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18 Sep, 2024 by Zoryana blunt
I gave Tiffany a quick call to inquire about some traffic tickets and she was able to quickly gather details, assess my issue and gave me a realistic view of whether or not services will be beneficial; also transparent about fees. Even though my needs did not warrant her services, the information she provided sent me on the proper course of action for which I am appreciative!
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04 Sep, 2024 by Jd hill
Tiffany is incredibly responsive and effective. I especially liked that she included "skin in the game" in our contract, making part of her compensation contingent on winning. I also was very impressed that she runs her practice independently. I only talked directly with her and never to a paralegal. I highly recommend DeBruin Law!
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19 Aug, 2024 by Caterina evangelista
Ms. DeBruin was excellent. We retained her 5 days before my hearing for child custody and child support, I have an inter-jurisdictional case. Atty. DeBruin worked diligently, rapidly and accurately and eloquently represented me at the hearing. She kept in communication with me and sympathized with my situation. If I have another family case in Michigan, I will retain her again.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
My experience with Mr. Nichols was very professional. He made me feel comfortable and was motivational throughout my entire experience. Straight forward and good recommendations on what I was going through. Would highly recommend!
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23 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Mr. Nichols recently represented me on an OWI 2nd offense. He worked tirelessly to reduce my charge to an OVWI and eliminate my other charges. I was facing jail time, but with his advice, I was sentenced to probation and sobriety court only. He also went out of his way to make my family feel comforted and involved in the legal process. Overall, an amazing lawyer and an even better man. This should be your first choice in an attorney.
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22 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Mr. Nichols put his heart and soul into my son’s case, gave him sound advice, and treated us with respect. He went the extra mile at every twist and turn we encountered. Mr. Nichols exceeded my every expectation and our family will forever be grateful for his remarkable representation.
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05 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
We appreciated the excellent service the lawyer Ying Beher provided. It all went smoothly, and we eventually had our immigrant status successfully transferred. Recommend her service !!
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25 Jan, 2020 by Taufiq
She is very friendly and knowledgeable in her field. She responded quickly to my emails for the appointment. At the meeting she explained what to do and even after approaching to give her some consultation fee she politely denied.
I would refer her to friends and family in any of their need.
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27 May, 2019 by Anonymous
Ms. Beher immediately responded to my message/e-mail and offered advice regarding my response to a question on my application form for free! It was very convenient. She was very willing to help without any delays. I would recommend her to anyone looking for quick help with naturalization matters that do not require extensive amount of work.
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30 Jan, 2023 by Kevin
I actually chose to hire Brian based on the reviews I found on Avvo. Brian helped guide me through a four-year journey into the Character and Fitness process, including preparing my application to face all of my issues head-on. At every hearing, Brian showed up extremely well-prepared, knew the facts of my case and even found helpful things in my file that I had overlooked or forgotten about. He was a zealous advocate at my hearings and the end result was admission to the State Bar. Thank you for everything Brian, I don't think it would have been possible without your representation and counseling.
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25 Oct, 2021 by Ross
I wouldn't be an attorney today without Brian Laxton's assistance through the character and fitness process. It is not an exaggeration to say that Michigan has one of the most difficult and stressful licensure processes in the United States. Brian knew exactly what to do, the finer details of the process, and how to best present my case to both the district and standing committees. Once we prevailed at the standing committee Brian also successfully petitioned the board of law examiners to preserve my bar exam score. This was a particularly big relief since my obligations to the national guard and a major wrist surgery left me with less than a month to prepare for the July exam. If you have to go through the character and fitness process in Michigan, I highly recommend hiring Brian Laxton.
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11 Mar, 2021 by John
Brian was referred to me by a very good friend and fellow attorney. I had some rather serious character and fitness issues when I applied to the bar during a very difficult period in my life. Brian was a good friend during this time as well as a counselor. He thoroughly prepared me for both the district and standing committee hearings. He was vigilant throughout the whole process and ultimately helped me to be approved for membership to the State Bar of Michigan. Brian has been involved in helping with professional licensing issues for several years and is an expert with this process. His rates are very reasonable and his track record speaks for itself. I highly recommend him for any professional license issues that you may have.
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06 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
I have had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Abood for several years so I was well aware of his work ethic, intelligence, and commitment. He handled my case seemingly without effort, and all the while assured me with confidence and positivity. I felt like I was in extremely capable hands. When I visited his office I was greeted by a friendly and helpful team. I am very satisfied with the outcome.
