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09 Jun, 2024 by Sylvain brouillette
Beautiful mediation room the whole entire place is brand new. Their new office are located inside the Wells Fargo Center.
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05 May, 2021 by Anthony poley
This bar is amazing you guys are the best amazing service
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24 Oct, 2020 by Redd man
They were closed when their web site said they were open. Paided a parking fee for nothing.
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09 Jun, 2024 by Sylvain brouillette
Beautiful mediation room the whole entire place is brand new. Their new office are located inside the Wells Fargo Center.
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05 May, 2021 by Anthony poley
This bar is amazing you guys are the best amazing service
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24 Oct, 2020 by Redd man
They were closed when their web site said they were open. Paided a parking fee for nothing.
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09 Jun, 2024 by Sylvain brouillette
Beautiful mediation room the whole entire place is brand new. Their new office are located inside the Wells Fargo Center.
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05 May, 2021 by Anthony poley
This bar is amazing you guys are the best amazing service
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24 Oct, 2020 by Redd man
They were closed when their web site said they were open. Paided a parking fee for nothing.
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09 Jun, 2024 by Sylvain brouillette
Beautiful mediation room the whole entire place is brand new. Their new office are located inside the Wells Fargo Center.
Read more
05 May, 2021 by Anthony poley
This bar is amazing you guys are the best amazing service
Read more
24 Oct, 2020 by Redd man
They were closed when their web site said they were open. Paided a parking fee for nothing.
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09 Jun, 2024 by Sylvain brouillette
Beautiful mediation room the whole entire place is brand new. Their new office are located inside the Wells Fargo Center.
Read more
05 May, 2021 by Anthony poley
This bar is amazing you guys are the best amazing service
Read more
24 Oct, 2020 by Redd man
They were closed when their web site said they were open. Paided a parking fee for nothing.
Read more
09 Jun, 2024 by Sylvain brouillette
Beautiful mediation room the whole entire place is brand new. Their new office are located inside the Wells Fargo Center.
Read more
05 May, 2021 by Anthony poley
This bar is amazing you guys are the best amazing service
Read more
24 Oct, 2020 by Redd man
They were closed when their web site said they were open. Paided a parking fee for nothing.
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23 Mar, 2018 by Charlie
I hired Ira when I was facing multiple felonies and 30 years. He was able to guide me take me through the frustrating process of bail hearing, pretrials, and eventually trial. Ira informed me as to how and why charges were being modified, the things that I can do to make sure that he's aware of all the facts of the case and any updates, and would touch bases on a regular basis. It was a scary time as my whole life had come to a standstill; however, he made sure to balance his time by addressing my case when appropriate. In the end, Ira presented all of the facts during trial, gave a powerful closing, and I was found not guilty on all six felonies; payment for his services were definitely worth my freedom.
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15 Feb, 2018 by Travis
My family used the services of Ira Whitlock a little over a year ago for a jury trial. I watched with my own eyes how he deftly navigated around the traps of the prosecution and won the jury over with concise facts, humor and deductive reasoning . He arrived prepared and early every day of the trail.
We were always informed and ecstatic with the verdict . We would recommend him in a heartbeat.
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14 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Ira is one of the best lawyers in the country. I know why he was selected as a Top 100 lawyer. He and his firm took the time to review my case and prepared a great defense. Ira was excellent during the trial and had the jurors mesmerized. He gave a great closing argument and I was acquitted of all six counts of murder. You can trust Ira with your life!
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05 May, 2021 by Anthony poley
This bar is amazing you guys are the best amazing service
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01 Oct, 2019 by Mike st john
06 Aug, 2019 by Olena taylor
15 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
I used Andrew Moran for mediation for my divorce.
I personally recommend either skipping mediation or not using him.Made absolutely no progress. Not a good experience.
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02 Aug, 2012 by Phil
I had a road rage incident where the guy who did the RR filed a false police report claiming I was the aggressor. I contacted Mr. Moran and within 24 hours he had reached out to the St. Paul PD and clarified matters, which resulted in a clear and accurate police report of the incident. The result was no charges. I would highly reccomend Mr. Moran to anyone.
