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16 Oct, 2017 by Amy ankerson
An upstanding lawyer, highly recommend!
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09 Oct, 2017 by M p
She's just a great lawyer
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26 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
Russ is an amazing attorney. He stood by my every step of the way even when I had a mental break down after i had been convicted. ( Russ didn't go down without a fight though, easily the best criminal defense I had ever had) he helped me through everything and even though I ot convicted instead of going to prison like the DA asked for i got three years probation with no jail time thanks to Russ' arguments. Thank you Russ, for everything.
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01 Jan, 2020 by Jennifer massart
09 Dec, 2019 by Iremodel bathrooms 608-799-8838
29 Sep, 2019 by John smith
Hes the man. Only person in town worth spending money on. For family cases call Sean oniel
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12 Sep, 2024 by Emily
I can’t say enough good things about Sean and his staff. I had a very messy divorce. I worked with another lawyer for seven months and he did very little for me except continually remind me that Wisconsin was a 50/50 state and that even though I brought significant assets into the marriage while my ex had, none, I earned about three times more during the marriage, and we were only married for a short time, I was going to have split everything 50/50 with him. He pressured me to agree to a very bad mediation deal.
Luckily, before having the judge finalize the mediation agreement, I came across Sean‘s reviews on Google. I wasn’t just looking at how many stars he was given but I read what people wrote about him. People repeatedly commented on his commitment, his dedication, and going the extra mile. I made an appointment for a consultation with Sean. Within the first five minutes of our meeting, he said, “Let me show you what the law actually says, I have had to educate other counsel and judges about this.” He printed off the actual law where it states that Wisconsin is a 50/50 state after consideration is made for the following items, which included length of marriage, what each brought into the marriage, and the length of the marriage.
After talking a little more, he asked why I didn’t have a restraining order and I told him that my previous lawyer told me it was 50/50 whether I would get it and that it would be inflammatory and work against me even though I felt very unsafe and threatened. Sean appeared very upset after hearing this, and disagreed, but continued to be professional and not bad mouth the other lawyer.
Sean was very brave about taking on my case this late in the game with a fast approaching court date and so much information to take in. Also, my ex hired a lawyer who I had heard said is the best divorce lawyer in La Crosse. I wholeheartedly disagree, because Sean definitely is the best.
I am still in awe of the commitment Sean made to helping me get a fair trial and a great outcome. I would see emails from him sent on weekends and in the middle of the nightat times. It was so reassuring to know he was on my side and so determined. He blocked out several days of his calendar so that he could familiarize himself with my huge stack of documents. As soon as I retained Sean as my attorney, I finally felt like I could relax and let him take care of it. I knew that no matter what happened with the results of the trial, I would be satisfied, because I had the best representation I could possibly have.
My hearing went on for two days. Sean was relentless in his effort to get me a fair trial and justice. In the end, the judge decided to divide the assets 80/20 in my favor. I did not get everything I wanted, but that never happens in court. It was about $70,000 that Sean saved me based on what my previous attorney was forecasting with a trial outcome.
In some ways, more importantly, Sean gave me the opportunity to tell my story and have it validated by the judge. He was so committed to making it clear that I tried so hard during the marriage and that my ex was dishonest and completely took advantage of me. It seemed that Sean felt a moral obligation to not let my ex take more from me and to have his greediness and dishonesty exposed.
I will also say that his staff was very friendly and hard-working. Sean went out of his way to try to save me money when he could by having me do some of the legwork if I wanted. He kept me consistently updated on status and promptly responded to all of my messages. Hopefully I will never need counsel again, but if I did, I would definitely retain Sean again. If it were possible to give him 10 stars, I would.
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28 Mar, 2024 by Justin
Sean took great care of everything from the jump. He worked with me on payment, as well as gave me practical and reasonable legal advice. He didn’t over promise but certainly delivered. I hope to not have to use his services again but he would be the first I turn to if I ever do.
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20 Oct, 2023 by Nancy jo
I highly recommend Attorney O’Neill. His professionalism made my messy divorce tolerable. He is fair, honest, and his fees are reasonable. He also offered me a free consultation.
