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05 Feb, 2011 by George
I had a case with another Attorney representing me. I wanted to know how to change Lawyers because the one appointed to me was a U-Haul truck. Bernstein was approachable, personable, non-judgemental, and sharp. He is always sharp. He shared guidance along with what I needed to do precisely and discreetly. I followed his instructions and was able to put into motion what I wanted to do. I will never forget his help. He did not charge me or anything, he simply wanted to help me and it is rare to come across good folk like Alex. I watched him throughout proceeding and he is always on top of his game and lets nothing slip by. I wish he was my attorney. All else said, he is a terrific person and has a great personality.........as far as I can see. My vision is 20-20.
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07 Oct, 2009 by Anonymous
Mr. Bernstein is an excellent lawyer. I had a very tough case and had no one to turn to and he came highly recommended by Milton Jacob a well known Lawyer for many years.. Mr. Bernstein fought my case and did the best any attorney could under the
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02 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
I am extremely satisfied with my Trust Creation with Ms. Zamora. She was able to explain the whole process simply and was even knowledgeable on real estate law to assist me in the creation of my plans. I felt very comfortable knowing I was in trusted hands. I will be recommending her to anyone looking to create a trust or estate planning!
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17 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
I am very grateful to the licensed Patricia Zamora. Not only is she wise in her craft, but she cares about her clients as well... and that is often hard to find. Both her and her assistants provided excellent customer service and helped me to great extents.
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01 Jun, 2022 by Lee ramirez
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29 Aug, 2020 by Tara saldivar
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03 Aug, 2021 by Linda
Jonathan Che Gettleman is the best, brightest and most humane lawyer I have had the privilege to utilize. Indeed, he is the only one I know. I have had multiple experiences with soul sick rapacious lazy attorneys thus I speak from experience. Gettleman saved me from an evil premeditated ploy by the former DA Boob Lee, who fabricated & falsified evidence to incarcerate me for 4.5 years. In court the gallant & savvy Gettleman well established within the first month the DA had done so. But the corrupt John Gallagher, the presiding court overlord - he doesn't deserve the title 'judge' - let their shameful sham continue for one year. This at considerable waste of tax payers precious revenues in order to psychologically terrorize me. This is only one example of the elite privileged Santa Cruz good ole white boys in pubic law enforcement who commit financial fraud paid for by local tax payers. As I asserted to these Santa Cruz overlords "if they had to pay for this out of their own bank accounts their crass corruption would be over". I was shocked at how easy LEO's abuse their sacred vows & squander tax payer money. This motivated me to write a research paper titled "Jails R Us". Detailing the disgusting ways the U$A uses & abuses law enforcement, government prisons & the cannibalizing for profit prisons to destroy 'We the Peons".
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08 Dec, 2015 by Bryan
He was diligent with his research and realistic with his forecasts. Which I hope every lawyer would be. But at the same time he was calming. He made sure I stayed out of my own head and that my family felt comfortable. In the end he kept me out of jail. I was exposed to 11 years and served 3 months.
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21 Oct, 2016 by Miguel
Mory was great! I highly recommend her! She worked hard on my case and at the end, she got me what she promised! Not only is she a hard-worker, but she is also dedicated and easy to communicate with.
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22 Apr, 2016 by Shadi
Me. Ahmadi handled my personal injury matter and I was extremely satisfied with the result. She was so dedicated to my case and was very easy to work with. If you're looking for a hardworking and dedicated attorney, you've found the right person. Highly recommended!