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23 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
I hired Andrew Moran through a friend who had had a good experience with him. The good points: He is very good at responding to questions, e-mails, voicemails, and knows the law. The bad points: My case was difficult, and instead of trying to find a way to represent me fairly, he came out and said that the opposing counsel was going to win and while he didn't outright say it, he made statements that made it appear like he was biased and agreeing with the opposing counsel's side, and that I was wrong for wanting to defend myself in what was an uphill battle. I felt "sold out" and things got worse before they got better. I hired a different attorney who turned things around.
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20 May, 2022 by Wicca leaks
18 Apr, 2021 by Paul emile
Really good service as always. Staff is really helpful
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02 Feb, 2021 by Cody strasburg
11 Nov, 2017 by Brian johnson
I had a lawyer before Lynne and she was not very good. I wish I would of had Lynne from the start. I had a year long family court issue with a lot of issues. Lynne was great! Even returned e-mails and phone calls on a Saturday. She cares and know her job.
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18 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Lynne represented me for a divorce. She was very knowledgeable and helped me through this difficult process. She was responsive to me and provided the guidance I needed to make decisions about my case. She advocated for me when I was unable to reach an agreement with my ex. I would recommend her to anyone going through a divorce.
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16 Aug, 2011 by Anonymous
I hired Lynne to handle my divorce case. I made it clear to her that my primary objective was to keep my kids at home as much as possible. My wife and I had worked out a parenting time schedule in advance, which I was happy with. My only goal was that that schedule should not change.
So, our strategy was to not fight the division of assets and debts, as long as it meant keeping the parenting time schedule the same. The divorce decree was signed by the judge in May. I took $450,000 in debt, which included credit cards, student loans (my wife's) and a house that is $200,000 under water. This arrangement made some sense, because my wife was underemployed, making minimum wage and could not afford to take on any of the debt.
Yesterday, my ex filed to have the parenting time agreement changed because she got a new job (paying $52,000/yr). There is nothing I can do to stop her. I have spoken to several attorneys who have said that any judge would rule in her favor. However, all of the asset and debt division are indisputable once the decree is signed.
Now, I have all of the debt and no kids. Lynne NEVER mentioned that the asset/debt divisions were final, but that the parenting time agreement could change at anytime. She never informed me that this strategy was going to backfire. All my spouse had to do was wait until the decree was signed, go find a job and BOOM!
Now I am completely screwed.
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27 Mar, 2023 by Nicole
Didn't even look through discovery, told my husband to take a plea of 6 years prison & 6 years parole. For some weed.$15,000 to look at case &wanted another $15,000 to go to trial . Wouldn't look at any of the supposed warrants , all our assets got taken based off a phone that was later suppressed because of no warrant . No thanks to him or that other arrogant guy he works with . Would not recommend, waste of money & time .
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15 Aug, 2018 by John
Doctors are often credited with saving lives but in my case it was Mr. Long who saved mine.
Mikkel's non-judgemental,relaxed,empathetic nature made working with him an excellent experience and
the outcome was so much better than I expected. Hopefully you'll never need his help but if you do then know that you are in good hands.
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10 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
He is confident and isn't pushy like a sales person. He is worth every dollar. His price more than most in area but you get what you pay for. Most lawyers will charge you right up front without seeing discovery and police report he recommended I get it first before he quoted me a price. He is not a lawyer to just to try to get you a plea bargain his goal is to beat the case altogether. I had a lot of anxiety and was calling him frequently even before I retained him and he returned all my calls and was curteous even know I was being extreme. I truly believe he looks out for the best interest of his clients
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08 Nov, 2017 by Nick
Brook is a no-nonsense individual who showed compassion, support, and clear legal direction and no-how when helping me through a difficult and confusing legal time. She was very professional, yet, approachable. I would recommend her without reservation.
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21 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Brook heard my case, summarized expectations and plans and gave direction to garner me a highly favorable for me. I talked with many other area attorneys before selecting Brook to steer me in my issues with maintaining time with my child. Brainerd/Baxter area has no better attorney.
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13 Jan, 2013 by Kim
Did not act professional. Failed to handle my case in my best interest. Told me you could not subpoena certain accounts and I turned around and got the subpoea and records myself. Billed me excessively for work not even done in my case. I would not refer Brook to anyone.
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16 Mar, 2018 by Dimitri
In July 2014, I hired Mr. Taylor as my attorney to represent me in my family court matter.
