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14 Oct, 2023 by Jared austin
22 Nov, 2022 by Adam cronkite
Have used Fred several times whether it was personal or business related, he has always been highly professional and prompt, if there was anything over five stars he would receive it. A lawyer you can trust.
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28 Nov, 2018 by Jodi thomas
26 Sep, 2024 by Sanuel
My disability hearing Court
Thank you so much thank you for your patience. Your time you had did an awesome job. I really appreciate you. I give you 100 stars up. I will let other people know about your case. They need a lawyer. Firm is really great. Very fair and not selfish or greedy for financial gains, as many I had seen from experience.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Christine
Mr Ficklin was very professional and knowledgeable. I would recommend his services to anyone in need.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Brandon wilhite
Mr. Bobby Ficklin experienced, professionalism and expertise was a testament to his years of training at the highest level he got everything on record that is going to help my case. He was as great an attorney as the one’s that are on the TV show Suits and I would recommend him 100 times out of 100 times. If I could give him 6 stars I would.
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16 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Josh was extremely responsive, well prepared and delivered a great result. The hearing officer even pointed out how impressed he was with the file of information Josh presented regarding my case. I highly recommend Josh for any license related issue!
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05 May, 2018 by Celesta
Joshua Covert went above and beyond to get my case resolved. I can't begin to express my gratitude to him and I would recommend him and his firm to anyone.
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15 Jun, 2017 by Ron
I hired Josh to expunge my felony record. He made it happen so now I can support my family and regain my gun rights. Thank you Josh Covert law firm.
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04 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Dillon was very open and clear cut, he let me know all my options and told me what the court was most likely to do. He walked me through everything as this was my first time in court. I got 6 months probation with an OWI on my record with fines but the MIP was waived. I was very satisfied with my sentencing and would 100% recommend hiring Mr. Dillon to anyone that needs legal help and would definitely consider hiring him again should the circumstance arise.
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18 Mar, 2018 by Kelli
Mr. Dillon was an excellent attorney. He handled my case professionally and swiftly. I would recommend his services to anyone and if I am in need in the future I will definitely reach back out to him for help.
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12 Feb, 2018 by Jmahl young
Mr. Dillon handled my case well. Definitely made sure that my case was taken seriously and he provides comfort to his client. He is a patient man, works everything out to your favor. I would recommend him. He is definitely worth the hire.
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26 Jul, 2021 by Hadjy
Mr Howard did a GREAT!! I got my very first ticket for running the read lights. I didn’t wanna pay the ticket straight to get points and affect my insurance, so i tried to find a attorney, luckily one of my friends introduced me to Mr Howard i went and explained the incident to him, he told me “not to worry about it”. Finally today i had my court day and everything went absolutely great i have to pay my ticket gladly not into my record neither my insurance. Thanks to the man Steve Howard for doing a great job!
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31 Mar, 2021 by Robert
I hired Mr. Steven Howard to correct an error on my ATF and FBI records. Much to my surprise, he cut through the red tape and corrected my records within 3 weeks. I highly recommend him for any firearms issues you may encounter.
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23 Dec, 2020 by Patrick
I have yet to need to hire him but he has been extremely helpful in answering questions for me at a very reasonable fee! I'd definitely recommend him based upon his level of knowledge!!
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04 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
Without Dustyn I wouldn’t be doing as good as I am now, and I wouldn’t know how the rest of my life would pan out. Not only did Dustyn help me get into a program where I would not be convicted of any of my charges, felonies to be exact, but he related with me. Not in the sense of getting into trouble, but he knew what it felt like to be in a rough patch and so he sympathized with me. He also talked to me a little about some other personal issues I had been dealing with for quite some time, and made me realize that I could overcome them, and not just allow them to overcome me. He gave me 2 excellent books of his that he said he enjoyed, and would help me understand and how to overcome this issue. I could feel that he truly cared about me as a person, not just for my case. I will be eternally grateful for all of the help he provided to help get my life back on track. Definitely recommend him.
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18 Jun, 2019 by Phil
Dustyn Coontz was friendly and professional from the first meeting with him until the conclusion of my case. I was informed and up to date through the entire process. Anytime I had questions or concerns I just contacted his office and was always answered or soon returned a call.
I appreciated his knowledge and his polite and respectful attitude. I believe I recieved the best possible outcome and am thankful Dustyn accepted my case and represented me in court.
