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05 Jun, 2024 by Cayetano rocha
Hoy le quiere dar gracias a Miguel Duarte por ayudarme en un caso que fui inocente me ayudó mucho I gano mi caso es un buen abogado I muy bueno habla español I inglés 100 por ciento recomendado
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17 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
I am a well regarded criminal defense attorney myself, but I was arrested for battery on a police officers and resisting arrest with force and violence. I immediately knew who to call, Miguel Duarte. Miguel worked up my case and did a suberp job handling the delicate nature of my case given my status as a criminal defense attorney myself. He managed to get me diversion, treatment, and a dismissal. Bravo counselor, you earned this review. You are truly a lawyer’s lawyer!
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03 Feb, 2021 by Rob rivera
04 Feb, 2013 by Luis
i hiigher recomended Evangelina Malhotra, she is outstanding lawyer very knowledgeable, responsable and profesional . she handled my case very profesional and always did the best for me.
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24 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
Ms. Malhotra has brilliantly advocated for my family and me in a shocking and difficult divorce. She has been incredibly conscientious and responsive and at the same time creative and insightful , helping me deal with the changing situation, always with the future outcome in mind. My assets are modest and the marriage was very long and yet Ms. Malhotra has brought her broad knowledge to bear on all the issues from financial to domestic violence , attending to every detail that might be significant to a good outcome. I cannot more highly recommend her work.
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05 Dec, 2012 by Raquel villanueva
I just was to Thank you with all my heart I saw the good heart in you from the very start. After hiring lawyer after lawer for my case that seemed to go no where I had almost lost hope. Then I found you Eva Juarez Malhorta you completely changed my life for ever. You handled my case with all the perfect elements. Your cutting edge expertise on legal matters along with the integrity and honesty made the outcome of my case a success! Thank you !! To all my friends and family Eva Juarez Malhotra is our Family Attorney
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10 Jun, 2022 by Norma
El me hiso todo el proceso de mi residencia,fue un proceso de mucho papeleo pero balio la pena ahora ya tengo mi residencia.
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20 Sep, 2021 by Jesee
how i got my Ex lover back after a divorced by the help of DR NCUBE a marriage/relationship specialist. contact him if you need help WHATSAPP DR NCUBE ON +2348155227532
his email is.....
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20 Sep, 2021 by Elizabeth
Excellent lawyer and a very professional team thank you for you helping me until I have my permanent residents.
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02 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
I am extremely satisfied with my Trust Creation with Ms. Zamora. She was able to explain the whole process simply and was even knowledgeable on real estate law to assist me in the creation of my plans. I felt very comfortable knowing I was in trusted hands. I will be recommending her to anyone looking to create a trust or estate planning!
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17 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
I am very grateful to the licensed Patricia Zamora. Not only is she wise in her craft, but she cares about her clients as well... and that is often hard to find. Both her and her assistants provided excellent customer service and helped me to great extents.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Jorja caterina
Hussein was very helpful & responsive with handling my case. I really appreciate what he's done to help me out
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13 Sep, 2024 by Emily morales
Hussein was professional and knew exactly how to handle everything. He got me my settlement a lot sooner than I expected. He handled everything and got me the most I could get. Thank you Hussein!
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08 Sep, 2024 by Edwin reyes
Hussein help me a lot in my car accident case. I didn't have to move a finger. He did all the work for me. He got the me most money and He was always available for any questions or concerns that I had. Highly recommended. Thank you for all your help.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Jorja caterina
Hussein was very helpful & responsive with handling my case. I really appreciate what he's done to help me out
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13 Sep, 2024 by Emily morales
Hussein was professional and knew exactly how to handle everything. He got me my settlement a lot sooner than I expected. He handled everything and got me the most I could get. Thank you Hussein!
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08 Sep, 2024 by Edwin reyes
Hussein help me a lot in my car accident case. I didn't have to move a finger. He did all the work for me. He got the me most money and He was always available for any questions or concerns that I had. Highly recommended. Thank you for all your help.
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18 Jul, 2024 by Michele
Professional lawyers. Friendly paralegals. Hardworking staff.
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12 Jul, 2024 by Miguel garibay
Best Lawyer in town, got into a car accident, they jumped right away on the case and got it solved quick. Got my money and my vehicle fixed. Don’t hesitate to give them a call.
