Stephen C. Harris, P.C. Privacy Statement
At Stephen C. Harris, P.C. (also doing business as Stephen Harris Law), the protection of your privacy is a top priority. As a law firm serving Louisa, Virginia and neighboring communities in Central Virginia for more than 40 years, our reputation has been built on trust, integrity, and professionalism. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, protect, and disclose your personal information when provided with the opportunity to represent you with your legal needs regarding DUI, DWI, reckless driving, speeding, or related criminal or traffic offenses. We take client confidentiality and compliance with laws and professional standards seriously.
The Scope of this Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy governs the information that is collected or submitted to the firm of Stephen C. Harris, P.C. through our website, by email, by phone, in person, and by any other means. This policy relates to the collection and use of personal, sensitive, and/or confidential information from prospective, current, and former clients and visitors to our website. By visiting our website, calling our offices, and/or utilizing our legal services, you agree to the following terms:
What Information We Collect
In the process of representing you, Stephen C. Harris, P.C., may collect information about you. This may include:
- Contact Information – such as your name, address, telephone number, email address, and preferred method of contact.
- Case Information – such as facts related to a particular legal matter, including, but not limited to, type of offense, offense location, court dates and/or papers related to the case.
- Identification – your date of birth, driver’s license number, and other government-issued identification where required in order to represent you.
- Billing and Payments – such as payments made or to be made for your legal representation, billing address, cardholder name, and transaction history.
- Communications – emails, phone calls and/or conversations with our office.
- Website Usage Data – automatically collected information through website usage, such as IP addresses, web browser/device type and version, referring/exit URLs, and pages viewed on current website(s) (collected using cookies or analytics tools).
How we Use Your Information
Stephen C. Harris, P.C. (collectively “the Firm”) uses your information only to provide quality legal services; communicate with you efficiently and effectively; and maintain compliance with law and legal ethics. In particular, the Firm may use your information as follows:
- To determine which legal services may be needed and help you obtain appropriate advice or representation;
- To schedule and calendar appointments, hearings, court dates, etc.;
- To communicate updates, answer questions and respond to requests;
- To prepare and submit court filings, closings and other documents as directed by you;
- To process billing, payments and related accounting administrative functions;
- To analyze and improve our website and your experience as a client through the use of analytics and client feedback; and
- To satisfy the requirements imposed on us by law, regulation, or as a result of our professional responsibility obligations.
Attorney-Client and Work Product Information; Privilege
As a well-established law firm, we know the importance of confidentiality. Information shared with Stephen C. Harris, P.C., and by you to us is considered attorney-client information protected by attorney-client privilege. Such information will not be disclosed to third persons except as required by proper judicial or administrative order, or as you may authorize in writing, or to the extent disclosure may be reasonably necessary for your representation. This policy applies to information received orally as well as in writing or electronically.
Use and Disclosure of Your Information
Your privacy is important to us. Stephen C. Harris, P.C. does not sell, rent or trade your personal information to third parties for their promotional purposes. We may disclose information in the following limited circumstances:
- With your prior consent to do so when disclosure is needed to represent you in your matters (e.g., exchange documents with courts and opposing attorneys).
- To comply with applicable legal requirements, court orders, or governmental regulations.
- To outside authorized service providers who assist us with our operations (e.g., information technology support and secure document storage), but only as strictly necessary. All of these trusted advisors are bound by stringent confidentiality obligations.
- In connection with any merger, acquisition, transfer or sale relating to the firm’s assets, client confidentiality will continue to be maintained, and made a priority by all parties.
- To protect the rights, property or safety of Stephen C. Harris, P.C., our clients, and/or other persons as permitted or required by applicable law.
Security and Risk of Information Loss
We take adequate precautions to protect your personally identifiable information from unauthorized access, alteration, use or disclosure. Our security measures include but are not limited to:
- Storing paper files in locked files in secure areas
- Using encrypted email and secure file sharing systems
- Maintaining up-to-date firewalls, antivirus software, and security patches for electronic data
- Password protection for computers and document storage systems
- Employee confidentiality and data security policies and training
Still, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage system is 100% secure. We use commercially reasonable efforts to protect your information but can’t guarantee its security.
Retention of Information Related to Clients
Stephen C. Harris, P.C., retains its clients’ information only as long as is necessary to fulfill purposes for which it was collected, comply with legal and ethical obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. When your matter is closed or our professional services are terminated, your file will be securely stored for a period of time set by applicable law and professional requirements. At the end of that period your records will be destroyed or deleted in a way that prevents unauthorized access.
Your Rights and Choices
You have the following rights concerning the personal information that we collect and retain about you:
- You have a right to inspect and copy any personal information that we have about you;
- You have the right to request that we correct any erroneous or incomplete information about you in our records.
- You have the right to withdraw consent to use some or all of such information by the firm when such a withdrawal will not interfere with the firm’s legal and other professional responsibilities; and,
- You have the right to request that we delete such information if regulations or professional rules permit.
If you wish to exercise your rights please feel free to call our office at (540) 603-1112 or to email [email protected]. We will respond as soon as practicable and otherwise as required by law.
