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16 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
Hired Chris for divorce.. He proved to be a very nasty, insulting, judgmental, sick, unhappy person. He knows how to be nice at first, to reel in your business, but he turned into a nightmare of hostility and incompetence. He made frequent mistakes including huge errors in my final judgement document. He mixed me up with other clients. He often would side with opposing counsel against my wishes. I gave him a flat fee retainer with the understanding that if the case went to court, he would need an additional $10,000, refundable if it didnt go to court. Even though I knew it would settle, I gave him only $6200 for court because I sensed that he was going to rip me off. We settled the case through my negotiations and not his expertise. He was completely triggered by opposing attorney and intimidated by him. After final judgment, his immediate phone call to me was hostile belligerence, not good luck to you. He deliberately picked a fight for no reason. He refused to refund the $6200. Citing that it was like a commission for me keeping most of my house. I see these reviews that are good and it baffles me, because he was atrocious in every aspect. Retirement should be a necessity.
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18 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr. Christopher Yeazell represented our special needs child in a very unique case. Chris developed an immediate rapport, and level of TRUST with our autistic child. We knew then that Chris was going to fight for our child like his own child. Chris ensured us that our child's rights, and well being were his immediate, and long term priority. Chris was professionally aggressive, and diligent with our case from day one. Chris accomplished everything, and more that we could have hoped for. This case was extremely emotional for our family. We can't thank Chris enough for standing with and for us, and fighting the right fight. We highly recommend Chris and his firm for any case. Mr. Yeazell is brilliant, dedicated, and committed to his craft. Chris is an exceptional person, and highly skilled attorney.
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17 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
Christopher E Yeazell is an extremely intelligent individual.He was very clear and concise when it came to my case,not only does Chris Yeazell get the job done exceptionally well ,he makes you his priority no matter the situation. The outcome of my situation was easily handled by him in an extremely professional matter,and exceeded my expectations .I have highly recommend this attorney to others and would consider to do so again.
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26 Sep, 2016 by Tatiana
Carmen went above and beyond as a lawyer. She not only did her job great, but she also made sure that I was as calm as can be. Carmen had everything organized and well prepared.
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06 Sep, 2016 by Hector
Attorney Carmen Bland is an outstanding Lawyer. I always felt that my needs were met as her Client. She was Professional, knowledgeable yet she kept the process as simple and as light as possible for me, she made a stressful situation a powerful experience with a great outcome. She was easily accessible, got back to me quickly, she was aggressive and got me the results that I wanted. Attorney Carmen Bland is quality attorney that I would refer to anyone hiring a family law attorney.
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06 Sep, 2016 by Jennifer
I am new to Florida and was referred to Carmen when I started my divorce. She was amazing. My ex was not wanting to do things in a timely manner and make things more difficult. She took the time to help make sure I understood everything and kept me informed along the way of what to expect next. She knows how to play hard ball when needed and helped make the process amazing...everything I asked for when it came to my children Carmen helped make sure that I got it in the parenting plan. I would refer her to everyone. She knows how to get things done especially when it was a difficult time all the way around. I will use her again in the future if needed.
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08 Jul, 2015 by Mike
First off, how I got to this page is because I'd just typed 'Eric Barnes Clearwater' as I'm again in need of him and had his number in an old phone.
OK, I'd hired Eric because my ex had just packed up and left, ignored my phone calls, and would not let me have ANY communication with My Boys, which's My World and My Everything.
She'd done this because apparently 'I worked too much', when I was just trying to do everything possible to ensure a roof was over our head and to make sure My Boys had everything they needed and wanted, and to put away funds for their future (college) cause I knew that Ed McMahon wasn't going to knock on our door and present us with the winning ticket!
