Understanding Why Your Case Takes Time
At Cates & Reed, PLLC, we want clients and their families to understand what is happening behind the scenes in a criminal case. In this video, attorney Dwane Cates explains why the process often takes longer than people expect, especially when someone is in custody. The time involved is not about neglect or delay for its own sake. It reflects the steps required to gather information, review it carefully, and decide how to move forward.
One of the first things we help clients understand is that much of the early timeline depends on the prosecution. A key reason for delay is that we must wait for information and materials to be sent to us before we can take meaningful steps. As Dwane explains,
"A lot of times we're waiting on information to be sent to us from the prosecution."
Once that information arrives, the work does not stop there. Our team needs time to organize, process, and understand what the prosecution has provided. That review shapes how we evaluate options and decide on the next steps in the case. As Dwane puts it,
"Once that information is sent to us, we need to process it and figure out what to do with it."
In some situations, understanding the material fully may require additional support. The video touches on how we may consider bringing in another professional to help review complex information so we can see the full picture. That decision depends on what we receive and what the case needs. The focus is always on making thoughtful choices based on the evidence in front of us.
We also recognize that waiting is hardest for clients who are in custody and their families. Hearing that the process can take time is often frustrating when someone’s freedom is at stake. Dwane emphasizes that understanding this reality is essential to managing expectations and staying grounded throughout the case.
"Just understanding that it's going to take some time, I think that's the number one thing that they need to understand."
Throughout this process, we want clients to feel that they can reach out with questions. In the video, Dwane notes that clients will have our contact information and can call when they need to talk. That ongoing communication helps clients feel informed while we are waiting on materials or reviewing new information. Our goal is to combine honest expectations about timing with clear explanations of what is happening at each stage.
