What Happens When You Call Our Criminal Defense Law Firm
If you’ve never hired a criminal defense lawyer before, it’s normal to feel nervous. You may have just been arrested, received a court date, learned that you’re under investigation, or found out that a warrant has been issued for your arrest.
At McCormick Lawrence, we understand that calling a lawyer can be stressful. Our goal is to make the process as easy and straightforward as possible from the very first phone call.
1. You’ll Speak With a Member of Our Criminal Defense Team
When you call our office, one of our criminal defense paralegals is usually the first person you’ll speak with. Our criminal defense team consists of:
- Attorney Cameron McCormick
- Attorney Bay Lawrence
- Criminal Paralegal Kendall Carlson
- Criminal Paralegal Kim Riser
Kendall and Kim work exclusively on criminal defense matters and are often the first point of contact for new clients. They help gather information about your case, answer basic questions about the process, and make sure urgent matters receive immediate attention.
Don’t worry if you don’t speak directly with an attorney the moment you call. Our paralegals work closely with our attorneys every day and are trained to identify important issues and make sure your information gets to the right lawyer as quickly as possible.
2. We Gather Information About Your Case
During the initial call, we’ll usually ask questions such as:
- What charges are you facing?
- Where is your case located?
- Have you been arrested or received a court date?
- Are you currently in jail?
- Have you already hired another attorney?
- What happened from your perspective?
The purpose of these questions is to gather enough information to understand your situation and determine how we can help. Many people call us during one of the most difficult moments of their lives. Our job is to listen, gather the facts, and begin evaluating the best path forward.
3. An Attorney Personally Returns Your Call
After we gather the initial information, Attorney Cameron McCormick or Attorney Bay Lawrence will personally review your situation and return your call. We believe people facing criminal charges deserve direct access to a lawyer. That’s why our attorneys personally handle call-backs and discuss the facts of your case with you.
During that conversation, we’ll answer your questions, explain what you’re facing, discuss potential defenses, and help you understand what comes next. In many situations, we can provide valuable guidance during that first phone conversation.
Whether you’re dealing with a DUI charge, felony accusation, probation violation, drug charge, domestic violence allegation, or another criminal matter, we’ll take the time to listen and provide honest feedback about your situation.
4. We Determine Whether an In-Person Meeting Is Needed
Not every situation requires an in-person consultation. Sometimes a phone conversation is enough to answer a person’s questions and help them understand the next steps in their case.
Other times, we may believe it would be beneficial to meet face-to-face to review documents, discuss evidence, evaluate defenses, or begin preparing a defense strategy. If we believe an in-person consultation would be helpful, we’ll schedule one. Likewise, if you simply prefer meeting with an attorney in person rather than discussing your case over the phone, we’re happy to arrange that as well.
We routinely meet with clients at any of our three office locations in Pascagoula, Biloxi, or Lucedale. Our goal is to make the process as convenient as possible while ensuring you receive the guidance you need.
5. We Develop a Strategy for Your Case
No two criminal cases are exactly alike. A first-offense DUI requires a different approach than a felony drug charge. A probation violation requires a different strategy than an assault case. A federal criminal case is very different from a misdemeanor case in municipal court.
Once we understand the facts of your case, we begin evaluating the best path forward. From day one, our focus is on obtaining the best possible outcome for your case.
Why Clients Choose Cameron McCormick and Bay Lawrence
When you hire McCormick Lawrence, you’re not just hiring a lawyer. You’re hiring an experienced criminal defense team that works together every day to help people facing criminal charges throughout South Mississippi.
We represent clients in municipal courts, justice courts, county courts, circuit courts, youth courts, and federal courts across the Mississippi Gulf Coast and surrounding areas. Most importantly, we understand that when someone calls a criminal defense lawyer, they’re often facing one of the most stressful moments of their life. We believe they deserve answers, communication, and direct access to an attorney.
Need Help? Let’s talk.
If you’ve been arrested, charged with a crime, received a court summons, or believe you’re under investigation, don’t wait to get answers.
Contact McCormick Lawrence today.
A member of our criminal defense team will gather information about your situation, and Attorney Cameron McCormick or Attorney Bay Lawrence will personally review your case and return your call. Whether your case can be discussed over the phone or requires an in-person meeting at our Pascagoula, Biloxi, or Lucedale office, we’re here to help you understand your options and protect your rights. All consultations are free!

