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03 Jan, 2025 by Nicole walmsley
We were involved in a car accident that wasn’t our fault and needed help seeking compensation for our losses. A friend recommended this firm, and their trust in this team convinced us to choose them over others.
From the start, Jacqueline and Mike were thorough and professional. They educated us on our legal options, sent demands on our behalf, and even pursued compensation from an insurance company we didn’t believe would pay. They prepared us well for our deposition and went the extra mile by negotiating with our health insurance companies to reduce or eliminate liens.
Thanks to their hard work and dedication, we received compensation beyond what we expected. This settlement has been truly life-changing for us as a young married couple. It has alleviated the financial stress caused by the accident and positioned us for a more secure and successful future.
We are incredibly grateful for this firm’s expertise, compassion, and commitment to our case. We highly recommend them to anyone in need of legal representation.
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01 Nov, 2024 by Denise
My Experience with Chris Murphy with Alpert Schreyer injury Accident Lawyers was nothing short of amazing! Their team is truly dedicated to providing excellent service,making me feel confident that my case was in the best possible hands. My Experience with Emma Payton as Paralegal working with the team she is not only a reasonably priced knowledgeable professional, Emma is like working with agood friend.she goes above and beyond to complete the work within the timefram you need. she is a delightful and a excellent access to this law firm.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Kevin antrum
Mr. Murphy and his paralegal Jacqueline Link took great care of me and fought to get me everything they could through this process I’d give them 10 gold stars if I could.
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27 Sep, 2024 by Donna coffey
They are very professional and understanding. They explained everything along the way. I am happy with our results.
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02 Sep, 2024 by Stephanie robine
I have had the pleasure of working with Horman Nichols on my personal injury case and highly recommend their expertise. Andy Nichols was referred to me by a family friend, and from the outset, he and his staff demonstrated exceptional expertise, knowledge, patience, and kindness. While needing legal representation is never ideal, if you find yourself in such a situation, I strongly advise contacting the offices of Horman Nichols.
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30 Aug, 2024 by Euretha powell
All of the staff at Horman Nichols Law Firm were very attentive and professional, which created well-ordered interactions.
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17 Jul, 2024 by Cecilia r.
13 Jul, 2024 by James burtner
26 Jun, 2023 by Andy
John is truly a nonpareil defense attorney. Throughout the entire trajectory of my case, he was there for me 24/7—regularly staying on top of things and *always* replying to my texts/questions in a timely manner.
Perhaps most importantly, however, is that regarding my case, Mr. Discavage got me the desired outcome that I was hoping for.
In closing, I truly now consider John a good friend and again, I give him the highest accolades for his services.
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04 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
My wife is 92 and permanently in bed, not able to get out any more, I am 86 and too much for me to take care of her. I want to
marry a lady who would take care of her. My wife agreed to that. I would like to apply for divorce!
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24 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Russell represented me in my divorce from my husband of 30 years. I found him to be extremely knowledgeable, kind and professional. I always felt that he had my best interests as his first priority. I highly recommend Mr Russell for divorce.
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22 Dec, 2024 by Paul donegan
17 Dec, 2024 by Marina lazar
Highly satisfied with Marc Ward’s representation! He represented me in a few cases (small claims and traffic) and I came out on top each time.
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16 Dec, 2024 by Marina
Attorney Marc Ward is a breath of fresh air when it comes to dealing with legal problems. His experience, knowledge and overall pleasant personality is what
most clients seeking legal representation look for.
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05 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
I had a very bad experience with this lawyer as he threatened myself. Can Lawyer's do that? Best believe I will do my homework on that issue. He was the worst lawyer I have ever come across in my forty plus years of dealing with lawyers!!
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07 Aug, 2023 by Lois mccutcheon
Mr. Campben and his wife have been friends of mine for years so when I had a difficult estate issue pertaining to my estranged biological father I turned to Campben and Manganaro. I can’t say enough how protected I felt during this difficult time. Very honest and humble people. If you want an attorney that makes you feel like family look no further.
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10 Mar, 2023 by Katie scherer
No words to describe how amazing my case was handled. From the compassion all the way down to getting my what I deserved. HIGHLY recommend to anyone dealing with a personal injury case. They will make sure you get what you deserve ❤️ I can't thank them enough and I am so thankful for the friendship we have built!