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25 Sep, 2017 by Michael
Andrew Abood saved my life. When he didn’t have the best answer possible, he reached out to the person who knew. He worked vigilantly to help my case work out the way it did. The best Christmas present I’ve ever had was when Andrew called me where I was detained and asked a question that could have easily waited until the holiday was over. His confidence instilled confidence in me, especially when I was down. He is the man for the job from coast to coast and will always be my family.
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16 Sep, 2017 by David
Little more than 25 years ago I walked into Andrews office with a some what complicated land deal / sub contract dispute. Well in a matter of days Andrew had the dispute resolved with both parties satisfied and relationship intact. Over the next 25 years he has helped me with numerous conflicts including business, Divorce, Estate, property and yes, DUI. I have always felt like we came out on top in every case. I have always referred my friends and family to him. I can honestly say that walking into his office that day was one of the best business / personal decisions I ever made.
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02 Oct, 2018 by Michelle
Karen was referred to me by another attorney that does not handle criminal law. That in itself speaks volumes as a trusted member in the legal community. She was able to keep me from seeing the inside of the court room and a criminal charge off my record. The communication before and after my court date was beyond amazing also. Her excellent counsel was very much appreciated and kept things in perspective during a somewhat stressful situation.
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04 Aug, 2017 by Rick
I am almost fifty years old and have never had a run in with the law. I had a momentary lapse of better judgement and was facing six months in jail at the behest of the complaintent which I had never met in my life. Long story short, attorney Karen Phillips was able to work with me and the county prosecutor to resolve the the case to all parties satisfaction.
I would highly recommend Ms. Karen Phillips as an attorney for anyone who is facing a criminal offense. She is very professional and effective and will treat one with the utmost respect.
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20 Apr, 2017 by Levi
I had a very serious case in which jail time was on the table and had Karen not been my lawyer, I couldn't have said that I wouldn't serve time. I was facing two felonies and a misdemeanor. Her experience and knowledge was a must with my case and her work ethic for me was next to none. She's very easy to talk to and someone that's very genuine, honest, trustworthy, and understanding. In a tough time Karen was there for me and my situation and was willing to work with me as my main residence is out of state, in California. When it was all said and done she worked out a deal that handed me probation with no jailtime and essentially my life back. What was such a hard case and even harder time, she always gave me the peace of mind. I wouldn't do it again without Karen. THANKS KAREN!
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17 Apr, 2017 by Stacy
Being in a gay marriage and undocumented at the time, I was both excited but extremely apprehensive about the immigration process. It can be a pretty stressful experience to say the least!
Azin is the best immigration attorney I could have asked for. Despite a few delays on my end, Azin was extremely patient, understanding and an absolute professional. But what sets her above is her ability to empathize (as an immigrant herself) and the genuine compassion that she shows for her clients. After the first meeting, I knew I was in good hands and it proved to be true. I successfully received my green card without any issue, all thanks to Azin.
I highly recommend Ms. Arbab.
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30 Sep, 2016 by Sanaz
Our case was about fiance (k1) visa , im living in india and my fiance stays in usa because of that I felt may everything not going through in my way but she has been beside of us with useful advise and helpful informations which she provides for us about all of our doubt and questions , she made all the tough way more easier and I got my visa even earlier than expected time
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27 Jul, 2016 by Phillip
Azin guided me and my wife to file a fiance visa (K-1) successfully. She was very clear and orderly with all the steps and procedures and made sure that we had everything the officers needed. After the visa was approved she also advised us through the legal procedures for marriage in the state of Michigan.
She also gave us specific guidelines for filling all the paperwork needed for my wife's green card. The officers had everything they needed and more thanks to her sound advice. We are very grateful for her work, it would have been very challenging not having her service. She has good communication skills and is very professional.
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21 Jun, 2022 by Nicki
I hired Barnet to do my divorce, he make the process super simple for me. He handled all of the paperwork and when it came to court, he just had me sign the papers and we were done! I recommend him to anyone who is looking for an attorney.
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06 Mar, 2020 by Alexis
Barnet is the best attorney you will ever have.
He has a huge heart and is always there for
You. He helped me through my divorce and FOC and was always there. He is amazing in the courtroom as well. I would recommend him to anyone.
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09 Apr, 2019 by Maricella
Awesome lawyer, really helped my court process go smoothly. Definitely would recommend him to anyone going through unfortunate situations like myself.
