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30 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
I had a great experience working with John. He was incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and managed to turn everything around quickly. Highly recommended!
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13 Jun, 2024 by Karen reynolds
I have had the privilege of working with Phillips Zies for over 7 years, and I can confidently say that his expertise and professionalism are unparalleled. Phillips consistently demonstrates an in-depth understanding of business law, providing invaluable guidance that always leads me in the right direction. His strategic insights and smart, well-considered advice have been instrumental in the success of my business.
With Phillips, I always feel assured that my legal matters are in the best hands. His commitment to excellence and client-focused approach make him an indispensable asset to my business. I wouldn’t consider using another attorney. Highly recommended.
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01 May, 2024 by Kari j
My experience with John was on a very minor plight, but I think he should be recognized for this as well as the situations that entail more detail & time than my scenario. The point being that even something probably considered trivial to other attorneys, John indulged me & offered his support with full attention. Personally, I feel this speaks volumes of the kind of person he is. No matter how small, he just wants to help people - regardless. Thank you, John! I really appreciate you & the help you provided. You were spot on...brilliant even!
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12 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Worked with Bryan Lober to effectively resolve DUI case in Titusville, FL. Brevard County.
Bryan has a good working relationship with the Brevard County Court in Titusville, FL. He possesses familiarity with the local District Attorney's Office and Judges. This is combined with his understanding and expertise in the DUI area and processes plus an affable personality proved valuable and effective in getting favorable results.
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05 May, 2017 by Harriet/coastal poodle rescue
Bryan Lober has been a great friend to Coastal Poodle Rescue. He has represented us on a number of occasions when we have needed excellent legal advice in regard to issues we have had regarding a dog and new owner. In the last case Bryan was able to facilitate the quick return of a poodle that needed to come back into rescue. I would recommend, and have recommended, Bryan to anyone needing legal advise and help pertaining to an animal
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05 Feb, 2015 by Kenneth
brian has always returned my phone calls he has never tried to mislead me or miss guide me on any question that I have is always done things that I've asked him to do I feel like he is very responsible and a very good gentleman
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28 Aug, 2024 by Fredo finesse
Dan Newlin is great they where really good to me and helped me really well
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27 Aug, 2024 by Steven rawles ii
I had my first accident in my life and was injured in the process, thankfully I had gotten in contact with Dan Newlin and he had my work with one of his attorneys Dustin Smith and he was absolutely amazing to work with. I am very thankful for them and the helped that I received.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Deb smith
Dan Newlin and Dustin Smith, thank you so much for all your hard work for myself and my family.
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07 Mar, 2024 by Amy
Mr. Golub is a fantastic attorney. His rates are very, very fair. His knowledge in the areas he practices is vast. If he’s not 100% certain, he has no problem researching anything and everything as to be certain he correctly informs you. Mr. Golub is friendly, professional and caring. I highly recommend him.
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31 Jan, 2024 by Raymond (郑成涛)
29 Jan, 2024 by Richbo overtime
I can never forget Mr Golub he helped me not get a year and 6 months in prison in 2011
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31 May, 2024 by Anonymous
I would NEVER recommend Erica as an attorney to anyone if you want things done right and fair. Honestly, one of the worst decisions I have ever made obtaining her.
At first, she comes off very nice and states she is not out for money, but that is completely false.
She dragged things out in my situation and billed me for any money she could get without helping me whatsoever. She would never respond to my emails and I had to explain to her staff that I already sent very pertinent information that she asked from me several times.
I obtained this attorney for help and she was no help at all. Cost me $10k for absolutely NOTHING done to help me as her client. Trust me, go elsewhere if you need someone on your side. Not Erica Feinswog!
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02 May, 2024 by Robert wolverton
If you are reading this, your attorney search is done. Let me explain.
