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03 Apr, 2015 by Katherine
Mr. Shebby began handling my case about seven years ago. In that time he has provided invaluable advice and guidance from a disputed divorce settlement transitioning to custody issues. In the beginning, Mr. Shebby was very honest with me about his experience and had been very fair with his billing. Being pregnant and unable to work (a biological hazardous lab technician) to a sleep deprived could not find employment single mother, I struggled to pay all of my legal bills; Mr. Shebby did not stop representing me nor sending it for collection. Instead, he set up an installment plan with me. His legal secretary is very punctual. She took care of the paperwork and kept up with all the submission deadlines to court. There was not an instance where we missed a court appearance or response to a filing. It was an incredibly stressful and trying time for me, Mr. Shebby was and continues to be exceedingly supportive and successful. Mr. Shebby won an argue for an ex parte move away order in my case, getting permission from the court to move out of state with a minor child in a custody dispute is very, very rare. I am greatly indebt to Mr. Shebby. He had allowing me to have a new start in life with my child again.
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22 Apr, 2010 by Anonymous
Ms. Morris treated my case with care and intelligence. She was able to speak on my behalf and take the emotion out of the situation to reveal that obviously and logically I needed to be reimbursed by the other side for damages. Because of Ms. Morris' tenacity, hard-work, and knowledge of the law and mediation, we settled with the other side within 24 hours. I had received payment from the other side by check 3 days later. I would recommend Attorney Morris to my friends because she does not waste your time, she can easily communicate difficult concepts of a case, and made me realize that I have rights. If I am ever in need of a lawyer again I will definitely call Attorney Morris.
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01 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
When you get a court appointed attorney you usually think they're not going to help you the way you think they should. With Kara that is far from the case. She was very helpful, informative and attentive. I called and emailed her almost daily and each time she returned my call or email promptly. She made us feel like she was actually listening and cared about our concerns.
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09 Jun, 2021 by Vicken
Nareg Gourjian is a skilled and competent attorney seasoned in the field of criminal law and procedure. With over two decades of experience, he has been securing favorable results for his clients while maintaining good rapport with prosecutors. Nareg has advocated for his clients in an array of high profile matters.
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20 Nov, 2008 by Anonymous
If you have a case that needs to go to trial George Boisseau is your man. He stays focused on winning and usually does. You know you are in capable hands when he handles your case and he is honest about your outcome. I highly recommend him.
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08 Aug, 2011 by Rita
Mr. Judd is extraordinarily well versed in many areas of business law to include corporate governance. His responsiveness was outstanding, if not immediate. Mr. Judd is extremely personable and was able to explain the legal ramifications of my company's circumstances in a manner which could be understood by a lay person. Further, he went above and beyond by explaining any next steps we should anticipate. I highly recommend Mr. Judd and intend to continue to utilize his services.
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17 Jun, 2011 by Jeffrey
When it comes to details, Gary is on it. If I don't return a phone call, he'll get on my ass. He's someone that truly cares about his clients and will do whatever he can to win the case. He's helped me with as things as small as traffic tickets, to large scale criminal felony cases. He's attentive, and if he feels uncomfortable with the case, he'll tell you what it'll take to win, even if it means bringing on another lawyer onto the team. I have won every case with Gary, but even if I didn't, I appreciate that he returned every phone call or email promptly. This is something that many people should be aware about, as he is big on communication.
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16 Apr, 2010 by Beau
i hired her and danny and was so happy with the results i was looking at 22 years with 80% fighting for 3 yrs then hired zenia and team they filed all the right mothions and got me results i am doing cal-trans picking up trash one day a week never spent a day in jail thanks to zenia and danny they are the BEST you can get in usa what ever they ask for money pay it a deal they truley saved my life so i get to see my two sons grow up thank you danny and zenia
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03 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
Miranda is the best attorney I have ever hired. The outcome was beyond what I expected. She is tireless and will go to the ends of the earth for you. She has the unique background of working for the federal government in a very high capacity as well as having an independent practice. She is very knowledgeable in all areas of the law. I highly recommend her services.
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01 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
Mr. Woodlief was outstanding in helping move my case forward. Our eventual settlement was far more than my company ever expected. As a C-level executive, I demand professionalism, grace, tenacity, and creativity. To date, I've not met anyone that embodies all of this and more. His unsurpassed knowledge of the peripheral areas of law that affected our needs was also impressive. We called on him to assist us with debt restructuring and still retain him for other issues. It is be my pleasure to recommend Mr. Woodlief without reservation.
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23 Sep, 2015 by Dan
I have nothing but good things to say about Mr. Villegas. Mine was a simple case but he helped me resolve it quickly with some very strong, yet simple advice. Thank you Armando!
