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02 Aug, 2024 by Jennifer
Seeking a divorce attorney was very challenging. I needed an attorney who could work with a complex process. My first attorney failed me - he declined to seek out a VITAL portion of my MSA! Frustrated and spent (one year of time and many dollars wasted), I declined to agree with the substandard MSA, and instead pushed myself to seek better representation. After a long and scrutinizing search, I came across Mandy Caffee's office. I made a phone inquiry and felt very encouraged, so I drove the miles to meet her. Mandy was professional, organized, and kept me encouraged, even as I explained how my first attorney let me down. Mandy understood I lived a distance from her office, so she made sure I could communicate easily with her - she upheld this 110%! After two years, and two attorneys (Mandy Caffee as my 2nd), my divorce was finalized. Mandy was professional, well organized, driven, and fierce. She validated my concerns, dug deep into a newer process (all while being open and honest with the progress), and made sure I wasn't walked on by my ex-spouse. I left the courtroom feeling confident in the new and well improved MSA , as well as my life moving forward. I can't imagine how things would have been if I simply settled with the outcome from my first attorney. Mandy made sure I would thrive independently, so I highly recommend her to others! I am thankful and grateful to Mandy Caffee and her assistant!
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16 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
I was looking at a felony an by the time I hired her an wasn’t even barley in my case they had dropped it to a misdemeanor then when went to court she done a really good job an helped me out a lot if it wasn’t for her I dont know what I would have done I would use her everytime I needed to
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13 Jul, 2023 by Joe
Mandy is the best attorney I've eve met and the last one I will ever hire. She makes everything very easy to understand and get things done as quickly and smoothly as possible. She handled my divorce wonderfully and it didn't cost me an arm and a leg. I would definitely recommend her to anybody I know that needs an attorney.
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16 Feb, 2022 by Kristopher
Little background on why I giving a review for George E. Miller. Two years ago (2020) I was accused of a crime I DID NOT commit. He became my attorney for that case. He went to bat for me, looked at 3000 pages of evidence, 10k+ of messages between the person accusing and myself, Him and his office kept me updated on everything. Mr. Miller even took a fine by the court to make sure he got everything in to help my case.. As not taking any deals the D.A. offered, I took my case to trial.. As the jury came back with a not guilty verdict. I was truly blessed to have an attorney to put in countless hours and believe in me. High quality work, George Miller is not only a great attorney, but he is down to earth. Looks at you as an equal. Never once I ever felt uncomfortable talking to him. He treated me like a friend. Not just a client.
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19 Mar, 2018 by Marcia
George Miller is an incredible attorney who fights for the best interest of his clients. With George as my attorney I was able to win the jury trial, ensuring that the truth prevailed. He is passionate about defending his clients. I highly recommend him and would defiantly hire him again.
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15 Jan, 2018 by Lenny
I have found George E. Miller to be an outstanding criminal defense lawyer, as fine as there is out there. He is very intelligent and dives into all the details of any given case. Very committed he is for sure. I highly recommend George E. Miller and his staff.
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10 Jan, 2021 by Timothy smith
Travis Goetz was my attorney on a revocation, when my day in court came we both felt he had aced it,however we lost, but Travis continued to fight for me, and won my appeal, winning an appeal is VERY RARE....THANKS TO TRAVIS GAETZ IM A FREE MAN!!!
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27 Oct, 2020 by Dc
Very professional made himself available at all times Consulting me via email immediately what the extra mile even when you didn't have to articulate well versed. I want to thank him again doing a great job highly recommend
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25 Sep, 2020 by David
I was given me. Gaetz from the public defenders office, he consolidated two issues into a workable agreement , he explained and I fully accepted. Go for it and give me. Gaetz a opportunity, he knows what he is doing . I win my revicatiin hearing, I repeat I win my revicarion hearing , nit many people do, thanks Travis, his courtroom antics worked out . Thanks again Travis greatly appreciated
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25 Jan, 2016 by Courtney
This was my first experience with being in legal trouble. I had no idea what was going to happen and luckily I sought out the legal help of Sarah. From my first appointment to my last court date, and even a phone call weeks after being release from jail, Sarah was always very supportive. She made sure I was comfortable and knew what was happening every step of the way. I could call or email her with the many questions I had and she would promptly get back to me. Sarah always had my best interest as a priority. I was originally charged with a felony and a misdemeanor, and with the help of Sarah I plead down to 5 counts of a misdemeanor and received only 30 days in jail compared to the years in prison I was facing. If you are looking for someone who will not only fight for what's best for you, but also support and care about you, then you need to choose Sarah Harless!
