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28 Sep, 2013 by Daniela amador
Mr. Fraser was wonderful; He was very understanding and extremely helpful. I asked him for immigration advice and although it was not his specialty he was very kind to talk to me and refer me to other great immigration attorneys. I am absolutely sure he will do the best he can to help his clients and exceed their expectations.
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08 Sep, 2012 by Holly
The landlords of the home I had rented for 4 years put the house on the market while I was still living there. I endured 2 invasive open houses where I was asked to vacate the premised as well as required to make the home presentable. When the home entered escrow, construction to shore up the foundation ensued. The foundation work required a crew of 4 to crawl under the one story cabin to dig out dirt.
They started at 7:00 in the morning. I caught one of the laborer looking up from a hole in the floor in my bathroom, feces were left in my backyard as well as a pervasive urine smell. This went on for 3 weeks. The landlord did not reduce my rent or compensate me for this disturbance or my time. Nor did they intend to pay relocation costs when the house was sold and I was evicted. Mr. Fraser was able to secure $5,000 relocation fees and free rent for my last harrowing month in the home as well as full refund of my rent deposit and a little extra for my pain and suffering. This allowed me the means to relocate without further stress.
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26 Jul, 2012 by Alex
Neil beat out 10 other lawyers interviewed on thumbtack. He was extremely responsive and more detail oriented than anyone else out there. Msg me if you want more info on the experience.
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06 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
Nigel, I want thank you for listening with care, explaining the process, the steps you would take with and for me, what I needed to do to communicate with the DMV/court in this case, and how to avoid problems in the future. Every time we spoke, you were balanced and knowledgeable, had an intricate understanding of specific judges, prosecutors, the DMV and the dynamic laws, expectations, and options in my venue. We were on the same page throughout, as you advocated by keeping me informed and aware of possible outcomes. In my case, it was a "wet-reckless" and two years later, expunged. With your help, dedication, motivation, and polite oversight, this case was dismissed, and importantly, my health, awareness, and choices have improved greatly. Without pause, I would recommend you. Thank you!
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03 May, 2011 by Anonymous
I would recommend this firm to anyone who has a DUI. I shopped around quite a bit before hiring this firm--I believe Nigel Witham to be one of the few trustworthy firms out there. He's not out to take your money--he's very open and honest and works hard to get you the best results possible.
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26 Jul, 2010 by Jeremiah
It would be hard to overstate just how professional Nigel Witham is. After getting arrested for DUI, I shopped around *a lot* for my lawyer, calling at least 15 different law firms. I chose Gold and Witham after calling them and seeing that Nigel Witham (1) knew much more about the court where I was going than anyone else I had called (Nigel could instantly rattle off the name of every judge at that court, as well as their reputation for being either harsh or lenient); (2) he was incredibly professional and polite; (3) he was willing to talk to me for a long time and answer all my questions. I find that some DUI lawyers, like doctors, want you to sit back, shut up, and let the "professionals" handle things. Nigel was not that way: he would always answer any questions I had about my case or about the DUI process in general.
Yes, he was a bit pricier than some of my other options. But he was well worth it. Where some lawyers whom I talked to told me that they would have me go to court alone on certain pre-trial dates, Nigel went instead of me and didn't even ask me to come along! He saved me countless trips to court in the run-up to the actual hearing date, trips I would have had to make if I hadn't had a lawyer or if I'd hired a cheaper, more hands-off lawyer.
Nigel knows his stuff. Ask him any question, however bizarre, about DUI law in California, and he can give you the detailed answer right away.
Furthermore, he and his secretary treat you with the height of professionalism. Nigel was professional even when I was not. About a month after my sentencing, I had to reappear in court after having missed an alcohol education class that I was court-ordered to go to. It was 7:30am in the morning, I was due in court at 8am, and I was lost in Westminster (I had left the house without directions because I had been sure I knew how to get there from memory). I called Nigel at that time in the morning, practically panicking about the fact that I was going to miss my court date by being late (to not appear in court when you are told to appear is very bad! I don't suggest you try it!). He calmly helped me out and got me to the court on time. Bear in mind, this is AFTER my original court date, and technically, he was no longer my lawyer. Our original contract only said that he would be retained as my lawyer until my sentencing took place. Well, here I was, after my sentencing, having screwed up on my probation, lost, calling him at 7 in the morning in a total frenzy, and he still helps me out even though he is no longer getting paid for it. You will not find another lawyer who will do that for you in the manner that he did, I feel pretty certain.