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26 Apr, 2019 by Brian
Last year I was hit with a false accusation that had potentially dire consequences. Dustyn came to my rescue. He took quick action to get the facts at the prosecutor’s office and provide me with clear counsel. Thankfully there was no litigation. Dustyn’s quick action and companionate guidance gave me peace of mind in a very difficult time.
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29 Apr, 2015 by Josh l
I can't say enough good things about Mr. O'Keefe. I was looking for lawyers regarding a DUI on-line and he called me within hours of requesting information! He was able to schedule an appointment to meet the same day and cover some information on me. I selected him as the lawyer for my case, and even though it was a short notice he was professional, thorough, and extremely supportive of me the entire time. He worked with me and walked me through every step of the way, including preparing me for any future steps of this ordeal. He knew each miniscule piece of information to put my mind at rest, who the judge was and her personality, and freely answered all of my questions.
Mr. O'Keefe provided me with resources and tasks to complete before my arraignment so I was prepared for court. He pushed for an earlier hearing for me so I wasn't waiting months for my sentencing after my arraignment. He also had recommendations for me on where to do my court ordered community service. While at the court house it seemed like everyone knew Mr. O'Keefe which just showed what his recognition is in the local industry.
I would recommend Mr. O'Keefe to any of my family or friends without any hesitation. He was not only confident in his abilities, but he provided me with the tools and support in the court room to alleviate the stress of my first offense, and also assisted in getting a shorter probation for me. Again, I can't put into words how happy I was with my entire experience using Mr. O'Keefe.
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07 Nov, 2014 by Tom
I found Mr. O'Keefe to be confident, professional and efficient in settling the charges I faced without trial. I felt confident he would have handled the trial efficiently.
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20 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
Our son recently got in some misdemeanor legal trouble. Mr. O'Keefe successfully negotiated a plea, which allowed him to continue with school and not affect his driving or student loans. We are grateful to Mr. O'Keefe for all of his hard work. Our son had not ever been in trouble before and this was out of character for him. A second chance and a lesson learned. Thank you!
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06 Jun, 2017 by Joseph
Cindy, A ++++++
The most professional, on point defense anyone that needs and wants their life to be changed for the better lawyer money could buy! If you're looking for excellence, she has the discipline! Be attentive and follow her lead to the "T" and be honest. She will show you the way and recover your life! She's the best at putting in the work, but you must be willing to meet her goals!
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02 Aug, 2015 by Shawn
Cindy Mannon is the best. She will tell you exactly what you need to do. She will work hard to get your license back. She worked with me from South Carolina. After 15 years I finally can drive again.
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11 Jul, 2015 by Jo ellen
i am from out of state and giving Cindy Mannon a standing aviation. Cindy took my case in March 2015 a drivers license restoration case and due to her expertise I was granted a full licenses back within 3.5 months. Cindy had her work cut out for her, due to my huge file that started in 2008 when I original lost my license. 2012 is when I paid all my fines and attempted to try it myself (PLEASE DONT DO THIS YOURSELF) waste of time especially I had to travel out of state by train, and then was denied , plus DMV made wait 1 MORE YEAR year to appeal. I also hired another attorney after my 1 yr was up, oh boy NO GOOD WAS HE, within a month I got rid of him and he kept my money, he did nothing but make 2 phone calls to me. (YOU MUST BE CAREFUL) IF I CAN TELL YOU ANYTHING CINDY MANNON IS THE BEST AT WHAT SHE DOES AND IS WELL WORTH ALL SHE GIVES. Cindy does do out of state work and does not charge extra for it. For your own sake TRUST CINDY MANNON !!!!!!!!
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23 Feb, 2022 by Jody m
I have used Conrad’s services twice over the years and he did a great job.
He’s very understanding and easy to work with.
If I ever need a lawyer again I will definitely call Conrad Vincent.
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06 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
I have been dealing with Conrad now for 4 years with my son, who just sometimes makes horrible choices, but Conrad always has a smile and talks to my son on a level as not only a lawyer but in a parent prospective and I appreciate all his hard work and I am forever grateful.
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17 Dec, 2018 by Faith
Attorney Vincent is very professional communicated very well throughout the whole process I hired him for a child custody battle and he did amazing!
