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28 Aug, 2017 by Ethan sommer
I have worked with James a few times in the past on work related to medical cannabis. I have also had the exciting experience to see James in an actual trial. Here's how it basically went down: the prosecution was dumbfounded by James's preparedness and quick thinking, resulting in the Judge dismissing the case on grounds that the prosecution was basically unprepared. He played a complicated procedural trick and it worked. It was super cool to watch it unfold.
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08 Oct, 2012 by Jennifer
I heard of James Silva through a friend that he represented. When a different friend of mine was arrested , I immediately called James and left him a message. James returned my call promptly. Not only did James take the time to answer my questions but he took the time to call the jail where my friend was incarcerated to find out more details. I was so impressed by James's concern, consideration and time, that I felt the need to give him the BEST review!! I cannot express enough the thanks and respect I have for him. He is a man with true integrity!!! YOU CANNOT GO WRONG WITH JAMES SILVA!!!! (please note that james did not handle my criminal defense matter but the way this web site is set up, i could not change that. However if I need to hire someone it would be James Silva... I just really wanted to express how impressed and thankful I was for him...so, THANK YOU JAMES!!!)
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10 Nov, 2016 by Julian
Ellen will always be the kindest person I encountered during my three months cumulative time incarcerated over two sessions since October 2015. She is very intelligent, respectful and compassionate.
My first arrest resulted from an assault charge against an officer amongst other charges. I do not recall ever striking an officer in the heat of the moment during an incident at a downtown Stockton business. Jail is a cold, hardening place and following a fight (my only ever real fight) in which I participated against corrections officers (didn't tell me where we were going and I was afraid), I was assigned an all red outfit like other allegedly violent people.
Ellen is someone I originally met in court and she ALWAYS treats me and others (regardless of status) with a level of respect and care one may give to family and colleagues. She offers a hand shake, eye contact and actual interest in helping serve and bring justice to our community and its citizens.
I consider Ellen a friend as we both exchange kind words with each other and am very appreciative of her ongoing support in court and in general. She chooses to use her talent and power to fight for our area's integrity and the quality of life of some of its most isolated, vulnerable people; inmates.
Thank you, Ellen!
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01 Nov, 2010 by Sylvia
Ellen has saved my life from many harsh situations over a period of about 15 years. I have a history of mental illness (i.e.; bipolar disorder) and Ellen has always treated me with respect and generosity of her time and expertise in this area of "criminology". She never once has viewed me with the heavy stigma of mental illness and has dealt with my cases in the courtroom with superior knowledge. I have really come to care a great deal ablout Ellen and will always be in debt to her for sparing me of severity in criminal ordeals. Thank you Ellen! Sylvia L. of Tracy, CA
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20 May, 2012 by Mike
I found myself in a situation in a criminal court case against me on some trumped up drug charges. I was giving a Court appointed Public Defender. It seemed to me a clear cut illegal search and seizure. It went on and on for over a year. When it came down to it my public defender was transfered out to a another dept. and I was given a new public defender that had no idea about my case or what had gone on and this was for final judgement. I was in a no win situation and thought i had no options. I remembered Jim Hammond. I talked to him on the phone . Told my story. He told me to meet him the day of court and he took it from there. This man knows whats going on in court room. Once he took over I was relieved and felt i could breath again for the first time in a year. Everything was dropped to about nothing. My hats off to Jim Hammond.
I thank him for that day.
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20 May, 2012 by Heather
I Highly recommend him Once you give him the green light to go for it he
gets the job done. I had possetion and under the influence case in Pleasanton. He got the case dismissed for elligall search siezure. This was not my first affence he was awsome and did not let up. I was very pleased with him.
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18 Apr, 2019 by Megan nicole
Michelle Wouden helped me get a second chance. Awesome public defender. She made things bearable for me in a horrible situation, because of her help I was treated as someone who needed help and not just some random criminal.
