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02 Aug, 2024 by Anthony ferreira
Pay him and he’ll Put in the good work for you.
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05 Jul, 2021 by Glen byrne
No better than a public defender..
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24 Jul, 2020 by D christie
I’d like to add to this do not use this attorney he abandoned me and never sent in one piece of evidence not even a note from him my divorce was fininshed my X told me 55 days later to long to Appel and I lost everything as he did not purse nothing I asked of him with Covid all was by phone so I had no idea this had happened I’m told sue him great case legal malpractice but more money and find a Attorney to do it in AK just find anyone but him research reviews be smart
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04 Sep, 2024 by Natalie tucker
Left us hanging after two years of workin on a seemingly cut and dried just two weeks before our court date with nowhere to turn for help. Providence Hospital and surgeon Aaron Brown had way too many attorneys. Our guess is Kapolchok took a payoff. Many of the attorneys were his friends.
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29 Dec, 2021 by Dustin leavitt
None better. Works hard to ensure those responsible are held accountable for there actions. Great guy and gas taken great care of my case .
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27 Dec, 2021 by Kelly seggerman
George has helped me out legally many times in my life. His law firm has always been professional and very friendly. I always feel very calm about whatever legal issues I am dealing with George and his team by my side. I highly recommend anyone who needs legal counsel to seek out Kapolchok Law Office immediately.
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21 Aug, 2022 by Tami
In 1996 I told my ex-husband (Tom Spurlock) I wanted a divorce; it was a hard decision, but I knew I had to do it. I was not physically abused- but I was mentally/emotionally abused. We had 3 children, they were starting to treat me the same as he did. I knew I could not allow them to find this acceptable-2 of them we’re little girls- I was especially concerned for them- they were 9 and 13. I could not let them think this was how a man should treat a woman. I was not going to have any part in my son(11) thinking it alright to treat women this way. Tom figured I didn’t have the money to hire a lawyer and he had plenty. A friend of mines dad worked with Darryl, she set it up for us to meet. After explaining the situation to him he agreed to take omy case “ Pro-Bono. It was a messy divorce- one factor that played into it was the custody of the 3 children. The 2 oldest were adopted by Tom- the 3rd was our child together. I was requesting full custody of my oldest daughter- (Tom and her did not have a good relationship at that time), I regretfully was willing to allow Tom to have full custody of my son - I thought if I did this Tom would be nicer to all of us- I will regret that for the rest of my life. I wanted shared custody of our daughter. N we had t try o go through a separate hearing because of the custody issues.finally after several motions back and forth between the two lawyers, custody was awarded as I requested. Thinking Tom would be nicer to myself and the children - it didn’t happen that way- so more motions were presented- finally it was done. I did not have to pay anything to Darryl- Tom Spurlock was presented with the bill- as it should be. After a few years passed my son decided he no longer wanted to live with Tom-Darryl once again did want was needed to make this happen, again it was not easy- but he had my sons best interest moving forward. I would highly recommend Mr. Darryl Thompson to anyone needing to have faith that he will do the best job for you and your needs.
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23 May, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr. Thompson did as little as possible. Avoid at all costs. His paralegal Richard Hall is terrible, incredibly lazy, and lies.
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06 Sep, 2013 by Kris
I have a pending personal injury suit being handled by Mr. Thompson and he is staying on top of things and constantly keeps me informed about the case. He was strait forward with me about my case and very realistic about the terms of the case and his opinion of the potential settlement. He was not fast to throw out numbers not to get hopes up but stayed on top of the respondent and is pursuing the matter as adamantly as possible. Also his staff specifically Michelle is very involved with his cases and answers any concerns I have as quickly as possible if Mr. Thompson doesn't beat her to it.
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21 Jun, 2023 by Elly john
Worthless they do not return calls! Especially with new evidence!
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08 Dec, 2021 by Troy ifill
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09 Nov, 2019 by David forthoffer
The Alaska Public Defender Agency does a great job considering its budgetary constraints. They provide more bang for the buck than private counsel, in my experience. The problems Jeremy Ward talks about are not problems with the Alaska Public Defender Agency. They are problems with our society and government as a whole, caused largely by the breakdown of morals and the extended family. Don't criticize the agency with their finger in the dike trying to hold off the overwhelming flood of dysfunctional people. Criticize what caused that flood. And DO something about it. Volunteer!
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21 Jun, 2023 by Elly john
Worthless they do not return calls! Especially with new evidence!
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08 Dec, 2021 by Troy ifill
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09 Nov, 2019 by David forthoffer
