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04 Oct, 2024 by Consuelo krueger
We started our journey with another attorney with little effort. We made a bold decision to change firms. Jeremy was able to get an agreement in place which helped us not going to court. Not only did this save time and money, but it also took off all the stress from our situation. I highly recommend Shufflebarger Law Office. We know where to turn in the future.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Danica terpening
He was honest, explained everything very well, and super fast to respond. We had a fast closing deadline we had to make and he did everything to help facilitate that! Thanks RD
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09 Sep, 2024 by Felix monrroy
Very helpful and made my process easy and less stressful! Always answered when i had any questions. Very easy to work with! 100% recommended 🙏
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18 Aug, 2023 by Ernest leon
I need help with a bunk hit and run charge.
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07 Dec, 2021 by Jimmie ramage (lonewolf)
Andy Gavaldon is one of the Best Lawyers in Town. He has plenty of experience. He was once a public Defender but went private a long time ago. I would highly Recommend Andy as a Lawyer for anyone!!
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26 Oct, 2021 by Anne lorange
Mr. Gavaldon forgot my son's name in the courtroom. I'm sure he was good in his prime, but it may be time for him to retire.
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14 Oct, 2024 by Angel k.
Cancelled my appointment because they assumed they knew what was going on in my case. Very unprofessional as they could have called and explained further as it might be a complete separate.
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18 Oct, 2023 by Eric alaniz (edub)
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26 Sep, 2023 by Michelle davis
Our son received a DWAI and Justie and Rebecca were BEYOND helpful. I don't know how in the world we would have navigated all the ins and outs of this mess without them. They fought for our son in all the nooks and crannies they could find. If presented with a similar situation, please read this as: HIRE an attorney, most specifically: HIRE these two whizzes! It has been priceless to have their support, knowledge, and overall know how in such a difficult time. Justie further impressed me by answering the phone late afternoon on the Fourth of July! It is obvious they are excellent at what they do and that excellence benefitted our son immensely. THANK YOU!
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26 Oct, 2023 by John loiacono
Derek Samuelson and Trudy provided excellent counsel for my son’s case. They dug into the facts and the resolution was very favorable thanks to their hard work! I highly recommend Derek’s council!!!
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26 Apr, 2023 by Javier pijoan
Due to his highly knowledgeable expertise, and professional kindness, I cannot thank Derek Samuelson enough for the positive outcome of my case.
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13 Feb, 2023 by Michele masters
Derek and Trudy were so kind and knowledgeable. Our case was resolved in a very fair manner. It was such a comfort to have someone so talented to represent us. I would highly recommend using this firm for any legal issues you may experience.
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26 Jun, 2024 by Mark anthony
I couldn't have asked for a better group of professionals to work with. I honestly can say if you're in need of assistance don't hesitate to give them a call
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16 May, 2024 by Rene baca
✔️✔️✔️
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10 Mar, 2024 by William r smith
Aubrey Kelly provided guidance in navigating the process of divorce. I would recommend her services to anyone without hesitation.
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21 Jul, 2024 by Sue myers
So helpful and reasonable for advice.
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12 Apr, 2024 by Bryan king
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22 Feb, 2024 by Shannon foust
Her goal really is to take care of pending issues and get the process completed. That's just one of the many incredible professional traits she has to offer her clients.
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26 Jun, 2024 by Mark anthony
I couldn't have asked for a better group of professionals to work with. I honestly can say if you're in need of assistance don't hesitate to give them a call
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16 May, 2024 by Rene baca
✔️✔️✔️
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10 Mar, 2024 by William r smith
Aubrey Kelly provided guidance in navigating the process of divorce. I would recommend her services to anyone without hesitation.
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20 Nov, 2019 by Isac
Jennifer was very open since the beginning, never did lie to me in any way. Very friendly and professional and always listened then suggested what was best. Always on time to court appearance and ready to defend me. Cost was actually really good and she did not take advantage in that area, very affordable for the great service she provided.
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10 Nov, 2018 by Thomas
Mrs. Jennifer did an amazing job. Kept me well informed of my options. Very prompt on returning emails and phone calls. She went above and beyond what any other attorney would have done. She cares about what happens to her clients. I would recommend her to everyone who needs criminal defense. Saying she was absolutely amazing is an understatement!
