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03 Jun, 2024 by Patricia thomas
Mr. Michie was very responsive to my questions regarding my court case, easy to work with and friendly. He resolved my case with ease. I would highly reccomend Mr. Michie.
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24 Oct, 2023 by Dana shieh
Mr. Michie was invaluable with my son's court case from a speeding ticket. He was very knowledgeable and dependable. He was quick to answer all of my questions and help in any way.
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11 May, 2023 by Shannon denny
I hired Mr. Michie to represent me in a case in traffic court and I definitely chose the right attorney. He was familiar with the court (in a small county outside of Charlottesville) and he gave me great advice prior to my court date and I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. It is always worth it to hire an attorney and there are attorneys like Mr. Michie, who won't charge you an arm and a leg. His fee was reasonable and I liked that HE answers the phone at his office, so you get to speak with him one on one, right from the start. He's a really good attorney and I'd strongly recommend him to anyone in or around the Charlottesville area.
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5.0
3 Reviews
4.7
55 Reviews
22 Nov, 2024 by Sam
17 Jul, 2024 by Chris ritchie
I reached out to Dave to possibly represent me for a small traffic infraction since I live out of the area. Instead, he responded quickly to my email and provided me instructions on how I could complete a driving improvement course, submit to the court, and would likely get the ticket dropped. He referenced neighboring county policy and provided me with good instructions for free. I was very grateful. Seems very professional, knowledgeable, and fast to respond.
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27 Feb, 2024 by Annette kastner
05 Mar, 2020 by Kathleen
Bryan Jones assisted me with post-conviction relief in a difficult criminal case, and he was so tremendously knowledgeable and capable that I retained him to advocate for me in the out-of-state military divorce that followed. I appointed him attorney-in-fact over my finances during incarceration, and he maintains the highest standard of professional ethics. He keeps detailed and complete records of every transaction, and he successfully manages demand deposit (checking and savings), credit, and insurance accounts for me. He effectively navigates the intimidating bureaucracy of VADOC, an admirable feat in itself. I retained him again to coordinate my reentry planning, and I am currently residing in the clean and safe apartment he leased for me with power of attorney. I highly recommend Bryan Jones in any criminal or civil matter. He is a compassionate and dedicated advocate and absolutely trustworthy.
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06 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
I met with several attorneys to help with a recent case. Bryan was the only one that took the time to ask questions and better understand me, my background, and the situation I found myself in. Every other attorney told me that I had no choice but to accept some fairly harsh penalties to which I was facing. Bryan spent a good amount of time listening to me, afterwards stating that he believed he could help minimize those penalties. When everyone else told me this was not possible, Bryan expressed confidence in his ability to help. And Bryan delivered. This was the first (and hopefully only) time I have needed an attorney in a criminal case, and did not even know where to start. Bryan is someone that made me feel more at ease with the process, and made an extraordinarily bad situation much better for both myself and my family. If you want an attorney that looks beyond just the case and sees you, Bryan is someone you should call.
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23 Dec, 2019 by Brandon
When I queried Bryan Jones about a legal matter, he answered promptly and courteously, giving me all the information I needed, as if I were an important client instead of someone he didn't even know. He did not stand to gain financially from our first exchange, instead he was genuinely interested in my case. This can be unusual-- it made an extremely positive impression, and I wanted to pass that along.
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11 Oct, 2017 by Scott
I was faced with a family law issue where I could have represented myself. The matter was fairly cut and dried and I was concerned that hiring an attorney would be "overkill". As a business owner I have had to represent myself several times in small claims court and am not intimidated by legal matters. Ultimately I hired Matthew and he did a wonderful job representing me. Family court is very different from small claims and his presence was well worth the cost. If you are on the fence about hiring an attorney or representing yourself, I can not urge you enough to err on the side of caution and strongly consider Mr. Falwell as your legal representation. He was professional and competent in every aspect.
