BarkingDogs.net

Expert Witness and Consultative Services Available

Dr. Mixon is widely recognized as a leading authority on the impact of chronic barking and other sources of intrusive noise on the physiologic, social, and psychological health of those who suffer as a result of it being force-fed into their homes from without. In addition, he has expert knowledge relevant to bark training and other matters related to conditioning and controlling canine barking behavior.

Accordingly, he is available as an expert witness and as a consultant for legal counsel representing those involved in matters related to barking dogs and other noise-related litigation.

Essentially, there are six services that Dr. Mixon can provide in his capacity as an expert witness:

1. Explain to the court how people are typically impacted by chronic barking and other sources of intrusive noise, and bring them to a thorough understanding of why persistent exposure to noise is such a traumatic, debilitating ordeal.
   
2. Present an overview of the harm done to the plaintiffs and explain the mechanism whereby the injury was inflicted.
   
3. Render an expert opinion as to whether the harm suffered by the plaintiffs is consistent with the level of noise to which they were reportedly exposed.
   
4. Evaluate the credibility of the plaintiffs self-report of how they have been impacted by exposure to chronic barking.
5. Assess the extent of the dog owner's culpability for the existence of the barking problem.
   
6. Analyze the arguments presented by opposing council.
   

Fees:
A standard base rate of $100.00 per hour is charged for time spent on the following work: formal consultations; reviewing documents or audio-visual materials; in-person or telephone meetings; case-related research; written or oral evaluations; preparation time for trial, hearing, or deposition; and for deposition testimony itself.

An accelerated rate of $225.00 per hour is charged for formal court appearance time at a hearing or trial, regardless of whether testimony is presented or not.

A reduced rate of $50.00 per hour is charged for actual travel time from and back to the city of Sonoma for any meeting, appointment, or appearance.

Expenses:
All travel expenses, including meals, transportation, and overnight accommodations are paid for by the client and billed from the retainer. Travel arrangements and reservations are handled by Dr. Mixon's office directly.

Retainer:
Execution of a standard fee agreement and an initial $500.00 retainer is required before work commences. A higher retainer may be required if significant expenses or hours are anticipated Any retainer monies which are unused at the conclusion of employment will be refunded. Pay Pal is the preferred method of payment.

Cancellations:
All appearances scheduled for trial, hearing, or deposition will be confirmed by letter from Dr. Mixon's office. Once the confirming letter is sent, any appearance previously scheduled for trial, hearing, or deposition which is cancelled:

• More than two weeks before the date set will not be charged to the client;
• Less than two weeks, but more than two business days, before the date set will be charged to the client as a $225 cancellation fee, and,
• Within two business days of the date set will be charged to the client as a $500 cancellation fee.

Fee Agreement:
Please click here to access a PDF copy of the fee agreement that is suitable for printing.

Contact Information:
Please send all inquiries to Dr. Mixon at quiet@barkingdogs.net. In order to minimize the possibility that your correspondence may be mistakenly deleted, please put the words court case or consultation in the subject line of your email.

This page is part of the Law section of barkingdogs.net