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15 Jun, 2018 by Debra
I highly endorse and recommend Patrick Crowley for legal representation. Prior to hiring Patrick, I thought it would be best to hire a woman to represent me. I am grateful that I didn't limit myself with gender-only selection, and instead look for the best person for legal representation. Patrick is fair, honest, and reasonable - not only in terms of financial expectations, but overall expectations. When we were in front of the judge, I was happy he was on my side of the courtroom, and that he wasn't on the opposing side. He is polished and prepared in the courtroon, and in every step of the process. I highly recommend Patrick Crowley.
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14 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Very pleased with Patrick and his staff! My divorce ended up very messy with lots of extra questions and added headaches, and he always made me feel calm and that he would take care of everything and he did. In court he did such a phenomenal job I not only got full custody of my kids- twice, but my ex and his lawyer ended up deciding to back out of their claims and stop the proceedings. I would recommend Mr. Crowley to anyone looking for an excellent lawyer!
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15 Jun, 2015 by Jason devenbaugh
Mr Crowley is a great attorney. He always kept me in the loop about everything with my case. Before going in we would talk about how he wants to approach the case. He asked for my input, but my trust in him was so good I let him do what he felt was right. I would recommend Mr Crowley to anyone needing an attorney. He is fair and honest. Thank You Mr Crowley.
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16 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Jeff Landon is excellent in his field. He is professional, curtious, organized and thorough. I felt confident in the decisions made throughout my devorice based on clear, concise, frequent communications and fact based information. He is genuine in his demeanor and is completely committed.
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11 Feb, 2016 by Dan wargo
Mr. Landon helped me through an extremely difficult time (of my own doing) without prejudging me. He was there by phone, email, and in person whenever needed and got me a fair sentencing. Without his expertise my fate could've gone in a much worse direction. If one is in need of legal help I would definitely recommend Mr. Landon.
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10 Feb, 2016 by Corrine
Jeff was very quick with responses to questions. I felt comfortable with him and he did a great job! I had a zoning issue and even a couple of members on the zoning board were very pleased and impressed with him. If it weren't for Jeff, I don't think I would've gotten my request passed. I would highly recommend Jeff Landon for anyone who needs legal help.
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08 Jun, 2018 by Dail
Tim has been very compassionate and understanding though out my entire horrible situation. Always responds to questions and concerns. He does his absolute due diligence and it's a good feeling to have him in your corner.
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12 Jul, 2017 by Michael
When I worked with Tim he provided me great advice which resulted in getting me out of a bind that I was in. During our few days of working together, Tim not only provided me great advice that worked in my favor, but he did so in a manner that was comforting which made me feel at ease during the stressful situation that I was in. I will most definitely recommend Tim to anyone who is in need of criminal defense!
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01 Jun, 2017 by Holly
My son got into some trouble when he was 17 and I was at a loss of what to do. I looked up experienced lawyers and contacted Grabel and associates. They put me in contact with Tim Doman and it was the best decision I ever made. He was there for our family day or night and even weekends and holidays. My son's case was very trying and I was very scared for him. Tim treated our family like he was part of our family from the very beginning. He was aggressive and was always working the case. The case was very trying but in the end my son went from 6 felonies to 2 misdemeanors and his record clean! We are so grateful for what Tim did for us and he will always be apart of our family! If you want a highly trained attorney, Tim Doman would be the one for you. Eternal thanks!
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06 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. Mertens helped navigate the waters of an incredibly difficult federal case. There were tens of thousands of documents and extraordinary legal issues. I was very pleased with his hard work, knowledge, and dedication.
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19 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous
I had never been in trouble before, Needless to say, I was disappointed in myself and felt I let my family down. Mr. Mertens helped me turn a very negative situation into a positive. I am very grateful to him and his lawfirm.
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05 Nov, 2009 by Anonymous
Mr. Mertens is an outstanding attorney who helped me through a very difficult time. I appreciate the honsety and hard work he brought to my case.
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17 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Alex Rusek gave me my son back. My son was facing multiple serious charges and needed rehab for his addiction issues. Alex Rusek argued to get a reasonable bond, pursuaded three different Judges to allow my son to go out of state for therapy and successfully got multiple felony charges dropped. Instead of going to prison my son received one and a half years probation and time served.
This outcome would not have been possible with out the efforts and arguments of Alex Rusek to get the court system to give my son another chance.
If you need a lawyer that will work hard for you, is familiar with the prosecutors and judges, will never judge you and get the outcome you want and deserve , you should contact Alec Rusek. You will not be disappointed.
