Ascheman & Smith: But I can’t afford an attorney.

Yesterday I had the chance to go to the Chanhassen Dinner Theater. The play (Another Night Before Christmas) was wonderful and the food was great - so was the conversation. The pertinent portion of the conversation was that a friend was being charged with a DWI. This is how most referrals start out. We love referral clients because it means that someone believes we are good enough for their friends. We love helping friends of friends, our business is about 70% referrals.

The problem was he didn’t want to call us. He didn’t want to call us because he felt he couldn’t afford an attorney. Now I completely understand. I’ve worked with a lot of people who were too rich for a “free attorney” (MN PD, LRC, NJC). But felt they couldn’t afford to actually pay an attorney. For those of you out there in the same situation I have two great news for you. 1) Prices are Down, 2) First Consultation is Free.

1) Prices are Down!
Most people believe that the cost that the attorney charges represents her ability or quality of service. This is simply not true. There are attorneys out there that will charge an arm & leg, but barely lift a finger for you. There are "free attorneys" that will fight for you like a well trained guard dog. Price does not equal quality.

In today’s economic market, many attorneys are trying to start their own firm, people have stopped going with the highest price they can afford and are looking for the best attorney they can get for a reasonable price. The result is many attorneys lowering their price to stay in the market. This means you can get high quality service for a lower price than you may expect.

2) First Consultation is Free!
I don't mean, if you pay cash we waive the first hour, or that you get 10% money back, or that you've initiated a contract with us simply by meeting us and you're stuck with us. Your first consultation is free. There are several firms in the area that offer this wonderful option, including Ascheman & Smith. Go in, talk to an attorney, call them, what's the harm? When you contact Ascheman & Smith, we will talk to you over the phone about your concerns. We'll make the effort to set up a time to meet face to face, on your schedule. This gives you a chance to meet us and see what we do. Above all it gives you the chance to ask some initial questions about your case and what's going to happen. The only thing at risk is a few minutes of your time.

If you have questions, call us. If you don't know if you can afford us, call us. If you don't know who to turn to, call us. It costs you nothing, but could save you a lot of trouble, and put your mind at ease.

Thank you,