I deeply regret hiring Mr. Taylor.
Because of his representation, I incurred many negative consequences that I am trying to cope with today.
I attempted to resolve my issues with Mr. Taylor, but he refused.
I asked the Minnesota Office for Legal Responsibility for help, and they investigated my complaint against Mr. Taylor.
My experience with Mr. Taylor is well documented in the complaint of legal misconduct I brought against him with the Minnesota Office for Legal Responsibility, dated September 7, 2017.
The Minnesota Office for Legal Responsibility agreed with my complaint against Mr. Taylor of legal misconduct.
The office issued a decision to discipline Mr. Taylor for his misconduct in my case.
The Minnesota Office for Legal Responsibility issued a decision of private admonishment.
For more information on the specifics of Mr. Taylor’s misconduct as documented by the MN Office for Legal Responsibility investigation, and resulting decision, please inquire about this action to Mr. Taylor directly.
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05 Jan, 2015 by David
Mr. Taylor is seriously a miracle worker. When I hired him I was denied visitation with my child for 2 very long years. With in a few weeks I had daily phone calls with my daughter. With in two months I was reunited with my daughter and given an parenting plan schedule with over 41% custody. When my daughters mother decided to not follow that schedule we got a court date with in the next month.
With out him I still would not have met my daughter. We have a new court date coming up this week but so far I am very thankful for Mr. Taylor.
Also, I live in Florida so every part of this other than court has been done via telephone and email.
He has done a great job for our family. He is also very responsible with your retainer. I feel like any other lawyer would have eaten up my retainer alot faster but Mr Taylor was very frugal with mine.
I would highly recommend him to represent you in a family matter.
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02 May, 2012 by Rich
Having Mr. Taylor on my legal team is truly a blessing from God. Through his representation of a complicated family law case Mr. Taylor has continuously expressed a level of knowledge, wisdom, truth, honesty and patience beyond exceptional.
Although family law cases can seem to last for eternity, take unexpected twists and turns, spark many emotions to surface, etc., Mr. Taylor takes the time to listen and understand his clients while crafting the best possible strategy.
Of course every case and situation is different, but if you're in need of an excellent family law attorney I highly recommend you add Mr. Taylor to your team.
Thank you Mr. Taylor for representing me in my case.
~ Rich
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18 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Rhonda handled a sensitive probate matter for me with such care. She really went above and beyond to make sure my loved one’s wishes were followed. I have friends who have used her for their divorces too and they are so happy with the work she’s done. I highly recommend Rhonda. She really is the best attorney in the area.
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17 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Years ago I hired Rhonda Magnussen for my divorce and possible move out of state. She not only didn’t prepare for my court case… She called my ex Mr. Marty, by his first name, completely unprepared. This impacted my life’s path, and ability to move out of state with my now husband. I do not recommend her for multiple reasons. She did not prepare or even do research on my case. She overcharged everywhere she could down to a 15 minute phone conversation.
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29 Aug, 2023 by Jill
Rhonda Magnussen is a fantastic attorney who answered all my questions timely and is a professional in the court room. I highly recommend her.
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24 May, 2012 by Robert
Randi Setter was excellent in handling a very important legal matter for my family. I would highly recommend her as your legal representative.
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17 Feb, 2012 by Anonymous
Randi Setter kept me informed very well and returned my calls within a timely matter. She is also very affordable and she if very knowledgeable about the wright county courts. I felt that she had my child’s and my best interest throughout my experience with her. She was recommended to me be another attorney when I needed help with family law.
