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25 Oct, 2018 by Dale
Daniel was clear about everything, was reasonably priced and got my speeding ticket dismissed. Worth the money, for sure.
He didn't give me updates all the time, but though I had some anxiety a few times because I wasn't sure what was going on. But Daniel was on it. It's probably best to just put it in his hands and let him take care of it.
I'm happy with the result!
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17 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
Basically if he would have known the law better, he would have never charged me the extra 500 dollars for a service that was impossible to complete based on my circumstances.
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26 Feb, 2018 by Christopher
Was able to get some charges dropped and got me lightest sentace possible. I would highly recommend Dan.
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04 Jan, 2023 by Salvador ayala
25 Aug, 2021 by Kevyn
Well when I call I get the run around games Everytime I call and I e been trying to get in contact with him since probley the 1st of the month and haven't been able to and now let's see I go to court today and still haven't talked to him. So I'll see what happens in court today hopefully I don't go to jail.
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02 Mar, 2019 by Jose yanez
The lawyer is also available for any cuestión
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14 Oct, 2022 by Onierka
Todo fue muy bueno la abogada hizo un trabajo excelente estamos muy contentos con ella.
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14 Oct, 2022 by Julieta
Without a doubt I can say that Eilish is the best Immigration attorney in Yakima. She’s very knowledgeable, and honest Which is really hard to find. I am very grateful for all of her help in my case and for always working in a timely manner.
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30 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
Spoke to Eilish 2021, everything was great communication was fast. Sent her all necessary documentation and then all of the sudden it's like she fell off the face of the Earth. No follow up visit was made like she stated in consultation, no phone calls, no response to several messages. She gave me hope and then vanished. Would not recommend.
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08 Dec, 2022 by Ron rhodes
Make an appointment. They will keep it if they are not nudy
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04 Nov, 2022 by Terra mahre
McKenna took great care to work with us. She is personable and a great listener.Thanj you for your help.
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09 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
I retained Tyler Farmer back in mid 2021 to settle my father’s estate. Everything in the beginning was great, excellent communication, timely responses. Then March of 2022 rolls around. I email Tyler about a question, two weeks go by, no response. So I send a follow up email; in all correspondence I always cc his assistant. So four weeks go by and still no response. My brother went into the office and confirmed we still had monies available on our account. We both have tried calling the office of Tyler Farmer a couple of times and no response, no reply. This is completely unprofessional conduct for a retained attorney! To this day, Tuesday, August 9th, 2022, Tyler Farmer has yet to respond. I don’t even know what to think of this, but it doesn’t leave me with a good feeling.
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08 Dec, 2022 by Ron rhodes
Make an appointment. They will keep it if they are not nudy
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04 Nov, 2022 by Terra mahre
McKenna took great care to work with us. She is personable and a great listener.Thanj you for your help.
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13 Dec, 2021 by Dave noll
08 Dec, 2022 by Ron rhodes
Make an appointment. They will keep it if they are not nudy
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04 Nov, 2022 by Terra mahre
McKenna took great care to work with us. She is personable and a great listener.Thanj you for your help.
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13 Dec, 2021 by Dave noll
08 Dec, 2022 by Ron rhodes
Make an appointment. They will keep it if they are not nudy
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04 Nov, 2022 by Terra mahre
McKenna took great care to work with us. She is personable and a great listener.Thanj you for your help.
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13 Dec, 2021 by Dave noll
08 Dec, 2022 by Ron rhodes
Make an appointment. They will keep it if they are not nudy
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04 Nov, 2022 by Terra mahre
McKenna took great care to work with us. She is personable and a great listener.Thanj you for your help.
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13 Dec, 2021 by Dave noll
15 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
We have hired Cathy Lighty twice for child support modifications, we have been very pleased each time with her services.