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28 Apr, 2015 by Chris
Going to court can be VERY stressful! Art Burga at Burga Law Firm eases that stress. It's hard to find a lawyer that will keep you updated on your case on a regular basis. He is a lawyer that answers, and returns, phone calls promptly (even with his busy schedule). He has represented me in both Los Angeles and San Bernardino County. And from my understanding, he does work in San Francisco and out of state as well. So don't let location be a factor in choosing a lawyer. I usually only Yelp if it's a great service or bad service (or product). I guess it has to stand out in order for me to take the time to yelp. Take it from a satisfied client. Choose Art Burga for your Family Law cases. (Oh yeah, I have also used him for a name change... I'm sure he does much more beyond family law and name changes, so call and find out)
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17 Feb, 2015 by Kaitlin
Attorney Burga is helpful, kind, knowledgeable, and able to get the job done. He recently helped me with my case. Any and all questions I had, he was able to answer on the spot. He was easily accessible to me, and I was able to contact him at various times with my questions. He was always welcoming and provided quick responses to phone calls, emails, etc. I was very nervous upon going into my case, but Attorney Burga answered all my questions and made me feel comfortable and secure in my decisions. The court process went smoothly and I was granted everything I asked for. I would recommend Attorney Burga to anyone who is looking for legal assistance. I know you will not be disappointed! Thank you, Attorney Burga!
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16 Jul, 2015 by Jesus
I just want to say if you or a family member got into deep trouble and you are looking for the very best criminal trial lawyer you got to call Eber. He help a cousin that was into deep trouble for hanging with bad 'friends'. We pray God for a good lawyer and he hear our prayers. My cousin is free thanks to the hard work of Eber and his team did. I admit at first I did not trust him very much, now that I see what he is capable of I just want to urge everybody that has a family member facing criminal charges to call Lawyer Eber Bayona I highly recommend him! TRUST ME!
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18 Apr, 2015 by Fred
I had the pleasure of meeting and subsequently retaining Mr Bayona on a very important criminal complaint fora friend of mine. The price quoted was less than any other attorney quoted and he never asked for more money,though the case dragged on for two years. Everything my friend wanted from Mr Bayona was accomplished (i.e No jail time ,no bail,short probation, minimal community service and restitution payments).I would highly recommend Eber for any criminal or civil case. Mr Bayona is an attorney in a class of his own.
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28 Mar, 2015 by Danielle g
Mr. Rodriguez's belief in the constitution gives him the motivation to work diligently for his clients. He not only loves the law he loves the fight.
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27 Mar, 2015 by Jonathan rooker
Adam has been a superstar of criminal defense since he started. A real hard worker with excellent abilities and skills.
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06 Mar, 2017 by Martha
We weren't sure what to expect because there was so much debt we needed to deal with. They told us at Victor Huerta offices that Chapter 7 Bankruptcy was for us. We were charged a reasonable fee and the filings were done so quickly. I am so happy we decided to deal with this group because they always answered our questions and had everything very organized. Thanks again.
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09 Oct, 2014 by Sandra
Thank you so much for your assistance with the Bankruptcy. The process was explained to me really well, I appreciate the personal service.
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22 Aug, 2023 by Delano
I contacted Devin over 2 years ago because it was some false information put in my credit report which was denying me of getting a place to live. When the credit bureau found out that I had a lawyer (Devin) guiding me in the right direction, the negative impact on my credit report was immediately removed. I went on with my life but Devin was still on the case. After 2 years had gone by I get a surprising email from Devin stating that the company was ready to settle. The nice amount of money that I received quickly after the settlement really helped me out a lot. Can’t thank Devin enough. He was my best choice.
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17 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
I ran into Devin's profile while researching a legal case. Initially, I was apprehensive to approach Devin but once I had the first conversation with Devin, he not only exhibited a great subject matter expertise but also listened to me patiently and with a lot of compassion. He gave me a comprehensive legal advice and the final results were favorable. I would recommend Devin's services to any employee fearing a big corporation. Good luck!
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20 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
Linda assisted us with a landlord/tenant lawsuit. Linda was very trustworthy, knowledgeable and responsive. Assertive, professional. We feel we definitely got our moneys worth and would definitely recommend her.
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03 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
Linda Frieder was extremely supportive of my interests from the first day until the case was settled. She is very knowledgable of the law. There never were situations or developments that she wasn't prepared for. She handled every matter with the utmost professionalism. Her response time was very impressive, always returning my phone calls in a timely manner. I would recommend her to anyone looking for legal representation. Her fees are reasonable and her results are impressive. Overall I would say that I am 100% happy with her as my attorney!!