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16 May, 2024 by Zaida jimenez
Muchas gracias Patrick por el caso de Jose. Mi hijo esta de vuelta en casa y sin ningun cargo. Eres el mejor abogado en casos criminales. Dios los vendiga a ustedes y su familia.
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18 Jul, 2024 by Michele
Professional lawyers. Friendly paralegals. Hardworking staff.
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12 Jul, 2024 by Miguel garibay
Best Lawyer in town, got into a car accident, they jumped right away on the case and got it solved quick. Got my money and my vehicle fixed. Don’t hesitate to give them a call.
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16 May, 2024 by Zaida jimenez
Muchas gracias Patrick por el caso de Jose. Mi hijo esta de vuelta en casa y sin ningun cargo. Eres el mejor abogado en casos criminales. Dios los vendiga a ustedes y su familia.
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27 Feb, 2019 by E. vasquez
Luz is one of the most brilliant Immigration Attorneys in Southern California. She has helped me multiple times in Immigration and Criminal Law. I highly recommend her
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02 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
she's able to response at a faster time and acceptable opinion. Yet even in a holiday she got time to answer my question. I thank her so much. Happy New Year.
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03 Feb, 2016 by Beatriz
Her hard work, help, kindness and support made my immigration process fast and easy. It was a pleasure to meet and work with her; she is a wonderful person and very smart attorney. I will highly recommend her to my friends and family if they ever need an attorney.
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21 Oct, 2023 by Glenn lee
20 Oct, 2023 by Hario vasquez (a better tomorrow edu)
My mother has been attempting to work on a conservatorship for my brother but had a tough time finding the correct attorney to take the case. When I called Matias Flores Law Firm I was immediately impressed by the quick follow up and attention to detail they had. The initial meeting went well, beyond any expectation I had and the case was processed and completed to perfection. My family and I are thankful for Matias and his team!
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22 Sep, 2023 by Mfl lga
28 May, 2024 by Iliana flores
An incredible team work from all of them. Lucille returned every email, txt message and phone calls. Very professional and Mr. Nilan actually showed up to every appointment with us not like my previous lawyer who did nothing for helping me and I only spend thousand of dollar for nothing.
My case wasn’t easy and my previous lawyer did nothing for me. Mr. Nilan was there on top of everything since the consultation phone call.
Thank You to the Nilan Law Team for taking my case. I recommend him 100%
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04 Jan, 2024 by Juan ortiz
Working with Mr. Nilan and his staff has been the worst experience of my life. I hired him to help me get visitation rights with my kids, and everything was going well until my ex-wife filed a restraining order, lying about almost everything. I was never properly served, but there was a hearing date that I was supposed to attend, but Mr. Nilan and his assistant at the time told me not to go because I wasn't properly served. I kept calling and emailing Xochitl, asking if I should attend the hearing, and she consistently responded with the same response: "No, because this is not valid, you weren't properly served. I followed instructions not to attend the hearing. My ex-wife was granted a restraining order, and a week later, I received a package from Mr. Nilan's office with the details of the order, including the inability to see my kids, call them, or do anything else for three and a half years. This got me thinking, how is this possible if they said it wasn't valid? I called Xochil'd right away to find out what was going on, and she said she was going to ask Mr. Nilan and would get back to me when she eventually did. Mr. Nilan said he believes he has a strong case and can get the restraining order lifted, but he will require $3500.
I informed her that money wouldn't be a problem if he would have resolved the matter at the hearing and then charged me for his services. I was shocked to hear this and asked her why you guys had advised me not to attend the hearing when it could have been avoided from the start. However, he allowed the court to rule that my ex-wife may say anything she wanted to. I was so angry that I didn't contact Mr. Nilan's office for over a month.
After I had calmed down, I contacted Xochilt and asked if we could go to court to resolve this. I didn't realize I had only 30 days to file an appeal and respond to the court regarding the restraining order, so I was shocked to hear that there was nothing more we could do. I spoke with Mr. Nilan directly and asked him why he had let time pass and hadn't taken action if he knew there would be consequences. All he said was that he apologized for his actions, and he had dropped the ball with my case and asked me what it is you want me to do told him, "Let's go to court and try to resolve this. Talk to the judge." When we went to court, he told the judge that it was his fault as well as that he had dropped the ball, but the judge did not seem to care. All he said was that there was a restraining order in place and that he could not make any changes. Mr. Nilan and I returned to court a few more times because, in the opinion of this purportedly experienced attorney, Mr. Nilan had a suggestion for how to handle the situation, but the outcome was the same each time. "YES," he succeeded in getting me to begin therapy so that my two children and I could forge new bonds. Wow! Remarkably, I haven't seen my two children or been able to do anything for the past three years, and I still have one and a half years left. Because of the restraining order, no one wants to assist me with my therapy because they don't want to be involved in any legal issues. If I could give this unprofessional lawyer a zero-star rating, I would advise not working with him because all he cares about is getting your money. Negative five stars is what I would do.
