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25 Oct, 2023 by Bettyann jackson
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20 May, 2023 by Mindy “vegas” harman
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01 Dec, 2022 by Jennifer
Joe is amazing. Easy to work with, highly efficient, professional and helpful with speeding incident. He went above and beyond to get the situation resolved for me. I would definitely recommend Joe for any of your legal needs.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Sayyid
Great legal mind and advocate. Professional, courteous and efficient representation.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Carmen hogan
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18 Sep, 2024 by Joey manahan
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18 Dec, 2021 by Justin
I have been represented by David Martin in the past as a private attorney and recently as a public defender for a misdemeanor traffic case. He is a very talented lawyer and will be always be quick to answer inquiries in a very prompt manner. Every personal experience I have had with him has been incredibly positive and I am always satisfied with the case resolution. He possesses a great rapport with the prosecution team and judges which will create a fair atmosphere. Mr. Martin is also very honest and personable which develops a great attorney client relationship and confidence in his abilities. As my case continued, I saved up enough funds to retain private representation and asked Mr. Martin if he thought it was necessary, but he assured me that he would fight equally as hard for his client whether retained privately or appointed by the court. I trusted him and continued with him as my public defender which resulted in the case not being prosecuted due to his effective strategy. I was both incredibly pleased and relieved with the result. If you can afford an attorney, his private lawyer fees and retainers are very reasonable. As an appointed public defender, you can expect the same professionality, exceptional representation, and a positive case resolution. I recommend David Martin and I am happy to see he now has his own personal law firm, he definitely earned it.
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02 Sep, 2021 by Doug t.
Mr Martin is no-nonsense, friendly and efficient. I recommend him to anyone needing traffic issue help!
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09 Aug, 2021 by Bryan
Mr. Martin got my son's reckless driving charge reduced to a $50 fine. These results were better than I was hoping for. He did a great job and I am very pleased with the results. I highly recommend him!
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03 Apr, 2024 by Diana
Mr. Muran took our information and looked into the best path for us. He was very polite and respectful. His honesty was welcomed with an open mind. I would definitely recommend him if you’re in need of an honest attorney.
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10 Oct, 2023 by Susanna kruger
Rob represented my daughter who was in jail at the time in another city.He is extremely knowledgeable about the law and had a lot of compassion and patience dealing with her case.His professionalism and punctuality is commendable and we are super grateful for how he got the matter handled.Will highly recommend him to anyone any day.Thank you so much Rob
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29 Jul, 2021 by Mark
I was represented very well and I truly appreciate all the efforts and time because I was not paying this was a court appointed case. However, you would not have known it by the way the case was handled and all the time that went into my case. I am so thankful and could not be happier with the outcome. Highly recommended. If I was represented this well as a court appointed lawyer just imagine how well you will be represented as a paying client.
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25 Oct, 2023 by Bettyann jackson
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20 May, 2023 by Mindy “vegas” harman
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29 Nov, 2020 by Anthony bailey
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30 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Evans has twice represented me with successful outcomes each time. He pays attention to detail, is at all times professional, and he is known for his integrity. I highly recommend Tracy Evans.
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18 Jun, 2011 by Kathy
Mr. Evans if a very knowledgeable criminal attorney. He is also very busy, which is a good thing. He will give you all the fact as per the law and will give you all your options. He will guide you through the whole process. He is very level headed at a time when you need it the most. He was wonderful with my son and my son's case and the outcome was positive..Be patient with Mr. Evan as he is busy, but well worth it...Thank you Mr. Evans...
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16 May, 2024 by Andy
First of all, I’d like to thank Aaron for representing me and the great job he did on my case. I was dealing with a federal conspiracy charge in the western district of Virginia and was facing 10 years to life in prison. Funny thing is he was actually recommended to my family and we were planning on hiring him to be my paid attorney, but he actually ended up being appointed to me by the courts. How lucky was I? Aaron got me the best deal possible, as I only served 8 months in jail, got time served, the conspiracy got dropped to a significantly lower charge, and I only got one year of probation. Aaron and I were both prepared to take my case to trial, and I believe we could have won, but the
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18 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
I was facing some very serious felony charges. I could have been charged with 10+ felony charges. Aaron Cook negotiated with the police dept. to where I was only being charged with a few felonies. Due to these charges it looked as though I could potentially face years in jail if not for having an attorney. Aaron was able to make a deal with the commonwealth and as a result I faced zero jail time. Someone else was involved in the same incident as me but had chose a different attorney. They ended up getting six months in jail. I am so glad I hired Aaron to try my case. I highly recommend him to anyone facing minor to very serious legal trouble.
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11 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Excellent lawyer. Very informed. He is not lazy, he does his job and does it very effectively. He knows his laws. I was very impressed with his services.
