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11 Feb, 2020 by Edward
Terry Webb is a fantastic attorney. Her knowledge of the law and courtroom elegance is superior. Ms. Webb handled my case wonderfully, she always timely responded to telephone calls and emails and most importantly she got me an outcome that I did not think was possible. I was facing jail time for driving while suspended and Ms Webb’s negotiation skills ended with a result of ONE DAY of community service. And on top of being a fantastic lawyer, she is super sweet and friendly. I highly recommend Terry!
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23 Sep, 2019 by Barry
I hired Terry for a DUI arrest in NJ. I am not a resident of NJ. Terry was very professional in her handling and explanations of the law and what to expect. Her fee was reasonable as well. It was thought that the officer (who was fairly new) had been overzealous in his handling of my tickets. Terry was able to find the right people to back this up, get the erroneous charges dropped, and handle the entire thing without me having to return to NJ. I could not have been happier with this attorney and her execution of this case and the process. I highly recommend her!
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13 Jun, 2018 by Elizabeth
I was facing serious criminal charges. I was emotionally wrought over all that had happened, including physical trauma inflicted by the arresting officer. I had interviewed several lawyers by phone, and two in person. None had much of a plan, except they thought charges could be reduced. THEN, I met with Terry. She not only was kind, caring and understanding, she was able to give me straight advice about what to do, AND she had a plan to get all charges dropped. ....The process took 7 months. The outcome? AMAZING! All charges were dropped, and my record expunged. I am so grateful for finding her. I am very happy with Terry Webb. High praise for her talented work!!
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14 Jan, 2019 by Natalie
Mr Porfido and his staff were very knowledgeable and professional during my TRO case. He provided superior guidance, never sugar coating the situation. Mr. Porfido explained the laws to me and outlined all the potential pitfalls ensuring that I was properly prepared for whatever the outcome was. I would highly recommend Mr Porfido. He is highly competent attorney and is definitely my attorney of choice for all legal matters moving forward. Mr Porfido and his staff made me feel like my family was representing me in my case. Mr Porfido stood side by side with me carefully explaining the process as my trial progressed. He always provided consistent information of my situation. He always explained the worst case scenario but was always optimistic that he could work out the best case scenario. He is a no nonsense attorney and practices law with the utmost credibility and respect. Mr Porfido always followed up and answered my emails and calls no matter the time. He also showed great compassion and concerned for me and my children through the whole case and even after.
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10 Jan, 2019 by Jourdan
Great experience. Handles himself extremely well in front of the judge. Very knowledgeable and gets the job done. Would highly recommend to my friends.
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10 Jan, 2019 by Erin
Mr. Porfido cane highly recommended to me by another attorney when I found myself in need of representation in Federal court. I was told that James was very knowledgeable on the compexities of navigating the US District Court process, and I quickly learned that this referral was solid advice. Not only was I impressed by his legal skill and knowledge, it was also apparent to me through this process that he was recognized and highly respected by his peers, and so many others in the legal community. I was already pleased with his service, when my confidence was reaffirmed by the Judge commenting at my last hearing that even he was impressed at how hard James fought for me behind closed doors in conference. His office was also excellent, highly professional and extremely helpful in communications. While I hope I never find myself in need of his services again ;) - I would not hesitate to refer Mr. Porfido & his office to someone who does!
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04 May, 2024 by David b
14 Jun, 2023 by Tricia fox
31 Mar, 2023 by Vin lapone
09 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Rudy handled my NJ real estate process successfully and professionally. There was no shortage of obstacles but he handled them on my behalf to ensure a smooth transaction. At closing, he thoughtfully explained each item so that I fully understood everything I was signing. I couldn't ask for a better representative and would definitely recommend him and his staff to anyone in need.
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31 Oct, 2015 by Roberto
I have used Robert services in two occasions, as an attorney for the sale of my house and in the purchase of another house.
He was very helpful, and always answered promptly all my emails. He is very courteous and I always feel comfortable taking to him. I am planning to use his services again to draw a will and in general If a require in the future the services of a lawyer I will certainly have him represent me.