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27 Jul, 2017 by Joseph
Mr. Falwell was very capable throughout my traffic violation case. From start to finish he was as easily accessible and flexible as advertised; he works to fit your schedule and is comfortable with correspondence over distance. Mr. Falwell has extensive knowledge of traffic law and how to go about getting the infraction reduced to a much lower penalty, which was the outcome in my case. With regards to his personality, I found him to be an honest and kind individual and would highly recommend him.
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23 Jun, 2017 by Christopher
I livestream, and I had a lot of questions about what I could and couldn't do on the internet when it came to raffles or sweepstakes. Matthew was able to work with me and answer everything much more quickly than I expected. He clearly explained the regarding laws so I was able to understand exactly what I could and could not do.
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04 Sep, 2024 by T ss
24 Jun, 2016 by J s
10 Dec, 2024 by Linneu salles
I would highly recommend Mr. Rakness to anyone requiring traffic-related advise or representation. Him and Ms. Harvey were extremely professional and kept my mind at ease throughout the entire process. In the end, they managed to have my case dismissed! I could not be happier with their conduct and performance!
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21 Nov, 2024 by Jessica morton
I had the pleasure of working with Hannon, and I am truly grateful for the level of service and dedication he showed. From the moment he took on my case, it was clear that he was committed to ensuring the best possible outcome. Unlike others who may have simply settled for a guilty plea and a minimal fee, Hannon went the extra mile to stand up for me and advocate on my behalf. His efforts were not taken lightly, and I deeply appreciate how he handled my case with such professionalism and care.
Beyond his expertise, Hannon's ability to remain composed and navigate challenging situations with grace is truly admirable. I can’t thank him enough for his hard work and support.
If you're looking for someone who genuinely cares about your case and will work tirelessly for you, Hannon is the person you want on your side. Highly recommended!
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15 Oct, 2024 by Mike deming
I cannot say enough good things about Ryan and his team. Ryan and Samantha were extremely responsive and professional in helping me deal with a speeding ticket. As a Soldier and NC resident, I was really worried about all the impacts of the situation. After a quick phone call, I was immediately put at ease. They even got the ticket dismissed! If you need help with a traffic ticket near Orange Co. VA, Rakness & Wright PLC would be my first call.
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03 Apr, 2023 by Iyonna
Mr. Frazier is an outstanding attorney. He is very professional and will keep you informed every step of the way. I highly recommend him. He will work hard on your behalf.
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15 Aug, 2019 by Brandon
I am very satisfied with Mr Frazier he is a very knowledgeable attorney with very fast results & he takes the time to explain everything in detail with this being said I would use the Frazier law firm again without a second thought.
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04 Sep, 2024 by T ss
24 Jun, 2016 by J s
04 Sep, 2024 by T ss
24 Jun, 2016 by J s
04 Sep, 2024 by T ss
24 Jun, 2016 by J s
04 Sep, 2024 by T ss
24 Jun, 2016 by J s
11 Jan, 2025 by Maria hernandez
Mr. Wilson was not only incredibly knowledgeable but also honest and straightforward throughout the entire process. He never took advantage of my situation or tried to upsell unnecessary services—instead, he focused on achieving the best possible outcome for me. Thanks to his expertise and dedication, my ticket was completely dismissed. I couldn’t be more relieved and grateful for his outstanding representation. If you need a traffic lawyer in Madison County, Thomas Wilson is the one to call!
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04 Dec, 2024 by Pavel shkov
My wife had a reckless by speed ticket 85 in a 65. Ticket got DISMISSED!!! With court cost of $66. Very happy with the results!!!!
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27 Nov, 2024 by Oyekunle akinloye
Tom Wilson is your best bet if you're ever charged with reckless driving. Sharp, Simple and Straightforward. Got my reckless driving (88/70) reduced to speeding ticket. He told me what to do and guided me in doing it. He represented my best interest and I am happy with the outcome. I am glad I chose his firm.