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28 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
This past year, I was pulled over, arrested and charged with OWI. I've never been in trouble with the law, and I had no experience working with an attorney. Woefully ignorant and inadequate to handle the situation, I hired Sarah Harless as my attorney. Ms. Harless and her colleagues were timely with every important piece of information. When I had questions, she picked up her phone and/or responded via email. No questions were left unanswered, and no concerns were left unresolved. I was made aware of court dates well in advance; there were never any surprises. All happenings were comprehensively documented, filed and copies mailed to me immediately. A life-altering situation such as this should have been 100 times more stressful than it was; Ms. Harless is the reason it was not. In the end, my case was dismissed -- all charges dropped. Without the help of Ms. Harless, this would have been an impossibility; she is the reason for the dismissal. In the courtoom, she was prepared, well spoken, precise and adamant while always being respectful. She was incredibly thorough in her presentation, and spoke of laws, details and facts only a true expert in the field would know to look for and speak on. Ms. Harless never once spoke down to me. She treated me respectfully, and I was never an offender in her eyes. I am forever grateful for this. When I decided to hire an attorney, the process of picking someone to represent my case involved randomly searching Google for attorneys in the area. I landed on Ms. Harless by chance, and I am so thankful that I did.
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19 Dec, 2013 by Jeremy
Harry did a fantastic job on my case. He went the extra mile when most attorneys wouldn't take the time to do so. I felt he truly cared about me and my well being and I really could count on him. Anytime I needed him or his staff they were there or got back to me very quickly. They took the time to get to know me and my case on a personal level and I wasn't "just another file folder in the drawer" If your needing an attorney don't hesitate! Make him your first choice you won't regret it.
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10 May, 2024 by Carol peterka
Michael Cohen did an excellent job in defending my case. The DA in this particular district was very hard to deal with but Michael kept persisting and found lawful ways for the Judge to see in my favor. I was thankful to have him as my attorney.
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30 Apr, 2024 by Travis bass
Mr. Krische represented me. As a retired federal agent out of Arizona I didn’t know who to call. Mathew (although it was the truth) represented me and saved me a lot of trouble. I suggest if needing a defense lawyer that he be the first you call.
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16 Mar, 2024 by Ben bergee
My lawyer Mike Cohen worked very hard to give me the best possible outcome in my court case. I would strongly recommend Cohen Law Offices, LLC to anyone facing a serious sex crime.
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10 May, 2024 by Carol peterka
Michael Cohen did an excellent job in defending my case. The DA in this particular district was very hard to deal with but Michael kept persisting and found lawful ways for the Judge to see in my favor. I was thankful to have him as my attorney.
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30 Apr, 2024 by Travis bass
Mr. Krische represented me. As a retired federal agent out of Arizona I didn’t know who to call. Mathew (although it was the truth) represented me and saved me a lot of trouble. I suggest if needing a defense lawyer that he be the first you call.
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16 Mar, 2024 by Ben bergee
My lawyer Mike Cohen worked very hard to give me the best possible outcome in my court case. I would strongly recommend Cohen Law Offices, LLC to anyone facing a serious sex crime.
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22 Jun, 2024 by Christina dixon
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16 Jan, 2024 by Dyan jones
Awesome service . Very professional and highly recommend. They took the time to explain everything and very patient .
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10 Nov, 2023 by Jeff marsh
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03 May, 2024 by Daniel munkelwitz
I got rear ended and they took care of everything, the other parties insurance, negotiation, medical records. It made the whole process very easy.
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21 Mar, 2024 by Darla
Jay Heit was so friendly and professional, he made this scary experience as pleasant as it could be. I will be forever grateful to him and recommend him whole heartedly. Thank you Jay! Many blessings
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20 Mar, 2024 by Arlowe lee
Very happy guy and very nice to work with! Very understanding and works hard!
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03 May, 2024 by Daniel munkelwitz
I got rear ended and they took care of everything, the other parties insurance, negotiation, medical records. It made the whole process very easy.
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21 Mar, 2024 by Darla
Jay Heit was so friendly and professional, he made this scary experience as pleasant as it could be. I will be forever grateful to him and recommend him whole heartedly. Thank you Jay! Many blessings
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20 Mar, 2024 by Arlowe lee
Very happy guy and very nice to work with! Very understanding and works hard!
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22 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
