What Happens When You Call Our Criminal Defense Law Firm
Calling a criminal defense lawyer can feel overwhelming — especially if this is your first time dealing with the legal system. At McCormick Lawrence, we aim to make this process as simple and supportive as possible from the very first phone call.
Here’s what you can expect when you reach out to our firm:
1. You Will Most Likely Speak With a Member of Our Staff First
When you call, you’ll most likely be greeted by a member of our staff — usually Kendall Carlson, our lead paralegal and truly one of the best in the business. Kendall has been an integral part of our team for over 6 years, and excels working criminal defense cases. She knows the system inside and out, and frankly, she has as much practical knowledge as many lawyers.
Kendall will gather the basic information about your case, get your contact details, and may ask for documents like a ticket, bond paperwork, or a court notice if you have them. From there, she relays everything to one of our attorneys so we can begin reviewing your situation without delay.
2. Your Call Will Be Returned Quickly — Usually the Same Day
It’s our internal rule to return all calls within the same day, and we take that seriously. That said, we are a two-lawyer firm, and there are days when we are in court all day or busy preparing for trial.
Because of that, we sometimes return calls in the order we believe is most urgent based on the situation. That’s why it’s important to give our paralegal as much detail as possible when you first call — it helps us prioritize and respond more effectively.
But no matter what, one of the lawyers — either Cameron McCormick or Bay Lawrence — will personally return your call. We don’t believe in handing you off or giving generic answers. We take the time to understand your case and give you real advice that is tailored to your specific situation.
3. A Lawyer Will Personally Review Your Case
Once we have an understandings of the basics, your case will be reviewed by either Cameron McCormick or Bay Lawrence. We’ll look at the charges, where the case is pending, and any background details that might affect how we approach it. We’ll let you know if we think you have a potential defense, what issues might need to be investigated, and what the general timeline could look like.
We don’t make promises on the front end — and that’s for a reason. Most of the time, we simply don’t have all the facts yet. Police reports may be missing, videos have not been reviewed, and the full story has not been told. It’s also important to know that we cannot help in every situation. But if there is a way forward, we will find it — and we will not just tell you what you want to hear, but we will always be honest with you about where things stand.
4. We’ll Be Honest About Fees — and About Whether We’re the Right Fit
We’ll tell you up front if we think your case is a good fit for us, and we’ll also be completely transparent about the cost. For most DUI, misdemeanor, or routine felony cases, we offer flat fees, so you’ll know exactly what to expect. For more complex or serious charges, we’ll walk you through the details and break down what’s involved before you ever make a decision.
But here’s the important part: even if it’s not a case we would take, or if you can’t afford our services, we still try to help. Whether that’s pointing you in the right direction, giving you some guidance, or explaining the court process, we take real pride in helping people solve their problems — not just selling legal services.
5. You’ll Leave the Call With a Plan
Whether you end up hiring us or not, our goal is for you to hang up the phone with a better understanding of what comes next. We’ll make sure you know what your next steps should be, when and where your court date is (or how to find it), and what documents you need to hold onto. We’ll also explain what to avoid — especially speaking to law enforcement without a lawyer present. In some situations, we may ask you to gather additional information, like paperwork from the court or details about your arrest, so we can give you better guidance on your options. Even in cases where we are not the right fit or cannot take the case, we still try to guide many people through the process — whether that’s helping them find the right courthouse location, or explaining what they can expect in front of a certain judge depending on the type of hearing they have coming up.
Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Mississippi? Let’s Talk.
If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime in Pascagoula, Biloxi, George County, or anywhere in South Mississippi, don’t wait to get help. The earlier you speak with a criminal defense attorney, the better your chances of protecting your rights and your future.
At McCormick Lawrence, PLLC, we’ve handled thousands of criminal cases — from DUI and drug charges to violent crimes and probation violations. We take every call seriously, and whether you hire us or not, we’ll help you understand what you’re facing and what to do next. Call us today for a confidential consultation.