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06 Oct, 2016 by Dave
I retained Jean Lee for a custody case. 3 weeks later, I won custody, with child support, supervised visitation etc... Pretty much everything I asked for! As a father, I was always made to believe that it is hard for a father to get custody of a child in Texas but Rohit made it possible! His constant communication with me about the case was great and I would re-hire this law firm in a heartbeat!. Thanks!
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28 Feb, 2015 by Jordyn
I hired the firm for a cps case where I got my kids removed from me. I was referred to Ms. Lee and I am very glad and grateful that I called her. When I first went to court I felt I was being ambushed by cps. When Ms. Lee came with me the next time, she was an absolute firecracker!! Not only did I get my kids back, but I also got my self confidence back because anyone who has ever gotten their kids taken away knows that this is one of the WORST things that could happen to you. THANK YOU THANK YOU Ms. Lee.
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21 Jan, 2015 by Jenine
I used this lawyer about a year ago and they told me they would handle everything. I get a letter in the mail a month later saying i have to go to court..in which the law office attorney DID NOT SHOW UP and i had to pay the ticket and court cost. Because of the low price per ticket my husband used them..they collect $300 and stop answering calls, they would answer and say they would call back cause they were busy. upon calling one court we were told Lee Law firm bonds are denied because they are not reliable...another office picked up the bond. Lee Law Firm gave so many excuses stating it takes months to have the omni hold lifted...WHICH IS A LIE... so now we are out the money and his DL is still on hold. They have done nothing to help and refuse to give the money back so we can go somewhere that can
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15 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Kenneth is a great man and a great attorney . You can call on this man for anything and he has a personal life as well but will make sure he makes time to get to know every case and everybody he can. He is not God but God sends him your way be thankful. I have witness this hands on and nobody can take that away from him. Kenneth you are more than a amazing and I'm greatful to know you as a person and attorney. Keep it up you the best!
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15 May, 2024 by Stephanie
This man is the most inconsistent, lying, unprofessional, incompetent lawyer that you could ever find in your entire life and I mean this literally this man do not return phone calls. He has no knowledge and he does no research no investigation. He has no idea what’s going on with these cases? I don’t even think that he to be a lawyer he probably hasn’t read a book since he graduated school. I don’t understand how he is still practicing law but he needs to be at home collecting garbage and actually sit down and eat it while he’s at it because he is horrible and I’m about to report him to the Texas state bar.
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24 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Kenneth Witherspoon the lawyer located at 325 North St. Paul Street # 2475, Dallas, TX 75201 to be exact IS NOT a good lawyer to hire for a criminal case those people are not lying he does not return calls he WILL NOT go see your love one to try to talk to them and see what’s going on and give updates after the first time meeting them he will not go see them or return your callas or any one else who is concerned don’t get me wrong his office will answer and say “HE’s
at court “, “who’s calling” , get your number and he will never call you UNTIL THREE or TWO WEEKS before the court date. Once those TWO or THREE WEEKS come he will go see you or them just to let them know the court date and he will be there he will not tell you any plans he has to help present you or ways to prove your innocence, when the court date comes he will represent you or your loved one in a way that any high schooler could he’ll be on his phone during the court and even sleep. I promise to god if I’m lying take the air out my body , I’m not trying to slander his name, it’s not a race thing and this is not a personal attack on him to make him look bad this review is genuinely a honest experience I was able to witness didn’t get a lot of time but still. You want someone who is going to help you , give you knowledge and advice on your case he acts as if he does this just because it pays the bills. He will represent you as if it is just another case to him so please understand this is not a personal attack on him as a person but as LAWYER or hiring him as someone to represent you in a legal battle he is not the person you would want to have represent you or anyone of your love ones or friends.
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30 Sep, 2022 by Charles
Mr. Pire got my Felony charge dissmissed. Be patient, it took some time. to get there. He got me there yesterday. I wish I had money to give him. Just give him his space, it will happen. Changed my way of thinking about life" choices. I owe him, BIG TIME! Thank you, Charles
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29 Jun, 2022 by Avery
Late and forgetful,age is kicking in obviously with the amount of mistakes he made on my case.