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03 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
I hit 3 parked cars and flipped my own car landing on my driverside door all right in front of the Hoboken Police Station so as you could imagine all the cops came to see!. I was charged with a DWI and Since this all happened in a company car I knew i was going to lose my job. Not only did Robert prolong my case for about a year giving me enough time to find a new job, but I only got 3 months loss of license and the minimal fines. Amazing lawyer, if he can pull this off then he can do anything.
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15 Dec, 2011 by Anonymous
he knows what hes doing. He knows how to talk to people and he could probably pull a rabbit out of a hat if you needed him to.
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28 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
GOOD LAWYER, VERY PROFESSIONAL AND RESPONSIVE. I RETAINED MR FOX FOR A CRIMINAL CASE AND HE WAS VERY GOOD AT WHAT HE DID. HE WAS VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND ALWAYS RESPONSED TO ANY QUESTIONS I HAD.
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18 Jul, 2014 by Jeff
We recently retained Rick on a dispute between a condo association and an owner. Rick was very responsive and was very attentive to the details that made this difference in getting this case resolved without extensive legal costs. I highly recommend Rick and his firm.
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13 Sep, 2012 by Daniel
I have been fortunate to work side by side with Ricky Rodriguez. He is an outstanding lawyer who brings an array of legal talents to the table. His ability to present his ideas to a jury in a convincing and understandable manner is why he is so successfull in the courtroom. He is a man of his word and gives 110% to every client.
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28 Dec, 2011 by Anonymous
We found Pam through a referral at my husband's bank. Unfortunately, our son exercised poor judgement and was in the wrong place at the wrong time. From the first consultation right through to the remarkable results we had in court' Pam and her staff were understanding, compassionate and professional.
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02 Sep, 2009 by Anonymous
She is very kind, wise and professional.She is amazing ,returns your phone calls, and keeps you updated, very pleasant to work with.I would highly recommend her.
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09 May, 2016 by Janelle
Tracy was so helpful, understanding, compassionate and available during my case. Being detailed oriented and doing massive amounts of research is so important and that's what Tracy does. She is unbelievable smart, and really cared about me. It was like I was the only person in the world (and I know for a fact she is extremely busy) her ability to prove points an fight in court were amazing. I would recommend her to everyone!!! I can go on and on about Tracy- she really proved innocents and I'm so grateful
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22 Sep, 2015 by Lorie
Excellent lawyer I would highly recommend! Just used him on my case and he helped me out of it. Took a while but he had my back and completely did his job amazing.
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14 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
I went to Mr. Barletti after my prior lawyer advised me my case was dismissed for some technical reason I still do not understand. My prior lawyer recommended that I "just drop it". Mr. Barletti took my case, got it restored and got me much more than I ever expected in a settlement. I could not be more thankful!!!
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03 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
When a family member received a careless driving ticket under questionable circumstances, we called upon James H. Maynard to see what he could do. Mr. Maynard responded quickly and efficiently following the necessary procedures to comply with court requirements and prepare a strong defense.
Throughout the process all of our questions and concerns were answered fully and promptly by either Mr. Maynard or his professional staff. On the day of the court appearance we were put at ease by Mr. Maynard's confidence and experience. The resulting outcome was far better than we could have
hoped for taking us from worry to relief and a sense of gratitude for the fair resolution to our problem. We highly recommend James H. Maynard for your legal needs!
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16 Sep, 2019 by Mohammad
Mr. Munoz recently handled a series of complicated violations on my behalf in the Ewing Municipal Court. During the course of the process, Mr. Munoz conducted himself with utmost professionalism and candor - be it with me or the prosecutor and the judge. I'd highly recommend him.
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22 Jan, 2011 by Joseph
A wise judge once said that the criminal justice system can be like a fast-moving freight train - the only justice you can hope to get is the justice your criminal defense attorney gets for you. Thus, you must pick your criminal defense lawyer very carefully. There is no room for "another" error in judgment! Mr. Azzarello's entire focus is to get you "off the train" with little or no damage.
