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23 Aug, 2024 by Dolores monroe
Ms. Clark made us so comfortable right from the beginning. She listened to us, answered every question we had & put us at ease immediately. She was very knowledgeable, direct & did exactly as she stated to us. We felt as if she truly had our back & it was such a huge relief! If we ever need a lawyer again, she'll be the 1st one we call on for assistance. Thank you Ms. Clark!
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14 Jul, 2024 by Brudda
Helped with divorce and most importantly child custody with a parent trying to use the children as pawns. She fights for what's best for the children; not what the parents want. Ms. Barbara Clark is awesome
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19 Dec, 2023 by Teresa porter
She has done much for me and my family. Her excellence and knowledge has served us well.
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25 Apr, 2024 by Kimberly matthews
After 21 years of marriage & paying Baker, Foster Potter, P.C $10,000 dollars up front, for a divorce, which would entail separating marital assets, 2 special needs children, 1 of which was an adult. After waiting months and months, to get any guidance on my case, always told, your attorney is in court, or our entire organization is in the midst of re-structuring, I ended up walking away with a NDA that is incomplete, but can not be changed. Children that fall under the disabilites act are automatmaticaly covered in the State of TN, until they are 21! in my Marital Dissolution Agreement my children are only covered until they are 18 because this legal firm doesn't know how to handle special needs children or complex legal cases. Not only did it take months and months to ever recieve a reply from anyone in their office, when I would get someone on the line they were only listening with one ear. On the day of my mediation, my attorney was late, and then said NOTHING on my behalf. My mediator had to ask him questions about my deal and even then he just sat and shrugged his shoulders. He was seated and scrolling his iPad, when asked where is her budget? How much money does she need for her children? He said NOTHING! I had to hammer out a deal that I could live with and at one point I looked and asked him, "What do YOU think?" he just shrugged his shoulders over and over and I walked out with an incomplete deal and my children aren't even covered until they are 21, which is the LAW in TN! A law that this firm knows NOTHING about. DO NOT hire this firm if you have a complex long-term marriage that you are trying to separate from. They won't even approve this review because they know they took my money and ran and all they truly did was file the case electronically on my behalf. They didn't argue on my behalf. They suggested nothing and helped with nothing. I asked repeatedly after the MDA was agreed upon for a signed copy of the final decree so I could legally change my name and their lawyer snapped at me and said "It wasn't ready and I don't have it! I'm not jerking you around." Then my X said to me, "I got a copy of the final decree last week. You hired some very expensive clowns." and sent me a copy of the signed MDA and I FW'd it to their offices. He wasn't wrong. Absolute Insanity and terrible representation!
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12 Mar, 2024 by Dawn whitley
I highly recommend Alex Smith. She was very well organized and went out of her way to get what I needed done. She is very kind and caring also.
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12 Mar, 2024 by Josephine neal
I hired this firm after speaking with Attorney Potter , he assured me that they were the right choice , After going through a few different Attorneys from the firm for various reasons We were Blessed with Attorney Alax Smith she is by far an amazing Attorney very attentive, kind and diligent. If I ever need an attorney again I will for sure use Attorney Alexandria Smith . The Neal Family
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21 Mar, 2018 by Betsi
Paige Coleman is a very caring, compassionate attorney that KNOWS the law. She is a very smart lady that handled my divorce getting me the very best results. She can be a Pit Bull when coming up against the opposition. Her rates are fair and reasonable as well.
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15 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Kind, caring, considerate! She does not appear to be money-hungry - she is really fighting for people...I could not have been happier with her services, her staff, and, most of all, the outcome.
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08 Feb, 2018 by Mary
I hired Paige Coleman twice in one year for two different legal issues. I was pleased both times with her professionalism, knowledge and reasonable rates. She has a very caring personality and courteous staff. I wouldn't have hesitated to hire her if my legal issues needed further assistance.