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08 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
On or about February 13th, 2017...I hired Mr. Pire to defend my son in a legal matter (leaving the scene of an accident), paying a $7500 retainer. I held off on complaint this long because I was advised by current attorney to hold off until the legal matter with my son is over. Mr. Pire and his partner or friend Jens Bakkar basically took my money with absolutely no action. When my son and I terminated his services a few weeks later, I asked for a refund. I was refunded around $2500. When I asked why only 1/3 of my money back, he stated "your crazy ex-wife was calling bugging me and made 14 calls to my office which left the balance of your retainer at (approximately) $2500".
1) My ex-wife was not his client, nor authorized by me or my son to deal with the matter
2) I have asked several times via phone and text for a copy of our contract, rate sheet, and a statement which I have never seen any of those items.
THEN, Mr Pire advised my son "not to turn himself in" for his crime until a warrant was issued. Warrant was eventually issued but Mr. Pire never contacted us to turn my son in. My understanding is he should have done so, and accompanied him as a "walk through" at the Grand Prairie jail. But no, never any contact whatsoever...which resulted in my son's home being raided by numerous law enforcement agencies unexpectedly for his arrest. Nothing wrong with that, BUT at the time my 3 year old grandson was there watching cartoons with his father (my son). My grandson is still to this day traumatized by that and had Mr. Pire done his job we would not have to be dealing with his trauma on a daily basis.
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05 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
Court appointed. I've read nothing but negative reviews. My son is a first time offender in a federal case that he is not proud of, but ..life happens. Vincent is not good at returning calls/ text/ giving updates. I would have thought he has some sense in speaking to a woman with some kind of etiquette, but that's not the case. Being a single mother with her young adult child that has never been in trouble is beyond any words. I gave up on trying to speak with him (maybe I'm just being a mom and want to know every step. But can you bla.e me?) and pray that he will do what he.. as an attorney signed up to do which is to do all he possibly can to fight for the best deal and the best less time possible. Like I said, maybe I'm just too much in the mix and I whelming him as well with all my questions. So, I leave it in God's hands and pray that Vincent will come through. I will continue to update regarding his service.
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31 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
He is very unorganized, missed filing dates which are very important to any case and does not return calls or provide any sort of communication. We had to fire him and hire another attorney on a case that should have been a slam dunk. I hope this review benefits someone else from wasting money.
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07 Mar, 2017 by Michael morris
I admit I screwed up and found myself facing multiple criminal charges. The first attorney I talked to wanted 10 grand and I balked on that and eneded up with Vincent at a liitle more than a 1/3 that price.
What a huge mistake.
I thought things were ok until the end and then it was obvious Vincent felt as if he had done enough for the price paid and he simplt stopped responding to my texts and emails.
Not only that but if I didn't know any better I would assume this was his first criminal case.
He didn't tell many pertinent things and everything he did tell me was incorrect.
Two of those things did end up in my favor, I got 3 years probation instead of the 5 he told me I would probably get and the 200 hours of community service turned out to be 180.
Everything else was a negative for me.
The suspension of my license, the inability to reclaim my property from the police and time in jail and were just a few of the items I was mislead on.
At the end he just stopped responding to me and asked that I talk to his paralegal Irene.
She was one of the rudest most condesending human beings I have ever dealt with.
IMO Vincent should settle on one aspect of law and do it well, instead he spreads himself thin and does a poor job.
I don't think Vincent is a bad person, just a bad lawyer.
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17 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
He lied to me twice when l first met him l had a concern over the evidence he told me to leave it to the professionals then offered me a plea. He didn’t even know l had a witness to prove my innocence. He told the judge l didn’t have confidence in him.
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28 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
Wé hired him and hé never kept us informed on whats goingon with thé case.Hé didnt even turn in his name to let thé court know that wé hired him as our lawyer.i think all hé cares about is money.i will never recomend him to anyone and i suggest anyone thinking of hiring him to think twice.
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18 May, 2011 by Lucero
HE HAS HELPED MY BOYFRIEND GERARDO MORENO TO THE FULLEST THERE IS NO WAY I COULD EVER THANK YOU FOR DOING SO
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20 Apr, 2018 by Christian
I was a former client of Gary redman! I strongly advise NOT hiring him for ANYTHING! My Case was the first one in 9 years , I believe, to be overturned in Collin County for Innefictive Assistance of counsel. Gary Redman was my counsel when I was charged for an Agg Assult causing SBI. (A fist fight). We went to trial, he did not advise us well at all in any capacity nor listen to what we needed him to do, and I got 15 years because of his ineffectiveness. After two years my case was overturned due to his ineffectiveness and relief was granted on the whole trial not just punishment.
