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08 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
I was charged with a dui and blew (over the legal limit) so I was doomed. I was told by Ms. Akin what would happen, what the charges would be, and how much she would charge to get me through the proceedings. She was upfront, much cheaper..albeit I was tring to deny charges (don't blow) and I got the minimum sentence allowed by law.
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18 Sep, 2019 by Keith
Jeff helped me to avoid a 20 yr prison sentence for a 2nd felony offense and instead received 10 days in Travis Co jail, some community service and 4 yrs probation. In his wisdom, and friendship with many Judges & prosecutors, he achieved a miracle. My wife and I both love him and consider Jeff our friend. We have recommended Jeff to family and friends over the years and will continue to do so without hesitation!
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20 Aug, 2019 by Artur karimov
I truly appreciate all the help Scott Morgan provided to me as my divorce attorney. The outcome of my case was very favorable for me, both from financial and children custody standpoint.
As much as his legal guidance was crucial, the psychological and moral support he gave me was also invaluable. During the divorce I was getting all kinds of different opinions from friends and family, and Scott was the person that let me stay strong on my course.
He was always available for communication, and very promptly, which was of great importance to me. Sometimes I had to react very quickly to my now-ex-spouse moves, and prompt response from my attorney was critical.
I highly recommend him.
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31 May, 2019 by Chaosmiles07 (miles07)
Quick, painless, direct, and reliable. Scott helped me get through my divorce process and everything that would come after. Definitely cares for his clients.
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07 May, 2024 by Douglas bohn
I 100% recommend Joe for your lawyer needs. He is 100% professional, easy to talk to, and totally handles business. He has helped me through a difficult time. He is absolutely awesome.
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02 Feb, 2024 by Thanh hung duong
This is the best law office I have ever used. Totally dedicated, quickly grasps all problems promptly and extremely reputable. I recommend everyone to use the service here to achieve the best and fastest results. I wish I could give this place ten stars, it's beyond amazing, thank you so much Mr. Joseph!
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30 Nov, 2023 by Beau laird
Joe is simply the best. Well worth every penny. Even after doing his job perfectly well he was able to get the county to pick up their slack. Don't think twice
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07 Aug, 2023 by Kay reddick
18 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
THIS IS THE WORST ATTORNEY I HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED. I PERSONALLY HAD HIM REPRESENT ME, AND I'VE SEEN DOZENS OF OTHERS EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEMS. HE WILL LIE TO YOU AND SAY HE WILL GET TO YOUR CASE LATER BECAUSE HE IS WORKING NUMEROUS TRIAL CASES. WHEN ITS YOUR TURN TO COME UP FOR TRIAL YOU MIGHT GET LUCKY TO HAVE HIM GO OVER SOME EVIDENCE WITH YOU. HE IS A COWARD AND WILL NOT FIGHT FOR THE INNOCENT. HE WILL LIE THROUGH HIS TEETH TO KEEP YOU ON THE HOOK. RUN FROM THIS SORRY EXCUSE OF AN ATTORNEY AND DEMAND A NEW ONE.
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25 Mar, 2018 by Ricardo rodriguez
30 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr Kash is great lawyer got the things done he has told me he was going to do every time I call him or text he gets back to me fast he has been there every step of the way very professional and real down to earth has been in my corner since I hired him I’m so grateful to have been recommended to him I couldn’t be happier with my legal counsel
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18 Oct, 2018 by Annonymous
He is not a good lawyer. It took 2 years plus to do anything. And even at that I am being contact with medical companies for a bill they are charging me because he is avoiding their calls. I had a big loss when my car was hit. That was very stressful please don't go to him
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17 Mar, 2017 by Tams
Expert advice and consulting .Kash was very courteous ,professional and helpful .I was very impressed with my "total experience" with Rambhotla Law firm . They have awesome staff and I had exceptional and fast results. I highly recommend this law firm.
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09 Oct, 2023 by Henry lemire
17 Feb, 2020 by Joe altamirano jr.
1of the Best Lawyers in Austin
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03 Apr, 2019 by David jones
Completely competent and wise beyond his years.
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06 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
A fee for service was agreed upon and paid in full for which not only did Mr. Leavitt did not perform as promised but after a period of time, during which he did little or no work, he asked for more money. Apparently lazy, distracted, self-centered.
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20 Jan, 2017 by Scott
Randy Leavitt saved my life. He kept a clean man's record clean when I was in the most unfortunate of circumstances. He is the epitome of a Super Lawyer. He will never over promise, never sugarcoat, never mislead you. A 100% straight shooter and he means business. You can trust that he will always work in your best interest. Randy knows the machine that is the Travis County legal system as well and better than any attorney out there, so if you hire him, listen to him and follow his instructions. Anyone in a precarious and frightening situation would be lucky to have him fighting for them. I cannot recommend Randy highly enough.