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04 Mar, 2020 by Jesse
I hired Lee Gale to defend myself and my business in a civil matter and he did an amazing job. Case was resolved in less then 2 months and I am very happy with the results
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04 Feb, 2018 by Xochitl
Anyone who has ever heard of Ms. Dahm will know her reputation as being among the very best criminal defense attorneys. Her reputation is not remotely exaggerated. I have consulted with her on countless matters, including while I was a federal prosecutor and sought her critical eye and creative advocacy. I have observed her obtain not guilty verdicts for homicide and other violent crimes cases, where the evidence suggested she ought not have prevailed. She is exceptional.
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21 Aug, 2015 by Marc
I was facing a large amount of prison time. Elizabeth worked really hard for me on my economic crime and was able to get me 45 days house arrest. Elizabeth doesn't sugar coat anything. If you are looking for a great lawyer she's the one. Follow her lead don't deviate and pay attention.
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07 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
I was in desperate need of immediate help and legal guidance after being involved in an accident that could have landed me in major legal problems, and I cannot express how thankful and absolutely glad I am that I came in contact with Michael Joseph Aed because thanks to his quick response and attentive manner in dealing with my concerns this situation got handled so immensely well that it exceeded my expectations. That day of the accident I was calling everywhere desperate for legal help and guidance trying to find an attorney that would best represent me during this difficult time while at the same time provide me with reasonable solutions. After calling and leaving a message to Attorney Michael Joseph Aed that night I did not expect much of fast response considering it was after office hours and also during the weekend but I was gladly and thankfully relieved when 30 min after leaving a voice message he called back and answered every one of my question with honest facts. He provided me with realistic advice and possible solutions and after retaining his service he did a great job of using various legal channels to present my case in good light. I am grateful for all the commitment Michael Joseph Aed gave to my case. I highly recommend Attorney Aed because he is always available and responsive with all your concerns and will give you the reassurance that you are dealing with one of the most knowledgeable and competent attorneys during the handling of your case.
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26 Jan, 2017 by Jose
Arno did not only go above and beyond. But he help me prove I was innnocent after false accusations against me on a fake domestic violence charge.
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14 Oct, 2016 by Kristi pough
I have had April van dyke represent me three times for three different charges/cases. I recommend her highly. She is very smart and quick on her feet. She is witty and knows her stuff. The judges from what I noticed, respect her well and her unbreakable confidence has the judges and prosecution eating out her hands. Don't let her extremely busy schedule fool you. Her appearance in the court room is fast and brief, but that explains her high credentials on its own. From one court room and court house to the next with great speed seeming like she doesn't have room or time for your case load , really is a statement of you can trust her. I would love to have her for my one and only lawyer EVEN if I was a mob gangster.
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27 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Anthony Kidd was extremely helpful. He was my husbands attorney at some point and then the case was handed down to someone else. Kidd was still quick to reply to a questions I might have. I highly appreciate his work he is very friendly.
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17 Apr, 2011 by Jhg
Mr. Kimbirk skillfully and knowledgeably “defended the poor and the needy…and all went well. ” Charged falsely with several criminal felonies, our son was immediately jailed with an impossible, incredible $500,000.00 bail. He appeared doomed to suffer needless weeks or months of imprisonment awaiting California’s overburdened criminal justice system to grind onward – until we found Anthony Kimbirk: Although I hadn’t expected it, Mr. Kimbirk interrupted his lunch to take my call, hear our story, and offer immediate assistance. Despite a heavy workload involving even more serious matters, Mr. Kimbirk took the time to hear the merits of this case. He provided credible assurance that these very serious charges could be resolved fairly promptly. Given the fears and anguish we faced, his expertise, credible good words and kind manner were of much comfort. Without Mr. Kimbirk’s kind and diligent attention and willingness to tolerate intrusive interruptions, my son would have remained jailed among hardened criminals far longer. Even if ultimately declared or found innocent, he’d by then have lost many weeks or months of freedom, his job, his reputation, and so much more. As the police and the Prosecutor’s office were relentlessly preparing to send my son to prison, Tony Kimbirk’s steady efforts secured his prompt release and withdrawal of all charges within 48 hours. In the ensuing weeks, this fine lawyer voluntarily followed up by phone and mail to assist us further. Although I‘m in New Jersey and have never met him, securing fast and effective help from Mr. Kimbirk and his staff was as easy as if I were right in his office. During this frightening period, Mr. Kimbirk returned each of my telephone calls promptly and timely responded to my e-mail in spite of a 3 hour time zone difference. Clearly, he works long hours. I found his performance, timeliness and accessibility and that of his staff truly impressive. Tony Kimbirk is a skilled lawyer who communicates effectively, well, and efficiently. He does so with his clients and, most importantly, with his clients’ adversaries. Our family is most grateful to him.