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12 Apr, 2018 by John
Do not let Gary Redman handle your case if it is serious. I hired him because George Milner told me he could handle my sons aggravated assault charge in Collin county. We went to trial unprepared and lost. My son was sentenced to 15 years! I paid him 25,000.00 to try the case but he did almost nothing that we asked. He kept saying it will be alright. Well I really learned an expensive lesson. I spent many times the amount I paid to Mr Redman on really good attorney's and experts. We were granted relief from the appellate court when they found that Gary rendered ineffective assistance of counsel. I am told it was the only case that had been overturned in Collin county in 9 years. It takes a really bad attorney to accomplish that. My son is home now and after spending nearly 200,000. To fix the mess, Gary refuses to return my initial fee.
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04 Feb, 2016 by Andrew
"If you are searching for a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Dallas or North Texas, look no further! Gary Redman is a brilliant lawyer. He’s very down to earth and easy to talk to. And most import, he is a wizard in trial! Gary was always available when I needed him. He always returned my calls. What I found to be the most attractive when first meeting with Gary is how serious he is about his career. You know right away he takes pride in what he does and has a passion for helping people. Gary listened compassionately and made me feel comfortable. I encourage you to call or email him to discuss your situation. Also, he will meet with you at no cost!!"
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03 Feb, 2015 by Andrew
From the time I was appointed Chris Young until my court date. Chris was not on par with information, contacting, or time. I felt that because he was court appointed and his office is in the the same court house that the case was "mishandled" in. I felt he was not helping me cause he was "forced" to work beside me, not work for me as the state told him to do. I wonder if he would have treated me the same had I hired him instead. Not once did he give me information to help myself nor my case. I would not recommend him to anyone. The way the case was "mishandled" I felt that he was working for the state and not me. My case is in process of being reviewed by a equal independent party due to the misrepresentation of the case.
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07 Jan, 2015 by Micheal
I sat in jail for three months with no contact from Chris, then i saw him one day in the lawyers booth on the jail floor n tried to explain my side of the story with my statement and he refused too take it, so i asked him if i had a free world lawyer that i would be free and he told me YES.i did not commit this crime,however, they offered me 25yrs too Life and i told him NO! THEN HE SAID IT WOULD TAKE 10MONTHS TO GO TO COURT, but the next day he came to me with this reduced a 2year probation. I TOOK IT OUT OF FEAR of not getting 25 to Life for something i didn't do and now i been suffering dealing with the probation people and all these programs like imma a violent person and i never did anything on th he indictment. I wanna end my life at 56 because i really didn't do this crime, NO MONEY NO GOOD LAWYERS.
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08 Jan, 2013 by Blondee
Chris is truly a trustworthy person who handles each case with passion and as if this was family of his own. He owns the case until the very end. I wish we could have seen out case to the end; I am very upset and beside myself with emotion that you will not be handling my case. I wish you well in your future endeavors and if there is anything I can ever do; please do not hesitate to contact me.
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28 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Pennington encouraged me to mediate which is the worst decision I made in my divorce process. I got almost nothing and didn't even have the decency of having state standards. I got custody of my kids, but I'm a woman so it was pretty much a given anyway in Texas. 8 months went by and I was still not divorced. Ended up finding a different lawyer to represent me and I will now have to spend years and thousands of dollars undoing this mistake.
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04 Aug, 2017 by David
One phone call cost me $500. He gave me little to no advice before my grand jury hearing and did not follow up with me after it. Months later when the case was dismissed he had no idea. The Dallas DA spent more time counseling and updating me on the case then Mr. Pennington ever did. He was referred by Joe Luce who was too busy for my case, I guess Mr. Pennington was too. He wasn't too busy to cash my check though.
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23 Jun, 2016 by Rachel
Austin was always available to talk about what I wanted or needed. Even if that meant just calming me down and reassuring me. His gusto to get me what I wanted and deserved in the divorce was so reassuring. He was actually disappointed that my ex was a no-show to the trial for a restraining order. Austin also was blunt with me about what was going to happen and was a voice of reason when I began to fall victim to my ex's sweet pleads to be back together. He was a huge proponent of my children's well being also. I highly recommend Austin. Thanks to him I was divorced without the stress that I anticipated!
