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30 Jul, 2024 by Jackson mobile glass
I strongly encourage you to reach out to the Law Office of Monica Bermudez for any and all criminal law matters. Monica and her Team have years of experience, which has also evolved from other skilled legal mentors. They have the common sense, competence, and education to assist you at the highest levels and in the most difficult and complex matters.
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11 Jul, 2024 by Katrina padilla
28 Jun, 2024 by Nessa s
Mrs M. Bermudez I can not express how grateful I am for yours and the whole stuff Ms Arlene & Mr Nicks hard work and dedication to handling my case
You all fought hard for me over these past 3 years and I highly appreciate you all. This was a very long process and you didn’t fall short of anything that you pushed for
Thank you so much
Life is hard and trying at times so
I highly recommend your office to anyone who is in need at a troubled time
Thank you so much forever grateful
Nessa 🫶🏽
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.6
73 Reviews
12 Jul, 2024 by Mike donaldson
Richard is one of the best DUI attorneys in the country. He is the lawyer other lawyers go to for advice on how to handle DUI cases. He has fought and won some of the most important DMV DUI cases of the past decade. In addition to being an expert at DUI DMV matters, he is an incredible DUI trial attorney.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Randall billington
I have seen scores of DUI defense attorneys, and as an attorney myself, I can say with confidence that Richard is among a small handful of the most elite, experienced and skillful attorneys I have known in his field of specialization. If I or someone close to me were in need of DUI assistance, Richard would be the first person I would call, and I have referred others to him without hesitation. In addition to being highly skilled, Richard is an exceptionally helpful and cordial professional. Those I have referred to him always speak of how helpful and practical he was, and always put their interests first.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Sharron p
Mr. Middlebrook's professionalism and incredible knowledge puts him at the top of my list of the kind of attorney I would seek should myself or any one of my friends or family need one. I know first hand that he will stick by you until the bitter end and won't give up on you or your case if he truly believes in you. I definitely would recommend his services to anyone in need.
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22 Oct, 2024 by Waldo carrillo
Mi proceso fue muy rapido. Se las recomiendo
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09 Oct, 2024 by Luis cadenas
Tara and her team have been excellent throughout the past few years. Thanks to their assistance, my close relatives have been able to fix their residency, and I am now able to join them. Their level of service is impeccable. They communicate effectively and are very organized with their cases. I strongly recommend Tara and her legal team if you're looking for high-quality services. Many thanks for your wonderful job, Tara, Rocio, and Mehrnaz. I'm wishing you all the best and success because I truly believe what you guys do is amazing and give families new opportunities. Stay blessed.
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28 Sep, 2024 by Jennyfer gallardo
100% recommend!! My mother had a difficult case that no one else would take on the challenge but attorney Tara Khorrami gave us faith every step of this journey and fought really hard for my mother and successfully obtained her green card and my mother can now go visit her family!! We appreciate her soooo muchhhh 💞
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10 Oct, 2024 by Aracele santana
I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to Kyle Humphrey at Humphrey & Thompson for his help with an unexpected case. He was highly thorough and made sure I understood every part of the process, which was especially important as this was my first and only legal matter. I also appreciate his efforts in sealing the case, keeping it off public record. Many thanks to you and your team!
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08 Oct, 2024 by Rob brodsly
Mr Thompson is the most honest and hardworking lawyer I have ever come across. He was straight forward, informative, and very easy to work with from inception to completion. I strongly suggest reaching out to Mr Thompson should you need the services offered by his office!
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08 Oct, 2024 by Aimee gutierrez
Beyond impressed with the expertise and professionalism shown on behalf of Humphrey and Thompson. The process was easy and they made it so that I didn't have to appear in court. I highly recommended them!
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10 Oct, 2024 by Aracele santana
I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to Kyle Humphrey at Humphrey & Thompson for his help with an unexpected case. He was highly thorough and made sure I understood every part of the process, which was especially important as this was my first and only legal matter. I also appreciate his efforts in sealing the case, keeping it off public record. Many thanks to you and your team!
