1.   What is the advantage of hiring a private attorney (privately retained counsel)?
        
    Although most lawyers who serve as court appointed attorneys are screened and evaluated for training and experience, clients do not get to choose which attorney will be appointed to their case.  

    When you hire a private attorney (retain private counsel), you get to choose your attorney.  You can base your choice of attorney on the attorney's education, experience, skill, reputation, how much you trust the attorney, how much confidence you have in the attorney, and how the attorney interacts with you.     

2.   What are the financial practices of hiring a private attorney (retaining private counsel)?

      It is the custom to pay for legal services at the time the private attorney is hired (retained).  The attorney's fee (retainer fee) is based upon the seriousness of the charges, the number of charges, the complexity of the factual situation, and any other forseeable legal issues that may be present in the case.  When a client hires an attorney, the client and the attorney sign a contract for services (retainer agreement). 

3.   Does the attorney's retainer fee cover investigative and expert fees?

      The attorney's retainer fee covers only the attorney's services.  Investigator and expert fees are additional expenses that are billed and paid for separately.  If investigative or expert services are needed in a case, these needs are discussed with the client.  Investigators and experts are hired with prior approval from clients.  

4.   How important is investigative support for the attorney?

      It is the experience of SARIA & SARIA that investigative support is critical and essential to the successful defense of all cases.  Prosecutors utilize law enforcement personnel and in-house investigators to conduct investigations and interview witnesses.  Investigators for SARIA & SARIA conduct their own investigations and also interview witnesses in order to uncover facts and evidence that support the the client's defense.

5.   How do I post bail?

      A licensed bail bond agent is authorized to post a bond to obtain the release of an individual in custody.  It is illegal for any attorney to refer anyone to a specific bail bond agent with the purpose of getting anything in return.  SARIA & SARIA does not engage in this practice.  Should there be a legal hold that may prevent the posting of a bail bond, SARIA & SARIA will work with a client's bail agent to have a court remove the hold, if possible.