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29 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Randy has helped me navigate the waters of the criminal justice system on several occasions. He knows his way in and out of the courtroom. When my liberty is at stake I will always choose Randy.
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28 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Horrible. Just horrible. We’ve spent six years with this man and his firm “representing” us. Once you’re done paying his fees, he drops you. No call or response unless you reach out to them. Even then, he’ll ghost you. Come to find out, he messed up our documents/sent incomplete files to the government and failed to notify us that our case was terminated over two years ago. Had to find out through our new attorney. Instead Kevin Boyd strung us along to believe we were further into the process to clearing up our case. This man feeds on the under served communities. He does irreparable damage with no regard to the people he claims to help. He’s been reported to the State Bar for falsifying documents in the past AND for failing to show up in court for his clients. Look it up, it’s public record. Please do your research. Do not trust this man with your fate let alone to return a phone call when the money has been paid.
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14 Feb, 2013 by Armand
Kevin was referred to me by a lifelong friend. He took my case and got my charges dropped for a very resonable fee.
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24 Jan, 2013 by Maria rodriguez-ortiz
Mister Kevin Boyd got my husband out of jail and made him not get deported. He is a good man and good attorney. He not speak spanish but has translator and does good business
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09 Nov, 2020 by Diane
WE are working with Chris for our son's parole. He is available, quick to answer, and informative. Chris is giving us guidance every step of the way. He's a top notch parole attorney n Austin.
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01 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
I hired him for my husbands parole lawyer. He always told us to be patient. He never told me when the parole hiring would be or when he went. He told me stuff I could look up online and find out. The first year he got a set off. He said he would represent him for the next parole hearing. He never contacted me letting me he was in review I found out on line. Never let me know there was another parole hearing during the holidays. I know he wasn't present for. I found out my husband was denied myself. I would never recommend him. I would never suggest you waste your time with him. He just takes your money and does nothing for your loved one.
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23 May, 2018 by Susan
hired Chris because my son was incarcerated, he didn't do anything for my son, just kept on telling us to be patient,told me my son was a mess ,never went to talk to him ,my son got denied parole, I don't even know if he even went ,said he would fight for me and my ,he didn't do anything but told me things I already knew because it was public record,I would never use this lawyer and tell anybody i know who needs one not to hire him!
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17 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
Used Philip as a divorce lawyer between my ex husband and kids. We settled on everything being 50-50 with nothing to split so it was an easy divorce. I Can never get a hold of him, he bills you if you call, the secretary never responds, and it’s been years since my divorce started and still not finalized. I’m not getting any answers why although they’ve already been paid. Don’t bother wasting your time or your money you can do it yourself much faster
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06 Jul, 2021 by Meggan
hired him to assist me in a case with my daughters father where he had 2 attorneys fighting me pretty aggressively. showed up to receive my $2000.00 dollars in a waffle house shirt should've been the first sign then told me his secretary would contact me. waited 4 days never heard from either one then I finally got him on the phone and he proceeded to cuss me out for insulting him, offered to give me a refund yet only filed one motion for me. and I never heard from them again. I requested an itemized bill from them several times and to this day haven't seen one. Look I work for attorneys so I get that they are busy i understand billing especially because that is what I do for the attorneys but we talked on the phone once not even for 30 mins and he said that I needed to have better questions never sent me 1 email I shared maybe 8 emails top with his secretary. DO NOT HIRE HIM!! not to mention he told me if I was worried about my daughter being killed I needed to contact the police. BTW the attorney that was trying to assist my daughters father in getting full custody is now sitting in jail for murder of a young girl age 23.
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03 Jun, 2019 by Kevin
Philip was great. He navigated the legal system efficiently for us and steered us clear of the brutal mud-slinging that characterizes many a divorce. We were fortunate to have his expertise and compassion. Highly recommended.
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04 Dec, 2023 by Arthur martinez
15 Sep, 2023 by Jabella j
The attorney I was giving is doing a terrible job with my case. The public defense office has really failed me.I have reached out to the supervisor and never received a response.
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15 Sep, 2023 by Teranique caldwell
Blue Ware and Scott Ruplinger saved my life on so many different occasions I couldn't be more grateful for them they worked really hard on my Cases and fought for me like no other I thank them and i hope this will be helpful to others because these 2 attorneys excuse my language but are badass :)
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23 May, 2023 by William
I have been waiting over 6 months for Rain Minns and her team to return funds owed to me. I would not use her services again.