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26 Dec, 2023 by Belinda via
02 Aug, 2023 by Cynthia zazakos
I highly recommend Ralph Main. My daughter and I both went to him to get a General Power of Attorney and a Last Will and Testament. He listened to what we wanted and we asked him a lot of questions. So glad we went to him and you will be too. We are so happy we got that taken care of!!!
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30 Mar, 2023 by Dolores rogers
11 Aug, 2023 by Aspire inspir
15 Jun, 2023 by Lk
I had a very disappointing legal experience with Christopher Smith and paid him over $10,000 for services. Smith was unprepared and inaccessible, sabotaging the case. Despite my efforts to address the issue, Smith's conduct caused more damage and I had to fire him.
I suggest that others looking for a lawyer should look elsewhere.
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17 Mar, 2023 by Anastasia
Took my retainer and sat on his hands for months, then stonewalled. Total lack of empathy. I fired him (got retainer back). If you need someone who gets the job done look elsewhere.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Madkayca
My husband, Travis hired Dale to conduct work for his patent. He completely disappeared and does not respond to any emails or phone calls. Now I see from Google that he has been disbarred. All of patent work shows a "failure to respond" and "incomplete work" on the US Patent Office end, so we got taken for our money to have something that wasn't completed or filed correctly with the patent office.
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25 Jan, 2024 by Virginia legal research
Dale Is amazing. Setup our LLC the same day! This attorney is responsive , knowledgable and affordable. Hire Dale your your legal needs.
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25 Jan, 2024 by Linda dennis
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Mr. Jensen was very helpful to me regarding my legal matter . I appreciated his knowledge & patience during our discussion. I'd recommend him very highly!
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12 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
John Davidson represented me in an employment matter that did not come to litigation largely because his advice was so good. The outcome surpassed my best expectations. He’s a good listener who gets the big picture and is forthright about everything.
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23 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
I found Mr. Davidson to be quite arrogant and markedly aloof regarding the subject matter of my consultation. He seems to be a part of the 'good ol boy' UVA network in that he was very evasive in pursuing a case involving the University. I was less than impressed with Mr. Davidson. His reputation in the Charlottesville community precedes him.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Do for You
A criminal defense lawyer provides legal representation to individuals or organizations accused of criminal conduct. If you're facing criminal charges, a defense lawyer will work to protect your rights, build a defense strategy, and ensure you receive a fair trial. Their primary goal is to reduce or dismiss charges, secure an acquittal, or negotiate a favorable plea deal.
Criminal defense lawyers have extensive knowledge of criminal law and court procedures. They investigate your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence, and represent you in court, ensuring that you have the best possible defense.
When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
It’s crucial to hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible if you are facing any criminal charges. Some situations in which you should seek legal representation include:
- Arrest or police questioning: If you've been arrested or are under investigation, hiring a lawyer early on can prevent self-incrimination and protect your rights during police questioning.
- Felony charges: Crimes such as murder, assault, drug trafficking, or robbery carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences. A defense lawyer is essential in these cases.
- Misdemeanor charges: Even for less serious offenses like DUI, theft, or simple assault, a lawyer can help reduce penalties, negotiate alternatives to jail, or get charges dismissed.
- Plea negotiations: If you’re considering a plea bargain, a lawyer can evaluate the deal, advise you on its consequences, and negotiate for more favorable terms.
- Probation or parole violations: If you’ve been accused of violating probation or parole, a lawyer can defend you against additional penalties or revocation.
- Juvenile offenses: For minors charged with criminal acts, a criminal defense lawyer can protect their future by minimizing legal repercussions or keeping the case in juvenile court.
What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?
Criminal defense lawyers provide comprehensive legal services to protect their clients’ rights throughout the criminal justice process. Their duties include:
- Case evaluation and investigation: Reviewing the evidence, interviewing witnesses, and investigating the facts to develop a strong defense strategy.
- Legal advice: Advising you on your rights, the charges you’re facing, and potential defense strategies, including whether to take a plea deal or go to trial.
- Negotiating plea bargains: Working with prosecutors to negotiate a plea deal that could reduce charges or minimize penalties.