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26 Dec, 2013 by Levi
I was assigned Michelle late in 2013, as a result of restaffing in the public defenders office. After working in my case for a very emotional year, with a different lawyer, I was not excitect with the switch. It turned out to be the best thing ever. Michelle is super responsive, very diligent, and what I am most impressed with is the level of care, coupled with her follow through. People can say what they are gonna do all day. Michelle gets it done.
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23 Jul, 2017 by Paul h.
I was assigned Ms Cutter from the San Diego County Public Defender's Office, 450 B Street, San Diego. I had a very complex criminal case. She read the entire 2,000 thousand++ page file within a few days and knew it inside out, every little detail. I told her she needed to prepare for trial because I was not taking any plea deal. She diligently worked my case for 18+ months and we finally went to trial. Ms Cutter was so prepared it blew my mind. If you are assigned Ms. Cutter from the San Diego PD's office you can THANK your lucky stars. No one is better than her, inside the PD or outside of it. If I were paying her a market rate for my defense it would have run into the high six/low seven figures.
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30 Aug, 2011 by Ralph
I had 7 felonies charged against my record; she was able to plea me down to just 1 and that would be expunged within 1 year. No time served except the 7 days awaiting arraignment and just a little communuity service. Other attorneys I asked were hoping the BEST they could do is get me on work duty for 1 year. That was not acceptable.
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18 Nov, 2012 by Steve
I was I was referred to Edward Savin by a friend he successfully represented in a criminal case. My case had to do with resolving a debt collection matter. I found Mr. Savin to be a skillful strategist and very adept at negotiation. The case was settled for a fraction of what I might have had to pay. I appreciated his empathy as well as the tenaciousness with which he approached my case.
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23 Aug, 2011 by Harte
In 1997 Mr. Savin guided me through the process and represented me in a divorce/custody case. His representation resulted in receiving full custody of my son ... My son is now 21 and a success.. Thank you Edward for your passion for what's right and your guidance in a very difficult time in my life.
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30 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
As your attorney, Eben Kurtzman listens to and for you. Eben K. weathered the storm for me in a very difficult court case. He is very fair and reasonable in the billing process.
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05 Feb, 2015 by David
A few years ago I had several drinking related problems. I called Mr Kurtzman and he was completely professional and very informative the whole way through. And here we are 4 yrs later and I live out of state, and Mr Kurtzman is helping me tie up all the loose ends left over. I would highly recommend him to anybody in the South Bay that has problems trusting lawyers. He really is a man of his word.
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27 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
Lynn Storing helped me with my husbands case and won. He is a great attorney and he does everything he can to help you, especially for people who have been wrongly accused.
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31 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Mr. Storing. He fought for me. If it wasn't for him I would still be behind bars. I thank God everyday for blessing me with a wonderful attorney. He fought for me. He did his homework. Due to his hard work my case was dismissed!
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15 Jul, 2021 by Elisa
Mr Klein assisted me in my divorce proceeding where I was being diced and sliced by some real shysters. I consulted with Mr. Klein at Nate and Als. Mr. Klein had the pastrami on rye while I enjoyed hot matzoh ball soup. Not only did Mr. Klein advise me of what was prolonging my settlement but also suggested the proper course of action which would help cut the reckless spending by my lawyer. Mr. Klein was so gracious and even picked up the lunch.
I can’t be any more elated than having Mr. Klein as a pro bono consultant.
If I ever get hit by a car I sure know who to call.
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25 Nov, 2020 by Henk
Rick assisted me in a four year ongoing landlord/tenant dispute. He was always very helpful and patient when I had questions or wasn't certain about what I needed to do. I had hired a lawyer prior to hiring RIck who just took all my funds and gave me no results. However, Rick went above and beyond and I always knew he cared about my happiness and well-being far more than the money. Rick is an upstanding and respected lawyer, and I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking legal counsel.