Erica agreed to represent me for an extremely important hearing regarding custody of my son. In a very short period of time, she was able to come up to speed on my case. Her preparation and attention to detail was obvious as she worked through witness testimony and her ability to respond to objections by opposing counsel was impressive (if I could have filmed her courtroom performance, I would upload here).
Erica is an amazing attorney - I wholeheartedly recommend you call her office.
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25 Apr, 2024 by Zach johnson
Erica is amazing at what she does. I have dealt with her off and on for about 10 years. She very professional and I would recommend her to anyone I know.
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24 Apr, 2022 by Francisco
Mr. Chang was gave me very personal service. He was consistently available through phone, email and text messages. He clearly explained every part of the process as my case in court unfolded. His advice turned out to be very sound, and in the end he was able to work with the state and court representatives to help me get the best possible results. I high recommend Mr. Chang for anyone needing legal representation.
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20 Jun, 2020 by Anonymous
With such a big decision, I’m so glad that I made the right one by choosing Mr. Chang. The communication was outstanding, professional and the outcome more than I could have hoped for. At such a vulnerable time, I had other attorneys that I interviewed using fear tactics that almost worked. I had to put my trust in the intuition I had (as well as another good reference) that Mr. Chang was the best choice, and he was absolute perfection. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
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09 Sep, 2018 by Stacey
Mr.Chang is An Amazing Attorney,I was extremely scared with what I was charged with especially never being in trouble before with the law.He had so much patience with me( I sent a lot of emails with my concerns)... He responded very quickly and reassured me numerous times that he would get me the best possible result.which he did!no jail time,I would recommend this lawyer to anyone,and if I ever have anymore issues with the law which heaven forbid I do,he will be the first lawyer i contact Thank you Mr.Chang you have saved me and my family's future.
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29 May, 2024 by Gigi dee
Please choose another attorney in the area who is ethical and refunds unused retainer fees. Coastal Legal was not motivated and I actually had to do a lot of the work myself. The attorney never spoke with us outside the consultation, the paralegal did everything and would scold us for calling and emailing for updates. They took our 6k retainer and ran essentially. They didn’t even go to trial and billed less than half of our retainer but didn’t refund any of the unearned retainer we gave them, over 3k, after not telling us it was non refundable (we signed off on it with only the paralegal present and should’ve read the fine print but they should have still made it very clear, yet never once mentioned it). When we told them this was unethical and we are a hardworking blue collar family, the paralegal said she would bring it up to the attorney and get back to us. She never did. My husband emailed her again and she has ignored us. Please consider other options.
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16 Mar, 2022 by Melissa johnson
Good Morning To All !!!! Just want anyone to know who reads this review That Coastal legal team is the way to go !!!! Melissa Peat is an amazing attorney she fights for our rights.. I recommend her to anyone .She has been my attorney for years .She is the Best at family law ,Criminal ...She will fight for you !!!! Excellent staff and law firm .Thankyou
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09 Mar, 2020 by Deneida malave
i have placed my sons case in the hands of Ms.Morgan...trust her expertise ...for a favorable outcone D.malave
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29 May, 2024 by Gigi dee
Please choose another attorney in the area who is ethical and refunds unused retainer fees. Coastal Legal was not motivated and I actually had to do a lot of the work myself. The attorney never spoke with us outside the consultation, the paralegal did everything and would scold us for calling and emailing for updates. They took our 6k retainer and ran essentially. They didn’t even go to trial and billed less than half of our retainer but didn’t refund any of the unearned retainer we gave them, over 3k, after not telling us it was non refundable (we signed off on it with only the paralegal present and should’ve read the fine print but they should have still made it very clear, yet never once mentioned it). When we told them this was unethical and we are a hardworking blue collar family, the paralegal said she would bring it up to the attorney and get back to us. She never did. My husband emailed her again and she has ignored us. Please consider other options.
