Best lawyers in Salinas, CA

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28 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Very helpful. Polite. And went above and beyond to help me through a stressful situation
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28 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
Jamey and Dylan(and staff) was AMAZING! Seriously. I called around to others in the area- having never been arrested, in jail or anything like this before, I didn't know what to expect. The first person I called was rude, he had been practicing DUI cases in Monterey for many years, and I am sure he was knowledgeable, but I didn't trust him the ways I trusted Jamey; right from the start, he was kind and very professional. He seems like a good guy too, a straight-talker who is down to earth, and smart. Anyhow, that was my initial impression and my gut was right! This was one, if not, the worst thing to ever happen to me. I needed someone to walk me through the journey and I got more than I expected. So my story – I was knocked out. I was on vacation in Canery Row and parked my car on the street set a 2 hour timer on my phone and went to my favorite restaurant in the area. Time passed, plans changed, and the timer went off, I booked a hotel nearby. As I went to move the rental car one tenth of the mile away, in to valet, something hit the back of my car. I come to learn someone on a skateboard lost control of their skateboard and it hit the back of the rental car. I didn't know what had happened, for all I knew, another car could have hit the back of my car. So I got out to see what happened and a large man came charging at me, I turned around to get back in the car, and that's when I was knocked out. This all happened within seconds of getting out to see if anyone was hurt based off the bang I heard, in the middle of bumper to bumper traffic, on Canery Row. Minutes later, police and ambulance came, witnesses described that the man had run away. The police officer was a complete jerk, newer on the force(Jamey tells me) – no field sobriety test was given. They arrived when I was on the sidewalk, bleeding and in shock at what happened. Instead of being treated like a victim, I was handcuffed because they smelt whiskey on my breath. I spent the next 48 hours in a holding cell, it was like what I imagine hell to be like, very sad. Since the officer was horrible, he failed to follow correct procedure. Jamey reviewed the body footage and advised the Judge to do so too. Because of this insight Jamey had, the DMV through out the case entirely. Typically, this sort of thing carries 1 year mandatory suspension of license. I had a BAC of .089, which is right at the bottom of the legal limit. Jamey told me from day one that he would push for me to get a reduction of the charge to a “Wet Reckless”(carries lower fines and not a DUI charge). One 12 hour class later and approximately $1000 in fines, I have moved on with my life. Everytime I thought of that evening, I would get irate. I actually have had to stop thinking about it entirely in order to maintain myself and move on in a healthy way. Sometime after the 3rd phone call or so(I have lived in a different state for over a decade), Jamey would encourage me to not allow the things we couldn't change, to effect us today. That wisdom and care from this professional, went a very long way. I needed that perspective, he cared enough about his client to provide it and care for their mental state. That's what I will think of when I think back to getting knocked out, with no justice and being jailed for 2 days, due to an error I made of parking on the street. The kindness of my attorney, what a great outcome for a miserable period of time. Thank you for everything! I hope to see you in person and shake your hand, that would be one fine day!
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10 Apr, 2019 by P.
Jamey was a great attorney from the very beginning to the very end of my case. He listened to all of my concerns especially since I no longer live in the area. He assured me and was very clear that it was something he could represent me even from being far away! He is also very straightforward and updates you with every little detail throughout your case as fast as possible. I honestly was very nervous but after speaking to Jamey he made me feel like I was not alone and just kept my head up and move on from this mistake. I am very grateful for finding Jamey and having him help me with an expungement. I will always recommend him to anyone in need of representation.
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11 May, 2018 by Anonymous
How do you, in words, describe someone who was simultaneously instrumental in changing and improving the quality of life for you and your child? There just aren't enough words! However, when I do try, I always seem to begin at hero. When I needed someone to listen to my exhaustion resulting from a custody battle that was ongoing for over twelve years, not only did Juan listen with a genuine concern but he instantly connected to understanding both parties. One adult wasn't pitted against the other adult. One parent wasn't the good parent or bad parent. His response was the best interest of the child. Juan took on years of pain, manipulation, chaos, slander and drama as if it were his own family. He sacrificed, worked tirelessly and stretched every minute and resource to achieve the best interest of our case. I am still in awe at the amount of sweat equity this one man put into his work. Our case was a true victory. As a result of the outcome, my child who has a special need, has come out of remission and is thriving mentally, physically, socially and educationally. Her life skills are no longer a distant hope but a present obtainable goal. She's even starting to contribute to our community. The hope of her taking care of herself and others around her has rapidly become a practice in our everyday lives. Juan is truly mastered at understanding people. To the point of elevating his profession. He is straight forward, bold in his claims and doesn't hold back the truth. There was no fear in him when making right the wrong. I could easily go on. There truly aren't enough words to reward such compassionately given professionalism. It has truly been a pleasure working with such a wonderful community, family and professionally oriented man.
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21 Apr, 2016 by Sheila
Juan Calzetta is a remarkable attorney and it is my pleasure to highly recommend him. Mr. Calzetta took my case when all other family law attorneys shied away from its complexity (involving an international component and another state). His compassion and sense of fairness motivated him to help me, even though the case required delving into new legal matters and taking some risks. Perhaps as important as knowledge of the law, Mr. Calzetta has outstanding people skills and insight into human nature. In addition to supporting his client through the ups and downs of the case, he made an excellent team with the attorney I hired in Florida to address the issues in that jurisdiction. Finally, his abilities in the art of persuasion and negotiations with opposing counsel were integral to our success.
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12 Mar, 2021 by Don williams
I worked with Steve over a year on my brother's probate in Monterey Court. Steve was extremely helpful and articulate during every step of the long process, and vital to us dealing with not only the passing of my brother, but all of the logistics in cleaning up and clearing out the many things involved in probate of an estate. I HIGHLY recommend him to anyone dealing with probate or other legal items.
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05 Dec, 2019 by Samantha t
Amazing professionalism and knowledge. Steve Mudd is the best! He is very helpful, efficient while kind respectful and compassionate. Would highly recommend!
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25 Oct, 2019 by Richard hawkins
Very helpful with my trust.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer?