The Alaska Public Defender Agency does a great job considering its budgetary constraints. They provide more bang for the buck than private counsel, in my experience. The problems Jeremy Ward talks about are not problems with the Alaska Public Defender Agency. They are problems with our society and government as a whole, caused largely by the breakdown of morals and the extended family. Don't criticize the agency with their finger in the dike trying to hold off the overwhelming flood of dysfunctional people. Criticize what caused that flood. And DO something about it. Volunteer!
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21 Jun, 2023 by Elly john
Worthless they do not return calls! Especially with new evidence!
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08 Dec, 2021 by Troy ifill
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09 Nov, 2019 by David forthoffer
The Alaska Public Defender Agency does a great job considering its budgetary constraints. They provide more bang for the buck than private counsel, in my experience. The problems Jeremy Ward talks about are not problems with the Alaska Public Defender Agency. They are problems with our society and government as a whole, caused largely by the breakdown of morals and the extended family. Don't criticize the agency with their finger in the dike trying to hold off the overwhelming flood of dysfunctional people. Criticize what caused that flood. And DO something about it. Volunteer!
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21 Jun, 2023 by Elly john
Worthless they do not return calls! Especially with new evidence!
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08 Dec, 2021 by Troy ifill
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09 Nov, 2019 by David forthoffer
The Alaska Public Defender Agency does a great job considering its budgetary constraints. They provide more bang for the buck than private counsel, in my experience. The problems Jeremy Ward talks about are not problems with the Alaska Public Defender Agency. They are problems with our society and government as a whole, caused largely by the breakdown of morals and the extended family. Don't criticize the agency with their finger in the dike trying to hold off the overwhelming flood of dysfunctional people. Criticize what caused that flood. And DO something about it. Volunteer!
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16 Nov, 2021 by Thomas dehoyos
Love this place .safe and secure. At a great price.
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02 May, 2021 by Shalene wheeler
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14 Mar, 2020 by Kimberly m k
Pass the phone around to one another when you call with valid questions and they refuse to give straight forward answers.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Aaron herbert
Amanda Lancaster teamed with Jinnifer Visentin were an absolute power house in my case. They were by my side from start to finish and we ended up on top at the end. Very professional and will go through deep depths to ensure your story is told and faught for. They are truly a team that is there to help you succeed and spent countless hours doing so. Highly recommended.
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13 Jun, 2024 by T kohn
Amanda Lancaster is a wonderful attorney. My case involves a high-conflict situation with serious concerns for the well-being of my autistic son, and Amanda has gone above and beyond for my children as if they were her own. I would recommend her to anyone dealing with a high-conflict divorce or custody case. She knows the law well and works diligently to get things done.
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22 May, 2024 by Francesco sparta
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18 Jan, 2022 by Nick
This guy was referred to me from a friend whom had a good experience with him. I'm sure at one time this guy had it going and was good at what he did. My experience was terrible, he started me off with another attorney in his firm and things seemed well. This attorney ended up quitting the firm and ended up working for another firm in town just a few months into my case. My gut told me this was not good however, I stuck with the firm due to already being financially and emotionally committed which was a big mistake. My experience downstream from here was terrible. I should have listened to my gut. The paralegal on this case ran off pure assumptions as did Jon. This case was a divorce with custody. Not all cases are the same. Poor assumptions and poor communication was how I would label this whole experience. It was obvious these people and this firm are about the money and the intent to make everything "cookie cutter" to maximize profits. They lack serious attention to detail and do not have any compassion. I did not plan to build a negative review however the last straw was the firm filing a motion stating I was not a good communicator and was an unreachable client. Basically they are stating I am a "bad client" as I gave candid feedback through the whole process. When I confronted Jon on this he basically said yes we said that and we are not changing it. I will be paying for this poor representation and worse results of my divorce and custody case for the rest of my life. Please heed this review!
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24 Sep, 2019 by Ginger
Jon Marc @ Denali Law Firm is an exceptional lawyer. He was very professional, kind and thorough in his work. His staff reflect these characteristics and I would highly recommend Denali Law Firm to any of my friends or family and will use Jon Marc in the future if needed. Jon Marc represented our family as we re adopted our Colombian daughter. The process went smoothly and in a timely manner. You really cannot go wrong with this law firm!
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19 Jan, 2017 by L