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23 Jul, 2013 by Ata
I called the offices of Jason Beahm due to the outstanding reviews he got and end up working with Ted Garey. Ted did a great job on my case getting my speeding ticket dismissed.
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11 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
James Farinaro was a pleasure to work with from the start. In our initial consultation, he very patiently walked me through the possibilities for my case and gave me a frank assessment. I had consulted on the case with other attorneys, but none were as forthcoming or helpful. James has a calming demeanor, which is really helpful when you're facing the stresses of a legal case. I ended up hiring him because he seemed reasonable, reassuring, and highly competent. Because I was nearing the statute of limitations at the start, he advised me to file a suit right away, which we did. That no doubt helped. The case took almost exactly as long as he predicted, about a year, and the outcome, just recently, was a settlement that came in above the high end of the range he had initially estimated, which is great. It's a huge relief to have it done, and I'm glad that I chose James.
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21 Jan, 2012 by Judith
I have had the pleasure of working with Ms. Smith for several years. I am a criminal defense attorney myself and routinely hire Ms. Smith to handle cases. She is tenacious and thorough and gets excellent results. I refer others to her and always get great feedback on her legal skills and professional demeanor. In trouble? Call Ms. Smith!
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07 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
Shannon is a very professional and intelligent lawyer, who will fight for you and what is right! Coming into this experience I was nervous about the thought of facing jail time, so I decided to hire someone to represent me. In my wildest dreams I never thought I would be able to leave the courthouse (on day one) with a dismissal! The pre-trial offer was given to us as a reduced sentence and fines but after telling me about the offer she went back into the courthouse and fought for dismissal again AND WON! Shannon Dorvall and her associate Jessica Rico will do anything in their power to win your case and I highly recommend retaining her services.
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17 Dec, 2008 by Anonymous
Christine was absolutley great to work with. She really went to bat for me, trying every angle of attack available for my case. She was always very informed, and I was completely up to speed with all aspects of my case. I have had experiences with Public Defenders before, and never have I seen the level of dedication and concern as with Christine. She really does her absolute best at all times, rather than the minimal interest it seems most PD's bring to the table. If I ever am in need of a PD again (which of course, I hope I am not), I should only hope to be lucky enough to work with Miss Christine Basic again.
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15 Jul, 2015 by Lisa
Getting my first DUI was terrifying. I didn't know what to expect. Doug Sherrod came highly recommended and did not disappoint. He immediately put me at ease and I knew instantly I was in good hands. He was extremely knowledgeable and effective and I couldn't have been more pleased with the outcome. I was always able to reach him and he was very patient with all of my questions. With Mr. Sherrod behind you you can feel confident you're getting the best representation!
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12 Jun, 2015 by Ivan
Ms. Vargas is a great attorney. She kept me updated with the facts of my case and got me great results. It's hard to find an attorney you can trust, and I'm glad I found Ms. Vargas. She spoke Spanish to my non-english speaking family members and answered their questions.
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17 Apr, 2017 by Hank
I had Mr. Bettencourt assist me responding to a demand letter and my rights as a citizen to be heard on an issue of public concern. He truly impressed me with his intellect, legal knowledge, and timely action. His written response was succinct, fact based, firm, and professional. His actions left me feeling the matter was in the best of hands. He carefully read through my supporting documentation; accurately assessed the situation and then some; and appreciated my point of view and concerns. Mr. Bettencourt went further and guided me to on-line reference materials that helped me understand what was happening. Mr. Bettencourt is a cut-above attorney.
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30 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
I had an issue dealing with a very powerful and dangerous defective product that caused me some serious financial harm. The company was a Chinese corporation and was especially impolite to say the least. Well, considering the amount of money this thing had cost me I contacted Mr. Razo based on a referral and explained to him that my real problem was time, and that I really needed their particular machine and I needed it as fast as possible, and that I afford to go buy another one straight away. Understanding my time and financial lists, Mr. Razo made quick work of their corporate scheme and saved me the money and time of a demand letter and lawsuit. Instead of filing some law suit and charging all sorts of money, Mr. Razo used his magic to get a hold of them and hold them accountable on the phone. I have no idea how, but he negotiated me a new product shipped to my door as well as extra parts for free, with no hands lifted on my part. I can't thank Mr. Razo enough for doing exactly what was right for me, and for being mindful of my realistic and practical concerns as well as my legal needs. I recommend him one hundred percent!
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17 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. White and his group have done an excellent job assisting with my transition to the United States as a prospective F-1 student, and have ensured I was fully informed of my status every step of the way.
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30 Mar, 2012 by Eugene
Carl Hartman will care about your case and do his best to get you the best outcome!!!! He saved me from what could have been a horrible outcome.
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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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