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18 May, 2024 by David
Brad and his team helped me complete my divorce that had complex international and extenuating circumstances attached. Brad’s knowledge of Texas Divorce Law was second to none. He dealt with the court appearances with courtesy and grace whilst providing solid, respectful and expert counter arguments to opposing council. As a result of this my only key demand, full custody of my at risk child, was met with little opposition from opposing council. The whole team were incredible and competitively priced. Will work with The Wright Law Firm again for any future legal requirements.
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16 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Brad (and Jeff) substituted in after a long drawn out process after filing (8 months) that got virtually NOWHERE with my previous attorney because she was MIA in both response time and counsel! Not only did Brad jump in, assess the situation and the proposed agreement my spouse and I had come to (absent counsel from previous attorney). Brad thoughtfully considered and acknowledged the spirit of what we were trying to accomplish, provided insight into potential drawbacks or areas of recommended clarification and focused exclusively on clarification of language vs. exorbitant revisions to the settlement documents (to put his mark on it) that would have further delayed finalization. He was knowledgeable, professional, responsive and diligent (as was Jeff)-I highly recommend him.
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21 Jun, 2016 by Jennifer
I knew I wanted to hire Brad right after my initial consultation. I was going back to court for the second time over my child possession agreement and felt like I didn't have any options. Brad came to the table with three different effective solutions and took the time to explain in detail what each one meant. We were supplied a revised document from my x that had many holes in it. Brad took the time to explain why we had to add certain notes and even the smallest detail is crucial when protecting my rights. I learned more from him in a month than I had in 2 years with my last attorney. I'd highly recommend him.
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07 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
He is just the best attorney around. Gets you the result you wanted, he knows what he is doing.
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29 Dec, 2018 by Catherine
Mr. Crowder re-established parental rights and visitation with my son’s daughter. He worked promptly and tirelessly to bring us the the exact outcome we were seeking. Could not have asked for a better result!
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04 Sep, 2018 by Candice
Michael Crowder is amazing! We were in a very scaring situation with my daughter with a DWI and a couple of other not so good charges. Michael Crowder was able to get all charges dismissed. He use to be a police officer for years. So he definitely knows the laws very well and how to navigate through the legal system. He is also very reasonable in price compared to other attorneys. I hope I never need a criminal attorney again but if I do he will be the one I call. He also, was able to get the cases expunged. I will be using him for will preparation in the near future.
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09 Apr, 2024 by Tanya
I was involved in a child custody case. I felt like Elizabeth, my attorney, understood my frustrations and helped guide me throughout the process. It was my first time working with an attorney and she was able to explain everything in plain mans language. Her attitude was very reassuring. The responding time was amazing. Her legal team is also super polite and helpful. Hoping to never need another attorney but I know that if another situation arises, I’ll have the best there is!
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10 Aug, 2021 by Chris
I can't say enough good things about Elizabeth and her team. They walked me through the process of my divorce and explained each step along the way, which truly helped ease my anxiety. We were able to work quickly and get the best possible outcome for me, which is a testament to Elizabeth's knowledge of the law and dedication to her clients.
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12 Dec, 2008 by Anonymous
Elizabeth was the perfect lawyer to have. She listened to me, was responsive to my needs, and obtained a positive result in my case. I would tell anyone who would listen to hire her.
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11 May, 2021 by Nora
Mr. Haugen and Delaney Meadows changed my life for the better. I never felt like a client; I felt more like family. I was cared for and treated with respect. Always updated on my case and given many opportunities to make modifications. Mr. Haugen did everything in my best interest. He never gave up and fought hard for my kids and I to be taken care of in my divorce. I will always be grateful for the Haugen Law Firm.
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04 May, 2018 by Jeff
I wanted to leave a review, because I feel grateful for what John and his team have accomplished for me. I don't ever leave online reviews, but I felt like I needed to because of what has transpired. Many years ago I hired John to handle my child support arrears case. After many months of hell and trying to show evidence of payments, John was able to win the case and have my arrearage expunged. Now just recently I had to hire John again for modification to my divorcee decree. After meeting with John and going over what was needed for change, he put together a plan for me and help me get the appropriate changes. We never made it to court because John worked it out with my ex through mediation. We got what was needed for change, and I couldn't be more happy. John is not only a great lawyer, but I now consider him a friend. I feel like he really cares about his clients, and will work for you to get the best results. He's respectful, knowledgeable, and most of all caring. I will be using John if I ever need an attorney again.
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15 Apr, 2014 by Elizabeth
I have had the opportunity to work with several attorneys, and John Haugen is, by far, the most ethical and knowledgable attorney I've had. I think so highly of him that I recommended him to friends and they all have praised him. The word several friends used was "compassionate." I have left several law firms feeling gouged by their practice of padding their billable hours. I have never felt that way after working with Haugen. Plain and simple...Haugen is an honest, compassionate and knowledgable attorney.
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30 May, 2018 by Sandy
Karen was my third lawyer I had hired from the onset of filing divorce to finally getting the decree enforced. Karen tells it like it is, while empathetic to your situation, she does not mince words or coddle you. She prepares you for possible outcomes. She invests her time and effort to represent you fully. I would hire her again for legal situations. She is tough and gets things done for you and doesn't just charge you unnecessarily.
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20 Jul, 2012 by David
Our Son was falsely accused of felony theft in 2009. After becoming entangled in the antagonistic Denton County (TX) legal system, and even further mired by the incompetency of the investigating detectives, and then enduring the personal vendettas between our original lawyer and the prosecutors, our case was spinning out of control and no one seemed to care. With our Son's life & future on the line, we hired Lewisville (TX) Attorney Ms Karen Alexander to take over our representation. She was able to analyze our situation and collect exonerating evidence, documentation and information along with the necessary procedures to convince the Denton County District Attorney's Office to dismiss all charges against our Son before ever going to trial. Our entire family was put through three years of Hell. The nightmare is finally over. We certainly owe a debt of gratitude and appreciation to Karen Alexander,
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09 Sep, 2024 by Leevi munson
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09 Sep, 2024 by Nancy gomez
Great services
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09 Sep, 2024 by Eric salisbury
I can't thank Trent enough for helping us with our case, I highly recommend NTFL , communication was quick and to the point. The office staff was great!
