Importance of an Initial Consultation

The reasons to contact Kim Hart for an initial Consultation are numerous. Unlike other trials, defending child abuse allegations may be the toughest kind of case an attorney can represent. Not only is there rarely any physical evidence or eyewitnesses, all states have enacted legislation making it extremely hard to defend such cases. For example, hearsay is not allowed in virtually any other case, but has been elevated to the form of credible testimony and exceptions have been made for its admission in child abuse related cases.

Additionally, the fields of psychology, psychiatry, medicine, social work, and criminal investigation and interrogation are intertwined with legal issues and all are rapidly changing. Often, when there is physical evidence, doctors and state "experts" will interpret the evidence as proof of an intentional injury caused by the defendant when the physical evidence may not really indicate intentional injury at all. The most up to date research and data must be fully understood and incorporated into a successful defense.

Unless an attorney devotes his or her practice extensively to defending child abuse related allegations, it is nearly impossible for him or her to review, analyze, and incorporate the data/research into a successful defense strategy and to keep abreast of new research. As an experienced consultant in child abuse related cases, Ms. Hart will supplement and complement your attorney's skills, will save countless time in research, and will offer unique strategy in defending each particular case.

Initial consultations can be arranged at Ms. Hart's office or at your location. Call to discuss which venue would be most appropriate for your circumstance. If you currently retain legal representation, discuss with him or her your desire to arrange for a consultation with Ms. Hart before you call. Because of attorney-client privilege it is best that your lawyer consent to the meeting so that all relevant facts may be discussed and analyzed.

There will inevitably be a sizable volume of documents to analyze. Typically, you will be asked to supply the following:

Charging Documents
Police Reports
Medical Reports
Transcript of accuse interview

Sometimes venue specific consultation is preferred and can be arranged. Meeting at your location can provide the benefit of having your attorney present during the conference.

Both in-office and venue specific initial consultations carry a one-day minimum fee. On site consultations may require a second day if the situation warrants due to possible opportunities created by having your lawyer participate.

Call (419) 868-6016 for an estimate of fees and travel expenses.

Other items may also be relevant. The need to review these can be ascertained when you call.

If you discovered the complexities of defending child abuse related cases too late and you have already been convicted, we still may be able to help. Associate Todd James is involved with the appellate process. We have dealt with competent appeals attorneys in virtually every state who have had success with child abuse related cases. Thus, if you have not selected an appeals attorney, yet, we can help you find an attorney competent in the appeals stage of child abuse cases. After you have selected an attorney, regardless of whether we referred him or her, we can, with the attorney's consent and under his or her auspices, help identify and develop viable appeals issues, prepare for arguments, etc.