The Stone Law Firm
New client procedure
first 10-14- days

Thank you for placing your trust in The Stone Law Firm.
Here is what you can expect over the next 10-14 days
Down payment: If you are reviewing this page, The Stone Law Firm has received your down payment, thank you! We are starting our work right away.
New client information: You will be receiving an email to a link that describes how best to have questions answered, how to make your payment (if you are carrying a balance), how to access your cloud file, how to schedule periodic case review calls, when and how to schedule web based conferences (Zoom) to review the prosecutor's discovery responses (police reports, witness statements, body cam etc.), and when and how we will remind you of court hearings and how those hearings are held during COVID.
Procedure: We understand that you are likely unfamiliar with the court process, the name of various types of hearings, and when those hearings will occur. You will receive an email containing a link that will explain in detail the court process and the approximate timeline of the case.
Retainer Agreement: You will receive an email with a link to our web based retainer agreement form. Please fill out the form, sign and submit. A retainer agreement is a contract that formalizes the attorney/client relationship. It lays out the scope of representation, billing, changing lawyers and other important attorney/client relationship information. The Stone Law Firm's retainer agreement is web based for your convenience; you can fill it out at any time on a computer or smart device. A signed retainer agreement between the attorney and client is required by the Utah State Bar Association.
Promissory Note: If you paid a down payment (an amount less than the full capped pretrial fee), you will receive an email with a link to a promissory note form for the balance of the fees. The Promissory Note describes the amount and the monthly payment, among other responsibilities.
Box.com cloud file: At The Stone Law Firm, client files are cloud based and hosted with Box.com, a leading business cloud file provider. Within a day or two of payment, The Stone Law Firm will set up a Box.com file under your name and send you an invite to the email you provided in your retainer agreement. You will receive instructions on how to set up a Box.com file in the "new client information" email, along with a video on how to join the file, and the firm will provide over the phone support for anyone needing extra help.
Entry of appearance: an entry of appearance is the manner in which The Stone Law Firm puts the court on notice that you are represented by counsel. Once The Stone Law Firm enters an appearance on your behalf, the court will contact the firm for all scheduling matters and the prosecutor contacts the firm for negotiation and discussion of the case.
Request for discovery: At the same time the entry of appearance is filed, the firm also files a request for discovery on your behalf. A request for discovery makes demand of the prosecutor to turn over all reports, witness statements, body cam, recorded interviews. 14 days after your down payment, you will receive an email inviting you to schedule a Zoom web conference discovery review. During COVID there is no uniformity as to when the firm will receive discovery responses from the prosecution, so at times the first Zooms discovery meeting will have to be rescheduled.
Case update calls: every 10 days after you retain the firm, you will receive an email inviting you to schedule a 10 minute case update call. The purpose of the case update calls is to ensure proper steps are being taken to maximize a successful resolution to your case.
Court procedure: once the first 10-14 days are past, your case enters into the regular court procedure. Click here to learn more about how a criminal case progresses, the different types of hearings, and how long it might take to resolve your case. You will receive a separate email with a link to the court procedure.