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08 Jun, 2021 by Cameron
My lawyer jumped through hoops for me from day 1... very professional and fast.... for sure she wasn’t finna hear nothing other then what I wanted... highly recommended
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20 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
She seemed rushed when she was appointed to me. I believe she failed to educate me properly with the charge and what the pleas really meant. I would have never put the plea in the way I did, had she explained properly. She said it was a little more than a traffic ticket, which was way off. I did not realize a plea of no contest was a plea of guilt. Afterward, other attorneys said they would not have filed the case the way she did. Now it is much more difficult to appeal and dismiss. I have spoken to others and there similar cases were filed differently. I would not hire her again.
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29 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
I asked this lawyer for help in my criminal case after her husband, my bondsman, recommended her. She could not keep track of her commitments or my court dates, failed to advise me of court dates she said she had postponed for several months that were postponed for less than two weeks, always had her screaming child in the background, and was generally just a mess. After I decided to hire a different lawyer she failed to communicate to him. Maybe I will file a complaint. She seems like a very smart lady, but does not have a receptionist or assistant of any kind, and definitely needs one.
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18 Sep, 2024 by Kai
Even though me a Vincent bumped heads he was a beast in the court room made my life easy I haven’t seen my kids in year battled and battle in court but he did everything I wanted and more I’m thankful I found him
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12 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Run, run, and keep running. This lawyer is a nightmare. I used him for my divorce and he made things up to get money from me. He then asked me to lie in court to get double that money from my ex. His Hispanic secretary harassed me to the point of depression. He was rude and awful in court whenever he was on time. I ended up firing him and settling with my ex's attorney. Worst attorney ever!!!! Save your money and your dignity. Horrible!!!!!
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27 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Vincent may be stubborn and hard to catch up with in the past.However,I have had no problems .He did my divorce and now he got me physical custody of my kids.I only asked for one of my kids but he got me both plus child support.No matter his past he get the job done!
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07 May, 2019 by Anonymous
He has no empathy even just at a human level. My friend had warned me but I had started using him already before he told me. My case was stagnant and I do not think he had it filed maybe because he either chose not to or was rejected due to his suspension. By this time I was already down over $1000 on attorney fees alone. He also makes up additional fees that you may not suspect because you may not understand the law, this, I learnt from a different attorney. A year later, he kept giving excuses and does not bother giving an update even just by email and waits for you to call only to get another excuse because he is not organized. He blamed his secretary on one occasion something no one would want to hear.
He pulls in new clients with free consultation. I took off before it was too late. My friend had a traffic case that he learnt had not been filed with the courts from another lawyer as well.
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12 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
This office filed a claim with the insurance without proper documentations, when I asked to get information about what they sent to the insurance and the status of the case, they refused, stating that they will review my file and get back to me. I spoke with Fidelis, who told me to come to his office, pick up my file and get out of his office , he also said other things I rather not mention in this review, so uncalled for...
Come to find out, he is was actually disciplined in 2016 by the board.
Very unprofessional, untruthful and very rude.
Run away from this firm.
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11 Nov, 2014 by Tia
A caring and genuine lawyer who always has his clients best interests in mind he will give hundred percent to your case and fight for. ..I would definitely recommend him without any reservation. People needs more attorney like him! Service truly appreciative
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05 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
I have hired Luis and Rob Campos as a recommendation from a bondsman over the phone (I know that probably wasn't a good idea but I was desperate). I thought luis was going to be our main lawyer but apparently he is only an assistant. I've met Luis less than 10X but I never heard from or even seen how Rob looks like. Their presentation was pretty good and I was convinced they were actually good lawyers. I dropped $6,300 to bail an inmate just for him to get a warrant out for his arrest not even 24 hours after he got released. Which makes no sense b/c why would I be able to bail him out if they were going to get a warrant out for his arrest just a few hours later??? Anyways. He charged us $12,000 to handle our case, I paid $6000 up front and financing the rest each month. I hired them back in APRIL '17 and have done absolutely nothing in this. They haven't even filed a notice of motion on the case. They don't answer their phones when you try to contact them and rarely replies to text. Little nervous I'm getting scammed but we'll see how this goes.
