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15 Sep, 2021 by Janie
Tony always responded on a timely manner. He is extremely attentive, and he went above and beyond to engage matter. Without doubt he was on our side and worked efficiently and effectively to present our case in court. Tony spoke confidently and professionally representing this case in open court. He won our hearing and we couldn’t be happier. I would recommend him to represent anyone facing a difficult case. Thank you Tony for making a difficult matter, easier to bare.
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25 Feb, 2020 by Andrew
Case status: Dismissed.
Tony Swartz was my second attorney, and I was referred to him after 1.5 months of my terrible experiences with my first attorney. Working with him on my case, I strongly recommend him for your case defense for the following reasons.
1. Competent and knowledgeable
This is the most important thing that you should be looking for when hiring an attorney, and Tony offers the assets.Tony is a competent and knowledgeable attorney. During my deposition hearing, he made sharp and strong arguments and easily convinced the Judge to subpoena the accuser who had refused to continue to cooperate. All of my friends present at the hearing was very impressed how sharp and competent Tony was as a defendant attorney. His approach definitely comes from his competence and experiences with trials. He has been to more than 60 trials, and he understand how jurors perceive cases. I could see he is a very experienced and skilled attorney. He is also very sharp and come up with ways to discuss the case. When I send him materials that I have found with regards to my case, he would explain what the material could mean and how it could be used as evidence. He thoroughly explained how the jurisdictional processes work. Because he had served as a former prosecutor at the Kittitas court for a long time before he became a criminal defense lawyer. Because of that he also has good understandings of the court system and prosecutors.
2. Complete work promptly
Getting the work done in a timely manner is extremely important not only for your case to be resolved quickly so you can get back to your normal life soon but also for your mental health. My first attorney never got the work done, and it caused me lots of stress because I wasn’t sure when she would be able to talk to the prosecutor about my case if she hadn’t collected any evidence such as police report, public records and so on. When I hired Tony, he immediately requested all of the materials and started to collect evidence. He obtained all of the materials that had never been collected by my previous attorney for almost two months within a week since I hired him. Also, as the trial date was getting close, Tony paid more attention to me and sometimes he would respond on weekends. This really assured me that I had a very supportive attorney who focused on my case.
3. Effective communicator
Tony communicates with you in a timely and kind manner. When you are defending your case against the charge, you don’t want an attorney who never communicates with you. If your attorney never tells you what she has done, or never provides an answer, the whole process becomes even more stressful. Tony mostly responds in 24 business hours, sometimes even on weekends!
4. Organized work styles
He is also very organized. He has a personal portal website where he uploads documents that are related to your case and remind you of the court dates. His work is transparent, and you have access to all of the relevant documents on the website. You are constantly kept updated the work he is doing, and where the work has progressed, and what he has done.
All in all, Tony is an awesome attorney to work with. Some lawyers take too many cases, and they don’t care about your case after you sign a contract. Tony doesn’t do that. Tony wants to focus on his clients’ cases and works hard for them. You need that kind of lawyer. As soon as I hired Tony, I was very assured that I would have someone who will work on my case very hard. He immediately gained my full trust and validated it for the entire time. If you are looking for legal help to defend your case, he is your guy.
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10 Jan, 2020 by Elizabeth
Tony listened to my situation and recommended a course of action that resulted in my small claims case being dismissed without prejudice. I cannot thank him enough for his help!
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12 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
I was referred to her by another lawyer. She became my advocate, guardian angel, and a light in the dark. I was domestic violence survivor and was charged instead of my ex. She went well and beyond in every aspect of this case and able to give my life and profession back. I recommend her when I can for others in need. Thank you for everything . I think of you often in high regard and what you done for me.
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22 Nov, 2021 by Ken
I was in a very difficult situation. No license, a warrant and from the moment I spoke with Deborah, I felt respected and for the first time in a long time, there was a light . Deborah and her staff were thorough, professional, clear with their instructions and above all truthful. I had never been in trouble with the law and even though I was 3000 miles away, I felt confident they would do their best to represent me. The preparation and care they invested in my case showed the very moment I stepped in front of the judge. Look no further if you need a solid, confident representation, Deborah King and the staff of Ellensburg Law is all you need.
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05 May, 2021 by Angel
She is amazing and very professional she really pay a lot attention to the people
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16 Nov, 2015 by April
She is a very caring and terrific lawyer. I would recommend her, she cares about the client and does a wonderful job defending. She defended my son as a juvenile, I was very pleased with the results.