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09 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
Initial consult with Rain seemed great as it felt like she was actively listening. After trying to get more details in how the retainer would be used, she made an an off-hand comment about usually working with clients willing to pay more. But the way she spoke, I thought she had a winning game plan in mind. So despite the engagement form being vague — I signed it and wired the retainer over. Along with all the documents for the case.
What I got in return was her sending a state complaint form for me to fill out, and then for her to proof-edit it. I reminded her of the resolution I was looking for, and that it seemed like the form would do the opposite. She stated she would need to review the documents again before being able to comment further, and to call back the week after. We hung up and she immediately billed for the remaining retainer balance. She never made any contact to the opposing party and I also got to deal with a nice visit from a process server.
After multiple calls to no avail in the span of two weeks, her research analyst John let me know that Rain had no interest in taking my call again until the retainer trust account was replenished. I understand this is business and people need to get paid. But I also believe that good business should result in a mutually beneficial relationship, which this was NOT. I’ve used up MONEY and TIME nothing to show for it. I will now be looking for another firm that believes in earning business and producing actionable results.
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10 May, 2011 by Barbara
Rain Minns provided legal advice to help me transition my company from a for-profit corporation into a non-profit corporation. I was quite impressed with Rain’s resourcefulness and with the speed at which she works. She helped me gain insight by showing me how to access the publicly-available legal documents of other non-profit organizations. She gathered and explained the necessary forms and requirements, prepared a detailed written outline of the steps to be taken, and advised me on matters such as forming a board of directors. The work was done attentively and with a pleasant demeanor. I would not hesitate to recommend her.
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07 Mar, 2024 by Jason
She was my court appointment ex attorney for a couple of misdemeanors. She did amazing, fought like hell for me and got everything dismissed. Originally I had a different attorney but I couldn’t afford her and she wasn’t even going to be able to pull off what Kaylee did. I would recommend her to anyone. She literally changed my life by keeping my record clean. The best.
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04 Dec, 2023 by Arthur martinez
15 Sep, 2023 by Jabella j
The attorney I was giving is doing a terrible job with my case. The public defense office has really failed me.I have reached out to the supervisor and never received a response.
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13 Apr, 2024 by Jose
I highly recommend the Law Office of Vinh M. Tran, P.C. After my first accident, the team was exceptional. They clearly explained all my options and handled my case with great care, making the process stress-free. Their communication was excellent, ensuring I was fully informed every step of the way. Thanks to their thoroughness and dedication, I was made whole. I'm grateful for their support and would turn to them again if needed.
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30 Nov, 2023 by Joyjit
I am not his Client. My case was very complex and needed an expert opinion from a lawyer who knows Criminal, Family, and immigration. Hence I went to Vinh for an initial free consultation he offered. My experience was horrible with him. I started to give him some background and he stopped me in the middle and asked me to explain what I wanted in one line. His tone, body language, and attitude everything were very rude. It seems like since he is giving free consultation, he has the right to disrespect me. Then when I explained what I was looking for he denied providing such kind of service, which is fine. But along with that, he started judging me and giving his opinion about my personal life. I was there only for 15 minutes. He just literally told me to go away. I could have responded to him right then and there, but I controlled myself just because I didn't want to misbehave like him. I don't understand how such a horrible person becomes a lawyer.
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12 Apr, 2017 by Frederick
Unprofessional, very poor communication. Does not return calls or emails. Very slow and unmotivated. Mr. Bennett was hired to probate a will 8 months ago, no progress has been made and he continues to bill for unnecessary services.
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09 Sep, 2010 by Anonymous
Mr. Bennett is a very professional and caring lawyer. He goes above and beyond the call of duty. He came with me to all my appointments, every time I had a question, he was there. His staff is very nice and knowledgeable. I highly recommend Mr. Bennett.
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21 Jun, 2023 by Colt mcdaniel
Felt scammed ended my case with a conviction when he mentioned the evidence was unfitting of a guilty verdict. Over paid for his service and didn't seem professional and couldn't arrive to court on time.
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28 Aug, 2008 by Anonymous
Valerius Antoninus was my divorce attorney. He was a conscientious lawyer who instantly made me comfortable. He was not like many other lawyers who throw around a bunch of fancy terms to intimidate me and try to charge you for all kinds of unecessary things. His fees and process were straightforward. Also, it helped me very much that he has office hours on evenings and weekends since I have a demanding job that doesn't let me get away during regular business hours.