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21 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
I heard lots of good things about Paul, so I looked into hiring him. He seemed genuine at the beginning but after getting what he wanted out of me he seemed to move on and stopped caring about my case. Which caused me to lose confidence in his ability to represent me the way I needed. I hardly ever speak to him on the phone Because he will only text message, and he hasn't returned at text in weeks. His communication skills aren't what I would expect from an attorney who charges as much as he does.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Don’t hire this man!!! I repeat, DO NOT HIRE THIS LAWYER. He’s gonna take your money and do absolutely nothing for you. I paid him thousands of dollars for him to get me the same time I was offered walking in the door. He’s too old and you can’t even understand half the things he says. He’s incompetent and shouldn’t be able to represent anyone. At one point the man didn’t even know my name and even forgot who I was. He’s going to take your money and completely screw you in the end.
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11 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
Why...do we have to meet his assistant to give her money at a coffee shop or RaceTrac gas station? No receipt...just a promise that they will be taking care of the charges. No office..they work out of their home. If you need to talk to your attorney in person, it is always at a coffee shop or some other meeting place. Why? Something it just not quite right about this. No set amount to be paid...always need more for this...need more for this...no receipt....you can't prove how much you paid since you do not get a receipt. They just charge whatever they want to..and you are paying it because they make you believe they can help your loved one. But to help them...it will be more money...only CASH...never a check or Venmo or Cash App...or a check...always cash. And no receipt. I am so disappointed in this attorney...Do not use him...you will regret it...I just hope you check for reviews on him before you hire him. All the above reviews are spot on. I think we would better to get a court appointed attorney...
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21 Mar, 2022 by Lisa
Please beware of this attorney. He will pretend to take on your case for tickets who knows what he does with the money you pay him to handle the tickets he will have you in jail not once but twice we used him and since my case was in Tarrant County his sub attorney Michelle I think her name was never did what she said this lady had a bag and pulled these shoes out I should have known then they were a joke. I had to stay in jail for one day for a ticket I paid then my mom referred my nephew and he had to remind in jail we paid a bond he ask for proof we provided it and still haven’t received our money back. Please research look at reviews before selecting a lawyer because this one is a real joke. I can’t really say what I want. However please be aware.
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12 May, 2024 by Anonymous
He convinced me to plead guilty in a FV case that I didn’t know was family violence.
As I was signing probation papers, I noticed things were not matching up with what he said. I stopped signing but he told me it was too late, that was already on probation. I made me ask for motion for a new trial, which I won because he admitted to not showing me any discovery. Then after 2-3 months they finally uploaded the documentation from the day I pled and he had asked for discovery AFTER I asked for the motion for a new trial.
If you need someone to really fight for you, he isn’t your guy.
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17 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
He is the worst attorney in Dallas. He will only waste your time. Talk bad about you, disrespect you in all ways possible and get you no results. He is not going to work your case, he is not a righteous person trying to help. He is only trying to get paid doing the bare minimum
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15 May, 2023 by Travis
Very bad attorney she will make the worst decisions involving you and your case I don’t recommend once I hired her I could never get ahold of her and once I did it was almost to late
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22 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
This attorney was hired and during tenure as my attorney was unresponsive to correspondence, unprofessional in handling my case, largely ineffective as counsel.
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13 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
Well i hire rosalind in 7 year ago she lost my brother case. She toll me that she will appeal de case she charged 3,000.00 to get transcription from the court house plus 5.000.00 for her service. Months later i found out that she dint pay for the transcription because my parents went to get a secon opinions with other attorney in planview, tx his name is David Martinez. After that my brother work so hard to get a review she was call to be in court when she was in the stand she swear. My sorprise was that she has her lices suspend. But the most sadness is that she lie. she told to the judge that we told her that my brother was guilty and that when i went to get her services i ask about inmigration porpuses but thas wasnt true one of the thing is may parents dont speak english another thing why i will pay a lot money to her but the laws are the laws and my brother los one more time her case thanks to her.
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27 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
This woman never showed up to court. Did a horrible job communicating. Always left us out of the loop in our own case. All she was great at was asking for money. Paid over $3,000 for her to make us miss court dates, plea deals, find a solution to our case, or even show up to COURT. Never hire her. She’s horrible, she shouldn’t even be a lawyer.