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06 Nov, 2020 by Courtney
I don’t think I can put into words how forward yet compassionate Stacey is, I am so thankful for Stacey and everyone at her office! It took a bit to get in to see her as she was not available right away but I can see why. She is so thorough, responsive and made me feel as though I was her only client. Stacey really came as a beacon of hope to my family. Not only was she able to represent me in court with a powerful argument and statement (Like you see in the movies) but she also presented motions to strike things In the case that were untrue, and yes, the motions were without a doubt granted by the judge. This same person has a calm and empathetic demeanor. She offered emotional support to myself and those I care about most. My children and I will be forever grateful for the compassion and understanding we felt from Stacey. We wanted to feel heard and that’s exactly what we got!
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28 Feb, 2019 by Robert
Attorney Stacey Montgomery was a breath of fresh air. I hired her to help me with a family law issue that was going sideways. She took my calls and returned them promptly, answering all my questions honestly whether I wanted to hear it or not. She negotiated on my behalf and got me a result I never expected. I highly recommend our former DA as a private practice attorney. She is amazing. Thank you Stacey.
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15 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
It's hard to know when you hire someone especially an attorney if they're going to do a good job for you because you're putting a lot into their hands. I am happy to say that Arash did a fantastic job for me. He guided me the whole process and was very calming and assuring. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing Legal Services. He is very experienced, finally and professional.
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22 Jun, 2020 by Patrick
I was very satisfied by the work of Mr. Moussavian. I found myself in need of a lawyer, and was lucky to have had this fine lawyer help with my case. Because of his on point expertise, I got the best outcome I could. He is a very good communicator, always available for questions throughout the months of preparation. He is open to discussing all sides of the problem, and advises with common sense and knowledge of the law. Because he does so many cases, he knows the people in the courts, so his experience is very valuable while making decisions. I never had to appear in court personally, as Arash handled my case every step of the way. This enabled me to not loose valuable work time during my case. Always on time, always present, never missing an appearance, always returning my phone calls or emails, provided me with a sense of security that my best interests were first and foremost. He is very understanding, helpful, and extremely respectful. His honesty was greatly appreciated, I always knew were I stood in this case. I highly recommend Arash, peace of mind is guaranteed with him at the helm.
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22 Aug, 2015 by Anna
He charge me a flat fee to resolve my case and that's what he did; other places charge you per hour besides the charge of reviewing your case and then the hidden fees start popping up.
Loved the fact that he was very clear in explaining how my case was going to go, what was he going to do for me and he kept me informed throughout the length of my case.
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01 Nov, 2011 by Anonymous
Excellent Service. They were attentive and explained step by step what was happening with my case. They don't charge per hour like some attorneys and gave me a great price. There service is great and they keep me updated with my court dates and information.
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01 Feb, 2012 by A. archer
I highly recommend Antonia she is knowledgeable and trustworthy and cannot get a better lawyer than Antonia. She is a five star lawyer.
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05 Aug, 2011 by Anne
I was very impressed with her knowledge and professionalism. Her staff is great too. She makes you feel comfortable and she is very respected by her colleagues.
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11 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
While on felony probation for sales I caught a new case & was charged w/ 3 new felonies + 2 misdemeanors. She helped me so much from the minute I fired the first attorney I hired because I sensed that he didn’t have any real control of my situation. Being left fearful of the lengthy time I was facing in the ‘state-local’ prison (county jail). Secared by the the first council I hired, I eventually fired him after seeking a competent counsel & getting a second opinion. Her subject matter experience in addition to the vast personal knowledge of court room personnel I felt better about A favorable outcome for my control and case as well as my new charges. I did 135 days & got out w/ NO PROBTION & ALL MY RIGHTS when the offer I had was 90 days + 6 month program & 52 week class + more stipulations & back on felony probation starting over for 3 more years. No thanks. I’d recommend her to anyone wanting an optimal outcome in there situation.
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02 Sep, 2014 by Dolores
She has helped my now ex girlfriend and I in the past. She will fight for you in court, not like some I seen who sit on their.......
Even now I had been looking for specific kind of lawyer and Ms. Wallenius gave me a name and phone number.
