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Joslyn Law Firm
Financing Options

Financing Options

Finding a criminal attorney who is trustworthy, dedicated, and knowledgeable in DUI cases is no easy task. Once you find this attorney, your next concern is likely how you're going to pay for representation.

Financing Your Ohio DUI Case

Some attorneys work on a flat fee basis and others charge an hourly rate. It is not advisable to select legal representation based solely on how low the attorney's fees are. Selecting an attorney should be done with the same care you select a physician to perform a major operation. You want to ensure that your attorney is not only qualified, but has the resources and time to spend working effectively on your case.

Information on Payment Options for an Ohio OVI Lawyer

Questions to Consider When Determining if an Attorney Fee is Reasonable

Considering the possible consequences of moving forward without legal counsel, hiring an attorney should be considered an investment against potentially life-altering repercussions.

In determining the fees for a criminal case and narrowing down financing options, the following should be considered carefully:

Is the DUI a felony or misdemeanor?
What is the degree of the felony or misdemeanor?
Are there other charges involved?
Does the defendant have prior criminal history?
What is the available evidence to support the defense?
Did the defendant fail a field sobriety test or DUI chemical test?

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Working with Your Financial Situation

Men and women charged with OVI in Ohio come from varying backgrounds. However, the ultimate goal is still finding the best outcome, no matter the history of the person charged with the offense. We firmly believe that a person's financial situation should be no obstacle in securing strong legal representation.

For this reason, Joslyn Law Firm offers several convenient payment options for clients facing charges in Hamilton County, Franklin County, Clermont County, Clinton County, or Butler County.

Don't let potential legal fees deter you from working with an attorney. Contact our law firm for a free consultation and learn more about potential payment options. Call today.

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Why Hire Joslyn Law Firm?

We invite you to contact our law firm for a free consultation. During your initial discussion with our DUI attorneys, you will immediately see the difference in our approach. For us, you are not just another number. You are a person in need of help with a unique background and future goals. It is our priority to preserve your future.

With the Joslyn Law Firm, you can rest assured that you are working with an attorney who is highly experienced in OVI cases and dedicated to your cause. Your case will see the benefit from personalized attention and honest communication. We understand the stress you're facing and make every effort to minimize the intrusion of the charges on your life and that of your loved ones.

Our guidance can go a long way towards:

Creating a unique strategy for your defense;
Fighting for reasonable bail arrangements;
Disputing police reports;
Protecting your constitutional rights;
Fighting against police misconduct;
Disputing illegal search, seizure, and arrests;
Filing favorable motions, such as those to suppress evidence or dismiss the case;
Utilizing outside resources, such as independent investigators and experts;
When necessary, negotiate plea bargains;
Weakening the prosecution's case against you; and
Challenging testimony of opposing witnesses.

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Be Wary of Bargains on Attorney Fees

The cliché "you get what you pay for" applies double for hiring a criminal defense attorney. It is understandable that you want to minimize the financial impact of hiring an attorney, but it is important to be cautious of language that promises up front Flat Fees. How can an attorney estimate the cost of the defense without a thorough consultation? You want to make sure you get the attention you need to succeed rather than a cheap DUI lawyer in Cincinnati who is handling a large caseload.

Other attorneys may offer Pay-As-You-Go agreements, which allow you to make payments for each stage of a case. This payment type can be problematic if you run out of funds and are unable to pay for certain stages of a case. The pretrial preparation, for example, is crucial towards building a strong long-term strategy for your defense. If this is not adequately funded, your attorney may not be able to prepare for trial.

Our law firm provides you with an in-depth consultation of your legal options. This allows us to understand the elements surrounding your DUI case and identify possible paths to pursue. We then charge a reasonable flat fee based on our analysis of your case.

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Full Disclosure of All Costs Involved

When hiring a DUI attorney, you need to ensure that you will be provided full disclosure of any involved costs. If an attorney utilizes the services of investigators or experts, the cost of these services should be included in the up-front fee paid. However, if the attorney wishes to add the costs of using non-legal support in an additional fee, they are required to discuss this with you. A general rule of thumb is 10% of legal fees for potential external legal fees.

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Options for Financing Your Criminal Case

While our law firm requires full payment in advance, we also understand this is not always possible. Emergencies and finance issues can affect a person's ability to finance their cases quickly. Many people take advantage of outside assistance to pay for an attorney. This commonly includes family members, credit cards, home equity, and other loans.

Using a Personal Loan

There are two types of loans that are commonly used to finance legal cases: secured and unsecured. These loans can come from a bank, broker, or private investment company. These loans are different from a personal line of credit, where the borrower has access to funds as needed, up to a limit.

With an unsecured loan, your credit history, employment, and residence must be established. However, collateral is not necessary to qualify. Since the interest rate on an unsecured loan can be higher than a secured loan, you should closely examine your ability to repay in a timely manner and avoid paying excessive interest rates.

The interest rate on a secured loan is often significantly lower because collateral is provided to the lender. Collateral can include any real property or personal asset given to the lender as security against default. Again, you must consider your ability to repay the loan in order to keep your collateral from being taken.

Real Property Loans

This type of loan is secured by real property, which includes any structure, dwelling, or land used for residential or commercial purposes. The security for a real property loan can include a mortgage or deed. The loan must be repaid as defined in the contract or the property can be forfeit.

Home Equity Loans

For people who have paid off their home or are in the process of doing so, a home equity loan may be available. The amount of money given in this type of loan depends on how much you have invested in the home. A home equity loan can carry a lot less interest than with a personal loan, but your home is also attached to the loan as collateral.

Refinancing

Some people choose to refinance their property at a lower interest rate. This can provide them with more money to spend, lowered monthly payments, and lower fees on cash withdrawals.

Pawn Shop Loans

You may be able to take valuable items, including jewelry, antiques, and electronics to a pawn shop for a loan. The items are then appraised and a loan is given on the quoted value. Unfortunately, the quoted value is often lower than the item's actual value. These loans also must be paid within 30 days or the items can be sold off by the pawnshop.

Title Loans

If you own a car, you may be able to qualify for a title loan. This type of loan may have a maturity rate of 30 days and about 25% interest. The loan would allow you to retain the vehicle, but the title is held by the lender until the loan repayments have been fully completed. The amount of money that can possibly be granted depends on the model, brand, and condition of the vehicle. However, the loan can't exceed half of the vehicle's value and failure to repay the loan can result in the vehicle's forfeit.

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Finding an Affordable DUI Lawyer in Cincinnati OH

While this webpage does contain general information on common financing options, you likely have additional questions about the process and fees involved. Please contact our law firm for a free consultation.

Not only will you learn more about your defense options, we can also shed more light into the various financing options available to you. Call for more information.

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