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15 Oct, 2024 by Jason d
After being involved in a very serious car accident, we cannot express how grateful we are for the exceptional work by Blaise and Alyssa. Blaise took the time to listen to our concerns and let us know how the injury settlement process works. We were kept informed at every stage, and any questions we had were answered promptly and in a way that was easy to understand. In the end, we were extremely satisfied with the outcome of our case and highly recommend Blaise to anyone in need of a compassionate and skilled lawyer. They truly care about their clients and deliver results!
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07 Oct, 2024 by Flannery gonneville
Blaise and Alyssa were the best team to assist after my car accident injuries. As a team, they are very thorough, communicative, and diligent in finding all avenues for you and your losses. They discovered hidden policies to expand my benefits, and I am grateful to have worked with them!
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02 Oct, 2024 by Jazlyn
I made a great decision on going to this office for my case, Blaise and Alyssa took care of everything and checked in with me throughout the entire case while answering any questions I had. Definitely an office I’d recommend to others if needed in a similar situation!
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28 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
Very satisfied with the service the three times that i have requested of your services then results have been favorable for me, thanks andy you are the best attorney in california Blessings.
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29 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Andy was really helpful and honest with me. He helped me and my family through a tough situation with compassion and empathy. I couldn't have asked for a better attorney. Thank you Andy!!
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28 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Hi hired Andi Miri to help my brother he was looking for 5 years at state prison he got him with out jail time
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12 Nov, 2016 by Bill
I wish to express my gratitude to Brian for his insight and effort in assisting me with a home buyer client situation. As a real estate broker, rarely have I encountered situations where a seller refuses to refund a buyer’s deposit when an offer to purchase a home is canceled. This case was especially surprising—and frustrating. I have engaged Brian's representation in the past, with success. This time was no exception. The challenge arose due to the contract being unclear on this specific matter, but Brian helped clarify my client's legal entitlement to a refund. As a result, the seller quickly acquiesced. My client’s deposit was refunded in full and the stress of having to arbitrate was eliminated. I cannot speak highly enough of Brian’s skill and helpfulness in this matter.
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02 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Sirota is very good at his job. He’s knowledgeable and powerfully persuasive. He recently helped me negotiate a settlement and avoid litigation, resolving the matter quickly and getting me more than I expected. Needless to say, I was very satisfied with the outcome. He’s very concerned with making his clients happy and he has the skill set to do it!
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01 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Sirota recently helped me with a real estate litigation case that was causing me a tremendous amount of stress. He went above and beyond in taking this burden off my shoulders, getting the issue resolved quickly, and negotiating an outcome that was better than expected. He is an excellent communicator and negotiator. I highly recommend his services.
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18 May, 2018 by Eduardo
Mr. Madenlian is an excellent attorney! Absolutely satisfied with how Garo handled my case from beginning to end. I appreciated how available he was to answer any questions that I had and he was sure to give me a thorough explanation of what the process would look like. It really helped with easing my mind through a difficult situation. He was without a doubt a complete pleasure to work with and I’m happy he was able to represent me. I would definitely recommend!
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28 Apr, 2018 by Michelle
GARO IS AWESOME. Extremely professional and helpful. Always made sure I understood the status of my cases and what the next steps were. Really felt like I was given undivided attention. He made a tedious and confusing process manageable. Originally I was worried that living out of state would cause problems, Garo and team was able to accommodate and make sure everything went seamlessly. I highly recommend!!! USE THEM!
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02 Nov, 2017 by Claudia
Garo is an outstanding attorney! He gifted me with the ability to make a difficult situation a little easier and less stressful. His compassion, expertise and guidance where spot on and priceless! He maintained a constant in swift responses to my inquiries and reassurance of light at the end of the tunnel. I highly recommend his law firm to everyone!
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15 Oct, 2013 by Aidin
Got pulled over for expired registration tag and lead to a DUI Check which i had barely drank and being in Irvine with IPD doesn't help much either, as they push and push with their aggressive tactics to get you to do all they ask. Even when the odds were against me I was referred to him by a friend and to say the least he comforted me during the whole process and was very responsive and always checked in with me. Great lawyer for any criminal defence you need. I HIGHLY recommend him for anyone in Orange County! and if it wasn't obvious my case was dismissed. Thank you
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16 Jul, 2013 by Mike
I received a DUI, even though I don't think I was drunk. I was pulled over after leaving a club in Hollywood. The officer pulled me over and said I was driving too fast and then continued to do a sobriety check on me. I hired Masih and he represented me from the DMV hearing all the way to the trial. My case was resolved without a DUI due to Masih's work. I never thought they'd drop the case, Masih got them to!!! I highly recommend him, he was worth more than I paid him!
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16 Jul, 2013 by Fred
I hired Mr. Kazerouni to assist me in expunging an old criminal record that I had. Mr. Kazerouni resolved the matter faster than I thought was possible. I highly recommend him. He is quick, courteous, and professional.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Simon s
I have known Mrs. Kirk for 29 years having gone through law school with her. She is respected by the Court and has always worked tirelessly to aid her clients in the most appropriate case resolutions. On the cases I have been privy to, she has shown care for the well being of her client and their families and her dispositions, including alternative sentences, speak to her years of experience.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Anastasiia haggard
I am extremely pleased with Diana's help in running my business. She is very professional, attentive to detail, and provides excellent customer service. Diana went above and beyond to find the best solutions for my concerns. I will definitely work with her again and highly recommend her services.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Emerald magic events
I have been an exceptional experience with Diana Isyanova's legal service! Her professional approach and attentive care throughout your business dealings are truly commendable. Thank you for highly recommending her services.!
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04 Sep, 2024 by Simon s
I have known Mrs. Kirk for 29 years having gone through law school with her. She is respected by the Court and has always worked tirelessly to aid her clients in the most appropriate case resolutions. On the cases I have been privy to, she has shown care for the well being of her client and their families and her dispositions, including alternative sentences, speak to her years of experience.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Anastasiia haggard
