Cort B. Chappell, Criminal Defense Attorney in Portsmouth, Rhode Island

Cort concentrates on criminal defense, family law, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Cort handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

• Criminal Defense

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• Family Law

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• Personal Injury

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Cort's primary office is at 171 Chase Road, Portsmouth, RI, 02871-0008. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Cort usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Cort discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.

• How much does it cost to hire Cort for a criminal defense case?

  Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Cort walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

• Does Cort offer a free consultation?

  Cort charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Cort's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Cort's current terms during booking.

• How long do criminal defense cases in Rhode Island typically take?

  Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Cort gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

• Can Cort take my case if I'm outside Portsmouth?

  Cort is licensed in Rhode Island. Matters governed by Rhode Island law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Cort will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

• What should I bring to my first meeting with Cort?

  Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Cort will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

• Is Cort accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

  Cort's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.