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18 Jan, 2021 by Shiv
Very positive experience going to Obenshain Law Group! Justin and his staff are top quality when it comes to legal services and I always felt like I was in the best hands. Throughout the case, I saw the deep commitment from Justin and Maud to help me with my case and it was very reassuring. It was an excellent experience working with Justin who I felt had a thorough understanding of the law, very confident and most understanding. Maud was a pillar of strength, so thorough with due process, always patient, empathetic and gave me such confidence at every step of the process. Justin and team, you guys are the best at what you do! Thanks for helping me out in this case.
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06 Aug, 2015 by Karen
Louis Nagy did an excellent job for my son. He was very patience, informative and did everything he said he would. His negotiation skills are excellent and we are extremely happy with the service Mr. Nagy provided us. I would highly recommend.
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27 May, 2017 by Terry
Our family has hired Mr Hart numerous times for many different situations . He is a very intelligent when it comes to knowing the law. There has not been one time that we left the court room regretting hiring him.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Manda lee
Google doesn't give you the option to give them as many stars as Big Valley deserves. Can't praise them enough. Upon first contacting their office, my family and I were facing legal issues that left us feeling confused, and downright frightened about the legal issues we were facing. Honestly, we didn't even know where to start. The staff was attentive and knowdgeable- quickly giving us a jargon-free synopsis of the nature of the charges while we on the phone; they also gave us a realistic and unbiased assessment of the possible outcomes ahead of us. Other than a brief hold to conduct research on the state's judiciary data base, their expertise allowed them yo ascertain the necessary processes to achieve the best possible outcomes. ....MIND YOU, this was BEFORE we ever gave them a penny. Just good advice and a fair quote. After placing them on retainer they worked diligently on our cases, and even went so far as to reach out the day prior to our court appearences to touch base and remind us of our docket times. It was obvious the attorneys had a well-established rapport in good-standing with the commonwealth. All these things culminated into the best decision i have ever made in regards to hiring representation- Big Valley all the way!
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27 Aug, 2024 by Dan pinnell
I had the occasion to need legal representation and considered this firm. My decision was based on previous reviews and after researching the attorneys employed there I chose to retain them. They turned out to be an excellent choice with attorneys that genuinely care about you and your circumstances. Should I ever need representation again, I wouldn’t hesitate to contact them.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Avery
I don't understand how this firm has 4.7 stars. I believe they were friends with my prosecutor, which is why (my lawyer) would not remove himself from my case when I asked him to. Had I been able to find another lawyer or speak for myself to the judge, the results would not be as bad. To start, I moved to a different state. A month later, 5 days before the court date, I got a call from him, and he said the prosecutor now wanted me there (probably because John thought Minnesota was only 3 hours away). I booked a last minute $600 flight. I then told (John) I wanted him removed from the case as he had still not discussed the case with me, but after signing two release statements, he claimed they were incorrectly formatted and signed. I downloaded the same one he sent. I signed another one, but he made no mention of it. I had completed two online courses and community service beforehand to prepare for the judge. Moments before the trial John takes the papers from me and does not show the judge I did anything or argue the sentences as promised. Why didn't you show the judge that I had taken online courses and done community service as promised? Had John removed himself from my case when I asked, I would've been able to explain what happened or show the judge the online courses I paid to take and community service. Be careful if you use their services. I would not recommend anyone use them for Harrisonburg misdemeanor traffic cases.
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28 Jun, 2024 by Teddie hitt
Mr. Corder is the kind of lawyer you want to have in your corner, I provided him with facts and evidence in a difficult time in my life where he took the reins and fought for the truth leading to my case being dismissed upon appeal. His integrity, character, and conviction to doing the right thing made him the perfect attorney to represent me in my case.
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04 Feb, 2024 by R levidson
Where do I begin?? Worst attorney I’ve had any experience with and trust me that says a lot. Mr. Corder bungled my criminal case from start to finish. We had established an agreement with the commonwealth but he dropped the ball last minute and because of that I lost nearly a decade of my life. Make certain you get everything in writing from him and have someone versed in legal contracts to go over it if possible. Maybe even record your conversations with him. He’ll quote one price and quickly run through the money and ask for A LOT more. When you bring up any discrepancies, he will gaslight you and swear he never agreed to x or y. Again, get EVERYTHING in writing. On two separate occasions Mr Corder spoke to me extremely disrespectfully raising his voice and had the audacity to question my sanity at one point. He was very unprofessional once he was paid. He felt his job was over I suppose but mind you, this was only a few months into my case. On the day of my sentencing he told me and my family that he’d be right over afterwards to talk to me and go over everything. I never heard from him again. It was likely the worst day of my life and he couldn’t be bothered to speak to me about what had just happened. I trusted him and that was a mistake. As soon as I was convicted he cut all contact. He never sent me any of the court orders or basic paperwork so I had to write the clerk of court from prison to see what I had even been sentenced to. Horrible experience with Justin. Horrible. Even two lawyers I’ve spoken to since have agreed that he is not well suited to work in law. He talks a good game, though with all the Bible thumping… Do not buy what he’s selling! Actions speak louder… Take your hard earned money elsewhere to someone you can trust with your life on the line. I promise you he is not the man for the job.