Unfortunately, long time ago in the 90's I had made bad decisions by hanging around with the wrong people and getting in to to trouble with the law, and she'd felt that because I'd made bad decisions in the past that the judge would automatically rule in her favor and just let her have My Boys, and honestly I'd thought that the judge would see that I used to be a trouble maker and not let me in the picture. Well she and I were definitely WRONG! The judge gave me MY RIGHT TO BE THEIR DAD regardless of my past because my past was just that, my past, and bad decisions in the past before kids DO NOT dictate what kind of Dad or Parent oen will be, and some Dads may dispute this, but I'm the BEST Dad there is! My Boys are My World and My EVERYTHING, and soon after I'd won my time with them to be their Dad, she'd started playing games again, and would not even show up. Eric had pulled her right back in court for contempt. No games, no time wasted, just "OK, Mike, don't worry about it. I can only imagine what you're going through cause I'm a Dad myself, but I promise you I'll call down to the judge's assistant after I hang up with you to get us on the calender and bring her in front of the judge."
Anyways, I can go on and on with this and specifics, but honestly don't have the time, but being how I landed on this page accidentally, I thought that I'd just write a quick review on Eric because without him I would've missed years with My Boys, and because of him I'm forever grateful, and I can assure you that My Boys are as well. I'd never missed any time with My Boys, but recently My Dad passed away and there came an exception as I didn't want My Boys to see me in the emotional state that I was, and to give you an idea of the impact that I have on My Boys, I was told by them, "Daddy, we cried when mommy said you weren't going to get us" and without Eric that would've never been said because I would not've been entitled to My Boys cause the Court System here in Florida is completely messed up and automatically favors the mom, regardless of who's the better parent, so it's on us Dad'd to bring them in to court and point out why that's an absolute ridiculous outlook, and being how I've been there, done that, and am doing it again, I'd strongly recommend Eric cause he does what he says without nickling and diming you, and helps ease your mind through the process.
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14 Mar, 2013 by John
I have retained Eric twice and both times Eric was professional, responsive, and reasonable. As far as the last poster suggesting that he is not aggressive, I disagree, Eric is appropriately aggressive when necessary without alienating the other party in order to get the most out of a negotiation.
Bottom line, he got results and charged appropriately.
I would highly recommend.
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01 Jan, 2011 by Matthew
Eric was rarely prepared when going to Court. Because I relyed on his "expertise", I am paying $400 more per month in alimony than he said I would. He left me hanging in the 11th hour of mediation. He is nice, but not aggressive so the end result is unfavorable. He no longer is associated with David Sharpe on Sunset Point Rd. in Clearwater.
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27 Jan, 2018 by Mark
Back in 2009 i hired Mr. Crider to represent me in the court of law for a Dui and I paid him a total of $5,000. At the time i was locked up on a immigration hold which is federal and seperate from the criminal charge. While i was held in jail Ronnie came to see me once and did not fight in the court for any reduced charge and ended up pleading out to a Dui which i honestly could have done representing myself. Fast forward to 3 months later that was one of the charges that was forcing me from getting released on my federal hold. I ended up hiring a different attorney for half the cost and he reopened my Dui, within a week my new attorney was able to reduce the Dui that Ronnie could not and got it dropped to a reckless driving. As another reader states when you try to get ahold of Crider he is never in the office or always on vacation and when he did show up for court he never made attempts to fight for you which is what a lawyer should do. Sorry but i don't recommend lazy people in this profession. TOTAL waste of time and money, almost 8 years later i can still think back to how frustrating it was, still fresh in my brain.
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08 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
I am a former client of ronnie's i was just represented by him for 3 different counts of DUI i did not only get convicted of two but paid him a boatload of money to sit in jail for 6 months++++, at first he was a tiger in the court room then once i caught 2 more dui charges, he is ALWAYS in North Carolina vacationing when he needs to be working on cases and always has Cindy his assistant answer the phone about anything and half the time she has to call him for an answer! Hes a great guy but i definetly would not hire him again, i am very disappointed in my outcome with this attorney and now have two dui's on my record. Not acceptable at all, And he never questioned what i wanted to do with my own case he just went off what my power of attorney wanted when it was my money i was paying with. and i was perfectallyu capable of answering my own questions, he made me bow down to the process what a waste of money!!
