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04 Mar, 2024 by Ryan rozycki
Ramon was very patient and persistent throughout my entire case. He is very easy to talk to and will do everything he can to get you a great outcome! Highly recommended!!
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21 Sep, 2023 by Kyra zatarain
Mr. Bertucci is very professional and outstanding to work with! We are extremely satisfied with his representation and would highly recommend him to others!
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26 Jun, 2023 by Adam garza
Getting in trouble is never a great experience. Unfortunately, there are times when you don't make the best decision and you end up facing legal consequences. In my case, I deserved everything I was facing. I was just terrified of the maximum penalties and knew I needed some help in navigating the justice system.
When it came to hiring a lawyer a few concerns came to mind. Do I need the help, or can I get the same results myself? Are they going to rip me off and charge me an unfair amount? Will they put effort into my case or am I just another easy payday for them? I'm sure these are all quite common concerns if you, unfortunately, find yourself in a similar situation.
I can tell you with pure confidence, that if you hire Ramon Bertucci to represent you, you won't have to think about any of those concerns. Ramon is extremely professional, fair, and affordable, deliberate in his actions, and does not overlook a thing.
Don't try and navigate the legal system alone. It'll cost you more in the long run. It's better to find a lawyer you know you can trust and who will put honest effort into your case.
I hope I never have to use his services again, but I highly recommend him to whoever finds themselves in unfortunate circumstances.
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29 Sep, 2024 by Sam blackops
29 Aug, 2024 by Jason
Ray and his staff are top notch ,and made me feel right at home by handling my case with professionalism and I can't thank you enough for doing so. It was a pleasure to have been represented by you and your firm.
Schlegel Law ,Professionalism at its best.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Samantha ward
27 Sep, 2024 by Jacob
I was falsely accused of a crime I didn’t commit all because the other party wanted my house. I was arrested on false charges and lost my career. I met with many attorneys but when I met with Shane, he already had the affidavit, knew who my case was assigned to, and was negotiating with the prosecution to not file. I haven’t even hired this man yet, and he was already working to get this resolved. He listened to my story and believed in my case. At one point a deal was presented and I didn’t know what to do. Shane said the easiest thing for him would be for me to accept, but that’s not what I hired him for, I hired him to do what was best for me and that’s exactly what he was going to do, so I didn’t accept. After 10 months of my case getting pushed back, no charges were filed and my case was dismissed.
Shane works hard for his clients to get the best outcome possible. No matter how early or late I emailed him, Shane picked up and responded. Shane will be the only attorney I will use or recommend to anyone. If you’re reading this review and are in a bad situation with the law, no doubt Shane is your best option and will take care of you.
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03 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr. Wilkinson was very prompt in getting me a permission letter from the judge to go outside of the country, since I was still on probation. He is very professional, and I would definitely recommend him for his services.
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04 Mar, 2022 by Shevin
Unfortunately i found myself on the wrong side of the law in benton county after taking necessary action to defend myself and a third party. I was arrested and wrongly charged with a malicious amount of felony charges that i was innocent of. Long story short, shane took the time to listen to my side of the story. Although he was skeptical of the case, he accepted my case, and believed my side the story. Had i been charged with all 12 felonious accusations, i have no doubt i would be sitting in prison right now. I took a huge loss. Lost my home, business, assets, and nearly my whole mind funding my fight of being wrongly accused in benton county. I never spoke a word to the judge. Less than 10 court dates later, charges are dismissed, and my case is closed. Theres no question who to call for a high level case. He has my vote every time. He is worth every penny, becuase he earns every one of them.
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06 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Kesha if you need help with a landlord tenant issue. She knows her stuff.
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30 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
Working with Kesha was so helpful! She was incredible responsive, attentive to details and competent. I would recommend her to anyone seeking her services, and will definitely be counting on her for legal counsel in the years to come.
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20 May, 2020 by Estefani
Found her info on a Facebook post , asked for some advice and was able to help me get my landlord ! She’s a blessing!!
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02 Apr, 2024 by Pam
I hired Whitney to be my divorce attorney. She was very responsive to my questions and helped me work through all the details during this big life change. She was professional, personable, knowledgable and reassuring. I would highly recommend her.
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30 Mar, 2024 by Talitha
I cannot recommend Whitney enough. While I am sure she had quite the caseload, I never felt that my case received anything other than her full attention. Her effort and time, along with attention to detail went beyond my expectation. While I hope I never have to return to litigation, if ever do, I wouldn’t hesitate in asking her to take on my case again.
