Q. What's involved in becoming a client of HKK?

A. The process starts with a phone call 920-994-4800. If we are not available right away, we will return your call within a few hours at most. We will set an appointment to discuss your situation and tell you if it fits our capabilities well. If not, we will make a referral that will be more helpful to you.

Q. Do I Need A Criminal Defense Lawyer?
A. Any person who is facing a criminal charge, no matter how minor, will benefit from consulting a competent criminal defense lawyer. Our attorneys will help you.

Q. What Is The Difference Between A "Bench Trial" And A "Jury Trial"?
A. A case that goes to trial will be heard by a judge in a "bench trial," or by a judge and jury in a "jury trial." In a jury trial, the judge decides the law, while the jury decides the facts. In a bench trial, the judge decides both the law and the facts. Both the prosecutor and the defendant have the right to demand a jury trial.

Q. What Happens At Trial?
A. After all of the testimony has been taken, the attorneys will present their closing arguments. The jury is then given additional instructions, and commenced deliberations. Sometimes the defense attorney will request a "directed verdict" of not guilty, meaning that the judge will instruct the jury that the only verdict it can return is "not guilty." These motions are commonly made, but are rarely granted. If the jury cannot reach a verdict, the judge will eventually discharge the jury. The prosecutor must then decide whether to dismiss the charges or to seek a new trial.

Q. If I have a personal injury case and your firm determines that I have a valid case and choose to pursue that case, what is the typical fee arrangement?

A. Typically, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. Occasionally, there are exceptions where we will handle matters on an hourly basis or for an agreeable flat fee, but the vast majority of the cases handled by the firm are handled on a contingency basis.
Contingency fee means that the client does not pay any fee until money is recovered. The amount of the fee is based upon a percentage of the gross recovery which is agreed upon in writing at the outset of the representation and is computed before the deduction of any case expenses or liens. Besides attorney's fees, any monies that are expended by the firm in pursuit of the case (which are known as "costs") are also reimbursed from the client's portion of the recovery. The contingency fee agreement is always in writing for the client's protection and is signed by the client with the client being given a copy. We generally believe that if clients cannot recover money, we will not be paid. It is very rare for our firm to ask for any sort of compensation to cover the costs required to proceed with the case. Generally, the firm will advance these costs rather than to ask the client to do so. In most Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) cases, insurance, and personal injury cases, our firm works solely on a contingency fee basis.

Q. Where does the firm handle cases?

A. In addition to Sheboygan County, we normally have cases pending in Ozaukee, Washington, Fond du Lac, and Manitowoc Counties. We act directly with our own attorneys in such cases without adding hours for local attorneys.

Q. In order for my case to be reviewed, do I have to physically appear at one of your offices?

A. No. Our firm prides itself on client accessibility. The firm can do many things by mail, courier, and even via this web site to accommodate your special needs or possible inability to travel. The need to accommodate clients who may find it difficult to come to one of our offices is very important to us. If you believe you have a case and cannot make it to Sheboygan or Random Lake, we will make other arrangements to review your case and represent you,