Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
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Pros
1
Highly knowledgeable and experienced in the legal system
“Sal is the best attorney around hands down!! Sal told me what the plan was and was completely upfront on what he was going to do and what would work and not work so we didn't waste any time.”
2
Provides personalized and attentive service to clients
“Sal was very helpful, professional and responsive. He's respected in the court and knows what needs to be done to get the best possible outcome. He did a great job and eased my stress from a tough situation.”
3
Achieves favorable outcomes for clients
“In the end, Sal was able to have ALL the charges dropped and my family and I have our lives back.”
4
Offers clear communication and guidance throughout the legal process
“Sal always kept me informed, always had time to answer all my questions and always discussed with me the steps to follow.”
5
Respected by the legal community
“Salvatore Bonanno is extremely proficient and comfortable to work with every step of the way, approaching my case with surgical precision. He is highly educated and can navigate the legal system with confidence. He is well respected in the legal community, as he should be due to his professionalism.”
Cons
As a result of the analysis of reviews about this lawyer, no significant cons were found.

All reviews

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08 May, 2022 by Kevin
Attorney Salvatore Bonanno was able to resolve my case with a favorable outcome in very little time. I found Attorney Bonnano to be clear, concise, and always a professional who knows the law and gets results!
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25 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
I live in MA and was arrested in CT for DUI. Fortunately, my web search for a CT lawyer put me in contact with Sal. From the minute I spoke with him he was not only knowledgeable but extremely clear and concise and above all HONEST!! His proactive approach kept me confident that was being represented by the best. I was facing mandatory jail time but ended up with only probation. At the end of the day Sal will not only fight with no false promises but he cares! Thanks Sal !!
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17 Feb, 2021 by David
If such a thing can be said about a a DUI. Mr Bonanno managed to get my DUI dismissed and avoid community service. He represented me in my absence on 2 occasions. Super easy to work with. He’s the honest, down to earth, brass tacks type of attorney you need should your find yourself in this “situation”
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20 Nov, 2020 by Chris
After an arrest for DUI in July of 2019, I was both scared and embarrassed. I did a search on Google for the best DUI attorneys in Connecticut and I came upon Mr. Bonanno. Retaining his services was the best decision I could have made. He knew everyone at the Court. He was kind, compassionate and straight-forward. Mr. Bonanno guided me through the process every step of the way. Hopefully I am never in that situation again. But if I was, I would immediately call Mr. Bonanno again. I can't thank him enough.
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27 May, 2020 by Anonymous
A DUI can be daunting, overwhelming, scary and frustrating; but in all of the chaos the BEST decision I made was hiring Sal as my legal defense. He went above and beyond for me and I couldn’t be more pleased with the results. Sal you’re a great guy and an amazing Lawyer!
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11 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Attorney Goddard goes above and beyond on all of his cases. The commitment he has to his clients really helped to make me feel safe and confident. He, unlike other attorneys, calls me personally and is always available for any questions I have. The amount of effort for the price of the representationis more than adequate.
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star star star star star
21 Jul, 2022 by Maribel perez & miguel ortiz
First of all he stepped in and took over my fiance case's. He has done amazing job. He's has been in contact with me threw out his court dates has taking his time to explain to me the process. All I could say he has done he's job more professional than other public defender's I have come cross. Thankyou so much for your Professionalism.
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21 Dec, 2022 by Coko brown
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19 Feb, 2021 by Ghost in nc
Best law firm in Ct
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18 Sep, 2020 by Julianne braziel
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FAQs
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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 Hartford, Connecticut?

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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