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11 Dec, 2024 by Michael o'halloran
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26 Nov, 2024 by Jill miller
Andy Vanduska, Julie Garver and the whole staff were very kind and professional through my mother's case after her bad car wreck. I was able to find comfort in knowing they had moms best interest in mind. They resolved her case and it turned out the way we had hoped for. If I ever needed a lawyer for myself would turn to Andy first.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Seth pollock
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23 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Contacted them about getting a record expunged and Blake and his paralegal are an awesome team. Fast communication, every question answered and I felt very confident throughout the entire process. Glad that I found them online and I hope this review helps others know that they will make a great choice by selecting Blake as an attorney. Hope I don't need an attorney again, but if I did I would definitely hire Blake again.
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06 Nov, 2016 by Jeff
Blake was professional, easy to work with, affordable and did a great job representing our case.
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17 Sep, 2015 by Cody
Blake was very easy to work with . He addressed all my comcens , and for the first time ever , I felt that this lawyer was actually working for me! I will defiantly use Mr. Robinson again for any legal needs in the future...
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21 Jul, 2017 by Jeanette
With everything that was taken from me in an abusive marriage and all that was attempted in a prior custody battle, he came through... with intelligence, heart, toughness, and a type of resolve that isn't common among his professional peers. He does it out of the kindness of his heart through Legal Services and according to his internal moral compass. If he were to go into private practice, he would quickly gain the type of wealth that matches his ability. But there are those of us who benefit during the time being, the disenfranchised, railroaded, and/or abused, whom he saves the day for. He is a champion for children above all else. My boys owe their security, comfort, and happiness to Paul Shipp and I owe him a debt of gratitude for it I can never repay. He is humorous and down to earth... knows his business and looks out for his clients even if it means having to sternly realign them. You are lucky if you ever get him in your corner.
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07 Dec, 2024 by Will koning
Jeremy is the best lawyer I could have asked for. His professionalism is unmatched and his experience and tenure show in his work. If you need legal representation, he is without a doubt the best you will find in Manhattan. Do yourself a favor and call Platt.
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06 Dec, 2024 by Casey kershner
Jeremy Platt provided great counsel for me. He set realistic expectations, communicated well, listened to my concerns, created a plan in my best interest, and executed it efficiently. He made me feel comfortable through his knowledge and follow through of the legal processes. All I needed to do was follow his advice as our client/attorney relationship progressed. My financial investment in him was a big win for me mentally and legally. - Casey
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18 Nov, 2024 by Nathan biller
Barry Clark was attentive and worked extremely hard to help me resolve my legal issues. Barry is the consummate professional, and the high level of communication and transparency he provided kept me at ease, and confident throughout the process. I would recommend the services of Clark and Platt to anyone who was in need of legal defense.
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07 Dec, 2024 by Will koning
Jeremy is the best lawyer I could have asked for. His professionalism is unmatched and his experience and tenure show in his work. If you need legal representation, he is without a doubt the best you will find in Manhattan. Do yourself a favor and call Platt.
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06 Dec, 2024 by Casey kershner
Jeremy Platt provided great counsel for me. He set realistic expectations, communicated well, listened to my concerns, created a plan in my best interest, and executed it efficiently. He made me feel comfortable through his knowledge and follow through of the legal processes. All I needed to do was follow his advice as our client/attorney relationship progressed. My financial investment in him was a big win for me mentally and legally. - Casey
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18 Nov, 2024 by Nathan biller
Barry Clark was attentive and worked extremely hard to help me resolve my legal issues. Barry is the consummate professional, and the high level of communication and transparency he provided kept me at ease, and confident throughout the process. I would recommend the services of Clark and Platt to anyone who was in need of legal defense.
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14 Sep, 2023 by Dulan washburn
Let me start out saying that he is great at law work but when it comes to the office and getting paperwork filed or sent to someone if slow. I understand he has clients but you call and are told I will have it done in a couple days. Now the reason for the two stars I was thinking 3 but when you have your case completed and the paperwork sent and all of the sudden you get one invoice. saying you have this amount and you request a refund. Then another invoice comes out saying that they did not know how to use the new billing system and blame it on the system. Then I get a third invoice showing that they took the rest for an invoice I have not seen yet. So something is going on I just do not know I am going to find someone to look into this since they do not want to.
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30 Jul, 2023 by Annika luna
I came to Chris Biggs for help, and I'm extremely glad I did. He helped me in a custody case in 2021 and I got residential custody of my kids. During the summer of 2023, my kids' father was refusing to return our children and was making false allegations against me and the first thing I did was call Chris. He helped get my children returned back to me right away! Communication has always been great, and the others that work in the office are very polite and helpful whenever I call. I'm so grateful for all the help and support from Chris and his team!
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20 Apr, 2023 by Maria briggs
He is a wonderful attorney who cares about each case
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24 Nov, 2024 by Chandler rhine
Miranda Johnson is 5 stars! Thank you!
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14 Sep, 2024 by Ebony hayes
This guy should not be practicing law. DO NOT CALL THIS GUY!!! He was horrible, poor communicator. He even stated how easy this case would be and he absolutely fumbled it. We initiated the case. Basically bitter mother would not allow my granddaughter to see my son. This was a military case. The mother did everything wrong, the things she did should have allowed my son at the minimum partial custody. She even was arrested! Her original attorney quit on her because ethically and morally he couldn’t represent her. Her new attorney must have had something on this guy because he folded and was defeated now somehow she ends up pulling child support and moving to Germany and all my son gets is weekend FaceTime. He left him hanging and just stop responding. We paid this guy in full up front. My son ended up in a worser position with his daughter than before we initiated the case. This guy got paid $3k to fail because that’s all he did.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Cj crocker
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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:

  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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