Anyone reading this review should consider the source when reading the previous person's review…. Derek Koehler is one of the most excellent public defenders I, myself (or anyone requiring free representation) could ask for. Yes, it's true, if you sporadically attempt to contact him or wait until the last minute before going to court, then your chances of speaking with him personally may be slim. That being said; it clearly states on his voicemail that the best way to contact him is through email & if you heed that advice, he is very prompt & responsive. This man literally represents entire communities in the state of Alaska & I am not surprised that he doesn't go out of his way to contact or call back every single defendant he represents. If you don't want to deal with the hassle & inconvenience of attending court hearings, spending hundreds of dollars in fines & court fees or facing the negative consequences of the results of your actions, then I highly suggest NOT BREAKING THE LAW. Go figure, right!? I hate to be the bearer of bad news; but criminal activity, poor decision making, negligence & lack of common sense MAY result in unpleasant legal consequences such as but not limited to; incarceration & an unnecessary loss of time & money. In closing, my recently closed case could not have been handled any better, nor could there have been a better end result if I had hired an attorney and spent thousands on a retainer alone. Mr. Koehler is an exceptional public defender & any defendant who cannot afford their own representation would be lucky to have him.
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17 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
I received Derek as my attorney and called him and left messages on a daily basis for 2 months. Not only did he NEVER call me he was never present in court for me 4 times. The same kid was there that told me Derek was "Swamped with 120 cases" and did not have any time to deal with my case and he would just "continue" my case again just like he did the last 4 times. This was after I spent $235 and flew in from out of town for a trial call that I was told by the hack that I did not even need to be present for! I can't wait to see what else my phantom "attorney" has done for me! I have shown up for court 4 times and was always told by someone else Derek was "In court" somewhere else and would not be there and my case needed to be continued!
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30 May, 2017 by Shaun
My husband and I hired Mr. Priddle for a child custody case. He was kind, courteous, and professional; but did not seem to take our concerns seriously. He lost EVERY motion, we lost every penny.
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21 Jun, 2023 by Elly john
Worthless they do not return calls! Especially with new evidence!
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08 Dec, 2021 by Troy ifill
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09 Nov, 2019 by David forthoffer
The Alaska Public Defender Agency does a great job considering its budgetary constraints. They provide more bang for the buck than private counsel, in my experience. The problems Jeremy Ward talks about are not problems with the Alaska Public Defender Agency. They are problems with our society and government as a whole, caused largely by the breakdown of morals and the extended family. Don't criticize the agency with their finger in the dike trying to hold off the overwhelming flood of dysfunctional people. Criticize what caused that flood. And DO something about it. Volunteer!
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28 Feb, 2024 by C m
They don’t answer calls, don’t return messages. They don’t maintain open communications with victims about future court dates and the nature of court dates. Asked whether they did any kind of background check on the perpetrator prior to offering a joke of a plea bargain for assault, they claimed they did one and did not turn up any record. Yet I found half a dozen examples of reckless prior conduct using a free background check service (JudyRecords). How is it I was able to find half a dozen prior records, with the same name, same date of birth, in a state the perpetrator previously lived in, and the same general type of behavior (reckless disregard for the safety of other people)? The district attorney’s office refused to fingerprint the perpetrator of assault, a process which would have yielded information answering the question of whether the perpetrator had ever been arrested previously using the same name or an alias. How can they offer a plea bargain or sentence a defendant without knowing for sure whether the perpetrator has a prior criminal record? A prior record is the very thing that establishes whether conduct is part of a pattern. Because the district attorney would not do this on their own volition, we asked this question in open court and judge Browning himself also acted like this assault case was as trivial as Jay-walking, saying he has nothing to do with police and district attorney matters, at which point the district attorney stood up and said they already talked to us about this. Thus far, I am not impressed with our Just-Us system.
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08 Feb, 2023 by Pheakie music
They are doing a great job handling a high volume of things. They are bringing us justice. #justiceforhazlee
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19 Mar, 2021 by Sue ellen montes
The secretary us the only contact for the DA. Lines of communication should be open more.
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06 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
Not exactly up front and thorough during my process, was left in the dark about major decisions, was told I couldn’t ask the doctor certain questions, advised me to settle on a case that I now realize should have stayed open due to the medical issue I’m still having. I’m not gonna say stay away from this attorney but I’ll NEVER openly recommend this attorney to anyone EVER.