I went onto the train with a charge of conspiracy to pass counterfeit bills, I came off the train with a dismissal of the case. I can personally attest to his ability to get results.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Rashid hammouda
21 Aug, 2024 by Mark ferdinandi
Great firm to deal with. Everyone In the office were very kind, helpful, and understanding. Antonette and Mr. Schmidt made a difficult situation very easy to go through. Happy to have dealt with such great people on a personal matter.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Karen may
Robert and Antoinette, were so great they made me feel so comfortable and I can't thank them enough.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Laura forsythe
We could not have been more satisfied with Juan. He was an absolute pleasure to have on our side. He was honest, professional, smart and really advocated for us with a positive outcome. He gets 5 stars from us! Thank you Juan for all you did for us.
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25 Apr, 2024 by Rigoberto aguayo
I never be involve in a law case exept this time and i never realize how important is have the best lawyers thank you MICHAEL GARCIA at FERNANDEZ GARCIA LAW for be with me in this time i recomend you for any oerson who need the best of the best in any court case
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12 Jan, 2024 by Jeff rosenberg
Fernandez , Garcia law firm has been great to do business with . There expertise in employment law and other areas is unsurpassed !
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18 Aug, 2024 by Matthew stella
I highly recommend Chris and his office staff. I honestly don’t like writing reviews, but this one is definitely deserving.
Throughout the almost year my case went on, he stayed up to date about each detail my case entailed. He was honest. Told me “this is how it is” and what to expect. He was also always available to speak, and if he wasn’t immediately , he always made sure to get back to me the very next day. Definitely will recommend to anyone I know in the future.
-Matt
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15 Aug, 2024 by Randy m
Gregg and Colleen, his legal assistant, are the BEST!!! They expertly took care of a legal matter for me and were professional and caring, and it allowed for an outstanding outcome. I am very appreciative of the work they did for me!
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27 Jul, 2024 by Jr silverio
Hey, I had a DUI case and he did a very pretty good job only got three months with interlock for my first offense with getting my license suspended. I highly recommend this lawyer… Thank u Chris!I highly recommend this lawyer
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18 Aug, 2024 by Matthew stella
I highly recommend Chris and his office staff. I honestly don’t like writing reviews, but this one is definitely deserving.
Throughout the almost year my case went on, he stayed up to date about each detail my case entailed. He was honest. Told me “this is how it is” and what to expect. He was also always available to speak, and if he wasn’t immediately , he always made sure to get back to me the very next day. Definitely will recommend to anyone I know in the future.
-Matt
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15 Aug, 2024 by Randy m
Gregg and Colleen, his legal assistant, are the BEST!!! They expertly took care of a legal matter for me and were professional and caring, and it allowed for an outstanding outcome. I am very appreciative of the work they did for me!
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27 Jul, 2024 by Jr silverio
Hey, I had a DUI case and he did a very pretty good job only got three months with interlock for my first offense with getting my license suspended. I highly recommend this lawyer… Thank u Chris!I highly recommend this lawyer
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01 May, 2024 by Jeffery
Mr. Mambelli is an amazing lawyer. He was there for me in my time of need. I highly recommend Mr. Mambelli for any traffic violations you may have.
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26 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
I cannot speak highly enough of Dino Mambelli's legal expertise and dedication. Facing a daunting traffic ticket, I turned to Mr. Mambelli for assistance, and I'm immensely grateful that I did. His strategic approach and unwavering commitment led to a dramatic reduction in my charges, surpassing my expectations. He understood my situation and worked side by side with me .. look no further than Dino Mambelli. His professionalism, proficiency, and results speak for themselves.
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25 Apr, 2024 by Aj
I could not be any happier with Dino's services and the results of my case. He was very detailed, thorough and transparent throughout the entire process and ultimately got me a great outcome. Highly recommend!
