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5.0
7 Reviews
5.0
1 Reviews
13 Mar, 2023 by Samantha garvie
By far the best attorney I have had the pleasure of working with. I had an unemployment matter with a very large corporation. He was very helpful and informative. He answered my question about the case well after normal closing time and is very thorough. He will tell you honestly how it will or could possibly go and he is very professional and seems to be well known by judges. Definitely recommend
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25 Sep, 2020 by Heidi
Carlos worked hard to get my long drawn out case dismissed. He not only was my lawyer but reached out to make sure I was okay during difficult times regarding the case. He has compassion, insight and listens to his clients while suggesting the best options necessary. My first time needing a lawyer and I was completely naive to the process. Carlos put me at ease and ultimately my case was dismissed! Highly recommended.
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11 Oct, 2017 by Roselle
Carlos saved my husbands life, and our family. Two years ago my husband was arrested, and facing very serious charges. If convicted he was facing 40 years in prison. I knew picking the right attorney would be the most important decision I ever made. Before finding him, we where totally clueless on what to do, and how to handle this extremely stressful situation. The day Carlos told me he would take this case all my anxiety lifted. Although he is extremely intelligent he spoke to me in away he knew I would understand. He believed in us and our story from the start, and did everything he could to calm my nerves and to ensure me he will do the very best, and work as hard as he can to save my husband. After the first meeting he had with my husband, he had him moved out of lockdown he was in for 23 hours a day to regular population, and in a much more comfortable location in the Jail. The months and days leading up to trial he was always there to answer any question I had, any time of day or night. I saw a total change in my husbands confident level. Any problem that popped up, he made me feel like it was our problem, together, not just mine. He did an amazing job at trial, it was a very stressful two week trial, and Carlos and his wife are an amazing team. His wife even helped me ensure one of our star witnesses made it to court on time to testify after he ended up in the hospital. The trial ended with a hung Jury, witch is amazing considering everything we had against us. Carlos was ready to do it all over again. Only he negotiated an amazing deal with the prosecutor, a deal that was to good to pass up. My husband will be out in less than 2 years, and he was facing 40 years. We couldn’t be happier, and Carlos and his wife have become more than just our lawyer, they have become our dear friends. He really went above and beyond anything I ever expected. My 2 year old son will have his daddy back before he could even remember him being gone. I highly recommend Carlos Gonzalez
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19 Feb, 2020 by Alma serena
Excelent ! My DUI case was dismissed! And my situation was very complicated, definitely recommend his firm! They were always understanding and kind.
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17 Aug, 2016 by Dominic
Mr. Kirk handled my case with knowledge and care. He is well informed, he kept me informed, but at every point in my case I felt like I could just "let go" - feeling comfortable that I hired a professional who is respected as an "elite" in his field. I did understand, before hiring Mr. Kirk, that he is very busy, and sometimes our conversations were brief because of this- however, I appreciated that. The good ones are always busy.
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27 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
I was arrested for DUI in Kirkland, and it was my 2nd DUI arrest in less than 7 years. The seriousness of a second offense is greatly increased over a 1st offense, the mandatory penalties, the monetary fines, mandatory jail time (Minimum 30 days). I am a professional, a father of 3 young children, small business owner with employees who also depend on me. Very unnerving to consider how spending 30 days in jail would affect me and those that depend on me, not to mention the very significant monetary costs, driving restrictions, home monitoring, etc.
I did a lot of research, and interviewed 3 attorneys to represent me in this DUI case. All 3 were very highly rated, with very positive reviews. I was impressed by all of them. I chose Bill Kirk to represent me based on his analysis of the circumstances of my case, the aggressive strategies he proposed to attack the case against me, his great familiarity with the Kirkland Municipal Court system and it's prosecutors and judges, and just the overall impression I got from meeting with him. He was clearly very intelligent, knowledgeable, experienced, and competent, as well as being warm and empathetic. He was very easy to talk to, took the time to explain all my options, outlined all the steps that I needed to take. He was not the least expensive of the 3 attorneys I interviewed, but he inspired the most confidence, and ultimately I decided that Bill Kirk was the attorney that I most wanted on MY side in the courtroom.
Bill did a wonderful job representing me in the courtroom. He analyzed every detail of evidence, he was exceptionally well prepared for each pretrial hearing, he presented logical and organized arguments against all vulnerabilities in the prosecutors case against me. He was clearly well liked and well respected by all present in the courtroom.