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29 Jan, 2023 by Carl
Great lawyer. Very experienced and knowledgeable. Highly recommend using his service.
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12 Sep, 2022 by Mary
I highly recommend Richard Healy! He helped me with my Will over 20 years ago, and again in 2022, when I needed to revise it. He is a very knowledgeable, dedicated, and caring professional. You are not just another client to him. He had a lot of compassion and patience with all my questions. He is a superb listener, and very effective communicator. You will not find a lawyer with greater character and integrity... A real gentleman! He is everything you could possibly hope for in a lawyer! If I had a family member or friend who needed a lawyer, I would recommend Mr. Healy in a heartbeat. (And his wife, Maggie, is just as nice and helpful as he is!)
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21 Dec, 2021 by Bryan
Rich was fantastic to work with and I would highly recommend him to anyone. His representation allowed me to get all charges dropped and we even won the MVA hearing as well. He truly is invested in making you knowledgeable about your Constitutional rights, and of course, winning the case! He is a life-changer and do not think twice about hiring him for your representation because HE IS THE GUY HANDS DOWN!
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25 Sep, 2018 by Thomas
Hired Samantha Manganaro for representation for a possession charge. Samantha keep me well-informed and educated me throughout the trial process. She knew the proper steps to take to gain the desired outcome. I couldn’t be happier in the outcome of my trail and had I not contacted their firm I’m not sure I would have received such an outcome. Samantha was trustworthy, honest and to the point with the facts of my case. I am happy I hired her for representation and would recommend them any day.
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16 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Samantha assisted me with a landlord/tenant contract issue. She was quick to learn the situation and eager to assist me in resolving the situation. She listened to all of the details and formulated an appropriate response. She was excellent to work with and made me feel comfortable in a very uncomfortable situation. Thank you for your help!
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11 Jan, 2017 by Patrishia
She was excellent she did everything that she could and then some! My husband was facing charges that could possibly land him in jail they were very serious charges. She found all the paperwork she has filed when she couldn't get documentation from the hospital you know she went to the hospital and got the documentation. She called repeatedly to the state's attorney trying to get this settled out of court when he hadn't even opened up the case File to even begin to look at it. The state's attorney wouldn't settle out of court or even look at the file but she didn't stop she kept on him. Court date came she still didn't stop she kept having them look at the paperwork what can we do what can we do this isn't his fault. Finally we got done and it's all over! No jail time, no fine, it never happened!!!! I could not have asked for a more attentive lawyer. Thank you so much for everything that you've done.
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05 Nov, 2024 by Dolora huacache
I highly recommend giving the Machin Law firm a call. Manuel was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and kind. Going through divorce is overwhelming and there’s so much information thrown at you. He really took the time to explain things to me so that I could make the best decisions and take the proper steps for my family. This team will not disappoint! I felt that they genuinely cared about my case - and that’s hard to find.
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14 Sep, 2024 by Star light
Contact this law firm if you want to lose your disability case because Sleepy tom slater is 100 percent incompetent and unprepared and will lose important stuff out of your file too . AVOID
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10 Sep, 2024 by Susan holter
So I was very distraught when I called MrCahn. He answered my questions and sent me on a new path. Than my daughter didn’t think I understood him well and she called him and he explained it all to her. What an asset to Frederick County he is. That friend you never knew you had Thanks Regards
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16 Dec, 2024 by Misha’s tennis training, llc
Jim helped me during very hard time, truly appreciate his efforts and experience! Highly recommend !
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13 Dec, 2024 by Tiffany k
I cannot thank Michael Dempsher enough for taking on our case. He was honest about the potential outcome and I cannot be more pleased. If you are hesitant to retain a lawyer, don’t be! I would use Michael in the future .
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08 Nov, 2024 by Ll
Mike Dempsher was wonderful. He fought hard for me, and held my case together, even through courtroom drama. My case ended with a successful result. It felt good to have someone on my side supporting me every step of the way. I am very grateful for him and would definitely hire him again!
