Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the frequently asked questions people ask me on a daily basis. Here are some short & sharp answers – Michael.
Who is MKLAW ?
Do I need a lawyer ?
Will all lawyers get the same outcome ?
How much does it cost ?
What will you do to get me the best result possible ?
What happens if I’m not happy with my outcome ?
Who is MKLAW?
The team consists of me, Michael Kuzilny, my legal assistant and support staff. I also regularly work with senior barristers who work in all other court jurisdictions, so whatever your legal issue, we will get it sorted out . All good. We pride……simplicity!!
The good news is that if it comes to Criminal law and Traffic Charges in the Magistrates ‘Court, if I choose to take on your case, I will certainly represent you at all times. I will not pass you on to a junior lawyer or anyone else.
I will always give you fearless and courageous representation. I don’t care about the bullies, the backstabbers or the interpersonal poison that can be found in most professions. I don’t care about police officers with huge egos or controlling people. These people are psychologically sick. My role is to help you, and only you. You can speak to my like a good friend. Whether we plead guilty or not guilty or negotiate for charges to be withdrawn; in all cases I will fight strongly for your legal rights, with a view of getting you the best outcome, and hopefully making your life a bit happier again. Everything we discuss will be confidential.. I will keep costs to a minimum and charge you a fair and one of legal fee for my services. PS. I don’t do negative.
Do I need a lawyer ?
If you have been summonsed or bailed to appear in court, I think you probably already know that it is very important to appoint a lawyer to represent you. Deciding to represent yourself is usually not a good move. You obviously stand far less chance of obtaining a good outcome. You could end up behind bars, or lose your licence for much longer than otherwise. Furthermore, if you waste the court’s time because you don’t know the correct procedures and protocols, you risk incurring the magistrate’s or judge’s displeasure. The best advice is “Leave it to your lawyer”. If you wish to make an appointment, please ring me asap, as I book out very fast, and can only take on a limited number of clients each month. If I am booked out, I can refer you to another law firm or another lawyer.
Will all lawyers get the same outcome ?
No. Like any profession or trade, there are competent lawyers and others who are not so competent. There are lawyers with big ego’s, lawyers who put $$$ first, and lawyers who love to put other lawyers down, so they can get the job over another lawyer. I have kerbed my ego over the years, however I do pride myself on giving first class representation. I also don’t engage in backstabbing sessions, or putting other lawyers down. I understand everyone is giving is their best shot. Your appearance in court, however, is too important to be left up to chance. If your lawyer gets it wrong, and you end up in prison or lose your licence for too long, you’ll be faced with having to spend more money on expensive appeals. In saying that, there are plenty of good and competent lawyers practicing in Victoria. Ring around and find someone that best suits your needs.
One thing I can promise you is this. I will not charge you the proverbial “arm and a leg”. Once I have spoken with you by phone and obtained a good understanding of your case, I will give you legal advice for free. If I think you don’t need a lawyer, I will tell you. If you do need a lawyer and I choose to represent you, I will keep the costs down. I will tell you my fee and that will be that. It will be a one of, flat fee for all legal work and court representation. No gimmicks. No BS. I won’t charge you for phone calls or find other smart ways of making your bill larger.
What will you do to get me the best result possible ?
I will give you honest, prompt and powerful court representation. If we decide that I can help you with your case, I will meet up with you asap and find out all the positive things about you and your case, and find out exactly what happened on the day of the offence. I will then get the brief, and organize meetings with all relevant parties.
I honestly believe that life is all about good relationships, and I am happy to say I have built up some wonderful relationships in the last 25 years based on trust and integrity.
I’ve been around the criminal justice system for many years, and I will do everything possible to help you get your life back on track. I realize life is stressful enough without having a court case hanging over your head. So once we meet up and I get my instructions from you, you can then sit back and relax. There is nothing more you need to do except come to court on the day, and perhaps organize some character references or some other reports.
What happens if I’m not happy with my outcome ?
If you are not happy with the outcome at the Magistrates’ Court, we can appeal within 28 days to have the case re-heard at the County Court. This means we get a second chance to represent the case. It is very rare that I have appealed any of the cases I have appeared in. I think it is better to get it right the first time, and get the problem out of the way at the earliest opportunity.