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23 May, 2018 by Jo
My legal issues hit me out of nowhere, and could have ruined my career. I had never gone through this process before, and Jennifer provided a confident/comforting atmosphere from first meeting on. Every court date was made bearable with Jennifer on my side. She kept on my case to make sure I knew all my options and fought for me 100%. My case has ended with the charges being dropped. I am so grateful for her.
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09 Apr, 2012 by Greg
I called them and was going to hire them but they referred us to other lawyers that specialize in the area that I needed help in.
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24 Jul, 2010 by Anonymous
Sarah was very knowledgeble and able to handle my complex case with ease. She was very responsive and caring. I was very satsfied with her.
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21 Jul, 2024 by Sue myers
So helpful and reasonable for advice.
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12 Apr, 2024 by Bryan king
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22 Feb, 2024 by Shannon foust
Her goal really is to take care of pending issues and get the process completed. That's just one of the many incredible professional traits she has to offer her clients.
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22 May, 2020 by Wendy
Mark Adams is a fantastic attorney. He represented me during my divorce. I was well supported and satisfied with the outcome. Mark is a very reasonable person and knows the court system well. He is honest and acts with integrity. I trust him. I hope to never have to use him again, but if I did have a legal situation, I would contact Mark in a heartbeat. He also has the most amazing paralegal working with him; she is second to none.
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17 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
You could make a movie out of the adventure and heartache Mark and I went through! The best thing about Mark is that he tells you the ugly 'truth' even if it scares some of the weaker folk off. After talking with many attorneys for my child custody case, he was the one that stuck out for me because he was telling me the truth I didn't like, but needed to hear. And Mark was up front with me how my case was sitting when I first hired him. I thought it was good, but in reality it wasn't really all that good, and he said the way I was handling it was making it worse. So with some deep introspection of myself, I heeded Mark's advice, upped my game as a parent, and my attitude with the law. This really paid off when my son's mother took her insanity to the next level. I'm not going to go into great detail, but the mother was a pathological liar trying to spread the most horrible lies as a plot to alienate my son against me (feel free to use your imagination...it was the worst). This was through endless threatening motions, false police reports, conning other men to replace me as the father, daycares, fake CPS reports, etc., etc. She said the sickest stuff that came to her psycho brain about me without any filter or consideration. A true psychopath we were up against. However, Mark won EVERY court battle against her. She even went through 5+ attorneys in order to sell her lies and Mark whipped them all and exposed her bull#$% for what it really was. And when the mom realized she was losing her custody with her antics (she went from full custody, to joint custody, to NO custody), as a desperate finale move; she abducted my boy internationally across the world coercing me into giving up my parental rights! Otherwise, she wouldn't return him! With some tactful 'negotiating' with attorneys, the courthouse, and even the DA (unheard of for a civil attorney!!!) Mark was able to play 'let's make a deal' with the mom to convince her and drop certain things to convince her in bringing my son back (the country she took him to wasn't even under the Hague convention!). Mark was able to deal with the mom in subtle legal ways only HE knew about where he was then able to restore all my parental rights she coerced me out of right after she returned him!!! For all intensive purposes, that abusive psychopath of a pitiful excuse of a mother is out of our lives finally and will go to jail! In my final statements, Mark is not after your pocketbook, he is not there to sell you false hope (or false pessimism either), and most importantly, Mark is a wicked attorney who is also a MORAL human being. I am a poor SOB, and Mark did a lot of work for free (he only does this for me btw ;P ) because it was the RIGHT THING. Mark knows how to expose the morality out of the law and gives our legal system honor. That's what the law is about. The law is not about playing games, but to deliver ethics. Mark is the best legal representation money can buy. Thank you very much Mark, - From One Loving Father to Another
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06 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
Mark missed specifics of my case and didn't prepare for meetings. I came in to meet with him early ahead of a meeting where we were hoping to settle the case. He was on the phone with a potential client and blowing smoke up their backside. Consequently he never heard what I wanted and was willing to agree to and we did not get to settlement.