Ultimately Bill Kirk was able to get my case dismissed before going to trial. What a GREAT relief that has been for me!
Bill and his staff always acted with great professionalism, and also with great sensitivity to how embarrassing and scary this situation is for his clients. I think it would be VERY hard to find any attorney anywhere who would be able to provide a better or more capable defense against a DUI charge. I give my very highest recommendation to William Kirk. Also my sincere gratitude.
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.6
36 Reviews
14 Sep, 2024 by Lauren kelly
I highly recommend Neil Lindquist for personal injury cases. His professionalism, expertise, and dedication made a huge difference in my case. Neil kept me informed and fought tirelessly for the best outcome. His support and commitment are truly outstanding.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Ryan mckenzie
I highly recommend Neil Lindquist for any personal injury case! From the moment I reached out, Neil and his team were compassionate, professional, and attentive to my needs. Neil took the time to understand the details of my case, and I always felt like I was in good hands. He explained everything clearly and made sure I was informed every step of the way. His dedication to my case was solidified by him securing a life changing outcome that I didn't even think was possible. I am truly grateful for his hard work. If you're looking for a professional, skilled and caring attorney, Neil Lindquist is the advocate you can trust.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Nicole dimak
Neil Lindquist is everything you could want from a lawyer. Extremely knowledgeable and understanding. Commutative and kind. Made a hard and anxious time into the best possible results. Would highly recommend him and his team.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Jim
Ms Mordehkova was a true criminal defense advocate for a challenging client with delusional thinking, who committed a high public profile crime. She was vigorous in her representation, very supportive and patient with her client, timely in her responses to family inquiries, and just a true professional. I highly recommend her.
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28 Jul, 2024 by Josh
Evegeniya went above and beyond for not only me, but my family who was also very involved in my case.
She represented me (twice) and not only helped me to see the bigger picture of my circumstance, but also led me through a very tumultuous situation, providing me with a sound solution to my situation.
Thank you, Evgeniya, for guiding me every step of the way while instilling a new-found confidence in myself to navigate a life obstacle.
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20 Dec, 2023 by Martin
Attorney Mordekhova is very well organized, knowledgeable, and helpful. She did not slow down for a moment, and made sure to keep me updated on everything going on. I truly believe she went above and beyond, and I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone.
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13 Mar, 2023 by Samantha garvie
By far the best attorney I have had the pleasure of working with. I had an unemployment matter with a very large corporation. He was very helpful and informative. He answered my question about the case well after normal closing time and is very thorough. He will tell you honestly how it will or could possibly go and he is very professional and seems to be well known by judges. Definitely recommend
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06 Mar, 2023 by Samantha
All around amazing work. I am dealing with court for unemployment benefits I was told I shouldn't have gotten because my employer claimed that quit. I was nervous to go to court with a huge corporation. I applied for the unemployment Law group and Mr. Norman assigned to my case. He is very knowledgeable and always quick to respond. I never had to worry about what was going on with my case because if I had questions I could email and get very quick responses. I had no idea which way to go or what to do and Mr Norman just swooped right in, took control of the helm and guided me in the right direction. I went to court the first time and got a decision in my favor. They appealed it and he agreed to actually take over my case again even though he didn't have to, and we won! All around amazing attorney and I would highly recommend for a vast variety of types of court cases from criminal charges to unemployment. If you want an attorney that's on top of it, knows what he's talking about, has been doing this for a long time and is very professional? Mr Norman is the way to go! I always knew he was on my side and would answer my questions and stand by my side on that brutal day, even if we lost (which we didn't, woot woot!!). I would definitely pick this attorney again.
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01 Dec, 2022 by Lindsay
He was very communicative and patient in explaining unemployment law. He was always prompt at responding to my emails and questions and ensured that we were aware of updates and changes as soon as they happened. Dan did an excellent job explaining the process and giving me realistic expectations. I felt prepared going into my hearings.
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22 Oct, 2024 by Loriann rapone
Divorce is never easy - but it can be made less traumatic.
