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27 Feb, 2021 by Jonathan de leon
I suffered a dog bite that could have ended much worse than it did and left me with a scar. I had no insurance at the time and ended up with costly ER bills. I contacted John as I had no idea how to handle this complicated situation on my own. From day one, John was empathetic and reassuring that he'd do his best to help find a proper resolution. From my experience, I can tell he genuinely cares about the well-being of his clients. He was always ready to answer calls and kept me up to date during very complicated times. We recently wrapped up the situation and he was able to reach a resolution that we were both comfortable with. I really can't recommend John enough. If you ever find yourself in such an unfavorable situation as I did, reach out to John.
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27 Feb, 2021 by Jonny mac
My wife suffered a traumatic incident in which a neighbor's pit bull dog killed our dog while she was on a walk and pushing our 1 year old in a stroller. We later came to learn that the pit bull dog had attacked another family that same day causing serious injuries. It was truly a horrific time for us not knowing if or how we could ever recover from this event. With John's help, we were able to pursue and ultimately reach a settlement with the homeowner's insurance company for our loss and suffering. John also helped me get the word out to the community, joining me at a neighborhood meeting that was organized to address concerns with dog attacks in the area. John is a true professional. He knows the law and he understands the process by which matters such as ours are resolved. This was tremendously valuable to us. John is honest, diligent, and forthcoming with his opinions yet maintains a steady and remarkable composure when dealing with a case. I am truly grateful that we found John to help us out.
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02 Oct, 2019 by Zsuzsa
l had to ask a lawyer’s opinion in an emergency situation. I have called and left a message for 5 lawyers l found on the internet. The only person who called back was Bart Kaspero, - he talked to me twice on that first day and gave me advice immediately what l could do at that moment. In a couple of days he got back to me again and asked about the developments in my issue; and then gave me advice again. Mr Kaspero was very attentive and patient. Finally, we talked again couple of days later and Mr Kaspero gave me advice not to spend money on lawyers at this point n time. I was so very grateful to him and after all his work in the last week he actually did not ask for any payments. Mr Kaspero gave me back my faith in people in other professions, and that there are still quality people out there, even when life seems to be very unfair and upsetting. Thank you so very much! Wish people would behave like Bart Kaspero in every profession and the world would be a better place!
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14 May, 2024 by Jose perla
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31 Mar, 2024 by Miguel canas.miguel@y
Mi experience fue muy ecellente ayuda de la oficina y su personal muy amables muchas gracias
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07 Mar, 2024 by Juanita an
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14 May, 2024 by Jose perla
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31 Mar, 2024 by Miguel canas.miguel@y
Mi experience fue muy ecellente ayuda de la oficina y su personal muy amables muchas gracias
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07 Mar, 2024 by Juanita an
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07 Jul, 2024 by Diamond family
My case has been drawn out for years, no resolution or resources to help. They are just racking up time for there payments to be bigger. No communication with the lawyers directly and no assistance when you need it. I want to take my case elsewhere!
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30 May, 2024 by Ama
We loved Cathy she is polite and gets back to you quickly. Mr Weinberg has good relationships with prosecutors and court officials. He is punctional / professional in court he or Cathy call and update you after each hearing . Thank you Bill
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16 May, 2024 by Bradley mcintosh
Bill helped me with both of my DUI cases in 2022. He was extremely attentive and thoughtful throughout both cases and had a great relationship with the court. His hard work helped reduce my sentencing. Bill was always responsive and was a great attorney to work with.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Marwa yahia
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01 Oct, 2024 by Karl obrecht
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28 Sep, 2024 by Stephen hall
Professional and easy to work with; exceeded expectations.
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13 Mar, 2024 by Daniel benvenutti
Thank you Halley for everything, you spent the time and effort in helping me with my case. Your everything you say you are and more. And trust that I’m coming back to you every time there’s a serious problem. Seriously thank you, you changed my life!