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27 Apr, 2019 by Joshua
GOT INJURED IN A CAR WRECK IF IT WASN'T FOR ATTORNEY COE I WOULDN'T HAVE WON THE MONEY OWED TO ME FOR PAIN AND SUFFERING AND LOSS WAGES. ATTORNEY COE EVEN GOT MORE MONEY FOR FUTURE MEDICAL BILLS DUE PAIN AND SUFFERING THAT I WAS GOING TO BE LEFT WITH FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. IF YOU WANT TO RECEIVE WHAT YOU DESERVE AND WALK AWAY WITH MOST MONEY. THEN YOU NEED ATTORNEY COE. GET COE AND GET THE CASH......THANKS FOR HELPING MY FAMILY ATTORNEY CHARLES COE...
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29 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
Disappointed with the quality of legal "representation." One would be better off pro se than waste your money with this attorney. I hired this attorney on the pretense that he would work hard for his client(s), not for the defendants (insurance company.) Mr. Coe does not work FOR his client nor does he put effort into cases he "feels has no value." I would fire him, though as this case was on a contingency fee, no better attorney would like to share the proceeds and take on this case.
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06 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Justin racette is a pour excuse of a defender, he is absolutely terrible at communicating with his clients, he will literally let you sit in jail for years while supposedly defending you and not even communicate with you once, but will show up for court dates just to have them pushed back and continued. that in itself should be illegal. It’s disgusting how he treats human beings. He did not become a lawyer to help people he makes that perfectly clear.
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22 Jun, 2017 by Deandra
At first Justin Racette, I would not say bad nor a good lawyer. Of course lawyers are always busy so I assumed he was a busy person not answering my calls or replying back. But toward the end of my case he was doing a very good job. I'm thankful that he answered my questions to where I can clearly and fully understand them. He understanded what I wanted and needed for my case. I would recommend him to juveniles like me. I am very satisfied for what he has done for me and all the work and effort he had put forward. I was so blessed to have him as my lawyer. Thank you Justin. If they can give out Gold Medals to lawyers like you, you would have a showroom in your place.
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27 Aug, 2014 by Megan
Justin was appointed to my husband as a pretender. During the process of the hearings, Justin failed to communicate with either of us ONCE. As a result of his poor communication, my husband has missed TWO of his telephonic hearings because Justin failed to provide the proper telephone number for my husband to call. This resulted in a bench warrant for my husband's arrest.!!!! I have NEVER been so disgusted with anything in my life. He is a terrible excuse for a lawyer!!!!!!
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23 Nov, 2022 by Erik gustafson
Called, emailed, left messages. No reply. If you want help, go elsewhere. Like anywhere.
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09 Apr, 2017 by Serge kahlon
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07 Jun, 2014 by Shafi ula
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03 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
We hired Elizabeth for a child custody case. From the moment we hired her, she gave us advice that was harmful to our case. She consistently tried to lengthen phone calls and rewrite documents in order to run up the bill, but not once did we feel she did something that was in our child’s best interest. She will tell you “ it should work” or “it should be okay,” but there is no action behind it. The other parent’s attorney walked all over her. By the time we realized she was not working our case and making progress, thousands of dollars were spent and it was too late to get another attorney. My teen daughter who was so hopeful for a change, became hopeless when nothing changed and Elizabeth did not fight for her voice to be heard.
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08 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
She is absolutely the worst public defender. Does not stay in contact or explain legal strategy with client. ( I doubt she has one ) she refuses to file motions that are requested for example a bail review. We had to contact someone else in the office and had them schedule a bail review. Even the other public defenders said they were sorry we had her for an attorney. When the court date arrived she didn't even know her client had a bail hearing. This case has been open for over a month and the evidentiary hearing is in one week; she has yet to speak to witnesses and has only spoken with her client 3 times. If you get her I would suggest requesting a new attorney. I would not give her one star but it is mandatory. Hope this helps.
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26 Nov, 2023 by Tony
Big mistake hiring this lawyer. She had exactly 1 cross-examination question ready. Although I sent her office 15 photos of evidence, she presented 4 in court. Twice, she helped the opposing side when they couldn't produce witness information. Hire another attorney. She is a waste of time and money.
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23 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
The man is a disaster. He does not respond to email or phone calls, he loses documents (and not just once!) He has not plan or strategy. He takes months to respond to pleadings, sometimes never getting around to responding to them at all. Recommend him to your worst enemy or your ex-wife!
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What a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Do for You