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22 Jun, 2015 by Sofia
Peter has always helped me with my cases and my family. When I moved out of state I will still able to hire him to do work for me. He has very reasonable prices is very honest and will work hard for you. I recommend him to anyone in Sonoma county that needs an attorney he is the best
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15 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
Peter A. Duarte took my call and in short order, understood that my PTSD made my being the recipient of false allegations very time-sensitive. Peter phoned the Napa County Sheriff's Office and District Attorney's Office and called me back in exactly 24 hours to inform me that my case was closed. Call Peter before "calling around."
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06 Jun, 2016 by Mark
My attorney Michael H. Keeley became my legal counsellor and High Trust Leader with the same high interest in my welfare that I had. Mike exercised a number of better-way outcomes with his resourcefulness and initiative to influence the court, present my case getting the right legal things done for my welfare. He helped me understand the legal issues and our resources and people for possible solutions. He helped me think and separate what mattered most from my emotions. Most important he gave me options, increased my understanding of how they work and added value to my life. I saw that he was reliably on my side having my best interests at heart resulting in from good to great outcomes I was seeking. I am grateful for his accountability and effective execution which is kindness. Mark
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08 Nov, 2013 by Gwen
There really are not enough words to express the level of gratitude I currently feel, nor can words speak to the sense of relief that came over me as Mr. Keeley moved on my son’s behalf. I have not been able to sleep at night considering the defense of my son in this truly life altering circumstance. I would like to take this time to express my sincere feelings of appreciation for Mr. Keeley's services with regards to the defense of my son. "Thank you SO MUCH for the time you have invested on this case and the patient understanding you have shown to friends, family and me with all the frantic and perhaps, often stupid questions. Mr. Keeley is indeed a fine attorney. His outgoing and professional manner coupled with his willingness to communicate openly have helped make these last few months bearable for our family. His reputation is truly one that he can take pride in and clearly he is a credit to his chosen profession. Our family was indeed fortunate that he was the attorney assigned to my son’s case in a 'court appointed' capacity! He has truly been an anchor for this family in a dark and stormy sea of ugliness.
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08 Mar, 2010 by Michael
Selecting Joe Valdez as my representation was an absolute pleasure. Not only did he work with me prior to providing any funds but he was willing to work with me on payments for representation. Since I currently live in LA and my court case was in Sacramento, CA I was facing the issues of Transferring charges to different counties, which told a huge effort on my part and Joe’s part to make possible; Joe was able to rearrange court dates to work around my wok schedule so I was able to attend appropriate session in the court house on multiple dates. When I was not able to attend the court appointment, I was a rest knowing of Joe's extensive relationship with the court systems he would be able to communicate between the courts systems and myself as if I were present. At the beginning of my case I was looking at face 90(+) time served and still having to attend all appropriate classes requirements to conclude the 1st time D.U.I offender program in Sacramento, CA. My case was carried out for a few more months during this time Joe was able to work the sentence time to 29 days (which was Transferable and could be completed in Sheriffs work program/House arrest) and minimal finds and program attendance. Selecting Joe was a blessing; I could not imagine a better represenative for myself. He represented me in a way that I could not be happier with, during this crucial moment of my life. I recommend Joe Valdez to anyone seeking fair chances in court systems and life.
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23 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
Atty. Jose Valdez recently represented my son who was facing a felony charge of embelzement. While meeting with the Judge, Atty. Valdez explained that this was my son's first mistake, just graduated from college and had already paid restitution to his former employer. The Judge agreed and reduced the charge to a misdemeaner.We are extremely grateful and thankfull for Attorney Jose Valdez's knowledge and service. Jerry P. Sacramento, California
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23 Jan, 2013 by Wayne b
I have used seth on 2 different Legal cases and the outcome was possitive both times..I Have No Regrets at All! He Turned Dirt into Gold!!...and I Would recommend him to my own Family if needed.....He's very knowledgeable and He is a man of his word...Thanks Again Seth!