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18 Mar, 2014 by Wanda
My case was filed 4 years age, still not settled, Excuses range from (we don't have pictures of injury) (Can't get doctor/hospital statement) (Medicare was billed and balance wasn't costly enough. Will I was in his office with injury, he should have taken pictures. I should also have been advised to have bills sent to his office. Last contact was Oct. 2013 and supposedly adjuster had tried to contact him and they were now playing telephone tag, Called back in Dec and left message to settle for whatever amount offered, He has been unavailable every since. Wish I had read this review before I hired this firm.
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11 Mar, 2011 by Michael
I have used this attorney on several occasions, always having to follow up with my cases, NEVER being updated with status letters that I requested from his office. The staff that he employs is unprofessional and I seriously doubt they have proper credentials to work effectively in a law practice.
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11 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
This is a court-appointed attorney and he does not talk to me. He does not try to understand my situation. Just asking questions bother him. It seems like he hates his job and rushes you to sign court documents to brush you off. I really wish that I could afford my own attorney right now but I'm stuck with this guy since I just started a new job. If you call him, he says to send him a text the next morning and he ignores it each time. He should be debarred from practicing law.
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26 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Roberto Dueno was my court appointed attorney, the first thing he said to me was "I do not care..." I was already under distress and it was only added to when all he cared about was getting in and out of court so i was bullied by him into signing papers that day, wether it be for probation or prison time. He wouldnt even speak to me. Now I can see it is most likely because being an accident lawyer he gets a cut of what he wins people, so haveing to help somebody who does not have money to pay somebody to help them, is not worth his time. Maybe Im wrong, but i believe its wrong to treat peoplrpeople like they dont matter. As a lawyer he is supost to fighting for your life, and my life didnt make any difference to him...
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03 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
This attorney is very rude, nonchalant and does not work in your best interest on cases. I will not advise anyone to hire him or recommend him to no one at all.
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30 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Do not hire this lawyer!!! He is rude and will not fight for you. When you call or ask him a question he replies back rudely and make you feel stupid for asking. He does not make you feel he has your best interest in mind at all. My family's first impression of him was that they felt he was not interested in the case and when they asked him questions concerning the case he responded in I don't care type of response that left my family feeling less confident in him and the case. We felt he was only in it for the money instead of fighting for our loved one.
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24 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
HE CONTINUED TO TRY TO MAKE ME ADMIT GUILT WHEN THERE WASNT ANY. aLMOST COST ME MY FREEDOM TWICE BECAUSE THE DATES HE GAVE ME TO SIGN FOR RETURNING COURT APPEARANCES AND THE DATES ACTUALLY ON THE DALLAS COUNTY WEBSITE WERE NOT THE SAME. SO IN TWO INSTANCES, I MISSED MY COURT DATES.
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06 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
did not contact none of the time after my case was filed
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26 May, 2017 by Zulema dominguez
I don't know why he's doing so bad as an attorney, It's like everything he learned in law school was pointless. He's good at making appointments, but never showing up or emailing you, his employers are rude, there's was one time in particular that a lady answering the phone for the office started to yell at me. He didn't go to the best school either.
No sé por qué está tan mal como abogado, es como si todo lo que aprendiera en la escuela de derecho fuera inútil. Él es bueno en hacer citas, pero nunca apareciendo o enviándote por correo electrónico, sus patrones son groseros, allí era una vez en particular que una señora que contestaba el teléfono para la oficina comenzó a gritar en mí. Tampoco fue a la mejor escuela.
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18 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
If I could give this attorney a half a star I could. His staff is extremely rude and for some reason. I had to send my documents more than 4 times and every time I would talk to the attorney he wouldn't even know anything about my case. He would treat me like if I was in the wrong when I paid him to represent me not to judge me. The only time we were supposed to be at court he didn't show up. The whOle time I had him as my attorney he didn't even represent me not even once but yet he took my money. One time I showed up for court and his office forgot to let me know that it was cancel. Very unprofessional staff and attorney. Please stay away from this attorney.
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13 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
We have hired him to for a 1.000 dollars for the case , with a payment plan for $ 100.00 every 2 weeks we got a late payment and have a balance of $ 200.00 dollars and hi now wants $600.00 saying that is $400.00 for late fees .
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03 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
This lawyer takes money, does nothing with your case, and then withdraws from your case. Have your money work for you and go with a different lawyer.
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24 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
As a court appointed attorney, all he did is accept what the DA offered. No attempt to get a better deal from the DA's office.
