Approved methods

The firm communicates with clients through approved channels only. Email is the preferred method of communication. Phone calls and conferences are scheduled in advance, except for time-sensitive court matters.

Response times

The firm makes reasonable efforts to respond promptly, but responses are not immediate. Court appearances, hearings, travel, and workload may delay responses. Repeated messages do not speed up a response. A lack of response generally means no material development has occurred in the case.

Text messaging

Text messaging is available for limited administrative purposes only and is generally disfavored for legal communication. Text messages:

• Are not monitored continuously
• May not be seen promptly
• Do not establish notice, receipt, or a duty to respond

Do not rely on text messages for substantive, time-sensitive, or legal matters.

Third-party communications

The firm does not communicate through third parties. Friends, family members, and others may not contact the firm on a client's behalf for updates, strategy, or explanations.

Social media and personal contact

Clients may not contact the attorney or staff through social media, direct messages, personal phone numbers, passed messages, or public posts. Contact through these channels will not receive a response.

Abusive or excessive communications

Harassment, threats, abusive language, repeated accusations, or manipulative communications may result in communication being limited to writing, documentation in the case file, or termination of representation or a motion to withdraw where permitted.

Courts, not attorneys, control case timelines. The firm does not provide on-demand updates, instant responses, or explanations for court delay.

Purpose and scope

Court-appointed counsel protects your constitutional right to representation in the specific case named in the court's appointment order. Appointment does not include unrelated matters, civil issues, appeals (unless separately appointed), probation or parole issues, or jail conditions. Representation ends at final disposition, substitution of counsel, or court-approved withdrawal.

Communication

Email is preferred. Phone calls are generally reserved for court-related emergencies or scheduled conferences. Messages sent outside business hours are reviewed as time permits.

Appointments

Appointments are required at all times, and walk-ins are not accepted. Court appearances, travel, and other obligations may limit availability.

Court scheduling

Court dates are set by the court. Continuances must be legally justified and approved by the court. Counsel cannot file motions without legal grounds.

Jail communications

Jail calls are monitored and recorded. Legal advice is not given over recorded lines. Do not discuss your case with anyone on a recorded line.

Your responsibilities

Attend every court date, comply with court orders, keep your contact information current, communicate respectfully, and be honest with your attorney. Harassment, threats, or abusive conduct toward counsel or staff may be documented with the court or result in a motion to withdraw where permitted.

Legal strategy decisions are made by counsel in accordance with the law and ethical rules.

Scope of representation

Representation is limited to the matter described in your written fee agreement. Unless separately agreed, it does not include appeals, post-judgment matters, probation or parole issues, civil matters, or unrelated issues. Representation ends at final disposition, substitution of counsel, or court-approved withdrawal.

Fees and billing

Fees are governed by the written fee agreement. Payment does not entitle a client to frivolous filings, immediate responses, or actions not supported by law or fact. Failure to meet payment terms may result in suspension of work or withdrawal where permitted.

Communication and appointments

Email is preferred. Calls and conferences are scheduled in advance, except for time-sensitive court matters. Appointments are required at all times, and walk-ins are not accepted.

Scheduling and strategy

Court dates and deadlines are controlled by the court. Strategic decisions are made by counsel under applicable law, procedural rules, and ethical obligations. Retention does not guarantee an outcome.

Your responsibilities

Provide accurate information, comply with court orders, attend required appearances, keep your contact information current, and communicate respectfully. Harassment, threats, or abusive conduct may result in termination of representation or a motion to withdraw where permitted.

Confinement limits communication and access. Representation does not include frequent updates, immediate responses, or ongoing status reports unless there is a material development in the case.

Jail and prison phone calls

• Calls are recorded and monitored
• Legal advice is not given over recorded lines
• Excessive or repeated calls are not required to be returned
• Calling repeatedly does not speed up action or response

Communication happens mainly through court appearances, written correspondence, and formal filings and court notices.

Third-party contact

Friends and family may not contact the attorney on a client's behalf for updates. Indirect messages and repeated letters demanding responses where there is no case activity do not create a duty to respond.

Updates

The firm does not provide routine check-ins, explanations of court delay, timelines for appellate decisions, or confirmation that a case is still pending. The firm will contact you when a material development occurs. A lack of contact does not mean a lack of action.

An appeal is not a new trial

Appellate courts do not hear witnesses, consider new evidence, or reweigh facts. Review is limited to the written trial record and the legal issues preserved for appeal. Disagreeing with a verdict or sentence does not, by itself, create an appealable issue.

Timelines

Appeals involve long periods of inactivity, and months may pass with no filings or orders. The appellate court controls briefing schedules, submission, and decisions.

When you will hear from me

Because appeals often have no developments for long periods, the firm does not send routine status updates. You will be notified when a material event occurs, such as:

• Filing of a brief or motion
• An order from the appellate court
• A decision or mandate

Possible outcomes

Outcomes include affirmance, dismissal, reversal or remand, or partial relief. No outcome is guaranteed.

No-merit filings

If, after reviewing the record and the law, counsel finds no meritorious issue, counsel may file a motion to withdraw or a no-merit brief as permitted by law (including Anders procedures). These filings are a recognized, ethical part of appellate practice.

Appeals and postconviction relief

An appeal is separate from postconviction proceedings such as Rule 32 petitions. Representation on appeal does not include postconviction relief unless separately appointed or retained.