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11 Jan, 2023 by William gomez
I just want to give Thanks to Tim, for being my son's voice at court in a really tough case that lasted 17 months, where Tim was able to win in my son's best interest
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20 Mar, 2014 by Pamela
THIS GUY IS THE EPITOME OF INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL. HE WOULDN'T EVEN CALL MY WITNESSES ON THE PHONE TO SEE IF THEY WERE GOING TO COME TO COURT. I ASKED HIM WHAT EVIDENCE DO THEY HAVE AGAINST ME? KNOWING THERE WAS NONE , HE SAID THE POLICE REPORT. I HAD ALREADY TOLD HIM THE POLICE LIED. IT WAS ON VIDEO, BUT HE DIDN'T REQUEST IT. IF YOU WANT TO STAY OUT OF JAIL, STAY FAR AWAY FROM THIS GUY
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04 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. Kiyohara (whom we call Glen) gave my wife and I a second chance at life. The District Attorney wanted to prosecute for an 8 year maximum prison sentence plus extras. Mr. Kiyohara not only worked with the D.A. to calm her down, but also found a negotiation that no one had heard of and thought was impossible. Police officers and court officials have also been amazed at Mr. Kiyohara's findings. They have declared, in the entirety of their careers, this was the first time they've seen anything like it! Mr. Kiyohara is thorough, precise, and direct. He will not lead a client astray. He is a no nonsense lawyer. He worked with us as if we were his own family. Furthermore, he has represented other members of our family for over 16 years! He is dedicated, loyal, and reasonable. We highly recommend him to any family going through a very difficult situation. He took our case when others literally told us, "Good luck!" and hung up the phone. He will fight for you, keep his head on straight when yours is not, and stand by you and your family the whole way through, and then some. Also, the decision to negotiated was our decision alone. Mr. Kioyhara was prepared to take us through trial if that's what we wanted to do. After Mr. Kiyohara spoke to the judge, we were able to go home and sleep on it (yes he is that good). But because the negotiation was beyond what my wife and I were expecting, it was the best decision for us at the time and still is. I am comfortably home with my wife and children. Words can not express how grateful we are to Mr. Kioyhara and his family. We just hope, in your difficult situation, you will consider allowing him to represent you, too.
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29 Oct, 2012 by Steve k.
Glen Kiyohara represented my son and got a dismissal or in other word, a WIN. Without going into details, this was not an easy case to win, but Glen was confident and knew exactly what to do. I decided to write this review in appreciation for his excellent service.
Glen is likable, he knows the law and he’s quick on his feet. Something you absolutely need if you want to win the favor of the judge and jury. Having used some of the best law firms in California such as Allen Matkins and Sughrue Mion, I can honestly say that Glen is one of the most gifted attorney I've ever met. I strongly recommend him and anyone shopping for an attorney should take advantage of Glen before he becomes too big to be affordable.
Here’s a list of what I observed about Glen’s abilities in trial.
1. He’s always on time. I’ve seen many attorneys running into court late with their ties and collars cricket. This doesn’t win any points with the judge or jury.
2. He looks professional. He’s clean cut and professionally dressed. As silly as this may sound, not all attorneys do look professional. The prosecutor’s attorney looked like he just woke up and could use a haircut.
3. He Knows the facts. He didn’t stutter and he was quick with his responses.
4. He Knows the law. At one point, the Judge was forced to look up the codes to see if Glen was right, and he was.
5. Client comes first. Glen doesn’t talke about anything else other than the case. Glen is all about the Client’s case. Very focused.
6. He’s Respectful. He was always patient with my Son, respectful with the judge and even the prosecutor. He didn't talk over them.
7. Excellent Presentations skills. I think Glen is just gifted in public speaking. When he speaks, it’s easy to understand.
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11 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
Had to fire this Lawyer. He was representing me in my DUI case. He was extremely UNCONFIDENT during the hearings, would make you feel like you are bothering him and taking up his time whenever I had any questions and worries about my case. He was extremely rude to my family members when they would try to get ahold of him for me while I was in custody.