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21 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
I just want to take moment and thank my Attorney Anthony Alanis. He help me and made the process my case of less stressfull. He answer all my questions. He settle the outcome my case with the best results I could of never of expected. He was professional and kept his promise to do his best for me! Thank you so much. I would refer him to any friends or family member.
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09 Apr, 2016 by Jose
I ran into problems with the law for the first time in my 37 years alive and it was something that I know I didn't deserve and was getting harsh Charges by the DA. My attorney fought for me and lowered my felony into a misdemeanor. I was able to keep following my dream and now I open my own trucking company.
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12 Jan, 2022 by Jason
Very smart , patient and ,thorough. He doesn't miss a beat, walks circumspectly and turns over every stone. Always listens in for the long hall . Very pleased with his service. He's good!
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21 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
Greg Peacock for the win! I appreciate Mr. Peacock for his level headed approach to my case. With years of experience, Greg understands the nuances of the system and the players involved to achieve the optimum result. Winning an excessive force case against the city of Newport Beach can be a stressful endeavor; Greg has a calm and focused demeanor that will put you at ease throughout the process. Most importantly ... we got PAID!
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17 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Clark has represented me for 5 years and it's been such a relief to have him on my side! He always takes the time to explore all of my options and explain to me the risks vs. rewards and i feel he considers my input and determines whats the best course, and then sails it right there beside me like a great attorney is supposed to. Even when I screw up, he's on my side. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for an honest, knowledgable, hard working attorney!
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14 Sep, 2012 by Anonymous
...and I take up a LOT for his time =) He is genuine and really goes "above and beyond" for me all the time! Mr. Clark is the most knowlegeable and trustworthy attorney that I have worked with. His attention to details is superior and she handles cases with the utmost professionalism. He is by far the best attorney I have worked with! Highly recommend!!!!
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14 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
Very knowledgeable and well connected and I was Iucky to have him chosen from the panel of federal lawyers. He has compassionate for his clients and at the same time respects his colleagues. He is genuine in helping the client and knows everyone has different circumstances. He has literally done the impossible with my case and has had my best interest since day 1. I couldn't have asked for a better or more perfect lawyer.
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19 Aug, 2010 by Donna
Represented my son in a criminal case and was outstanding. We paid another attorney to represent my daughter in the same matter and he didn't hold a candle to the results, professionalism, communication that Grant Eddy exhibited in and outside of the courtroom. Highly recommend if you need a super strong, highly educated attorney. Would recommend for anyone serious about wanting an attorney who is 100% invested in their case.
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09 Jun, 2013 by Mary
David is a exactly what we needed! He made us feel comfortable. He is creative and not afraid to think outside the box. Most importantly, he is well known and respected in the Marin courthouse. His proposals to the judge feel heard and in our case were agreed upon. He is awesome!!
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17 Jun, 2011 by Jeffrey
When it comes to criminal cases in Marin County, you simply can't go wrong with David. He's widely regarded as THE criminal attorney in the county, and when he won my case he showed me why. I am grateful to have been able to retain him and he quickly exonerated me.
Also, there is a reason that David and his high school team won the national mock trial competition. You'll see how smooth he is in his speech and be comforted knowing that he's on your side.
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07 Jun, 2013 by Gloria
I brought my divorce case to this Mr. Pacheco and I felt very special and taken care of each time I went for an appointment. His staff is educated and know theprocedures well. His front office assistant has a bachelor's, his paralegal graduated from law school and his other paralegal is in law school. I was always kept informed and although my divorce was exhausting they made it as easily a transition as possible. I had a lot of property and a business involved and Mr. Pacheco and my ex's attorney were able to negotiate and settle all my issues. It made my life a whole lot easier, not to mention saving money because he is reasonable and experienced. Highly recommend. I am taking my mom for her trust soon.
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20 Dec, 2012 by Daniel
I brought my Civil case to Mr. Pacheco in 2010. The case involved a 'constructive eviction' where I had a slumlord for a landlord . Mr. Pacheco did the appropriate background research and expert testing to present my case. I was always informed and he communicated with my mother in Spanish.