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03 Mar, 2024 by Chiara chandoha
Amazing team of attorneys! I immediately felt comfortable and felt I was with the correct attorneys. Deirdre Wheatley Liss, Maria Gonzales and Christine Cote helped me set up my last week and testament, my health directive and my power of attorney. Thank you for the fantastic service!
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09 Feb, 2024 by Saulio m. tuero
Deirdre R. Wheatley-Liss is the woman!
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14 Jul, 2023 by Roger kaufman
07 May, 2024 by Olivia mitchell
My experience working with everyone at family focused legal solutions was nothing short of wonderful. From calling to schedule my consultation, to hiring the lawyer I worked with, to communicating with her and her colleagues via email. Everything was smooth, seamless, and done in a timely manner every time. The women were all very polite and kind, I highly recommend them to anyone looking!
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17 Apr, 2024 by Infinity 777
I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to attorney Michelle and her amazing staff for dedicating time to my case. I was a law enforcement for 26 years on November 1, 2023, I retired, I had to give my ex-wife money from my pension after 18 years of been divorce. Attorney Michelle, solved the pension situation and I didn't have to pay anything out to my ex-wife. Everything was solved in April 15th, 2024. Attorney Michelle not only solved my case fast, but answered all my questions and corncens. I HIGHLY recommed her and her staff. Also I want to say thank you to Troyan Evaluators specifically, to Spencer Olsen who refered me to Michelle Levin ESQ.
Sincerely,
JR.
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17 Dec, 2023 by Rockey cornell
Melissa is compassionate, honest, incredibly knowledgeable and generously wise - the unexpected angel I needed in my divorce. Melissa created a safe space during mediation where I felt closely listened to and advocated for, yet she remained impartial between both parties so we felt equally supported in pursuit of a fair settlement. She worked out a better agreement than I imagined possible and I am forever grateful for her professional assistance in helping me move forward to the next chapter of my life.
The supporting staff at Family Focused Legal Solutions are equally amazing. I greatly appreciated their patience and flexibility when we struggled with the defendant and the courts to settle a date for mediation. In summary, Melissa Ruvolo is an exceptionally skilled mediator and I highly recommend her to anyone who needs a razor sharp empathetic lawyer in their corner.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Unique westbrook
I will recommend Blair Zwillman every time for your legal needs he is very knowledgeable professional and an exceptional attorney he has been heaven sent he has been there for my son and I on countless times if you ever find yourself needing an attorney this is your guy he is well respected among other attorneys and have a great relationship with prosecutors I can’t thank him enough and I’m forever thankful
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24 Sep, 2024 by Marian raab
I cannot recommend The Law Office of Blair Zwillman highly enough. When my then 19-year old son got his only traffic ticket a few years ago, Mr. Zwillman pulled off a miracle. My husband and I are both non-practicing attorneys and almost lost our minds when we sat this ticket. It was over two feet long and contained 6 or 7 separate violations adding up to a more than $700 fine and so many points that my son almost lost his newly minted driver’s license. The NJ cop who pulled him over was clearly on a mission to more than exceed his quota that mouth as many of the violations he was cited for were clearly discretionary and over the top.
Long story short, we contested the ticket and Mr. Zwillman represented my son in traffic court. He vastly exceeded our expectations and got the ticket down to about $100 fine and just a few points. As a former traffic court judge myself, I can attest to Mr. Zwillman’s incredible skills in working with prosecutors and judges to achieve the best possible results for his clients. He is one of the best attorneys I have ever had the pleasure to work with.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Laura kowalski
Blair is very knowledgeable and helped me out with a case. I recommend using his services.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Unique westbrook
I will recommend Blair Zwillman every time for your legal needs he is very knowledgeable professional and an exceptional attorney he has been heaven sent he has been there for my son and I on countless times if you ever find yourself needing an attorney this is your guy he is well respected among other attorneys and have a great relationship with prosecutors I can’t thank him enough and I’m forever thankful
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24 Sep, 2024 by Marian raab
I cannot recommend The Law Office of Blair Zwillman highly enough. When my then 19-year old son got his only traffic ticket a few years ago, Mr. Zwillman pulled off a miracle. My husband and I are both non-practicing attorneys and almost lost our minds when we sat this ticket. It was over two feet long and contained 6 or 7 separate violations adding up to a more than $700 fine and so many points that my son almost lost his newly minted driver’s license. The NJ cop who pulled him over was clearly on a mission to more than exceed his quota that mouth as many of the violations he was cited for were clearly discretionary and over the top.
