FAQs

Based in Salt Lake City and serving the entire State of Utah, Brass & Cordova is a criminal defense practice with expertise in the areas of homicide, white collar crimes, and sex crimes. We also handle select personal injury claims, including cases involving wrongful death and catastrophic injuries. Below we offer some general answers to frequently asked questions about retaining legal representation, choosing a lawyer, and attorney's fees. For more information about our professional services, or if you face any type of criminal charges, please contact Brass & Cordova for a complimentary consultation at a time convenient for you.

What are my chances of winning my case?

After investigating the circumstances of an arrest, looking at evidence, and assessing the criminal charges at issue, we will likely be able to tell if a case is strong or weak. However, time spent conjecturing about the likely outcome of a case is often better spent working on a compelling defense. This is because the strongest case can still be lost, and the weakest case can still be won, depending on how the facts and evidence are presented at trial.

Do you offer a guaranteed outcome?

Unfortunately, we cannot promise a guaranteed outcome in a criminal case. Even with the best legal representation, judges and juries, not lawyers, determine a defendant's fate at the conclusion of criminal proceedings. We can, however, set our sights on the best possible outcome for our client, and work tirelessly towards that goal.

How should I select a criminal defense attorney?

First and foremost, you should feel you can trust your attorney. In criminal cases, your defense attorney needs to know all of the facts in order to prepare your strongest defense. This means that you need to be able to talk to your attorney openly and honestly, knowing that he or she has your best interests at heart. To find the right lawyer, it is important to meet with several different attorneys, and select the one that instills confidence in you, and makes you feel comfortable.

Also, look for experience, specifically, trial experience. You need to know that your attorney can support you and stand by you, whatever lies ahead.

How much are the attorney's fees?

Attorney's fees vary depending on the type of case and charges at issue. Certain factors, however, generally make a case more or less complex, and in turn more or less expensive. According to the Utah State Bar, some factors to consider in determining a reasonable attorney's fee include:

  • The time and labor required, the novelty and difficulty of the questions involved, and the skill needed to perform the legal services properly
  • The likelihood that accepting a particular case will prevent the lawyer from taking other cases
  • The fee customarily charged for similar legal services
  • Time limitations imposed by the client or circumstances
  • The lawyer's experience, reputation, and ability

During your free initial consultation, we can discuss a reasonable attorney's fee in your case.