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23 Dec, 2024 by Edwin
I hired Mr. Soubra for personal injury case and he went above and beyond flighting on my behalf, negotiating and a getting me a great compensation. He was easy to reach, explained things thoroughly and was a great encouragement through the process. I highly recommend him if you are looking for an injury lawyer.
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04 Aug, 2024 by John
I found Mr. Soubra. He handled my divorce case as a true professional after a previous failing attorney in Frederick County MD. Mr. Soubra reviewed my case and handled my case in detail. He knows Maryland Family law as a top experience attorney. He explained in detail the actions when confronted with opposing attorney trying itimination in my case with alternatives in which Mr Soubra countered successfully in detail. I always felt with his representation that he was in my corner. My case went to trial
and his trial experience helped my case with a satisfactory outcome. Although no party really wins, his experience in family law with professionlism and experience in the court room helped my case settlement reached a satisfactory outcome in the final merrits hearing.
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24 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
He is very good at his work, he helped me a lot in obtaining my rights, and he worked hard with me a lot. The best lawyer I have met, friendly and human
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16 Jan, 2025 by Christian
My wife and I hired Laura to prepare our estate documents. Laura was personable, professional and excellent to work with. She was also very accommodating in working around our schedules. Highly recommend!
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30 Dec, 2024 by Rich
My wife and i contacted Laura to redo our will we did almost 20 years ago before we had kids. Laura was great to work with and was very patient and accommodating with all of our requests in getting our new will done.
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30 Dec, 2024 by Savannah
Laura did mine and my husband's wills. She was amazing to work with. She was efficient, and was able to come to our house for our first meeting.
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21 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired John to clear up title on my home so that I could sell it. As we learned more about the file, the work had to be modified. John communicated clearly, kept us informed and provided a good sense that he was treating us very fairly.
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02 Apr, 2016 by Diane
We went to John when we were about to lose our home to foreclosure. Not only was he able to stop the foreclosure, we were able to get caught back up on our mortgage in a Chapter 13 plan, and have been able to keep our family home. He explained everything to us in detail as the case moved forward and always told us what we could expect. He held our hands the entire way. We would recommend him to anybody facing the loss of their home.
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05 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Mary Anne is well respected within the court system. She is efficient and does not trump up charges. Also has been very supportive of my position and has helped me have confidence of the whole process. My case is still open but the first and second court appearances went very satisfactory. At this point of my case I am very satisfied and I believe she will follow through to best benefit me.
Highly recommend for either side of a divorce. You are her client and works the best for you.
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28 Jun, 2011 by Katie
Mary Anne Day represented me in a modification case four years ago. She is down to earth, extremely knowledgeable of the law and does her best to negotiate a settlement and avoid the huge cost of going to court. I was impressed by her relationships with other lawyers, they seem to really respect her. Unlike my previous lawyer, I felt that she did not waste my money. All lawyers cost an arm and a leg, but Mary Anne did not waste my money on unnecessary pleadings or letters. She covered all bases in a cost effective way, and to me on a tight budget was important. Only con is that she is a trial lawyer, and is in court a lot, and sometimes it took a few days to get a call back. I would use her again.
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08 Mar, 2015 by Kim
I hired Mr Bricken based on his experience and reputation when i was seeking help in a Domestic Situation that required knowledge, experience and responsiveness. Mr. Bricken and his staff helped me through the process of obtaining a protective order and all the details that I needed to know. The entire firm not only kept me informed of each detail, but also explained the details and what the ultimate outcome would be. There were many details involved; keeping my residence, my belongings and being there for me in keeping the respondent away with the help of the court. Mr Bricken gave me the peace of mind I needed in going through this process of my Protective Order answering all my calls, all emails and any questions, even if they were not priority. I rarely waited for a response or was left hanging. Basically, all calls were returned within a 24 hour period. I believe that his staff was also familiar with each detail of my case which was shocking to me since they seem to have many clients to keep track of. I truly believe that if I didn't have Mr. Bricken and his staff, my outcome would not have been as favorable and quite possibly I would have been lost in the shuffle of the many protective orders that are not taken seriously. I would highly recommend Mr. Bricken and his very capable staff for all matters concerning domestic situations. To the best of my knowledge his level of expertise exceeds in other areas as well.