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16 Mar, 2022 by Melissa johnson
Good Morning To All !!!! Just want anyone to know who reads this review That Coastal legal team is the way to go !!!! Melissa Peat is an amazing attorney she fights for our rights.. I recommend her to anyone .She has been my attorney for years .She is the Best at family law ,Criminal ...She will fight for you !!!! Excellent staff and law firm .Thankyou
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09 Mar, 2020 by Deneida malave
i have placed my sons case in the hands of Ms.Morgan...trust her expertise ...for a favorable outcone D.malave
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16 Oct, 2024 by Robert
Everyone at Wise Traffic Law is amazing. They have been able to help me on a couple different occasions. They walk the walk and talk the talk. Everything they advertise is exactly what they do. I am beyond grateful and pleased with their services.
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05 Feb, 2024 by John
I hired Samuel Jay Wise for my citation. It can be a stressful thing to be have to deal with a court hearing, but he gave me great advice. After he argued my case to the prosecutor my case was dismissed.
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22 Dec, 2022 by Bruce
I got a ticket for going too slow! Samuel Wise got the ticket dismissed. I am very satisfied with the service I received from Mr. Wise.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Jacob lafferty
I can’t thank Keith Szachacz enough for his incredible support throughout my case. Keith was with me every step of the way, making sure I wasn’t unjustly prosecuted for something I didn’t do. He carefully reviewed every detail, addressed significant discrepancies in the case, and got my charge dismissed. His dedication and expertise made all the difference, and I always felt confident with him on my side.
A special thanks to Roxy in the office for always being there to answer my questions with professionalism and care. I also want to thank Kepler Funk and Alan Diamond for their help during my initial consultation and for giving me all the information I needed. If you’re looking for a criminal defense team that will truly fight for you, I highly recommend Funk, Szachacz, and Diamond.
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28 Jun, 2024 by Jaden mohammed
These 3 men are the most outstanding individuals you will ever have to represent you. Absolutely amazing service.
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18 Apr, 2024 by Amanda lynch
23 Aug, 2024 by Jacob lafferty
I can’t thank Keith Szachacz enough for his incredible support throughout my case. Keith was with me every step of the way, making sure I wasn’t unjustly prosecuted for something I didn’t do. He carefully reviewed every detail, addressed significant discrepancies in the case, and got my charge dismissed. His dedication and expertise made all the difference, and I always felt confident with him on my side.
A special thanks to Roxy in the office for always being there to answer my questions with professionalism and care. I also want to thank Kepler Funk and Alan Diamond for their help during my initial consultation and for giving me all the information I needed. If you’re looking for a criminal defense team that will truly fight for you, I highly recommend Funk, Szachacz, and Diamond.
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28 Jun, 2024 by Jaden mohammed
These 3 men are the most outstanding individuals you will ever have to represent you. Absolutely amazing service.
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18 Apr, 2024 by Amanda lynch
14 Sep, 2024 by Jeremiah
I hired Rod Kernan to dispute my careless driving traffic citation. He was very professional and great to work with. He got my citation dismissed in court. Excellent service. I highly recommend him!
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20 Jun, 2024 by Richard jantz
Mr Woodward was very efficient and fast. We had all our paper and results in a matter of days. He always answered questions in a timely fashion. I would not hesitate to ask recommend him to friends and family.
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06 May, 2024 by Jessica manuel
Ric Woodward is a great divorce attorney. He stood by my decisions and worked hard to get what I wanted. He replied very fast throughout the 2.5 year process. I consider my case a total win as I got pretty much exactly what I had offered my ex husband in the beginning. When others were not prepared during this process, my attorney always was. He was never late, didn’t try to milk money out of me, easily reachable, and prepared (important). In addition, he seems to know a lot of people in the court system and speaks well of others that he does know. It’s just comforting to know you are in respectful and caring hands when going through such a miserable process. Thank you, Ric!
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06 Aug, 2024 by Jennifer lovett
Beware this man is a crook. Paid this man 2000 dollars for foreclosure help. Not really sure what he did. Does not return email or phone messages. Now I have to go through the process of finding someone else. Very unprofessional not to return any of my messages. I was not going to do this. I gave him every opportunity to respond.
