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16 Nov, 2020 by Haley
I had received representation from Hartley in 2017/2018 for Endangering the Welfare of a Child- M1. Everyone except the ADA of Venango Co. Brenda Servidio, knew I was innocent and wrongfully charged and imprisoned. Hartley was appointed to me through the Venango Co. Public Defenders Office. He was hands down the absolute best attorney I ever had to represent me! He was very detail oriented, professional, very knowledgeable about criminal law, and he held several consultations with me about my case. He tried pleading down the charge with the ADA to avoid trial and she of course refused all plea negotiations. Claimed she was “going to make an example out of me”. So he took my case clear to a jury trial. Hartley had just become a Public Defender for Venango Co. & I was Hartley’s very first case in venango co. I also was his first case in venango that went clear to trial. He was confident we had a good chance at winning my case at trial. Before trial began, as we sat in the courtroom waiting for the jury to be brought it, the ADA tried offering a plea. We did not accept any plea from her and proceeded with trial. Hartley made the ADA look very unprofessional and really got her flustered during the course of my trial. His cross examinations were flawless and his opening & closing arguments were nothing but extraordinary! After trial was over and the jury was sent out for deliberation, Hartley spoke with me & my family about everything. The jury took roughly 30-45 minutes to deliberate and was back with a final decision. As we all gathered in the courtroom to hear the final verdict, Hartley was confident the jury was going to make the right verdict and serve justice! And the jury did just that with a final verdict of “NOT GUILTY” to 1 count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child- M1. Everyone in the courtroom cheered as justice had been finally served on my behalf! I honestly do not think I would have even went to trial if Hartley was not representing me. His hard work, determination, professionalism, knowledge of the criminal justice system, and his dedication to me as his client (and to prove my innocence) showed the courts, the PD office, the ADA/DA, and everyone else he was the BEST attorney! And I can’t thank Hartley enough for everything he did for me & for not giving up on me even when things got rough!
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02 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Save your money! Alissa is money hungry. Acts like she cares but just wants your money. Once you pay her, shes lazy, drags her feet, she is never in the office, and doesn't return your phone calls or emails! Thank goodness for the the Attorney in the office and the two other fabulous kind girls that helped me through this terrible divorce. My divorced took so much longer than it should've, she lacks empathy for anyone. Then she will demand more money at the end to finish!
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10 Jun, 2017 by Denise
Alissa has been with us for several years now with an ongoing case. She is always available, always caring, very informed and very trustworthy. She has gone above and beyond on our case on several occasions. I really feel you would be hard pressed to find an attorney that will go the extra mile just for your own piece of mind.
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27 Feb, 2017 by Desiree
Alissa Kretser is an amazing attorney. She is dedicated to her work and sympathizes with her clients. She helped my fiancé and I obtain emergency custody of my fiancé's children. Our battle to obtain custody has been close to a 2 year battle thus far. Although our case still continues as we reach for permanent custody, Alissa has communicated with us every step of the way and has basically become a part of our family. We couldn't have done this without her and I would recommend her to anyone dealing with family issues! My fiancé and I have been blessed to have her represent us through this entire process.
Retainers/Fees were greatly priced verses other attorneys we had spoken with. She put in hours upon hours without complaint through the entire process as well. She has answered/ returned our calls over the most simple to the more complex questions each and every time. She puts forth 200% effort with a smile on her face and has been honest and upfront about what we could expect each step of the way. Not once have we been blindsided and she continues to keep us informed of any changes or challenges she may foresee. She is confident in what she does and has stuck to her word every step along the way as well. Hands down, she’s a fantastic attorney and I would recommend her to anyone and everyone looking for representation.
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26 May, 2021 by Matthew
I personally retained Attorney Hetrick. Very professional & very attentive. I recommend his office. He fought for me !
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09 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I contacted Randy for my third underage drinking citation and he gathered all necessary information from me. Looking at an additional two year license suspension, while I was already two months into my one year license suspension, I was very nervous. I knew that I had gotten myself into a load of trouble and I wasn't expecting to get a lesser sentence. Randy got me a plea deal in which I plead guilty to public drunkeness (no license suspension). It did help that I enrolled in therapy and showed proof of compliance to the judge. I was very pleased with him and thought he was professional.