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08 Oct, 2024 by Rob brodsly
Mr Thompson is the most honest and hardworking lawyer I have ever come across. He was straight forward, informative, and very easy to work with from inception to completion. I strongly suggest reaching out to Mr Thompson should you need the services offered by his office!
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08 Oct, 2024 by Aimee gutierrez
Beyond impressed with the expertise and professionalism shown on behalf of Humphrey and Thompson. The process was easy and they made it so that I didn't have to appear in court. I highly recommended them!
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19 Sep, 2024 by Benny
Mr. Faulkner was completely professional in all aspects handling my case. He was aggressive from the very beginning. Had his private investigator come to my house to enter view me, and get a good look around to see the injustices that took place here from the accusers and their false accusations that they had told the police. Mr. Faulkner aggressively used his expertise in seeing that justice had been served. During this time I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer and going through all of the pain and discomfort on the medical side of things. His office was in continuous contact with my caregiver with updates on my case. My serious charges were dropped and I was obviously very relieved of the results and felt that Justice had been served. His team is top notch period. If you are in any kind of situation and you need a criminal defense lawyer no matter what the case involves Mr. Faulkner is Simply the Best in the area
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16 Aug, 2024 by Juan robles
David L. Faulkner helped me with my case, communicated and explained very well to me my situation. I got no jail time. Hes the best lawyer by far and i highly recommend his services.
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23 Jun, 2024 by Molly fowler
He sits with you and goes over your case in detail for free and then lets you know how much his fees are. He's honest and down to earth.
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3.0
6 Reviews
4.9
49 Reviews
16 Jul, 2024 by Arthur naoumov
16 Jul, 2024 by Tag james
16 Jul, 2024 by Frankiestylie
23 Aug, 2024 by Anju marie chandy
this month Rai Law Firm sent me a document dated August of 2022 and said i have 10 days to respond, i attempted to procure a time machine, but i got stuck in prehistoric times and now a velociraptor is messing with my wi-fi so not sure if this will post
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08 Aug, 2024 by Theresa hernandez
Went to court this morning not sure what was gonna happen who was going to speak on my behalf this very tall, professional well dress very professionally spoken hospitable man introduced himself to me and started to explain to me of my situation. My personal background history with law and was completely against, what the DA was trying to charge me with. we sat and he explained everything to me as well as making sure I understood .I was very pleased and happy with his quick action and very grateful and appreciative for him an his sincere concern for me an my rights. A very pleased and grateful walking out of court this morning with just having to do community service. I strongly recommend. RAI LAW FIRM💯💯💯😁
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24 Apr, 2024 by Navdeep singh
I went to law school with Mr. Rai and can certainly confirm his commitment to the practice of law and taking the best care of his clients. I never hesitate to recommend him to anyone!
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29 Jul, 2024 by Deanna giles
29 Jan, 2024 by Efrain aguirre
Great group of people to have representing you. The staff there is very helpful and have went above and beyond to facilitate me through this process.
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20 Nov, 2023 by Maria a
26 May, 2021 by Mary
I hired Mr. Parent to represent my brother. I’ll tell you I’m not one too leave comments or even post anything. Im very happy with Mr. Parent and highly recommend him too anyone looking for good criminal lawyer. He will fight for you and make you feel comfortable during the process. Straight forward and reliable. Please consider him if your in need for good representation.
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28 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
I was ecstatic retaining Mr.Parent upon our first conversation via phone. I felt he would defend my case do to the circumstances of a dui charge when I was not driving the vehicle. I only received calls from accounting for payment and staff for documentation signing. I requested several times to speak to him about my case. Please in the future, communicate with your clients. I honestly feel i was neglected. I would recommend him if he’d communicate better.
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08 Mar, 2018 by Mickie
Mr. Parent is a well skilled professional who is qualified and sincere about his work. He won my case and kept me cool and calm the whole time.
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12 Jul, 2024 by Mike donaldson
Richard is one of the best DUI attorneys in the country. He is the lawyer other lawyers go to for advice on how to handle DUI cases. He has fought and won some of the most important DMV DUI cases of the past decade. In addition to being an expert at DUI DMV matters, he is an incredible DUI trial attorney.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Ruben fonseca b.