I later took my personal injury matter to him and he and his staff provided a favorable outcome.
I have used other attorneys in my past, but none have been as straightforward, down to earth as Mr. Pacheco. There is no b.s. in his approach, and his staff is highly competent.
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23 Mar, 2016 by Chris
He is a very smart and compassionate attorney who knows his stuff. He was always available on the phone/email and respond to my queries promptly. Above all he is a great human being who genuinely cares for his clients. He always did what he said he was going to do for me.
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13 Nov, 2012 by Jozlyn
A very well respected members of the judiciary. He's been an excellent attorney with vast experienced in Criminal Law, Bankruptcy, DUI and other aspects of the law. I definitely recommend him to anyone. He's been our family lawyer since 1983 and still doing an outstanding service to us.
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01 Oct, 2012 by Ben
Attorney Fassazadeh is my savior! She helped me with several traffic tickets and got all of them dismissed. She also got me a very large settlement for my car accident. In addition, a vendor wrongfully charged me and she was able to reverse the charges. She is very caring, helpful, and knowledgeable. I definitely recommend her. I have sought her representation for all of my cases.
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01 Oct, 2012 by Joseph
Ms. Fassazadeh represented me on a breach of contract/collection issue. She was very responsive and knowledgeable. She walked me through the entire case and explained every move in details. I never felt like I wasn’t being represented by a stranger. She is very friendly and knows what she is doing. She is my number one contact
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15 Nov, 2021 by Debora and clint
Bryan has provided excellent service and representation handling our case. He has guided us all along the way, being informative and clear. Very dependable, easy to talk to, and knowledgeable. He has tackled every aspect available to resolve our issue for our best outcome.
Highly recommend him.
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05 Feb, 2010 by Tammy
My case was extremely hard to win - yet Mr. Hackett won my case!! At my trial, Mr. Hackett got the judge to exclude the prosecution's evidence and have all public records of my arrest sealed!!
I learned about Mr. Hackett by asking another lawyer in the area that did not feel qualified in handling my case who they would recommend, and he was their top recommendation in the Monterrey / Salinas area. Before learning of Mr. Hackett I was desperate and had even contacted a lawyer from one of those big state-wide legal websites - they said my case wasn't worth their time and hung up on me. Yet when I first called Mr. Hackett, he asked for details of my case, and then researched my case further on his own before agreeing to take the case. He did so because he wanted to help me, yet did not feel comfortable taking my money if he did think there was at least a chance he could win my case. For him to do non-billable work before even taking the case, solely for my benefit, speaks volumes on his character. Mr. Hackett is incredibly honest, knowledgeable, and hard-working.
After he agreed to take my case, he continually kept me informed by email and phone. Not once did I have to contact him first and wait for a return a call. He contacted me whenever there was an update or merely to see if I had any questions. If I did call, he always called me back immediately. He also explained his reasoning for each action involved with the case, which was extremely helpful to someone like me that knows nothing of the law.
Lastly, and the most important part - he is a fantastic lawyer! He is incredibly thorough and meticulous - researching the law, searching for anything that can help your case, evaluating numerous avenues for your defense, with no stone left unturned. Mr. Hackett's thorough knowledge of the law and perseverance in finding ways to support my evidence was incredible, and as stated above, won my case, leaving me with a clean record!! I couldn't be happier!!
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16 May, 2018 by Syth
Erica has been such an asset! She tackled every obstacle that was thrown at me and I've always been able to get ahold of her so I never felt alone throughout this process:-) I would hire her again without hesitation.
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07 Jun, 2017 by Edward
Erica is an awesome attorney! She was contracted to provide criminal defense strategy and pretrial prep that proved extremely valuable.
If she wasn't so busy and if i didn't put a team together, I would of retained Erica as a lead in my case.
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27 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
I told him when he got me a excellent outcome to my case, id give him a good review. Here i am, no longer in jail and not on probation. Mr. Siegel is an amazing lawyer, got the prosecution to drop 90% of my arresting charges, really excellent lawyer cares about what he does, for sure. Good guy. 10/10 would recommend.