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13 Mar, 2024 by Dominick narigi
Miss. Halley Peters esquire is by far the most dedicated, intelligent and honest lawyer I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She has represented me both personally and my company in numerous legal matters over the years. I have always been exceptionally satisfied with the outcomes she has procured for me time and time again. Her clients and what is in their best interest always comes first. She truly is the highest standard of a lawyer out there. Miss Peters is the only lawyer I will use or recommend. So if you’re in need of any legal services do yourself a favor and contact her.
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13 Mar, 2024 by Pedro pulido
Halley did a fantastic job. I had an arrest warrant and she was able to get it recalled. 10/10 definitely recommend her.
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13 Mar, 2024 by Daniel benvenutti
Thank you Halley for everything, you spent the time and effort in helping me with my case. Your everything you say you are and more. And trust that I’m coming back to you every time there’s a serious problem. Seriously thank you, you changed my life!
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13 Mar, 2024 by Dominick narigi
Miss. Halley Peters esquire is by far the most dedicated, intelligent and honest lawyer I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She has represented me both personally and my company in numerous legal matters over the years. I have always been exceptionally satisfied with the outcomes she has procured for me time and time again. Her clients and what is in their best interest always comes first. She truly is the highest standard of a lawyer out there. Miss Peters is the only lawyer I will use or recommend. So if you’re in need of any legal services do yourself a favor and contact her.
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13 Mar, 2024 by Pedro pulido
Halley did a fantastic job. I had an arrest warrant and she was able to get it recalled. 10/10 definitely recommend her.
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28 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
If I could give this man no stars I would. He didn’t do anything for my case. I blew a .08 and I got my license suspended for a year, had to do the classes for 3 months plus probation for 3 years. When I asked him if there was anything else i could do, he said no at least you didn’t get jail time.
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29 Mar, 2018 by Kevin
I was being charged for a 2nd DUI in LA County (5 hours away from home) and I knew I needed help Asap! After speaking with multiple lawyers around, I found Edgar through here. His 100% focus on DUI charges and perfect reviews definitely caught my attention. He was able to reduce my DUI charge into a wet reckless with a really short amount of court ordered community service hours to do and only 12 hr program on DUI classes! Had it been a 2nd DUI conviction that would have been 9+ months of classes! About people in my DUI class all have 3 months of classes or more to do and I was the only one with 12 hours (the lowest there). Edgar is the man and I am glad I hired him. Plus he fought the DMV to allow me to keep my Driver's License and won that too. I would highly recommend him. Thanks Ed!
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08 Apr, 2016 by Sara
Period. I found Edgar as a top search result and read the reviews. My decision to hire him was the right one. My case was dismissed. Edgar always kept me in the loop, proposed a plan of action, and took the lead to defend me against unfounded DUI allegations. I wish I could give him more than 5 stars.
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14 May, 2024 by Jose perla
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31 Mar, 2024 by Miguel canas.miguel@y
Mi experience fue muy ecellente ayuda de la oficina y su personal muy amables muchas gracias
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07 Mar, 2024 by Juanita an
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14 May, 2024 by Jose perla
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31 Mar, 2024 by Miguel canas.miguel@y
Mi experience fue muy ecellente ayuda de la oficina y su personal muy amables muchas gracias
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07 Mar, 2024 by Juanita an
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14 May, 2024 by Jose perla
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31 Mar, 2024 by Miguel canas.miguel@y
Mi experience fue muy ecellente ayuda de la oficina y su personal muy amables muchas gracias
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07 Mar, 2024 by Juanita an
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29 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
There are a lot of attorneys out there who just take your money and don't work hard for you. I was so terrified after getting my first DUI and Sal was helpful, explained everything and helped me get a great deal because of his experience as a former prosecutor.
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02 May, 2022 by Anonymous
Never shows up to court, lied and said my husband would do no time in jail and ended up getting 3 years. The plea never changed. We were better off with a public defender. Never showed us any discoveries and when asked for the plea agreement and court recording he said give me another $500 and I will drive to the court and give it to you. Riverside public defenders help out more then paying an attorney out of the area. Not worth the money when you can't fight for the person who is paying you.
