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18 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
At first I was very worried that there was no hope for my case or situation. But without fail John has been there every step of the way with me easing my anxiety and reassuring me that he’ll get the best outcome. He’s kind and patient and has taken his time to explain every detail of the case and the defense. He even had a meeting with family members to dismiss their worry. He was very caring and took my case seriously and although I doubted that the case could get dismissed he made that happen. My case was completely dismissed and I could not be more grateful for the work and time Mr. Cromwell has put into this. I had a DUI case that was dismissed. If your looking for a great lawyer to do what’s in your best interest always this is the guy.
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17 May, 2019 by Reuben
He was always on time, sharp and comfortable in the courtroom.
I recommend John for any one looking for justice.
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27 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
After being arrest for a criminal offense and finding myself in a situation that could effect my entire future, I went ahead with the grueling task of having to find legal representation. I went through a few consultations with other lawyers but I felt extremely confident and at ease with Mr. Cromwell throughout the whole process of my case. He keeps a very calm and kind demeanor. This truly helped with my level of stress and anxiety I was going through. Never once did I feel as if he was judging me. He answered my text and calls in a very timely manner and was always available to answer any questions I had. While in court I can see the other attorneys in the room come to him to seek his advice. He got me the best possible outcome and he gave me back my life!! For which I am truly grateful. I recommend John M. Cromwell to anyone that needs a knowledgeable and professional criminal attorney that gets the job done. Thank you John!
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21 Jun, 2019 by Jerry
I hired Amy Bellatoni. She helped me write a letter for an application process that was denied with a 30 day explanation period in which to submit a statement. At that time I tried to contact Amy. She does not know how to pick up a phone. It was like squeezing water out of a rock for info. I emailed her for info which took all day back and forth for info that could have been solved in a 5 minute phone call. I have since attained another attorney and was told she should have never let me write the statement on my own. So if you like having communication with your lawyer I would definitely stay away from Amy Bellatoni.
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09 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
To be clear, my review is regarding a consultation with Ms. Bellantoni. I did not retain her services.
Initially, I was very impressed with Ms. Bellantoni's qualifications and even more so after I spoke with her regarding a discrimination issue with my employer. At the time, I filed a discrimination charge with the federal government which is a long process. While the charge was being processed I contacted Ms. Bellantoni. She was very pleasant, knowledgable, and supportive of my side. I emailed her a volume of supporting documents and she reviewed everything and followed up with me about a week later. We spoke at length regarding how she would proceed if I retained her services. Our conversation ended with her telling me that once I received a decision from the federal government, I should let her know, at which point we could proceed with filing a lawsuit. Frankly, she buoyed my confidence in a positive outcome, which is why I was so disappointed when she ignored all of my attempts to follow-up with her months later as previously discussed. I contacted her several times by phone and email and she never responded back. I even expressed confusion to her answering service, saying I already consulted with Ms. Bellantoni and was instructed to contact her once I reached this point. Unfortunately, I was not given any explanation.
While I cannot speak on Ms. Bellantoni's performance as an attorney, I can say that it was completely unprofessional to leave me hanging the way she did. I am not an unreasonable person; I understand lawyers are very busy people and schedules change, and she may have had a legitimate reason to recuse herself from representing me. Nonetheless, all it would have taken her is one minute of her time to respond to any one of my emails or voicemails to say just that and I would of accepted her response and moved on. Instead, ignoring me produced this negative review.
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24 May, 2016 by Wayne
Amy Bellantoni through my personal experience is definately one of the most knowledgable and experienced attorneys I in my entire life have ever been blessed to be in the presence of. Mrs. Bellantoni consistently displays a genuine caring for her clients, and incorporated with her knowedge base and Intelect if retained becomes a dangerous weapon in your arsonal against any adversaries she is facing in regards to your representation. Mrs. Bellantoni will consistantly strive to overcome and achieve absolute victory in every case she accepts without faulter. My name is Wayne, and I am one of Mrs. Bellantoni's clients.
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What a Civil Rights Lawyer Can Do for You
A civil rights lawyer focuses on protecting individuals whose constitutional rights have been violated by government authorities, employers, or private organizations. These lawyers specialize in cases involving discrimination, police misconduct, freedom of speech, and other fundamental rights guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution and civil rights laws, such as the Civil Rights Act, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Fair Housing Act.
Whether you've been discriminated against due to race, gender, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics, or you believe your civil rights have been violated by a government entity, a civil rights lawyer can help you seek justice, hold wrongdoers accountable, and secure compensation for any harm you've suffered.
When Should I Hire a Civil Rights Lawyer?
You should hire a civil rights lawyer when your constitutional rights or other protected rights have been violated, and you need legal assistance to seek justice. Some key situations in which you may need a civil rights lawyer include:
- Employment discrimination: If you have faced discrimination at work based on race, gender, age, religion, national origin, or disability, a civil rights lawyer can help you file claims under laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Police misconduct or brutality: If you were the victim of police brutality, unlawful arrest, racial profiling, or other forms of misconduct, a lawyer can help you file a lawsuit for violations of your Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights.