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10 Oct, 2017 by Ashley
Beverly is awesome she's a wolf and has helped fighting my ex-husband and his attorney and doesn't let him get away with any of his games and manipulation thank god she's only lacks communication emails only answered after a few sent
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05 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
Tom chased our case from the onset. Promise after promise. Wanted our money. He is very short and stocky with Napoleon complex. He treated us with none of the respect the other reviewer noted. Did nothing after we paid him. Now we are fighting for our kids life and getting a new attorney. Go elsewhere for juvenile defense!!!!!!!
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08 Feb, 2014 by Scott
I retained Tom to help me with a criminal matter even though I was an attorney myself. He was very effective and quick in dealing with the matter and got me a very good result. He did so even though I was emotionally a mess at the time. He was unfailingly polite, considerate, and effective. He was absolutely caring and paid attention to the case at all times. I feel like he is a friend as well as an attorney. He is very effective and willing to work hard for a good outcome.
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16 Aug, 2023 by Alexandra
Russell Connelly is very knowledgeable. He helped me understand the process from start to finish. Russell has a great attitude and was very easy to work. He helped me with a speedy resolution to my case. Russell, Thank you for all you have done for me in regards to my car accident! Much appreciated!
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29 Apr, 2022 by Keith
Where do begin, I worked with Russell for over a year when he was at Ring & Associates in Fort Collins Colorado. This was for a car accident. Over the course of an entire year Russell didn't get anything done in my case. He had over 50 different times in which he failed to respond. He put in lackluster effort which reflected in my settlement amount. He never pushed to get more money in my pocket and It took and entire year to reach a settlement. The same exact deal that was presented in the beginning of the process. The only reason I accepted is because I was tired of dealing with his effort. Miss phone calls, missed emails, wouldn't give me updates for months on end. It was very sad to see how little he cared about me as a client. To put the cherry on top, he accepted the settlement in a frozen account left the firm and didn't bother to tell me. The only reason I ever knew is because I emailed 5 separate times to get a response. He finally responded with "Sorry I no longer work there" So he essential took a year to send a settlement that never changed and accepted it into a frozen account. Appreciate all the hard work you did for me. I highly recommend to any future potential clients to not use Russell, he does not care about his clients.
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25 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Our 16 yr old son got into trouble for theft. Turned out he committed 3 felonies. We were, of course, terrified with the prospects of the ramifications for our son. Upon recommendations we contacted Mike. He was immediately available to me on the phone, explained the process to me and was kind enough to ease my mind considerably. He spent a good 15 minutes with me on the phone although I my son was not even yet his client. I have not lost another night's sleep over it. Mike was always available to me. More often than not when I called and spoke to his Paralegal, Lisa, she would either put me through to him immediately or he would call me back promptly. He was available caring and extremely capable throughout the whole procedure. Thank God my son got out of it on Probation and community service, without a record and his future prospects not in ruins because of the stupid decisions of a teenager. You would be doing your child a great service by getting Mike on board with you. I will give him 5 stars only because they don't go up to 100
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08 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Liggett under the impression that I would have an attorney who could stand up to the antics of the aggressive and unreasonable attorney of my ex-spouse, and that he would pay attention to detail and keep me from harm. This was not the case. After convincing me to settle for a ridiculously high monthly maintenance payment and to give up a large portion of my retirement, Mr. Liggett didn't submit paperwork in a timely manner for a QDRO, after which my ex and her attorney filed frivolous, (in my view), contempt of court charges. After putting me off for months, and telling me that we're not in contempt, Mr. Liggett let the case go to court, where he finally suggested settling. When I questioned this, Mr. Liggett threatened to walk out on me during our meeting before the hearing. This behavior was unacceptable, especially since we could have settled months earlier and saved me time, angst, and money. In addition Mr. Liggett overlooked loopholes in my stipulation that left my name on the mortgage of the home awarded to my ex spouse. She failed to pay her mortgage and damaged my credit to the point that I can't qualify for a credit card. After calling him and emailing him several times over several weeks about rectifying this problem with no response, I ended our relationship. Mr. Liggett gave reason in his formal notice of withdrawal as my counsel that "Irreconcilable differences exist between petitioner and counsel." Had he simply called me to let me know what these differences are, I would have listened. Yet he chose not to do this, and I truly feel it was because he was intimidated by the ex's attorney. I can see where Mr. Liggett might be decent if the other side is reasonable. However, if your case is contentious and you need someone to really fight for you, I'd recommend going elsewhere.
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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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