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What to have available
Keep these items for your conversation with the firm. This checklist does not upload or save your information.
Documents depend on the issue
For a financial allegation, identify the relevant business, accounts and dates without sending account numbers through the website. For a probation matter, have the supervision order and the alleged-violation notice available, if you have them.
Questions to ask before hiring
- What work would the representation cover, and what would require a separate agreement?
- What are the fees, payment arrangements and costs to discuss?
- What documents should be shared, and through which channel?
- Who will contact you, in which language, and what is the next step?
If you are helping a detained relative
Tell the firm that you are asking about a relative. If known, provide the court, case number, place of detention and next hearing date during your conversation. The firm can explain how to coordinate contact and discuss who needs representation.
What happens after you send the form
The form asks how to contact you. It is a consultation request; the firm must follow up to coordinate a time. The initial consultation is free. Ask about the scope and fees for any representation separately.
If a court date or deadline is close, call 305-442-0425 and mention it. Sending a form does not change a court date or confirm representation.
Check court information at the source
- Miami-Dade Clerk: criminal cases and records ↗
- Eleventh Judicial Circuit: criminal case resources ↗
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida ↗
Keep the original notices and discuss any mismatch with the firm or the court. A website checklist does not determine the requirements or deadlines for a particular case.