I'm grateful I fired him and looked for an actual lawyer that was going to fight for me and not just play the part.
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01 Dec, 2019 by Nickolas
Jesse Arana is hands down one of the best lawyers to ever grace the ground of this earth. I was lucky enough to have him by my side throughout the entire legal proceedings of my unique case.
I am a military veteran with deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, and found myself in a legal situation because of my reactions brought on from my PTSD and depression disorder. I was facing some pretty serious charges at the time and Jesse was able to manage to get my entire charges diverted to the Military Diversion program, an opportunity that I did not even know existed.
Jesse treated me like a real friend. From the day I stepped into his office, he listened, evaluated the circumstances, was able to offer help and ultimately rode the entire process out by representing me in a court of law to the utmost degree a lawyer possibly could.
Not only did Jesse help me in the courtroom, but Jesse helped me get my life back on track by seeking help through the Veterans Affair offices, advising me on obtaining treatment services, and also guiding me to seek a VA claim, a move that ultimately helped me receive 80% compensation from the Federal Government for my contributions to war.
Jesse is an amazing person, lawyer, father, friend, and all around great person. If you are looking for a lawyer, you do not need to look any further as I can PROMISE you Jesse Arana is the lawyer that you NEED.
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06 Sep, 2018 by Dr cross
Attorney Arana was very helpful and also flexible in his hours to meet and advise. Personable. Clearly intelligent. Approachable. Very thankful for having met him.
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11 Aug, 2022 by Delfino
First, I never expected to be in this situation, because I dedicated my life to my family and wife. After a 22 year marriage, she didn't want to be here anymore. The most difficult thing was for my sons. This was her 2nd marriage, so she understood how to play this game of divorce. I want you to know, Mr. Torices walked me through every step of this process. Honestly, I would have been lost if it wasn't for him. Once you speak to him, you will not need to speak to any other attorney's. I am beyond grateful for his concern of my sons and just genuinely being a person I can speak to when I needed some advice. He is not an attorney who is going to nickel and dime you with any questions you may have. He was always available and responded to my questions within 20 minutes. Who does that? Mr. Torices does, because you are not just a number to him and he genuinely cares for you and your concerns.
My divorce was dragged on, because of the pandemic, but he always kept me updated with everything going on. Eric, was not only my attorney, but now he has become a friend and I consider him family in my life. I have nothing but gratitude for this man. Eric, thank you for everything you worked on. I will leave my number on here, because this is how appreciative I am of him. If you have questions, feel free to call me. A divorce is an unfortunate situation that occurs in our lives, especially if you have dedicated your life to your family. I never would wish this upon anyone, but I wouldn't want any other person for guidance next to me as I went through so many emotions in regards to my divorce. If it is unexpected you will deal with a roller coaster of emotions. He always checked up on me and told me everything would work its way out. He did everything he could and before we made any decisions we discussed the concerns at hand. Thank you! I have referred other friends and people I have met, that are unfortunately dealing with a divorce and have only heard positive comments and people thanking me for referring them to Eric.
Your client & friend,
Delfino Jauregui
(714) 726-3417
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27 Mar, 2021 by Alejandra
I was referred to Eric by a family friend who unfortunately is going through a similar situation. I was completely clueless as to what my rights were as a mother and where I should start, after my ex served me for custody of our son. I called his office and scheduled an appointment. I was seen within a few days. Other attorneys were charging me a $500 consultation fee and didn't even say more than the cost when i would call and always sounded very rushed. Eric was and has been very helpful and transparent throughout the process. Which is what I needed. He also made himself available all the time to answer any question or concern I have. He is very good about keeping me up to date with what's going on during the process. I'm very pleased with the guidance he's provided. Thankfully my ex and I were able to settle out of court, but with the help of Eric I am able to have 90% physical custody and 50% shared legal custody. Keep in mind every case is different but restassure Eric is the man to call. Thank you so much Eric for your guidance. I am eternally grateful.