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14 Dec, 2023 by Kyle
Joe Veenstra helped settle a 9.7K lawsuit against me for $1,200. A VERY substantial difference. He also voluntarily gave me plenty of useful advice for my business. I would certainly recommend his service.
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08 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Joe was excellent to work with . Was very prompt in replying to all of my e-mails. He stated what was viable and what wasn't. Offered straight answers and laid out a clear path we would be following. VERY positive end result!!!
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07 Oct, 2022 by Brandi
I cannot thank Mr. Veenstra enough the for assistance he provided in getting my brother's property from the landlord after my brother passed away. Without his help we would have received nothing from the landlord.
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17 Mar, 2010 by Anonymous
Contacted Mr. Doerfler to simply ask a question. He is the first of several attorneys I have contacted in the past to EVER return contact without the promise of the almighty dollar. Researched my question, promptly returned contact with sound advice.
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05 Oct, 2009 by Travis
I started out with several false allegations including two felonies and several other misdemeanors. I had a very kind lawyer starting but soon realized that being kind was not going to cut it. Not only that but I could never reach her and felt as though my case was being left on the desk.
Chris was recommended to me by the WI State Bar. I first contacted him when seeking representation for a civil suit resulting from false allegations that I was currently fighting. I soon learned that Chris was not just another "money hungry" big city lawyer..I began hours of research before calling him and soon decided to give him a call. He sat down with me at no cost and was straight forward with the seriousness of the alleged charges. What started out to be just a consultation about a possible civil suit turned into a substitute of counsel of Chris for my previous lawyer in my criminal case as well.
I am a VERY demanding client, especially in the situation I was in and Chris kept me 100% informed and took every last one of my concerns into careful consideration. I went from having a lawyer whom I could not contact for the life of me, to having a wonderful lawyer who would respond to my e-mails within minutes every-time!
I myself had lost hope of my dream to become a lawyer due to my false allegations and Chris turned that around for me. Not only did he use his aggressive and highly intellectual style to get my false allegations dismissed, but also has taught me a lot about my future career path. I feel as though I not only have began to get my life back but have also made a friend and mentor as well. We have a long path ahead with my civil suit an, but I have deep faith in Chris helping me to achieve the best possible result for my future.
Before you lose hope....call Chris!
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25 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
We met Chris and had the opportunity to benefit from from his services several years ago, and he has remained both a friend and our attorney ever since. Chris is a caring person and took control of our case with not only excellent knowledge and professionalism, but with honest care and concern for us personally as well as our situation. When we first met Chris, my husband had a serious problem that could have had a horrible outcome. Chris kept my husband's spirits up and kept me, the wife, totally informed of every step of the way. No matter how serious the situation seemed, Chris met each challenge with confidence and the knowledge to bring our case to a perfect outcome. We highly recommend Chris. We don't know how to sing his praises high enough! We hope that we never have to go through the situation we did, but should something similar ever arise again, or we need an attorney for any reason again, Chris will be the first person we call on. Sometimes trying to find an attorney can be difficult as they all say the same things on initial meetings because they want your business. When you meet Chris for the first time, you will immediately see the difference between Chris and all of the others and you will know you don't need to look any further, Chris is the attorney you need to get the job done.
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30 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Did amazing work and was able to have my first one erased. He was amazing, caring, fierce, and understanding. I will always be great full to him.
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15 Aug, 2014 by Tracy
My Family retained Luis Delgado to represent us in a very serious Criminal Charge. Mr. Delgado has absolutely nothing but his client's best interest at heart and works diligently to obtain the best for his Client. Our situation went to the fullest extent and we took it to trial. Mr. Delgado was well prepared and did an amazing job in representing the truth as we received the verdict of Not Guilty! I would trust Mr. Delgado with our lives and we did and he truly cared about the Defendant in this case as well as the rest of the family this tragedy was affecting. I would highly recommend him to anyone as you cannot beat having the best working for you and with you!!! Thank You Mr. Delgado for your caring way and extremely hard work!!!!!! 8/15/2014
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12 Oct, 2011 by Theo
Defended 5th OWI charge when I was arrested not operating. Outstanding thorough aggressive defense- left no stone unturned. Made mincemeat out of the prosecution star witness. Highly knowledgeable and professional. Highly personable and obviously respected by the Court. Razor sharp mind. Won owi 5th by unanimous jury verdict. accurately predicted and prepared for prosecution maneuvers. Obviously gave my case 100%- it was clear that he was driven to win.