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29 Apr, 2017 by Zoran
I got terrible motorcycle accident that crippled me in 2001 and that time l was customer of Roger Gilbert, famous Knoxville lawyer that dump my case telling me that " there is not enough money on the case" and that he can't do anything about that. I was desperate cause my hospital bill was $87000 and l had no insurance. Priest of my church recommended me Mike Nassios to help me. When Mike came to my hospital, which btw l spend 35 days, he said that he will try his best and if no success he will not charge me. Two years later and after a lot of struggle, he made me wealthy and compete satisfied and made my life more financially comfortable than before accident. His lions performance and warm human soul make me confident to recomand him to anyone, which I did and he never disappointed neither me neither clients that I referred to. To me his service is A+++
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20 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
He never seemed to stay on top of my case, it seemed he wanted my family to do his leg work. He was less aggressive than he needed to be & it almost seemed like he was scared to step out & do his job. We actually went out & met with folks that he should have been doing. He is way too slow getting info needed in my case, leaving us again to do the research. 2nd case scenario: auto accident-truck hit me as I was walking out of business-3 yes ago still he has Nothing for me.
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03 Jun, 2015 by Brittany
he is currently representing my husband in Loudoun County and is doing a great job I would recommend him highly he keeps you informed and tries his best to get you a good deal
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28 Jul, 2024 by Leah
My name is Leah Marsh and I wanted to take a moment and recommend my attorney David Boyd. He did a great job for me in my divorce. He fought hard for me to obtain alimony from my cheating husband and even uncovered hidden bank accounts that I didn't even know about! I could not recommend him more!
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23 Jul, 2024 by Coleen
I wanted to take a brief moment and recommend Attorney David Boyd. He is a fighter and he fought for me during my divorce. He is expensive, but for me, he was worth it and I would use him again (heaven forbid I marry another egotistical narcissist like my ex!). Make an appointment and evaluate him for yourself.
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18 Jul, 2024 by Jack
It is my pleasure to leave a brief review for Attorney David Boyd. He is aggressive both in court and when he deals with other lawyers, believe me for I've seen him in action. Expensive, yes. Effective, absolutely. If you are in need of legal help, he should be your first call. Visit with him and make your mind up for yourself. Jack Butler, Jr. Gatlinburg, TN
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07 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr. Brown agreed to represent me for two separate traffic offenses and gave me a slightly reduced rate ($500 for both). However, he instructed me to go ahead and pay the original higher rate ($300) for the first ticket he had already billed me for and then he sent a second bill for $200, which I also paid in good faith. The result of Mr. Brown's representation for the speeding ticket was disappointing. He was only able to get the speed reduced slightly and the court costs reduced accordingly, but I still wound up with three points against my license and over a hundred dollars in court costs on top of what I paid him! It has been a number of years since I needed a traffic attorney, but back when I drove cross country and picked up an occasional speeding ticket, they were always able to get the ticket dismissed. Mr. Brown's excuse was that the court in Alcoa was very hard line on speeding tickets. But when he voiced his apprehension about being able to effectively represent me for the second ticket where the other driver actually struck me, I began to wonder whether this guy knows what he's doing. I've had a few traffic attorneys represent me over the years and this is the first time I ran into one who considered himself ineffective. When I expressed my concern, he abruptly withdrew from my case, but said he will only refund $200 instead of the $250 we had agreed to when he agreed to represent me for the second traffic offense. Not only do I feel duped by an attorney who is clearly ineffective, I feel ripped off by an obvious con artist.
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13 Jan, 2015 by David
These days its hard to trust a lawyer and know where to turn Mr. Brown took a case when others wouldn't he wasn't about money he was about the pursuit of justice and saved my life he showed zeal and showed that real lawyers exsist in life who still care about the law and what it stands for.
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10 Apr, 2012 by Deanna
I presented my case to Alexander which was a small claims case. He took it very serious and immediately began contacting necessary parties upon receiving all my information. Alexander kept in close contact with updates on the case as they happened. Alexander always returned my calls in a timely manner. Alexander asked me to collect specific paperwork regarding my case and then did all the communication with the other parties which made it very easy on me. I would highly recommend anyone to seek Alexander's expertise.
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29 Nov, 2019 by Robert
Got me my benefits for disability after two other lawyers failed. His staff was friendly and always available.
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19 Nov, 2019 by Ty
He came to my house about 75 min away. Staff kept me informed! These guys are awesome.