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05 Apr, 2022 by Lisa romano
08 Aug, 2024 by Andrew kirby
Luqman Law is awesome. Everyone there is super friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. I'll definitely be working with them again for our legal needs in the future.
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10 Jul, 2024 by Gary damico
I have referred numerous clients to Devin and his team throughout the last 10 years. I am constantly impressed with his tenacity and ability to follow though on his word. 10 years later, I consider Devin a foremost authority in immigration law, and look forward to his continued dedication to the craft.
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20 Apr, 2024 by Devin luqman
27 Sep, 2024 by Donna coffey
They are very professional and understanding. They explained everything along the way. I am happy with our results.
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02 Sep, 2024 by Stephanie robine
I have had the pleasure of working with Horman Nichols on my personal injury case and highly recommend their expertise. Andy Nichols was referred to me by a family friend, and from the outset, he and his staff demonstrated exceptional expertise, knowledge, patience, and kindness. While needing legal representation is never ideal, if you find yourself in such a situation, I strongly advise contacting the offices of Horman Nichols.
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30 Aug, 2024 by Euretha powell
All of the staff at Horman Nichols Law Firm were very attentive and professional, which created well-ordered interactions.
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07 Jan, 2025 by Jorge portillo
Exellente servicio agradecidos por llevar nuestro caso de principio a fin profecionalmente 100% recomendado DIOS LOS BENDIGA hoy y siempre
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05 Jan, 2025 by José antonio linares
19 Nov, 2024 by Estefany chavarria
Lawyer Carrillo has been our attorney for the past nine years, and he has truly become part of our family. He represented us when we applied for a U visa, and thanks to him, we received it. After three years, we were able to apply for permanent residency, and he was also our attorney during that process. Now, thanks to him and his team, my family and I are green card holders. He did an amazing job and treated us like family rather than clients. I’d definitely recommend him to anyone looking for an attorney.
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30 Jun, 2024 by Kyle bailey
Best lawyer I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with! Matt got all of the details of my estate organized, explained them clearly, and set up for me to easily manage!
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07 Mar, 2024 by Air doctor heating & air
We have been a client for several years and always appreciate the integrity of their staff.
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19 Jul, 2023 by Joe m
Steve LeVine is a fantastic attorney. He exceeded my expectations on short notice. He walked me through every step of the process and was extremely kind and professional the whole time. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone who needs a reliable attorney. He saved me from getting fines jail time and ruining my background record. I can't thank him enough
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24 Dec, 2012 by Roy
I had a criminal case in Frederick Maryland and I was facing 22 years. Needless to say that I was scared. Attorney Straile was calm and knew exactly what to do. I got 2 years probation. Best lawyer I've ever had.
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28 Nov, 2024 by Melissa & jennifer
Seamless experience
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11 May, 2024 by Donald lambert
Great People
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09 Feb, 2023 by Shawn g
Always professional and helpful with my many questions.
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13 May, 2024 by Megan vaughn
Easy to work with and understanding in any situation. If the need ever arises I would definitely work with him again.
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25 Mar, 2024 by Daly martinez
He is a great lawyer! He stuck with me thru my case as a genuine person who truly cares for his clients. Not only did he get me thru and fight in my divorce, he also fought for me in my protection order case. I highly recommend him.
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13 Nov, 2023 by Vania jacobs
Rob was wonderful to me. I was super apprehensive about filing for divorce. But helped me through it. He was extremely flexible, always with a smile and good sense of humor. Very professional and told me facts and that is what I needed. Fair cost too. Overall I am super happy with his services.
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14 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
I found myself in quite a bind and was nervous as heck and totally stressed out. Carl took the time to make sure I knew EXACTLY what as going on and really gave me a lot of confidence. His courtroom skills are terrific!
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16 Nov, 2018 by Deanna
Carl represented me several times thru the years for criminal charges. Thank god I havent needed him lately. He was ALWAYS professional and down to earth. I saw him assisting a client of his at the probation office once. Never knew a lawyer that did that.
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15 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Thanks to Mr Somerlock, I was able to keep my driver's license as I absolutely need it for work. Additionally, he helped gravely reduce fines and I believe my case had the best possible outcome thanks to Carl. If you're looking for an attorney that knows his stuff and will fight for you, I highly recommend you speak to Mr Somerlock.
