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11 Jul, 2024 by Valeria valladares
Exceptional service!
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06 Mar, 2024 by Jessica botelho
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06 Mar, 2024 by Legal learning
Helpful, easy to talk to and super knowledgeable.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Adeeb fae
I can’t say enough good things about working with GUY HASKELL. Throughout the entire process, they were not just my lawyer but also a genuine support system. From day one, they communicated with honesty and a level of clarity that gave me confidence. They made sure I understood every step, no matter how complex, and that meant so much to me. What really stood out was how they treated me with respect and care. It wasn't just about getting the job done; it was about making sure I felt heard and supported. GUY HASKELL was always there when I had questions or concerns, responding promptly and thoughtfully. Going through a legal process can be overwhelming, but having GUY HASKELL in my corner made it feel manageable. I’m incredibly grateful for their hard work, dedication, and human touch. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to help me through this."
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19 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Guy did a great job on my case. The end results came out to be extremely favorable. I would recommend anyone who’s needing legal assistance to hire Guy. He has fair pricing and will do his absolute best to help you with your case. I am extremely satisfied. He has tons of experience and is the best Criminal Defense attorney in Monroe County!
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07 May, 2024 by Diana
Guy was there for us every step of the way giving us information and next steps in a frightening, unknown legal situation our daughter found herself in. A felony count. We couldn't even imagine. He navigated the situation, gathered the documents, worked within the system and the charges were dismissed!! We'll forever be grateful!! His fee structure is also very helpful!
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21 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
We worked with Ms Higdon for a case for my son. From the very first meeting she was very empathetic and very easy to approach. She met us and within seconds she was already guiding us. Since he had health issues it was a very delicate case to handle. But she was able to get it to our favor. She was very professional to send all the reminders for all the documents that were needed and was always on top of it. I loved working with her and she was always very encouraging. I would highly recommend her to any one. I have heard many lawyers are very money minded but she cared about her clients. She was very straightforward and said what her fees was but after that it was her client that she worried about and did all that she could to help her client.
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04 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
I cannot say enough good things about Mary Higdon. First of all, she is extremely kind. That matters when under stress. Secondly, she gave me a free consultation, but I hired her halfway through, because I loved her manner. Her willingness to listen (at a time most lawyers wouldn't answer their phone) and the way she immediately told me what to expect in the next day/weeks ahead was so calming and helpful. She is impressively communicative. Every time I contacted her, I heard from her almost immediately, but always that same day. We have not met in person but she gives you the feeling you are her most important client. I found her retainer fee to be completely reasonable. Don't think twice. You won't be sorry. Hire Mary Higdon.
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18 Jun, 2021 by Dominick
I had the pleasure of hiring Mary Higdon as my attorney for a few misdemeanors I encountered while I was attending IU. She is unbelievably responsive - When this happened, I gave her a panicked phone call on a Sunday afternoon (Outside of business hours) and she was able to pick up and assure me I was going to be OK over the phone before meeting with her in person. When we first met, I asked her why she got into law in the first place, and I was answered with a genuine story from past experience on the mistreatments of defendants. Over the course of the case, I could tell immediately that story was the truth because she did everything she could to help me in my case, reduce the sentence, make sure I was being treated fairly, and able to support myself while the trial was ongoing. Here I am a year later, truly pleased with the outcome of my case, which is my I am writing this review. If you want a lawyer who ACTUALY cares about her defendants and will listen to what you're saying, provide a great plan of action, and frequently check-in with you; even when there is no need, go with Mary Higdon. I'm thankful to have found her while I was living in Bloomington.
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04 Jun, 2024 by Yantao
I am a Chinese national who recently moved to the United States. Due to my unfamiliarity with American traffic laws, I once failed to stop in time when I saw a police car with its sirens blaring. At the time, I didn't have an Indiana driver's license, and due to a language barrier, the police arrested me and charged me with attempting to use a vehicle to escape—a felony in Indiana. Fortunately, I met ROY, a very friendly and understanding lawyer who took the time to talk to me about other things to make me feel better. He advised me to get a driver's license, which I promptly did. At my first court appearance, ROY explained my situation in detail to the prosecutor, emphasizing that it was a misunderstanding. The prosecutor accepted this explanation and dismissed the charges. The entire process went very smoothly, and I didn't receive any punishment. ROY's fees were also very fair; I ended up spending much less on legal fees than I had anticipated. I highly recommend ROY, and I will certainly refer my friends to him if they encounter similar problems in the future.
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03 Apr, 2024 by Darris
Roy is one of the best attorneys I’ve met to date! He handled my case with a strong sense of care and was dedicated to insuring I understood everything and that I understood what my options were. Being in a court can be a scary process, but Roy continually assured me everything would work out and thus helped ease my mind. At the same time, he also gave me down-to-earth advice that I anm able to use in my personal life.
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20 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Roy is there when you need him. He is patient, honest and makes himself accessible. He will assess your situation and give you accurate information about how he is able to help your situation. He’s aggressive and works for your best interest and outcome. He tells you upfront about his fees, which are extremely affordable and then doesn’t come back for more later on. I would use him again if necessary.