I am extremely pleased with Diana's help in running my business. She is very professional, attentive to detail, and provides excellent customer service. Diana went above and beyond to find the best solutions for my concerns. I will definitely work with her again and highly recommend her services.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Emerald magic events
I have been an exceptional experience with Diana Isyanova's legal service! Her professional approach and attentive care throughout your business dealings are truly commendable. Thank you for highly recommending her services.!
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09 Oct, 2024 by Eric h
I had a great experience with Ash. From the beginning of the process to the end, Ash was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about my case. He guided me through every step of the process, making sure I understood my rights and options. His expertise in lemon law was evident, and provided me the best possible service.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Eric curtis
Great job. Ash and his team are great. The timing was a bit off, meaning it took a little longer than expected. But Ash was pretty spot on about what he could get. He also will answer his phone!! I shopped around for several attorneys, and he was the ONLY one who picked up and was willing to have a 5 min conversation with me. The 5 min conversation actually extended into 30 min. He was very informative of the process, options, and steps that needed to be taken and what the bottom line was gonna look like in the end. Highly recommended.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Jason perea
I can't thank Lemon Law Champions enough for their incredible work on my 2018 Kia Optima case! After dealing with constant engine issues and getting nowhere with the dealership, I reached out to them, and it was the best decision I could have made. They immediately took charge of my case, explained the entire lemon law process in California, and made me feel confident that I was in good hands. Their team was professional, responsive, and truly dedicated to getting the best outcome for me. Thanks to their expertise, I received a total engine replacement at no cost, and I didn't have to deal with the stress of battling the manufacturer. They handled everything efficiently and kept me informed throughout the entire process. If you're facing vehicle issues and need a lemon law attorney in California, Lemon Law Champions are the best in the business. They turned a frustrating situation into a positive outcome, and I couldn't be happier with the results!
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10 Sep, 2024 by Diane weise
I recently had the opportunity to participate in my very first mock jury trial at the MLG Attorney's office in Costa Mesa. It was an incredible experience and truly an eye opener to our legal system. It's amazing how quickly I could shift my perspective upon deliberating with other jurors. The insights I gained are priceless and I am grateful to have been selected. Thank you for your professionalism and opportunity to collaborate with your staff. Should I ever need representation I will surely reach out to your team!
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21 Aug, 2024 by Jocelyn leal
I had a wonderful experience to be part of a mock trial at this office. Everyone was very professional and friendly. Highly recommend this law firm.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Christopher shields
Very professional employees
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13 May, 2021 by Anonymous
His prior work as a Prosecutor helps him win cases. Hired him on Multiple cases over the years. In 1 case he got Felony charges dismissed. In 2 other cases got my Felony reduced to very minor misdemeanors and simple Probation. In 1 of the Felony case; if convicted; would of violated me but Mr. Meyer, got the judge to agree to let the simple"stay out of trouble Probation continue". You won't find a better attorney anywhere. I remember OJ Simpson's first choice in lawyer's was Paul Meyer (but would of been a conflict of interest). Since CNN had already retained Mr. Meyer & Greta Van Susteran to be the "OJ" Commentators for their network. Read his 1 bad review. The Client acknowledges that he got her major charges reduced to a very minor charge. You can't ask for more of any Criminal Defense Lawyer. He knows how to keep a person out of Jail. Period. I now live in Nevada and Paul Meyer is the equivalent of Our former Mayor; Oscar Goodman, and the Late Mr. Foley ; whom our Federal Courthouse is named after as well.......Mr. Meyer also let me make payments which is hard to believe from such a well connected; prominent Lawyer. Posting anonymously to keep my name under the radar.
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12 May, 2019 by Anonymous
Paul’s expertise and caring was so different from other lawyers. I had a difficult case, to say the least, and he not only guided me through the worst, but he achieved way way more than I ever expected. Excellent is the right label!
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30 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Paul is an outstanding attorney. My experience with him was second to none. He is very calm, but will give it to you straight when it comes down to the circumstances around your case. He is well connected and recognized by fellow attorneys at the courthouse. My case in particular, had a bit of media attention and he wanted absolutely no part of it which I really respected. I highly recommend you hire Paul when you are facing any sort of criminal matter.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Sean
My father and I had an excellent experience with Teran Mawhinney and Molfetta law. My parents were stuck in a timeshare that they weren’t able to get out of and the property was going into foreclosure. Teran helped us quickly sign a deed, in lieu of foreclosure with the timeshare company that got both of my parents out of the timeshare. These timeshare companies can be a real pain to deal with, and Teryn and team helped us fix the problem quickly and professionally. Thank you so much much.
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09 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Paid Molfetta 15K to defend me in court and put a lien on a home since I had a $2 million judgment on the owners. He never did anything. Wrote and emailed him multiple times. Saw him 3 times and the last time he said he never said he’d do it. Never would I had given that kind of money to him.
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18 Apr, 2024 by Hazeldell
We were pleasantly happy with the results of getting our Time share canceled. Sean Waller returned my calls and answered my questions in ways I understood and we were able to complete the papers as needed.
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27 Sep, 2020 by Ken
he is the most rude and arrogant dickwad that i’ve ever seen. he will talk over you constantly and made me plead guilty for things i’ve never done. he didn’t even look for evidence that would make me innocent. pretty suspicious if you ask me
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06 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
Dui 03/17/2016 Costa Mesa ca When I got my dui with an accident I panicked about jail and being sued. I went through the phone book looking at ads trying to figure out who was good. I came across an ad that gave me comfort. I met with Adam Cole and his staff , they made me feel relaxed and helped me prepare for the next long 6mths. Although I didn't get out of the DUI I only got 3mths of classes{BAC1.8} and they got the accident thrown out . They are now working on expunging my dui .. Thanks Guys you are the best,,
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03 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Cole and his wonderful staff have helped me in a time of need got my case handled quickly . They are always polite and flexible and great at providing information as well as keeping me aware of everything and making sure I am at ease with everything. Thanks again!! :)
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Do for You

