1. How do I pay for my legal fees?In some cases, such as criminal defense, we must charge an hourly fee or flat fee for our services. Normally, this is accomplished through the use of a retainer, which is money given to us to hold in trust. The money is then withdrawn from the trust account after we provide you with a billing statement that reflects the services provided by us on your behalf.

As most of our clients are fighting against wealthy corporations and insurance companies, we also handle cases on a contingent fee basis. This means that if there is no monetary recovery for you, then you owe us nothing for our services. If we are able to obtain money for you, then we take a percentage of the recovery as payment for our services.

2. How do I pay for the expenses of the case? In most cases, Sloan Law Office, PLLC, will advance the expenses of the case and we will be paid back by you when there is a recovery. It is important to remember though that the expenses of the case must always be repaid, regardless of whether you win or lose your case.

3. How do you decide whether you will take my case? We look at many cases, and we are not a large law firm. Unfortunately, we are not able to help all of the people who ask for and need our help. We look at each case individually as it comes in. If we believe that we can be of service to you, then we will take your case. Often times we are required to associate with a larger firm in order to provide you with adequate representation.

4. How much is my case worth? The value of each case is different and must be evaluated separately. We take a great deal of time to come to a proper evaluation of your case. However, you must know that there is never a guarantee of any recovery.

5. I don't live in Idaho. How can you take my case? If you live outside Idaho, we associate with competent local counsel and work closely with them on your case. Since we associate with local counsel we are able to appear and practice in states where we are not licensed.

6 . How long will it take before we go to trial? This depends on the type of case you have, the jurisdiction of your trial, and other factors. Criminal defense cases will be set for trial much earlier than civil cases. In most civil cases, however, the court will issue a scheduling order within the first few months after the filing of your lawsuit. It is not unusual for a trial to be postponed from the original setting. It is also not unusual for your trial to occur more than a year after your complaint is filed.

7 . If there is a trial will I need to be there? Yes, if there is a trial, you must be present.

8. What is a deposition? During the course of your case you will most likely have to give a deposition. A deposition is a statement that is given under oath before a certified court reporter. In other words, the attorney for the opposing side has an opportunity to ask you questions about the case and your answers will be transcribed.

9. If my case settles, how long will it take before I receive money? Typically, once a case is settled, documents must be exchanged between both parties of the lawsuit. This process usually takes 30 to 45 days, but can take longer if your case involves special circumstances.

10. Will you speak with me before settling my case? Yes. No case is ever settled without your express consent. Whenever settlement negotiations are initiated by either party you will be informed, and it is only with your full participation, advice, and consent that your case will be settled. The same is also true with regard to plea bargains in criminal cases.