Lawyers map
>652
experienced lawyers
Filter by
27 Feb, 2024 by Amber
I am so grateful that George Heidke took my case. He was with me every step of the way. He has an innate ability to show compassion and be a tenacious attorney simultaneously. I felt like my case was his top priority. I was notified of every detail and he presented the options available in a succinct manner. He is also a great human. I highly recommend his services.
Read more
29 Nov, 2023 by Daniel
Mr. Heidke represented me in a dispute against the Department of Workforce Solutions (DWS). He reviewed my case very efficiently and quickly provided me with the appropriate guidance. He is very knowledgeable in this field. I won my case with his guidance. I highly recommend him.
Read more
22 Jul, 2022 by Sara
Mr. Heidke represented me in an employment case against the Department of Workforce Solutions and proved that his knowledge of employment law is top notch. I'm grateful for his representation and attention to detail. We won!
Read more
12 Sep, 2024 by Jennifer reynolds
I have had the best service ever here. Matthew Rowland and the team have done so much for my case. I was in a custody battle and had a different lawyer at a different law firm and I was getting no where. I am so great full for genus law firm and all the hard work that they have accomplished in my case. The communication is awesome!!! I would ask a question or need help at any time my lawyer was always available to answer any questions I needed.
Read more
04 Sep, 2024 by Jessi hope
I hired this lawyer for help at my lowest time in life. Found out recently he sided with the opposing lawyer and agreed with everything the opposing lawyer said. This cold hearted man was not empathetic, or relatable in any way. I HIGHLY suggest finding a lawyer who actually cares about you and your case. This lawyer also laughed in my face while crying, asking him questions I did not know the answers to.
Read more
04 Sep, 2024 by Kenneth daniel
This group missed court dates, did not notify client of court dates, because of multiple missed court dates, client had to pay opposing parties attorney fees.
This group also charged well over $17,000 over 3 months with no progress in court hearings! I would not recommend. Sorry.
Read more
11 Oct, 2024 by Yolanda valdez
28 Aug, 2024 by Sofia ellis
I had an exceptional experience with this firm. The team is not only knowledgeable but also genuinely cares about their clients. From the very beginning, they were responsive and professional. I felt supported and confident that I was in good hands throughout the entire process. I highly recommend the Law Offices of Erika E. Anderson. They really go above and beyond for their clients!
Read more
28 Aug, 2024 by Shirley saccoccia
29 Dec, 2023 by Karl miller
Amazing Law Firm! Vickie has been great to us from day one. We're new to the state and needed to update our Estate Planning documents...I called many firms, few replied. Wilcox, Myers and Jones is the only one that got back to us with solutions. Highly recommend.
Read more
07 Jan, 2023 by Kelly smyer
My husband and I have been clients of Wilcox & Myers for many years. We have placed our trust in Vickie and Jeff and their employees because they are professional, courteous, and have a reputation for being exceptionally qualified estate planning attorneys. We know that our estate is protected now and in to the future because of their diligence. I find their staff to be very knowledgeable, courteous, and they communicate thoroughly to clients what is needed from them throughout the planning process. Wilcox & Myers has earned their extraordinary reputation in the community.
Read more
02 Jan, 2023 by Carol sinor
Horrible service, poor communication and a very rude receptionist. I made an appointment months ago, due to their long wait time, and was never asked if we were married. Today, a day before the appointment, I volunteered that information and was told their office policy is that they will not see a couple jointly unless they are married. We have been together 30 years, how ridiculous. Also if this is such a stong policy, Vanessa should ask this question of all couples when appointments are initially made, especially considering their wait time of months. Now, we have to find someone else and all this time was wasted. Vanessa was also rude, unapologetic and defensive, putting the blame on me instead of her failure to collect critical information like this up front since it is their "office policy." Lastly when I asked to have Ms. Wilcox call me back, Vanessa said, in so many words that Vickie was too busy. Horrible experience with this company.
Read more
17 Jun, 2024 by Justine perea
Terese is very rude she is the paralegal here at family law firm. Donna is my attorney and I hardly can talk to her because she's so busy Terese needs to learn how to be more professional we are going through tuff times and having to communicate with her rude self makes it worse
Read more
20 Jan, 2024 by Taya king
I used M. Torres several years ago in a child custody case. He was the most incompetent and lazy attorney I have ever met, and since him I have worked with some excellent ones.He did nothing but spend my money on completely useless maneuvers that he never followed through in court.His one time arguments to the Judge was pathetic and usless and he came off as foolish and the Judge told him so. He lost my case due to his negligence in producing any viable material to the court dispite his constant promises and billings.His behavior bordered on inappropriately flirtatious with me, as he thinks he charming with female clients.