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29 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
After going through a very long custody battle and using different attorney's in the process, Ms. Matney was by far the best fighter for me. Not only was she prompt in responding to my emails and calls, her knowledge for my case was superior. She new exactly what needed to be done to achieve what I wanted and knew to be best for my son. Her recommendation for an ad litem for my son was also outstanding because she new that he would be very thorough in his part of our custody case. Thanks to her she has prevented and saved my son from a very negative, dangerous influence. I cannot express how much I appreciate her. I recommend her to anyone who needs someone to fight for the safety of their child.
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22 Aug, 2021 by Juan
Cody is a great lawyer accurate on everything he does, our case was hard but Codys skills took care of it.
One of the things like it the most was the communication he had with us as clients, very responsive on every question we had, very profecional at all times. I highly recommend Cody for your case.
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17 Aug, 2021 by Cw
Received a couple Game and Fish Violations and I wasn't sure what to do. Cody's confidence eased my mind knowing that he was there to help me. I have absolutely no regrets in hiring this man. He was always in communication with me and took care of everything. I would definitely trust and recommend him to anyone. My case outcome resulted in better than I could have thought it would and that was all because of Cody Dowden.
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29 Oct, 2020 by Jerry
Cody and his staff were amazing from the first phone call. Cody explained all the details to where I could understand and did everything he said he would. He also stayed in constant contact through out the whole process of my case. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing help.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Catherine
Matthew went above and beyond for me during a horrible chapter in my life. I had no prior criminal record and had an unfortunate situation turn into a felony arrest right when the Covid lockdown started. Because of Covid it took over a year of going to court dates on zoom and going back and forth with the prosecutors, but ultimately Matthew was able to get all my charges dismissed. He kept me in the loop every step of the way. He explained things to me in a way i understood. I never had an issue getting in touch with him, he was always personally available to answer my questions. If you’re looking for legal representation don’t look any farther, hire Matthew Flemeister immediately!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Angela
If you are considering getting a lawyer or looking for one, Matthew is one you can count on. He’s honest, responds fairly quickly and knows the law. He gets in and gets the job done! He is one that will fight for you. I would definitely recommend Matthew to everyone. Thank you Matthew for all the work you put in for me! I really appreciate you.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Ladona
Mathew flimester, is a very good lawyer. I feel he was the best choice we could make. He was very open and honest with us about everything we discussed. He explained everything in simple terms so that we understood. And did everything he said he would do. He made sure we knew exactly what to expect and why. He kept us up to date and well informed. I would definitely use him again if necessary and will definitely highly recommend him to anyone in search of a " GOOD, HONEST AND DEPENDABLE LAWYER" Thanks again for your time and efforts in handling the case. Thanks for your help.
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11 Mar, 2015 by Christina
Mr. Garrett is a professional who is caring and personable. From our initial consultation through the final court hearing he kept me promptly informed of the progress of the proceedings. He is a man of his word following through with doing what he says he will do when he says he will do it. Trustworthy and I highly recommend as an attorney.
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17 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Garrett was helpful and easy to work with. He was always calm and professional and he helped me accomplish everything I needed.
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10 Jul, 2014 by Steve
I have dealt with many lawyers through the years, Earl is the most prompt lawyer on getting things done I have ever hired. He is very knowledgeable and straight forward. Family is the most important asset I have. There was not a better selection I could have made in helping me protect the well being of my greatest assets.
I will definitely call on the services Earl again if the need arises and would strongly recommend him for your legal needs.
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26 May, 2016 by Keri
Tim represented me in my divorce and made sure all my needs were met. He answered all my questions and made himself available. He was attentive to responding to emails and calls in an incredibly fast manner, and he made me feel comfortable with all the major decisions I was having to make. His friendly demeanor put me at ease during this stressful time, and his professionalism proved his desire to do what was right for his client. I highly recommend him.
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03 Mar, 2016 by Wayne
Tim represented me during my divorce and took the time to truly listen to me and understand the situation I was in. He made sure I understood what my options were and how to proceed with each if necessary. He helped me secure joint-custody of my children, which was my number one priority. Tim knows the law and clearly explains your rights and how to obtain a favorable outcome for his clients. I felt like I was speaking to a friend, rather than my attorney. He will fight for your rights to the best the law will allow. Without Tim in my corner, I would have never known my rights and how to defend myself, and I would have not been able to receive joint-custody of my children, which would have been devastating. Although Tim was busy, he was always responsive to my calls and emails and made me feel like I was his number one client. I highly recommend Mr. Penhallegon to anyone in need of family law representation.
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28 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Represented my daughter on DUI. Reasonable rates, showed up in court, far more than I have seen others do. Sentencing was fair.
