Hugh Duvall emphasizes working collaboratively with each client.
At the heart of this process is the goal of empowering
the client to make informed decisions that are the
correct decisions for that client. The initial phase
of this process generally involves three stages:

First, obtaining “discovery” from the prosecutor;
this “discovery” usually consists of at least one
police report, but may includes various other
kinds of material such as photographs or
audio tapes;

Second, reviewing this material with the
client to identify possible inaccuracies, and
considering whether any investigation or
research might be able to correct such
inaccuracies; and

Third, reviewing all discovery and products
of investigation in light of existing statutory
and appellate law to consider whether the
case should proceed to trial, or whether a
negotiated settlement (plea bargain)
should be considered.

This initial phase might be accomplished in a few days, or might take weeks. Under certain circumstances an alternative course of action might be needed (for example, where the client is currently the target of an investigation, but has not yet been charged). However the case proceeds, the goal remains the same: To assist the client in making decisions which are right for that individual.