Read more
01 Dec, 2023 by Katelin bigalke
17 Jun, 2024 by Justine perea
Terese is very rude she is the paralegal here at family law firm. Donna is my attorney and I hardly can talk to her because she's so busy Terese needs to learn how to be more professional we are going through tuff times and having to communicate with her rude self makes it worse
Read more
20 Jan, 2024 by Taya king
I used M. Torres several years ago in a child custody case. He was the most incompetent and lazy attorney I have ever met, and since him I have worked with some excellent ones.He did nothing but spend my money on completely useless maneuvers that he never followed through in court.His one time arguments to the Judge was pathetic and usless and he came off as foolish and the Judge told him so. He lost my case due to his negligence in producing any viable material to the court dispite his constant promises and billings.His behavior bordered on inappropriately flirtatious with me, as he thinks he charming with female clients.
Read more
01 Dec, 2023 by Katelin bigalke
23 Jun, 2024 by Ray lopez
DON IS A REALLY GOOD ATTORNY HELPED ME WITH A CIVAL LAWSUILT AND WORKED OUT BETTER THEN WHAT I EXPECTED ALSO WORKED WITH ME ON PRICE IS REALLY FAIR
Read more
12 May, 2024 by Gayle garcia
Don't believe I received or was put in touch with anybody to help me with my issue
Read more
22 May, 2023 by Rami benayad-cherif
Helpful and responsive.
Read more
02 Jan, 2024 by Devon delmedico
Cliff is an awesome lawyer and all aside a great person. Great prices and great work!!!!
Read more
08 Nov, 2022 by Lauri curtis
12 Apr, 2021 by Elizabeth giron
14 Aug, 2024 by Anna e
I spoke with Vanessa this morning and although this office was unable to assist with my particular situation, she was extremely helpful and gave me a list of resources. Very compassionate and professional!
Read more
28 Sep, 2023 by Melissa proctor dejavu
I was able to get information for legal aid, a food box and liheap information. I was injured on the job and was not accommodated for months. I finally had to resign due to personal reasons due to not being able to run from or after residents for their safety and mine.
Read more
26 Apr, 2023 by ʧღæ¸ìµì¡óœìµì¨ì„æ·áƒ¦cenã¡áƒ¦æ¸ìµì¡óœìµì¨ì„æ·áƒ¦ê§‚
My best advise is to just avoid all these ORGS. They employ attorneys and advocates who are extremely overt/covert abusive, dismissive and with zero ethics and integrity. They receive donations and federal money to do absolutely nothing to help anyone and this goes for the NMDRNM, Legal Aide and the State Bar of New Mexico. If you have a discrimination or civil rights complaint, then just do it yourself and submit it directly to them instead.
Read more
26 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
all i have to say is wow!!! he helped me in a very dificult case. i was lucky to get him on my case
Read more
28 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
Brian was my sons attorney. We did not have. Confidence in his ability to help my son. He never gave a straight answer or explained things that only made us confused. We felt that because he was throwing in the towel so early in the case. that he didn't. really. have my sons best interest at heart. Afterall he is a Federal Public Defender and win or lose he is still going to make his paycheck. We were fortunate enough to be able to hire a private attorney who put us more at ease.
Read more
08 Feb, 2012 by Thomas
Brian Had built what I thought was a bullet-proof case, for my Expungement. He contacted and won approval from all necessary federal agencies,FBI,DOT,Sherriffs attys. But NM courts still would not allow Expung. Because the amount of beaurocracy& B.S. in NM. I do'nt believe any lawyer would have tried harder than Brian to achieve what he did & I am thankful for that!
Read more
07 May, 2022 by Michael
Great person always looking for best results and never does anything to sell out
Read more
30 Aug, 2024 by Victoria sanchez
19 Aug, 2024 by Renso m guillen hidalgo
The best !!!!!!!!
Read more
03 May, 2024 by Linda
Hired Latta for a divorce. Made the mistake of telling her how much money I had. Went to court 3 times. She dragged big box of stuff but had no info for the judge, when he asked. She filed very few motions to do anything.