She is straight to the point and gets things done ASAP
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07 Oct, 2015 by Victor
I had my divorce back in 2009. Catherine did help ( or should I say Shannon since I never really had any contact with Catherine). I already had the child support thing figured out and the amount i had to pay was already done. So what does my own attorney go and do?? She, for some reason that i still dont understand, re-did the papers up and said that I had to pay more! I told her its already done and filed in court why would I want to pay more?! Basically i was paying her to do research on how I could pay more on a case that was already one sided with the state of course favoring women in most cases. It was a very frustrating time and she did not make it any easier. She did not have any good thoughts or good info that would help me in my case ( parenting plan). The day that we were in court and everything was settled and i did not get the outcome I was looking for she gave some half ass comment about why the judge should consider it again. I guess that kind of summs up the whole experience: "half ass" everything. I was young and inexperienced as far as a divorce goes and I dont feel like she took just a bit of time to let me know the possibilities of what we we're doing. Shannon was her assistant and she was actually very helpfull. I think she is no longer there, hopefully on to bigger and better things. The only positive thing that Catherine did for me is cut me a break on my retainer. Probably felt guilty for taking my money and not doing much with my case. Im not out to "trash" anybody. Im sure if Catherine wanted to, she probably could've done a good job but she lacked effort. So I'm writting this review just to let people know to please pay close attention to the attorney they hire and make sure that they are attentive and have your well being and your family's well being in mind.
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27 Aug, 2010 by Anonymous
The initial estimate for our case was far lower than the actual costs. We had to call her office many times to find out the status of our case. We did not feel as though she was OUR advocate, as much as she was a "fellow" lawyer with opposing counsel.
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29 Sep, 2023 by Sarah
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the mediation services David Hazel provided our family which led to the resolution of my father's estate. Dave's professionalism, expertise, and commitment to fostering understanding among all parties involved was vital in achieving resolve we all were hoping for.
Upon my first interaction, not only was I impressed with his firm knowledge of Washington estate law, but also how well he understood the intricacies within our unique family dynamic and what led to our subsequent stalemate. His attention to detail instilled confidence in me that we were in capable hands.
In addition to his knowledge base, what really sets Dave apart is his genuine caring and empathetic approach for the people he’s working with. He took the time to listen to our concerns, fears, and hopes, providing a safe and supportive environment for open dialogue. He then skillfully facilitated conversations, helping us navigate complex and emotionally charged issues we weren’t able to handle on our own. I truly believe it was his patient and compassionate demeanor that made it easier for all parties to lower our walls and ultimately find our way to resolution. Dave made every effort to ensure all voices were heard and respected.
Throughout the process, it was reassuring for me to witness his ability to remain neutral, maintain positive focus of the end goal, and offer out of the box solutions to our case’s particular challenges.
For these reasons, I can absolutely say that Dave Hazel was instrumental in accomplishing resolution that worked for everyone. This outcome would have been nearly impossible without his guidance and support. If you're looking for a mediator who goes above and beyond, Dave is the one to trust.
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10 Sep, 2023 by Lyndsey
I recently had the privilege of working with Dave Hazel from David Hazel Mediation, and I must say, it was an eye-opening experience. It is my hope that this review underscores the significance of mediation and its impact on resolving complex issues.
My situation revolved around a highly intricate matter concerning my late father's estate. His passing triggered a series of unfortunate events, characterized by a severe lack of communication and trust among the involved parties. This situation led to a protracted probate process, consuming a significant portion of my life. It was clear that a resolution was desperately needed.
Turning to David Hazel Mediation for assistance was a pivotal decision. From the moment I engaged Dave's services, I was struck by his unwavering professionalism and commitment to achieving a fair and equitable outcome. Dave's mastery of mediation techniques and his profound understanding of the probate judicial system proved to be indispensable.
David Hazel Mediation not only excels in providing mediation services but also champions innovation and creative problem-solving. Dave navigated the complex legal landscape of my case with remarkable precision and unwavering dedication. What truly set him apart was his ability to identify unique and effective solutions, which proved instrumental in moving the dispute towards resolution.
In my pursuit of honoring my father's final wishes, Dave and David Hazel Mediation emerged as invaluable allies. Dave's expertise and his strategic approach to the resolution process played a pivotal role in facilitating communication and cooperation among the involved parties.
Recognizing the damaged relationships between the co-personal representatives and the beneficiaries, Dave wisely understood that a harmonious reconciliation was unlikely. As a result, he implemented a swift resolution process, ensuring that we received our rightful inheritance promptly. This decisive action brought closure to a prolonged and emotionally taxing chapter.
I want to express my profound gratitude to David Hazel Mediation for his steadfast support and unparalleled expertise during this trying period in my life. Dave embodies a ray of hope for individuals grappling with complex legal disputes, and his commitment to finding innovative solutions is truly commendable. If you ever find yourself entangled in a similar situation, I wholeheartedly endorse David Hazel's mediation services.