- Freedom of speech or assembly violations: If your First Amendment rights to free speech or peaceful assembly have been restricted by the government, a civil rights lawyer can represent you in challenging the violation.
- Housing discrimination: If you’ve been denied housing or faced unfair treatment due to your race, ethnicity, gender, or disability, a lawyer can help you file a complaint under the Fair Housing Act.
- Voter rights violations: If you believe your right to vote has been unfairly suppressed or you’ve faced discrimination in the voting process, a civil rights lawyer can help you fight for your rights.
- Disability rights violations: If you’ve faced discrimination in accessing public spaces, employment, or services due to a disability, a lawyer can help enforce your rights under the ADA.
- LGBTQ+ rights violations: If you've experienced discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing, or public services, a civil rights lawyer can help you pursue legal remedies.
Hiring a lawyer early on can help you understand your legal options and build a strong case to protect your rights.
What Does a Civil Rights Lawyer Do?
A civil rights lawyer provides legal representation and advocacy to individuals whose rights have been violated. Their work can include:
- Filing lawsuits: A civil rights lawyer can represent you in court by filing lawsuits against individuals, businesses, or government entities that violated your rights.
- Advocating for policy changes: Civil rights lawyers often engage in advocacy work, pushing for reforms to laws and policies that infringe upon people's rights.
- Representing clients in discrimination claims: These lawyers help clients file claims with federal or state agencies, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
- Negotiating settlements: In many cases, civil rights lawyers work to negotiate settlements for their clients before a case goes to trial, securing compensation for damages such as lost wages, emotional distress, or legal fees.
- Defending freedom of expression: Lawyers may represent clients whose rights to free speech, assembly, or protest were violated by government restrictions or other actions.
- Handling appeals: If your civil rights case has been decided but you wish to appeal the ruling, a civil rights lawyer can help you through the appeals process.
How Are Civil Rights Lawyers Paid?
Civil rights lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the type of legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Contingency fee: Many civil rights lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. Their fee is typically a percentage (usually 25% to 40%) of the settlement or damages awarded.
- Hourly rate: For cases that require extensive legal research or litigation, some lawyers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Pro bono or sliding scale: Some civil rights lawyers or organizations may work on a pro bono (free) basis or use a sliding fee scale for clients who cannot afford typical legal fees.
- Flat fee: In specific cases, a lawyer may charge a flat fee for services like drafting legal documents or filing a complaint.
It’s important to clarify the fee structure during your initial consultation to avoid unexpected costs.
How Much Does a Civil Rights Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a civil rights lawyer varies depending on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the type of legal issue. General cost estimates include:
- Contingency fee cases: For cases taken on a contingency basis, the lawyer’s fee will typically range from 25% to 40% of the settlement or judgment awarded.
- Hourly rates: Many civil rights lawyers charge hourly rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For straightforward legal tasks, such as filing a complaint with a government agency or drafting legal documents, flat fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Pro bono work: Some civil rights lawyers or nonprofit organizations provide free legal representation in certain cases involving important constitutional or civil rights issues.
Be sure to ask for a detailed estimate of costs during your consultation to understand the financial commitment involved.
Top Questions to Ask a Civil Rights Lawyer
Before hiring a civil rights lawyer, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they are the best fit for your case. Key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with civil rights cases?
Ensure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it’s employment discrimination, police misconduct, or First Amendment violations. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer works on a contingency fee basis, hourly rate, or flat fee, and ask for an estimate of the total cost of your case. -
What is the likelihood of success for my case?
Ask the lawyer to provide an honest assessment of your case, including the strengths, weaknesses, and potential outcomes. -
Have you handled cases like mine before?
Inquire about the lawyer’s experience in cases with similar facts and legal issues. -
What is the timeline for resolving my case?
While exact timelines can vary, ask for an estimate of how long your case may take, from filing to resolution. -
Will you handle my case personally?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may work on parts of your case, so it’s important to know who will handle your legal matter directly.
How to Check the Credibility of a Civil Rights Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable civil rights lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and track record:
- Verify their state bar license: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no disciplinary actions against them.
- Look for specific civil rights experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in civil rights law and have a history of handling cases like yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who can speak to their experience with civil rights cases.
- Check for advocacy or nonprofit work: Lawyers involved with civil rights organizations, such as the ACLU or NAACP Legal Defense Fund, may have a strong reputation in the civil rights legal community.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a civil rights lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- A detailed account of the violation: Provide a written summary of the events, including dates, times, and any people involved in the violation of your rights.
- Documentation and evidence: Bring any supporting documentation, such as emails, letters, photos, or video footage that may help prove the violation of your rights.
- Records of complaints or reports: If you’ve filed complaints with a government agency or reported the violation, bring copies of those documents.
- List of questions: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes of your case.
- Information on damages or harm: Be prepared to discuss the harm you’ve suffered due to the violation, such as emotional distress, financial loss, or physical injury.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your case more effectively and get the best possible legal advice on how to proceed.