5.0 stars
Posted by Loriann
October 22, 2024
While I thought this would be easy and even considered not hiring an attorney as everything seemed straight forward with no contest, what came to light very early on is that my husband’s attorney was incompetent, reckless and sloppy with his work. While my husband had paid 5x the amount that I was paying, Mary Sakaguchi caught numerous mistakes which would have led to a prolonged divorce process. Her careful eye to detail and attention prevented that from happening and expedited the whole process which actually made me less fearful and the entire process less traumatic. I cannot convey how much this impacted me in a positive way. I am grateful for her immense knowledge of the law and watching out for my best interest all the while communicating with compassion and kindness.
I highly recommend Ms. Sakaguchi and her entire team! Thank you!
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12 Apr, 2023 by Fran jenkins
Thank you. Mr. Sifferman knows his clients and identifies their needs.
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02 Mar, 2023 by Luis josé rivera godínez
You had helped me before and thanks for your help in my DUI case with that dropped it off to Reckeless, which is pretty much a wet DUI but it could be more bad
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28 Oct, 2018 by Sara wahl
Melissa is a skilled Collaborative family law attorney who I highly recommend!
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12 Jun, 2017 by Stella
I got more than I expected meeting Ariella. She was understanding, understood my budget and my very dynamic situation. She was always available when I needed her, which at times was often and urgent. She is aware of when to push and when to hold back. Her personality and attitude make the world of difference when being faced with the hardest thing I have ever gone through . Since this was my second lawyer for separation, I can attest that I got more than I ever would have with my previous lawyer .
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08 Jun, 2017 by Brian
I've known Ariella for several years, and I can honestly say that she is one of the most hard-working, honest people i've ever met. She also has incredible insight into the legal process and strategies involved in family law. I wasn't able to use her as my primary lawyer due to the distance to my location, but she's consulted with me, and been an invaluable resource. My divorce is very complicated and she's helped me navigate through some of the more complex issues. I would strongly recommend her for any type of family law.
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5.0
22 Reviews
4.5
14 Reviews
09 Dec, 2024 by Tristan
If you’re looking for a lawyer who cuts through the noise and gets straight to the point, Knauss is the one you need. From the moment we started working together, it was clear that Knauss was all about results. No fluff, no sugar-coating—just honest, straightforward advice and a laser focus on achieving the best outcome.
Knauss has a no-nonsense approach that I truly appreciated during such a stressful time. Knauss didn’t waste time with unnecessary formalities or false promises. Instead, he laid out the reality of my situation clearly, explained what needed to be done, and got to work immediately. That directness and confidence made me feel like I was in the best possible hands.
Despite the tough love, Knauss was always accessible and supportive. He made sure I understood every step of the process and handled my case with a level of dedication and professionalism that went above and beyond.
In the end, Knauss delivered results that far exceeded my expectations. If you want someone who won’t waste your time, who knows the law inside and out, and who will fight for you with everything they’ve got, Knauss is the lawyer for you. Highly recommended
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04 Nov, 2024 by Anonymous
I was arrested for DUI. There were elements of the arrest that were missed by my first attorney regarding the arrest process. I hired Knauss Law after a disastrous court hearing where I was not offered a plea and taken into custody to post bond. At that point, I called Knauss Law.
Knauss Law studied the case and related case law and provided the court with a compelling argument to dismiss the case. After much negotiation and offers of plea deal’s, Knauss Law pursued the defense and we ended up negotiating a dismissal of all charges.
Five star service, five star expertise. Highly recommended.
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06 Apr, 2024 by Softnumnums
Bunch of morons cold calling. Female answering the phone oblivious to the world.
