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07 Feb, 2018 by Julie a.
I have to give Michael Farley 5 stars. I was nervous about the process and he answered all my questions no matter how many I had. The process went much better than I expected. He will get back to you personally which I like a lot. I had some issues with the town and he told me exactly what needed to be done and helped me through the entire process. I really feel he goes to bat for you. I was very impressed and I would highly recommend him.
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24 Oct, 2015 by Christine
I highly recommend Michael Farley to anyone doing a real estate transaction. He takes your calls personally and the calls are not pushed on to his paralegal. He even returns phone calls after 5:00. I really felt he took the time to explain everything thoroughly when we had our contract signing. Any issues that came up he dealt with promptly and really fought for us. We were very impressed by Michael's knowledge and he is a true expert in his field. I absolutely give 5 stars and suggest anyone who is buying or selling property hire Michael Farley as their attorney.
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18 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
Ed McCormack has done and continues to do a fantastic job representing our family through a DWI issue. He is extremely knowledgable, intelligent, thorough, accessible, patient and thoughtful throughout the entire process. I would highly recommend Ed for whatever your attorney needs may be.
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02 Aug, 2014 by Clientj
I cannot say enough good things about Mr. McCormack and his representation of me. His initial meetings really put me at ease, while still being completely realistic about the potential outcomes in my case. He was even more in charge in any court appearances, being respectful, thorough and asking the judge for minimum penalties wherever possible. The worst thing I could say is that he is often in court and couldn't always get back to me the same day I might try to reach him. But he always does respond and is 100% on the case for his client, and the fact that he is so busy says everything about his skills as a lawyer. He comes with my highest recommendation, absolutely the best of the best in the Hudson Valley.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Anthony otero
I want to thank Mr.Fakhoury and his assistant Elke for all the things they did during my legal problems, they were there every step of the way made me feel at ease i would recommend them for all your needs they will look out for you!!
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18 Sep, 2024 by John lopez
Mr Michael Fakhoury ESQ., P.C. Was extremely amazing and professional in helping us with our Chapter 7 his office and staff were very helpful with all our questions and needs Would absolutely recommend him for any legal assistance his office provides Thank you Lopez Family 🙏
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17 May, 2024 by Anthony greier
Michael is an excellent attorney. Very attentive, understanding, knowledgeable, and well spoken. He handled our case with ease, and we received the best possible outcome. I highly recommend Michael A. Fakhoury, Esq.
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10 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
This happens to be the very worst representation ever by an attorney. He could not be reached at the most crucial of times and took months to inform of actual Court Orders thereby destroying the chance of an appeal and eroding other rights to Due Process. Look elsewhere for proper representation in any legal field. He does too much in too many fields and is the master of no one area.
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13 Sep, 2023 by Wendy sandoval
We spoke with about 8-10 attorneys before coming to him and were met with not great resultso. Even though we did not end up hiring him because of the complicated case we had, he broke everything down for us and explained it all in laymen terms for us to understand. If we had known him sooner, we would have hired him in a heartbeat. He took the time to explain everything and answered every single one of our questions until we were satisfied and understood, knowing full well he could not take the case. If we had known him first, we would have definitely hired him no matter the cost.
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28 Mar, 2023 by Danielle fenichel
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23 Dec, 2021 by Chris
I worked with Carl on an ongoing family court matter. From our initial phone call. His intent and misconduct was blatantly observed. Our case was messy and long drawn out. When I tried to give Carl a summary of the history of our case. He replied "... I'm not interested in any history, when I want history I'll ask for it.". He went on to say " I'm here to reel you in Mr ......., I'm a 30 year friend of Judge -----, & I have trained both opposing counsel and the attorney for the child". ( Glad I took a friend's advice and recorded our conversation.). Although we met under pandemic and at a time social interaction was greatly limited. Carl refused to share an email. For purposes of correspondence. He advised me " If you have something to say write me a letter". When I wrote and sent certified letters to his office. They were forwarded to Teterboro NJ. The office address he provided is for a building that has been vacant for sometime. I tracked my certified letter to a post office in Hopewell. After intercepting my own letter. I was able to glean his actual office address. Which when Google searched. Comes up listed as a vaccum company. Carl refused to acknowledge my petitions, failed to come up to speed on my case, and even blew off our deadline for discovery. He files a motion to be relieved as my counsel. Stating he was well versed as to the facts and circumstances of our case. Upon his exit . I requested a copy of my file. Carl issued me a hand full of documents. Although our case had been ongoing for years and the files I have contains hundreds of documents. Carl is a the equivalent of a "hitman" for the Dutchess County Family Court. I documented instances where he did not confer with me prior to, or after appearances. There was even an instance where he didn't show for court. Oddly on that day and representing myself pro se. I was able to get the current petition dismissed. I am not the only person Carl has done this too. But I can assure you the buck stops here. I will use any and all documentation I have obtained and retained. To ensure he is no longer allowed to operate in this fashion. The detailed grievance I have compiled against Carl. Complete with audio files of his blatant misconduct. Will be filed with the Bar and any and all governing bodies. In hopes of ending this criminal behavior, and / or drawing the much needed attention. To the broke Dutchess County Family Court system. Which grossly misuses their power and is in desperate need of reform . If your are thinking of working with Carl, or Carl is appointed as your counsel. Do yourself a favour. Find someone else, or represent yourself. As Carl has one agenda. His own. See you at the bar hearing Carl! Can't wait to hear how you articulate your argument against your recorded statements.....!
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12 Jun, 2018 by Gregory
I’ve used Carl Chu as my Real-Estate attorney twice. He’s awesome. Does a great job and everything went smoothe both times. His paralegal Jeff is also great. Both made me feel like i was right at home in their office and I was extremely comfortable with their business. They advised me well. ;)
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19 Dec, 2017 by Josh
Both Carl and his para Jeff made us feel like we were their only clients. Phone calls or messages were always answered immediately, and we were always aware of what was happening now and what to expect next. We were able to pre-sign closing docs and move 2500 miles away while Cartl handled all transactions and even deposited our check in our bank. Any time an issue was raised by the opposite side, we referred it to Carl and never heard any more about it. If you want an absolutely hassle-free, hands-off transaction (and who doesn't), and you want to sleep at night knowing that somebody who knows the score is watching your back, thus is your guy.
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09 Aug, 2019 by Thomas
Mr John Ianelli was extremely helpful in a very personal matter with my family. His retainer was EXTREMELY reasonable!! And to be honest,once the case was over! I expected to recieve a final bill. Which I didn't the retainer covered everything! I highly recommend Mr John Ianelli.
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05 May, 2019 by Anonymous
John Ianelli of Fishkill, New York, had me pay thousands of dollars in retainer fees, but then when I brought my case to him, he did not appear to have any knowledge on steps to be taken for my case. He seemed like he did at first, and I had to continue paying him for his time. I finally felt a gut feeling to switch attorneys and the other attorney, upon viewing the paperwork, saw very obvious mistakes that Ianelli made. I felt that I had been "had." I did not wish to pursue legal action against Ianelli because I had already plopped down so much money and felt emotionally spent from the situation. I just don't want others to fall down this same rabbit hole.
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18 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Did Not return calls or finish in a reasonable timely manner. Created additional time consuming totally unnecessary work and unnecessary expenses.
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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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