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21 Nov, 2016 by Kelly
Samantha was hired as a divorce attorney. She handled the case with respect and was very open and honest about what to expect. She was passionate and fought for what we thought was responsible and got just what we wanted. I would hire her again in a heartbeat!
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07 Aug, 2024 by Seasha
Attorney William Bill Horton is a man full of greed and will put his own financial gain above injured clients seeking his help. I filed a grievance against him for excessive fees, and I'm currently seeking other legal actions to bring against him. This man did not file or amend a complaint on my behalf, did not respond to interrogatories from opposing counsel, did not send interrogatories of his own to defense attorney, nor did he negotiate a settlement or litigate my case to a judgement. Also, there were no experts hired within the 14 days of him being my attorney. He refused to give me a breakdown of his dated services and fees because he feels entitled to 40%. Attorney William Bill Horton is a joke, and his lack of morals is a disgrace to his profession and those seeking his counsel.
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12 Apr, 2024 by Brian beliles
Jim Shaw what a great attorney was the first time in my life ever to use an attorney the guy talked to me through everything and everything was dismissed what a great job thank u so much
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21 Mar, 2024 by Christina shaw
Mr. Horton has worked for me for many years and I have always been more than satisfied with his commitment to service and results. I've recommended him to my family and friends regardless of the type of issue they have because I am confident in his ability to handle all issues. His attention to detail, hiring, and aggressiveness to pursue justice is unmatched. Once you work with him, you'll have a friend for life.
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01 Sep, 2024 by Joyce ryan
I felt like when we were dealing with Cara, we had very good communication in the beginning of our process.
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22 Apr, 2024 by Michael reinhardt
The people at Parmele Law Firm were all very professional and they were all extremely friendly, helpful and caring in the handling of my case from start to finish. I know that if I have a question all I have to do is call and they will take the time necessary to make sure that all my questions are answered I fully understand what I need to know. They are truly a law firm that cares and lives up to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, customer service, and efficiency. I am so grateful to them for all they did and that they continue to do for me, so thanks to all concerned and good luck.
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17 Apr, 2024 by Oatis hook
01 Sep, 2024 by Joyce ryan
I felt like when we were dealing with Cara, we had very good communication in the beginning of our process.
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22 Apr, 2024 by Michael reinhardt
The people at Parmele Law Firm were all very professional and they were all extremely friendly, helpful and caring in the handling of my case from start to finish. I know that if I have a question all I have to do is call and they will take the time necessary to make sure that all my questions are answered I fully understand what I need to know. They are truly a law firm that cares and lives up to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, customer service, and efficiency. I am so grateful to them for all they did and that they continue to do for me, so thanks to all concerned and good luck.
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17 Apr, 2024 by Oatis hook
29 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
About three years ago, I contacted Brian to find out if he could assist me through a separation. A close friend had referred me, and I am SO thankful for her recommendation.
Brian assisted FAR beyond "filing papers". He stood by me every step of the way and fought diligently for the best interest of myself and my daughter.
To this very day (literally), he continues to navigate my battles with incredible compassion, expertise, and patience. I wouldn't want to be represented by anyone other than Brian.
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16 May, 2014 by Kelly c.
Mr. Burke handled a legal matter for me for a period of 2 years. He was active and progressive when I wanted him to be, and non-active when I requested that too. Very knowledgable and professional. It was great to have him represent me in court and see my matter to a positive ending. Highly recommend, and I will use Brian again should I need legal representation in the future.
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16 May, 2014 by Anonymous
Brian has been extremely helpful and knowledgeable in representing me during my divorce and ongoing child support issues. I would highly recommend him.
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29 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
I will recommend Sue Ann to anyone in a tough custody battle. She is knowledgeable, responsive, & quick to action where needed. She won’t oversell & under deliver. She was worth every penny & hopefully I won’t have to but I would choose her time & time again. I know how overwhelming & scary these situations can be but Sue Ann will bring you & your family peace after a long hard road.
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20 Jun, 2024 by Joshua deshields
It’s never for a good reason to have to retain a lawyer. However, I am so thankful that I reached out to Sue Ann to handle my personal matters. She was excellent at explaining process and removing uncertainty with a complex situation. I loved 2 things the most about my experience; 1.) Sue Ann always being reasonably available and very quick at responding over email to any questions I had. 2.) Brandy, an amazing and capable assistant that explained so many details in between emails and conversations with Sue Ann. Highly recommend this firm.
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16 Feb, 2024 by J rogers
Chose this firm based on word of mouth reputation, received nothing that comes even close to living up to that reputation. Highly suggest looking at other options
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5.0
7 Reviews
4.6
22 Reviews
13 May, 2024 by Gregory smith
Although still having problems I will not stop trying to figure out how.