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25 Sep, 2020 by Jessica
I was referred to Eric Torices back in 2018 when I was first seeking guidance for child custody. I was able to get a meeting with him immediately. I went into his office being completely clueless and walked out feeling at ease and with so much knowledge. He explained to me diligently what might or might not happened with my situation. Unfortunately, my situation took a turn and I had to seek another lawyer with a different scope of practice and he was nice enough to refer me. That went well and my case settled. From time to time any questions or uncertainties I’ve had he was always there to answer with no hesitation. Now, fast-forwarding to 2019 I was sent back to court to modify the visitation and I immediately knew I wanted Eric to represent me. He did not hesitate to meet up with me and agreed to represent me. I felt confident that he was going to not only try to get me what I wanted but at least put up a fight. Eric did not disappoint in the court room. He went into the court room with confidence. His work ethics definitely showed when in court. I definitely recommend Eric to assist you with your case and to know that he will not only try his very best to get you the best outcome possible but guide you throughout the process. Eric has been and continues to be very professional and welcoming. He is very reliable and always available when needed. He is very deserving of the 5 stars and more if possible. I can't thank him enough for what he did for me and I know will do for others as well.
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08 May, 2024 by Gino sesto
Did a phone consult with Richard on how to get a sec. 8 out. After 10yrs struggling with this, Richard found my solution!!
I'm on cloud 9 right now.
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26 Apr, 2024 by Yadira romero
I want to express my most sincere thanks for the most professional representation. You stuck by me through the 3 1/2 years in dealing with my most stressful case. I admire your composure, work ethic and most of all excellent representation. A special thank you to Marilyn for her help and patience. I feel your office went above and beyond and I just want to express my appreciation. Thanks again Richard, Marilyn and Evelyn.
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25 Mar, 2024 by William ponce
19 Mar, 2018 by Jessica
Grant Hoagland was my attorney for a sensitive matter regarding my husband. He not only represented us with the upmost professionalism, but got us a great results. I would recommend this attorney to anyone.
Thank you again Mr. Hoagland
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07 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous
I hired Grant Hoagland for a very critical matter but it was my biggest mistake. I wish if I can turn the clock back again I would never have hired this Attorney. He was 1st ever Attorney in my entire life as I have never been falsely accused & wrongfully convicted before in the past.
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17 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
Handled my case with confidence and an expert like legal knowledge.
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06 Nov, 2023 by V
I have never seen a more unprofessional person in my life. Took over 2 weeks to file paperwork when he said he would do it the next day. The paperwork was filled out incorrectly with many errors! DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY ON THIS SCAMMER OF A ‘LAWYER’
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24 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
I worked with many lawyers, and this one was an anomaly. Unprofessional, condecsending, lazy, dishonest. Came to the hearing unprepared and pissed off the Judge. Derailed the case. You better go to LA Court yourself than rely on his help. Don't waste your money. Does not deserve even 1 star.
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22 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
He is very stern and comes off aggressive but thats exactly what we needed when dealing with social workers and cops. Its very intimidating not knowing your rights and to know we had the support of a professional and anytime we called him was the best lawyer he could be. Me and my husband were very pleased and eternally grateful with his work and we won all of our cases to the best interest of our daughter and our family. You can't go wrong with him.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Do for You
A criminal defense lawyer provides legal representation to individuals or organizations accused of criminal conduct. If you're facing criminal charges, a defense lawyer will work to protect your rights, build a defense strategy, and ensure you receive a fair trial. Their primary goal is to reduce or dismiss charges, secure an acquittal, or negotiate a favorable plea deal.
Criminal defense lawyers have extensive knowledge of criminal law and court procedures. They investigate your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence, and represent you in court, ensuring that you have the best possible defense.
When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
It’s crucial to hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible if you are facing any criminal charges. Some situations in which you should seek legal representation include:
- Arrest or police questioning: If you've been arrested or are under investigation, hiring a lawyer early on can prevent self-incrimination and protect your rights during police questioning.
- Felony charges: Crimes such as murder, assault, drug trafficking, or robbery carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences. A defense lawyer is essential in these cases.
- Misdemeanor charges: Even for less serious offenses like DUI, theft, or simple assault, a lawyer can help reduce penalties, negotiate alternatives to jail, or get charges dismissed.
- Plea negotiations: If you’re considering a plea bargain, a lawyer can evaluate the deal, advise you on its consequences, and negotiate for more favorable terms.
- Probation or parole violations: If you’ve been accused of violating probation or parole, a lawyer can defend you against additional penalties or revocation.
- Juvenile offenses: For minors charged with criminal acts, a criminal defense lawyer can protect their future by minimizing legal repercussions or keeping the case in juvenile court.
What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?
