links to multiple topics of interest such as Colorado Statutes, Rules of Evidence, Rules of Procedure, New Legislation, City and County Ordinances, State Agency Regulations, State Court Opinions, Colorado Legal Forms and service providers such as laboratories, process service and private investigation. In essence, it's a short conglomeration. Individual pages are contained in this website discussing specific types of cases. Within each specific topic you will find a statement which identifies which fee structure is offered for particular type of case. Some pages identify a common fee or trust deposit for that type of matter - actual fee quotes may vary. In other legal matters, it is not practical to estimate fees without an opportunity to learn the facts and circumstances of the legal problem. I offer a free initial consultation for that very purpose. Fee structures, trust deposits and billing procedures are located in the Attorney's Fees and Costs page. Within each specific topic page you will find reference to a fee structure and may find a common fee or trust deposit for that type of matter - actual quotes may vary. It is not practical to estimate fees without an opportunity to learn the facts and circumstances of the legal problem. I offer a free initial consultation to identify the potential legal problems and possible courses of action, estimate costs and offer an attorney fee quote.
Unless otherwise indicated, all pages herein Copyright
©
February 12, 2001, Robert D. Gustafson, All Rights Reserved.
Copyright 2001 - All
Rights Reserved - Document Revised:
May 11, 2008
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