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07 Jan, 2019 by Nick
This lawyer is an absolute nightmare, I understand that lots of Public Pretenders, er ...Defenders, deal with inmates who are belligerant and uneducated, and incapable of understanding the enormity of thier crimes having been around them while incarcerated. I am however a well educated person, who has had some issues with substance abuse and had the unfortunate experience of having this woman "represent me". Over the course of 5 agonizing months for a state jail possession of a controlled substance under a gram, this woman didnt do the smallest amount of research on my case, a possession where the drugs were mine, but not even found on my person. She let me sit in jail, would call me to court and then have me sit in a holding cell all day and then send me back to the jail without even seeing me. This occurred over a dozen times. Out of ALL the times I went to court, the times I did actually see her, she had no remote interest in listening to me at all, talking over me and trying to sell me on a plea bargain to accept 4 years TDC ON A STATE JAIL FELONY, which is out of the punishment range for a state jail felony! She LIED to me and said my case had been enhanced by DA when it had NOT been enhanced when I recieved my indictment! She talks to you like total garbage, and seems as crooked as the true criminals she "represents", and has no interest in fulfilling her duty to give her clients a fighting chance because the county cuts her paychecks. After the 4 yr offer, came 2 years state jail, and then SAFP. She literally tried to convince me to accept a program in a lockdown facility for people taking a diversion program to avoid 10 and 20 year sentences, when I had something that carried 6 months to 2 years, tried to convince me to go to prison for 6 months and then come out on probation! The fact that she hadn't had her bar card revoked is beyond me! I fired her and demanded a new attorney (a private attorney that was appointed to represent me, but not in the public defenders office. What do you know? He walked in and communicated with the same DA getting me 7 months state jail time served and listened to what I had to say. I had 7 months back time by the time the case was resolved dealing with this vile woman, for a non violent controlled substance charge of the lowest magnitude. She had an air of arrogance, and talked to me like I was mentally disabled, I guess because I was unable to retain a paid lawyer and was in jail. I might add, people were walking out of jail for the same charge and worse and being dead to rights dealing with the same assistant district attorney as my lawyer dealt with. 12.44A's dropping their felonies to misdemeanors and time served so they could go home.
Fire her so you dont waste months of your life making jail worse by being woken up at 4 AM to sit all day on a cold metal bench for her to blow you off and trying to break you and sign on the dotted line.
Please Audrey, if you read this please just become a law enforcement officer because you have as much interest in helping your clients get a fair plea as the district attorney does.
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06 Sep, 2013 by Tierra
This lawyer did not represent me properly and screwed up my life! In 200 I was charged with assault on a person hat had been harassing me for months with threatening phone calls, voicemails, and stalking me at my place of residence. The young lady came over to my apartment and when I opened the door she barged in with a knife and attacked me. My mother and I called the police but she claimed that I stabbed her. So I was placed in jail for three weeks and charges with felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. My mother hired Jeff Buckwald to represent me and he urged me to plead guilty. I was 18 years old and scared out of my mind because I did not want to go back to jail. So I plead guilty following my attorneys orders and was convicted. The only thing he was concerned with was getting more money from me. I was young, naive and did not know what I was getting myself into. Now I have been living with a criminal record all this time and my chances of ever getting a decent job or place to live have been ruined. Do not hire this attorney if you want to be represented fairly.
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09 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
I seek this lawyer advise and legal support about a criminal charge I trusted his advise to wait to hear from the county the issue took place after a year the issue came to haunt me and he kept saying not to worry
Because of the careless way he handled my criminal issue I am about to lose my job , my good name is in between the lines in other words am about to lose my life . I wish he could have been honest and tell me to seek legal counseling somewhere else because he did not know how to handle my case
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13 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
Very disappointed with Steve, I paid him and he did nothing to even attempt to win a divorce case for me. He never returned calls or stated that he never got messages from me at all. Unless he was receiving money he would simply sit on it and do nothing. This WILL be reported to the State Bar Association POSSIBLLY have him return all of our money paid to him to apply towards another attorney.