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11 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
I recently had the pleasure of working with Ben from Ben Hall Law, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. Ben was extremely knowledgeable, professional, and patient. They took the time to understand my needs. I highly recommend Ben and Ben Hall Law.
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08 Nov, 2022 by Edgar c
Mr. Hall is the best attorney you can hire, especially if you have a difficult case. His experience as former police and prosecutor provides him with a full panorama of the other parties' perspectives and gives him a great advantage over other defense attorneys.
Ben is not only a very experienced attorney and highly knowledgeable of the law (as it would be expected), but most importantly, treats you as a human whose life could literally could be on his hands. You are not a bill or just another client. Thus, goes above and beyond even to a personal level to defend you.
There are no words to describe what Ben did. We faced a difficult trial with all odds against me. From complainant and police lying, not preserving evidence, to a judge not being impartial and obstaculizing every step. However, Ben was always anticipating every potential roadblock or scenario. He was extremely prepared, very strategic and aggressive when he needed to be. He never let the court intimidate him despite how difficult that district court is.
From the very beginning, Ben was always looking at all potential alternatives and solutions with backup plans to be ahead of the game.
Ben was always available for me, clearly and transparently communicating status, strategy, challenges and next steps.
There are no words to describe the effort, energy and motivation he put into my case to defend me. The best decision I made was to switch from another attorney and retain Mr. Hall.
I am truly thankful of what he did to get a positive outcome. He did his best until the very last minute.
I'm very thankful to him
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23 Dec, 2021 by Stephanie
I had spent the last few weeks attempting to get a title signed/lien released by the selling party with whom we’d purchased a vehicle. This was going nowhere until Ben got involved. A few phone calls later and they were ready to sign that evening! Ben was knowledgable -informing me of our options and likely outcomes, he was professional, and he was timely.
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06 Jun, 2019 by Claiborne
The court appointed Kelly to me and she did a fantastic job representing me and having my voice heard. My felony got dropped to only a misdemeanor and it won't be on my record thanks to her. She truly saved my life and I'm forever grateful for her and her commitment to her job.
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05 Dec, 2018 by Frank
I would think that one of the hardest things for a public defender is to balance the need to protect the rights of the client while, at the same time, recommending a plea which will result in the best outcome for the defendant. My son suffers from a mental illness, and was not aware of his circumstances when he became involved in a physical confrontation with a Sherif's department, resulting in being charged with a misdemeanor of Attempted Assault of a Police Officer. Kelly recognized this and was able to guide my son to a plea of "No Contest", knowing full well that he would not have a favorable chance with a jury trial should he plead "Not Guilty" as my son was wont to do. In this way, not only was the Judge and Prosecutor able to compassionately place the defendant on a 2 year probation program, inclusive of following a Community Mental Health recovery program, my son felt that he was not being forced to plead "Not Guilty" to the events of an evening that he can not fully recollect. I would highly recommend Kelly not only for her legal knowledge, but more importantly for her ability to recognize what is best for her client and possessing the ability to achieve this in a very delicate courtroom setting.
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06 Jun, 2018 by Jermaine
I would like to say that I would recommend Kelly Fletcher to all my friends and family that is in need of any legal issue..she was very professional and I could not ask for a better lawyer for doing my chapter 7 bankruptcy..
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27 Jan, 2023 by Jackie hughes
Jasmine,
She was the most responsible and trustworthy attorney. She is organized always ready for court. I enjoy her as a person and well versed in all areas of the law.
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26 Jan, 2023 by Nikki
Jasmine is very responsive and patient. She's understanding of the law and works very hard for her clients to also understand. Great work ethic! Highly recommend.
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01 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
Going through a custody battle was tough and when I needed to hire someone and a consultation, I reached out to Jasmine. She reviewed my case and gave me great legal advice. We ended up settling out of court, but due to her family law knowledge I was able to negotiate a custody order that protected my children and was fair. I would use her again for any family law matter I find myself in,
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24 Jan, 2021 by Tom wolff
19 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired attorney Koenig on a criminal matter. She sat me down and explained my statutory crime, the criminal process I was facing, along with potential options to explore.
Attorney Koenig guided me through the system and the fear I first faced, vanished, because I just knew I was in excellent and professional hands.
Needless to say, I was given the best possible outcome and the fee was unbelievable.
I referred attorney Koenig to a friend of mine on a non-criminal matter and she was very satisfied with her case as well.
I would recommend attorney Koenig to anyone and everyone.