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30 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Candice is an excellent attorney who recently helped me with a difficult situation and has been quick and swift and fair, pricing wise.
I have used AVVO for years in my business whenever I sought an excellent lawyer. This time it was personal and as always AVVO provided me a top professional. They are the best and so is Candice. She knows the laws well and took great care of me.
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11 Mar, 2010 by Steven
I was falsely accused of harassment by an ex and was served with a restraining order. I contacted Attorney Tlustosch and she quickly got back to me. I hired her and she got the case dismissed. I found her to be knowledgeable, competent and passionate about her work. I would recommend her to anyone reading this profile.
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04 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
The name lives up to this guy's reputation. Seriously. If you're in trouble, the FIRST thing you should do is give Keith "the Beast" Belzer a call. I went to court with him for some minor offenses and I felt like it was cheating. Got away with just a slap on the wrist, and a lesson well learned: call Keith. He has also helped out numerous buddies of mine with much more serious offenses, all with exceptional results. this guy doesn't play around. He's sincere, works hard, and gets results. If you've ever seen Pulp Fiction, imagine having "the wolf" as your personal attorney. Get into a sticky situation? Your solution is just a call away.
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11 May, 2009 by Anonymous
i was facing 3 felonies and a bunch of misdemeanors, including intent to deliver, another bud felonie, and felony concealed weapon (brass knuckles). and keith got me about 9 months of diversion agreement, olmost 100 hrs of community service. and absolutley nothing on my record. he is an AWESOME lawyer. hes not one of those lawyers that seems like he only cares about money, he actually cares. I would recommend him to everyone that needs a lawyer!!! of all the lawyers i know HE'S THE BEST!!!!
-mat
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11 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
Howard is beyond the most confident, intelligent and successful lawyer. I knew my divorce was going to be brutal due to my ex but Howard made the process better than I could have hoped for. I am finally free from my nightmare of a marriage and I am forever thankful for his expertise.
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11 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
So far we have been very impressed with how Mr. Ryan has taken care of our case. The consultation and explaination of his credentials and how our case is going. Our initial appearances within the legal system with Attorney Ryan have been very impressive and professional. We look forward to working with Mr. Ryan as our case proceeds.
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14 Oct, 2019 by Scott
I had the pleasure of meeting Cheryl and having her represent me in a courtroom. I felt secure and confident in her ability to produce the results I needed in a criminal trial. She delivered effectively and then some. Typically I wouldn't take the time to review an attorney but Cheryl is the one of a kind individual you appreciate because when push comes to shove in the courtroom or life, you want her on your side!
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20 Aug, 2024 by Lisa malecki
I spoke with a very kind rep who was incredibly helpful. I’m glad I called.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Michael jeffries
They are thoughtful And very easy to work with. I would definitely recommend them.
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19 May, 2024 by Maggie jean
20 Aug, 2024 by Lisa malecki
I spoke with a very kind rep who was incredibly helpful. I’m glad I called.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Michael jeffries
They are thoughtful And very easy to work with. I would definitely recommend them.
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19 May, 2024 by Maggie jean
20 Aug, 2024 by Lisa malecki
I spoke with a very kind rep who was incredibly helpful. I’m glad I called.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Michael jeffries
They are thoughtful And very easy to work with. I would definitely recommend them.
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19 May, 2024 by Maggie jean
20 Aug, 2024 by Lisa malecki
I spoke with a very kind rep who was incredibly helpful. I’m glad I called.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Michael jeffries
They are thoughtful And very easy to work with. I would definitely recommend them.
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19 May, 2024 by Maggie jean
20 Aug, 2024 by Lisa malecki
I spoke with a very kind rep who was incredibly helpful. I’m glad I called.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Michael jeffries
They are thoughtful And very easy to work with. I would definitely recommend them.