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10 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired this firm to file an SSDI claim. I was wounded in Afghanistan and eligible for expedited SSDI claims processing. In attempting to communicate this to the staff representatives when I filed my claim and in subsequent phone conversations. I was told the firm was not familiar with the Wounded Warrior expedited process and I would need to handle that myself. In an effort to explain the provision the lady I spoke with identified herself as an attorney but then refused to answer my question and passed me off the a supervisor. I informed him that she had identified herself as an attorney and was rather rude. He assured me she had not identified herself as attorney when clearly she had. The end of the conversation was the same. I would need to handle my situation directly with the SSA and the firm could not help me. If you are veteran/wounded warrior I would be very cautious about engaging this firm.
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02 Sep, 2019 by Miranda
I had no idea what was going on. I was young and somewhat irresponsible but innocent of my charges. He fought for me he was more than understanding and caring. I couldn't have done it without him.
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04 Mar, 2018 by Della
Said my brother James willie Henry life he was looking at attempted first degree murder charge and after doing exslent investigation he got him of with a assault charged he called an keep me informed on how my brother was doing visiting regular this man is a hero in mine an my brother eyes he literally saved his life
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07 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
On my federal case he only works for getting a plea deal that involves snitching a no no........ He does not fight for you at all even they have insufficient evidence. Rarely visits you or accepts your calls. So please don't hire him unless you're a snitch. Or if they appoint him fire him immediately.
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19 Dec, 2023 by Jerome
Paid her over $11,000 to read my case. Then She forgot to file my Appeal on time, She filed it late then submitted a letter blaming me for her submitting everything late, then she withdraws as my counsel. I didnt even get mad at her for late filing. She behaved like a little girl who got caught in the cookie jar. Soooo UnProfessional.. Just a little girl with a license to do big things, but no clue on how to get it done.
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09 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
Elizabeth was wonder to talk with! She helped me under the process and helped me with my situation. She has a great attitude and was very professional. Definitely seek her out if you’re needing help! Thank you again Elizabeth
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26 Nov, 2014 by Marilyn
Elizabeth helped my grandson through a very difficult time. The outcome was great. I would highly recommend her to anyone
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22 Feb, 2018 by Lee
I went to Bill with a pretty bad contract problem that I had been trying to get fixed for several years. Bill really listened to everything I said, and then really worked hard on it. He was able to work it out in just the way I had hoped. I will definitely use him again when I need a good lawyer!
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12 Sep, 2017 by Scott
I recently had the pleasure of trying a case with Bill and I cannot say enough about his effort and preparation, He truly did a great job!
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16 Jun, 2016 by Tom
I hired Knoxvegas law and Attorney Bill Taylor to handle a very difficult child support case for me. For more than 3 years I have had money taken for child support by both TN and VA (where my ex lives). Although I have had custody of my daughter for more than 3 years, VA continued to intercept my taxes and TN kept trying to hold me in contempt for not paying and being in arrearage. Finally, yesterday.....Attorney Taylor showed the judge how I have overpaid child support owed and finally got it settled. The time and effort he put into my case got me the outcome I deserved. He is a great lawyer in my opinion.
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23 May, 2017 by Bill
I retained Mr. McLemore after speaking with several other attorneys. I hired him b/c of the fee he quoted me. I was well pleased with the result. Not only did he get my charges dismissed he also did my expungement. I would highly recommend him.
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05 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
This so called attorney does not represent his clients to full potential. . Scams clients and does not return calls. One of worst decisions I have made was hiring this man to represent me he should be disbarred
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10 Aug, 2022 by Peter
I hired Jim to represent me and my family after my home was destroyed by a mudslide due to negligent grading that failed done by my neighbor.. It has been 3.5 years and I have gotten every run around and excuse you can imagine from, being sick, to dad dying, to car accident, to being mugged, to being sick, to power being off at his office, to being on vacation, to having Covid, to being have a dental procedure done, to being in the hospital, and I am sure I am forgetting more. This Fraud took 10k from me that was money raised by a go fund me after my home was destroyed and my family almost killed and has done NOTHING for me in 3.5 years. I went to the courthouse and pulled my file to find that the judge had dismissed my case because of REPEATED failures to respond to the requests to the defendants and making categorically outrageous requests of the court. I am now beginning to work with the Bar to go after Jim Scott. and I recommend you ALL STAY AWAY from this charlatan !!!