In conclusion, my experience with Dave Hazel and David Hazel Mediation demonstrated the transformative power of mediation in even the most intricate and emotionally charged legal matters. Dave's guidance and expertise were instrumental in achieving a resolution that allowed me to honor my father's memory and move forward with a sense of closure and relief.
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06 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
David was amazing with our mediation. He helped calm all parties and did his homework as to the issues involved. He gave great advice and we were able to get the case closed without going to court. Thanks, David.
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15 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
Blaine uses his years of valuable experience to give you the best representation possible. Hard-working and gets the job done right.
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25 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
It takes a certain amount of effort to be this bad of an attorney. Blaine Connaughton lost a custody battle to a documented child abuser fresh out of a mental institution who was represented by a guy who eventually lost his law license. You have got to be some kind of a pathetic attorney to do that. Zero stars.
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21 May, 2019 by Anonymous
Blaine has been my attorney since 2014, i have referred him to many many people and by personal experience is the reason I still my family together, i have him and his office to thank for fighting for me, my rights, my children, he helped me with divorce/child support modification/parenting plan modification. He is the one to hire if your seeking justice and need to know your legal rights.
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10 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
i payed him 2000 dollars and only was able to meet with him once to discuss my case and the deal he wanted me to take was worse than the dealmy public defender was offering me, before i hired him and the case was a cake walk for any defense there was literally no crime committed and video evidence to prove it.
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11 Aug, 2017 by Larry
I like his holistic approach. He consided angles on my case that other attorneys didn't and were very effective. He comes off a little rude at first and asks blunt questions but it's a direct and effective way of gathering all the relevant info he can to get the best possible outcome.
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02 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Well the initial consultation was iffy, he really didnt discuss the charges nor looked at the possible sentence i was going to get based on my background, he is quite rude and blunt
But i hired him anyways, he is really hard to get a hold of and doesnt communicate properly through text or phone calls.
Doesnt call back when i leave a message takes more than 2 days to reply.
When i looked at his cases online, they are very different from what he recommended for pleading guilty he gave me 3 days in jail off of a 361 suspended sentence and also based on the type of background i had in coorelation to the charge i was getting i was very suprised.
Its kinda of funny he has a habit recommending deferred type sentences.
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11 May, 2021 by Anonymous
Thank you Raymond! You helped me during the hardest time in my life and you always gave me full attention and kept all of the information regarding my case organized and in view.
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16 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
I hired this man to represent me and he was very incompetent
Lost much of my information I gave home
Didn’t even respond to contempt’s on my behalf
I fired him and hired a real attorney
I’m still paying for his lack
Oh yes he still charge me full price
Don’t hire him!!!!!!
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21 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Randy is extremely inconsiderate. My niece is 13 years old being raised by his grandmother who is over 70 years old. She has a care taker who is my nieces uncle.
Randy refused to allow any family AT ALL into his office during the consultation. Even with the grandmother requesting help.
Randy is NOT here for the client.
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16 Dec, 2011 by Bob
very impressed. Randy defended my son on a case. He always got back to us promptly, was always prepared, is is just a down right nice guy.
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28 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Attorney was hired. Be sure to ask questions and understand your case. He is a flat fee attorney, be aware of what that means and how much he will and won't work on your case. Very little was done on my case. Do your research and do not rely on reviews or credentials.
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12 May, 2016 by Flynn
He is an attorney that is extremely knowledgeable in various aspects of the law and did an awesome job at helping me remain confident. He doesn't beat around the bush and tells it how it is where as some attorneys will tell you what you want to hear just to get cash from your pocket. I felt very comfortable with him as my attorney and would highly recommend him to anyone that is in need.
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24 Apr, 2018 by Mike
Gregory Scott literally saved my life and career from devastation. He was diligent in his pursuit of finding the facts to prove false information that was reported by the arresting officer. He was always friendly and gave good advice. He presented my case thoroughly and with professionalism, and his closing statement was well-planned and very effective. I had no idea how to find an attorney to handle my case, and interviewed at least a dozen attorneys before I found him. I felt like I was in good hands from the first time I met him. I felt like I could trust him and that he truly cared about the outcome of my situation. He's a little expensive but he worked out a payment plan for me that fit within my budget. And he was worth every dime. I would highly recommend him.