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28 Mar, 2019 by Karla forrest
22 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
I received Braxton's card from a friend shortly after I was arrested for a DUI offense. I left him a message and he returned my call immediately. This was my second DUI, so I was very nervous that I would end up in jail for some period of time. Braxton was able to keep me from serving any time, and my fines were less than I expected. Throughout the entire process Braxton made sure that I was kept up to date on the progress of my case, significantly more so than the court appointed attorney I used for my first DUI. I have and would recommend using him to any of my friends.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Yiwen li
Amy is one of the best immigration lawyers I worked with. For the following reasons:
She cares deeply: Many immigration firms see immigrants as just another case or another workload, but behind every immigrant, there is a unique story. Amy sees this, she cares for her clients and their dreams, and she tries her best to help them achieve their immigration goals.
She is very knowledgeable and experienced in what she does: especially for the categories that need deep skill and expertise, such as O1, NIW etc. She understands the regulation, keeps up to date with changes, and pays attention to the nuances. She also tailors solutions for every case based on everyone’s different situation.
She has a strong sense of justice, and not afraid to discuss with the authorities and stand up for her clients to do what is best for them.
I recommend Amy to anyone who seeks a knowledge, capable immigration lawyer who cares, to be alongside their immigration journey.
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26 Jul, 2024 by Manal rahman
She is an amazing lawyer! She solved an extremely complicated case for us and was able to expedite the processing of our case in unprecedented time. We are so thankful to have found her and would recommend her for any and all immigration related questions!
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17 Jul, 2024 by Monica valle
After getting a recommendation to Amy's office for my particularly time-sensitive O-1B petition, Adriana Klemish, Associate Attorney, filed my petition to the government in record time. Adriana has truly mastered the art of the legal narrative, taking my experience and qualifications and translating them into an airtight legal case, which was quickly approved. She fully went above and beyond to understand the complexities of my field to best represent me.
I cannot recommend Adriana and Amy's office enough. The attention to detail, knowledge, and professionalism have left a lasting impression, and I am beyond happy to recommend them to anyone needing immigration law support. I would not go anywhere else!
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24 Jan, 2021 by Tom wolff
28 Mar, 2019 by Karla forrest
14 Aug, 2024 by Kristie ball
My experience with The Nichols Law firm was nothing short of amazing. They kept me updated and informed and gave great advice on making my experience the best it could be. Thank you!
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15 Jul, 2024 by Karolyn riggs
Mr. Nichols and his team saved my life in a recent criminal case. They not only met standard goals of keeping me informed and making sure I understood the next step. They made me feel like I was a part of a family who had my back through a painstaking process in my life. If it wasn't for him and his team, I don't know if we would have gotten the verdict we did, so it was a blessing being represented by Mr. Nichols.
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05 Jun, 2024 by Brent
Mike is the guy you want in your corner. Incredibly responsive day or night, truly cares about his clients, and all-around great guy. Extremely fair billing and worth every penny.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Kristie ball
My experience with The Nichols Law firm was nothing short of amazing. They kept me updated and informed and gave great advice on making my experience the best it could be. Thank you!
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19 Jul, 2024 by Thurman
Jackee from the very first time I talked to him comforted and reassured me that my case was very winnable. Like most I wasn’t understanding the legal jargon jackee helped explain the laws and came up with a game plan that ultimately helped me win my case. I’m very happy to have went with jackee as my lawyer and would recommend him to anyone that needed legal counsel he’s a great lawyer and person.
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15 Jul, 2024 by Karolyn riggs
Mr. Nichols and his team saved my life in a recent criminal case. They not only met standard goals of keeping me informed and making sure I understood the next step. They made me feel like I was a part of a family who had my back through a painstaking process in my life. If it wasn't for him and his team, I don't know if we would have gotten the verdict we did, so it was a blessing being represented by Mr. Nichols.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Kristie ball
My experience with The Nichols Law firm was nothing short of amazing. They kept me updated and informed and gave great advice on making my experience the best it could be. Thank you!
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15 Jul, 2024 by Karolyn riggs
Mr. Nichols and his team saved my life in a recent criminal case. They not only met standard goals of keeping me informed and making sure I understood the next step. They made me feel like I was a part of a family who had my back through a painstaking process in my life. If it wasn't for him and his team, I don't know if we would have gotten the verdict we did, so it was a blessing being represented by Mr. Nichols.
