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FAQs

5\ Do You Require a Retainer?

When I am working with a private attorney, i.e., someone who is being paid directly by his or her client and not working as a public defender (or equivalent) or prosecutor, I require a retainer equal to one-half of the estimated number of hours needed for an initial assessment of a case. As of July 1, 2023, my billing rates are $400/hour for services and expenses, which I will bill against the retainer until such time as I exhaust the retainer. You may not identify me as either a testifying or non-testifying expert until I receive your retainer. In the event I exhaust the initial retainer, I have the discretion to require additional funds in advance of expending more time on this matter in the same manner as set forth above.

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If our initial estimate is insufficient for me to complete the agreed-upon work, I will advise you and you must seek approvals, if necessary, for me to continue to provide services. I will not assume the risk of exceeding the number of approved hours as a result of being subpoenaed as a witness or requested to conduct an interview with another party. The client must agree that I will be compensated for any compelled testimony or interviews, irrespective of the number of hours we may have estimated it would take to perform services under our agreement.

6 \ Do You Give Free Consultations?

I accept telephone or email inquiries to assess whether I can be of service to a client but will not give a free consultation based on a client scenario. Without documents, which I will need to review before rendering an opinion, I will not provide an "off the cuff" assessment of a particular case. If I do not believe I can assist or believe that another type of professional may be better suited to the task, I will give that information at the time I initially speak with a potential client.

7 \ What information do you review to render an opinion? What type of work product might we expect?

Typically, I will review police reports, medical, pharmacology and toxicology records, lab findings, and trial or deposition transcripts, supply written reports, and provide trial or deposition testimony regarding my findings and opinions about the effects of drugs or alcohol on the behavior or physical effects of drugs an individual may have taken.

8 \ Will You Take a Fee Based on the Outcome of a Case, i.e., on a Contingency Basis?

No, I do not charge on a contingency. I will provide consulting services to a client as an independent professional and the client will be responsible to pay my fees and reimburse me for my costs. I do not perform services as an expert for your client or any third party, as my independence requires me to work only for another professional rendering services as such. Therefore, I will not accept payment from your client or any third party. Your obligation to pay me for my services is not dependent upon my findings, nor on the outcome of any legal action, criminal or civil, mediation, arbitration, or the amount or terms of any settlement of the underlying legal cause, nor on any contractual arrangement between you and any other person or party, including your client.

9 \ What Do You Charge For Your Services?

As of July 1, 2023, my billing rate is $400 per hour, plus expenses, including reimbursement for meals, hotels, airline/train tickets, and car rental at the actual rate. All of my rates and fees are set forth in the engagement letter I will prepare should we reach an agreement.

© 2022 Edward D. French, Ph.D.

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