While I never thought in a million years that I would be arrested, I was. I was arrested for DV. It was certainly a horrible experience. Between the jail, dealing with the police, and finding out that the case would take months to resolve, I felt like everything I worked hard for was slipping way.
Pros: Mr. Usry reassured me that everything would be okay, and I realized he tried to be careful about making promises he could not keep. He is very genuine and tries his best to make you feel as comfortable as you can be in a difficult situation. He always returned my calls. He kept me updated on my case, and he did not pass judgement. There were some hiccups along the way, but mostly it had to do with the solicitor. I was not myself for the first few months (I was a bit crazy dealing with finishing my education, raising my babies, and having a husband who bailed), and Mr. Usry was still professional when addressing me. He also gave me words of advice that I may not have wanted to hear at the time, but I needed to hear. Mr. Usry and his paralegal did a great job gathering information about me to try to get the best deal possible.
Cons: It did put a dent in my pocket.
It is important to do your own research, even if you are confident you have the best lawyer. Always ask questions. Your lawyer cannot read your mind and you cannot read his/hers. This would have saved me more time in general when it came to my case.
Note: I could have taken my chances with a public defender or cheaper representation, however, I had a lot to lose and my case was complicated because my child was there during the incident. I needed someone who cared about the case.
Anonymous student mother charged with domestic violence, Spartanburg