I can’t say enough great things about Ryan and how he helped me through the whole process of my case. He listened to me, answered all my questions kept me updated on any changes and got back to me when I contacted him. He worked hard on my case and took the time to make sure I was ready and comfortable to go to court. He explained all the steps every step of the way so that I understood what was going on. When we went to court he did an awesome job representing me and keeping me involved with the whole thing. I would recommend Ryan to anyone looking for a lawyer to represent them. You couldn’t ask for a better guy.
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16 May, 2024 by Paul
Ryan is an honest direct lawyer with a good understanding of the law and what it takes to defend you. Ryan did an awesome job in defending me. He was well prepared and ensured I was prepared as well. He was able to get the case quickly dismissed. I would highly recommend Ryan.
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10 May, 2024 by Carol peterka
Michael Cohen did an excellent job in defending my case. The DA in this particular district was very hard to deal with but Michael kept persisting and found lawful ways for the Judge to see in my favor. I was thankful to have him as my attorney.
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03 Jul, 2024 by David zoom
Tnx George for your time sir… I had been calling several law firms b4 I came across George… he was honest and helpful and gave me the best advice to his knowledge… I really appreciate the fact that he did not just brush me off and actually gave me advice and at no charge… Tnx George u r awesome…
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30 Jan, 2024 by Jamie
I’m so glad Erika has been in my life during these troubling times. She is very smart, patient & has always been there for me. I would strongly recommend to anyone.
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13 Dec, 2023 by Brian semingson
She was very professional and really made sure the best interest of my son was the number one goal.
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10 May, 2024 by Carol peterka
Michael Cohen did an excellent job in defending my case. The DA in this particular district was very hard to deal with but Michael kept persisting and found lawful ways for the Judge to see in my favor. I was thankful to have him as my attorney.
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30 Apr, 2024 by Travis bass
Mr. Krische represented me. As a retired federal agent out of Arizona I didn’t know who to call. Mathew (although it was the truth) represented me and saved me a lot of trouble. I suggest if needing a defense lawyer that he be the first you call.
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16 Mar, 2024 by Ben bergee
My lawyer Mike Cohen worked very hard to give me the best possible outcome in my court case. I would strongly recommend Cohen Law Offices, LLC to anyone facing a serious sex crime.
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10 May, 2024 by Carol peterka
Michael Cohen did an excellent job in defending my case. The DA in this particular district was very hard to deal with but Michael kept persisting and found lawful ways for the Judge to see in my favor. I was thankful to have him as my attorney.
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30 Apr, 2024 by Travis bass
Mr. Krische represented me. As a retired federal agent out of Arizona I didn’t know who to call. Mathew (although it was the truth) represented me and saved me a lot of trouble. I suggest if needing a defense lawyer that he be the first you call.
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16 Mar, 2024 by Ben bergee
My lawyer Mike Cohen worked very hard to give me the best possible outcome in my court case. I would strongly recommend Cohen Law Offices, LLC to anyone facing a serious sex crime.
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18 Aug, 2023 by Mary toney
Christianson was a pleasure to work with. It was friendly, professional representation.
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13 Apr, 2023 by Roger gostomski
I used Christianson and Freund through our employee assistance program and was very happy with the meeting I had with Daniel. I had a question about purchasing Liability Ins. for a self-guided tour company of Eau Claire that I have. He said that was not his specialty, but he did spend time researching it and you could tell. I was very happy with how he covered each aspect of my issue. The information he gave me was very useful. I would highly recommend them. Roger
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09 Feb, 2023 by Amy gibson
Josh was a pleasure to work with. The entire process was seamless and successful! I'd highly recommend Christianson & Freund for friendly, professional representation.
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10 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
I have nothing but nice things to say about Mr. Rajek . He was kind, professional, and highly knowledgeable. It is obvious why I was referred to him for my OWI . This was a first for me and I had no clue as to the process in court etc. His office remained in close contact and helped walk me through the process. My case is closed now and I was very happy w/ the outcome. Mr. Rajek did an outstanding job ..highly recommend his services !
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22 May, 2015 by Rebecca
Attorney Rajek worked very hard to help me with a speeding ticket. He helped me immensely, and I think that the last review should not be taken to heart. It was my experience that Mr. Rajek did his job with integrity and professionalism. I was very happy with the work he did and would highly recommend his services.
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02 Apr, 2015 by Shawn
