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12 Mar, 2022 by Chelsea
Attorney Moritz became more than just an attorney, he is so genuine and caring and also very thorough. I’m forever grateful for attorney Moritz as well as Holly!
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10 Jun, 2021 by Rob
To be clear, I spoke with his assistant Holly most of the time. She was kind, informative, and very helpful whenever we conversed. That being said, it was frustrating when I would not receive a call or text back sometimes until the next day or even the following. Other than that my experience with them was of the utmost professionalism, and quality. Attorney Moritz will tell you the way things are plain and simple. When you speak with John it's short, to the point, and clear of his opinion and intention. You either have a case or you don't. If he thinks you've got something and accepts your case, he intends to win. I've hired him 2 times now and both times he's given me exaclty what I wanted out of my divorce and child custody. He will represent the good fathers who deserve their kids in their life. He will fight for you, and he will win for you. I HIGHLY recommend John to anyone, especially the good dads out there that are tired of letting the legal system step on them. Hire Attorney Moritz, and give yourself that win.
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10 Nov, 2020 by Emilie
John Moritz, went above and beyond for my case. He was honest, knows exactly what to do, and gave results better than I could have imagined. 10/10 would recommend, absolutely exceptional at what he does!
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18 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
Anna was able to get me on HYTA when I was 18 years old and now I have a clean record and am finishing up my bachelors. I am more than grateful for her help. She truly cares and made sure that I understood everything at every step of the process. I recommend her to all my friends and to anyone who needs a criminal defense lawyer.
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24 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Anna White truly cares about you as a person. She has gone out of her way for myself and my family more then once. I have built a friendship with Anna and even after i was no longer her client she has still helped me. it is a great feeling to feel like a person not dollar signs and she gets all the facts right.
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04 Jul, 2024 by Brandon bullard
Got my case dismissed 10/10 recommend. Tim will be my first call if I ever need further assistance.
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09 Feb, 2024 by James cobb
Excellent lawyer. I told him what I needed and he went above and beyond to help me get what I was looking for. I would highly recommend his services. Especially in owi cases. I will definitely hire him again if the need ever arises
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26 Jan, 2024 by Clint thornburg
Great guy if you need your drivers license back. I tried on my own but did not succeed. Just hire Tim.
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17 Jun, 2024 by Alison mcnulty
Kendra Ortega is an outstanding attorney. She is knowledgeable and skilled and uses her expertise to her best ability for her clients, exceeding expectations. She maintains a high level of professionalism and works well with all sides of the legal issues. Most of all, Kendra is diligent about answering her clients' questions to ensure their understanding of their case so they can make the best decisions. She works hard for her clients and, coupled with her skills, it shows in the quality of her services. Moreover, her assistant Michelle is friendly, helpful, and readily available for scheduling, questions, and handling client matters. I truly cannot recommend Kendra more.
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22 May, 2024 by Jim koopman
After struggling for several years with a court appointed attorney, We retained the services of Kendra Ortega to assist us in our family court case. Kendra and Michelle went right to work gathering information and talking to the parties involved. When our next hearing was held, our case was dismissed. Thank you Kendra! With your help, my family is back together and moving forward!
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19 Dec, 2023 by Trinity acevedo
My family retained Kendra Ortega to help us get approved to move from michigan to out of state. Kendra and her assistant Michelle were AMAZING they answered all of our questions and guided us through or hearing. I highly recommend Ortega law to anyone that needs an attorney for family court!!
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13 Oct, 2024 by Duke warsen
A friend of ours recommended Haans Mulder for our Medicaid application and we are extremely thankful as we found Haans to be very honest, knowledge, with dedication to every detail so we do happily recommend him to anyone reading this.
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12 Oct, 2024 by Joyce bowling
Hans is very professional, listens to concerns, is very organized and makes the process of creating a Trust, very comfortable. We have used him before and would go no where else.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Kamri jones
I want to express my sincere gratitude to Robert Howard at Cunningham Dalman for taking on my case against my former employer. My experience with this law firm was exceptional. Robert was incredibly communicative, prompt in his responses, and addressed all my questions thoroughly. Pursuing my case was straightforward thanks to Robert's support, which made the process much easier for me. This firm truly took great care of me. Thank you again, Robert, for your hard work! I highly recommend Cunningham Dalman to anyone needing assistance with potential employment-related cases. Having their representation was invaluable, and I appreciated how seamlessly Robert handled everything. I didn’t have to do much at all to see my case resolved.
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15 Jan, 2024 by Levii vanorman
Don’t waste your time with Holly.
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01 Jan, 2024 by David elkins
I retained Holly this past May when I discovered that my now ex-wife was filing for divorce. The one stars on this page must not have an understanding of how divorce works. There are no winners or losers in a divorce. You reach settlement. No more than that should be read into it. Expect the cost. No one works for free. For myself, the whole process was more stress free and thorough than I could have imagined. We were able to work together to reach an equitable settlement through arbitration avoiding the cost of a trial. Because our children are adults, there were no messy custody issues so the process was started and completed within five months. I won't say that I won or lost. There is no such outcome in divorce. I achieved what I had hoped to, and I choose to be happy with that. I will recommend Holly and her team to anyone. Choose to be happy.
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13 Sep, 2023 by Torie g
Our experience talking with Holly was very pleasant. We unfortunately are on a short time frame and we were led to believe that she’d be willing to take the case as long as we paid the very expensive retainer by Friday. She did provide other legal recommendations that may be a cheaper option. They were not able to accommodate the short time frame. So we decided to go with Holly. We proceeded with obtaining the funds so we could pay by the deadline. Just to be called by her receptionist 2 days later & informed that she was at her capacity and wouldn’t be taking our case after all. A day and a half was wasted. We could have been looking for another legal opinion. Very disappointed she didn’t tell us this herself, and wasn’t upfront with us. Instead all of our time was wasted. This left us with even less time to find representation.