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17 Jan, 2024 by Allison
Andrew is one of the few attorneys I’ve worked with that demonstrates a core understanding that what he does has lifelong impacts on people. He takes that responsibility very seriously and fights for his clients as though he’s fighting for his own family. He understands the importance of creating relationships with the other players in the case and he’s not afraid to speak up when something isn’t right. His knack for strategy is a God given ability and you should listen to him when he proposes taking a certain course of action over another. Beyond being a very skilled attorney, Andrew is a genuinely good human. We feel incredibly blessed to have had him on our side.
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02 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Tried to retain him for my son. Had a scheduled phone consultation, which I paid in advance. Had to search for him using several phone numbers, as he failed to contact me. Spoke with him and immediately realized he was worthless.
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16 Aug, 2022 by Jack
The recent experience I had with Andrew and his team was nothing short of a God send. Not only did they rectify my issue, I was afforded the consideration a rich client would receive. Their professional manner and detail to specific needs are unmatched. I will never use anyone else. Jack Burger
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24 Sep, 2021 by Marsha
Ten years ago Mr. Julian came to our aid in a time of need. We had hired two lawyers before we met him. They did not fit our needs, but when we met Mr. Julian, he knew exactly how to proceed. We will be forever grateful for his guidance.
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06 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
He was a mediator for our divorce case seemed to only support my spouse and didnt come across as fair to me at all in the mediation process. Wouldnt even entertain a disproppotionate share to be done for the assets inspite of the cruelty. Just kept pressuring me to give in .
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24 Apr, 2019 by Marion
Five stars isn’t enough and I can’t recommend this mediator highly enough. My former spouse chose to spend almost a year revenge-fighting with attorneys despite my agreeing to what he wanted from the beginning. We met with Mr. Julian after the judge ordered mediation. It is very clear that Mr. Julian is an astute judge of character, and he was able to quickly assess our situation and the best manner to facilitate a quick and equitable agreement. He ended my marriage and associated legal fees almost immediately and I could not be more grateful for his help. He’s a great person who cares about his clients, is able to view each situation objectively, communicate with each party in the most effective manner, and will get the job done for you.
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06 Nov, 2016 by Pam
Hunter was easy to work with, kept me informed and we had a great outcome on my divorce. He listened to my thoughts and I remained always open to his advice. A divorce case is a difficult and emotional time and he helped me maintain my sanity throughout it all. I would definitely recommend him to any one.
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30 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
I hired Hunter to represent me in a child custody case. Leading up to my trial everything was fairly ok as far as communication and so forth. I provided Hunter with everything he needed to fight for me in court. When it came down to the trial Hunter did not present any of the documents he had right in front him, he did not defend me at all whatsoever, so you can guess who lost in court that day. It was an easy win for the opposing attorney. I would not recommend Hunter as a lawyer. As a result of hiring him I have since had to hire another attorney and am having to do everything all over again from scratch and Hunter is to blame, he did not defend me and he did not tell my story. He did absolutely nothing. I would recommend anyone that is considering hiring Hunter or any other attorney to thoroughly do your research .
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07 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Terrible communication skills. He takes weeks to respond back, well that’s if he responds. If you like to have a peace of mind this is not the lawyer for you.
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12 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
I would not recommend Bob as he started out great at first, but has trouble finishing his job. We hired him and paid him in full due to a lawsuit, then we just can't get a hold of him as he would never respond to our calls, emails or text messages. Until finally he responded and apologized and finished the job and even offered some free service. Three months later he still did not provide the free service that he promised and again cannot be reached. It is very frustrating for us and unprofessional on his part.
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25 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
I reached out to Roberto to see if he would take my case. He agreed he would and would send over a contract. I waited for over two weeks to get said contract. I called and emailed multiple times. I even asked if he doesn't have the time, just communicate that so I can find another attorney. Nothing. Dead silence. I would not recommend working with him. If this is the level of communication he provides before starting a case, image how it is during a case. No thank you.
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23 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Billable hours did seem to be, in my opinion (and that of the previous reviewer), more important to Mr. Price than anything else. Witnesses were never contacted or used. Evidence was never looked at or used. Phone calls and emails were not returned. Things that needed to be filed with the court were not filed when he said they would be (In several cases, months passed). He didn't seem to be prepared for hearings. He didn't even seem to remember what the case was about and who everyone was. In short, we were unimportant to Mr. Price and it showed. Trustworthy: No, not when he told us one thing and did another. Responsive: No, not even close. Knowledgeable: About our case? No. We constantly had to remind him of the facts of the case. Kept me informed: I want to laugh at this but I'll just say no. To sum up, researching a lawyer before committing would have saved us money, property, and heartache. A mistake we won't ever make again.
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23 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. Price, in my opinion, has primarily one objective, billable hours. In my case, he seldom returned my phone calls (never in a timely manner). He waited until the "eleventh hour to prepare for trial. He attempted to contact witnesses the day before trial. His representation was very poor. His firm billed my credit card $1,600 without my authorization which I learned after the fact. My advice to consumers--research your attorney and the law firm prior to hire...Had I accessed this page prior to selecting Mr. Price for my case, I could have saved my self heartache and headache. Mr. Price's over-all attitude towards my case was one of indifference. An attoney is an investment and I made an exceedingly poor one!
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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:

  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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