I plan to use Mr. Antoninus again to draft my will for me.
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01 Jun, 2023 by Heather vines-thornton
This man represented my fiance,if you could even call it that.. He told me 3 different dates my fiance should be out,and it didn't happen. Then,when my fiance's court date came,Mr. McDonald was there in the morning,and left before the judge even heard the case. My fiance was left with NO ONE TO REPRESENT HIM. Extremely unprofessional,and I suggest you don't even waste your time with this man. I wish I could leave a negative star rating, because that's what he should be rated.....
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14 Nov, 2011 by Wendi
Eric did exactly what he said he was going to do!!!!!! Showed up on time to every court date and returned every call asap!!!!! I would definitely recommend him to anyone!!!!!
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12 Jan, 2010 by Jane
Today in court my case was dismissed. Had I however kept Mr. Grassbaugh as my lawyer I would have been convicted and facing probation for one year.
He says that he is an unbiased laywer but I would recommend doing a background check on this one. I have never seen anything like some of the actions and direction that he took. Good Luck
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25 Nov, 2009 by Anonymous
Handle our case excellently! Was always available to listen!
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29 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
I deeply regret hiring Tamara Needles to represent me. I am now almost two years into a DWI case and nothing has been resolved, which has resulted in me seeking other representation. Ms. Needles is running for district judge and never informed me; I only found out because I started receiving solicitations in my personal email accounts to donate to her campaign which is tacky and borderline unethical. Although the prosecutor was very much at fault for the delay, Ms. Needles reset my case numerous times so that she could take personal time for her campaign, yet would turn around and say that my case was not moving along because of something that I was not even required to complete. She constantly pushed me to take a plea deal that I was not comfortable with and when I stated that I was not comfortable, her response was, "well you either take the plea or you have a 50/50 chance of getting a DWI on your record and you need to give me $1000 immediately to go to trial." I sought consultation from other representation because she had no defense for me and I felt completely certain that if I let her take my case to trial, I would be convicted despite a severe lack of evidence.
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21 Jul, 2013 by Robert
I was involved in a criminal case in Travis County a few yrs ago and was appointed an attorney by the courts and was not at all happy with the attorney appointed to me. My family hired Ms. Needles and Immediately things started to change. She kept me informed of what was going on and even did a video conference with me at the jail. Inside the courtroom there was an immediate change as well, where as before the Assistant D.A. didn't want to work with me as soon as Ms. Needles took the case it seemed that things softened up. Now as far as being guilty of the crime (Burg. of a Hab. 2nd d. felony) that was never in question, I was guilty. What Ms. Needles was able to do was negotiate a plea deal that was something I could live with and I firmly believe that she was able to do so because of her professionalism inside the courtroom. I would have never gotten that deal with the other attorney or, from what I understand, any other attorney paid or otherwise. I would recommend Ms. Needles to anyone.
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08 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired Paul as a pro-bono attorney many years ago. He was never prepared for our case, did not present the evidence I provided, showed up in a suit stained and extremely wrinkled and did not put any effort into my case. He just wanted the $500 I gave him but did not put even the slightest effort into my case. He is not a good attorney, nor does he seem to have any basic understanding of how his lack of effort affects people's lives. His is not worth a dime, so do not hire him. He is easily the worst attorney you could hire for your case.
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06 Nov, 2017 by Carl
I first worked with Paul on a rental issue and I found him to be extremely honesty and helpful. He was also very fair in his pricing, which was important since I was a student at the time. I later came back to his practice for help with consumer protection where he helped advise my elderly father on a potential predatory real estate scheme. I don’t think you could find a more empathetic, fair, and honest lawyer.
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15 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I met with Jeffrey to discuss possibly opening a case with him, however, after 3 days of ignoring my calls and messages to meet with him again, he responded with "I can't help with your case" with zero explanation why, although his profession is with DWI, which I needed desperate help with. He simply doesn't care, I don't recommend.
