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10 Oct, 2022 by Andres miranda
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20 Jan, 2022 by Anon ymous
Not worth your time
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14 Sep, 2021 by Sophia sashencka
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26 Jan, 2020 by Eduardo garcia
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24 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
After I paid in a timely manner, I was ignored and dropped from his caseload. Then a unexpected warrant was put out for my arrest, 2 times for the same case in my case...because he won't make my appearances or notify me that i even have one...now I'm worse off than when I hired him.now I have to pay for the warent and a new layer to start from scratch. its been almost 1 year without contact not even a secretary call back, now that Hug left I don't think he has one. To bad I liked the guy and used him before on a previous case, with only minor communication problems.
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06 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
I hired Driscoll and Hug a few years ago to work on my DWI case. I was a first time offender and I was scared. I felt comfortable discussing the case with them and felt like they were on my side. But once money was exchanged, that's when I stopped hearing any real updates. I notified them that I was leaving the state for a fellowship about 6 months after my arrest. I asked if this was ok with the court. I was told it was. But after I left TX, the communication got even worse. In fact, they even stopped appearing for me and apparently dropped me as a client without informing me or the court. I found out about 7 months later that the court actually issued a warrant for me. When I called many times to inquire about the situation, the only people I could talk to were secretaries. No calls were returned. So, they made my situation even worse. I cannot stress enough to not hire their firm. They are completely unresponsive and apparently take on far too many cases. I will be filing an misconduct complaint with the State Bar of TX. That's how serious all this is.
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13 May, 2016 by Yolanda pirk
If it wasn't for Mrs, Ramirez. my mother would be dead today. She helped me get guardinship of my mother. When I had already giving up. Thank you Mrs. Ramirez
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10 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired Maria for my divorce it took her 10 months to get the temporary orders. The only thing she knows very well is TO CHARGE. She charged me a ton of money overinflating the times spent on my case. Never call to update me on the case. Months with out doing nothing. She will make decisions without consulting me. She drags the case as much as she can to spend more time and charge more. Very Disrespectful (even with the judge) she does not talk she screams.
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19 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I read these reviews after I hired this attorney and I was worried but she did everything she said she would. She was prepared for every court date and although sometimes I did not want to hear what she told me she was very truthful about my case. I would hire her again.
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26 Sep, 2019 by Abigail
Mr.Parra got my tickets dismissed. As bad as it sounds, I’ve gone to him twice and both times they were dismissed. It was fast and easy, my family members recommended him to me and I’m glad they did. We’re all very satisfied with his service. Thank you guys!!
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22 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Nose como llamarle a lo que hace? Ya que hizo firmar a un familiar a base de mentiras, según usted lo iba “ayudar”, ojala no lo perjudique... Pero recuerde que de esta vida no nos vamos sin pagar nuestras culpas... Ahora comprendo porque en sierra blanca lo tienen identificado como el peor “abogado de oficio”
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27 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Parra solicited me by U.S. mail. Following our first telephonic interview, I sent him all of the money he asked for in order for him to take my case. He had the case 2 1/2 months and did not do anything. When I tried to reach him, he was unavailable. I received a notice to appear before the court for a hearing and he did not show up. When I called to ask him about it, he became upset and hung up on me. When he asked to be withdrawn, he couldn't answer the judge's question as to what he done on my case since he was hired. He never paid me my money back.
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12 May, 2016 by Christina
I hired this law firm for my husbend for him to be released for a detainer in 2011. I had called probably 10 lawyer's and they had all denied to take my husbend case. Finally I went down the list of attorneys that were closer to where he was and I called this law firm. I do a free consultation and they told me that he could get out and we'll just listening to them I said forget it and I hired them without taking in the fact of what everyone else said and 1 month later at my husbend court date. Boom he was out. I am sooo thankful I found this firm. Thank you Mr. Ray and Mrs. Patricia..
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15 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Did my paperwork incorrectly and attempted to charge me for the correction. He filed with the court an order appointing my son as his own father and changing his name to the wrong name. Then when I asked him to change it quoted me $2k. His secretary yelled at me for questioning that charge. Is that ethical or legal? Get it right with a better lawyer who can read and spell.
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19 Nov, 2014 by Jennifer
Unethical. He made an error on a court order. It states that my son is his own father. When I asked to help change it and even offered to pay the court filing, he requires his retainer. $2500. I wonder if this is a business. Make an error and funnel more money from people? Good idea in theory but save your money and find someone to do it correctly the first time.
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18 Mar, 2019 by Lorenzo
Mr. Philip Mullin was legally retained and paid $21K to represent myself and my family. However, the day before our trial, Mr. Mullin advised us that he failed to file any motions on my family’s behalf and, as a result, we lost our case on a technicality. In other words, since Mullin missed the court's deadline to file his legal documents on my family’s behalf, we lost automatically and never had the opportunity to present our case to the presiding judge.. Afterwards, I discussed a reasonable refund with Mr. Mullin, but he laughed at me and told me, “No way, I'm giving you a dime back!" And also stated, "I’m sorry, but time just got away from me.” This was my family’s experience with attorney Philip Mullin of El Paso, Texas. Beware.
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13 Feb, 2019 by Patricia
I first used Mr. Mullin as my divorce lawyer 12 years ago. He went against a State Senator and did very well! I chose to retain Mr. Mullin on a yearly basis regardless if I needed him. He is a very good lawyer. He has assisted my family and has continued to fight for my children when any issues would arise. Mr. Mullin assisted me greatly when I had issues with my former employer. He was very well prepared, and won our case which was quite lengthy. It was not an easy case, but he was very knowledgeable in the area of labor laws. Mr. Mullin reassured me that everything would be fine and he was right. He is a very professional and well versed lawyer with many years of experience. His small family law firm went head to head against one of the biggest law firms in El Paso, and has won! It took several months, but beleive me Mr. Mullin knows what he is doing. He recently completed a child support issue, and although it takes him a little bit to get around, he managed to recover quite a bit child support due to an increase. Once again Mr. Mullin went against a large law firm in San Antonio and was very successful. Mr. Mullin has instilled hope to both of my children (who are now young adults) and in me. The bottom line is that he cares about his clients. I know that I have used Mr. Mullins services many times and I truly appreciate his fighting for justice! Thank you Mr. Mullin and Azalea for all that you have done for my family over the years. We are grateful.