Anyway, I ended up getting my DUI charges reduced, and I was only convicted of a Wet Reckless. Mainly this was due to the facts of my case, but it was also due to Nigel's hard work on my behalf. The important thing is this: with Nigel as my lawyer, I feel confident that what I got was the best I could have gotten. With some other lawyers I talked to, I probably always would have wondered if they had really done the best job possible to get me the best deal possible. But I know that Nigel did.
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17 Aug, 2021 by Jen
Mr Gomez is an amazing attorney. Not only is he very knowledgeable about the law but he has the perfect personality to keep you at ease while you’re dealing with the rollercoaster of emotions that come with facing criminal charges. If you have the ability to choose a public defender I recommend Mr Gomez 10/10. He has all the qualities you would need in an attorney: Smart, Honest, professional, caring and great under pressure. We did win our case but even still i would highly recommend Mr Gomez had the outcome been different. He made a horrible experience very tolerable. I Highly recommend his services, if you have the opportunity please take it.
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08 Oct, 2020 by Harry chen
Cam won my case of a series of charges including sexual battery and simple batteries. He spend a lot of time investigating the cases, collected tremendous amount of evidences even I got surprised how convincing and helpful they are. He very nicely and patiently walk me though the whole long and painful experience. When the verdict of not guilty announced, I couldn’t hold my tear of joy. And when I turned to Cam, he was looking at me softly.
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29 Jan, 2016 by Hakop
Daniel is a God sent! He was able to get me off from 2 counts of attempted murder, aggravated assault, and other charges...multiple life sentences!!!!! All charges were dropped after a 2 year battle thanks to Daniel.
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06 Jun, 2012 by Veronica
I truly believe this attorney is very honest and knowledgable i think these days all u find, talking about money without knowing anything about the case he will not be retained till he personally knows he can handle the case and has lots of experience in that field to have u win... i highly recommend him in criminal matters you will not regret his has been my attorney for several criminal issues in several different years and i say i have not ever serve jail even for 1 day...........good luck
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19 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Really good lawyer. I highly recommend him. Hi was refered to me by my friend. Jaime gets work done and is someone who actually cares about his customers.
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18 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Almaraz has represented me a number of times. I continue to return to him because he is one of the few lawyers that will tell you up front all the facts and what to expect (a rarity). He always does the best job he can and I never feel that he is over charging me (fair rates). Great individual! I would recommended him to everyone!
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21 Oct, 2016 by Miguel
Mory was great! I highly recommend her! She worked hard on my case and at the end, she got me what she promised! Not only is she a hard-worker, but she is also dedicated and easy to communicate with.
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22 Apr, 2016 by Shadi
Me. Ahmadi handled my personal injury matter and I was extremely satisfied with the result. She was so dedicated to my case and was very easy to work with. If you're looking for a hardworking and dedicated attorney, you've found the right person. Highly recommended!
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13 Feb, 2025 by Rae millstone
Olivia is absolutely outstanding! She understands the emotional side of your case while being able to find the legal aspects of holding the employer accountable for breaking the law! Made a really terrible situation a little easier by explaining everything and helping me get everything in order and in the right hands. I would not use anyone else! Call them for any sexual harassment case... You won't be disappointed! 10/10
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08 Feb, 2025 by Liza gonzalez
I recently had the privilege of working with Karla Waymire for my family law case, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. Navigating family matters can be incredibly stressful and emotional, but Karla's support and expertise made the entire process significantly easier. From our initial consultation, Karla demonstrated a genuine understanding of my situation and listened attentively to my concerns. She patiently explained the legal complexities involved. I truly appreciated her clear and honest communication style. She never made promises she couldn't keep, and always kept me updated on the progress of my case. I highly recommend Karla Waymier to anyone seeking a skilled, experienced, and empathetic family law attorney. I am incredibly thankful for her guidance and support, and I am thrilled with the results she achieved for me.