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21 Jun, 2011 by John
Seth O’Dell was recommended to me by my primary criminal attorney. I was falsely accused of a crime. Mr. O’Dell and my primary criminal attorney worked to get the criminal charge dismissed. A month later, the accuser and a state agency went after one of my professional licenses. Mr. O’Dell led a team of lawyers who defended my license. He won the administrative hearing and my license was reinstated without restriction. Mr. O’Dell proved himself to be a hard working and resourceful lawyer. He was also a very personable and supportive friend as I went through the legal machine. I would recommend Mr. O’Dell and his team to any person needing legal representation.
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29 Apr, 2017 by Lemuel
I have consulted with Tigran on many cases and he always adds very valuable input. I trust his judgment and analytical skills and I always look forward to the advice he has to provide. Thank you Tigran.
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01 Mar, 2016 by David
Tigran Grigoryan is a gentle,polite, professional & great person, we had phone free conversation about 58 minutes, he couldn't take my case because I'm in different state, but he gave me very-very valuable advises, which I'll use them. Thank him again
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15 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
Attorney David Sun literally saved my life by representing me against some serious and complex “ white collar” criminal charges. He is a true advocate who cares and analytically sees all sides of your case, counseling and defending your rights with his experience and mastery of the law. Unlike many other lawyers, David cares and will be there for you while being upfront and honest about his fees.
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06 May, 2013 by Richard
I was referred to Attorney David Sun by a friend of mine. Attorney Sun handled two of my DUI cases and was able to get the DA to drop charges and helped me dodge a really big bullet. He's always available to give me valuable advice. I highly recommend this lawyer.
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21 Aug, 2015 by William c. bradshaw (okay to use full name)
Although my association was a number of years ago and somewhat limited, I was very much impressed with and appreciative of his honesty and directness. Superb lawyer! This was the result of jury service.
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30 Oct, 2013 by Nate
If you are lucky enough to have Joe Penrod involved in your court case you should count your lucky stars. best lawyer ever
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25 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
Attorney Hernandez was very thorough in explaining my case. His team is very professional and they quickly and professionally respond to any questions that I may have. I highly recommend Mr. Hernandez as an honest and reliable Immigration attorney.
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17 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
Attorney Hernandez is a very honest lawyer! He is knowledgable, caring and he works hard for you. He will go above and beyond the call of duty. I do recommend Attorney Hernandez to all my friends and family.
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28 Dec, 2015 by Vahe vic
Pamela Tedeschi has to be the exception for all attorneys. Shes exactly who you want on your corner. We had a case involving 4 people caught in a medical marijuana grow and she made sure all our cases got dismissed.. nothing more is needed to say. we have as a group been through numerous attorneys and none were remotely close to Pamela Tedeschi
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03 Mar, 2010 by Patrick
My friends and I are in the medical marijuana business and are sometimes in need of an attorney. The one day that I found myself in a bad position my good friend suggested Pam. I must say that I will never use another criminal lawyer again in California. She was honest about my situation and didn't charge me a full retainer until charges were filed, which they weren't, and that saved me thousands other attorneys would have just kept. She defended a couple of my friends since and before and has done stellar jobs every time she is called into duty. Thanks Pam Patrick
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12 Jun, 2019 by Steven
Albert provided excellent service, demonstrating professionalism and attention to details when preparing my living trust package. Gr
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22 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
Albert was great to work with and helped me with my Living Trust. He knew exactly what to ask and how to make the process simple. His turn around is very quick, and he is very professional. It was a great experience.
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15 May, 2021 by Jameson james curtin
I sent a few clients over to Matt both criminal defense and family law. And I was amazed when he was able to get three felony counts with three to five years of jail time reduced to a misdemeanor and 6 months. Then he got my buddy's daughter home for Christmas after untangling a bad ruling from a less experienced attorney. Matt is a bulldog and the judge can't say no when he argues the law. One of the best attorneys I know and he's also a very generous supporter and contributor to service disabled veterans. The guy is a stud, class act.