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20 May, 2021 by Anonymous
Sal went above and beyond helping me get out of an unfortunate situation that I got caught up in. I was innocent but everything looked as if I wasn't. Sal was very thorough and understood my situation and new the intricacies of how he could help me out the best way possible. This saved my career as well as my record. I would have paid ten fold for the service that I received- worth every penny and more.
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13 Apr, 2024 by Anisha alston
Great life changing lawyer, highly recommend.
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11 Apr, 2024 by Jessica allec
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08 Apr, 2024 by Ultra_ alfredo
Thanks for your service
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14 May, 2024 by Jose perla
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31 Mar, 2024 by Miguel canas.miguel@y
Mi experience fue muy ecellente ayuda de la oficina y su personal muy amables muchas gracias
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07 Mar, 2024 by Juanita an
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03 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
He never tried contacting me about my case or if there were any news about my case and when i tried contacting him he never responded my calls or emails. I wouldn't hear from him for over a month and when he would finally answer he always came up with excuses. All this guy ever wanted was money. My case ended up getting closed and he never once told me about it. I ended up hearing it from someone else. He is very unprofessional. I never ended up getting what i needed from this case because of his unproffesionalism. This man is undependable. Dont ever use him as your lawyer.
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24 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
Joshua responded to my question very promptly. I really appreciated his thoughtful reply, and I encourage anyone who wants a good lawyer to work with him.
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28 May, 2020 by Sarah jones
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06 May, 2020 by Maaz haq
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07 Jan, 2020 by Andrew trejo
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28 May, 2020 by Sarah jones
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06 May, 2020 by Maaz haq
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07 Jan, 2020 by Andrew trejo
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23 Aug, 2010 by John
I am not bitter with the situation, I just want people to know what happened in my case before they hire him on retainer. Everything in this review is what happened in the case that he represented me for.Kevin represented me in a criminal matter. He was helpful with getting me in to a program which I truly am grateful for. However, when I hired him for a second time, I was misinformed by him and paid the price for it. (I did break the law and deserved punishment.) . But with his guidance, I did not do what I was obligated to do by probation. He instructed me to keep quiet and not tell probation what had happened. I trusted his judgment and did what he said only to have it come back at me as an additional violation. I have been on probation for 2 1/2 years and had no violations. I admit, I messed up and I'm not blaming kevin, and I was violated. My first violation was maxed out- 1 year in county jail. You can do the research, most if not all 1st violations are 90 days for the same violation that I did. Once in front of that judge in C58, the violation court room, I had him represent me again, hoping he could clear up the miscommunication. He simply did not know how that courtroom operates. He was warned by the DA "that is not how it works here". He then shushed her and pushed the case to another date and judge and stormed out of the room. Negative words were said about his actions by all the court officials. I'm not a lawyer, but the mood in the room was poor. I thought this was his way of handling the situation and I kept my faith in him. When he came to me with what the penalty was and what my options were, he misguided me again. He told me that I would be getting x amount of credits. When the judge read the sentence, those credits were not included. I looked at him with disbelieve and he assured me that he would get those credits for me and not to worry. Again, I trusted his judgment and believed him. I later found out, that there was no way I could get those credits because I was not going to prison, I was serving county jail time. Another attorney told me that fact and also said, every criminal attorney knows the procedure. Thats not the issue I had with our relationship. I did the crime, I'll do the time. It was exactly what I needed to get my life back on track. The issue I had is this; while I was in jail, my mother was corresponding with Kevin. Her experience was less then professional. When asked about credits, he kept saying "I'll get them, don't worry he will be out in June.... Where is the remaining balance he owes me?" Mind you we have paid him well over $80k over the last couple of yrs. and I owed him less then $1000. After emails to my mother calling her "stupid" and other terrible things, we finally paid him the balance. He came back and said , " oh yeah I can't get him those credits" in June, after months of him saying" it's just paperwork I need to file" I am not bitter at the situation, I do wish he had a little more "bedside manor" when dealing with my mother. After more disrespecting emails, we fired him and hired a new attorney who had me released from jail the following week before my sentence ended. He had a sentence modification done. My new attorney told me that I should never have had to go to jail in the first place.These are truly the facts of what happened. I am not spiteful, or hostile. This is what happened.
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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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