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12 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Hire at your own risk because the only person doing his job is his assistant or sister in this case. Never arrested in my life and party to a set-up DV, where I was the actual victim, I was railroaded out the gate. "Promised" Police reports, CAD recordings, expert witnesses who he never called, continuance after continuance, never providing the court one motion in my defense while the county prosecutors went on a witch hunt for a year (all the while my child parentally kidnapped), mysteriously never brought crucial evidence to trial, failed to cross examine YPD (example: officer 3 stating I resisted arrest- did not happen and I had never seen this police officer in my life - I would have remembered as I was handcuffed w/o cause, stuffed in the police car and driven off immediately before I even knew what was happening, again this was the FIRST TIME I HAD BEEN ARRESTED IN MY LIFE), spent my huge retainer on having me investigated and my father to qualify whether he'd have issues when he threw the trial or my case, couldn't even print one glossy photo of my injuries, I literally had to pull out my own exhibits at trial, he was NOT PREPARED! Smooth talker and definitely part of the good old boys club, lied to me about the progress of my case or things he was going to do and never did and lead me down one path, then took another and concealed his alliance with the prosecutors. Should be brought up on charges by the WA State Bar for unethical billing (no statements or progress reports), ineffective assistance in a HAT, misconduct and breeching client privilege!
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16 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
I generally have a poor opinion of lawyers but Greg Is a cut above the average lawyer. I got the feeling he really did care about my situation.
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22 Nov, 2020 by Blanca
Barry is a god sent! he help me get my license back on a deferred prosecution. He is very calm and very polite lawyer he listens to you when you feel like there is no hope Barry is the man that can help you he is professional and respectful. Thank you Barry for taking care of everything. Don't waste your money on other lawyers he will help you every step of the way.
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17 Sep, 2018 by Scott
I retained Mr. Woodard in my first felony case ever which was Possession of a Controlled Substance. Instead of getting me the Firsttime Felony waiver which turns your first felony into a misdemeanor he got me a year and a half of drug court which I subsequently failed and now lost my gun rights due to the felony on my record. Terrible attorney.
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19 May, 2017 by Mike
This guy is really bad i remembered back in 2012 i had hired him for a domestic violence case and never gave me a good plea deal. The only plea deal i got was just a 30 day deal and the rest suspended.
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20 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Shawn seemed appalled by the fact my divorce hadn’t been finalized via my ex’s attorney, telling me I had an open & shut case during my consultation. I was unfortunately fooled by these very promising words. Multiple times I heard my divorce would be finalized in “no time”; these were All LIES!! I lost thousands listening to his “professional” advice which was worthless! It’s very Sad that I had to go behind his (my hired divorce attorneys’s) back in order to actually get my marriage dissolved, avoiding paying out thousands more had I gone through his suggested mediation. His office assistant was no better to deal with than he was, she was rude at best.
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04 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Shawn not only knows family law, but he was realistic with me about my options when he was helping me draft divorce and parenting plan papers. No doubt he could have fought (and won) a nasty court battle if I wanted to go that route, but he did an outstanding job of negotiating and navigating me through the more fair and "friendly" (ok...maybe just fair!) divorce I was wanting.
(on a side note, use your OWN judgement when hiring a lawyer and do a consultation with more than one! I see a lot of poor reviews for lawyers that have excellent reputations around town and favorable case outcomes. Look at reviews, but also take them with a grain of sale. Remember family court is a highly emotional place, which can lead to "losing" parties lashing out in online reviews about attorneys/judges/etc without disclosing the entire story. Just my two cents)
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06 Apr, 2016 by Doug
Didn't do a damn thing for me but tell me how the judge raked me over the coals at a hearing about child support and other financial matters. He sure loved to stand there with none a word and no defense whatsoever. I'm still going through a dissolution with NO advice from him. Hired a much better attorney is town. Shawn seemed like this was an open and shut case and tested his theories in court. I lost thousands listening to his professional advice.
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08 Nov, 2018 by Mandi erickson
I don’t know a single attorney to challenge allegations by Yakima Police Department, State Farm Insurance Associates, Department of Social Health Services licensing Department in both Administrative and Likely Criminal proceedings and negotiate them all down to even receive verbal apologies. If you need a legal advocate this is your guy! He is very intelligent and knows his stuff. Be honest with him and upfront and he will have your back the entire way! Highly recomended!!!
