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22 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
I first used Mr A. ANGELO DI'MILLO when I was 18, I am now 29 and have been through a lot, both criminally, and with family issues. I got in quite the mess of trouble in 2008 with a total of 8 felony charges, and 14 misdemeanors, 3 separate instances(dockets), 2 different local police agencies (city, and county). Upon first meeting Angelo I immediately new this guy meant business, he was very thorough, slick, and professional. Immediately I knew I could trust him and wanted his representation. With the amount of charges I had, not many lawyers are even willing to try to tackle such a case. Angelo was there for me from start to finish, he was able to combine everything into one case, pleading to one 'E' felony, and the diversion program, Mr DiMillo saved my freedom, and therefore my life. I will never think of hiring any other lawyer.
In 2012, I was blessed with the most important thing in my life, my son. This year, 2014, his mother and I split up. I had to fight for my son, so I went to Angelo, the result.... I am now sitting with the most important person in my life, the person that taught me what love really is, my son.
Angelo DiMillo is the absolute best lawyer in Lockport, NY and wny. In my eyes, he's the best in the world. I am forever grateful. From criminal defense, to family law and everything in between, Mr DiMillo is the best, and trust me I've seen a lot come through the court rooms, and stand in front of a very tough judge.
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18 Jan, 2016 by Douglas
I'm having issues with a new tenant that moved in from Arizona I was happy for them at first because it was my downstairs neighbor daughter and husband one day I asked them not to use anything on my side of the garage and he came running out to me as I was getting the mail and using vulgarity and flipping me off he got in my face and then lifted his jacket I seen something and then he push me and I'm disabled so I gave them a little shop back grabs his shirt and just held my hand on his neck and held him down didn't put them on the ground and nothing and I asked him if he was done he said yes and walked away I called the police and press charges against him the landlord is not doing his job and telling him about what's going on I've been here for almost 8 years it's a four unit apartment building right now I'm waiting for the place to send me a letter because I wanted an order of protection against him because he's purposely slamming doors making it rough for me to even go downstairs and wash my clothes and yes he did have a handgun that he brought from Arizona to New York the police did take the gun and all they've been doing is lying about the situation to the landlord I am very very afraid for my health because any other sudden push could basically snap my back and I'd be paralyzed its been 2 weeks since the incident and my neck my left arm are still numb because it pinched a nerve in my neck my sciatica I need to know if there's anything that I could do because I really don't want to move and the landlord doesn't want me to move because I've been here so long and I'm a good tenant Plus I've been taking care of her father that is downstairs below me 93 years old he fought in World War 2 he can barely walk so I've been washing his feet and legs and cutting his toenails shopping for him and taking him to the doctor when you can't drive Plus the tenant was told not to go in my mailbox at all I have a mind Video camcorder of him first flipping me off which he didn't know I had a camcorder going and then he went to the four mailboxes he told the landlord that he was only going to go in the middle to well I got him again going to all the mailboxes again I need to know what to do and how to proceed I have no charges against me from him but I have a feeling I need to protect myself so if you can get back to me and let me know what to do with the sheriff's department and with the video I had to have my email stopped from being delivered have to pick it up every six days at the post office thank you very much Douglas Lozina
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27 Aug, 2012 by Tim
Mr. Muscato has earned both my respect and my trust. On his advice, I took charges from the Lockport police dept. to trial and won the case. He is very knowledgeable and trustworthy and is also an excellent communicator. I can't thank him enough for his hard work. Highly recommended.
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06 Feb, 2017 by Sam
Hired Mr. Vona to handle multiple real estate closing (2 residential & 1 commercial). Always kept me informed and all 3 closed on time. Also used for multiple promissory notes. Mr. Vona always gave great advice which really helped when it mattered most. Would I recommend him? Absolutely!
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01 Apr, 2015 by James
I retained andrew Vona for a divorce, it was extremely hard to get ahold of him it seems as though he had to many clients to get back to me in a timely manner (a week). andrew was asked on several occasions to call witnesses that could of been important parts of my case and he did not. Early on in my case my soon to be ex wife' s boyfriend called andrew and told andrew that he was dating my wife, andrew told me about it because andrew's response was "he was a client of mine, I handled his divorce" meaning my wife's boyfriend, I then asked if it would be a conflict for andrew and if he hangs out with this guy or knows him outside of the previous divorce, Andrews response "No". As my case continued and there was a chance I was going to need an order of protection for my kids and I from this guy andrew continued to rack up my fees and then the day before one of my court dates that was crucial to custody of my three children andrew resigned because he said "it was a conflict of interest to put a order of protection on his client meaning my wife's boyfriend.
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03 Jul, 2024 by John56
Over priced. Under results to no results. I assure you that you will be dissapointed in her services and SHOCKED with her bills. I found out the hard way.
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08 Feb, 2022 by Tina
For all parties that post here. Please contact the Attorney Grievance Committee of Erie County. The email address is:
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08 Feb, 2021 by Jessica
this was an uncontested divorce and she over charged and did not give straight answers. totally unhelpful and not worth the ten grand. even screwed me out of the last $100 dollars. in the account she made me open and demanded i send an authorization to pay the last $200. there was at least $370 left she took it all!
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09 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
This "attorney" has done nothing but make things worse and billing a lot all the time of course
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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.