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10 Apr, 2012 by Adam
I have unfortunately been in front of a judge in Pinellas County on a few occasions, and have hired a different attorney on each appearance for the simple fact that I was not totally pleased with the other attorneys efforts. However, Ronnie Crider did an amazing job for me!!! I scored a 13 month prison sentence and wound up getting 2 years of probation, due to Ronnie working out a departure agreed upon between he and the state attorney!! I have done a prison sentence in the past and he was still able to move mountains for me!! I would highly recommend him to anyone!!! He worked his tail off for me, made me feel very comfortable even on a personal level, and the man just knows what he's doing!!! Anyone having trouble finding an attorney that they are comfortable with, or trouble finding an attorney that they know will work hard for them, need not look any further!!! I have complete faith that he will provide you with the best possible outcome regarding your individual case. Thank you Ronnie, I greatly appreciate all your hard work and honesty!!
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01 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
My son had a tragic accident in which he was charged with Criminal DUI Manslaughter. We retained his firm and Curtis stepped up as the most experienced counsel on this matter for the firm. Working with many attorneys throughout my professional career, I can judge his legal professionalism as excellent and was even more impressed with the results he achieved for my son.
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01 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
Paid 150.000 yes you read correct.
Never received itemized bill were the money was spend.
Not a good outcome at all. Was very disappointed after paid all this money .
He can talk nice, but if it comes to trial leaving things out , and ruined it.
Public defender could get the same results.
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05 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
I recently had to retain Crider for my boyfriend which is incarcerated. At first we hired a different attorney within his first week incarcerated & basically paid $1500 to be misled & with unanswered questions. Immediately with just a consultation phone call to Crider he was able to give me more insight than the paid lawyer. We made the decision to hire Crider, best choice!! He's straight to the point, will only tell you what he's sure of, REALISTIC, & gets results!! Not to mention, I hired him a few weeks before my boyfriend's next court date and by that court date everything was already resolved with what I'm sure was the best possible result for his case & situation. Crider may be a extremely busy attorney, but somehow he manages to get the job done!! Idk what else to say but that my personal experience with him handling my boyfriend's case was AWESOME with no complaints!!
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23 Mar, 2021 by Mary
I AM A NO 1 CHRISTAN SCHOOLTEACHER WENT IN BY CAB COLD DAY I AM SENIOR WAS TREATED AS DIRT THEY R CRUEL ABUSIVE MEAN PUTTING CIVIL LAWSUIT ON THEN FOR ABUSE
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25 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
This Lawfirm was a waste of crucial time and money! Our legal issues only worsened and have been VERY difficult paying more experienced firms to resolve due to their errors! We wish they were honest and referred us for
a more educated & experienced lawyer. Now our situation has become a seriously bad situation directly from the mistakes caused by this person!
This is anonymous from fear of erratic people’s retribution by their history!
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22 Mar, 2020 by Carly
I had made a free appointment for a legal consultation in the past and met with John McGuire who gave me his honest opinion that I didn’t need a lawyer at that time. He didn’t ask for any payment for that appointment which I really appreciated since I was hesitant at first thinking I would have to pay if I saw a lawyer. I remembered the law office when I got in a bad car accident in 2019 and made another appointment. I had so many medical bills and all these adjusters were calling me asking for statements but John McGuire helped me feel relieved right away. His paralegal, Mindy, kept me updated on my case and seemed to really be on top of my case. Not only did I end up getting a nice settlement but Mindy also negotiated my medical bills so I got even more money in the end. I didn’t even know you can negotiate medical bills like that! I Would definitely recommend anyone who has legal questions or issues to go to McGuire Law Offices!
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28 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
Took my case, and never heard from him again until the court. Called alot and they'd say he'd get back with me. I showed up to court not knowing if he would. Judge kept asking me if I heard from him, and I said no. The judge finally put my case last. I was sitting there waiting for over 2.5 hours wondering if he was going to show. When he did arrive said he was in another hearing. Didn't remember my case and asked ME what my case was about. Bill asked for a continuance. I fired him. Asked for my money back and he said he'd get back to me later and never did. I'm out $2500 and had to hire a new attorney.
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29 Jan, 2015 by Lallallla
Within the last 8 years I've received 2 DWSL charges and was facing possible jail time on each charge. He was able to help me receive nothing more than fines. He keeps you in the loop with any developments and tells you everything up front including what you could be facing, what the likely hood of each could be, and the time frame needed for each of court case. Also, with his experience, at least in Hillsborough County, he is familiar with many Prosecutors and Judges. I would definitely use him in any driving case.