Long story short, we contested the ticket and Mr. Zwillman represented my son in traffic court. He vastly exceeded our expectations and got the ticket down to about $100 fine and just a few points. As a former traffic court judge myself, I can attest to Mr. Zwillman’s incredible skills in working with prosecutors and judges to achieve the best possible results for his clients. He is one of the best attorneys I have ever had the pleasure to work with.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Laura kowalski
Blair is very knowledgeable and helped me out with a case. I recommend using his services.
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13 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Dunn answered our many questions about how underage drinking could adversely affect our teens. He also addressed the legal consequences for parents who allow or encourage their children and other children to drink in their house or on their property. He was clear, concise, professional, and is obviously an expert in his field. His experience with these issues and his compassion for his clients was evident.
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11 May, 2017 by Anonymous
You'd hire the best heart surgeon, I'd count on Bob Dunn if I needed the best attorney. In a critical situation, his years of experience can make a major difference in the outcomes. Bob consulted with our parents group on issues with teen drinking, parents hosting, and the consequences. He opened our eyes about our responsibilities and how we can help our teens stay safe. He's a great speaker and his presentation made a real impact. All parents and teens should hear what he has to say and benefit from his knowledge. He shared his experience so that we wouldn't have to hire him if the future. That's a great attorney.
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19 Apr, 2017 by Lisa
Bob Dunn has served as my legal counsel for over 20 years from everything from personal injury to a huge civil suit which was thrown mistakenly at me. He is a true gentleman of the courtroom, has a 100 percent effective rate, I have sent over 2 dozen clients through the past 20 years to him and he has always treated them with respect, kindness and has been 100 percent satisfactory to me and everyone I have sent to him. You won't find anyone more knowledgeable in law or anyone as good at knowing the law then Robert Dunn. I use Bob for all of my needs including my business and I am 100 percent satisfied.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Erika parra
I am incredibly grateful to have had John Graves as my attorney. From the start, John exhibited professionalism, dedication, and a deep understanding of the law. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, answer all my questions, and kept me informed throughout the entire process. His attention to detail and strategic approach were invaluable and led to a successful outcome.
Beyond his legal expertise, John is personable, compassionate, and always made me feel like a priority. I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of legal representation. He truly went above and beyond for my case, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the result.
Thank you, John, for your outstanding service
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09 Jul, 2024 by Elmer hernandes
Very helpful, knowledgeable, and thorough. He took the time to make sure I understood everything in detail.
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19 Mar, 2024 by Ivan aviles
01 Jul, 2024 by 1st time offender in nj
My first offence but I thought it best to engage a lawyer to help me. Joe negotiated with the prosecutor on my behalf. I could have done it myself but it was just easier to have someone represent me.
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10 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
I called Joe Truland for a free consultation asking him multiple questions about a traffic offense. His behavior and response was very rude. He responded “I can’t make a dime out of this” and hanged the phone up on me. I definitely would not recommend this lawyer because he is only in it for the money and when I asked if he can fight for me to get 0 points he wanted me to settle for 4 points which was the same deal the prosecutor would have offer me. Therefore his representation as a lawyer defeats the purpose of him trying to fight for 0 points was pointless.