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03 Apr, 2017 by Jeff
I can't thank Jim enough. I had a little too much to drink one night and made a mistake. I ended up getting pulled over and blew a 0.09 and was charged with a DUI. Jim was able to have my DUI dismissed. I did end up doing my fair share of community service, but I was more than happy to do.
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14 Jan, 2022 by Trey
Mr. Pate has repeatedly dropped the ball on my case. Rescheduling court dates without my approval, refusing to do anything that I ask of him and now has blocked my phone number and has ignored multiple emails. He never even sounded like he understood what was going on in my case.
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10 Feb, 2013 by Amanda b
He is a wonderful lawyer. I can not say enough. He listens well, he is quiet, however when he speaks it is what needs to be said. He is very good!
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13 Sep, 2021 by Djm <----- fake account
***This Review was made from a HACKED email Address**** Mr. Schwartz has a ton of experience and he was very professional in every aspect. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for legal advice.
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31 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
This man is dishonest and acts criminally in court. He has been in trouble before and needs to have his license pulled. It's coming. Do not hire this man
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30 Apr, 2015 by Daniel
I've used Mr. Schwartz twice and both times he hit a home run for me. In each case the state had all the evidence they needed to get me. Mr. Schwartz stepped in an preserved my freedom despite my confession and evidence to the police at times of arrest. Your lawyer does not need to respond to every little worry you have. They don't have time for that. But you can trust this guy is working for you.
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27 Sep, 2024 by Ben edwards
Only giving one Star because I'm really just using this to try and get ahold of someone. Everytime I call it says my call can not be completed. Someone said y'all help with local tyrants. I need that help. Please contact me.
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27 Sep, 2024 by Knox foodie
Attorneys are who made it so that it is so incredibly difficult to represent yourself or sue anyone else and so exceptionally expensive to obtain an attorney, creating defined lines between the Capital and Districts.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Amanda hamlin
This is such a great service. When you find yourself in a situation where an attorney is needed, it is very overwhelming. I called around Knoxville for two days trying to find the right attorney that could help me. I contacted the Knoxville Bar Association and within a few hours I received an attorney referral. It was that easy! When I contacted my referred attorney, I panicked when I found out it would be a couple of weeks before we could meet due to scheduling conflicts. I contacted Tracy Chain at the Knoxville Bar Association. She is amazing! She understood my panic and assured me the referred attorney was the best attorney for my situation. She was very helpful and offered a few other suggestions to help. After speaking with my referred attorney, I couldn’t be more pleased with the referral. He truly was the best attorney to fit my situation. He was patient, kind and very knowledgeable of the law regarding my issue. I felt like he really understood me and my unique situation. Most notably, I found him to be extremely honest. He explained everything in great detail so I had a better understanding of my options. I couldn’t have found a more perfect fit.
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31 Jan, 2011 by Mike
He accepted my case and knew i did not have alot of money. He never answered his phone..... He never showed up to court and never called me.... I would have paid him more money but he never called me back......
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22 Dec, 2023 by Tim
He seemed excited to help us with our case. Said it wouldn't take no time at all. He was eager to get the job done. Then we paid the guy. That's when he stopped responding, it was like finding someone that had back pay on child support.
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08 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
I would not recommend this attorney to anyone who does not want to go to prison. Mr. Talman kept postponing court dates (even though no new evidence was being presented). Mr. Talman offered deals that I could have attained had I represented myself. After hiring another attorney I was released on the next court date.
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06 Aug, 2023 by Bruce
This so called lawyer took $4,000, then an Additional $2,000 from me and Abandoned me in the most crucial time of my case and refused to represent me without giving him an extra $10,000.00. I'm a Disabled Senior Citizen on SSI and he took everything that I had in my Savings Account. Keep in mind that this was for Simple Misdemeanor charges. Now I have to go to criminal court without a lawyer because I have no money left.
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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:

  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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