A criminal defense lawyer provides legal representation to individuals or organizations accused of criminal conduct. If you're facing criminal charges, a defense lawyer will work to protect your rights, build a defense strategy, and ensure you receive a fair trial. Their primary goal is to reduce or dismiss charges, secure an acquittal, or negotiate a favorable plea deal.

Criminal defense lawyers have extensive knowledge of criminal law and court procedures. They investigate your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence, and represent you in court, ensuring that you have the best possible defense.

When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

It’s crucial to hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible if you are facing any criminal charges. Some situations in which you should seek legal representation include:

  • Arrest or police questioning: If you've been arrested or are under investigation, hiring a lawyer early on can prevent self-incrimination and protect your rights during police questioning.
  • Felony charges: Crimes such as murder, assault, drug trafficking, or robbery carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences. A defense lawyer is essential in these cases.
  • Misdemeanor charges: Even for less serious offenses like DUI, theft, or simple assault, a lawyer can help reduce penalties, negotiate alternatives to jail, or get charges dismissed.
  • Plea negotiations: If you’re considering a plea bargain, a lawyer can evaluate the deal, advise you on its consequences, and negotiate for more favorable terms.
  • Probation or parole violations: If you’ve been accused of violating probation or parole, a lawyer can defend you against additional penalties or revocation.
  • Juvenile offenses: For minors charged with criminal acts, a criminal defense lawyer can protect their future by minimizing legal repercussions or keeping the case in juvenile court.

What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?

Criminal defense lawyers provide comprehensive legal services to protect their clients’ rights throughout the criminal justice process. Their duties include:

  • Case evaluation and investigation: Reviewing the evidence, interviewing witnesses, and investigating the facts to develop a strong defense strategy.
  • Legal advice: Advising you on your rights, the charges you’re facing, and potential defense strategies, including whether to take a plea deal or go to trial.
  • Negotiating plea bargains: Working with prosecutors to negotiate a plea deal that could reduce charges or minimize penalties.
  • Court representation: Representing you in all court hearings, including bail hearings, pretrial motions, trials, and sentencing hearings.
  • Filing motions: Filing motions to dismiss charges, suppress evidence, or reduce bail, depending on the specifics of your case.
  • Trial preparation and defense: Preparing a defense strategy and presenting arguments, evidence, and witnesses during trial to contest the prosecution's case.
  • Appeals: If you are convicted, a defense lawyer can appeal the conviction or sentence, arguing errors in the trial process or legal rulings.