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25 Jun, 2020 by Ron n
I just so happened to stumble my way here. I was looking for a different type of attorney and came across Mat Singer. I got myself in some trouble in 2017, and i dont have the best track record. I thought I would be doing multiple years in prison because of my past. I hired Mr.Singer to represent me. Court dates came and went for nearly a year. I at times questioned what he was doing, but when all was said and done, i basically got a slap on the hand with a feather by the Judge and D.A. I highly recommend Mat. You wont be disappointed and his rates are reasonable, especially for the service he provides. A+++++ Thank you Sir
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22 Aug, 2024 by Zod
Mr. Cuthbertson is truly one of the best lawyers I have ever met. I have been involved with many lawyers and unfortunately most of them they were there just because of money. He answered my emails right back every time I sent him an email. He talked to me patiently even when he was representing my son. He was compassionate and understanding every time I spoke with him. He informed me and my son right away if there were ever any changes in my son’s case. Sometime I felt I was talking to a good friend and not an attorney. Mr. Cuthbertson diligently took time on his personal time to work on my son’s case. Even often he visited my son in Jail just to comfort him for his case. He was amazing in every aspect.
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02 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Public Defender's tend to catch a lot of flack about ACTUALLY defending you, because their paychecks come from the same place as the district attorneys. Not this guy! He was the only one who listened to me and saw that I was trying and not being treated fairly by the courts and law enforcement. I can say that I am no longer in the "system" and terminated my probation successfully for the first time in over 10 years because of him. Thanks from everyone you've helped Matt!
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18 Aug, 2014 by Huey
I got in to a fight with a man and I beat the xsit out of him. The DA wants to send me to prison for 11 years ridiculous. Through Matt's help, I was only stayed in Jail for 2 days. So you understand the difference. Matt is always on time and prepared. He is strong in front of Judge and he makes his points and the judge had to agree with. He really get along with everyone involved with the case and all my friends likes him. I communicate with Matt during court sessions and we successfully caught the fake evidences the witness brought to court and the judge loved what we did we could tell. Before the last court session, Matt wrote a 9 pages long description of my life to the judge and that really helped too. He is definitely a great professional lawyer and he deserves what he got paid for!
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23 Apr, 2008 by Anonymous
In my experience with attorneys, Matt has been the best I've ever encountered. His experience combined with strategical genius was extremely impressive. He was very dedicated to my case and worked tremendously hard to be the most well prepared lawyer at every meeting and appearance. Without a doubt he is amongst the best available and worth his rate.
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03 Nov, 2015 by Armita
So grateful to have found Negar Mohajer! Her professionalism and understanding was beyond what I could ever hope for. Negar first assisted me with a personal expungement, however that branched to several other business related disputes that she took care of. She is down to earth yet equipped with the expertise and an adeptness to get things done. Having worked with several lawyers, I can confidently say she has been the most communicative lawyer I have encountered. I wholeheartedly recommend Negar to anyone! She's simply the Best!!
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21 Oct, 2015 by Tandace
Negar is a devoted, hard working attorney that will go above and beyond for you. I hired her as my attorney for a small case of mine and ended up winning. She was always available to answer any of my questions and was very thorough through every step of the process. She is really dedicated and will fight for you. I was very pleased with her work and I definitely recommend her!