Thank you so much for your help Paula for your help, God bless you!
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27 Apr, 2016 by Steven morgan
She has always been polite and courteous. Everytime I'm worried or stressing she knows just what to say to to get me through court. Very professional and has always gotten the judge to accept our offer that weve previously agreed upon. Awesome lawyer hands down wich is rarely the case especially for being court appointed.
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29 Dec, 2023 by Nicole
James Kirkham went above and beyond for my family!
He is not only well connected and confident in his abilities, but he uses his expertise to successfully advocate for his clients.
We needed an attorney unexpectedly on Christmas Eve. I researched and found Mr. kirkham, reached out via this app. He called me back the same day and immediately went into action to assist us. He contacted me into the night keeping me abreast of the situation and continued to into Christmas day. He then found the time on the day after Christmas to meet with us before our family member’s arraignment time and then took on our case for us minutes later in the court room.
With his resourceful use of his skill set and knowledge he resolved our issue almost immediately.
He is a solutionist!
Moreover, he does so with humble benevolence and respect. I cannot recommend James Kirkham enough!
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09 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
We hired James for a criminal case. It was not your average case and went on for over 3 years. James took the time to explain everything to us every step of the way. He fought hard for our case and was caring and compassionate. We would hire him again if ever needed.
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07 Oct, 2020 by Dusty
James has handled two cases of mine. He worked hard and was extremely knowledgeable which benefited me in every way. I can't say enough great things about him. His staff was also knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions that I might have. I would highly recommend James to anyone looking for an attorney. He won't do you wrong!
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05 May, 2023 by Zacharias
This fool represented me on my child custody case I told him right from the start that wasn't going to just take this line down we'll go to the box basically. Did you call this guy Rich the truck buechell because he totally rolled me under the bus and helped Kittitas County violate my rights.
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03 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Richard handled a criminal case for me in which I was wrongly accused. He at first seemed on top of it, but later seemed like he was perpetually annoyed. Case was resolved to a lesser misdemeanor but he was supposed to have at least tried to arrange an Alford plea and he never bothered. There were other HUGE problems with the plea agreement that he should have foresaw and I later had to return to court to fix, and when I tried to meet with him he made me follow him out to the parking lot to speak to him while he chain-smoked and then literally had an aneurysm about my case and was extremely rude.
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20 Jun, 2014 by Lucinda
Rick was extremely helpful to me. He represented me first pro bono, 7 years ago on a DWI charge and got it reduced to a Reckless Driving conviction. I failed to do my probation and a bench warrant was issued. I let it go for 6 yrs and finally did something about it this year. I hired Rick, the cost was reasonable and I knew from memory that Rick had good rapport with the court at the time when he got my charge reduced. We went into court and probation wanted a year of my life in jail for this violation. I was stunned. Rick argued successfully for me and I was given 90 days on electronic home monitoring or jail. No other sanctions, no probation, no new fines, and no evaluations. It was a god shot. I am home now doing my time, no jail. I am extremely grateful to him.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Do for You
A criminal defense lawyer provides legal representation to individuals or organizations accused of criminal conduct. If you're facing criminal charges, a defense lawyer will work to protect your rights, build a defense strategy, and ensure you receive a fair trial. Their primary goal is to reduce or dismiss charges, secure an acquittal, or negotiate a favorable plea deal.
Criminal defense lawyers have extensive knowledge of criminal law and court procedures. They investigate your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence, and represent you in court, ensuring that you have the best possible defense.
When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
It’s crucial to hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible if you are facing any criminal charges. Some situations in which you should seek legal representation include:
- Arrest or police questioning: If you've been arrested or are under investigation, hiring a lawyer early on can prevent self-incrimination and protect your rights during police questioning.
- Felony charges: Crimes such as murder, assault, drug trafficking, or robbery carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences. A defense lawyer is essential in these cases.
- Misdemeanor charges: Even for less serious offenses like DUI, theft, or simple assault, a lawyer can help reduce penalties, negotiate alternatives to jail, or get charges dismissed.
- Plea negotiations: If you’re considering a plea bargain, a lawyer can evaluate the deal, advise you on its consequences, and negotiate for more favorable terms.
- Probation or parole violations: If you’ve been accused of violating probation or parole, a lawyer can defend you against additional penalties or revocation.
- Juvenile offenses: For minors charged with criminal acts, a criminal defense lawyer can protect their future by minimizing legal repercussions or keeping the case in juvenile court.
What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?