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20 Jul, 2018 by Sierra
Going to court is not pleasant. However, Mr. Siegel took my case very seriously and really took the time in my defense to talk to the prosecutor and judge, show my email evidence, which resulted in the most favorable outcome for me. I'm very thankful Mr. Siegel was my lawyer.
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15 Mar, 2017 by Christina
Dru Hunt has been amazing from the get go! I actually contacted him in a Sunday over a holiday weekend and he answered my questions and made an appointment to meet with me on that following Tuesday. He was always available to me anytime, any day. He worked very hard for my family. What we were facing was scary and potentially detrimental for my family. I don't think we would have gotten everything resolved if it were not for him and his commitment to us. In the end all charges were dismissed! He is one of a kind and I know that if we were in a similar spot or anyone else I know is he would be the first person I would reach out to. THANK YOU DRU!!!!
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15 Sep, 2014 by Charlette
Dru was recommended to me by a friend, and I needed him to appear for a short hearing to avoid trial. With little to no previous information Dru was able to review my case in 3 days and knew exactly what I wanted. He was new to our county family courts, but he took the extra effort to find someone local to insure that he was a welcome appearing in our courtroom. He quickly negotiated with the other side, was able to achieve my needs, and avoid trial! I would recommend to anyone that needs someone who can take your issues and you want a quick resolution.
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01 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Marc represented me in a complex appeals case. He knew the law, was able to quickly and thoroughly analyze the case. He did this on a pro bono basis. Unfortunately, because of the negligence, fraud, and deceit of the previous attorneys handling the appeal, he was not able to move forward due to time limits on filings.
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03 Dec, 2010 by Anonymous
Mr. Zilversmit got my conviction reversed, and after it went back to the trial court he got the case dismissed. Even though I was innocent, I lost faith in the justice system, but Mr. Zilversmit restored my faith. He reviewed my transcripts and found errors that the Judge made that my trial attorney didn't even know about. He is amazing.
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02 Sep, 2019 by Nate
I hired Karen to assist me with with my child custody matter and she was so helpful!!! Prior to her, I made the mistake of seeking legal counsel elsewhere and literally got take advantage of by the previous attorney so when I went to her I was skeptical and scared and let her know upfront and she was understanding and empathetic and was straightforward with me about my case and in the end I pretty much got what I was asking from the court, even though my mediator was a total nightmare. I’ve continued to refer friends to her and they have had the same experience. I highly recommend her, she is trustworthy, honest, and really knows her stuff. Not to mention whenever I call or text she responds right away and the previous attorney I had was difficult to get a hold of.
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26 Sep, 2014 by Alan
Karen is a very tentative and reliable attorney. She assisted me with a restraining order, she handled the case with ease, and revealed the truth behind our case which made the case easier to judge. Thanks Karen
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14 May, 2015 by Anonymous
If your looking for a DUI lawyer I recommend Walter!!!! He help me with my case, kept me informed throughout the whole case. If I had any questions/confused about anything, all I had to do was call or text. Even after the it was all over, he still contacted me to see how everything was going!!!! Couldn't have done it without him!!!!!
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15 Mar, 2014 by Irma aldana
Walter is an excellent Attorney. Extremely professional, knowledgeable, trustworthy, but most of all. A very caring Attorney, he treat all his clients with greatest respect and empathy. I will definitely recommend Mr. Suchyta in a heartbeat.
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04 Nov, 2020 by Adriana gallo
I was Fighting a DUI case ,and he was able to terminate my probation before time and get my case resolved .He also help my brother with a probation violation, James is a great lawyer with over 30yrs of experience.
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26 Oct, 2017 by Barbara
Mr. Lochead represented me in a personal DUI case. He was very attentive, friendly and got me the best possible outcome for a case like this. I would recommend Mr. Lochead, he is very knowledgeable of law.
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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:
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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.