Great experience. They managed to get me out of a precarious situation, helpful and always kept me in the loop.
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07 Feb, 2024 by Tim webster
They will smile in your face and tell you they will call you back with an answer, but will never do. Twice this happened. This says a lot about the attorney's character. Do yourself a favor and look somewhere else.
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10 Jun, 2024 by Eric
I hired Rodger, and his assistant P.I. paralegal,Victor Vivia. From inside jail. After reading their book, The CA. Criminal handbook. Explaining what to do,& what not to do during an arrest. Roger, and Victor really stood up for me in court. And with their,hard nosed, negotiation skills, kept me from going to prison. When everybody else failed,they really came through for me.Id recommend Rodger to anyone, under any circumstance. I think I got to know Victor at a personal level after knowing him for some years now. I think it's because, we would both like to consider ourselves,"practicing"magicians. Exchanging each other's secrets. Let's face it, if you can't trust to your lawyer,who can you trust? Again always, thank you for your help; Roger lampkin, & Victor Vivia.
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15 Feb, 2019 by Daira
After having numerous lawyers, I wish I would have met Mr. Lampkin sooner. He is very professional, thorough and works hard for us to obtain the best results for my brother’s case.
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23 Oct, 2017 by Alvin
Criminal case. What can I say, I got caught. He got me a great deal with no jail time. I am on probation and have to do work release and a bunch of fines, but I am happy with the result.
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12 Jul, 2023 by Brenda “la tejana” chagoya
My son's and my family experience with Ms Autumn Paine criminal defense team is great she still currently helping us but I just had to leave a 5 star on her she is really understanding and she not only works on your case but she also works on understanding her clients and helping them in any way she can she is not just a lawyer for her clients she a friend I will definitely recommend her to family and friends if it came to needing a defense team ..
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09 Mar, 2023 by Ty treece
She’s an amazing lawyer! That was the best defense I’ve ever seen~
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09 Mar, 2023 by Sergio lozano
Goodyear lawyer hello my son on his case im really happy with her hello
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05 Oct, 2024 by Ronnie collins
The Employment Lawyers Group in Bakersfield provided me with excellent service.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Amber gutierrez
I am very thankful to have found Mr. Mendez. He was very helpful, empathetic, and affordable. He assisted me with my divorce paperwork and he explained ANY questions I had in regards to child support, custody, and alimony. He was also very professional with both parties. Thank you jesus for all you help during these difficult times.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Karen sanabria
Jesus, muy Profesional, me ayudo con todas las preguntas que tenia, servicio super rapido. Ya son dos tramites que hago en su oficina, lo super recomiendo, mis dos experiencias muy buenas! Gracias!
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08 Aug, 2024 by Kevin
i hired her for a spousal support case,,,she tells me its a slam dunk case,,,no biggy,,,,,all that i got outta of her is the respondent was given the court papers,,,,then she says respondent want to settal out of court,,,i said fine,,,she tells me it will be faster n cheaper that way,,,i never recieved one dime,,,she took my $8300 n ran w/it,,thx
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14 Mar, 2024 by Rg2
Attorney Review/Reference
We live in Texas and our son is stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California
Our son got a dear john from his wife the day after he was deployed to the Middle East and informed that she had filed for divorce and she would be sending the papers.
While deployed he would call to speak to his two year old daughter and read her a bedtime story. He had to leave these on voicemail as his calls a world away were not picked up.
He returned to a tumultuous household six months later and divorce proceedings were initiated by his wife they had been married approximately a year and a half.
He had to hire an attorney and chose Ms. Mellanie Marshall.
Divorce is a terrible and damaging event to all parties and especially when children are involved.
Ms. Marshall was very patient in dealing with a highly frustrated client. As a member of the military he could be deployed or transferred at any time. This was a concern as a custody issue and was emotionally crushed that he might not be a part of his daughter’s life.