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04 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Took my case after representing my child's mother. I told him her name and even showed him pictures. After finding out he had a conflict of interest he dropped me and changed me an outrageous amount for the amount of work that was done.
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27 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
Contacted Chris Tait to help with a business law issue and he constantly wants more and more money to pad his retainer. After two years of unresponsiveness and getting nothing done I fired him. Still have never seen a statement of charges or the balance of my retainer.
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07 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
I'm not sure if i would recommend Attorney Dalan yet. I still have not seen any results so I cannot fairly rate Attorney Dalan. I'm not sure how many clients Attorney Dalan has. I know my son hired her two weeks ago and is still waiting for a court date to get scheduled so he can try to get his visitation with his daughter back. This is heart breaking. His visitation rights were wrongfully taken away from him. If I were educated in law I would have been on the case immediately especially since I already received my retainer fee!
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05 Aug, 2013 by Melissa
Quinn took my case, even though she wasn't at the time familiar with the area of law concerned. She quickly became familiar with it, enough to provide me with solid legal support and representation, and to ultimately win my case. She was up against a flank of high profile lawyers with years of experience in that area of law, and didn't flinch or lack confidence in any way. She prepared an excellent case with clear case law, used her knowledge and trial experience, and saved my life. She cared about my case, and kept in touch with me despite a busy schedule. If she couldn't call back right away, I always knew she would as soon as she could, and I knew I could call or email and she would respond. I can't recommend her highly enough. She is a high quality, ethical and able attorney.
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07 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
I got transferred to her from grant county public defense when my attourney got sick an resigned. I called every day for 25 days and got 1 call back after making a complaint to the director of public defense! She didn't do anything for me at all! And when we did go to court she didn't even realize that my case had been called and that I was even there. I was standing in the defendants spot and the judge asked me where my attourney was and who it was. I said Quinn Rosborough and he called her attention to the stand and re read the case info. Luckily the prosecutor motioned for dismissal that day. Rosborough had no clue what was going on!
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25 May, 2022 by Jason bangs
This guy is in his 50s and he's still working as a public defender? That should tell you something kids out of college work as public defenders for a few years and then move on to better jobs he's taking the easy route and working for the state making deals with the same people he's eating lunch with. it's like playing Little League your whole life and hitting 50 home runs great for you.
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15 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
This man refused to interview each and every witness i provided refused to file every motion i had to literally force him to file and still didn't! He refused to contact me! Plus made no effort whatsoever to make my case it was always sign the deal or else!!! I can say affirmatively that this man does not have your best defense in mind... In my personal experience with this prosecuter aka jeff west he has no intention of defending you no matter what the evidence is... He will literally take your statement right to the prosecuting attorney so they can both figure out how they can most effectively convict you! Look into his record for yourself!
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05 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
I had Mr. West as a court appointed attorney. I felt he was very knowledgeable with the current laws. I also felt he was forthcoming with all aspects of what the outcome of court case could be. I liked Mr West as he was honest and didn't play "games". Thank you Mr. West.
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25 May, 2022 by Amy
Aaron case was my boyfriends attorney at one point and he did not act like an attorney that was trying to help him. My boyfriend was telling him what he was wanting to do with his case and Aaron ignored him all together. I would not recommend him to anyone. Horrible attorney!
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06 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
The few officers envolved in my case are lying for eachother and its obvious, and to get convictions/further themselves in their career. He doesnt want to fight for me to prove my innocence every time i met with him he tried to get me to take a deal amd he still never got me a copy of police reports even after. His attitude was great at first but then changed and he started to get rude and frustrated with me one day because i wouldnt except a plea. Ive tried to show him that the officers broke the law and He will change the subject. He seems like hes got too many cases shoved ar him and he doesnt have the time to help or work on the case other rhen when were in court or when were face to face in a meeting.
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18 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
This lawyer trick my husband in taking a plea bargain and later found out that the paper work was not filled out correctly and now his at an extra 13 months...this lawyer has been aware of the mess up since June 16th, 2013 and 5 months later with numerous phone calls and letters he says he's going to fix it and nothing....my husband has now completed his original plea bargain sentence so now he's just waiting out the extra 13 months....don't know what to do...this lawyer has not responded to any letter or phone calls messages!