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17 Jan, 2024 by Joey travis
Mark Drake gets a Five Star review from me. Mark has handled several Realestate transactions for me as well as provided counsel for me on other matters. He is genuine and honest. I refer to him as a “good country lawyer” as he isn’t always looking at the clock and milking me for his billable time. He has always been very fair with me in every regard. I trust him 100%.
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19 May, 2023 by Zachary bell
I worked with Seth and he is incredible. I would recommend him to anyone going through a divorce!
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5.0
1 Reviews
4.6
22 Reviews
13 May, 2024 by Gregory smith
Although still having problems I will not stop trying to figure out how.
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17 Jan, 2024 by Joey travis
Mark Drake gets a Five Star review from me. Mark has handled several Realestate transactions for me as well as provided counsel for me on other matters. He is genuine and honest. I refer to him as a “good country lawyer” as he isn’t always looking at the clock and milking me for his billable time. He has always been very fair with me in every regard. I trust him 100%.
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19 May, 2023 by Zachary bell
I worked with Seth and he is incredible. I would recommend him to anyone going through a divorce!
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16 Nov, 2018 by Cb
Definitely Highly recommended!! Someone who will go to bat for you. Very strong minded as well as persistent and very reliable. Im confident in his work and ability as an attorney to always have your side and get the job done.
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11 Jul, 2018 by Brittney
In a short story I having better opportunities moved from Arkansas to Texas, my daughters dad and his family still lived in Arkansas. We have been doing the whole custody thing for four years. I spoke to a few lawyers in NW Arkansas, even started my 4 year custody case with a different lawyer. When she wasn't aggressive enough and it felt like gainig custody of my daughter was a lost cause with no one telling me I even had a chance, I hired Eldon Cripps to be my lawyer. Many lawyers and others said a judge would never assign custody of a child to someone out of state when there was a parent living in state they could assign it to. This man worked several hours, over the weekend, late into the night and was a ROCKSTAR! He managed to get me full custody of my child, and have several accusations against me to be ADMITTED by the other side to be false! He is a tough, honest man and I don't believe any other lawyer could have achieved what he did for me. I highly recommend him, I only wish he was licensed in Texas so I could refer him more! He is certainly not for those who are faint of heart, but if you are willing to fight for your case, so is he! and you will be GLAD he is on your side come time for court!!!
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12 Jun, 2018 by Laura
Eldon Cripps was exactly what I needed for my mediation. He was to the point and honest with me. He will be brutally honest with you and aggressive but that is what you need when working with the court's system. He made me feel confident in putting my foot down with disagreements from the opposing party and really helped settle our dispute. Eldon is fantastic!
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15 Jan, 2021 by Cecilia
Really appreciated the concern and attitude that Mr Vernetti presented when I clearly was confused with my legal problem...He was patient as I asked multiple questions and made sure I understood his explanations for each question...I would certainly consult him whenever I needed an attorney and would recommend him to anyone who needs legal assistance...!!!
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06 Aug, 2020 by Mike
Bryan Vernetti is a wonderful attorney. From start to finish he worked with me to ensure my case was handled properly. Maggie, his paralegal, worked with me every step of the way and kept me informed about my case which really made me feel involved in the process. I highly recommend Mr. Vernetti to anyone in need of legal services!
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25 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
DO NOT HIRE MR. VERNETTI
He broke so many Arkansas Rules of Professional Conduct. Look elsewhere. Do not waste your time and money. First off, I hired him in March and it took him 2 MONTHS to even serve the Defendant with papers and that's only because I was the one to call his office and demanded they tell me why it's taking so long. Come court date, he did nothing. Literally nothing! He embarrased himself and me while the defendents lawyer is telling the judge "I emailed Mr. Vernetti my clients information and he should have it." He was NOT prepared whatsoever! He literally called me at 6pm the night before court trying to prepare after weeks of me attempting to keep him up to date on my case. The morning of court as we are waiting to enter the court room, he is having me fill out papers to the best of my ability racing against the clock before going in the court room. After court he fails to contact me for 3 weeks! I went by his office, nobody there. I left messages, no call backs. I sent emails, no response. I fired him through multiple emails and also requested an immediate itemized bill. Weeks go by and he finally responds through an email. Made excuses for his lack of communication and poor representation. It took him 3 MONTHS to FINALLY file a motion to withdraw from my case and gave me exactly 30 days to find a new lawyer. Retaliation? I think so. Now I have to hire someone new and bring them up to speed on my case. You have been warned about Mr. Vernetti. Steer clear of this man.
