The good and bad of things is that I’m a 4th-generation Crawfordsvillian. My great-grandfather, Henry Perry, practiced law in Crawfordsville and graduated from Wabash College in 1873 (as did his son, in 1915, and my father in 1950).
I charge $300 per hour and provide itemized billings that break my time down to a tenth of an hour. Once we have discussed the necessary facts for me to understand what you want me to do, my usual practice is to quote potential clients a minimum hourly retainer, or a set fee if that is preferred.
If you don’t like either fee option, no professional relationship begins, and you receive a free consultation. Many cases have uncertainties that make a cost-risk analysis very difficult. It’s like estimating how much it will cost to build a house while somebody is trying to tear it down, and without knowing if you have all the materials to build what you need.
I believe my strengths as an attorney are in (1) my honest and practical evaluation of what may be required to successfully settle or litigate a case, (2) the willingness to actually put in the work to really be prepared, and (3) I hate to lose.
I understand the need for efficiency and effectiveness, but I do not promise I will always be the cheapest attorney, as giving something your best shot can require serious effort. I’m a lawyer who enjoys going to trial, but who understands most clients would prefer the less expensive and more certain outcome of an advantageous settlement. The decision to go to trial or to settle a case always rests with the client, but I will usually be clear on my opinion on your chances of success.
Most legal fights are a team effort. You and your witnesses are the experts on the facts, and the lawyer is the expert on the process. Analogous to an athletic contest, the lawyer is like the coach, who puts together a game plan and prepares the team to compete. But only the client and witnesses can score points by testifying and providing evidence.
Almost every lawyer in almost every case says his client should win, so judges are not influenced by what a lawyer says if the evidence presented is not persuasive. Your active participation is a must, and many times can save you a considerable amount in attorney fees.
I have successfully tried cases involving wrongful death, attempted murder, collisions, medical malpractice, slip and fall, personal injury, child custody, business, construction, and real estate disputes, divorce, and about every type of criminal case (including many DUI trials). I have worked in all counties in West Central Indiana during my career, as well as Marion, Vigo, Hendricks, Monroe, Tipton, and all counties surrounding Montgomery County.
I have been a member of the American Trial Lawyers Association, Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, American Bar Association, Indiana Bar Association, and the Montgomery County Bar Association.
If you want to know something about a particular area of my practice, click the name of that practice area and hopefully you will find something helpful. I will not hesitate to refer you to other lawyers or professionals that have more expertise on a particular issue or case if that is what is needed.
Finally, to be clear, NOTHING IN THIS WEBSITE CONSTITUTES SPECIFIC LEGAL ADVICE. I have attempted to provide some basic legal information in the areas that I practice, as well as how I operate my business. Specific information about your situation is necessary before I can advise anyone.