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04 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Be forewarned, Amy charges a high retainer that is also 100% NON-REFUNDABLE. Not only was she never in her office, she never does client consultations before trials. Clients are left to have all their questions answered by her para-legal or the receptionist (who has no legal certifications of any sort yet bills her time at a higher rate than the para-legal at the office I switched to!). Not only was my case constantly going before a judge for outlandish claims by my ex, but Amy would show up absolutely clueless about the details of my case leaving me wondering if she had even read my declarations before she went to court (again, she only spoke to me directly 2-3 times the entire time she worked for me!). She didn't seem to know the case or the law when she spoke in court and not surprisingly I lost several cases even though she had evidence IN HAND that disproved my ex's claims. Then after actually reading the entire case IN court and losing, she would file a motion to have the case reviewed by another judge...which meant she billed be a second time for paperwork, hours and who knows what else only to end with the same outcome. I spoke with several other lawyers and learned that these "appeals" are extremely rare to do, let alone win. I immediately switched to a new lawyer and asked for the remaining funds of my retainer back and was denied. Since firing her I have heard several horror stories from others that were unlucky enough to retain her. Honestly, I think she needs to be investigated by the Bar Association for fraud and negligence of duty. I'm just glad I got a different attorney before my final trial and was able to get a fair and reasonable outcome. Just wish I didn't have to waste over $12k on my first lawyer for nothing.
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Top Questions to Ask a Lawyer
When meeting with a lawyer for the first time, it's important to ask the right questions to understand their expertise and determine if they're the right fit for your legal needs. Here are some top questions to consider:
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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. -
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. -
What potential outcomes can I expect from my case?
While no lawyer can guarantee results, they can provide an assessment of possible scenarios based on their experience. -
What is your approach to handling cases like mine?
Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation. -
Who will be working on my case?
Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally or delegate tasks to other attorneys or paralegals. -
How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times. -
What is the likely timeline for resolving my case?
Get an estimate of how long the process may take from start to finish. -
Do you have references from past clients?
Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness. -
What are the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
Understanding potential challenges helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations. -
Are there alternative ways to solve my legal problem?
Discuss options like mediation, arbitration, or settlement to resolve the issue efficiently.
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:
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Verify Their License:
Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing. -
Experience and Specialization:
Ensure the lawyer specializes in the area of law relevant to your case. -
Disciplinary Record:
Look up any history of disciplinary actions or complaints through the state bar association. -
Client Reviews and Testimonials:
Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to gauge client satisfaction. -
Professional Memberships:
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Awards and Recognitions:
Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation. -
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.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most of your initial meeting with a lawyer, come prepared with:
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Relevant Documents:
Bring all documents related to your case, such as contracts, correspondence, legal notices, court papers, or evidence. -
Written Summary:
Prepare a concise written summary of your situation, including key dates, events, and involved parties. -
List of Questions:
Write down any questions you have about your case, the legal process, or the lawyer's experience. -
Financial Information:
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Pen and Notebook:
Take notes during the consultation to remember important points. -
Budget Constraints:
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How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a lawyer varies widely based on several factors:
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Fee Structures:
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Hourly Rate:
Lawyers may charge anywhere from $150 to $500 or more per hour, depending on experience and location. -
Flat Fee:
For routine legal services like drafting a will or handling an uncontested divorce, lawyers might offer a flat fee. -
Retainer Fee:
An upfront payment against which the lawyer bills hourly fees. -
Contingency Fee:
Common in personal injury cases; the lawyer receives a percentage (typically 25% to 40%) of any settlement or award. -
Monthly Retainer:
For ongoing services, businesses might pay a monthly fee for a set number of hours or services.
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Factors Affecting Cost:
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Highly experienced lawyers may charge higher fees. -
Geographic Location:
Legal fees can vary significantly by region or city. -
Additional Expenses:
Court filing fees, expert witness fees, travel expenses, and administrative costs may be extra.
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Complexity of the Case:
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Estimating Total Costs:
Request a detailed fee agreement outlining all potential costs.
Discuss any additional expenses that may arise during the case. -
Negotiating Fees:
Some lawyers may be willing to negotiate fees or offer payment plans, especially for clients with financial constraints. -
Pro Bono Services:
For those who cannot afford legal services, some lawyers or legal aid organizations offer services at reduced rates or for free.