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13 Jan, 2012 by Anonymous
I should state that i did not speak with her past a beginning consultation regarding a legal matter. Over the years we have worked with multiple lawyers regarding issues eg. wills, estate planning, real estate, etc. All of those lawyers have performed to our satisfaction or above satisfaction. As we have moved since our family has last used an attorney, I am doing the initial interviewing for a family member to reduce their time locating a attorney. Therefore, I should tell you that my expectation of an initial consultation and information that the attorney would supply would be more of an informative nature regarding the legal matter and to access an general ability in the attorney. I was shockingly surprised at what i can only describe as at best a lack of interest and professionalism and at worst a horrific general lack of knowledge regarding the law and legal issues. Since this was a call back a day later at her convenience i was appalled that i had to tell her twice I still had questions with in te first 10 minutes of the conversation and that the call was not finished. In an effort to understand her rude mannerism I had even asked if she was distracted by other work or if she need to tend to another matter. She stated no and said to go online to a general website if i wanted more information. I then stated that I understood that what she was stating to me would be general in natural so she could feel free to give me general ideas of what actions she felt one might do at this point. She then stated that people could do many options, but never identified a single one. I asked what options and then what were the costs and what would she recommend we need to do next. She never bothered to answer. At this point I asked if there was another attorney available. She told me to hold that was at 3:08pm - she came back on at 3:19 and stated that the other attorney was not available. I asked when she would be available. She said that the earliest would be next week. I should note that I asked if she was the senior attorney she said no then I asked how long she had worked as a lawyer. She stated that she did not think that i needed to know that and refused to tell me. In all my life I have never had such a poor professional contact and conversation. (Some of the questions that I answered on this page only concerned actual hiring but i answered them regarding consultation.) I would never hire this lawyer. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope that this review is helpful so you do not even waste a consultation at this firm.
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11 Oct, 2023 by Skennys salgado
04 Aug, 2023 by Laurie estreita hernandez
21 Sep, 2018 by Dora polk
They are all about arresting the wrong people they don’t care if justice is served
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20 Sep, 2016 by D. elliot
I hired Barrie Schumack in For DWI and possession of a controlled substance. He talked and walked me through the process and was a straight shooter. He clearly has been doing this for years and knows the process and players. I liked his straight talk and what I could expect. I seriously don't think I could have done any better. I was cool with the result and my roommate hired him last month. Good dude.
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19 Aug, 2016 by Andy larson
I met with Barrie Schumack in May 2016 after being charged with 4th degree dwi. He listened to my circumstances and I felt he was upfront and honest with what to expect with the outcome. My result was better than expected and his price war fair and most importantly, he was willing to work with me on a payment schedule. A couple co-workers have used him and two family members - all felt really good with the outcome.
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21 Sep, 2014 by Laura
If I can give less than 1 star I would. My experience with Mr. Barrie Schumack was so terrible and worthless.
This was my first DUI case and came to Mr.DUI from a recommendation from my co-worker.She said that he was great and would do everything for me. I made an appointment, no problem. Barrie was so sweet and found anything in he's power to make me feel comfortable. Went in to talk to Barrie and literally spent about 1 1/2 hours talking about the "science of DUI". I'm not there to talk about what he has achieved and all that. I needed a lawyer to listen to my case and see if there was any justice for me. I felt like I was in school listening to a boring lecture, while I try to doodle on paper because it was that pointless!
After about a 1 1/2 of his spools about his achievements and such. He listened to what I had to say and doodled in his paper about how to plea my case. It really felt like he didn't care and was just money hungry. He also wasn't straight forward about my case and didn't take my case seriously. He offered me $4400 for a team and said it can be cheaper if I eliminated any team member. For my case It wasn't even that serious and to top it all off Mr DUI said I can have a $100 discount because I was vietnamese. what kind of business is that?! and then offered to go to Mr.Ticket across the street to pay some more money to take care of my license.
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14 Nov, 2022 by Darcy boldt
FYI Don’t waste your Money or your time with this attorney.
Gave him $1000.00 in May , gave hopes and made you feel like he knew what he was talking about! Then absolutely nothing was accomplished, and it’s November and still have not received a statement from him as to what he did for the money… Said he was going to do this and do that but never happened. Look elsewhere if you want truth and want to get any sort of help.
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04 May, 2020 by Sugar bomb
Helped us with our business!
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04 Feb, 2019 by Karl ledoux
27 Oct, 2021 by Nate stansfield
19 May, 2021 by Timothy aho
29 Dec, 2019 by Robert kalmar
27 Mar, 2024 by Slap happy
01 Sep, 2022 by Angela martini (noney)
15 Jul, 2022 by Rachel shell
13 Jan, 2020 by Joe
She did an excellent job and was very helpful through my ordeal.................................................................................................
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25 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired Sharon before her husband Dan became a judge. After a development in my case, I attempted to get a hold of her. I waited six days and heard nothing from her. Finally, I left a message saying that I had hired another lawyer, since she never got back to me. I asked for a refund of her fee, and she promised to look into it. I never heard back from her after that. Completely unprofessional and untrustworthy.