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05 Jun, 2024 by Brent
Mike is the guy you want in your corner. Incredibly responsive day or night, truly cares about his clients, and all-around great guy. Extremely fair billing and worth every penny.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Kristie ball
My experience with The Nichols Law firm was nothing short of amazing. They kept me updated and informed and gave great advice on making my experience the best it could be. Thank you!
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15 Jul, 2024 by Karolyn riggs
Mr. Nichols and his team saved my life in a recent criminal case. They not only met standard goals of keeping me informed and making sure I understood the next step. They made me feel like I was a part of a family who had my back through a painstaking process in my life. If it wasn't for him and his team, I don't know if we would have gotten the verdict we did, so it was a blessing being represented by Mr. Nichols.
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05 Jun, 2024 by Brent
Mike is the guy you want in your corner. Incredibly responsive day or night, truly cares about his clients, and all-around great guy. Extremely fair billing and worth every penny.
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25 Aug, 2024 by Yeet yeet
Don't hire this guy or his people. They won't help you, will make fraudulent charges to make you pay more. He knew nothing about my case. And he costed me 30,000. Now I'm having to represent myself. I could never get him to show up at the office or call me back, it was always his slimball Noah that ran the office. Lucas didn't even know anything about my case. The office will set up appointments for Lucas to call and talk to you or will set up meetings and Lucas never calls, emails or show up for the meetings. You can have all the evidence in front of them. And they look the other way. A bunch of thieves they all are.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Griffsteph1
You represented a family member, but now we know it was the worst mistake we could’ve made hiring this firm! He has no ethics, violated constitutional rights repeatedly and he was disciplined for something from the attorney grievance associations. How you’re still working with people that need help is absurd. You should be held accountable for your actions. You can only do this for so long before you’re taken care of.
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14 Jun, 2024 by Robert milton
14 Sep, 2024 by Rahul andra
Good and solid man, very polite and great demeanor. Doesn't over-promise and is pragmatic on the situation however will do his best to ensure that the desired outcome is achieved.
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13 Aug, 2024 by Eric curtis
Doyle Law P.C. did an awesome job of helping us to set up our trust. They helped us to think through the issues and questions we would not have known about on our own.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Kenji steakster
Had an unfortunate alcohol related incident, and was referred to Peter from a friend that went through something similar saying he's the best. At the end of it all, I can confidently say, he had my best interests at the forefront the entire time. I truly appreciate the lengths he took to ensure all my little stipulations were checked off, and even after all was said and done he continued to offer his services to me to make sure I stay on the up and up. I'm going to make sure this incident never happens again, but if it does, I know who I'm going to contact. Thanks again Peter for helping me through this very difficult situation. 10/10 would recommend for your court needs.
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12 Jul, 2024 by Heather hosey
Katie Gabel was excellent, she got the best possible outcome for me. She explained everything so I knew what to expect and made me feel comfortable and confident in her skills. Thank you Katie!
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22 Jun, 2024 by Nate
Professional scamer. Bills for things not done, prolongs cases, not Professional, rude, does not respond, forgets everything, and spends more time threatening and trying to drop clients. Wife with no law degree was able to finish right after Lyke drops us. She allowed other side to turn in false documents and will believe other side before her own client. STAY CLEAR!!!
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17 Jan, 2024 by It’s me
I am very impressed with Lyke Law! Kristina is a fighter and has won many awards. She is professional, pays attention to detail, and aggressively fights for her clients! She helped me and went above and beyond to fight in court. I highly recommend her services!
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03 Aug, 2024 by Nate socia
Had me send my stuff for the case over then ghosted me. Refused to answer my follow up calls.
I've seen these guys do great work before but that was when I was working in the courts and I watched them work for the high class of Lansing.
They're great if your the rich and elite but if your a normal person, they don't respect you enough to even follow through in basic communication.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Kevin majan
Called here and the guy who I talked to was so unprofessional ended up hanging up on me. Mam up!
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18 Jul, 2024 by Mary ann eyde daly
03 Aug, 2024 by Nate socia
Had me send my stuff for the case over then ghosted me. Refused to answer my follow up calls.
I've seen these guys do great work before but that was when I was working in the courts and I watched them work for the high class of Lansing.
They're great if your the rich and elite but if your a normal person, they don't respect you enough to even follow through in basic communication.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Kevin majan
Called here and the guy who I talked to was so unprofessional ended up hanging up on me. Mam up!
Read more
18 Jul, 2024 by Mary ann eyde daly
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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.