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07 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Jamie Sutton guided me through the process to obtain legal guardianship for a family member. He has walked me through every step of the process, and I am highly confident in his expertise in this area as an attorney. He is knowledgeable, reliable, and courteous. In addition, he has been very patient, kind and sensitive to our family as we have gone through this difficult process. He has exceeded my expectations for legal counsel, and I cannot thank him enough. I highly recommend Jamie Sutton for legal counsel.
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15 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
I knew I found the right attorney for my contentious divorce and custody case after my initial consultation with Mr. Sutton. I had another attorney at the time and while I was not displeased with their counsel, changing my representation was the best decision for me and my family. I have worked with many attorneys professionally and Jamie is a unique breed. He won’t just take a case because he knows he can make money, he has a conscience and truly believes in justice. He’s very intelligent, attentive, strategic, organized and will do his best to represent and support his clients to the best of his ability. He has always been completely transparent and forthcoming in every matter we’ve dealt with, even when I didn’t like the answer. Many attorneys will tell you what you want to hear just to keep the money coming in, not Jamie. If you need an attorney that will be your biggest advocate, he’s your man. I can’t say enough great things about him, he has truly been a blessing to me and my family throughout what has been the hardest time in our lives. The legal system can be arduous, unfair at times and very confusing, but with a great attorney by your side you can be confident that you will make it out the other side. I will forever be grateful for having found Mr. Sutton and choosing him as my teammate.
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14 Sep, 2023 by Mccoy
In the interest of full disclosure, I want to say upfront that I do have a personal relationship with Mr. Sutton. We have been friends since we were undergraduates together at our alma mater. I hired Mr. Sutton to help me with an ancestry and Irish citizenship matter. I was a little nervous, anticipating many bureaucratic hurdles and endless piles of paperwork. Lucky for me, the paperwork seemed to be mostly taken care of on Mr. Sutton‘s end. I have barely had to do anything other than ask questions and occasionally review and sign documents. Mr. Sutton, on the other hand, has kept me apprised of the ongoing actions within the process, gave me realistic expectations for what the process would be like, and continues to help me understand tangential legal issues. He excels at explaining a legal situation and possible solutions or outcomes (though he is really not a big fan of ‘what if’ questions. I guess most lawyers aren’t). He is also particularly gifted at strategic thinking and maintaining his calm collected rationale. Which is particularly great if you’re like me and have an aggressive form of anxiety that is constantly worrying. He is clearly intelligent, which you notice pretty much right away, and it is a huge relief to have someone this smart in my corner helping me navigate through what can be a truly Byzantine process. Do yourself a favor. Hire him.
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17 Jan, 2019 by Brian
Mr. Moore represented my son first as a court appointed public defender for a minor offense. I was astonished when I received a call from him--imagine a public defender actually initiating communications and diligently working for a client. We were so impressed by his candor, character, work ethic, and communications that we retained him again on another matter. There are good lawyers and bad ones; Jacob Moore is a one of the good ones.
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22 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
Jacob was appointed as my public defender. I was luckly. He explained what would take place and what the chooses I could make. I heard other inmates talk about how they never heard from there public defender. I had charges in two different counties. I hired Jacob to represent me in another county because he had done a very good job in the first county.
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23 Oct, 2015 by Melissa
I hired Mr. Moore earlier in 2015 with a suspension of license infraction and was looking at HTV status, something I could not afford due to my job. His rates were very fair and his professionalism was top notch. He ended up getting it dropped altogether for me and even refunded me some of the my payment since he did not have to use it all! Usually lawyers take your check and never look back, but he was very honest with me and said that it had not taken my entire payment to finish the job. I was and still am beyond pleased. I would recommend him to anyone.
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14 May, 2016 by Laurie
So happy to be able to check "get new wills" off the "to do" list. My husband and I had wills drawn up about 30 years ago when the kids we young (and we were too!). Needless to say many things have changed since then I knew the old wills were outdated but never seemed to get around to doing anything about it. A quick email to Mr. Schwemmer changed all that. Drafting, and filing the new documents, was easy and painless with with his guidance.
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17 Apr, 2015 by Johnny
Justin represented me for an important personal matter and I could not have been more fortunate. He made me feel like I was his only client. With diligence and fervor, he handled my case never missing a step. Dedicated to his work and informing me every step of the way with an outstanding attention to detail, exploring all options and leaving me feeling supported and confident. After my experience with him I know that I have someone I can trust to represent me and produce results. Worry free.
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12 Jan, 2015 by Danielle