- Court representation: Representing you in all court hearings, including bail hearings, pretrial motions, trials, and sentencing hearings.
- Filing motions: Filing motions to dismiss charges, suppress evidence, or reduce bail, depending on the specifics of your case.
- Trial preparation and defense: Preparing a defense strategy and presenting arguments, evidence, and witnesses during trial to contest the prosecution's case.
- Appeals: If you are convicted, a defense lawyer can appeal the conviction or sentence, arguing errors in the trial process or legal rulings.
How Are Criminal Defense Lawyers Paid?
Criminal defense lawyers generally charge clients in one of three ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Payment structures include:
- Flat fee: For straightforward cases (e.g., minor misdemeanors), some lawyers charge a one-time flat fee that covers all aspects of the defense.
- Hourly rate: For more complex or ongoing cases, lawyers may charge by the hour, with rates varying based on the lawyer’s experience and geographic location.
- Retainer fee: In cases where extensive work is expected, the client may pay a retainer fee upfront. The lawyer then bills against that retainer for their work on the case.
The cost of criminal defense services can vary greatly, so it’s important to discuss fees during your initial consultation.
How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer depends on several factors, including the severity of the charges, the complexity of the case, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost guidelines are:
- Misdemeanor cases: For relatively minor offenses, such as a DUI or petty theft, a flat fee may range from $1,500 to $5,000.
- Felony cases: More serious charges, such as assault or drug trafficking, can range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the complexity and duration of the case.
- Hourly rates: For cases billed by the hour, lawyers may charge anywhere from $150 to $500 or more per hour, depending on their expertise and the case's location.
- Additional expenses: You may also be responsible for other costs, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, or the cost of private investigators.
Be sure to clarify the lawyer’s fee structure and any potential additional costs during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Before hiring a criminal defense lawyer, you’ll want to ensure that they’re a good fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask:
-
What is your experience with cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has a strong track record with the specific type of criminal charges you’re facing, whether it’s DUI, drug offenses, or violent crimes. -
What is your fee structure?
Ask how the lawyer charges for their services and whether you’ll be responsible for any additional costs. -
What are the potential outcomes of my case?
A good lawyer should provide an honest assessment of your case and the likelihood of dismissal, a plea bargain, or conviction. -
How many cases have you taken to trial?
While many criminal cases settle with a plea deal, it’s important to hire a lawyer with courtroom experience in case your case goes to trial. -
Who will handle my case?
Ask if the lawyer will be personally involved or if other attorneys in the firm will handle most of the work. -
How do you communicate with your clients?
Be clear on how often and through what channels you can expect updates on your case.
How to Check the Credibility of a Criminal Defense Lawyer
To verify the credibility of a criminal defense lawyer, take the following steps:
- Check their standing with the state bar: Confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with your state’s bar association. Look for any past disciplinary actions or complaints.
- Read online reviews and testimonials: Platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google can provide insights from previous clients about the lawyer’s communication, professionalism, and case outcomes.
- Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should have past clients or other professionals who can speak to their competence and work ethic.
- Review their case history: Look at the lawyer’s website or professional profile to see their experience with criminal cases, including high-profile or complex cases.
- Look for trial experience: If your case might go to trial, make sure the lawyer has a strong history of courtroom advocacy and success.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most of your first consultation with a criminal defense lawyer, bring the following:
- Details of your case: Be prepared to provide a detailed account of the charges against you, including any documents related to your arrest, police reports, and court dates.
- Criminal history: If you have any prior criminal convictions, inform your lawyer so they can understand how that may affect your current case.
- List of witnesses or evidence: If there are any potential witnesses or evidence that may support your defense, share this information during the consultation.
- Questions for the lawyer: Prepare questions about their experience, legal strategy, and fees to ensure you understand how they will handle your case.
- Bail or release documents: If you’ve been released on bail, bring any paperwork related to your release conditions or restrictions.
By being well-prepared, you can help your lawyer quickly assess your situation and begin building an effective defense strategy.