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28 Jun, 2024 by R m
Mr. Bowin is the best. He is very kind, approachable, and responsive. It's been a great experience having him represent me.
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31 Jan, 2024 by Brian ledford
No one ever wants to get up to their eyeballs in so much debt that Bankruptcy is the only/best option available.
However, Bowin Law Group was awesome in helping resolve this crisis for a Loved One in my family!!!!
Thanks Beau!!!!!
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26 Mar, 2024 by April tucci
Christopher Martin, A1A Law and Real Estate
My sincere thanks to Attorney, Christopher Martin, for his help in navigating the sale of a property in Merritt Island.
Mr. Martin was professional, courteous and always promptly responded to texts, e-mails and phone calls. He was on time and prepared for our meetings and kept me informed throughout the entire process. Mr. Martin made this a pleasant, straightforward and uncomplicated transaction.
I will hire Mr. Martin again when I require real estate or legal counsel and I highly recommend him, without reservation.
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03 Mar, 2024 by Sharon rausch
29 May, 2021 by L a
Completely impressed by the commutation and service.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Jonathan hedrick
I cannot put into words how grateful I am for Tom's service. He worked diligently on my case which I know was more difficult than most. He showed compassion throughout the process and I would not hesitate to recommend him to take your case.
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30 May, 2024 by D d
04 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Took my money and failed to call or respond to emails. Predator during a horrible time. Do not recommend.
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06 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
While representing his client who was charged with other domestic violence battery and felony burglary Kurt knowingly made demonstrably false statements about me (who is the victim in the case). I guess he’s so used to this his law firm lying with no consequences that he willingly put his legal license on the line for an abusive client who can’t even pay him.
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12 Oct, 2020 by Charles
Upon being charged with fraud, elder abuse and identity theft, I personally interviewed 5 lawyers to represent me. I was facing 10 years in prison.
I choose Mr. Russell because of his intelligence, demeanor and his experience. During my meeting with Mr. Russell, he patiently listened to me and we reviewed my case. I was very impressed with his insights into my case. IMO, Mr. Russell’s initial assessment of the possible outcomes were reasonable expectations. He did not make any false promises.
Because of Mr. Russell and his office’s diligent time and efforts, the charges against me were dismissed.
I will be forever grateful to Mr. Russell that I am able to move forward with my life.
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05 Apr, 2018 by Cody
I hired Mr. Russell as my attorney for some legal problems I was having. He was very caring, hard working, and kept me up to date on things frequently. He’s very professional and will do his best and what ever it takes to help you with your matters. Again, I am really glad I went with Kurt Russell. He’s the attorney you want there by your side in the courtroom!!!!
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09 Nov, 2017 by Melissa
Attorney Donnelly is amazing! Works to get the job done and you never feel rushed! Answers all questions so that you can understand it in civilian terms and not law terms! Always returns your calls and emails quickly! Would recommend him to anyone!
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09 Nov, 2017 by Scott steiman
Great service and outstanding customer service skills demonstrated by the lawyer and his staff. I am a 21 year+ US Army Veteran and I would strongly recommended Mr. Donnelly to anyone. Great experience, great service.
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13 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I have no worries while going through my divorce process with Mr. Donnelly representing me. His Paralegal (Diana) and himself has been nothing but professional and caring for my well being.
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13 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
I shelled out nearly $20,000 for his law firm for a crime that I was earnestly innocent and they basically led me to believe that they genuinely cared and I would be a priority. Once I handed them over the check, they didn't care about me anymore and I was mistreated by being ignored. Phone calls and emails were not responded to. I had no power to do anything about it because technically he is within his right to ignore me and not care about his clients.