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01 Nov, 2023 by Darlene rodes
Very helpful and attentive to my concerns.
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23 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
Eugene Oliver was my court appointed attorney. Judging by my previous experience with court appointed lawyers I figure he would be like the rest I've had and do the bare minimum. I was wrong he listened to my side, he didn't try to talk me into anything I didn't want to do. He was very straight forward. He went to work on my case and I couldn't have asked for better results. I did unfortunately have to serve a jail sentence... A very small jail sentence. 10 days when others in similar cases spent months. He went straight to work and I'm very happy he was appointed my attorney. I highly recommend Eugene Oliver to anyone who needs a criminal defense attorney. Just read his resume it truly speaks for itself
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02 Oct, 2017 by Gary
When my 20 1/2 year old daughter was charged with "illegal possession of alcohol" charge, i.e. under age drinking, a lawyer in the family highly recommended we hire a lawyer in the Harrisonburg area, as he/she will know the court judges, police officers, etc. and will make the best recommendations and perhaps negotiate a reduced penalty. We hired Mr. Oliver from the Evans Law Group after doing some research into who the best attorneys for handling the illegal possession charge (We learned that your body is considered a container, thus the 'illegal possession" charge.) I was surprised that Mr. Oliver recommended that we contest the charge, as my daughter was drinking and was stopped while walking back to her dorm with a friend, who also charged. However, Mr. Oliver thought we could win the case as my daughter did not admit to drinking nor did she take a breathalyzer test. All first time offenders are offered the chance to attend the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP) where you can have your record cleared of an underage drinking conviction, which is a felony in Virginia. You're required to attend classes, and perform charity work for a minimum of 6 months, or possibly longer depending upon the charge(s). So instead of negotiating a reduced time period and/or fees, Mr. Oliver recommended that my daughter plead innocent. During the period between the initial court date and the trial, Mr. Oliver's only communication was his invoices. I had to call his office to find out what was going on. At the trial, the police office gave his account, saying my daughter 'reeked of alcohol' and saw her stumbling while she was walking. What was Mr. Oliver's defense argument? ... "Someone could have spilled alcohol on her"... that was it! I paid $1,000 for an argument a high school kid would have made. In fact, the police office wanted a more serious penalty... no admittance to the VASAP program, resulting in a felony conviction on my daughter's record. The judge did not like that my daughter pleaded not guilty and was trying to escape responsibility... Thanks for that poorly thought out recommendation, Mr. Oliver. She would have plead guilty and taken the VASAP first offender program if it wasn't for your recommendation that she contest the charge. Fortunately, the judge did not take away the VASAP first offender program offer, which my daughter is going through now. To wrap up this short story, I HIGHLY recommend you DO NOT hire Mr. Oliver. A complete waste of time and money!!
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29 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
I had a 87/55 RD charge while on vacation. Eugene answered all my questions, gave me solid advice to help my case, and represented me out-of-state. As a result, my charges were dropped to a speeding infraction of 74/55 and only paid a small fine with no misdemeanor on my record. He gave assuring council and professionally paved the way in court. Hire him already.
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14 Oct, 2024 by Zack smith
Andrew is an amazing lawyer and his work helped me have a favorable outcome in all of the cases I was dealing with as a defendant in both Rockingham and Shenandoah Counties. I highly recommend him and his office staff.
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13 Jun, 2024 by Wendy comer
Absolutely the best. Will go above an beyond for you and your family to fight for you in court. All staff are super friendly and always there to answer your questions. One of the best lawyers around!!!!
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11 Jan, 2024 by Cryptic taffiez
I don't believe Derek Whetzel done all he could for me in the past. $4,000 and it was a waste. I found him outside the courthouse laughing and conversing with my ex husband's lawyer. He didn't fight for me but instead seemed as though the ex had two lawyers, one that I was suppose to have and that I was paying for. He was like a cricket in the courtroom. He then sent a bill to me after all was said and done and hadn't done anything. Not a good lawyer in my opinion. Save your money!
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02 Nov, 2023 by Amanda m
I waited till the day before court to contact him and met him the day of my hearing and he put up a great fight in my defense! He was court appointed too and I didn’t expect such a good defense! Definitely will use him again!!
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25 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
David is a joke he’s not a Lawyer he’s a clown an that a stright fact he doesn’t care about his people he Represents he’s a total jerk and never return his phone calls as law firm needs to be shut down
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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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