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07 Jul, 2024 by Cfl1011
Jim's firm represented me during my divorce. My divorce was one of the very few that go to a trial. While Jim did not represent me directly he was involved in all of the work and time that was put in to helping me get through it. Jim is a very kind, fair and responsive professional man. I have been a client of his fim since 2003 as my divorce was very contentious and involved. Jim and his staff treated me wonderfully; they were patient and supportive during a very difficult time in my life. Jim's firm represented me after the trial as unfortunately my situation warranted. With the kindness and support of Jim and his firm I was able to continue to work, live my life and single parent my two children over the past 9 years. I plan to stay in touch with Jim going forward and highly recommend him as a lawyer and his firm.
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13 May, 2021 by Bill mcmahon
07 May, 2011 by David
I enlisted the services of Attorney James Lynch in order to help me navigate a very difficult situation regarding the care of my ailing mother and the protection of those trusts (of which I was Co-Trustee) which had been set up to protect both my mother and her estate. At the time, two of my three siblings; one of whom was also a Co-Trustee; were quite literally stealing from my mother and through their deceitful maneuverings were attempting to force a dispersal of her estate far in advance of even knowing what my mother's expenses might be, and certainly without due regard for her well-being. When I first sat down with Attorney Lynch, I was struck by the fact that, while he listened carefully to my description of the situation, he did not take me just at my word, but instead asked all the insightful questions, then did his own investigation, and slowly but very surely became one of my greatest allies. His desire to verify the veracity of my story was and is something that I both greatly appreciate and respect. Soon thereafter, Attorney Lynch was able to implement certain safeguards so as to put a halt to the bleeding of the estate as well as force my siblings into a more forthright and prudent approach to my mother's care. Throughout the ensuing years, as my mother's health and mental acuity failed, Attorney Lynch was there to help me ensure both my mother's continued good care and protect her estate from the premature dissolution which my two siblings continued to maneuver for. His knowledge and understanding of the law and his facility with the legal landscape was nothing short of impressive; but even more than that, his insightfulness and his clarity of thought were a supreme comfort to me. He gained my complete confidence and proved to be a most steadying hand through a very, very, trying period. He was always quick to respond and never failed to provide wisdom; truly what 'counsel' is meant to be. He has my respect and my undying gratitude.
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26 Apr, 2017 by Steve
Mr Amrhein took good care of my son when involved in the court system and afterwards.. rest assured, you are in good hands.. I highly recommend
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27 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Attorney Chris Amrhein: he thoroughly prepared my case and was available to me at all times including nights and weekends and obtained positive results. Chris is a sincere person who is dedicated to ensuring the best for his clients.
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15 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Chris Amrhein if you are in need of an attorney.He is dedicated and highly skilled He met with me on a regular basis and kept me fully informed.He obtained a settlement in a personal injury case substantially higher than my highest expectations.
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12 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
Attorney Darst did a fine job in representing me in two matters, "winning" each one, convincingly. I had contacted her only a week before the first hearing, and the second hearing was the following week. I especially appreciated her taking on my case on such short notice, which then required her to spool up in a very short time. She did this very well, as evidenced by the positive outcome in each of the two matters. I would not hesitate to use her again or recommend her services to others.
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21 Jan, 2022 by Donna
Ron listened to what I needed and produced a quality product in a very timely manner. Would definitely recommend him.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Adriana hackett
John was AMAZING! He was so professional, communicated each step of the process and went out of his way to take care of my mom. It is obvious that Mr. Laine cares about his clients and their well-being. He got everything accomplished in a timely fashion and communicated on a regular basis. 5 stars aren't really enough. Thank you, John!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Nicole pollack
I highly recommend John Laine for his exceptional legal services. During a challenging period following my father's passing, my family urgently needed help with probate matters. John stood out for his clear and consistent communication, always keeping us informed about the next steps and expected timelines. He was incredibly accommodating, even going the extra mile by picking up paperwork from my mom's house, who was unfamiliar with the area. In my view, John went above and beyond to support my family during this difficult time.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Sebastian pollack
John was extremely helpful squaring away affairs after my father's death. He did a great job of communicating and letting us know all the steps along the way. I would highly recommend.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Adriana hackett
John was AMAZING! He was so professional, communicated each step of the process and went out of his way to take care of my mom. It is obvious that Mr. Laine cares about his clients and their well-being. He got everything accomplished in a timely fashion and communicated on a regular basis. 5 stars aren't really enough. Thank you, John!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Nicole pollack
I highly recommend John Laine for his exceptional legal services. During a challenging period following my father's passing, my family urgently needed help with probate matters. John stood out for his clear and consistent communication, always keeping us informed about the next steps and expected timelines. He was incredibly accommodating, even going the extra mile by picking up paperwork from my mom's house, who was unfamiliar with the area. In my view, John went above and beyond to support my family during this difficult time.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Sebastian pollack
John was extremely helpful squaring away affairs after my father's death. He did a great job of communicating and letting us know all the steps along the way. I would highly recommend.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Patty williams
Was given an appointment was told 8 to 8000 to 10,000 to retain this lawyer when I hadn’t even had a consult first I wanted to know if I should be retaining a lawyer I wanted to ask the question and they want eight to $10,000 to retain this lawyer it’s bogus they said they would call they never called the lady I spoke to on the phone was so rude Very rude. I can’t even believe she does customer service that’s OK that’s not the problem. The problem is I don’t think Lawyer even knows what’s happening on the phone when his secretary speaks where they’re coming from but I don’t get how they handled that I waited two days to hear from this lawyer and then that’s what I got , I’ll give you two stars that
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06 Mar, 2024 by Matthew collard
Representing myself against Jason, I’m appalled and shocked how simple procedural tasks (like ensuring opposing counsel has memorandum 3 days before trial) are not completed on time.
He took over for another attorney… but they missed a perjury hearing with the magistrate
And then he said, paraphrasing of course “Lawyers aren’t under oath so we can’t be committed of perjury”
Your client wasn’t given the statement so nobody can be charged here…
So you’re saying it’s ok to lie in court? As there are no ramifications- what about the board of ethics?
No attempt to settle - he’s like most attorneys -> a GLORIFIED SALESMAN that needs to know the law but only job is to take as much money from his clients rather than advise them to settle
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10 Sep, 2023 by Aj k
We found ourselves in the middle of a legal process that we knew very little about. We had worked with another attorney for earlier stages of the process and we were not confident about how to approach the path forward… and then we hired Nicole Levy. Nicole immediately put us at ease. She was knowledgeable about the entire legal process and guided us forward all while taking our ideas into account, moving us in a direction that we were all comfortable and confident with. Nicole communicated with us frequently and clearly throughout all of the stages and made sure that we were adequately prepared. Our only regret is that we didn’t hire Nicole earlier in the process. She comes with our highest recommendation.
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24 Apr, 2024 by Eduardo henrique carvalho
14 Nov, 2023 by Dan s
I dealt with Steve when I sold my house in 2023 and found Kellem and Kellem to very professional, response, and helpful - as well as easy to deal with. I recommend them highly.
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03 Jul, 2023 by Colleen fiumara
03 Dec, 2023 by Mike bithoney
21 Nov, 2023 by Justin winiarski
18 Jul, 2023 by Jennifer
03 Dec, 2023 by Mike bithoney
21 Nov, 2023 by Justin winiarski
18 Jul, 2023 by Jennifer
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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.