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24 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
when i first met with randy he assured me my defense case was a breeze. he could "easily" win my case, and it was a "no-brainer" that the police were at fault.
a few months, a preliminary hearing, and maybe a total of 3 phone calls later, i received a call from randy telling me that my official hearing is THE NEXT DAY. oh and that I'm probably going to jail. which i did.
he was unhelpful, unsupportive, and gave no communication or any advice.
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What a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Do for You
A criminal defense lawyer provides legal representation to individuals or organizations accused of criminal conduct. If you're facing criminal charges, a defense lawyer will work to protect your rights, build a defense strategy, and ensure you receive a fair trial. Their primary goal is to reduce or dismiss charges, secure an acquittal, or negotiate a favorable plea deal.
Criminal defense lawyers have extensive knowledge of criminal law and court procedures. They investigate your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence, and represent you in court, ensuring that you have the best possible defense.
When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
It’s crucial to hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible if you are facing any criminal charges. Some situations in which you should seek legal representation include:
- Arrest or police questioning: If you've been arrested or are under investigation, hiring a lawyer early on can prevent self-incrimination and protect your rights during police questioning.
- Felony charges: Crimes such as murder, assault, drug trafficking, or robbery carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences. A defense lawyer is essential in these cases.
- Misdemeanor charges: Even for less serious offenses like DUI, theft, or simple assault, a lawyer can help reduce penalties, negotiate alternatives to jail, or get charges dismissed.
- Plea negotiations: If you’re considering a plea bargain, a lawyer can evaluate the deal, advise you on its consequences, and negotiate for more favorable terms.
- Probation or parole violations: If you’ve been accused of violating probation or parole, a lawyer can defend you against additional penalties or revocation.
- Juvenile offenses: For minors charged with criminal acts, a criminal defense lawyer can protect their future by minimizing legal repercussions or keeping the case in juvenile court.
What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?
Criminal defense lawyers provide comprehensive legal services to protect their clients’ rights throughout the criminal justice process. Their duties include:
- Case evaluation and investigation: Reviewing the evidence, interviewing witnesses, and investigating the facts to develop a strong defense strategy.
- Legal advice: Advising you on your rights, the charges you’re facing, and potential defense strategies, including whether to take a plea deal or go to trial.
- Negotiating plea bargains: Working with prosecutors to negotiate a plea deal that could reduce charges or minimize penalties.
- Court representation: Representing you in all court hearings, including bail hearings, pretrial motions, trials, and sentencing hearings.
- Filing motions: Filing motions to dismiss charges, suppress evidence, or reduce bail, depending on the specifics of your case.
- Trial preparation and defense: Preparing a defense strategy and presenting arguments, evidence, and witnesses during trial to contest the prosecution's case.
- Appeals: If you are convicted, a defense lawyer can appeal the conviction or sentence, arguing errors in the trial process or legal rulings.
How Are Criminal Defense Lawyers Paid?
Criminal defense lawyers generally charge clients in one of three ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Payment structures include:
- Flat fee: For straightforward cases (e.g., minor misdemeanors), some lawyers charge a one-time flat fee that covers all aspects of the defense.
- Hourly rate: For more complex or ongoing cases, lawyers may charge by the hour, with rates varying based on the lawyer’s experience and geographic location.
- Retainer fee: In cases where extensive work is expected, the client may pay a retainer fee upfront. The lawyer then bills against that retainer for their work on the case.
The cost of criminal defense services can vary greatly, so it’s important to discuss fees during your initial consultation.
How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer depends on several factors, including the severity of the charges, the complexity of the case, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost guidelines are:
- Misdemeanor cases: For relatively minor offenses, such as a DUI or petty theft, a flat fee may range from $1,500 to $5,000.
- Felony cases: More serious charges, such as assault or drug trafficking, can range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the complexity and duration of the case.
- Hourly rates: For cases billed by the hour, lawyers may charge anywhere from $150 to $500 or more per hour, depending on their expertise and the case's location.
- Additional expenses: You may also be responsible for other costs, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, or the cost of private investigators.
Be sure to clarify the lawyer’s fee structure and any potential additional costs during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Before hiring a criminal defense lawyer, you’ll want to ensure that they’re a good fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask:
-
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.