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19 May, 2024 by Maggie jean
20 Aug, 2024 by Lisa malecki
I spoke with a very kind rep who was incredibly helpful. I’m glad I called.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Michael jeffries
They are thoughtful And very easy to work with. I would definitely recommend them.
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19 May, 2024 by Maggie jean
14 Dec, 2022 by Crystal
I hired Jennifer a few years ago for criminal charges that I had. I was facing two or three felony charges. The first court date with the judge seemed promising. My next few court dates did not go so well. She said she needs to go off what the police report said and did not think she could help me and told me to settle for a plea bargain there was not one piece of truth to that police report at all, I definitely was not going to settle for a plea bargain. When I knew I was innocent she told me that’s all she could do for me. She not once asked me for my side of the story I was not going to admit to something I did not do thank God I hired another lawyer , the new lawyer actually took time to listen to what had happened and had private investigators help prove my innocence. All my charges were dropped. Please do not waste your time or money on Jennifer. Please go to the lawyers in West Salem Wisconsin. They are amazing they take time to listen to you and fight to help prove your innocence. It is well worth your time and money.
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01 Mar, 2022 by Josiah
I was very pleased to have Jennifer represent me on a local dispute. Jennifer was very thorough, strong, and brought up details I didn't expect any attorney to push back on. Highly recommend her to represent you!!
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01 Jan, 2020 by Jennifer massart
17 Sep, 2024 by Charles weeth
Excellent service and communications. Sean has a thorough understanding of the law and the realities of resolving issues. Highly recommend.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Eric stugen
Sean is very knowledgeable of the law. He won’t steer you wrong. He’s a straight shooter. He’ll tell you what you need to do and what not to do in your situation. He won’t waste your time and he doesn’t nickel and dime you. I’m glad I found him when I did. I’ve only gotten positive results with his counsel. I would recommend him to anyone.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Emily howell
I can’t say enough good things about Sean and his staff. I had a very messy divorce. I worked with another lawyer for seven months and he did very little for me except continually remind me that Wisconsin was a 50/50 state and that even though I brought significant assets into the marriage while my ex had, none, I earned about three times more during the marriage, and we were only married for a short time, I was going to have split everything 50/50 with him. He pressured me to agree to a very bad mediation deal.
Luckily, before having the judge finalize the mediation agreement, I came across Sean‘s reviews on Google. I wasn’t just looking at how many stars he was given but I read what people wrote about him. People repeatedly commented on his commitment, his dedication, and going the extra mile. I made an appointment for a consultation with Sean. Within the first five minutes of our meeting, he said, “Let me show you what the law actually says, I have had to educate other counsel and judges about this.” He printed off the actual law where it states that Wisconsin is a 50/50 state after consideration is made for the following items, which included length of marriage, what each brought into the marriage, and the length of the marriage.
After talking a little more, he asked why I didn’t have a restraining order and I told him that my previous lawyer told me it was 50/50 whether I would get it and that it would be inflammatory and work against me even though I felt very unsafe and threatened. Sean appeared very upset after hearing this, and disagreed, but continued to be professional and not bad mouth the other lawyer.
Sean was very brave about taking on my case this late in the game with a fast approaching court date and so much information to take in. Also, my ex hired a lawyer who I had heard said is the best divorce lawyer in La Crosse. I wholeheartedly disagree, because Sean definitely is the best.
I am still in awe of the commitment Sean made to helping me get a fair trial and a great outcome. I would see emails from him sent on weekends and in the middle of the nightat times. It was so reassuring to know he was on my side and so determined. He blocked out several days of his calendar so that he could familiarize himself with my huge stack of documents. As soon as I retained Sean as my attorney, I finally felt like I could relax and let him take care of it. I knew that no matter what happened with the results of the trial, I would be satisfied, because I had the best representation I could possibly have.
My hearing went on for two days. Sean was relentless in his effort to get me a fair trial and justice. In the end, the judge decided to divide the assets 80/20 in my favor. I did not get everything I wanted, but that never happens in court. It was about $70,000 that Sean saved me based on what my previous attorney was forecasting with a trial outcome.