I've known Mr. Schwemmer since 2008. I've always regarded him as a very knowledgeable, and kind person. I was always welcome to ask him questions. In late December, I was leaving my job. The day I told my boss when my last day was, my boss told me that I had to pay a fine, and lawyer bill from an incident that I had caused. I panicked. I did not make enough to be able to pay such money, and I didn't have anything saved up. After communicating with my family, I was told I should make sure I was legally obligated to do so, just in case. I turned to Mr. Schwemmer for advice. I didn't know who else to turn to. I'm glad I talked to him. He was very attentive to my situation, and asked a lot of questions. He knew to get all the facts first. He was quick, and informative. He helped me even when it wasn't in his area of expertise. He made sure to cross-reference his information, and he gave me quotes of the information for my own use. What impressed me most was that he helped me even though he knew we would not gain anything from it, other than my deepest thanks.
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22 Apr, 2021 by Dustin
I highly recommend. I wish she was in Texas because I would higher her again.
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21 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
it is great to see an energetic guy that was down to earth and made me feel comfortable. I would not hesitate to recommend Mike to anybody looking for somebody non judgemental and straightforward.
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15 Oct, 2024 by Stacey miller
Carl was in florida on vacation with his family and i had an emergency pop up and needed immediate legal help snd he came in clutch at the 11th hour, literally.
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12 Oct, 2024 by Amanda asher
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11 Oct, 2024 by Connie criger
Great experience!Highly recommend!
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08 Oct, 2024 by Shelley
Kitty took my son’s controversial case and did a great job! She was very positive and thorough. She initially told me that she was good, ( I liked her confidence) and she proved to be! I would definitely recommend her!
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04 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Kitty was dedicated, reliable, and resolved my legal issues quickly. I can’t recommend her enough
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20 Mar, 2024 by Nicole franklin
💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝
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14 Apr, 2024 by Korey taylor
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10 Feb, 2024 by Michael lamm
Great family attorneys
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10 Dec, 2023 by Belinda johnson
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09 May, 2024 by Ricky jordan
Knowledgeable and friendly staff.
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17 Nov, 2023 by Howard kingsley
Christine Bartlett and the firm are fantastic. Highly effective representation at reasonable rates!!
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08 Mar, 2023 by Allison tomusk
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20 Mar, 2024 by Nicole franklin
💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝
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10 May, 2023 by Stephen keller
Very unprofessional, short worded, unhelpful, and actively trying to push away on a phone call. I do not recommend for handling anything that's important to you.
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19 Aug, 2022 by Tom
Kitty Liell saved me from being punished by Indiana University for a crime I did not commit. I would recommend her any day to anyone who struggles with similar circumstances. Her love and care for her clients are evident in the hard work and consideration that she puts into your case. I could not be more grateful for her help. Without Katharine Liell, my life as I know it and my dreams as I imagine them would’ve been pulled out from under my feet. With her help, I am now able to continue on in my education, and someday, to earn my own career in law.
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14 Apr, 2024 by Korey taylor
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10 Feb, 2024 by Michael lamm
Great family attorneys
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10 Dec, 2023 by Belinda johnson
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24 Aug, 2024 by Noodle
Mr. Joseph was great and helped me end a 4 year legal issues and I am super appreciative for him for giving me the hope that I could get it done. Four stars because communication through email was a bit slow. Super grateful for him, and would hire bunger and Robertson again.
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04 Jun, 2024 by Joe lannan
Great legal team. Professional and responsive. Nobody wants to be in need of legal services, however B&G makes it easy to navigate the system.
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13 Apr, 2024 by Roy carter
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08 May, 2024 by Ash vega
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19 Jan, 2024 by Maya león
I have no idea why I'm going through these attorneys. I'm just a volunteer. In July of 2023 I asked for a simple meeting to go over reasonable accommodations with my volunteer agency and I did everything that was asked of me, including going through their local board, who never addressed the evidence or medical documents I provided. Shockingly, this volunteer agency (CASA) is now using their donor funds to hire private attorneys in Bloomington to handle their employment and discrimination cases. I'm still on leave against medical input and the director of the agency and Ms Cimera from this office are unable to efficiently respond to my basic questions while there are children on waiting lists who need advocacy. Am I on a medical leave or a personal leave? Can I set up a meeting with my volunteer agency to go over my concerns?
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20 Jul, 2023 by Ash vega
Incredible attorneys who are conscientious, morally wholesome, skilled and knowledgeable. We could not recommend a better practice with a wide variety of services.
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24 Jan, 2017 by Natalya
I had Mr. Baugh represent me in several cases. I discontinued representation after he appeared in court completely unprepared for one case, and his preparation for a more important matter was insignificant. He did not make a credible attempt to present my children's interests. At the time, he was more absorbed in his personal affairs and just cared about his fees which he billed regardless of his efforts and effectiveness.
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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:

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

How to Check the Credibility of a Criminal Defense Lawyer

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

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

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

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

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

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

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