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01 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Ignatuck was my attorney for a probation violation involving alcohol and driving. It was a case where I faced prison time at maximum, jail and probation at minimum. He filed all of the necessary paperwork, visited me in jail, appeared at the hearings, got an evaluation for me to the DACCO treatment program, and his fee was reasonable. As suggestions to improve his service: He should have been more responsive to phone calls before trial and should have been more aggressive in defending me when the DA and judge made some incorrect statements about my history, but I admit that things moved fast in my 15 minutes before the judge. (I never asked him how much experience he had in defending DUIs.) The sentence I received was some jail time, probation, the PERC program (which I found out about and asked for while incarcerated) and a mandatory alcohol monitor. It was a combination of my lawyer's work, the PERC program and my wife's research into alternative sentencing options that helped me out.
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17 Dec, 2017 by Michael
Barry Cobb is an excellent lawyer. I was wrongfully charged with a felony and this was caught on video tape. Not only was the felony dropped, but Barry answered every question I every had thoroughly and giving me all the knowledge I needed to make the right decisions. His advice was always spot on and because I listened it went exactly as I needed it to. He should be getting a $5000 retainer for his services, but he chooses to fight for the little guy. A stand up attorney.
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24 Oct, 2013 by Michael
Mr Cobb was the Public Defender for my son, Michael, and did a VERY poor job representing him. Mr. Cobb failed to call any witness that could prove Michael was innocent of the charges. Mr. Cobb failed to provide proper legal representation. Mr. Cobb had almost 5 years to prepare for the hearing and was NOT prepared at all.
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14 May, 2017 by Anonymous
When you think of Donna K. Rose, you can think and know Donna has a strong and long history of harassing a qualified disabled person, in league with her attorney buddies. The student at St. Pete College, where Donna hides out and refuses to represent public clients b/c she is too scared, requested that Donna allow him to bring in a friend to a classroom of a non-law class Donna was newly teaching. The student came into class with no assistance for his disabilities because Donna denied him that reasonable right to follow discussions in class, then a student bothered the disabled male, to which Donna later started working with SPC attorneys to follow the disabled person around Pinellas county and get him into legal trouble, more harassment, and definite conflict of interest, fraudulent cases involving other SPC faculty and staff Donna hides behind because she is just too damn scared to file her own party cases. If you know what's good and earnest, you'd do best to keep far away from Donna K. Rose, who is a meek, slimey, greedy, and worthless attorney.
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11 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
I had to get a separation agreement, and had Attorney Rose do it for me. I knew very little about how I should protect myself for later. She listened to my story and figured out the agreement. This was about 4 years ago. I have to say that at the time I did not realized the great work she had done, but as time went by every time I had a concern or my ex came up with a new "trick" I looked at the agreement and she had covered the subject. I cannot say enough about her honesty and truly caring and professional treatment she delivered to me.
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25 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
This man is only good at writing up the motions, but not at litigation in a court room. You will lose, he he not equipped to handle any courtroom litigation or defend your case in anything more than a traffic ticket!
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16 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Referred by a friend who had a brother that had faced felony charges and he was able to get them dropped. Personally hired him for a traffic incident and he was fabulous and very knowledgeable.
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03 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
I was charged with aggravated assault in Pinellas county. The year was 2015. I did not live in Pinellas county at the time and asked an attorney friend of mine for guidance in making a decision of who to hire. My friend told me to hire Doug Prior and I scheduled a meeting with him. During the meeting Doug claimed he knew everybody that needed to be known in Pinellas county, the state attorneys office, and all the judges. He said that he was going to try to get my case dismissed before charges were brought on me within the first 30 days. During that consultation he charged me $5,000 retainer fee and I signed a contract with him stating my total cost even if this went to trial would not exceed $10,000..... at this point in time I had no criminal record. Facts of the case: the victims had a gun on them. I was a licensed gun owner. I never pointed a weapon, or made any kind of verbal threat to do harm to these victims. The victims lied in the police report and then came in five months later for depositions and said a completely different story. Their credibility was shot.