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05 Aug, 2020 by Rj
I was falsely accused of a sex crime, I hired Mr. Mathew Martinez to defend me against false charges from the the DA. From the time I hired him, he knows already all the accusations are incorrect and evidence provided by the DA are inconsistent and unreliable, he already know exactly of what to do on how to get my case dismissed. My case took about a year in pending because of certain reasons like delaying tactic, but this lawyer never gave up on me and continued to fight for me, gave me update in a timely manner. The DA gave several offers for me to take from no resolution, to a year jailtime with registration, to six months Jail time to no registration to the point that no jailtime and no registration and a felony charges down to misdimeanor, but Atty. Mathew was very confident and smart, even before the DA starts offering their resolution, Atty. Mathews was already ahead of a game telling me of what's going to happen and what he feels the DA is going to offer to resolve the case, and rest assured what he told me is exactly what happened. several offers was given by the DA to the point that they even offered no Jailtime at all. I know my freedom was in a jeopardy at that time, and dont know exactly of what is going to happen to me or where would this case take me, but I know and I believe that the truth will prevail in Gods perfect timing. Mr. Mathew Martinez was used as the instrument to help me, his unique move as defence attorney is one of a kind, he is very comfortable in court as if he's the only man running the show while in the court room, he talks very straight forward to theprosecuter demanding them and challenging them to dismis my case and promising them that they are not going to win. Without Atty. Mathew help and advices, I would have probably got deceive by the DA's offer and ended up losing by accepting their resolution. The DA ended up throwing my case last minute for lack of evidence. Mr. Martinez is a great lawyer and highly recommended. He even tried to help me giving me enough time to afford his fee in a installment way.
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31 May, 2020 by Amin
My ex slapped a restraining order on me for nothing. Mr. Martinez handled the DVTRO hearing. He told me not to worry about anything. He was aggressive, prepared, and he knew what to do when we got into the courtroom. Not only was the RO against me denied, the judge granted my request for a restraining order against my ex. I am now in the process of becoming a citizen. If not for his aggressive representation my dream of becoming a citizen might no be possible. I highly recommend Law Office Of Mathew Martinez to everyone seeking proper results in time of stress.
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08 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Attorney, Steven Horton, was very helpful to me and gave me outstanding legal advice. He calmed me down and walked me through the process steadily, step-by-step, and handled my situation very well. I was surprised to learn how much I did not know about law and my rights. Mr. Horton saved me a great deal of potential trouble and treated me with respect and concern.
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11 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I was treated with respect to my case and he got my felony to a misdemeanor and I got probation. Very Memorable. Thank-You.
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05 Nov, 2018 by Maria
After receiving a subpoena to testify in a criminal case, I hired Steve. Although I wasn't called, he was there, and explained everything I needed to know. Afterwards, I had many questions, and Steve was always patient, thoughtful, and gave me excellent advice whenever I called or emailed him. He is not coin-operated, as other attorneys are - he's from a better era than most, a Marine, with the wise, legal mind of a brilliant attorney who actually cares about justice, not lining his pockets. Highly recommend Steve Balash, especially for appellate work.
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15 Aug, 2015 by Darren
Steve, genuinely provides earnest and diligent legal representation for all of his clients. He'll take the time to first understand his clients situation and formulate a rational defense. I would not be here today, to write this review, if it wasn't for his Professional Services.
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04 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Mrs. Mary changed my life got me a great deal when I explained to her in detailed about everything she cared Nd helped me out with a great deal thank you!!!
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12 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
Hired Mary McGrath in May 2013 for our kid who got in trouble out in beautiful Bakersfield, and after speaking to several top notch criminal attorneys out there we are glad we did, she got our case dismissed! She was always available and returned all calls/texts, she was honest upfront and one of the things that really appealed to us was that she really seemed to care about her clients /cases. Her rates were very reasonable too. I highly recommend criminal Attorney Mary McGrath.
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30 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Rodney is a powerhouse of kindness and intelligence, he has been a positive mentor and has guided me through the confusing court system. He has helped me with complicated family law and business matters and his advice is priceless. Rodney es una fuente inagotable de bondad e inteligencia, ha sido un mentor positivo y me ha guiado a través del confuso sistema judicial. Me ha ayudado con asuntos complicados de derecho de familia y negocios, y sus consejos no tienen precio.
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20 Mar, 2014 by Kristine
I have ben working with Rodney since just about April 2012, on multiple issue's with my family law case. He has led me in all circumstances that I have needed his advice or when in court. I have recommended Rodney multiple times and still would to this day.
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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:

  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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