M.s Marshall provided my son a realistic scenario of the possible outcomes but also was able to remain a calming influence to her client. She thoroughly researched the parties involved to come up with her game plan. She was interested in what was in the best interest of her client as well as the child. She was able to work with the opposing attorney to reach what would have been a reasonable accommodation to reduce the turmoil in the little girl’s life as well as the divorcing couple. The opposing attorney was unable to get her client to be reasonable with conditions that would allow both parents to be involved with the child. As a result, the opposing attorney was unable to work with her client and removed herself as her representative.
In court Ms. Marshall was competent, thorough and I believe more than reasonable. The outcome that Ms. Marshall achieved was fantastic. My son has a custodial arrangement that allows him to be an integral part of his daughters’ life. She took a toxic situation and turned it into lemonade. My son has renewed his spirit and his daughter is happy. She now has an opportunity to interact with other children her age at the on base child development center.
If you want a good attorney in dealing with a messy divorce situation you can’t go wrong with Marshall Law (firm).
Robert and Donna
Austin, Texas.
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03 May, 2023 by Shawn
Put me at ease from day one by explaining my options, rights under CA Law, and best & worst case scenarios, then quickly working my case as soon as I hired her. While I hope to never need her services again I'm sure glad I found her to handle my divorce and will recommend her without hesitation if ever asked about family lawyers in Kern County. Exceptional attorney in all respects!
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26 Jan, 2024 by Dolly
I submitted paperwork several times and it was reject every time. I finally went to Divorce by Design and they were able to submit and troubleshoot until it was finally presented to a judge to sign. It was a miracle for me and I am ever grateful! I highly recommend you start with them!!!
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12 Jan, 2024 by Shawna griffith
25 Oct, 2023 by Bianca
Mr. Rice was always honest and straight forward with me during my custody battle. He understood the personal pain I was going through with my difficult case. If it wasn't for Mr. Rice, I would have never gained custody of my daughter and the process would have continued to be extended. Now thanks to him and his team my baby is back home. Thank you, Mr. Rice, from the bottom of my heart. I would highly recommend him and will definitely be using his services again if needed in the future!
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05 May, 2024 by Anonymous
This person has no concept of a moral compass. He thinks he is above everyone else and treats people like so. Completely unprofessional. I would never recommend this lawyer
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21 Sep, 2021 by Fatima ri
My mom had her first appointment with the Paralegal on 08/24/2021. She was very rude from the beginning. She did not even introduce herself. She doesn’t have customer service skills at all. She makes you feel like a criminal the entire appointment, as she was very aggressive and rude. Per my parents Mr. Fishkin is rude as well. He doesn’t let the clients explain their problem(s) and express themselves. We are going to have another appointment with them. I will update this review if it gets better.
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09 Sep, 2021 by Jamila hrra
👎
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31 May, 2021 by Talmer
Mr.Torres defended me in the 90's. This man saved my life. He brought skill, experience, and confidence to the court. My charges were serious in nature but not vicious. Not to be results oriented etc. but i received probation, heavy fine, no incarceration. I highly recommend this man, or any he puts in his stead.
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26 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
My experience was with Alexkia Torres Stallings, she went and asked the state prosecutors to help her for a recommendation related to my case. Things got worse in my case and I don’t wish to even talk about it. She is so lazy and careless and I was neglected. Mr. Torres is not professional by throwing his clients cases to his associate Alexkia. That’s not fair! I needed to change to a completely different criminal defense lawyer who took care of everything for me and got my whole case dismissed. Save your money and time and don’t bother with this law firm. My experience with this law firm was miserable.
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05 Sep, 2019 by Greg b.
David Torres handled a case where my son was the victim in a major auto accident. He was genuinely concerned with his well being and worked hard to make him as whole as possible. My son had numerous fractures and underwent several surgeries. The hospital/medical bills were outrageous. In the end, they were settled for pennies on the dollar. If it wasn’t for David, everything from the insurance would have gone to medical bills. Now he has a future.
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24 Jul, 2018 by T
Hired for a lawsuit and he did not even file anything for my case, dd not let me know the hearing dates, did not return phone calls, many times could not even leave messages because phone mail box was full, and, therefore, due to his dereliction of duty, the judge dismissed the case. Filed with the BAR and they found in my favor. He was given 6 months suspension. Found an article that a judge called him a "menace" and he should not be in practice.