Cookies and Website Analytics
Our website uses cookies and similar tools to improve site performance, analyze site traffic, and manage and enhance our services. Cookies are small data files that reside on your device and enable us to recall your information in order to present relevant content. We may also use third-party analytics technologies, such as web analytics services, to obtain aggregated, non-personal information about your visit to the website for that purpose. Your browser can be set to refuse or delete cookies; however, some features of the website may not function properly if cookies are disabled.
Links to Other sites and Services
The website of Stephen C. Harris, P.C. may contain links to other websites and third party service providers, including social media pages (Facebook and Twitter) or legal resource pages. Please be advised that Stephen C. Harris, P.C. does not control or endorse the privacy practices of any third party sites or services. Please review the privacy policies on such external sites before submitting any personal information, or participating in any third party services.
Transfer of Information and Geographic Considerations
Stephen C. Harris, P.C. practices exclusively within the Commonwealth of Virginia in Louisa, Fluvanna, Goochland, Hanover (western), Orange, Spotsylvania, (lower half of) Madison, Greene, Albemarle counties, and nearby areas. All information with respect to client files is maintained using data processing and permanent record systems in compliance with United States laws and the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. We do not intentionally cause personal information to be transferred outside of the United States, but to the extent any such transmissions occur, they are done using safeguards appropriate to assist in protecting the confidentiality of your information.
Children’s Privacy
Stephen C. Harris, P.C., does not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under the age of 13 without legally-verifiable, direct parental consent. If you are a parent or legal guardian and you are aware that your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately at (540) 603-1112 or [email protected]. We will take reasonable, appropriate efforts to immediately remove any such information from our system.
Communications with Clients and Marketing
We may from time to time use the contact information you provide us to send you communications which we think may interest you in relation to your case or developments in the law or our services. You may opt out of non-essential communications at any time by contacting us. Stephen C. Harris, P.C. does not make unsolicited contacts for marketing or other purposes and does not share your contact information with anyone for marketing purposes.
Professional and Ethical Responsibilities
As a member of the National College for DUI Defense, and the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Stephen C. Harris, P.C. complies with and abides by the highest standards of professional ethics and responsibility. Our privacy practices meet the requirements of the rules of the Virginia State Bar and all other relevant federal and state statutes, laws and regulations governing attorneys and client matters.
Changes to this Privacy Policy
This privacy policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in terms of our practices, requirements of law, or technology. If we materially change our Privacy Policy, we will revise the policy on our website and describe the date of revision. We encourage you periodically to revisit this Privacy Policy so that you may remain informed of how we protect your information.
How to Reach Us
In the event you have any inquiries, concerns or requests regarding the application of this Privacy Policy or with our privacy practices, you may reach us at the address set forth below:
Stephen C. Harris, P.C.
104 East Main Street
Louisa, 23093-9449 (P.O. Box 486)
Phone: (540) 603-1112
Fax: 540-967-0014
Email: [email protected]
You may also submit requests or inquiries regarding the foregoing Privacy Policy via the contact us section of this website and we shall respond promptly addressing your inquiry, request or concern.
Complaints and Resolving Disputes
If you believe that your privacy rights have been violated by Stephen C. Harris, P.C., please send a complaint to our office at the address above. All complaints are investigated promptly and appropriate actions taken as needed. If you are not satisfied with our response to your complaint, you may have other legal remedies available through Virginia State Bar or other authority.
Visitors Outside the U.S
Although located in Virginia and serving primarily Virginia clients, visitors to Stephen C. Harris, P.C.’s website domiciled outside of the United States should be aware that information they voluntarily submit to this law office will be used and stored according to U.S. and Virginia law. By using this website or hiring our office for services, visitors to this site accept the use, storage, and processing of such information according to the terms set out in this policy page.
Users in California
Although our firm does not represent California residents, we value the rights of California residents to be secure and confident that their private information will be protected. If you are a resident of California and would like to exercise any rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act, we can assist you. You may contact us at [email protected]. We will review and evaluate your request according to our legal and ethical responsibilities.
Accessibility
Stephen C. Harris, P.C. seeks to ensure that our Privacy Policy remains accessible to every client and visitor, including those with disabilities. If you need an alternative format, or if you have trouble accessing information, please contact the office so we can assist you.
Applicable Law
The Privacy Policy and such other policies as are introduced here (referred to in this policy collectively as the “Policy”), are governed by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States of America. All claims or disputes arising under this Policy shall be exclusively subject to and determined exclusively by the courts sitting in Louisa County, Virginia.
Your Consent
By visiting and using the Stephen C. Harris, P.C. website, or otherwise contacting and retaining us, you consent to the collection, use and disclosure of your information pursuant to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these practices, do not engage our services or use our website.
Summary and Commitment
At Stephen C. Harris, P.C., we recognize how important legal issues are in your life and the deep trust you place in our law firm. We work tirelessly to maintain your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal and financial information. When you come to us facing charges for DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or another criminal or traffic matter, rest assured that your case and its related issues are always handled professionally.
Contact Us for Immediate Assistance
If experienced legal assistance is needed, or for inquiries about this Privacy Policy, please call (540) 603-1112 or e-mail [email protected] for immediate and confidential help. Your information can also be sent through the Website’s contact form. Privacy is important, and a priority for Stephen C. Harris, P.C., so please contact us today if you need respected advice in Central Virginia.