Criminal defense lawyers provide comprehensive legal services to protect their clients’ rights throughout the criminal justice process. Their duties include:
- Case evaluation and investigation: Reviewing the evidence, interviewing witnesses, and investigating the facts to develop a strong defense strategy.
- Legal advice: Advising you on your rights, the charges you’re facing, and potential defense strategies, including whether to take a plea deal or go to trial.
- Negotiating plea bargains: Working with prosecutors to negotiate a plea deal that could reduce charges or minimize penalties.
- Court representation: Representing you in all court hearings, including bail hearings, pretrial motions, trials, and sentencing hearings.
- Filing motions: Filing motions to dismiss charges, suppress evidence, or reduce bail, depending on the specifics of your case.
- Trial preparation and defense: Preparing a defense strategy and presenting arguments, evidence, and witnesses during trial to contest the prosecution's case.
- Appeals: If you are convicted, a defense lawyer can appeal the conviction or sentence, arguing errors in the trial process or legal rulings.
How Are Criminal Defense Lawyers Paid?
Criminal defense lawyers generally charge clients in one of three ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Payment structures include:
- Flat fee: For straightforward cases (e.g., minor misdemeanors), some lawyers charge a one-time flat fee that covers all aspects of the defense.
- Hourly rate: For more complex or ongoing cases, lawyers may charge by the hour, with rates varying based on the lawyer’s experience and geographic location.
- Retainer fee: In cases where extensive work is expected, the client may pay a retainer fee upfront. The lawyer then bills against that retainer for their work on the case.
The cost of criminal defense services can vary greatly, so it’s important to discuss fees during your initial consultation.
How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer depends on several factors, including the severity of the charges, the complexity of the case, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost guidelines are:
- Misdemeanor cases: For relatively minor offenses, such as a DUI or petty theft, a flat fee may range from $1,500 to $5,000.
- Felony cases: More serious charges, such as assault or drug trafficking, can range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the complexity and duration of the case.
- Hourly rates: For cases billed by the hour, lawyers may charge anywhere from $150 to $500 or more per hour, depending on their expertise and the case's location.
- Additional expenses: You may also be responsible for other costs, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, or the cost of private investigators.
Be sure to clarify the lawyer’s fee structure and any potential additional costs during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Before hiring a criminal defense lawyer, you’ll want to ensure that they’re a good fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask:
-
What is your experience with cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has a strong track record with the specific type of criminal charges you’re facing, whether it’s DUI, drug offenses, or violent crimes. -
What is your fee structure?
Ask how the lawyer charges for their services and whether you’ll be responsible for any additional costs. -
What are the potential outcomes of my case?
A good lawyer should provide an honest assessment of your case and the likelihood of dismissal, a plea bargain, or conviction. -
How many cases have you taken to trial?
While many criminal cases settle with a plea deal, it’s important to hire a lawyer with courtroom experience in case your case goes to trial. -
Who will handle my case?
Ask if the lawyer will be personally involved or if other attorneys in the firm will handle most of the work. -
How do you communicate with your clients?
Be clear on how often and through what channels you can expect updates on your case.
How to Check the Credibility of a Criminal Defense Lawyer
To verify the credibility of a criminal defense lawyer, take the following steps:
- Check their standing with the state bar: Confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with your state’s bar association. Look for any past disciplinary actions or complaints.
- Read online reviews and testimonials: Platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google can provide insights from previous clients about the lawyer’s communication, professionalism, and case outcomes.
- Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should have past clients or other professionals who can speak to their competence and work ethic.
- Review their case history: Look at the lawyer’s website or professional profile to see their experience with criminal cases, including high-profile or complex cases.
- Look for trial experience: If your case might go to trial, make sure the lawyer has a strong history of courtroom advocacy and success.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most of your first consultation with a criminal defense lawyer, bring the following:
- Details of your case: Be prepared to provide a detailed account of the charges against you, including any documents related to your arrest, police reports, and court dates.
- Criminal history: If you have any prior criminal convictions, inform your lawyer so they can understand how that may affect your current case.
- List of witnesses or evidence: If there are any potential witnesses or evidence that may support your defense, share this information during the consultation.
- Questions for the lawyer: Prepare questions about their experience, legal strategy, and fees to ensure you understand how they will handle your case.
- Bail or release documents: If you’ve been released on bail, bring any paperwork related to your release conditions or restrictions.
By being well-prepared, you can help your lawyer quickly assess your situation and begin building an effective defense strategy.