After 9 months, I had no divorce, no spousal support & no money. But she continued to bill me another $10,000 for phone calls to the opposing attorney. Total fabrication, since my ex had fired him. Never knew a bigger crook.
Do not hire this phoney.
Read more
08 Oct, 2024 by Angelee garcia
When you go through a tough time with an employer,treated completely unfairly, and then retaliated against throughout employment, then get terminated under false accusations, you feel just beaten. I decided I didn’t want to stay down and perhaps allow it to happen to others. I contacted Legal Solutions of New Mexico LLC. I went through the process so even be considered for consultation to finally be contacted for consultation with Erin Pitcher. We discussed everything and when I was told she would take my case but I had to do more in order to get letter of Right to Sue which I was told would take 3-6 months. This put a fire under my butt and I didn’t feel alone anymore. She said as soon as I get it to let her know and she will file lawsuit. I got one of the letters so called right away to be told her case load is full and might give referrals. Here’s the thing, I was never told maybe, or if she has room. She was definitive when we spoke. I’m waiting for one more letter which am told my previous employer has hired a law firm and requesting more time. Now since I started the process I’m stuck no help no referrals and against a company with hired law firm. I can’t give up and will and I have to take full responsibility for taking someone’s word that I don’t know. I’m here so that nobody goes through this cause it’s a situation I don’t think anyone should be put in. Unfortunately this has no affect on them but this is my life. I just hope this helps someone. I learned a huge lesson for sure.
Read more
04 Sep, 2024 by Zach ratzlaff
Erin Pitcher and the team at Legal Solutions were very helpful in navigating my divorce. They always had good advice and I plan to use them again if and when future issues arise.
Read more
28 Aug, 2024 by Charlie fulton
Excellent experience. The partners and their supporting team are compassionate, and they work hard for their clients. Erin represented me in my divorce and I am very happy with the outcome.
Read more
26 Apr, 2024 by Dathan weems
04 Apr, 2024 by Phil ciufo
Provided appropriate levels of care and ability to support me as a public defender. Highly recommend.
Read more
27 Feb, 2024 by God 1st alpha,omega (yes)
Will not answer calls or emails.
Read more
26 Apr, 2024 by Dathan weems
04 Apr, 2024 by Phil ciufo
Provided appropriate levels of care and ability to support me as a public defender. Highly recommend.
Read more
27 Feb, 2024 by God 1st alpha,omega (yes)
Will not answer calls or emails.
Read more
26 Apr, 2024 by Dathan weems
04 Apr, 2024 by Phil ciufo
Provided appropriate levels of care and ability to support me as a public defender. Highly recommend.
Read more
27 Feb, 2024 by God 1st alpha,omega (yes)
Will not answer calls or emails.
Read more
26 Apr, 2024 by Dathan weems
04 Apr, 2024 by Phil ciufo
Provided appropriate levels of care and ability to support me as a public defender. Highly recommend.
Read more
27 Feb, 2024 by God 1st alpha,omega (yes)
Will not answer calls or emails.
Read more
26 Apr, 2024 by Dathan weems
04 Apr, 2024 by Phil ciufo
Provided appropriate levels of care and ability to support me as a public defender. Highly recommend.
Read more
27 Feb, 2024 by God 1st alpha,omega (yes)
Will not answer calls or emails.
Read more
25 Jun, 2024 by Sara lynn osusky
15 May, 2024 by Willy slick
Don't hire Mr Segura, He won't fight for you, he won't return your emails, He has nothing but excuses for missed deadlines. He will take your money though, don't trust him, he cares not about you and your case, and he will leave you out to dry. That's what he did to me. - Scott : ( FYI - Couldn't vote less than 1 star, or I would...
Read more
13 Nov, 2023 by Scott dickson
Dude needs a attorney himself , can’t speak English, don’t know how he passed the bar
Read more
25 Jun, 2024 by Sara lynn osusky
15 May, 2024 by Willy slick
Don't hire Mr Segura, He won't fight for you, he won't return your emails, He has nothing but excuses for missed deadlines. He will take your money though, don't trust him, he cares not about you and your case, and he will leave you out to dry. That's what he did to me. - Scott : ( FYI - Couldn't vote less than 1 star, or I would...