How Are Criminal Defense Lawyers Paid?

Criminal defense lawyers generally charge clients in one of three ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Payment structures include:

  • Flat fee: For straightforward cases (e.g., minor misdemeanors), some lawyers charge a one-time flat fee that covers all aspects of the defense.
  • Hourly rate: For more complex or ongoing cases, lawyers may charge by the hour, with rates varying based on the lawyer’s experience and geographic location.
  • Retainer fee: In cases where extensive work is expected, the client may pay a retainer fee upfront. The lawyer then bills against that retainer for their work on the case.

The cost of criminal defense services can vary greatly, so it’s important to discuss fees during your initial consultation.

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer depends on several factors, including the severity of the charges, the complexity of the case, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost guidelines are:

  • Misdemeanor cases: For relatively minor offenses, such as a DUI or petty theft, a flat fee may range from $1,500 to $5,000.
  • Felony cases: More serious charges, such as assault or drug trafficking, can range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the complexity and duration of the case.
  • Hourly rates: For cases billed by the hour, lawyers may charge anywhere from $150 to $500 or more per hour, depending on their expertise and the case's location.
  • Additional expenses: You may also be responsible for other costs, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, or the cost of private investigators.

Be sure to clarify the lawyer’s fee structure and any potential additional costs during your consultation.

Top Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Before hiring a criminal defense lawyer, you’ll want to ensure that they’re a good fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask:

  1. What is your experience with cases like mine?
    Make sure the lawyer has a strong track record with the specific type of criminal charges you’re facing, whether it’s DUI, drug offenses, or violent crimes.
  2. What is your fee structure?
    Ask how the lawyer charges for their services and whether you’ll be responsible for any additional costs.
  3. What are the potential outcomes of my case?
    A good lawyer should provide an honest assessment of your case and the likelihood of dismissal, a plea bargain, or conviction.
  4. How many cases have you taken to trial?
    While many criminal cases settle with a plea deal, it’s important to hire a lawyer with courtroom experience in case your case goes to trial.
  5. Who will handle my case?
    Ask if the lawyer will be personally involved or if other attorneys in the firm will handle most of the work.
  6. How do you communicate with your clients?
    Be clear on how often and through what channels you can expect updates on your case.

How to Check the Credibility of a Criminal Defense Lawyer

To verify the credibility of a criminal defense lawyer, take the following steps:

  • Check their standing with the state bar: Confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with your state’s bar association. Look for any past disciplinary actions or complaints.
  • Read online reviews and testimonials: Platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google can provide insights from previous clients about the lawyer’s communication, professionalism, and case outcomes.
  • Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should have past clients or other professionals who can speak to their competence and work ethic.
  • Review their case history: Look at the lawyer’s website or professional profile to see their experience with criminal cases, including high-profile or complex cases.
  • Look for trial experience: If your case might go to trial, make sure the lawyer has a strong history of courtroom advocacy and success.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most of your first consultation with a criminal defense lawyer, bring the following:

  • Details of your case: Be prepared to provide a detailed account of the charges against you, including any documents related to your arrest, police reports, and court dates.
  • Criminal history: If you have any prior criminal convictions, inform your lawyer so they can understand how that may affect your current case.
  • List of witnesses or evidence: If there are any potential witnesses or evidence that may support your defense, share this information during the consultation.
  • Questions for the lawyer: Prepare questions about their experience, legal strategy, and fees to ensure you understand how they will handle your case.
  • Bail or release documents: If you’ve been released on bail, bring any paperwork related to your release conditions or restrictions.

By being well-prepared, you can help your lawyer quickly assess your situation and begin building an effective defense strategy.

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