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19 Mar, 2024 by Tevonne64
Last year I hired Kirkland attorney Glen St. Louis after my husband and his attorney got me to sign divorce papers saying that I would receive a 35k judgment on "distribution of property" in a divorce if I have up a claim for spousal maintenance. My husband had agreed to take all the credit card debt which accumulated over 17 years of marriage. after I signed the documents, I decided it was still best that I see an attorney to review what I thought was a good deal. I was shocked when Mr. St. Louis explained that it appeared my husband had tricked me into a "35K Judgment" because it was clear from all the paperwork and debt that he took, that my husband was going to declare bankruptcy when the divorce was final to get out of the credit card debt and to get out of paying the 35K judgment. Mr. St Louis also explained to me that it was practically impossible to pull my ex-husband into court for contempt of property distribution award because he explained the family law did not allow that. In other words I was about ready to lose everything I thought I was getting in the divorce, and there was absolutely nothing I could do about it. My ex-husband later admitted to me that this was indeed his intentions. I had to spend over 5K to Mr. St. Louis to get out of the agreement, and with hard work and ingenuity, Mr. St. Louis got everything tossed out of court and forced a settlement on my husband and his attorney in my favor to re-structure my 35K bankrupt able property award into spousal maintenance, plus attorney fees. I could not have been happier. My regret was that I did not consult with an attorney before I got myself into the problem, but I was very very happy and satisfied that Mr. St. Louis got the agreement thrown out and a whole new settlement that my ex-husband could not discharge himself out of in bankruptcy. He now has to pay me court ordered spousal maintenance until the total sum of 35K is paid in full. Mr. St. Louis is very good in court and knows how to weave the facts and tell the story of a client's case into the process of the law to the court and best represent the client very well in court. I now receive monthly installment of spousal maintenance I never would have received without Mr. St Louis help. I got the additional small bonus justice was done and my ex-husband is very angry with what Mr. St. Louis accomplished for me. I would hire Mr. St. Louis in an instant if I ever needed legal services. I highly recommend his skills and talent to anyone with family law problems.
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25 Jul, 2022 by Ma
My divorce in King County Superior Court is finally done and I am thankful to my attorney, Glen St.Louis as he managed to get me a parenting plan that protected my daughter and got me a lot more in property settlement proceeds than I ever could have imagined. Mr. St.Louis is a very cerebral long term planner, yet he was very tenacious when he had to be, and knows how to think outside of the box. I’m a mom with a daughter that is nearly a teen-ager and had no experience with the family law courts or the way the system works. Mr. St.Louis explained it every step of the way. I had all sorts of nasty and false accusations toward me, and Mr. St.Louis knew how to disarm the untruths and lies. He was very thorough and thoughtful and knows how to deal with challenges. He understands human behavior which is a big plus in dealing with family law issues. He could almost predict every one of my husbands or his lawyer’s dirty tricks and was always prepared for them. My former husband was a pain in the caboose nearly the entire case and threw three different attorneys at me, and each time they threw a curve ball at Mr. St.Louis he treated it as a form of exercise and never got thrown off his game. It didn’t matter what pitch they threw, he knew how to hit it right back at them with more zing and spin. Mr. St.Louis ”responds” rather than “reacts” to things and does not let his buttons get pushed. He’s calm and has a sense of humor which helps. It was apparent at each step in my case (including at hearings and mediation) that he was at least two steps ahead of my husband’s attorneys in knowing what had to be done to place the advantages in my favor. He did not charge me for every meeting and phone call like other attorneys do and for that I am thankful. Mr. St.Louis is talented and disciplined lawyer. If I needed an attorney ever again, he will be the one I want on my team. I enthusiastically recommend him. You will be served well. One Happy Mother
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22 Jul, 2022 by Vance
I make this well earned referral for my former attorney, Glen St.Louis and his law firm in my divorce. They obtained for me 50% time with my son and daughter. The fact that I do not have to pay child support is also a plus because I do financially provide for my kids, but the BIG thing for me is that I get to be a highly involved father with my children; something I was unsure of two years ago. Glen worked very hard, tirelessly and intelligently in representing me and turning around a situation for me. He gave me great advice and was always probing to come up with the best result he could get for me. He charged a reasonable rate and worked with me to be sure I’d weather the litigation storm. He knoew how to lean into the negative things and turn them positive. Glen is a planner and he and his staff were very helpful in guiding me with tips on how not to shoot myself in the foot which is easy to do in emotional situation like family law. He gave me tips on how to get along with my estranged spouse and to try to turn things positive in raising our children together. He’d politely challenge me on my thinking, and I learned a lot about myself in how I dealt with things. When I adjusted my attitude, my spouse seemed to notice and her attitude toward everything changed and it helped big time in getting a great parenting plan for our kids. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of understanding the human behavior aspect of divorce and feeling like you are losing your family, and all the fear it causes. Glen did much to give me a different perspective, and yet still stood up for me against my ex wife and her law firm with politeness, professionalism and determination. His law firm is interested in what is best for children and he does not play bulls*hit in that regard. He may be a little demanding of his clients, but it is because the law firm actually cares about children and doing the right thing to be sure that the client turns out to be the best parent they can be. I’ve never had a law firm before that goes the extra lengths. I could not be any more happy than I am right now to be a big part of my children’s lives. I highly recommend the services of attorney Glen St.Louis, and his law firm for any family law related legal matters a person may be experiencing. If I ever need help again, Glen St.Louis will be the attorney I turn to. Signed; A Very Happy Father 2022
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01 Sep, 2023 by Inna
Thank you, Mark, for your quick and excellent work on my speeding ticket. I will certainly send you referrals.
