myPD Introduction/Information Letter

To: myPD Client

From: Grant R. Doty (myPD)

Subject: Your New Attorney – Introduction and Information

     My name is Grant Doty. I am honored to be appointed to be your attorney/public defender in your case(s) in Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri.

I. Starting point.

A. The outcome of your case is dependent on working as a “team”

B. Expectations.

      What you can expect from me.

Although you did not pick me as your attorney, I want you know two important things: 

1.      I am committed to vigorously representing you; and 

2.      I am very good at what I do.    

NOTE: See the attached “Mission” and “Fundamental Principles” guide me (Encl. 1 - below). 

      What I expect/demand from you.

Just as you can count on me, I count on you.  Just as I would do if you hired and paid me to be your attorney, I want you to know what I expect/demand of you:

1.      Don’t Talk to Anyone About your Case except Me. And do not talk about your case with anyone and if in jail never on the Jail Phone – All calls are recorded!

2.      Be Truthful with Me. I am your attorney. Our communications are protected by attorney-client privilege. I will be honest with you and expect the same from you. This is non-negotiable.

3.      Be Available/Responsive to Me. We will have court dates and scheduled attorney-client meetings. You need to be there on time. Also, I will often need quick information/ answers from you. Do not avoid me. It is critical you respond to my calls, texts, and emails promptly. You must also let me know immediately if your address, phone number, or email changes. Your first requirement for “responsiveness” is to promptly complete the 5-steps at Encl. 2.

4.      Be Kind (to Everyone). Just I will treat you professionally and respectfully, I expect the same (including your interactions with my co-workers such as legal assistant, investigators, etc. and Court Staff) I welcome your good or critical feedback, but please provide it respectfully.

      It is important to have others on your “team”

In addition to you and I working together, it is important to (a) identify others on your “team” (family, friends, etc.), (b) let me know how they support you, and (c) be grateful for their support.

II. Communications. 

Regarding “expectation #3” (“Be Available/Responsive”), I will also be available and responsive. To help, I created a myPD web-app (https://myPD.site/home) for improved attorney-client connections (see also Encl. 2). Please save/bookmark this link.  It was designed for use on your phone (but also works on your computer).  This myPD web-app also includes this contact information:

1.          Phone (text to my mobile phone): 573-705-9455

2.          Email address: grant.doty@mspd.mo.gov 

3.          Mailing address: 1101 Weber Rd, Suite 203; Farmington, MO  63640

     I am open to different ways to communicate with clients: texts, calls, emails, regular mail, etc. However, I find having multiple ways to communicate is best. If not urgent, an email might work; but a text or call reminder might be the best way to prevent missing court and having a warrant issued. 

III. Your First Steps. 

     I intend to vigorously represent all of my clients. You should expect this. But the first "steps" are yours to take. See below for the five-steps  at Encl. 2). 

§  Read this letter is Step 1; 

§  Provide me an email address and updated contacted info ASAP is Step 2; 

§  Add me as a contact in your phone so you don't think I'm Spam is Step 3; 

§  Bookmark the myPD web-app (https://myPD.site/home) Step 4; and 

§  Schedule & attend a meeting with me to discuss you case ASAP is Step 5.

     Regarding meeting, my District Office is in Farmington; but because many clients do not have reliable transportation or time to travel 27 miles from Ste. Genevieve to meet, I am generally scheduling two workdays in Ste. Gen (i.e., most Mondays and Thursdays in “Ste. Gen Satellite Office(s)” (Library, Courthouse, Jail); most Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the Farmington District Office; and most Fridays I will be telecommuting from home.

     For my usual work locations and availability, please go to the myPD web-app.

     And to make an appointment, see my Google Calendar https://calendar.app.google/y75YMyFgAXyhKTU86

[NOTE: If you are not technical and can't schedule a meeting by Google, please don't worry or put off scheduling a meeting.  Call or text (573-705-9455) or email (grant.doty@mspd.mo.gov) with dates/times/locations to "meet"]

IV. Importance of Talking/Meeting Promptly 

I mentioned “meeting ASAP” above (Step 5), but it is so important it justifies an entire section of this letter. In fact, it may be the most important determinate of a good or less-good outcome in your case.

     Objective(s).  It makes no sense for me to work your case hard until I know what “goal” we are working towards. I can’t assume what you want to be the outcome of this case. Do you want to “fight it all the way to a jury” or are you looking for the best possible negotiated “plea deal” from the prosecuting attorney? Are you looking for help for an addiction? Often my clients don’t even know. They have good questions about possible outcomes. They have reasonable (and unreasonable) worries. Together we can discuss a range of objectives and you can select the one that’s best for you.

     Best Defense(s).  I can’t always guess what your strongest defense might be. I can’t know what, if anything, the officer(s) might have done that violated your rights. Only you can answer these things.

     Disappearing Evidence.  Many clients are surprised to learn that evidence that might help your case may disappear. I do move quickly to get a court order directing the State to “preserve” or “save evidence that might otherwise be deleted (for example, 911 audio records are routinely delated after 12 months, “booking” records for some law enforcement departments are delated after 6 months, etc.). But some helpful evidence is held by non-government people and entities (e.g., store or ring doorbell videos, etc.). If we don’t talk and I don’t know about possible evidence, our investigator may not be able to act quickly enough.

     Time.  Time is a real factor – not always good or bad. If you are unable to bond out of jail, you may want to get this resolved quickly. Perhaps we can negotiate the best possible plea deal if you begin to get treatment for drug or alcohol addition, so delaying the case for 6-9 months might be a good call. How about wanting to wait to resolve it until a life event (e.g., a wedding or a trip)? We can control time more than people think and do so in a way that helps meet your needs and objectives.

Bottom line > Meeting ASAP may be the most important determinate of a good and less-good outcome in your case. Please schedule a meeting now.

     Again, I am honored to be your attorney and look forward to working together with you. And while intend to vigorously represent all of my clients, the first "steps" are yours to take. (Encl. 2). 

Sincerely,

Grant R. Doty, Assistant Public Defender

Encls. [below]

  (1) My “Mission” and “Fundamental Principles”
  (2) Five steps for clients to do ASAP.