Criminal defense lawyers provide comprehensive legal services to protect their clients’ rights throughout the criminal justice process. Their duties include:
- Case evaluation and investigation: Reviewing the evidence, interviewing witnesses, and investigating the facts to develop a strong defense strategy.
- Legal advice: Advising you on your rights, the charges you’re facing, and potential defense strategies, including whether to take a plea deal or go to trial.
- Negotiating plea bargains: Working with prosecutors to negotiate a plea deal that could reduce charges or minimize penalties.
- Court representation: Representing you in all court hearings, including bail hearings, pretrial motions, trials, and sentencing hearings.
- Filing motions: Filing motions to dismiss charges, suppress evidence, or reduce bail, depending on the specifics of your case.
- Trial preparation and defense: Preparing a defense strategy and presenting arguments, evidence, and witnesses during trial to contest the prosecution's case.
- Appeals: If you are convicted, a defense lawyer can appeal the conviction or sentence, arguing errors in the trial process or legal rulings.
How Are Criminal Defense Lawyers Paid?
Criminal defense lawyers generally charge clients in one of three ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Payment structures include:
- Flat fee: For straightforward cases (e.g., minor misdemeanors), some lawyers charge a one-time flat fee that covers all aspects of the defense.
- Hourly rate: For more complex or ongoing cases, lawyers may charge by the hour, with rates varying based on the lawyer’s experience and geographic location.
- Retainer fee: In cases where extensive work is expected, the client may pay a retainer fee upfront. The lawyer then bills against that retainer for their work on the case.
The cost of criminal defense services can vary greatly, so it’s important to discuss fees during your initial consultation.
How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer depends on several factors, including the severity of the charges, the complexity of the case, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost guidelines are:
- Misdemeanor cases: For relatively minor offenses, such as a DUI or petty theft, a flat fee may range from $1,500 to $5,000.
- Felony cases: More serious charges, such as assault or drug trafficking, can range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the complexity and duration of the case.
- Hourly rates: For cases billed by the hour, lawyers may charge anywhere from $150 to $500 or more per hour, depending on their expertise and the case's location.
- Additional expenses: You may also be responsible for other costs, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, or the cost of private investigators.
Be sure to clarify the lawyer’s fee structure and any potential additional costs during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Before hiring a criminal defense lawyer, you’ll want to ensure that they’re a good fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask:
-
What is your experience with cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has a strong track record with the specific type of criminal charges you’re facing, whether it’s DUI, drug offenses, or violent crimes. -
What is your fee structure?
Ask how the lawyer charges for their services and whether you’ll be responsible for any additional costs. -
What are the potential outcomes of my case?
A good lawyer should provide an honest assessment of your case and the likelihood of dismissal, a plea bargain, or conviction. -
How many cases have you taken to trial?
While many criminal cases settle with a plea deal, it’s important to hire a lawyer with courtroom experience in case your case goes to trial. -
Who will handle my case?
Ask if the lawyer will be personally involved or if other attorneys in the firm will handle most of the work. -
How do you communicate with your clients?
Be clear on how often and through what channels you can expect updates on your case.
How to Check the Credibility of a Criminal Defense Lawyer
To verify the credibility of a criminal defense lawyer, take the following steps:
- Check their standing with the state bar: Confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with your state’s bar association. Look for any past disciplinary actions or complaints.
- Read online reviews and testimonials: Platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google can provide insights from previous clients about the lawyer’s communication, professionalism, and case outcomes.
- Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should have past clients or other professionals who can speak to their competence and work ethic.
- Review their case history: Look at the lawyer’s website or professional profile to see their experience with criminal cases, including high-profile or complex cases.
- Look for trial experience: If your case might go to trial, make sure the lawyer has a strong history of courtroom advocacy and success.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most of your first consultation with a criminal defense lawyer, bring the following:
- Details of your case: Be prepared to provide a detailed account of the charges against you, including any documents related to your arrest, police reports, and court dates.
- Criminal history: If you have any prior criminal convictions, inform your lawyer so they can understand how that may affect your current case.
- List of witnesses or evidence: If there are any potential witnesses or evidence that may support your defense, share this information during the consultation.
- Questions for the lawyer: Prepare questions about their experience, legal strategy, and fees to ensure you understand how they will handle your case.
- Bail or release documents: If you’ve been released on bail, bring any paperwork related to your release conditions or restrictions.
By being well-prepared, you can help your lawyer quickly assess your situation and begin building an effective defense strategy.
