Initial consultation
The initial consultation with a criminal defence lawyer is the first step in any criminal matter: before signing a power of attorney, know where you stand, what is at stake and what you can do.
What you get in the initial consultation with a criminal defence lawyer
Two one-hour meetings with Juan Antonio Matiz Monroy, in person at the office on Calle 78 in Bogotá or remotely from anywhere. Between the two, the study of your case and a written legal opinion, signed and confidential, delivered within seven business days. This is not a loose appointment or a first contact: it is a closed product that ends with a document about your position.
Nor is it the engagement itself. Retaining the firm for criminal defence, for the representation of a victim or for any other service is a separate contract, one you decide on after reading the opinion. And the opinion states the truth of your case, even when that is not what you hoped to hear.
How it works
- Diagnostic meeting (1 hour). We listen to your case, review whatever you have at hand and agree on the scope. If the volume of documents calls for it, a longer term is agreed there, before any work begins.
- Study. The facts, the available evidence and the rules that apply to your matter, under the method of the firm: four planes — factual, legal, evidentiary and litigation strategy. Where the case calls for it, the analysis draws on an expert, under the direction of the principal.
- Written opinion (up to 7 business days). Signed and confidential, in plain language. It says which stage or procedure you are in, what risks you run, what routes are open and what the next act is. It is written about your procedural position, whether you are the one defending yourself or the one seeking redress.
- Closing meeting (1 hour). We present the opinion and the route. You leave knowing what you face, what you can do and whether retaining anything further makes sense, or not.
What is included and what is not
It includes the two meetings, the study and the written opinion. Also the request for whatever documents the case requires, the confidentiality agreement and the written contract for this consultation.
It does not include a power of attorney to act on your behalf, attendance at hearings or proceedings, the drafting of complaints or briefs, or appeals. All of that belongs to the engagement, which is a separate contract. If the opinion concludes that there is no case or that acting is not advisable, the consultation ends there, with no additional fee.
What it costs
Who you speak with
Every consultation is attended directly by Juan Antonio Matiz Monroy, professional licence 294.746, in a boutique firm devoted exclusively to criminal law. 4.9 out of 5 on Google, with 61 reviews. His background and the way the firm practises are set out on the firm's page.
Frequently asked questions
What documents should I bring to the first meeting?
Whatever you have: summonses, the complaint, official letters, chats, emails, contracts. They do not need to be in order; the meeting defines what is missing and it is then requested from you. If you have nothing yet, the consultation proceeds all the same on your account of the facts.
Is the amount deducted if I later retain the firm?
Yes, if you retain the firm for the same matter within 30 days of the delivery of the opinion. It applies to criminal defence, to representation or to any other service; the value of the consultation is deducted from the fee. After that period, or for a different matter, it is not deducted.
Online or in person?
As you prefer, and you can combine the two: one meeting in person and the other remote. The remote one is held by video call from anywhere in Colombia or abroad. The study and the opinion are the same in either case.
What if the opinion says there is no case, or that acting is not advisable?
We tell you so in writing, with the reasons, and the consultation ends there. You keep the document, which serves to avoid starting a groundless proceeding or to know what routes other than the criminal one exist. There is no additional fee.
Can the meetings be held by video from another country?
Yes. Both meetings can be held by video call from anywhere. The firm works on Bogotá time (GMT-5) and the appointment is agreed within that schedule; for distant time zones an early-morning or late-afternoon slot can be arranged.
Is everything handled in English?
Yes. The meetings, the correspondence and the written opinion are in English. Documents from the file that are in Spanish are explained to you in English. If a sworn translation is required for a filing before a Colombian authority, that is a separate cost and is quoted before it is incurred.
What does confidentiality cover?
Everything you say and every document you hand over is covered by professional secrecy, which Colombian law protects, and by the confidentiality agreement signed before the first meeting. It holds whether or not you go on to retain the firm.