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24 May, 2016 by Josh
I can't express how thankful I am to have such a great attorney! Thanks for always being on time, explains my situation and options in detail, and getting results! Highly recommend White Law!
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21 Aug, 2018 by Marie
Mr. Feigelson is one heck of a lawyer, He wasn’t sure what he was doing at first but I believe he did his book work because the turn out was incredible!
I had him for a very complicated Child Custody case with Domestic violence involved, Mr. Feigelson went out of his way to get the job done when I wanted it done! I was granted Sole Legal Custody & Sole Physical Custody, I never once had to face that Monster in courts! I may be hiring you again Mr.Feigelson!
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23 Oct, 2013 by Sandy
Steven Feigelson is an excellent attorney whom I would gladly refer to anyone needing legal advice. He keeps his clients informed throughout the process and always promptly answers questions, emails or phone calls. This accessibility lessens the stress clients experience due to their legal issues. Mr. Feigelson maintains a professional manner at all times and is very knowledgeable in various legal matters. As a client, I can say without a doubt Mr. Feigelson is the best attorney you could choose for your legal issues because he cares for you personally and has the skills necessary to represent you to your greatest benefit.
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28 Nov, 2012 by William
Mr. Milks is a great asset to the legal community. Very thorough and gives it too you straight. I would highly recommend him to anyone. Just an all around great attorney...
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02 Aug, 2012 by Wayne
He helped me in a murder case and he was very thorough and adept to the situation. Very resourceful and a quick thinker.
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29 Jun, 2012 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Carrier to do a land contract for me. I felt that he really took the time to explain my options and to answer my many questions. He brought up some tax issues I had not even thought about, that ended up saving me a few thousand dollars in taxes. Super happy!
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29 Jun, 2012 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Carrier to do a land contract for me. I felt that he really took the time to explain my options and to answer my many questions. He brought up some tax issues I had not even thought about, that ended up saving me a few thousand dollars in taxes. Super happy!
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30 Aug, 2010 by Fred
Joanne is one of the most competent attorneys I have had the pleasure of dealing with (if you can call needing a attorney a pleasure). Joanne kept me well informed at all times, did not charge for emails as long as they were to the point, and was available to answer my questions at all times. She won my cases when others said that it couldn't be done, I used her services for both criminal and custody.
Highly recommended.
My hat is off to you Joanne.
Thanks,
Fred
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10 Dec, 2013 by Deb
I have met many people in my life and profession, but few meet the standards and expectations of pure excellence. I have known and worked with Mr. Finn for many years; he is the first person I call. He is also trustworthy. Last year, I went to see Bernie regarding three upcoming legal issues I was working on. He was honest with me and recommended two attorneys- that without a doubt he would have suggested/recommended to his own family.
I have no higher praise; I trust him for guidance…and within this I trust him with my life.
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11 Jan, 2016 by Angie sipsy
Mr. Goodrich is a very good attorney, he helps the little guys, he tells you what gonna happen every step of the way when it comes to your case. He's highly recommend.
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01 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
I was a minor being charged with something i DID NOT do. I would have spent a lot of my natural born life in prison for allegations that were untrue. He fought until the end for my rights and did a very good job defending me. I wouldn't be where I am without his help. I couldn't thank him enough for the hours he put into my case. He is a bad ass attorney and will get the job done!!!
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27 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
I had Jeff draft a lease for me on my rental house. Since I was a first-time landlord, he was very understanding, and explained everything clearly. While this wasn't a demanding job, and I could likely have purchased a lease from one of several online sources, I felt much more comfortable having a local attorney handle the paperwork. Jeff didn't disappoint, as he was able to answer all of my questions and provide some good general advice in the process. Furthermore, I went back to him when I had to evict a tenant some time later. While I did not hire him to represent me in this case, as I felt I could navigate it on my own, his advice in the entire process was invaluable. His knowledge extends beyond the simple rule of law, as he is very familiar with the peculiarities of working in the Lansing area, and this was perhaps his greatest asset. Should I ever require the services of a lawyer in the future, I will certainly turn to Jeff.
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26 Jul, 2019 by Paul
First off, I would like to make it known that I shopped around before deciding on Stu (When I say shopped around, I mean shopping around for two weeks and spend $300 on first consultations). When I stumbled upon Stu, I was completely lost among a sea of lawyers in a challenging time in my life, but Stu mitigated the stress as he rose amongst the rest. I know that he doesn’t have the strongest internet presence amongst some other lawyers within the area, but at the end of the day I was not hiring an online SEO marketer, I was hiring a lawyer. With this, Stu was always kind, fair, intelligent, and straight to the point. Unlike encounters I had prior with other firms, his kindness seemed sincere and less like a sales tactic.