Read more
13 Nov, 2023 by Scott dickson
Dude needs a attorney himself , can’t speak English, don’t know how he passed the bar
Read more
02 Jul, 2018 by Lee ann
I am paf! I paid this person a lot to begin with. She dropped the ball on making sure the court updated all the charges to DISMISSED. So then I had to pay her MORE to write me a letter stating the charges were dropped. AGAIN....SHE DID NOT FOLLOW THROUGH TO INSURE THE STATUS OF MY CASES REVEALED THE TRUE NATURE OF THE OUTCOME OF MY CASES...DROPPED! DISMISSED! SO NOW I’M GONNA BE Fkd WHEN I APPLY FOR MY VISA TO MOVE TO THE UK TO MARRY MY FIANCÉ! OWES ME MONEY!!!
Read more
08 Nov, 2016 by William
I hired Alisha Ann Maestas after consulting with her via telephone. She was actually a referral from another brilliant attorney with a conflicting caseload. Living outside New Mexico, I became comfortable with Counselor Maesta's professional demeanor and unpretentious ability to listen and communicate her strategy. Her ensuing interview, forensic case review, and provision of advance notice of all proceedings and scheduling conferences convinced me that this was an excellent referral. Her direct experience in the Albuquerque court system, knowledge of the law, and ability to negotiate with the courts, saved us time, as well as travel and court costs, as she successfully negotiated and produced all documents necessary to waive arraignment and the need to personally appear. Needless to say, the relationship had a positive conclusion and I hold her service and wisdom in high regard.
Read more
02 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
I was a client of Alisha Maestas. I hired her to represent me in a petty misdemeanor battery case. Once I paid her, I found her to be unresponsive and uncommunicative. When I was at my wits end trying to contact her for information about my case, I would threaten to fire her. This would elicit a text response (she preferred to communicate via text message). She would claim to be in back to back continuing education seminars and would be oddly argumentative and insulting towards me. She also made verbal assurances at our first and only meeting that she would try to retrieve my personal effects for me from the true aggressor in this case, but did not put this information in her contract and later tried to back out of this assurance. I also felt that she was not loyal to me as a customer, and therefore had difficulty trusting her. I found Ms Maestas to be very unprofessional.
Read more
03 Sep, 2024 by Anthony nichogi
I am terminally disabled with the family. I don't run the streets I don't drink I don't even take pain medication for my condition. I am currently majoring in sociology, studying a minor in criminology at CNM. I am in my fourth semester with a 3.8 GPA and am a Phi Theta Kappa Honour Society member. My academic performance clearly indicates that my ability to observe social deviants and criminal deviance are quite astute. Here's the deal:
Our former attorney at legal tried to get us to destroy evidence during a mutual lease termination because the former landlord was taking our rent and not repairing the house. Then when we try to abate the rent with legal means, he evicted us. When he did, I acquired representation from legal aid. During the negotiation process for settlement, our former landlord refused to settle. When we refused and stated that the environment our attorney was creating was hostile and that they were working on behalf of the defendant in City, they removed us from being represented by them and then banned us from ever being represented again. The case was against Eric Kilmer and we found out that the deed to the house has been forged. During the mutual lease rescission agreement it was stated that he was to return my deposit but try to trick us and instead he assaulted me. And his girlfriend hit me with her mustang. APD says they did an investigation but when they bought the investigation they transferred all of the officers that were responsible. Eric Kilmer is former bounty Hunter and current business owner here in Albuquerque New Mexico that has ties to law enforcement and the justice system and has had them through a case out with a restraining order where he pulled a gun on us and violated the restraining order three times. The judge that viewed the case ruled in his favor when there was clear evidence that he was a danger not only to my family but to the public. This guy has over 50 cases against him with the city most of them violent and for refusing to comply with law enforcement. I have kept all the records, made multiple reports to the local DA's office, the mayor, and in City Hall meetings. This experience is much more intricate and show us the disparities with the criminal justice system and how the city tries to cover up criminal activity and statistics by not reporting or throwing the cases out altogether against their own.
Read more
04 Aug, 2024 by Barbara ziegler
06 Jul, 2024 by Irene teal
There's no good parking here on a hot summer day when you have no air conditioning and a dog in your vehicle. There are great places to park but I guess you have to be royalty or someone who works here that doesn't have to sit in their vehicle waiting for someone that they took there to come out sitting in the sun. There really wasn't anyone but 2 vehicles parked in this shade of 8 parking spots. It's downtown so it's probably best to not even go here because if you park in the wrong spot, they'll boot your car or in my case, get in your face and rudely yell at you not to park there. I can see if it was a fire lane or something but some people need to learn respect and some manners and have a little patience with people sometimes and work on their people skills because it was uncalled for a man to be yelling at a woman's face! Grow a heart man.