Hiring the right lawyer is crucial for the success of your case. Here are some important questions to ask during your initial consultation:

  1. What experience do you have with cases similar to mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in the specific area of law pertaining to your case.
  2. How do you charge for your services, and what are the estimated costs?
    Understand the fee structure, including hourly rates, flat fees, retainer fees, and any additional expenses.
  3. Who will be handling my case?
    Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally or delegate tasks to other attorneys or paralegals.
  4. What is your approach to resolving cases like mine?
    Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
  5. What potential outcomes can I expect?
    While no lawyer can guarantee results, they can provide an assessment of possible scenarios based on their experience.
  6. How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
    Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times.
  7. What is the expected timeline for my case?
    Get an estimate of how long the process may take from start to finish.
  8. Do you have references from past clients?
    Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness.
  9. What challenges do you foresee in my case?
    Understanding potential obstacles helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations.
  10. Are there alternative ways to resolve my legal issue?
    Discuss options like mediation, arbitration, or settlement to resolve the issue efficiently.

Can a Lawyer Represent Me in Courts Outside of Salinas, California?

Whether a lawyer can represent you in courts outside of your city or state depends on their licensure and the jurisdiction of the court:

  • Within the Same State:
    Lawyers licensed in a particular state can typically practice anywhere within that state, including all cities and counties. They can represent you in both state and federal courts located in that state.
  • Outside of Their Licensed State:
    If your case is in a different state, the lawyer must be licensed in that state to represent you. However, there are exceptions:
    • Pro Hac Vice Admission: An out-of-state lawyer can request special permission to represent a client in a specific case in another state. This requires filing a motion with the court and often working in conjunction with a local attorney.
    • Federal Courts: If your case is in federal court, a lawyer licensed in any state may be able to represent you, provided they are admitted to practice in that particular federal court.
  • International Representation:
    For cases outside the United States, different rules apply, and the lawyer may need to comply with the foreign country's legal requirements or collaborate with local counsel.

It's important to discuss your specific situation with the lawyer to determine if they can represent you in the desired jurisdiction and what steps may be necessary to do so.

How to Check the Credibility of a Lawyer

Before hiring a lawyer, it's crucial to verify their credibility and ensure they're qualified to handle your case:

  • Verify Their License:
    Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing. Most state bar websites have an online directory for this purpose.
  • Experience and Specialization:
    Ensure the lawyer specializes in the area of law relevant to your case. Review their website, professional profiles, and case history.
  • Disciplinary Record:
    Look up any history of disciplinary actions or complaints through the state bar association's records.
  • Client Reviews and Testimonials:
    Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, Google, or Yelp to gauge client satisfaction and experiences.
  • Professional Memberships:
    Membership in professional organizations or specialty bar associations can indicate a commitment to their field and adherence to high ethical standards.
  • Awards and Recognitions:
    Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation in the legal community.
  • Consultation Assessment:
    Use the initial consultation to evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and willingness to address your concerns.
  • Ask for References:
    A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients who can speak to their abilities and professionalism.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most of your initial meeting with a lawyer, come prepared with:

  • Relevant Documents:
    Bring all documents related to your case, such as:
    • Contracts or agreements
    • Correspondence (emails, letters, texts)
    • Legal notices or court papers
    • Financial records (if applicable)
    • Evidence (photos, videos, receipts)
  • Written Summary:
    Prepare a concise written summary of your situation, including key dates, events, and parties involved. This helps the lawyer quickly understand the context.
  • List of Questions:
    Write down any questions you have about your case, the legal process, fees, or the lawyer's experience.
  • Financial Information:
    If your case involves financial matters, bring relevant documents like pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, or invoices.
  • Contact Information:
    Provide details of any witnesses or other parties relevant to your case, including their names and contact information.
  • Personal Identification:
    Bring a valid photo ID for verification purposes.
  • Pen and Notebook:
    Take notes during the consultation to remember important points discussed.
  • Budget Constraints:
    Be ready to discuss your budget and any financial limitations so the lawyer can provide appropriate guidance on fees and payment options.
  • Openness and Honesty:
    Be prepared to discuss your case candidly. Full disclosure allows the lawyer to give accurate advice and anticipate potential challenges.
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