When you go in for a consultation, you see a brilliant fighter who will zealously represent you passionately and with fervor & diligence. Once the money is handed over to him, it is like Cinderella at midnight when she turns from a princess to an ordinary person. Basically, the lawyer you see during the consultation is NOT the same man he will act once he has gotten what he has wanted from you (your money). He will then suddenly then show his true colors once the motivation to
I also found it EXTREMELY manipulative how during the consultation he emphasized that he sometimes turns down clients, and once you decide to hire him, he has the final say and there's a chance he will turn you away. In hindsight, this should have been a red flag because of how it induces you to consider yourself lucky if you are able to secure his legal representation.
The last thing I want to emphasize is that "board certified" means NOTHING significantly valuable in the grand scheme of things. I over-estimated the importance of board certification but upon further research, all it means is that an attorney jumped through a few extra hoops so that they can put a shiny title next to their name or on their business card.
Another instance of manipulation was how strongly I felt coaxed into signing a plea deal. During the initial consultation, I felt like he wanted to take my case to trial because he believed in my innocence. After hiring him, and as months passed, he emphasized that if I lost at trial that I could potentially be sent to prison because my charge was for a 2nd degree felony. I specifically remember him or his co-partner telling me that it's a bad idea to put my fate into the hands of a jury because the jury could potentially have unreasonable people who decide to take the word of law enforcement and simply vote to convict based on the fact very little evidence existed one way or another. I was made to feel that taking the case to trial proved I was being foolish and taking an extreme unnecessary risk of being sent to prison.
In the interest of fairness, I will now briefly list a few positives about Kepler Funk. First, he's very intelligent. Second, he's super professional and hard-working during the initial consultation. Lastly, he has mostly 5-star reviews which I didn't expect. I guess if you're guilty and he gets you a good plea deal, then hats off to him.
My experience with him was very negative and I feel like I owe my fellow Floridians a dire warning about him that he becomes a different person after he receives your money. The lawyer you see at the initial consultation IS NOT the same person you will represent you during your case. His diligence and professionalism and fervor all evaporate and you'll be left with an entitled, unmotivated lawyer who has zero incentive to do beyond the bare minimum job for you.
In summary, this man is a mediocre lawyer, at best.
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08 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
I have been in trouble a lot. This is the first lawyer who told me the truth. He said, after reviewing my case for free, that I should stick with the public defender. I offered to pay him for his time and expert opinion and he said no. This guy is the real deal.
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02 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Funk is a brilliant and phenomenal attorneys. He is a BOARD CERTIFIED attorney which most people do not research and understand the importance of being board certified. I am grateful for every effort this man has made to assist me and save my life. Incredibly intelligent, realistic, and compassionate! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
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06 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
I believe Chris deceived me. You told me one thing I dished out a lot of money to no avail. When it came time for court all of a sudden it looks like the state attorney didn't know what was going on. After that Chris is no longer accepting the phone calls from my family or from me I had to literally threaten to call the bar on him for him even a reply via text still after this all I got was a three word text I'm highly dissatisfied I have been for over a year waiting for him resolve my case I would not recommend this attorney
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16 Apr, 2019 by Neal
Chris accepted my case while I was locked up & in the jail courtroom for my 1st appearance. He took a chance & believed in my case/story enough to say yes to representing me without even a consultation or phone call. I've been blown away by his kindness, work ethic & pursuit of justice in my name. If you're looking for an attorney who will fight for you, your rights and your freedom, look no further than Chris Cochran. The man has literally saved my life in every sense of the word (accepted late night collect jail calls, counseled me thru a SWAT standoff, courthouse cell counseling session etc) . Thank you Chris, I wouldn't be alive & free without you.
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27 Jan, 2018 by Thomas
Over 2 years to get a loan modification and I am now in foreclosure , I would never recommend . The bank is now trying to take my home and I'm fighting Cancer for the second time . In cahoots with Nationstar Mortgage . He allowed their attorneys to charge me over $15,000 in fees and said he would be able to reverse them . They kicked the can down the road and I even paid for a "mediation" in which Mr. Houck brought ZERO paperwork to defend me and the payments that I made to Nationstar.