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06 Jun, 2023 by Brent essink
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02 Nov, 2021 by Aleen
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29 Sep, 2021 by Melissa
Highly recommend
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25 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
He did not help much in getting anything charges dropped, seems just in it to work out a plea deal for you.
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01 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
After working with 4 other lawyers, Mr. Duckworth was by far the BEST lawyer.
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26 May, 2023 by Tony leal
Kim is amazing at what she does. I couldn’t be more happy with her work ethic, detail to a case and strategies. She is very professional in the court room. I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney. I highly recommend her!
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25 Apr, 2023 by Roberto
Kim was referred by a family member for my custody case, she never stops working and communicates the process throughout so you’re never feeling unaware or unsure. She made me feel like she was part of the family and ready to go. Anyone looking for an Attorney that has your back call Kim.
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21 Feb, 2023 by Dominique vargas
I would highly recommend Kim to anyone that needs a honest, working serious, attorney, someone professional, and that gets the job done! She helped me out tremendously, she wants the best for her client and she will tell you what to expect so I really admire her for her hard work and in the future plan on rehiring her if I need anything else
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15 Jan, 2024 by Levii vanorman
Don’t waste your time with Holly.
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01 Jan, 2024 by David elkins
I retained Holly this past May when I discovered that my now ex-wife was filing for divorce. The one stars on this page must not have an understanding of how divorce works. There are no winners or losers in a divorce. You reach settlement. No more than that should be read into it. Expect the cost. No one works for free. For myself, the whole process was more stress free and thorough than I could have imagined. We were able to work together to reach an equitable settlement through arbitration avoiding the cost of a trial. Because our children are adults, there were no messy custody issues so the process was started and completed within five months. I won't say that I won or lost. There is no such outcome in divorce. I achieved what I had hoped to, and I choose to be happy with that. I will recommend Holly and her team to anyone. Choose to be happy.
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13 Sep, 2023 by Torie g
Our experience talking with Holly was very pleasant. We unfortunately are on a short time frame and we were led to believe that she’d be willing to take the case as long as we paid the very expensive retainer by Friday. She did provide other legal recommendations that may be a cheaper option. They were not able to accommodate the short time frame. So we decided to go with Holly. We proceeded with obtaining the funds so we could pay by the deadline. Just to be called by her receptionist 2 days later & informed that she was at her capacity and wouldn’t be taking our case after all. A day and a half was wasted. We could have been looking for another legal opinion. Very disappointed she didn’t tell us this herself, and wasn’t upfront with us. Instead all of our time was wasted. This left us with even less time to find representation.
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23 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
He calls me at 7:30 am on a Friday morning agreeing to meet on Saturday morning. Therefore, I figured he would be diligent on my case. I had limited time to find a lawyer and I heard he cut a few good deals in court. From the start, there’s been hardly any communication, or even follow up. I think it took him a week to return a text. At that point i was already locked in with a retainer. I explained the situation, wrote down notes, gave lots of information, never got many questions, which I thought he may have some. I had to ask many times for him to get ahold of dash cam footage, and any good traffic attorney gets ahold of that right away. Based on that video, he states he could do a motion to suppress; although, states it may not be successful. No guarantee at that point that it won’t be successful. I decide to take a chance and go that direction, giving him notice before our next court date to file that motion. Cop lied on video, suppress that evidence, he SAYS the right and logical things. Yet it’s what he actually DOES that makes him not so great. Right before court he states my best bet is to plead guilty and get into a treatment program and that the motion wouldn’t be successful. Translation…I didn’t feel like writing out a motion and I just pushed your case through the system not really caring about your outcome.
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10 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
Absolutely amazing experience from start to end. He was extremely thorough in every way with every detail pertaining to my case. He made things extremely easy for me to understand and kept me updated every step of the way. Communication is definitely his strong suit!
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09 Dec, 2014 by Joyanne
In 2013 I ws his client in a family matter case, When I met with him he listened only after I put up $2,000 first. He patiently listened and said, I can help you, I had evetrything written down, and when it came to trial he didn't even read it, just proceeded on what he wanted to do. I lost the case big time, he never once tried to defend me, just questioned me and the opposing party. Break you heart and become sick after that performance, He said well thats too bad. This is my warning to others, don;t walk, run away. e
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05 Feb, 2020 by Jennifer
Gonzales was assigned to me as my oublic defender. He looks sharp and appears professional at first, but it didn't take long before I realized that he was not paying attention to any of the important elements of my case. He was zoned out, glassy eyed, and daydreaming during the majority of our meeting. He ingored all of the support documents I gave him and I doubt he bothered to give them to the judge. He assured me I was I would do no jail time. I got 30 days. He told me I might get 6 months probation. I got 18 month's. When in front of the judge I was viciously slandered and lied about by the supposed "victim" and the things she said were meant to enflame the judge. It worked. And when it was my time to defend myself and explain, Gonzales told me not to speak. Despite all that, the judge agreed to release me from jail a few days early to attend a case I had in Family Court. Judge Jonas askes Gonzales to verify the date of my Family Court hearing and said she would release me early for it. Gonzales agreed to obtaining the verification she asked for. He didn't. He didn't make one simple phone call to Circuit Court records and I wrote him from jail 4 times and he didn't make a visit or the simple phone call. As a result I missed my hearing and spent 4 days longer in jail than I had to. Do not trust this man to defend you. He won't.
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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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