A criminal defense lawyer provides legal representation to individuals or organizations accused of criminal conduct. If you're facing criminal charges, a defense lawyer will work to protect your rights, build a defense strategy, and ensure you receive a fair trial. Their primary goal is to reduce or dismiss charges, secure an acquittal, or negotiate a favorable plea deal.

Criminal defense lawyers have extensive knowledge of criminal law and court procedures. They investigate your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence, and represent you in court, ensuring that you have the best possible defense.

When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

It’s crucial to hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible if you are facing any criminal charges. Some situations in which you should seek legal representation include:

  • Arrest or police questioning: If you've been arrested or are under investigation, hiring a lawyer early on can prevent self-incrimination and protect your rights during police questioning.
  • Felony charges: Crimes such as murder, assault, drug trafficking, or robbery carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences. A defense lawyer is essential in these cases.
  • Misdemeanor charges: Even for less serious offenses like DUI, theft, or simple assault, a lawyer can help reduce penalties, negotiate alternatives to jail, or get charges dismissed.
  • Plea negotiations: If you’re considering a plea bargain, a lawyer can evaluate the deal, advise you on its consequences, and negotiate for more favorable terms.
  • Probation or parole violations: If you’ve been accused of violating probation or parole, a lawyer can defend you against additional penalties or revocation.
  • Juvenile offenses: For minors charged with criminal acts, a criminal defense lawyer can protect their future by minimizing legal repercussions or keeping the case in juvenile court.

What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?

