Kral Military Defense offers a free, 30-minute phone or video consultation with one of our attorneys.
Getting the most out of your consultation is essential. It can help you make informed decisions and make sure you feel comfortable with the people you have chosen to help you. Here are some tips to maximize the value of your consultation:
Be prepared.
Call us from a quiet place where you are by yourself and can speak freely. Your consultation is confidential, but not if other people are sitting in or can hear the conversation.
Make sure you have any paperwork related to your case in front of you, including reports of investigation, notification of ADSEP/discharge, notification of nonjudicial punishment (NJP), or preferred court-martial charges. This will help us more effectively consult with you.
Make a list of questions. Write things down to make sure you don’t forget any important details during the consultation.
Be ready to provide a concise overview of your situation. Include the charges against you, any evidence you have, and your version of events.
Research the attorney.
Look around the website and make sure the attorney has handled cases like yours. Check their reputation and reviews, including on Google and on the website. Verify their credentials and licensing with their state bar to ensure there is no history of discipline.
In military cases, it is extremely important that the attorney is familiar with and understands the military justice system and the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Check to see if they dabble in many different areas, or whether they focus exclusively on military justice.
Ask questions.
Ask us about our experience with cases like yours. Ask us about the type of process you might be going through. Ask about what types of strategies we use in a case like yours. Ask about our experiences with previous courts-martial, administrative separation boards, and nonjudicial punishments. Be upfront about your expectations. We will always be up front about our assessment of what to expect with your case. Never try to go down the rabbit hole of Google or Reddit trying to figure out how to handle your own case.
Be honest.
There is nothing you can say that is something we haven’t heard before. Give us all the information we request, including anything you find incriminating or embarrassing. This helps us figure out how we can best help you.
At the end of your consultation, we will give you a quote on how much our representation will cost. We never hide the ball with surprise fees or increases simply because your case is taking longer than anyone expected. It’s also important to be honest with us about what you can afford.
Trust your instincts.
Deciding who will represent you is extremely important. You want to use your consultation to get a gauge on the attorney’s knowledge and personality. You want an attorney who is the right fit for you and your case.
Remember that the purpose of a free consultation is to help you decide the best person to represent you. Making the right choice is crucial. To get a free consultation with Steph or Abby, contact Kral Military Defense today.