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18 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
We hired Mr Houck back in 2010 to handle a time-sharing modification, our case ended in mid-2013 (the length of the case was not due to him). In this time, we have paid him a total of eight thousand dollars - well above the agree amount. There is no communication from Mr Houck even if you send a million emails, and leave numerous voice mails. When requesting phone conferences, he forgets and only gives you 5 minutes of him time and in the end says "email me the details", and then never responds to the emails until you physically sit down with him and he then reads and goes over the emails. The first time we went to court, he never showed up and had to phone in - which the judge thankfully allowed. His excuse was that his PA didn't put it on his calendar - which tells me he was not preparing for the hearing in the first place. He does not return phone calls or emails, and he is not informed about our personal case until we give him a brief review.
I give him a 2-star because he did find a loop hole in the opposite Attorney's paperwork and he did win our case, but we did a lot of the paper work and research ourselves, he just had to file it and review so he knew what to argue. I called him after 11 months of not hearing any update on our case because I saw online there was a hearing on the judges calendar. 4 weeks later I finally got a hold of his PA and she informed me that they would have let us know the week prior - not considering that I have to arrange to take off work to attend the hearing. At the end of last year we advised him we will need to set up a payment plan to prepare for trial - a year later and trial now over with we were sent a bill payment due in full immediately. When we reminded him that we agreed to a payment plan his response was "payment plans are usually paid prior to trial, and since the trial is now over, payment is due immediately". If we thought we could pay a few thousands dollars at the drop of a hat I wouldn't have asked for a payment plan!
I do not recommend him for any matter. He is not considerate of anyone's schedule, anyone's personal finances, and he does not stick to his promises or prior commitments.
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30 Jan, 2013 by Jonathan
I hired Mr. Houck to modify my divorce settlement (to amend vague language for time sharing). I paid him up front the amount which he assured me would cover through the trial. In over a year he called me twice and this was after I called and left multiple messages and emailed repeatedly asking for a phone call. As we approached the trial date he was less responsive. One week before the trial was to begin I emailed that I needed to speak with him. That was on a Monday with trial to begin the following Monday. His PA emailed that he would call me on Thursday. I responded that this was not acceptable and she said that he was busy. The next day I emailed again that I must speak with him. I was told he would call me that evening. He never called.
On Tuesday the PA informed me that I owed $1500 in order to go to trial as they had used up my original payment. My ex-wife began saying she would settle so I emailed Mr. Houck that I would wait to see if she would sign the settlement before paying the trial amount, which was above my original agreement with Mr. Houck. His PA then emailed me that the amount was past due and needed to be paid before further work was done. This was communicated to me FIVE days before the trial was to begin.
That hour I hired a new attorney who is excellent! Upon hiring the new attorney I discovered that Mr. Houck had done nothing except file for my court date. No documents were filed with the court, no witnesses, no depositions. Prior to hiring a new attorney I received the settlement documents and there were seven typos in the document. I informed them that there were typos and his PA emailed me back to please identify the typos.
Quite frankly the worst lawyer experience I could imagine.
He was non responsive, never called me unless I sent harsh emails, he was completely unprepared and he misrepresented his fees.
Under no circumstances would I recommend Mr. Houck for any reason.
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08 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
This attorney is not good, I agree with the other reviewer, he's never prepared and doesn't fight for youaccording to the bar rules, he's done very suspicious activity that can at the very least cause disciplinary action by the bar, but we ALL know it's quite impossible to make a complaint to the bar. It's like you need a lawyer to complain and fill out a complaint form to the Florida bar.
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24 May, 2022 by Anonymous
Charged for excessive hours of conversations with another lawyer that never took place.
Over billed by hundreds.
Did not respond to emails then charged for reading them.
Charged 1k for 9 bullet points
Was blatantly unprepared for hearing and did not defend me
I felt completely preyed upon
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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.