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18 Jan, 2025 by Kathleen frias
Thank you Jorge H for helping me with my case I 100% recommend them. Sorry for the long overdue review. He went above and beyond and actually cared about me as a person not just a case number and that meant the world to me.
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25 Mar, 2024 by Sierra collins
Absolutely brilliant job done by the entire team at Weinberg Law Offices! Less than a year to settle a complicated accident claim with lots of medical expenses. Yoni, Manny, and Nira exceeded my expectations and were incredibly easy and helpful in the process!
Thanks Weinberg Law Offices!
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12 Dec, 2023 by Dr. annalisa wilson
25 Sep, 2023 by Elizabeth leckenby
Yoni has been such a pleasure to work with. He handled our case when we couldn't find someone to help us. He spoke to us personally whenever we had questions. In the end he did exactly what he said that he would do for us. I really couldn't of ask for a better attorney to of handled our case.
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03 Apr, 2024 by Marcus
I was falsely accused and Attorney Rome helped me fix my situation in Los Angeles. He was so kind and understanding through the whole process and really helped me feel comfortable. I would highly highly recommend him if you need a lawyer.
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20 Dec, 2016 by Kim
John is the most brilliant attorney I have experienced in 20 years. He has the gift of foresight and understanding, objectivity and deep caring. Law is a very tricky profession, and John is a master. There is no better attorney
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07 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I had to leave a review as I passed by Michael Proctor's profile here. Several years ago I became peripherally involved in another person's criminal matter, and was subject to a federal grand jury subpoena. As a former federal attorney himself, Michael knows how to work a federal case. He succeeded in quashing the subpoena, getting federal agents to leave me alone, and even made calls to keep my name out of the papers.
I found Michael Proctor to be very perceptive, extremely qualified, and compassionate. I hope I never have need of his services again, but if I do I will certainly call him. I will always be grateful for what he did for me.
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01 Oct, 2016 by Juan
After going to another attorney, we found attorney de la Madrid and he was successful in getting a waiver for my mother. Attorney de la Madrid was patient with me and my mother when explaining the process. His office staff was also super helpful. If I'll need in the future, I will certainly go back to his office.
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14 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Meister a year and four months ago for a second DUI charge. He greatly helped me through the process of getting my penalties all lowered or even taken away. Because of the negatives of my case, I could have easily done 1 month in jail. Instead, I was in their for less than 24 hours. I got my work release cut in half where people in my release program were doing almost 10x as many days(I had 5, couple dudes had 50!). I thanked Mr. Meister for this. That's not the best part.
Almost a year later, I ran into some trouble that could seriously screw me with the law in regards to probation. Not knowing what to do and suffering from anxiety, I contacted Mr Meister to see if he could give me any guidance (I hadn't hired him or paid him anything and this situation was not in his area of expertise). This man agreed immediately and talked to me the following day. He told me what to do and gave me a blunt honest opinion of what I should do moving forward in regards to my lifestyle (showed me he really cared about me as a person). His honesty and care proved to me this man CARES about all his clients. I'm not wealthy either. If I ever am thinking of hiring a lawyer again (I hope not) or need to refer somebody to one, Steve Meister is the guy you want. The reason is because if I'm ever placing my freedom into someone else's hands, you bet your money on it that I'm calling on somebody who I trust and truly cares about me rather than my money. Thank you again for everything!!!
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22 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
You can't ask for a better lawyer.
I'm grateful she was on my case.
Shes an excellent legal resource.
she makes you feel like a human being, too.
she takes the time to explain all the legal jargon/mumbo jumbo,
she was never annoyed by all my stupid questions.
And she got me an excellent deal too.
She rocks!
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27 Oct, 2016 by Jose fernandez
He represented me in my case for Domestic violence showed me my options and did better than the actual plea was for .. greatly appreciated his work in the court room .. thank you .