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31 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Thank you, Mark, for your quick work on my mother's traffic infraction. We'll certainly recommend you to others!
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29 Aug, 2023 by Alex
I got a ticket in May, I called Mark and he had gotten it taken care of so fast! I appreciate his time. Hopefully I don’t have to hire him again, but if I get another ticket he will be the first one I call. Thank you!
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17 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Jerry answered my question with such clarity that I can see he knows the law very well. In future, i will lokk for his office to get help if needed.
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03 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Stimmel was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable about my landlord tenant law issue. He went above and beyond by answering my follow up questions, too. After countless hours of phone calls and one-sided voicemails, he was the person who actually seemed to care about and understand my issue and my need for help. Thank you, Jerry.
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06 Jan, 2015 by Julie
I spoke directly with Mr. Stimmel regarding the extreme loss our family suffered and he was very sincere and helpful. Without any agenda whatsoever he spent over an hour with me and informed me of our rights, obligations, and legal routes. I believe he gave me his honest opinion, and during this difficult time it is refreshing!
Thank you Mr. Stimmel,
Julie
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29 Mar, 2011 by Anonymous
I only wished that I had been able to hire Kelly at the time of my trial. I had met with her for a consultation but was unable to pay the retainer at the time. We went with someone who allowed us to stretch our payments out over time and are really sorry we had to go that route. Kelly was very confident and knowledgable. She even showed up to my pre-trial and offered legal advice when my attorney was 30 min. late.
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07 Nov, 2024 by Anonymous
He will take your money and fail to file the case correctly. He tried 3 times and failed three times - He couldn't get past filing paperwork. He knows nothing about law and then blames it all on "law school teaches us to being creative ..." on not being able to handle simple paperwork that most attorney's seem to handle weekly. Being creative and then being ridiculed by the Commissioner because a simple paperwork wasn't filled out correctly; Ultimately costing you to lose because he simple cannot file in time during the window where law would've stepped in for you.
This complain is common in all reviews. There's a reason for it.
He is incapable of spelling, he wasted your money making a million drafts (even against your request and charges for them) and then fails to use the draft because he does not understand how to use his computer; and after paying $4000 for drafts alone, will use the original one because it was all he could find.
He last advice to me was to commit a felony and do nothing. I will be pursuing a grievance and I will claim victory over this scammer. God is on my fight.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Braydn foley
13 Nov, 2023 by Ramonah engbert
Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Things were constantly misspelled and names confused. I basically filled out the paperwork myself. I got charged for so many back-and-forth phone calls because of all of the mistakes on the paperwork. So my fees for simple tasks, were very high. He was just not good. He served the person I had a case with twice because he didn’t know the first one was done properly. And then ended up missing a VERY important deadline, which made me cancel him and find someone else that could do the job better. Terrible. When I ended up getting my new attorney, the attorney advised looking into a malpractice for Jeff Jared because of the missing deadline. I wish I could get my money back. He did nothing for me, except cause me more issues.
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21 Dec, 2023 by Mike
John was referred to me as an absolute expert in traffic infraction defense and I could not be more pleased with his diligent representation. I have engaged him more than once over the years to great effect, and he just won me a dismissal in a potentially highly consequential case. I am grateful for his dedicated professionalism.
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27 Sep, 2023 by Rufi
John is truly outstanding; he's an exceptional lawyer. You can simply explain your situation to him, and he'll handle everything from there. His expertise removes all the stress from your shoulders. I wholeheartedly recommend John Rongerude.
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12 Dec, 2022 by George
John did an excellent job on dismissing my traffic infraction. I will recommend this lawyer to others.
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17 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
David refused to take risks or act assertively when challenged by the opposing attorney(s). He wants to take the safe path under all circumstances and was not interested in being proactive. I felt like I could have done as good a job as he did simply defending myself. . .
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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.
