The first step in working with Elizabeth Franklin-Best, P.C. is a paid initial consultation — $400 for one hour. It is a substantive working session in which our team reviews your federal matter and explains the options realistically and clearly.
This page explains what the consultation is, what it covers, and how to schedule one.
What This Page Covers
The Initial Consultation
Our initial consultation is a paid, one-hour session for $400. It is not a free intake call, nor is it a sales pitch. It is a genuine professional review of your situation, and the fee reflects the value of an experienced federal attorney’s time and judgment.
For many people, the consultation alone is worthwhile: it replaces uncertainty with an accurate understanding of where a federal matter stands and what can realistically be done about it.
What the Consultation Covers
In the consultation, an attorney will work through the matter with you. Depending on your situation, that can include:
- A review of the federal investigation, charge, conviction, or sentence at issue.
- An explanation of where the case currently stands in the federal criminal process.
- An honest assessment of the realistic options — whether that is defense at the trial level, a direct appeal, a post-conviction motion, or compassionate release.
- The deadlines that apply, and why acting in time matters.
- How we would approach the matter, and what representation would involve.
What to Have Ready
You do not need to prepare anything formal for the consultation, but it helps to have key information at hand — the court and district involved, any charging documents or a judgment, key dates, and a clear sense of the questions you most want answered. If you have documents, having them available makes the hour more productive.
Applied Insight: In federal cases, timing is often decisive. Appeal and post-conviction deadlines run quickly, and decisions made during an investigation can shape everything that follows. If you are weighing whether to consult counsel, sooner is better than later.
How to Schedule
You can schedule your paid initial consultation directly through our booking page using the button below. If you have questions before booking, you can also reach us through our Contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the consultation cost?
The initial consultation is $400 for one hour. It is a paid, substantive working session with an attorney and is never offered as a free intake call.
What happens during the consultation?
An attorney reviews your federal matter — the investigation, charge, conviction, or sentence at issue — explains where the case stands, identifies the realistic options and the deadlines that apply, and explains how we would approach it.
Do I need to prepare anything?
Nothing formal is required, but it helps to have key information ready: the court and district involved, any charging documents or judgment, important dates, and the questions you most want answered.
Does paying for a consultation mean the firm represents me?
No. The consultation is a one-hour review of the matter. Any ongoing representation would be a separate engagement, to be discussed and agreed after the consultation.
How do I schedule a consultation?
You can schedule a paid initial consultation through our booking page. The booking link is provided on this page and throughout the site.
Talk With a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are facing a federal investigation or charge — or are considering an appeal or post-conviction motion — schedule your initial consultation: $400 for one hour to review the matter and develop a path forward.