Jose F
Lancaster CA.
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03 Jun, 2011 by Gabriel
Not only the smartest lawyer I've ever had, but his knowledge of the law, alongside his demeanor and unwavering commitment to his clients make him great.
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06 Oct, 2017 by Caleb
Rahel Kent is on top of things! I was hit by a vehicle in Los Angeles last year; I decided to hire Rahel when another lawyer made a colossal mess out of my case and nearly caused me to miss some deadlines. Rahel coached me through getting things back on track and all the gears began to turn in the right direction; Things I had worried about for months began to disappear and clear up. Rahel knows the law and knows how to talk to the right people in a way that gets surprising results. I am very happy with the settlement and all of the loose ends were tied up promptly. This lawyer is very proactive about the many details in your case and will keep you notified each step of the way. I could not have asked for a more equipped and hardworking lawyer than Rahel, I would recommend to anyone. Thanks again!
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24 Jan, 2013 by Giovani
He is the best of the best!!!
Tom save my life and I mean it! Prior to Tom, I had 10 lawyers and endured 4 years of a vindictive government investigation. Tom outshone all ten of them and proved that the government was on the wrong side of the case.
Read My Lips: Tom is the lawyer in town for any federal defense case and all other cases. In addition, he has a great team of lawyers working for him.
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20 Jun, 2013 by Arizmendi
He is honest, listens to you and always available to you in person, cell phone. He is also excellent in keeping me informed. He is a very knowledgeable and trustworthy individual.
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11 Aug, 2013 by Steven
Mr. Pereyra-Suarez represented me in two instances critical to my business, one critical to maintaining proprietary properties. Nothing was simple in either case. As the issues broadened, he was able to quickly and effectively respond and when needed, called in high-level associates at very reasonable costs. Esp considering the positive results achieved without needing to proceed to court. I was impressed and will use his services in the future.
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19 Jul, 2017 by Mohd
Keli Reynolds is the best immigration attorney in california. She took my very complicated case and got me my green card back after working with four other popular immigration attorney's with zero success . All the other attorney's told me to sign for voluntary departure because they didn't believe that i have a case after taking all my money but she was able to reverse the government's decision and get me my green card back I highly recommend her she is very caring and respectful and will not charge you a fortune to take your case , thank you again Kelli. M.Albourini
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07 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Micheli was recommended to me by a friend who had used her services in the past. When I called Micheli, she was very personable and answered all of my questions regarding my legal issue. She was very comprehensive in her approach and constantly reassured me that she would take care of my case from beginning to end.
I specifically appreciated that Micheli always returned my phone calls and emails. She is very hands-on and kept me updated throughout the process. Even though the court system can be daunting and an extensive process, she made sure to keep me informed the entire time. Micheli's attention to detail is not only impressive, but necessary when it comes to legal matters. Most importantly, she was extremely patient in answering all of my questions and never made me feel "less than" her equal.
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03 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Christine. She is courteous, educative, very knowledgable and professional. When Christine took my case, she handled it with respect and professionalism. She explained to me the law and how the court procedure worked. She extensively researched my case and kept me informed of her every move. Christine gave me peace of mind and the best outcome to my case. Thank you Christine!! Your the best!!
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11 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Dana has been a trustworthy, thorough, efficient, reliable, prompt, knowledgeable, communicative, dedicated, & kind lawyer that helped me navigate the very complicated & scary DUI court process twice. I felt that her up front fee was more than fair & that she has done a good deed for me. I was very fortunate that I did not lose my job as a result of my DUIs, & Dana has always been available & willing to represent me on Court dates so that I don't have to call off work. Dana really does care about her clients & goes above & beyond in her assistance.
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01 Apr, 2014 by Jay
Mike helped me out for my 3rd DUI case involving a car accident in Los Angeles.
He brought my case down from a felony to a misdemeanor and kept me out of jail. After 2 years he still keeps me updated in DMV and in court to make sure I have everything I need! I definitely recommend Attorney Mike Kwon for all DUI related cases!