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29 Jan, 2019 by Billy d
I hired joe, and told him I got a speeding ticket, going over twice the speed limit and had informed him I have two points already, plus a dui. I hadn't mentioned my other past troubles with my driving record, (i.e. abandonment, leaving my car at the scene of a crash site, etc) and when we met at the courthouse, he had a nice demeanor and to me seemed keen on helping me (Rather than just being there for a quick buck). After speaking with the prosecutor and joe not knowing of my other troubles, which I had thought were irrelevant, were relevant, the prosecutor was using this to get me to lose my license, joe had talked them down to a two point ticket and some community service. Just to clarify for anyone that doesn't know my driving history, it's terrible for a 24 year old, dui, speeding tickets, etc; Joe was a godsend and he really helped me out, when the judge could have easily taken my license away. He is cheap and I recommend him. Thank you joe, and I hope this helps bring in a few more customers or clients? Not sure what the term is. Anyone reading this review should hire him to represent you.
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13 Aug, 2024 by Juan amador
Law office of James Maynard- I am writing this letter to you to express my most sincere thanks for the most professional representation. You have stuck by me through the years in dealing with this very stressful case. I admire your composure, work ethic and most of all excellent representation. 5 Stars isn’t even enough. Over a year ago you told me what is one thing you want to do when we win this case and I was mind blown because I didn’t know it was possible, but you took my case to the supreme court and you Won , me and my family can’t thank you enough as you brought hope back into my life. I wake up every day with a smile. Life is good . God bless you and your law firm.
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14 Mar, 2023 by Charles williams
Attorney Maynard and his staff have been professional so far. It seems this attorney takes care of his clients.
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09 Nov, 2022 by Jeffrey munson
10 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
This attorney handled all landlord-tenant affairs for my building in Jersey City, Nj. He eventually assisted me in the sale of the property with great competency and dedication. He is well versed and knowledgeable in this area.
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22 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Jimenez won my custody trial in court which took three years. He worked very hard and got me the result I wanted. He still represents me to this day in my family matters. I highly recommend him.
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02 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I can only speak for the outcome of our child custody case. In the early stages of our case, prior to hiring him, he told us there was the Tender Years Doctrine that he could use an an argument in our case. Having never heard of that, and going online to Google it, found out that has not been used in many years, because it was deemed to violate the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. When we questioned him on that, he backed away from it.
It seemed as though he was attentive, and he spent time with us going over all our notes. But in the end, on the most important day in court, it was like he just wasn't 'there'. He didn't much object to anything from the other side, didn't challenge the important evidence, and overall left us to flounder.
We cannot speak for other cases he handles, for which he may be perfectly fit. But in our personal experience with him on an important child custody case, we felt he was a poor choice for our situation.
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12 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
I recently had the unfortunate experience of hiring Greg for my divorce case, and I cannot express how disappointed and frustrated I am with the services provided. From start to finish, the entire process was a nightmare, and I strongly advise anyone considering this attorney to look elsewhere.
First and foremost, communication was abysmal. It seemed like getting a response from Greg was an impossible task. My emails and calls went unanswered for days, if not weeks, leaving me in the dark about crucial developments in my case. It felt as though I was an afterthought, and my concerns were constantly brushed aside.
Furthermore, the lack of preparation and attention to detail was astounding. During court hearings, it became apparent that Greg was ill-prepared, stumbling through arguments and often appearing clueless about the specifics of my case. This not only reflected poorly on their professionalism but also left me feeling unprotected and vulnerable in a situation that already carried immense emotional weight.
The billing practices were another major issue. Greg was quick to nickel-and-dime me for every minute of their time, even for tasks that should have been included in the overall service. The final bill was exorbitant, and I felt taken advantage of during an already financially challenging period.
To add insult to injury, the final outcome of my divorce settlement was far from satisfactory. Greg failed to negotiate effectively on my behalf, resulting in an agreement that left me in a significantly worse position than I could have been with competent legal representation.
In conclusion, my experience with Greg was nothing short of a disaster. If you value communication, competence, and a fair representation, I strongly urge you to seek alternative legal counsel. Save yourself the stress, frustration, and financial strain that comes with entrusting your divorce case to someone as inept and unprofessional Greg.
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08 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Greg is a smart, compassionate lawyer who takes his time to listen to all concerns and work with you to address them. He is honest and responsive.
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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.