I had received a spending ticket in Eau Claire, being from Illinois and already having two on my record in a year, I could not have another moving violation or else my license would be suspended. So, I definitely needed some legal representation to get the speeding ticket dropped to a non moving violation. Being from out of the area I had no idea where to turn. So did a Google search and came across Mr Rajek. The secretary was very responsive and took my information, as well as understood the importance of the matter. I know nothing is a 100% but it was a speeding ticket and could be worked down to a simple non moving violation. His services ended up running me $500. He did absolutely nothing but drop it down a level. I still ended up paying the ticket as well as his legal fees. Not being from the area I had no idea what was going on in the case and his contact with me was minimal at best. My case actually just kept getting delayed cause he kept moving the court date. I finally got a notice in the mail from Eau Claire regarding my fines. (That's how I found out the verdict) Consequently, I lost my license for 6 months. From there I contacted them and explained what happened. I would call and email numerous times and would only get his legal assistant, and was informed that he would do what he could to change the verdict and drop my ticket to a non moving violation. I finally got a hold of Mr Rajek and explained myself and he then tried to get the ticket dropped but at that point it was to late. His demeanor over the phone was very unprofessional, from there I could deduct why I got the results I did. My experience with Mr Rajek (as well as my own fault in previous tickets) ended up costing me a suspension on my license. I am very unhappy in the way he conducted my case as well as business. In short, it was a waste of my time and cost me a lot more than the money I wasted on his legal services.
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14 Aug, 2023 by Greg rugland
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01 Apr, 2023 by Bill k
Jeff is a Great Guy to work with !!
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08 Sep, 2022 by Theresa kreuzer
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14 Aug, 2023 by Greg rugland
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01 Apr, 2023 by Bill k
Jeff is a Great Guy to work with !!
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08 Sep, 2022 by Theresa kreuzer
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08 Jul, 2024 by Wacka doodle 1339
Jon stanek did a great job in my case, keep in mind they have a ton of clients not just you so what may seem short or "rude" is really them trying to jumble a million tasks all at once witch is not easy and I'd say for my experience he did a great job with my case from explaining what he knows to getting my case resolved as quickly as possible as I had requested. He was more than patient in answering all my questions and made sure I understood the process very well I have no complaints whatsoever
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08 Jul, 2024 by Shane kennedy
I hired Jon stanek for my case with a former employer who refused to pay me.jon was very professional and always available for my calls.we took the case all the way to the supreme court level and won eveytume it went to a different court. I was very pleased with his service and always think of him first if I'm asked if I know a good attorney
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08 Jul, 2024 by Austin zembel
Called for a consultation and the guy that answered is very rude. Do not recommend even calling! Wasted $30 on a consultation just for him to tell me to email him.
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06 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Expensive, lazy, and doesn’t even know the law. Didn’t care about my situation and did nothing to defend me. Complete waste of money.
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27 Oct, 2014 by Greg
This attorney met all of the criteria for being competent, caring (to resolve my issues), and getting things done the way that I wanted them handled.
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23 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Hired as the Eau Claire District Attorney in Wisconsin. Directly associated with the protection of Kelly Rondquist, the attorney who is notorious for releasing offenders who violated against children. I am basically informing you that if you hire this man, you might as well have Epstein and Cosby on your legal team too. -I'm sure Peter would fit right in!
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Do for You

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

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

When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

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

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

What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?

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

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

How Are Criminal Defense Lawyers Paid?

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

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

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

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?

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

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

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

Top Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer

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

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

How to Check the Credibility of a Criminal Defense Lawyer

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

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

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

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

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

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