What You Pay For Matters More Than What You Pay
Why Knauss Law Doesn’t Discount, Doesn’t Compromise, and Doesn’t Take Every Case
Hiring a criminal defense attorney is not something anyone plans for. If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime in Washington, you may find yourself looking for a lawyer while still trying to understand what just happened—and stressing over what’s to come. We get it, your life has changed in an instant, you’re feeling the weight of an uncertain future pressing down on you all day, every day.
We understand that for many clients cost is often the first thing that comes to mind – just another uncertainty. question. At Knauss Law, however, that’s not the first conversation we have. The first consideration is – must be – protecting your future. Look at it this way, ultimately, ten or so years from now, you want to look back and realize you did everything you could to protect yourself, your family, and your future.
We’re not a “one-size-fits-all” law office. We don’t take every case. And we don’t negotiate legal fees.
Here’s why
You Can Cut Costs or You Can Cut Risks - You Can’t Do Both
We structure our fees based on the time, preparation, and strategic resources a case will require. Needless to say, no two cases are ever the same. None.
For us, that means that most matters can be handled on a flat fee. Others require a deposit with hourly billing once the initial phase is complete. It depends on the complexity, risks, and projected duration of the matter. Our fees are based on our experience and real projections.
We don’t post pricing charts because we don’t know the pricing until we know the facts. We need to understand your case before we can quote a fee. Without that understanding any number is arbitrary. Once we arrive at ‘a number’, we outline, in detail, what the fees are and how they will be charged. And when. We don’t haggle—because if we’re spending time negotiating a number, we’re not spending that time reviewing discovery, filing motions, or building your defense.
What You’re Paying For
Our fee reflects what your case demands. Period. Our fees ensure we meet all your expectations as well as those of the of the court. They include:
Regular and predictable communication with the firm – every step of the way.- Experienced trial counsel—not just someone who’ll stand next to you in court
- Strategic case analysis, not a generic defense
- Motion practice when needed
- Pretrial negotiation
- Trial preparation and representation
The number reflects a real defense—because that’s the only kind we offer.
We should note here that we back up everything on this page with our exhaustive Client Manual. Every new client receives one – a 32-page book outlining every aspect of our relationship through every step of the judicial process. How to get the most out of working with us……
We Don’t Take Every Case—Because We’re Not the Right Fit for Everyone
We turn away more cases than we accept.
That’s not marketing. That’s how we protect the clients we want to work with. We go deep on case preparation. We stay in contact with every client, every step of the process.
If finding the lowest fee is what is most important to you, we’re not the firm for you. That’s okay, we wish you the best with your matter. If you come to us because you understand what’s at stake—and because you want this done right—we’re ready to talk.
When you first talk with us, it’s not going to be just about how we work, it’s also going to be about what your definition of success under the circumstances is. We may not have any evidence yet – it usually takes time – but we need to know what’s important to you in your life as we move forward.
We’re the Firm That People Call After They Regret Hiring the Discount Firm
Most of our clients come to us early. Some, however, come after having tried to ‘save money.’ They almost universally end up paying more than we originally would have quoted. Unfortunately, we usually have to do some damage control.
Understand, please, that criminal law doesn’t have many do-overs. There are even fewer, if any, available after a conviction. There’s a reason every story about an innocent person being released from prison mentions years if not decades.
The best way to avoid a bad outcome is to get the defense right from the start.
One Case Doesn’t Define You – What You DO Next Might
We don’t compete with firms offering bargain pricing. We can’t explain why someone would quote you half as much (though we have to wonder what they are leaving out). We won’t make promises we can’t keep just to make you a client. A client who will undoubtedly be unhappy.
What we will do is this:
- Listen to your situation
- Tell you the truth
- Lay out your options
- Quote a fee that reflects what it will take to defend your case with the care and intensity it deserves
- Treat you the way we would want to be treated if our roles were reversed
We care and we want to have a relationship with you long after your case is over.
If that’s what you’re looking for, call Knauss Law today. Let’s talk about what’s at stake—and how we plan to protect you.