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17 Oct, 2024 by Garnetta morin-ducote
Excellent attorney
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12 Mar, 2023 by Justin ahearn
12 Feb, 2023 by Susan martin
04 Aug, 2023 by Sarah
Collected retainer up-front. Impossible to get in touch with. When I did hear back from him it would take a month of contact, only to have him not remember anything about my case.
It took a full year to get a court date. He gave me the wrong court date, getting my case dismissed. He never showed up at court, even on the date he did me. And is now ignoring my contacts. He has not so much as returned a call or email in the two months since he got my case tossed out.
Avoid. He just took my money and ghosted me.
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08 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
I would highly recommend this firm. In particular Spencer Beckman and Paralegal, Jenny Peshoff. I only met with Spencer once for my initial consultation, but he was very friendly, professional, and down to earth. My mind was put at ease very quickly. The majority of my time was spent working with Jenny Peshoff and she was incredibly responsive, timely, and always friendly. During the few times that I visited the office in person, the staff was always courteous and very helpful. I would highly recommend both Spencer and Jenny - they are a great team! The one thing I appreciated most was the "non-lawyer speak" they used when speaking with me so that I understood exactly what was happening every step of the way.
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08 Feb, 2018 by Latif
I had a situation with a Protective Order. Spencer won the case for me in a spectacular fashion. The opposing counsel went on and on but Spencer's thorough and deep understanding of the law made him pinpoint what is important and relevant and what the judge needed to hear to win the case for me. I was so happy that day. In my opinion, he is the best in his business. If you are looking for an attorney, look no more. Just hire Spencer. He is your man... I will forever be in his debt for what he did for me. He is just an amazing lawyer!
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17 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. Connors is affable and quite knowledgeable about the law. His firm is small. Which turned out to be a deficit in my case as he was easily overwhelmed by the “big boys” of opposing counsel’s firm. As a consequence, The legal fees quickly spiraled out of control and greatly exceeded the budget and the end result was not as good as I had hoped.
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17 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
William Conners represented me as defense counsel in a contentious family law case against an aggressive Fairfax attorney and an even more aggressive, litigious, and vindictive ex-spouse. This review is meant to be helpful for prospective clients, so here is my candid assessment of what you will get with Mr. Conners:
- A top notch legal professional who is about as knowledgeable about family law as I've ever seen. Anywhere.
- He will take your case very seriously; he will sit with you to formulate the most effective legal strategy and he will be direct and honest about setting realistic expectations.
- He is one of the most efficient attorney's out there; he will work on preparing your case professionally and coherently.
- He is passionate about the law and his profession: He cares about your case as if it's his own.
- Unlike many lawyers out there, he is not out to run up the hours and drain your wallet.
- His level of preparation before trial is superb. Going to trial is always stressful, but you go into trial feeling confident knowing that you have an attorney who is thoroughly prepared for your case and positioned to win.
- He's is very responsive; unless he's tied up in court he responds to emails within hours (or less).
In the court room:
- At trial, he's focused on one thing and one thing only: Winning your case.
- He has absolute command of the court room and respect of the judge.
- I was absolutely astounded by the professionalism and court room acumen demonstrated by Mr. Conners at my trial.
- His vast knowledge of the family law enables him to make very succinct and clear legal arguments in support of his client's case.
- His vast knowledge of family law also enables him to effectively discredit opposing counsel's arguments that are not based on fact or law.
- His cross-examination of witnesses is on-point and quickly exposes their weaknesses.
- Like a legal maestro, his delivery of arguments is articulate, factual, and convincing.
Summary: If you have a challenging family law case and you are looking for the best family attorney you can get, Mr. Conners has certainly earned that tile.
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22 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Conners was professional, extremely knowledgeable, compassionate and highly ethical during my complicated divorce/child support proceedings. His assertive demeanor in the courtroom allowed us to resolve issues quickly. He really understands the complications of an emotional divorce and knows just how the nuances of the law applied to my unique situation, and, as a result, was able to cut off most of the game playing by opposing counsel. It was inspiring to see him standing firm on my behalf and negotiating a very equitable settlement for my family.
I highly recommend Mr. Conners to anyone who needs an attorney, no matter how complicated the situation.
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02 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Out of the year he represented me, we spoke once. He had a continuous amount of excuses of why he missed meetings with myself and opposing counsel.
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13 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Do not expect Mr. Robl to keep track of the time he has worked on your case, or to provide you with accurate information. Ask him every time you speak to him how many hours you have left on your retainer, and make sure it matches your records.
In my case, Mr. Robl informed me that I still had money left on my retainer, but would need to provide him with additional money soon. I advised him that I did not have any additional money and therefore I needed to settle my case (which I did immediately). Shortly thereafter, I received a bill for a very large amount of money. When I reached out to Mr. Robl to clear up these charges, he explained that the information he had previously provided was not accurate. I was upset to hear it, and didn't have the money he was now saying that I owed him. I went back to check all of my records, and still did not come up with the hours he was claiming to have worked on my case. When I called him back in attempt to work something out, he would not answer. I left multiple messages. He refused all of my phone calls and emails, and never responded to me again. Rather than speak to me, someone he was representing, he SUED me, resulting in a judgement. Adding insult to injury, he actually included his legal fees (not just costs) for representing himself in the lawsuit! Please be very cautious when considering Mr. Robl to represent you. I've never felt so wronged before in my life, and would hate for anyone else to go through what I did.
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14 May, 2015 by T.l.
Mr. Robl represented me in an Automobile Accident Case. His knowledge & experience helped guide me through the process. He explained all the complex legal terms in clear, easy to understand language. In the end Mr. Robl was able to negotiate a settlement that resulted in the maximum amount of recoverable.
T.L.
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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.