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07 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
Shannon is a very professional and intelligent lawyer, who will fight for you and what is right! Coming into this experience I was nervous about the thought of facing jail time, so I decided to hire someone to represent me. In my wildest dreams I never thought I would be able to leave the courthouse (on day one) with a dismissal! The pre-trial offer was given to us as a reduced sentence and fines but after telling me about the offer she went back into the courthouse and fought for dismissal again AND WON! Shannon Dorvall and her associate Jessica Rico will do anything in their power to win your case and I highly recommend retaining her services.
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30 Jun, 2016 by Helen o.
I'm happy to find such attorney as Alex! He gave me very good suggestions on our first free telephone consultation
I really appreciate his attentiveness: he answered my calls every time, or called me back immediately.
He speaks Russian so it was easier for me to explain my situation.
But most important, i've got great results for my case.
I will recommend Alex to all my friend, his knowledge of the law and system are very impressive.
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11 Dec, 2024 by Hope
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Attorney RJ, who has been an exceptional advocate, an understanding advisor, and an incredible source of support during one of the most challenging times in my mothers life. she almost suicidal that time. but Attorney RJ, is not only the best lawyer in town,but also someone who goes above and beyond to connect with clients on a personal level, no matter their background or culture. He, explained every step of the process to her with clarity and patience, ensuring that she understood what was happening and what options were available. His ability to communicate with care and compassion made her feel valued, heard, and respected. Thanks to Attorney RJ, she was able to navigate the situation, regain control of my mother's life, she begin rebuilding her future. Words cannot fully express my gratitude for his hard work and dedication. Attorney RJ, truly has a gift for helping people, and I am forever thankful for the role he played in getting to my mother's life back on track. If you are seeking a lawyer who is not only highly skilled but also genuinely cares for their clients. Thank you so much we became closer as ever. thank you for saving her life.
Sincerely, Hope Navidad
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18 Dec, 2024 by Anita
We could not have asked for better representation, on behalf of my mother, than Michael Kade. From day one he was kind, informed, totally present for us and offered full transparency on all the steps that were to be taken in her case - and what we needed to do to properly prepare.
My mother's English is a bit limited, and so it was of extreme value to us that he also speaks Farsi - So she was able to completely understand everything that was happening.
We felt 100% taken care of and in the best hands. He is highly recommended!
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14 Jan, 2025 by Carlos morales
When it comes to family related matters, you need to select a firm you can trust. I called up Mario Vega, and explained our situation to see if it was something his firm could help our family with and, after carefully reviewing our case, Mario assured us that they can handle our situation and really new the steps, the forms that needed to be filled out to start the process.
We needed reliable legal assistance, Vistas Law Group Los Angeles was there for us. We knew we selected the right firm right from the initial phone call.
Their strength is experience and they brought it to help us secure a successful resolution in our case. Their knowledgeable staff alleviates the pressures of navigating the judicial process and paperwork.
Their vast experience excels in fields of family trusts, probate, family planning, and estates.
We had to deal with sensitive family matters, it was reassuring to know that Vistas Law Group was there and explained the process every step. Their down to earth approach in dealing with sensitive issues is handled with both compassion and professionalism.
When you need help, look no further call Vistas Law Group, and let these pros handle the business!
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20 Dec, 2024 by Lisa haddon
I consulted with the Law Group about setting up a family trust. After speaking with Mario Vega I decided to move forward. Mario made sure that I understood the process. He also made sure that I understood the verifications of not following through with the process. I was able to make a well informed decision about the family trust and can I just say that Mario made the process very seamless I would highly recommend Mario Vega if you’re ever looking to do anything like this. As a matter of fact, I have already recommended him to a few family Members and friends. Job well done Mario Vega.
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09 Dec, 2024 by Jazzii
Deep gratitude for the exceptional service provided by Vistas Law Group -Los Angeles team. They are truly experts in their field. In particular Grateful for all of the support Mayra Beltran gave me throughout my process. She was very dedicated and knowledgeable in offering the best assistance possible.
I highly recommend their services to anyone needing assistance in this particular scope.
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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.