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18 Dec, 2014 by Brian
I have used attorneys of all types in business, family, civil and criminal cases. They were all good attorneys. Greg Mitts is not one of the good ones he is one of the Greats. I have never had an attorney as thorough and intelligent as Greg. If there is a benefit to be had for his client he finds it.
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20 Jul, 2018 by Carmenflores
She did what other lawyers told us that couldn’t do anything on my husband case... she decide to get our case and everything went good. She was able to get a release and lower the small amount of bail... we owe her so much... because of her my family still together.
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27 Nov, 2017 by Katja
I hired her to defended my husband. She did not do any work. She did not answer my calls or email. She only advice my husban to serve the time. We fired her and hired somebody else. All the charges were drop. My husband was release immediately. I do not recommend her at all. She refused to give us any refund back even though she did not finished the job. Read the reviews about her. She does not put any effor on criminal cases.
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12 Nov, 2020 by Ivette
Paid the lawyer 1500 to help write a complaint that could be submitted for federal court in pro se, because I don’t know how to. Explained had to be for federal and not state, lawyer disregarded and wrote out a complaint with several typos and incomplete sentences, was not clear and used state codes after we asked for federal. After the complaint that he provided was submitted it was automatically denied because it did not meet requirements. We asked for this man for help and him knowing how my family was struggling, he still charged us 1500 for 4 pieces of paper that feels as if he drafted in 10 minutes and didn’t even acknowledge it. I hope whoever hires this man gets a good outcome because my family didn’t and I will not ever hire the services again.
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04 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
I paid 250 dollars for a consult with this attorney. He agreed to take my case on cotinugency. I didnt know I should have signed a contract. I trusted him. My mistake. He also wanted 600 for a meeting with my work. I stopped working due to medical disability. When I notified his office no meeting would take place. He refused to give me my money back for. Not having a meeting with work. I was also told he is out of the country and to busy to take my case. Very very bad experience! I found a great attorney in Sherman Oaks. I suggest find a different attorney unless you can afford to have your money taken with no service provided.Good Luck.
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10 Feb, 2014 by T.j.
I am a business owner and it's hard to find a guy who will take on big firms. I sometimes get into disputes with other companies, he is always ready to fight. This guy is a great attorney and I have been very happy with his services. He will fight for you, no question about it.
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11 Jul, 2022 by Mj
All my paperwork were done all ready. All I needed Thompson was to be their and speak on my behalf. The worst lawyer!! He never showed up in court keeps on asking for continuous. The only paperwork he and his paralegal Adriana Duenez did was copy some of my old court paperwork that was filed and still managed to screw that up. Adriana can’t spell. There’s autocorrect spelling how can you mess that up? Thompson is quick to promise results but never delivers. The only quick thing he ever did was to take my payments. DO NOT HIRE THIS LAWYER HE IS A JOKE SO IS ADRIANA DUENEZ. The only 5 stars he gets is from his employees.
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22 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
We used Mr. Thompson for a child custody case. In my opinion, he was very unorganized and just wasn't the aggressive lawyer we thought he would be. In fact, we got further with my fiancé representing himself, we lost time after hiring Mr. Thompson. He never told us when he wasn't going to be present in court, which happened on multiple occasions. He didn't always have his paperwork prepared or readily available. In fact, one time he said he didn't have the necessary paperwork that the judge asked for even though we had turned it into his office via email and in person. This resulted in us being served with a sanction to pay the other parties attorney fees, luckily he ended up taking care of that since it was his fault. If you're looking for an aggressive lawyer who will fight for you and is organized, keep looking.
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16 Jun, 2021 by Vlad
I have retained Mr. Thompson several times over the years for different cases involving criminal and family law matters, both times the work was excellent.
Thank you.
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14 Feb, 2022 by Tazz
Wont contact you, family or not. Client or not. She's one of those.....ESPECIALLY since covid...Is just collecting the money. DEADASS!!!! Get someone else!
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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.