Criminal defense lawyers provide comprehensive legal services to protect their clients’ rights throughout the criminal justice process. Their duties include:

  • Case evaluation and investigation: Reviewing the evidence, interviewing witnesses, and investigating the facts to develop a strong defense strategy.
  • Legal advice: Advising you on your rights, the charges you’re facing, and potential defense strategies, including whether to take a plea deal or go to trial.
  • Negotiating plea bargains: Working with prosecutors to negotiate a plea deal that could reduce charges or minimize penalties.
  • Court representation: Representing you in all court hearings, including bail hearings, pretrial motions, trials, and sentencing hearings.
  • Filing motions: Filing motions to dismiss charges, suppress evidence, or reduce bail, depending on the specifics of your case.
  • Trial preparation and defense: Preparing a defense strategy and presenting arguments, evidence, and witnesses during trial to contest the prosecution's case.
  • Appeals: If you are convicted, a defense lawyer can appeal the conviction or sentence, arguing errors in the trial process or legal rulings.

How Are Criminal Defense Lawyers Paid?

Criminal defense lawyers generally charge clients in one of three ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Payment structures include:

  • Flat fee: For straightforward cases (e.g., minor misdemeanors), some lawyers charge a one-time flat fee that covers all aspects of the defense.
  • Hourly rate: For more complex or ongoing cases, lawyers may charge by the hour, with rates varying based on the lawyer’s experience and geographic location.
  • Retainer fee: In cases where extensive work is expected, the client may pay a retainer fee upfront. The lawyer then bills against that retainer for their work on the case.

The cost of criminal defense services can vary greatly, so it’s important to discuss fees during your initial consultation.

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer depends on several factors, including the severity of the charges, the complexity of the case, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost guidelines are:

  • Misdemeanor cases: For relatively minor offenses, such as a DUI or petty theft, a flat fee may range from $1,500 to $5,000.
  • Felony cases: More serious charges, such as assault or drug trafficking, can range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the complexity and duration of the case.
  • Hourly rates: For cases billed by the hour, lawyers may charge anywhere from $150 to $500 or more per hour, depending on their expertise and the case's location.
  • Additional expenses: You may also be responsible for other costs, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, or the cost of private investigators.

Be sure to clarify the lawyer’s fee structure and any potential additional costs during your consultation.

Top Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Before hiring a criminal defense lawyer, you’ll want to ensure that they’re a good fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask:

  1. What is your experience with cases like mine?
    Make sure the lawyer has a strong track record with the specific type of criminal charges you’re facing, whether it’s DUI, drug offenses, or violent crimes.
  2. What is your fee structure?
    Ask how the lawyer charges for their services and whether you’ll be responsible for any additional costs.
  3. What are the potential outcomes of my case?
    A good lawyer should provide an honest assessment of your case and the likelihood of dismissal, a plea bargain, or conviction.
  4. How many cases have you taken to trial?
    While many criminal cases settle with a plea deal, it’s important to hire a lawyer with courtroom experience in case your case goes to trial.
  5. Who will handle my case?
    Ask if the lawyer will be personally involved or if other attorneys in the firm will handle most of the work.
  6. How do you communicate with your clients?
    Be clear on how often and through what channels you can expect updates on your case.

How to Check the Credibility of a Criminal Defense Lawyer

To verify the credibility of a criminal defense lawyer, take the following steps:

  • Check their standing with the state bar: Confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with your state’s bar association. Look for any past disciplinary actions or complaints.
  • Read online reviews and testimonials: Platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google can provide insights from previous clients about the lawyer’s communication, professionalism, and case outcomes.
  • Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should have past clients or other professionals who can speak to their competence and work ethic.
  • Review their case history: Look at the lawyer’s website or professional profile to see their experience with criminal cases, including high-profile or complex cases.
  • Look for trial experience: If your case might go to trial, make sure the lawyer has a strong history of courtroom advocacy and success.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most of your first consultation with a criminal defense lawyer, bring the following:

  • Details of your case: Be prepared to provide a detailed account of the charges against you, including any documents related to your arrest, police reports, and court dates.
  • Criminal history: If you have any prior criminal convictions, inform your lawyer so they can understand how that may affect your current case.
  • List of witnesses or evidence: If there are any potential witnesses or evidence that may support your defense, share this information during the consultation.
  • Questions for the lawyer: Prepare questions about their experience, legal strategy, and fees to ensure you understand how they will handle your case.
  • Bail or release documents: If you’ve been released on bail, bring any paperwork related to your release conditions or restrictions.

By being well-prepared, you can help your lawyer quickly assess your situation and begin building an effective defense strategy.

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