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21 Sep, 2023 by Brad
She was supposedly my children's lawyer through my divorce appointed by the courts. Seems more like she was my ex's lawyer. During the 6th month case I called twice to discuss different things and left a voicemail. I got a call back maybe 3 weeks to a month later, by that time I didn't even need nor want her involved.
My lawyer couldn't get in contact with her when he needed to and said she was hard to get a hold of. She also told my lawyer that she needed to do a walk through before the court date to make sure my house was okay for my children. She wouldn't tell him what day she was going to come because she wanted it to be a surprise. That was about 3 months into a 6 month case. She never showed up. So apparently my children's safety was not that important to her.
At the courthouse on the last day of the case she hung out with my ex and my ex's lawyer and avoided me like the plague then sent me a bill.
There's much better lawyers out there who will actually respond to you when they're involved in your case. This is just my opinion. I don't know anything about Acacia other than being involved in my case, but I can understand when the other review says that she's hard to get a hold of.
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30 Mar, 2023 by Hretailg
Always helpful and on point.
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12 Jan, 2023 by Brittany geiser
MOST AMAZING, STRONGEST, HARD WORKING, HONEST, SELFLESS ATTORNEY IN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS!!! THE REVIEWS BELOW ARE NOT EVEN A CLOSE REPRESENTATION OF WHAT THIS LADY IS ABOUT OR HOW SHE HANDLES BUSINESS.
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02 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired Tom when I was in desperate need of some one not only to stand by me but fight for me. It was the most important case of my life. My children and I depended on him to fight for our future as a family. Not only was this actually in the best interest of everyone involved but it was his job that I had paid him for in advance. But neither seemed to matter much to him. Not moral nor professional responsibility concerned him, I learned far too late. As he kept reassuring me that he would preform according to my request, I reluctantly trusted him because I was other wise completely alone and this was my first time dealing with legal system. I trusted him only reluctantly because A) I wanted him to bring to light some important issues that I felt strongly about yet, he listened to most of what I was trying to tell him with a look of annoyance and dismissal. B) Tom Smith had not an ounce of compassion or understanding towards how serious and devastating this was for me. C) when I made a mistake that was quite human and hardly devastating to my case, I told Tom about it. He was inappropriately angry as if it was personal. He reacted by picking up his huge law book which lay in front of him and literally went to strike me over the head with it, barely stopping short. D) I got a strange feeling when I would mention my rights or the constitution and he would shut me down really fast by telling me that "better not mention the constitution in this courtroom." And by reprimanding me as if I were a child for putting in a request for the freedom of information act. Saying "it'll only make things bad for me."
Later I learned that I was on the right track all along. If we had fought using my method I would've been better off if only just because, at the very least my side would've been heard. Mr. Smith completely refused to speak on my behalf in front of the judge like I had counted on him to do. Although I reminded him in court that day. First, by whispering, then by writing it down and placing it in front of him and last, as my frustration grew, by elbowing him and giving him a swift kick to the shin as the judge ruled not in my favor, and I saw the most important thing in my life slip away. He was lucky because he deserved far worse than a controlled tantrum. All because of my decision made out of desperation and an attorney's unknown motive my life has been ruined beyond redemption. I fight still, 4 years later and will not give up until I have my children safe with me. But the time that goes by is time forever lost.
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06 Sep, 2010 by Jonathan
After dealing with Tom I concider him a personal friend. That is how he treated me and that is how I will always treat him. I believe that Tom is the best attorney in his field.
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04 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
wouldn't return calls. Charged me an outrageous amount and did NOTHING. Cost me my house and half of everything I owned. Stay away!
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20 Nov, 2015 by Jennifer
Bryan has helped me out many times in the past 6 yrs. On different cases. He has always pulled through & got what I wanted done. He also works with you on making payments. Which is helpful in times of hardship.
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22 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Bryan was able to assist me in getting full custody of my daughter and an emergency hearing the day after christmas. As a father it is hard to get custody of your child in Arkansas but Bryan can get the job done if it is at all possible for you to get custody. He has been very helpful in many other instances where I needed quick legal advice and very reasonable with his cost compared to his competition in the area. If you are in a bind and need a quick & reliable lawyer Bryan is the guy you need to call.
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10 Jan, 2018 by Cheryl
Reasonable fees.
Slow to complete paperwork and get it filed with courts.
Answered e-mail but did not return any of my phone call messages.
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22 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
She would not listen, she forgot specific items we discussed. She was rude and did not try to understand or even give an effort to fight for me in my custody battle. Do NOT use this awful attorney. She does not earn her 3,000 dollars whatsoever.
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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.
