Question 1

How much does it cost to hire Ringo Legal?

Accepted Answer

Our fee structure varies depending on the type of case. Many civil rights and employment cases are handled on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. For other matters such as family law or contracts, we offer transparent flat fees or hourly rates. We provide a detailed fee agreement during your initial consultation.

Question 2

What should I bring to my first consultation?

Accepted Answer

Please bring any relevant documents related to your case, such as contracts, correspondence, court documents, employment records, or police reports. Also bring a list of key dates, names, and a brief timeline of events. Don't worry if you don't have everything—we can help you gather necessary documents.

Question 3

How long will my case take?

Accepted Answer

The timeline varies significantly based on the complexity of your case, the court's schedule, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Simple matters may resolve in a few months, while complex litigation can take 1-3 years. We will provide an estimated timeline during your consultation and keep you updated throughout the process.

Question 4

Do you offer free consultations?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We offer free initial consultations for most practice areas. This allows us to understand your situation, explain your legal options, and determine if we're the right fit for your case. You can schedule a consultation by calling us or using our online contact form.

Question 5

How do I know if my civil rights have been violated?

Accepted Answer

Civil rights violations occur when government entities or officials infringe upon your constitutional rights, such as freedom of speech, due process, equal protection, or freedom from unlawful searches. Common examples include police misconduct, discrimination by government agencies, voting rights violations, or unconstitutional laws. If you believe your constitutional rights have been violated, contact us for an evaluation.

Question 6

What is a Section 1983 claim?

Accepted Answer

42 U.S.C. Section 1983 is a federal law that allows individuals to sue government officials for civil rights violations. It provides a legal remedy when someone acting "under color of state law" deprives you of your constitutional or federal rights. This is commonly used in cases involving police misconduct, wrongful arrest, or other government abuses.

Question 7

What constitutes wrongful termination in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Texas is an "at-will" employment state, meaning employers can generally fire employees for any reason. However, termination is wrongful if it's based on illegal discrimination (race, sex, age, disability, religion), retaliation for filing a complaint or whistleblowing, or violation of an employment contract. If you were fired after reporting illegal activity or discrimination, you may have a wrongful termination claim.

Question 8

How long do I have to file an employment discrimination claim?

Accepted Answer

Deadlines vary depending on the type of claim. For EEOC complaints (federal discrimination claims), you typically have 180-300 days from the discriminatory act. For state claims under the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act, you have 180 days. It's critical to act quickly—contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights.

Question 9

What should I do if I've been a victim of police brutality?

Accepted Answer

First, seek medical attention immediately and document your injuries with photographs. File a complaint with the police department's internal affairs division and request a copy. Gather contact information from any witnesses. Do not give a recorded statement to police or investigators without an attorney present. Contact us immediately—time is critical in preserving evidence and filing claims.

Question 10

What is qualified immunity?

Accepted Answer

Qualified immunity is a legal doctrine that protects government officials, including police officers, from civil liability unless they violated "clearly established" constitutional rights. While it can make police misconduct cases more challenging, it's not an absolute shield. Experienced attorneys know how to overcome qualified immunity defenses in appropriate cases.

Question 11

How is child custody determined in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Texas courts determine custody (called "conservatorship") based on the "best interest of the child." Factors include each parent's ability to provide a stable home, the child's wishes (if age 12+), each parent's involvement in the child's life, and any history of family violence. Texas presumes joint managing conservatorship is best, unless there's evidence of family violence or other disqualifying factors.

Question 12

How long does a divorce take in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Texas has a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date the divorce is filed until it can be finalized. Uncontested divorces with no children or property disputes can be completed shortly after the 60-day period. Contested divorces involving custody disputes or complex property division typically take 6-12 months, and high-conflict cases can take longer.

Question 13

Do I need a lawyer to review a contract?

Accepted Answer

While not legally required, having an attorney review a contract before you sign is always wise. Contracts contain legal language that can have significant long-term consequences. An attorney can identify unfavorable terms, hidden obligations, and potential risks, and can negotiate better terms on your behalf. This is especially important for employment contracts, business agreements, and real estate transactions.

Question 14

What happens if someone breaches a contract?

Accepted Answer

If the other party fails to fulfill their contractual obligations, you may have legal remedies including: monetary damages to compensate for your losses, specific performance (court order requiring them to fulfill the contract), or contract rescission (canceling the contract). The appropriate remedy depends on the type of breach and the contract terms. We can help you understand your options and pursue the best outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Civil Rights

Employment Law

Police Misconduct

Family Law

Contracts

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