Read more
30 Jan, 2020 by Roger
I came to Mr. Spratley with serious custody and divorce problems, after my first consult I felt my case was in very capable hands and I wasn't disappointed! We got everything I wanted and my ex and her attorneys looked like fools!!! Would recommend to any New Mexican facing divorce
Read more
20 Nov, 2019 by Shannon
This guy will whittle down your retainer with daily sessions with the other attorneys in their firm. This guy didn’t listen to me, when in court he asked for things we never discussed. Then after court he drove back to Albuquerque from Santa Fe during a snow storm. Consequently I was billed for a 4 hour drive back.
Read more
14 Sep, 2018 by Roch
April 20,2017, I retained Carpenter-Genus Law Group, ##56272, for $500 to write a one-page letter to finalize a situation.
I signed a seven page contract.
Mr Anthony Spratley was assigned to my task.
By contract, I was restricted to communicate only by a certain website. Twice I found myself in others's very private and business informations. I stopped.
So I was no longer informed of the progress of my task.
#014093 ended our association.
Read more
06 Aug, 2024 by Shannon
Mark Ramsey is actually a really good attorney and listens to you, and he understands that he works for you and if you decide to make a decision he will listen to what you want and actually follow through with what you want even if he does not agree with it he will give you his advice but when it comes down to it he understands that it is your decision which I believe makes him one of the best attorneys I've ever had to deal with he fought for me in one my case
Read more
14 Mar, 2022 by Dinah
Mark Ramsey is not an aggressive public defender. As a matter of fact he puts no effort in helping his clients. He says he will call at a certain time and never does. The only time he communicates with my Son is the day of the courts. It's as if he's on the side of the prosecutors.
He should not be representing anyone . It is my understanding he has been oracticing law for over fifteen years and yet he's a lazy incompetent public defende who remains as such.
Read more
02 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
This attorney was hired to help my son in his case. My son had court two weeks ago and I have not received a call to this day from him to let me know what is going on. I called several times a day and they did not either answer or his receptionist would say he would call me back and I never got a callback. Would not recommend this attorney.
Read more
29 Jan, 2020 by Jon
I paid a $2500 retainer to hire John Duran to defend me when I was falsely accused of a felony in Albuquerque in 2014. After I paid the retainer, there was no further communication from him, and my numerous phone calls and messages inquiring about the status of my court case went unanswered. Thankfully, the State of NM dropped the charge after 60 days with a nolle prosequi entered, as there was no valid evidence to prosecute by. I didn’t even get the courtesy of finding out my case was dismissed until a month later when I took some initiative and looked up my case on nmcourts.gov. John never once returned any of my phone calls and messages and he did absolutely nothing for me or my case. What an utter waste of $2500. This lawyer is a disgrace to the profession. Do not give him your money.
Read more
08 Jun, 2016 by Pat
Yes this is not Judge John Duran. Review I'd for Duran and McDonald Law Firm. I hired John for a difficult custody case for my child. John was quick through the consultation and had no problem collecting his high retainer. However when court came John was late several times. Did not return any of my calls would show up and wouldn't even have a game plan. I felt that John Duran was useless never fought for my child or my parental rights. After 2 court appearance's I contacted John and McDonald's office on several occasions never returned my voicemails, and my emails. Please I urge you to not hire this lawyer.
Read more
14 Apr, 2016 by Jon
To kind for the court room. Does not fight for you agrees to everything the other party states. Oh and let me add does not return phone calls and emails. His assistant is a rude senior citizen. Unprofessional when you pay someone thousands of dollars. They work for you not the other way around. I strongly caution you to hire another lawyer.
Read more
13 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
He seemed good but turned out to be nasty. I just needed help with something and he wouldn’t help me.
Read more
05 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
Ms.Dennica wouldn't listen to my requests. She didn't give any respect to my moms knowledge of law. If she knew what she was doing she would win this case with 6 stars. Any lawyer has a duty and takes an oath for their client no matter of the state pays. Who pays the state? That's right the people you serve.
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
Fell in love with her resume and her past FBI experience. No where after I paid her did she resemble the lawyer I hired. All she wanted was a plea and didn’t even try. I hope you never have to use this woman.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What 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:
-
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. -
What is your fee structure?
Ask how the lawyer charges for their services and whether you’ll be responsible for any additional costs. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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.
