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13 May, 2024 by Hainee
He helped us with my sister’s case and my family and I are just not forever grateful but also highly impressed.  Mr. Cox is an outstanding,  authentic, dependable, engaging, supportive and exceptionally intelligent lawyer. I  was impressed with his abilities; attention to detail, communication skills and his passion. He is well-versed, always has a game plan, knowledgeable about the process and was responsive any time you needed anything. It’d be missed if I didn't mention how his staff are also prompt,  friendly and professional. Overall this Law Office strives to exceed  expectations which is a great relief especially during a trial when you feel out of sorts the most. You will feel comfortable, at ease and confident knowing that you have a lawyer that holds himself a much higher bar than any other Criminal Lawyer out there. 
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12 Jan, 2019 by Elaine
From the first consultation meeting, Joe Cox provided personal, considerate, and intelligent defense for my son. Mr. Cox went much further than "the extra mile." He did not stop with proving my son's innocence of the alleged crime, but he pressed on to secure the mental and medical care that was needed. Joe said that here and now is not all we need, we must see that he's set up for a successful future. My family owes lifelong gratitude to Joe Cox, Esq. for defending my son with brilliant expertise and genuine personalized compassion.
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21 Jun, 2018 by Robert m.
I must say that Joe did an excellent job for me. He listened to what I needed. He explained in detail what he could do for me. He has a skill with district attorneys, so much so that he gets it done! This is one lawyer that truly cares! That is very hard to find in the system we live in today. There are times in life when one needs an attorney. Joe Cox is the man to hire! He won’t let you down!
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21 May, 2021 by Ray
I say Superior in the title because I've had the unfortunate experience of hiring and firing multiple defense attorneys. In my experience most of them will first fill you full of (FUD) fear, uncertainty and doubt, giving you the worst possible case scenario to make you more vulnerable, promise you they're your savior and once they've got you - you can't reach them and they plead out your case as easily and quickly as possible. Fatima is superior in numerous ways. She does not give you a bunch of FUD, is very personable, professional, treats you with respect, has key - critical relationships in the courts and doesn't accept no from the DA without trying more than once to get you the best deal possible, Again, coming from someone who has had more dealings with defense attorney's than I care to say, she did an absolutely outstanding job for me and kept me informed promptly on aspects of my case throughout the entire process. I can without question that I highly recommend Fatima as a superior defense attorney.
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13 May, 2024 by Eeniah oasis
All-star Genuine Best Criminal Defense Attorney He helped us with my sister’s case and my family and I are just not forever grateful but also highly impressed.  Mr. Cox is an outstanding,  authentic, dependable, engaging, supportive and exceptionally intelligent lawyer. I  was impressed with his abilities; attention to detail, communication skills and his passion. He is well-versed, always has a game plan, knowledgeable about the process and was responsive any time you needed anything. It’d be missed if I didn't mention how his staff are also prompt,  friendly and professional. Overall this Law Office strives to exceed  expectations which is a great relief especially during a trial when you feel out of sorts the most. You will feel comfortable, at ease and confident knowing that you have a lawyer that holds himself a much higher bar than any other Criminal Lawyer out there.
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19 Feb, 2023 by Pete grgurevic
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01 Feb, 2023 by Scot johnson
Adams is awesome. Adams kept me informed and kept me calm. Thank you for doing what you do. Like I told you, we need more people like you in this world.
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01 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Tim for defense in very serious criminal charges I was accused of. Tim worked tirelessly on my behalf. He was thorough, always available and understood that there was a huge amount of emotion involved in my case and handled that part of it with sensitivity. Tim met with me on weekends and holidays. Tim also met my family with me and separately for me to gently tell them things that I did not have the courage to admit myself. I felt humiliated at times and Tim never waivered in his support for me and when all of the investigation on both sides was over and there was no way around it, he sat me down and told me the truth: the accident was simply my fault. Although hard to here it was true. Tim could have and offered to go forward to trial which would have cost tens of thousands of dollars. He told me he would give me the best criminal defense that he could but was honest with me. Although this was a hard pill to swallow it turned out to be the best outcome for me. He was able to negotiate a plea deal in which I served no time in jail and had minimal fines. Going to trial would have cost me thousands of dollars and probably my home. Tim's honesty saved me not just money though. Tim was able to see that my emotion was in the way of the best decision for my case. He was right. It's been about 10 years. The conviction has been expunged from my record. Hindsight they say is 20/20. Tim led me in the right direction and my life would still be negatively impacted if he hadn't. Thank you Tim.
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23 Mar, 2016 by Jim
I enlisted the Law Offices of Timothy Rien to help a friend of mine that was facing criminal charges. Our initial meeting was with Tim, and he was very non-judgmental and helpful -- explaining the process, the cost, and the likely outcome. I really felt like we had an advocate on our side as his office made multiple court appearances and worked with the District Attorney to hammer out a plea bargain. In the end, felony charges were avoided. Although we initially met with Tim, most of our interaction was with Melissa and Joe. I was very pleased with their prompt email updates on court proceedings, and with quick answers to all of our questions.
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07 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
In 2011 I was referred to Tim Rien and quickly knew I wanted him to represent me in what would be a 4 ½ year case that just recently settled. Tim and his law office team were so helpful and supportive. From the first phone call interaction with Tim I knew I would be in good hands. After hearing my situation, he wanted to meet with me immediately and made time in his schedule for that same day. I was going through a great deal of stress and was very emotional but Tim made me feel relaxed and comfortable. He communicated in layman’s terms so that I clearly understood what was going on and what to expect moving forward. He made me feel like he cared about finding justice with my case. He would give me advice and often encouraged me to be strong and hold my head high which meant a lot during a very difficult time. From the first meeting I knew Tim was the best choice to represent me. He thoroughly explained every detail of the legal documents, which can be very daunting and confusing. As my situation continued and there were long waiting periods, Tim would check in with me via phone calls and follow my case directly and completely kept me in the loop about everything. That again reassured me that I was in good hands. There was one day when I needed him immediately on the phone to know how to handle some people that had come to my home. I called the office and spoke with Melissa Adams who assured me in a calming voice that Tim was in court, and as soon as he was out, he would be calling me. She advised me in the meantime, how to handle the current situation until Tim was out of court. I received a call from him less than an hour later. On another occasion when I needed to visit the office immediately, to review something that was in my file. I called the office and spoke with Joseph who told me to come in as soon as possible. I always felt like a priority and not just another client. This gave me such peace of mind during the most difficult time in my life. I want people to know that Tim Rien is one the most upstanding people I have ever met. He is professional, honest, dependable, tough, organized and most importantly experienced. He assured me that this would all be over soon and that he would be with me every step of the way…, which he was. Thank you Tim Rien and your professional law team for everything you have done for me during this 4 ½ year ordeal. I look forward to spreading the word and referring people to you who are in need of a professional and caring legal team that goes above and beyond.
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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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