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29 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
I consulted Dennis on a custody matter and he give clear advice and is honest and succinct. Very good.
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30 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
He doesn't stay in touch unless he is looking for money he did a crap job of representing me and charges way to much to get his bosses advice
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12 Mar, 2024 by Chris hansmann
29 Dec, 2023 by John hedstrom
Brian Glodosky stepped in well beyond the eleventh hour and quickly got up to speed with my case. He immediately staved off a motion for temporary relief and successfully issued a request to change judges. Brian and his team effectively refuted slanderous accusations by my ex and he skillfully guided us to a mediated settlement, preserving our family's finances and preventing a drawn out court case which would have involved psychological evaluations and courtroom testimony for our children. I posed many questions to Brian, and pushed back numerous times in areas that concerned me. Brian consistently, concisely, and respectfully addressed my concerns. I really hope I never have to go through another divorce, but if I did, I would feel confident having Brian by my side once again.
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08 Nov, 2023 by Kim sollars
08 Apr, 2024 by Takeysha robinson
I've been waiting 2 almost 3 years to get assistance with my divorce. They contacted me several months ago saying I'm on top of the list. I haven't heard from anyone since I've left several messages. This is ridiculous at this point!
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05 Jan, 2024 by Lovey-4ever angelique
Very helpful and kind.
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16 Aug, 2023 by Maureen lauer
No response to my message. I will continue to leave more. Disappointing.
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03 May, 2022 by Kirby brunson
06 Sep, 2020 by Mary rosin
13 Apr, 2020 by Lindsey elliott
Great support staff! Love the Candy jar! Very Informative!
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13 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
During my case, Ben was very thourough and maintained the best possible outcome. I couldn't have been more satisfied.
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11 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
Did not do him homework. Many motions he should have filed but did not. I feel once he got my money he stopped working for me.
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24 Mar, 2011 by Brittany
Ben is a caring and supportive individual. He always let me know what to expect next and was extremely realistic and up-front. His price is very reasonable, and there are no hidden prices or surprises at the end. I would highly recommend working with Ben- he will take care of you, and he will not waste your time.
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31 Mar, 2024 by Nicole redmond
05 Mar, 2024 by Shauntell mayo
They sent me a bill for 200K from a man named Kevin. They did not even do their research. That man is certified Crazy my son has PTSD due to his actions and wants to send me a bill. Should be quite the opposite.
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29 Nov, 2023 by Dennis archambault
Discussed matter with Bill Cotrell. I provided documents for his review, he informed me he turned the matter over to Andrew Green in his office. After chasing after them for weeks for a fee schedule, out of the blue, Bill just dropped the case with no referral.
If Halpren and Cotrell handle their cases like the handle their client intake, I would be cautious when engaging this firm.
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05 Jan, 2021 by Ashley harrington
Tom Lenway threatened to spread COVID to everyone by not following protocols as well as threatened to personally spread the disease to me over social media. He is definitely not someone you should speak with for legal advice or support as he lacks empathy and compassion as well as the knowledge to know that theatening someone over social media is disgusting and unprofessional.
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31 Aug, 2020 by Janel wells
04 Dec, 2018 by Scott “pop” kester
It's never good to need a lawyer, but if you do Mr. Lenway is knowledgeable, professional, and friendly.
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3.5
2 Reviews
3.0
2 Reviews
02 Sep, 2021 by Tom nelson
I've left 2 emails & 3 voicemails asking him to get in touch with me,, he hasn't updated his answering machine from August 2021. I get that he may be a busy person but how hard is it to return a voicemail/email saying you won't be able to help with my situation.
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26 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Kari is a great attorney who zealously represented me during my divorce. She is very knowledgeable and represented me in a very professional manner. She has pride in her work and takes the time to show that she cares for me (her client). Kari responds immediately to emails and phone calls. Kari consulted with prior to any court proceeding to ensure that she represented my interests and wishes. She is very passionate about her work, the law and serving her clients. Her rates are very reasonable and I would highly recommend her for any family law or estate case.
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16 Jun, 2018 by Paulette meuffels
He knows what he is doing, good man!!
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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:
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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.