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05 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr, Casey was a wonderful help to me. I had never ever been in trouble in my life and was faced with a very scary charge that could ruin me. The charges were wrong, unfair and inaccurate but it was my job to fight these charges, and prove they were wrong or face some very tough times ahead. I got a referral from a friend of a friend for the practice of Dunham & Jones and Googled them. I filled out a contact form on the website, on a SUNDAY night and received a call within MINUTES personally from Mr. Casey. I was shocked. I really didn't expect to hear from them for days. Mr. Casey introduced himself and asked me what he could do for me. He listened to my case, then asked me several questions and set up an appointment for the next day to come into his office to see him. From the moment I met him he assured me that he completely agreed with me that I should not have been charges and he would prove this and get it thrown out. He told me I had nothing to worry about and said he would take care of everything from that point on. I didn't have to make a single move from that day on. I went on with my life as normal, and Mr. Casey worked his tail off to prove my innocents. He went to all my court appearances, and shot me an email now and then to let me know he was on top of it and everything was going great and not to worry. Then sure enough, within three in a half months he got my entire case completely thrown out. I will forever be grateful to this wonderful man for taking such wonderful care of me, and also for being true to his word. He told me he would fix this and he would handle everything and he was true to his word. He is a fantastic Attorney and I highly recommend him to everyone. Thank you Mr. Casey, you are my Hero!
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23 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
I hired Stephenie to represent me in a civil matter, where I was the defendant.
She missed all deadlines imposed by the court and opposing counsel. She didn’t show up to hearings, where I was standing in the courthouse alone. The opposing counsel and judge actually asked me if I was still represented by Stephenie.
When I approached Stephenie with her substandard job performance, despite her being on full retainer, she became hostile, defensive, and threatened to withdraw from my case.
I told her not to bother, she was fired. I obtained competent counsel and the got the civil case dismissed.
Do not hire this attorney.
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31 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Stephenie came through on every account of my divorce! She is easy to talk to, always returns calls and emails, and is very efficient. She really knows the court of law. I would HIGHLY recommend her.
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24 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired the law firm Dunham and Jones in Austin, Texas for defense of a completely bogus domestic violence charge filed against me by my now ex-wife. I have no criminal record and absolutely no history of violence, so I was a complete newbie to this realm, and entirely susceptible to the salesman-like promises of a law firm. The attorney assigned to my case was James C. Erickson. In person, Mr. Erickson was professional and cordial, but throughout a long, drawn out period of nearly two years, I discovered his true level of competence and concern for me.
Rather than take charge of my defense, Mr. Erickson chose to be more passive, always just reacting to the slow-moving process of the Court and the prosecuting county attorney. This meant numerous court delays and postponements. During the entire process, he seemed to simply roll with what was happening. He never pushed back, never filed a motion to the Court, and never took initiative to negotiate a reasonable settlement.
I could write a lot more, but instead I will simply say that Mr. Erickson proved to be unmotivated to proactively pursue my defense, and despite the claims of his firm, this turned out to be a nightmare of an experience for me. Mr. Erickson often would not respond to phone calls or emails. This made the process even more uncertain and stressful for me. He also frequently disregarded or did not follow through on my suggestions. I often felt like I was doing more than him in my own defense, which should an embarrassing testimony for an attorney.
Toward the latter part of the proceedings, he stopped responding altogether. I then had to resort to speaking with Mr. Paul Dunham, lead attorney at the firm. After one reassuring phone call with Mr. Dunham, this too turned into a similar bad joke. Eventually, I had to drive to Austin (two hours away) unannounced, just days before my trial to corner them and appeal for a response. Only then, the day before the trial, did Mr. Erickson finally do something substantial and negotiate an acceptable deal with the prosecutor’s office.
Even though my trial was narrowly averted, my experience with James Erickson was overly stressful and unnecessarily costly, by the time everything was said and done. I have tried to refrain from using excessively negative language here, yet I hope that my review will alert someone else in a similar situation. Please be very careful when hiring an attorney. Your life and future may be in the hands of someone who has been doing this so long that they really don’t care anymore.
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16 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
I just want to thank Jim for his help with a federal criminal charge. There were times where I was impatient or insecure with the drawn out process of the legal system but Jim reassured me things would go well. They did of course, with patience and due diligence of a good attorney, and the case was dropped before trial. Thank you for your help!
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15 Jul, 2024 by Liset cruz
Brindaran trabajo
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07 Apr, 2021 by A d a
No help
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15 Jul, 2024 by Liset cruz
Brindaran trabajo
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07 Apr, 2021 by A d a
No help
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15 Jul, 2024 by Liset cruz
Brindaran trabajo
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07 Apr, 2021 by A d a
No help
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15 Jul, 2024 by Liset cruz
Brindaran trabajo
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07 Apr, 2021 by A d a
No help
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15 Jul, 2024 by Liset cruz
Brindaran trabajo
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07 Apr, 2021 by A d a
No help
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15 Jul, 2024 by Liset cruz
Brindaran trabajo
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07 Apr, 2021 by A d a
No help
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15 Jul, 2024 by Liset cruz
Brindaran trabajo
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07 Apr, 2021 by A d a
No help
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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.