Doug, however, refused to litigate the case. He cussed myself and my family out prior to my fourth trial date. I sat in county jail for almost a year and a half trying to get this resolved because Mr. Prior could not even get a bond granted for me. In total Mr. Prior Took $17,261 from me. He did this all while I was in county jail. My money was in a trust with the other attorney friend of mine. Doug, like the weasel he is, kept communicating with the other attorney stating he needed more money to do things like investigations and depositions even though we had a signed contract that said in total nothing would go over $10,000.
Being ignorant to the court system because of my lack of a record, I trusted my friends advice and believed that Mr. Prior had my best interest in mind. What a dreadful mistake that was. In a case that should have been dropped, I ended up going to prison for 4 mandatory years. I also got put on probation for an additional two years. I scored out to a total of 18 months in prison if the charges stuck. Mr. Prior could not even get me a downward departure.
Do not hand this man your money, because you’re better off going in representing yourself. Because of this man I lost my business, my home, my vehicles, and my fiancé. Mr. Prior does not see human beings. He sees nothing but the money he can swindle out of you. So choose wisely when choosing an attorney. I wish I had the chance to do it over again because I would not have spent a day in county jail or even had to go to prison, because the facts of the case alone would have set me free.
I take full responsibility of the mistake I made hiring this man, or lack thereof. It is my responsibility now to make sure that none of you make the same mistake!
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24 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
Unfortunately, I cannot leave a positive review for this attorney. I do not feel he had my family's best interest in mind and I was lucky enough t o figure that out before we hired him. We were in a tight situation with what felt like no other options and I believe Mr. Prior attempted to take advantage of that. He knew we were not local to the area and it seems he felt we would pay him whatever the cost to fix our problem. He came as a reference from another attorney close to the family so we had hoped Mr. Prior would keep that in mind. Instead an astronomical fee was quoted for a case that we all felt was going to be dropped by the State before it ever even got filed. Despite that very realistic possiblity, a fee was quoted for the "whole case". The "whole case" had to be paid for up front EVEN if he immediately got the case dropped. Mr. Prior's experience , his self proclamation that he "knew everyone" in the court house and at the State coupled with the facts of the case made it seemingly clear that this was not going to be the hardest case to get rid of quickly. And yet , an entire case fee was quoted to us. Luckily, another attorney in the area was willing to help us at a fraction of the cost, not because he was not an excellant attorney but simply because he wanted to actually help us and he knew he wasn't going to need to take this case very far. As expected, this other attorney got the case dropped nearly instantaneously. I am sure Mr. Prior knows what he is doing as he has been practicing in this area for many years. However it quickly became clear that his agenda was to make a quick and easy buck instead of focusing on how to actually help us.
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04 Feb, 2014 by Kelly
This man is charged me $5000 to represent my ex-husband in a false arrest of aggravated battery, a felony. Before the discovery was even done, my ex passed away & later the State ended up dropping the charges due to lack of information. I had repeatedly requested a partial refund of this money as Mr. Prior did not do anything on my ex's behalf except to make a few phone calls; in fact, I was the one to tell him that the State had dropped the charges. Mr. Prior is all about the money. I lost the father of my 3 children & $5000.
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17 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. Tinny has not kept me or my family informed whatsoever on anything. He has been very vague in statements to me and my family and in talking with him doesn't seem to even care about me as a person or my case. He swindled us out of a lot of money all the while doing next to nothing, take it from me, don't hire this lawyer. Thank you and God bless
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03 Dec, 2008 by Anonymous
I hired Mr Tinny for a DUI case in which I was ill, not under the effects of drugs or alcohol. Mr Tinny represented himself as capable and promised us many issues that he never followed up on. Most of all Mr. Tinny did not keep us informed and worst of all he refused to return calls. This was my first time with any legal issues and Mr Tinny puts a bad taste in your mouth for anyone in the leagal profession
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04 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
never kept me informed about case.lied about what the terms were.never answered calls.rude when she did.i was a victim and she could care less.went to court without my knowing and let an abuser get off of probation.in the last 2 weeks called office,still never heard from her.
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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.
