Hi Charles and forum Members,Charles L. Cotton wrote:Why do you say it's not pre-paid legal? It is my understanding that the fee paid to [Pre-paid legal service] is a flat fee annually. It's not a retainer unless it's a deposit against future billings.Brian Mobley wrote:I would like to qualify the fact that I am involved with [pre-paid legal] as they discuss part of the Texas penal code in my CHL classes. I have been working with them for a little over a year now and have watched thier client base grow.There are two things that I have decided about them. First and foremost I have mad a consciense decision to use deadly force in a given situation (God forbid that happens) regardless of my "legal coverage". Second, it is a service where if I need them I call one of their attorneys who are on stand by 24/7. It is not a pre-paid legal service, it is truly a retainer for a lawyer. The fact is if anyone is involved in a shooting the police will show up and we will need an attorney. This is not the time to have to find one.
God Bless and Be Safe,
Brian Mobley
CHL Instructor
CHL Holder for 13 years
If you are involved with [pre-paid legal], please let TexasCHLforum Members know what is not covered; i.e. what will a defendant have to pay for himself or do without at trial. It has also been reported that one of these programs has a clause that allows them to cancel the agreement at any time. Is that [pre-paid legal]?
Again, I'm not recommending to buy or not buy such coverage, but if people are going to pitch these programs here on TexasCHLforum, I want to make sure our Members are thoroughly informed.
Chas.
I stated that [pre-paid legal] is on "retainer" becasue, 1. All of the attorneys that have spoken in our class have repeated that they are not pre-paid legal and are in fact on retainer. 2. The first sentence on my contract reads, Client hereby employs and retains the Firm for representaion and the Firm hereby accepts this employement, for the limited purpose set out in the contract.
Below is an excerpt of coverage from a [pre-paid legal] contract. The term "Micro Retainer" is used but I am not sure what that means legally.
A. What is Covered, ALL charges for fees for attorney time in connection with the Firm's representaion of Client in any criminal procedure in the Sate of Texas arising from the client's use of his or her handgun.
B What is NOT covered, Any expenses associated with investigators, expert wtnesses, witnesses, or other persons necessary to assist in the defense of the case, bail bonds, or other court fees, in any.
I am not so much a supporter of [pre-paid legal] as I am in educating the public and myself on what happens after a shooting. Two years ago I probably would have told the police what I think happened if I was involved in a self-defense shooting and being the Good Guy everything would be ok. Now I think would call 911, get the police and an ambulance, hang up the phone and call my attorney, just like a LEO will do if they are involved in a shoooting. (I am not suggesting that CHLer's are LEO's).
Thanks for listening to me,
Brian Mobley
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