In some ways, more importantly, Sean gave me the opportunity to tell my story and have it validated by the judge. He was so committed to making it clear that I tried so hard during the marriage and that my ex was dishonest and completely took advantage of me. It seemed that Sean felt a moral obligation to not let my ex take more from me and to have his greediness and dishonesty exposed.
I will also say that his staff was very friendly and hard-working. Sean went out of his way to try to save me money when he could by having me do some of the legwork if I wanted. He kept me consistently updated on status and promptly responded to all of my messages. Hopefully I will never need counsel again, but if I did, I would definitely retain Sean again. If it were possible to give him 10 stars, I would
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17 Sep, 2024 by Charles weeth
Excellent service and communications. Sean has a thorough understanding of the law and the realities of resolving issues. Highly recommend.
Read more
16 Sep, 2024 by Eric stugen
Sean is very knowledgeable of the law. He won’t steer you wrong. He’s a straight shooter. He’ll tell you what you need to do and what not to do in your situation. He won’t waste your time and he doesn’t nickel and dime you. I’m glad I found him when I did. I’ve only gotten positive results with his counsel. I would recommend him to anyone.
Read more
16 Sep, 2024 by Emily howell
I can’t say enough good things about Sean and his staff. I had a very messy divorce. I worked with another lawyer for seven months and he did very little for me except continually remind me that Wisconsin was a 50/50 state and that even though I brought significant assets into the marriage while my ex had, none, I earned about three times more during the marriage, and we were only married for a short time, I was going to have split everything 50/50 with him. He pressured me to agree to a very bad mediation deal.
Luckily, before having the judge finalize the mediation agreement, I came across Sean‘s reviews on Google. I wasn’t just looking at how many stars he was given but I read what people wrote about him. People repeatedly commented on his commitment, his dedication, and going the extra mile. I made an appointment for a consultation with Sean. Within the first five minutes of our meeting, he said, “Let me show you what the law actually says, I have had to educate other counsel and judges about this.” He printed off the actual law where it states that Wisconsin is a 50/50 state after consideration is made for the following items, which included length of marriage, what each brought into the marriage, and the length of the marriage.
After talking a little more, he asked why I didn’t have a restraining order and I told him that my previous lawyer told me it was 50/50 whether I would get it and that it would be inflammatory and work against me even though I felt very unsafe and threatened. Sean appeared very upset after hearing this, and disagreed, but continued to be professional and not bad mouth the other lawyer.
Sean was very brave about taking on my case this late in the game with a fast approaching court date and so much information to take in. Also, my ex hired a lawyer who I had heard said is the best divorce lawyer in La Crosse. I wholeheartedly disagree, because Sean definitely is the best.
I am still in awe of the commitment Sean made to helping me get a fair trial and a great outcome. I would see emails from him sent on weekends and in the middle of the nightat times. It was so reassuring to know he was on my side and so determined. He blocked out several days of his calendar so that he could familiarize himself with my huge stack of documents. As soon as I retained Sean as my attorney, I finally felt like I could relax and let him take care of it. I knew that no matter what happened with the results of the trial, I would be satisfied, because I had the best representation I could possibly have.
My hearing went on for two days. Sean was relentless in his effort to get me a fair trial and justice. In the end, the judge decided to divide the assets 80/20 in my favor. I did not get everything I wanted, but that never happens in court. It was about $70,000 that Sean saved me based on what my previous attorney was forecasting with a trial outcome.
In some ways, more importantly, Sean gave me the opportunity to tell my story and have it validated by the judge. He was so committed to making it clear that I tried so hard during the marriage and that my ex was dishonest and completely took advantage of me. It seemed that Sean felt a moral obligation to not let my ex take more from me and to have his greediness and dishonesty exposed.
I will also say that his staff was very friendly and hard-working. Sean went out of his way to try to save me money when he could by having me do some of the legwork if I wanted. He kept me consistently updated on status and promptly responded to all of my messages. Hopefully I will never need counsel again, but if I did, I would definitely retain Sean again. If it were possible to give him 10 stars, I would
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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:
-
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.