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15 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
This lawyer continuously calls people from other States that have nothing to do with current court cases and harasses them. Calls them 9 to 10 times in a row without leaving a message behind for no reason whatsoever. The people he calls has nothing to do with the case whatsoever. Does not communicate With anybody until the day you see him in court. Do you only lawyer I have ever met that harasses people that have nothing to do with the case whatsoever just out of pure spite . He needs to retire hes way too old to be practicing law, and when he was in the court-room outside waiting to be let in he continually asked other lawyers for law advice. He needs to Be fired and needs a wheelchair because he can barely walk let alone practice law.
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31 May, 2012 by Anonymous
I hired this attorney for my divorce and everything went well. Therefore; I took him a citation that was given to me the year after (2007). He told me everything was good and the ticket had been dismissed. Two weeks ago I went to renew my license plates and they tell me that I can't renew since I have a pending citation from 2007. It ended up being that the court allowed me to do defensive driving and he never notified me. Now I have a balance of almost $170. I went to his office and talked to his assistant and said they would take care of it and notify me when I could go get my plates. That never happened. I have been calling them everyday and leaving messages and they don't even answer the phone. Definetely not a good service!
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30 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I understand that she is using her mother's coat tail to establish her clients, but I was very disappointed that I could not get thru past the receptionist. I paid the consultation fee, only to find out what I already knew. Fees are extremely expensive. Comparing this to a really good pair of leather shoes. You know they are good, and will last a long time, but then you see the same pair with a label and you end up paying five times more. If you have the money upfront they will talk to you, but you might be stuck with a pair of over priced leather shoes that pinch more than just your pocket. I was ready to hire the team, but I could not talk to anybody without money. I wanted to pay another $1000, and even then I couldn't speak to anybody. I knew that I wasn't going to be guaranteed a win win case, but I needed answers to some of my painful needs. My desperate actions led me to a different attorney who did answer all my questions. I lost my $250.00 consulting fee.
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13 Dec, 2017 by Laura
hired this attorney because I was innocent and needed help. First off this attorney can not hear a THING! How's that going to work for you while you are at trial?? He is NOT a trial attorney, if you are willing to take a deal, then go for it. He is a big judge ASS kisser! He is afraid of the judge I had and made it clear! He lied to me about the "deal" I was offered, I found this out only after I hired a different attorney. If you want to go to trial forget this guy at all costs. Horrible experience!
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25 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Brown for a modification/enforcement case and had him on my case for ~2 yrs. The father in my case had been repeatedly and continuously breaking the court order and not allowing possession time with our son because he either 'forgot' or 'wanted to sleep in' or blah blah blah. During what was supposed to be a 2 day trial, Mr. Brown pressured me to settle and agree to terms that I was not comfortable with. He neglected to bring up very important evidence in my case that was submitted to the court during a discovery process (evidence that was against the opposing party) and seemed very disorganized during the trial fumbling through papers, taking very long periods of pause and appearing as if he had no clue what he was going to say next. In my opinion, he knew exactly what he was doing since he had 2 yrs to get to know my case and we prepared for the trial the entire weekend prior. There was submitted evidence of a car accident with my ~6 y/o child and his father on a holiday weekend night at ~1AM where he ran over the median onto incoming traffic lane and hit a boulder and his car was totaled-evidence that questioned possible drunk driving with our child. I was not notified of this car accident and father refused to allow medical treatment of our child despite paramedics advising him to and it was notated on the police report. Mr. Brown did not bring this incident to the attention of the judge and quickly changed the subject during questioning. I became highly suspicious of Mr. Brown's motives. In my opinion, he was not working for me. Mr. Brown also negatively impacted my case as he ignored my numerous emails re: my request for a motion for new trial and I was allowed a certain number of days before my case would not be able to be heard anymore. Well guess what? Mr. Brown waited until <1 week left for the deadline to end and he left me with no time to find other counsel and thus my case was no longer able to be heard in the court. Know why this happened? Because all the evidence submitted against opposing party would no longer be able to be brought up in subsequent motions/trials. The intent was to 'erase history' and erase the violations that the opposing party had committed. Mr. Brown's actions are unethical and immoral. I cannot possibly express my utmost disappointment in this attorney. So many red flags! In my opinion, he has also enabled an abuser to continue with the repetetive abusive and alienating tendencies. And who suffers? My innocent child.
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What a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Do for You

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

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

When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

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

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

What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?

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

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

How Are Criminal Defense Lawyers Paid?

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

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

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

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?

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

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

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

Top Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer

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

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

How to Check the Credibility of a Criminal Defense Lawyer

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

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

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

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

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

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

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