Douglas Loren Applegate, experienced Business, Criminal Defense attorney in Vista, CA with 545 reviews
Lawyer credibility
rating system
LCRS
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
Average 34,17
Is this your profile? Claim it for free in just a few minutes!

Douglas Loren Applegate

380 S Melrose Dr Ste 207, Vista, CA

star star star star star
4.8 / 5
Google Maps
4.8
info
Google reviews rating
545 Reviews
Data reflects the status as of the latest update. Updates are typically done monthly.

License

License ID number: -

Licensed in: -

Year admitted: -

Last reviews

See All Reviews
Overall rating
star
star star star star star
4.8 545 reviews
Google Maps 4.8

Katherine beech

star star star star star
27 Jan, 2025
Was extremely manipulative. Would not recommend.
Read more Google Maps

Jp escobar

star star star star star
19 Jan, 2025
After looking for help from family law facilitators and Camp Pendleton Legal Assistance to no avail, my brother and I went to Mindy looking for advice and some assistance with my mom’s dissolution case as well as with setting up her estate, trust and POA. From the beginning we were met with the utmost care and compassion, even throughout the lengthy process of my mom’s dissolution. Although we took on other representation for my mom’s divorce case, Mindy took the time to guide us through some difficult challenges along the way. We couldn’t be happier. Thank you for all your help and guidance.
Read more Google Maps

Taylor marshall

star star star star star
24 Dec, 2024
I can't thank Peter enough for his professionalism, expertise, and dedication throughout the legal process. Peter Liss is incredibly knowledgeable, kept me well-informed at every step, and worked tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for my case. Thanks to his hard work, what initially seemed like an overwhelming and hopeless situation was resolved with a completely better outcome than I expected. If you're looking for someone who truly cares about their clients and will fight for you, I highly recommend Peter! His guidance and support made all the difference.
Read more Google Maps

Top review highlights

Pros
1
Extensive experience and expertise in criminal law
“Peter has lots of knowledge and knows how to use it in his DUI cases whether they are felonies or misdemeanors.”
2
Strong relationships and credibility within the local court system
“Extremely impressed at the level of professionalism and integrity Peter possesses. There are no guarantees in outcomes obviously, however, we knew all options during the process.”
3
Personalized and compassionate approach, providing emotional support to clients
“Peter is a beacon of light. His calm and empathetic demeanor offered emotional support. I am eternally grateful to Peter for dismissing my case!”
4
Prompt communication and availability, keeping clients informed throughout the process
“Peter returned every call and every email the same day, often in minutes. This is a true reflection of his compassion, for when you are fearful and traumatized, waiting for a call adds to your anxiety.”
5
Ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including dismissals and reductions
“Peter fought really hard for my case to get me the best outcome. He has a truly phenomenal record of acquittals, dismissals, and reductions!”
Cons
As a result of the analysis of reviews about this lawyer, no significant cons were found.

Best lawyers in Vista, CA

See more
John Christiaan Wilschke, experienced Criminal Defense attorney in Vista, CA with 282 reviews
Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
40,32
star star star star star
5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
1 Reviews
Google Maps
5.0
281 Reviews
star star star star star
18 Dec, 2024 by Faby pedraza luna
JD Law son los mejores recomendadisimos
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
18 Dec, 2024 by Diana duran
Google Maps
star star star star star
18 Dec, 2024 by Ale p
Google Maps
See more
Linda Joyce Alexander, experienced Child Custody, Child Support attorney in Vista, CA with 12 reviews
Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
39,37
star star star star star
5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
12 Reviews
star star star star star
19 Aug, 2019 by Christina
Linda cares for her client and is involved in your case completely. Both are qualities you won't find in the majority of attorneys. She is experienced and uses her knowledge to look at the case from various aspects; rather than collecting a retainer and carelessly shuffling your case thru the system. We recommend using her as your family law attorney. She helped us with a very stressful spousal support termination case and she was a blessing for our family.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
08 Feb, 2019 by Amber
Linda has helped me with my case for many years. Every time she gives me the confidence that I need and the knowledge that I lack to understand what the next steps in the process will be. She always makes time for clients including me and really cares about the well being of her clients and the children involved. It is a safe feeling knowing that Linda has so many years of experience in north county and has good relationships with her fellow lawyers. I would highly recommend her. I am grateful that she is not only my lawyer but also my friend.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
18 Oct, 2017 by Aubrey
Linda is nothing short of amazing!! I had a move away case that I was very worried about, especially after finishing my divorce with an attorney that did nothing to help me. After finding Linda on yelp, I decided to give her a call and after meeting her I knew I wanted her help! She was knowledgeable, hardworking, and kind! I knew she believed in me, and my case. She made one of the most stressful times in my life so much easier and much less nerve wracking. She went above and beyond for my case. I would highly recommend Linda!
Read more Avvo
See more
Christopher Jerome Stapleton, experienced Criminal Defense attorney in Vista, CA with 1 reviews
Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
35,03
star star star star star
5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
1 Reviews
star star star star star
11 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Stapleton was not thorough, intelligent and sharp; he was a very caring individual. He kept me fully informed during the entire process, always returned my calls diligently and treated me like the best of paying clients. I've had lots of attorneys, and he's been the best so far, by a long ways. I give Mr. Stapleton my highest rating.
Read more Avvo
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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 Vista, 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.
Scroll to top