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14 Dec, 2024 by Hive mind
02 Nov, 2024 by Emily williamson
07 Oct, 2024 by Jamal winston
Jennifer Dayton is worth the money. She goes above and beyond for her clients. She is knowledgeable and will seek the best outcome
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20 Jul, 2024 by Blaine young
Alan is one of the best there is in the legal arena in Frederick County, MD
He has represented me for over 20 years and is extremely talented. An amazing legal mind. You are in good hands if he accepts you as a client.
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09 Oct, 2023 by Sean coleman
Mr. Alan Winik is an incredible man. He cares about families and will work hard for outcomes in the best interests of children. He understands the legal system, including nuances that others miss. Mr. Winik's advice is based on strong principles. He articulates his views eloquently and effectively within the court system. He is well-respected in the community for good reason. The team working with him is fantastic also. Highly recommended.
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23 Nov, 2021 by Ellen munson
20 Jul, 2024 by Blaine young
Alan is one of the best there is in the legal arena in Frederick County, MD
He has represented me for over 20 years and is extremely talented. An amazing legal mind. You are in good hands if he accepts you as a client.
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09 Oct, 2023 by Sean coleman
Mr. Alan Winik is an incredible man. He cares about families and will work hard for outcomes in the best interests of children. He understands the legal system, including nuances that others miss. Mr. Winik's advice is based on strong principles. He articulates his views eloquently and effectively within the court system. He is well-respected in the community for good reason. The team working with him is fantastic also. Highly recommended.
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23 Nov, 2021 by Ellen munson
5.0
6 Reviews
3.8
22 Reviews
14 Sep, 2024 by Star light
Contact this law firm if you want to lose your disability case because Sleepy tom slater is 100 percent incompetent and unprepared and will lose important stuff out of your file too . AVOID
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26 May, 2024 by Brittany smoot
Been waiting on my disability claim for 3 years now 😔
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13 May, 2024 by Subhash rastogi
16 Dec, 2024 by Misha’s tennis training, llc
Jim helped me during very hard time, truly appreciate his efforts and experience! Highly recommend !
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13 Dec, 2024 by Tiffany k
I cannot thank Michael Dempsher enough for taking on our case. He was honest about the potential outcome and I cannot be more pleased. If you are hesitant to retain a lawyer, don’t be! I would use Michael in the future .
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08 Nov, 2024 by Ll
Mike Dempsher was wonderful. He fought hard for me, and held my case together, even through courtroom drama. My case ended with a successful result. It felt good to have someone on my side supporting me every step of the way. I am very grateful for him and would definitely hire him again!
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01 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
We had a custody case with Mr. Rolle in August of 2017 and we are so happy we hired him! We instantly felt at ease with him. Also, he must have an excellent paralegal on staff. She seems to have done most of our paperwork (under his supervision/direction) and that was great for us! The custody order and other stuff was very well written and because he used his paralegal so wisely the billing to us was far less than we were expecting it to be. It was a huge relief for us. We’d had another lawyer before him who did things badly and was gouging us with the billing, so our final bill from this firm was a huge relief. They deducted the bill from our retainer and returned it in a reasonable amount of time.
Also, when the other party was ready to settle (very much in our favor), because of life circumstances, Mr. Rolle’s Law firm was able to get the new custody order written up very quickly. I think it was only a couple of days and that included some revisions that we sent in after the fact. That was important because we were concerned the other party might change their mind.
We would definitely hire Mr. Rolle again.
Thank you!
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21 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Rolle does not take just any case. Even though he could easily do this to increase his billable hours, that is not his style. He is to the point, and cares about keeping legal costs down. I have recommended this firm to two of my friends and anticipate I will recommend them again if the opportunity arises. He was brilliant in how he drafted the complaint filed against my opponent and fiercely protected my legal interests.
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02 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Rolle is professional, kind, and did a fabulous job representing me in my divorce/custody case. He listened to me and worked effectively to get the best resolution for me and my children. Mr. Rolle is also very aware of not wasting time/money -- and thus my total attorneys' fees were not the extreme financial hit they could have been. Highly recommended!
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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.
