GENERAL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Book a consultation. You’ll speak with our team, get clear next steps, and start moving forward with experienced legal support behind you.
Every case is different. We offer transparent pricing and will explain your options up front. For criminal defense, we often use flat fees. For family law, fees may be hourly or flat depending on complexity.
In most cases, we can schedule same-day or next-day consultations. Call or text us directly, or request a consult through our website.
We’ll listen to your situation, explain the legal options available, and answer your questions. It’s a judgment-free zone — and everything you share is confidential. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you call.
Not always. We offer virtual consultations and can handle most parts of your case remotely when needed — especially helpful for out-of-town or working clients.
Yes, we offer flexible payment options in certain cases. For many cases, we offer structured payment options to help make representation affordable and manageable.
Yes. Our clients get access to a secure Clio client portal, where you can message our team, upload documents, view court dates, and get case updates.
Communication is a priority. We use phone, text, email, and our secure Clio client portal to provide updates, answer questions, and share important documents. You’ll never be left wondering where things stand.
Yes. Attorney-client privilege protects anything you share with us, even during a consultation, unless you choose to waive that privilege.
No attorney can guarantee an outcome — and you should be wary of anyone who does. What we can promise is to fight for you, communicate clearly, and give your case the attention it deserves.
While our office hours are standard, we understand that emergencies happen. In urgent situations (such as arrests or protection orders), we do our best to respond promptly outside normal business hours.
It’s a secure online platform where you can message our team, upload documents, track court dates, and view important updates. It’s available 24/7 from your phone or computer — and it keeps your case organized and accessible.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Call our office or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation.
Stay calm. Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney present. Your first step should be to contact a criminal defense attorney who can begin protecting your rights immediately.
No. Even if you're innocent, anything you say can be used against you. Politely request an attorney and remain silent until your attorney is present.
Vrieze Law represents clients facing all criminal charges, such as DUI, drug possession, domestic violence, assault, theft, and other misdemeanor and felony offenses.
You’ll be given a court date, which is critical. Missing it can result in a warrant. Contact us immediately so we can begin preparing your defense and appear with you at your next hearing.
Contact us immediately. Missing court can result in a warrant for your arrest. We can often file a motion to recall the warrant and help get your case back on track.
You can, but we strongly advise against it. Even misdemeanors can result in jail time, fines, and permanent records. Having an attorney can mean the difference between conviction and dismissal or diversion.
It can. Criminal charges, even pending , may impact employment or licensing. We can help minimize those risks and protect your future.
Not necessarily. Many first-time or lower-level charges can be resolved without jail time. We’ll evaluate your case and work to minimize the consequences, including fighting for dismissal, diversion programs, or reduced charges.
Diversion allows first-time offenders to avoid conviction by completing specific requirements (classes, community service, etc.). Upon completion, charges may be dismissed or expunged. We’ll let you know if you qualify.
In some cases, yes. Alabama allows certain charges to be expunged if the case was dismissed or you completed a diversion program. We can help determine if you're eligible and guide you through the process.
A preliminary hearing is a critical step where the judge decides if there’s enough evidence to move forward. Yes, you must attend — and having an attorney with you is essential.
Not all cases go to trial. Many are resolved through negotiation or dismissal. We prepare every case as if it were going to trial to ensure the strongest defense possible.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We handle divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, modifications, and protection from abuse (PFA) matters.
It depends on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce can be resolved in a few months. A contested divorce can take significantly longer.
An uncontested divorce means both spouses agree on all major issues (property, custody, support). A contested divorce means there’s disagreement, which may require court intervention or mediation to resolve.
Yes. Family law is emotional and complex. An attorney helps protect your rights, navigate legal procedures, and fight for the outcome you deserve.
Legal custody involves decision-making (education, healthcare, religion, etc.). Physical custody is about where the child lives. Both can be shared or granted to one parent.
You can file for contempt in family court. We can assist in gathering evidence and requesting relief from the court.
A PFA is a court order to protect someone from domestic violence, threats, or harassment. If you need protection — or if someone has filed one against you — we can help you take urgent and appropriate legal action.
There are legal methods to proceed, including service by publication. We’ll guide you through the process if your spouse is avoiding service or cannot be found.
Yes — and that’s often ideal. If both parties agree on terms, we can draft a legal agreement and submit it for court approval.
If your custody order has been violated, we can file for contempt. In Alabama, certain relocations also require court approval — and failing to notify can have consequences.
Possibly - but you must notify the other parent and follow relocation laws. Courts look at how the move affects the child. We can help you prepare your case.
Yes. If there has been a material change in circumstances (e.g., relocation, job change, danger to the child), a modification can be requested.
Yes. Mediation is often encouraged — especially in custody and divorce cases — and can save time, money, and emotional stress. We represent you in mediation to help protect your rights and reach a workable solution.
Alabama is a one-party consent state, meaning you may record conversations you are part of. However, there are limits — especially involving children — so consult with us before using recordings as evidence.
Alabama follows the principle of equitable distribution, which means property is divided fairly, though not always equally. The court considers factors like the length of the marriage, income, contributions to the home, and more.
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No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
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