Now let’s gets to the meat and potatoes… You might be wondering about the quality of his work since all lawyer reviews seem to focus solely on words like kind and professional. With this, I have to say that Stu delivered better than expected. I knew he was going to be right after researching his long line of experience and education; however, I wasn’t expecting him to outclass my ex-wife’s lawyer time and time again. He was responsive while being able to work at incredible speeds. Also, he would include me in absolutely everything, while providing sound direction and elaborating, as well as organizing my thoughts to make them 100-fold more effective than they would have been otherwise. Aside from this, I live in Massachusetts while being a resident from another state since I am Active Duty Military. My situation was unique and took a knowledgeable lawyer to work. Stu did amazing! I can’t recommend this man enough!
Thank you, Stu, I will forever be grateful for all you have done for myself, as well as for my daughter/family.
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30 Jun, 2016 by Hannah
Mr. Watson has helped my family on more than one occasion and i couldn't be more pleased with the outcome of our legal matters. He is absolutely amazing at his job and very good at communicating and investigating the whole case thoroughly. i highly recommend him and thank him for what he has done for my family in our times of need.
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26 Jul, 2021 by Cam
In the past, almost every public defender I've dealt with has usually attempted to get me to plead on my case as soon as possible--I'm sure in part because they're overburdened with cases--but it's usually at the expense of actually fighting the case.
Mr. Caltrider continued to fight for me even after I would have tapped out and agreed to the plea deal they had initially offered.
After a long saga thanks to COVID, nearly a year later and multiple offers by the prosecution--Mr. Caltrider was able to get my charges dropped completely.
I can't say enough good things about lawyers who actually care about and actually work on their clients behalf even though they were assigned the case as a public defense.
I'd like to thank him a dozen times over.
I definitely didn't need that on my record--and thanks to him--it's not!
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12 Sep, 2024 by Brandon wilhite
Mr. Bobby Ficklin experienced, professionalism and expertise was a testament to his years of training at the highest level he got everything on record that is going to help my case. He was as great an attorney as the one’s that are on the TV show Suits and I would recommend him 100 times out of 100 times. If I could give him 6 stars I would.
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06 Sep, 2024 by Reidys richard
Bobby ficklin one of the best attorney ever highly respected recommended I will use him over and over again God is good and so is him 🙏 🙌 👍
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28 Aug, 2024 by Robert cutler
Thanks to Mr. Ficklin I was able to receive a fully favorable decision on the day of my disability hearing. He was very knowledgeable and professional. Amazing job.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Brittany merrill
19 Aug, 2024 by Adnan caluk
16 Aug, 2024 by Leslie sepkoski
21 Aug, 2024 by Brittany merrill
19 Aug, 2024 by Adnan caluk
16 Aug, 2024 by Leslie sepkoski
04 Sep, 2024 by Kameron toner
Mike is a lawyer like most of the rest. Do not waste any money using him unless it's a very simple case.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Levie nedziwe
One on point Gentleman
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25 Apr, 2024 by The draco
If you ever need a great lawyer get Lyonel!!!! He cares, he listens and he fights for you!! Great lawyer and a outstanding human being. Best thing I ever did was have this guy on my side!!! Thank you so much Lyonel, sincerely Eric O.
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08 Sep, 2024 by Amy jimenez
From beginning to end, this was a professional and thorough process. Can not recommend enough. 5 stars!
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16 Aug, 2024 by Mykayla fenska
Stuart recently helped my family create our family trust. For a conversation that most people dread (and let me tell you, I avoided this for YEARS), Stuart made a conversation that felt like it could be very scary, very easy to have. He made sure all of our bases were covered, all our assets were accounted for, and he had a step by step process that does not miss a beat. In addition to all of this, Stuart is a great communicator. I really cannot recommend utilizing Stuart to plan your family trust more.
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03 Aug, 2024 by Jerome hagedorn
My wife and I recently completed our Family Trust and Planning with the guidance of Stuart Williams. Through the process, we found Stuart to be professional and attentive to our personal situation and desires. He tailored our plan and documents to meet those perfectly.
Family Wills & Trusts has a very well organized program that guided us through the process.
Stuart was patient and always available for questions.
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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.