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03 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
This is the worst law attorney/ car accident attorney ever. After getting into a car accident almost two years ago. Nothing has been done , excuse after excuse. Never calls me back and the other attorney always comes up with excuse as to why this isn't over. I would call and Valencia and she would say oh your case is going to court, next few weeks they have gave my case to another law's office without me agreeing to letting another attorney taking my case. They knew after a few weeks of taking my case if this was going to be harder. I guess I can say Shaun Naidoo runs when things get hard , this was my first accident, and the experience with someone hitting me head on and the attorney running too as been frustrating. I will be talking to the bar Association because they gave my case to someone else without contacting me to even ask me if i wanted somone else. I've never even had a sit down with Shaun Naidoo. Run before he bells out on you.
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What a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Do for You
A criminal defense lawyer provides legal representation to individuals or organizations accused of criminal conduct. If you're facing criminal charges, a defense lawyer will work to protect your rights, build a defense strategy, and ensure you receive a fair trial. Their primary goal is to reduce or dismiss charges, secure an acquittal, or negotiate a favorable plea deal.
Criminal defense lawyers have extensive knowledge of criminal law and court procedures. They investigate your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence, and represent you in court, ensuring that you have the best possible defense.
When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
It’s crucial to hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible if you are facing any criminal charges. Some situations in which you should seek legal representation include:
- Arrest or police questioning: If you've been arrested or are under investigation, hiring a lawyer early on can prevent self-incrimination and protect your rights during police questioning.
- Felony charges: Crimes such as murder, assault, drug trafficking, or robbery carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences. A defense lawyer is essential in these cases.
- Misdemeanor charges: Even for less serious offenses like DUI, theft, or simple assault, a lawyer can help reduce penalties, negotiate alternatives to jail, or get charges dismissed.
- Plea negotiations: If you’re considering a plea bargain, a lawyer can evaluate the deal, advise you on its consequences, and negotiate for more favorable terms.
- Probation or parole violations: If you’ve been accused of violating probation or parole, a lawyer can defend you against additional penalties or revocation.
- Juvenile offenses: For minors charged with criminal acts, a criminal defense lawyer can protect their future by minimizing legal repercussions or keeping the case in juvenile court.
What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?
Criminal defense lawyers provide comprehensive legal services to protect their clients’ rights throughout the criminal justice process. Their duties include:
- Case evaluation and investigation: Reviewing the evidence, interviewing witnesses, and investigating the facts to develop a strong defense strategy.
- Legal advice: Advising you on your rights, the charges you’re facing, and potential defense strategies, including whether to take a plea deal or go to trial.
- Negotiating plea bargains: Working with prosecutors to negotiate a plea deal that could reduce charges or minimize penalties.
- Court representation: Representing you in all court hearings, including bail hearings, pretrial motions, trials, and sentencing hearings.
- Filing motions: Filing motions to dismiss charges, suppress evidence, or reduce bail, depending on the specifics of your case.
- Trial preparation and defense: Preparing a defense strategy and presenting arguments, evidence, and witnesses during trial to contest the prosecution's case.
- Appeals: If you are convicted, a defense lawyer can appeal the conviction or sentence, arguing errors in the trial process or legal rulings.
How Are Criminal Defense Lawyers Paid?
Criminal defense lawyers generally charge clients in one of three ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Payment structures include:
- Flat fee: For straightforward cases (e.g., minor misdemeanors), some lawyers charge a one-time flat fee that covers all aspects of the defense.
- Hourly rate: For more complex or ongoing cases, lawyers may charge by the hour, with rates varying based on the lawyer’s experience and geographic location.
- Retainer fee: In cases where extensive work is expected, the client may pay a retainer fee upfront. The lawyer then bills against that retainer for their work on the case.
The cost of criminal defense services can vary greatly, so it’s important to discuss fees during your initial consultation.
How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer depends on several factors, including the severity of the charges, the complexity of the case, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost guidelines are:
- Misdemeanor cases: For relatively minor offenses, such as a DUI or petty theft, a flat fee may range from $1,500 to $5,000.
- Felony cases: More serious charges, such as assault or drug trafficking, can range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the complexity and duration of the case.
- Hourly rates: For cases billed by the hour, lawyers may charge anywhere from $150 to $500 or more per hour, depending on their expertise and the case's location.
- Additional expenses: You may also be responsible for other costs, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, or the cost of private investigators.
Be sure to clarify the lawyer’s fee structure and any potential additional costs during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Before hiring a criminal defense lawyer, you’ll want to ensure that they’re a good fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask:
-
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.
