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03 Dec, 2024 by Anonymous
Extremely knowledgeable and professional. Provided sound advice, was straightforward, and truly helpful throughout the entire process. A straight shooter who always had my best interests at heart. Highly recommend!
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26 Nov, 2024 by Jeff taylor
Mann i don’t know where to begin I’ve known chuck for quite sometime now id say about a few years and all I can say is wow Chuck as usual goes above and beyond you would think that man can do magic because he definitely makes things happen! Chuck and his firm are the best of the best I highly recommend anybody who’s in a situation where they feel like they need to lawyer up to hire Chuck because you cannot go wrong I promise you that!!! Ohhhh and i used Chuck 3 times and he won all 3!!! Lawyer of the year in my book
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11 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
I would recommend Atty. Keefe to anyone. He was willing to help, listen to my side and offer solutions. He was emphatic and down to earth. He truly helped me in a really tough time with such professionalism while treating me like a person. He defended me and was always a quick phone call away. If I need anything legally in the future, he will be my first call.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Lorettalynn torres
Best lawyer in New Hampshire hands down !
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04 Jul, 2024 by Wanda merchant (wandy)
mark beyond a great lawyer he go above and beyond anyone ever ask me about lawyer i’m for sure saying mark with out a doubt . he caring and one hell of a lawyer for sure ! thank you for all the help you have done for me for real
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29 Jun, 2024 by Bethany mcfarland
Mark was very thorough from beginning to end with my case. He was easy to communicate with, got back to me quickly and explained the process as well as advised me patiently and professionally. He was extremely relatable and I am glad that I chose this office for representation.
When we got to trial he was very well prepared and confident and hit it out of the park. I cannot recommend his services enough for whatever curve ball life might throw.
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21 Mar, 2024 by Danielle morin
Working with David and his staff was a pleasure despite the circumstances I was in. Everyone was very professional and helpful in explaining the case every step of the way. I am very satisfied with the outcome.
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15 Mar, 2024 by Stephen mardis
I am writing this review to express my most sincere thanks for the professional representation Attorney David Gottesman provided over the past several weeks. Having worked with Gottesman & Hollis for several decades I can truly attest to the fact they are one of if not the best law firms in New England. Davids professionalism, swift responses, and attention to detail is second to none. I was originally referred to David as I was told he was one of the most ethical, honest and knowledgeable attorneys in New England. They were correct. Whenever I need legal advice or action, David is always the Attorney I call.
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26 Feb, 2024 by Dan collins
They helped on a difficult matter that affected my family quite a bit with expertise and a personal touch. We all felt confident throughout the whole process that we were in good hands. Absolutely would recommend calling David Gottesman for assistance.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Jeff krouk
Brian Kelly, Excellent Estate Planning assistance
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24 Sep, 2024 by Alyssa
Attorney Barker is the best! He is down to earth, smart, kind, generous, easy to work with, and will do his ALL to ensure a great outcome. Words cannot explain how grateful I am to him for his help.
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18 Apr, 2024 by Natalie brusso
I highly recommend Kent Barker. He was so helpful throughout the entire process. Very professional and efficient. Great communication whether it be email or phone. If I ever need a lawyer again, I will for sure be in contact again.
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28 Oct, 2024 by Steve deschamps
I have known for about 5 years, and he has been my attorney since, he's got quite the reputation for sure in Nashua NH of getting it done. The first time I met him I found him to be a little cold and stand offish. I quickly learned Adam is a no BS type of lawyer dedicated to say the least he'll tell u want he wants of you and doesn't waste time, i think he works 24/7 when u email him you're going to get a response very quickly regardless of the hour, He will never tell you one way or the other were you stand but he's extremely respected in NH when it comes to vehicle offenses,
He knows everyone that counts, and you provide him what he wants when he wants it, and you'll stand a good chance he will make it happen. Twice he has come through for me, the last one
I felt that was it I'm going to lose my license for a long time.
I never told I was do a review; I hope he doesn't get too upset
He deserves it, so if you unfortunately find yourself in a dicey situation in NH where everything counts.
Adam is your guy!!!
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10 Oct, 2024 by Colleen martin
Very personable, gets things done in a timely manner and a good person to have in your corner. Would use again, 10/10 Recommend
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16 Sep, 2024 by Jo ann patenaude
We were referred to Attorney Ray Mello with high expectations, and he exceeded every one of them. His deep knowledge, professionalism, and tireless work ethic were apparent from day one. Throughout the process, he showed true compassion and dedication, making us feel supported every step of the way. Thanks to his expertise and commitment, we received the verdict we hoped for, for which we will forever be grateful. We can't thank Attorney Mello enough along with his paralegal Kara!! We highly recommend Attorney Ray Mello.
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25 May, 2023 by Blexany
Hands down the best he’s helped me with so much . Very thankful & very appreciative of him .
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19 Oct, 2022 by Denise
I cannot Thank Justin Shepard Enough. My case was Long and Drawn Out because of Covid. Justin was on Top everytime. I was able to return to My Career as A Nurse that would have been destroyed.. My Biggest Thanks to Justin Shepard who was Amazing and I would definitely recommend him...Thanks Again Justin.
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19 Feb, 2022 by Derek
Justin is an excellent attorney! He worked tirelessly on my behalf eventually getting my charges reduced. I owe him a great debt of gratitude. Justin would be my first choice should I ever need legal assistance again
Justin took an interest in understanding my background, my family situation and discussing the various case outcomes could be and fought for my best possible outcome. Attorney Shepherd, is a great negotiator.
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08 Oct, 2021 by Paula
Eric got me out of a DUI about 5 years ago. I refused the breath test, so they had no accurate level of alcohol intake. (That’s your right as a NH citizen). He got me wreckless driving, which is a speeding fine essentially and I paid $500 to the court. AMAZING LAWYER!!!!
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05 Mar, 2021 by Alex
I was charged with a dui and defective equipment. I refused the FST and blood test which comes with an automatic 180 day license suspension. I had a video of the encounter with the Hudson police. Eric helped me win my ALS hearing and keep my license. He then was able to get the prosecutor to drop the dui and I plead guilty to the defective equipment and paid a fine. I will recommend Eric to anyone that is in trouble. I hope I never need him again but if I do I know I'm in good hands.
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19 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Eric is an excellent attorney, brilliant and tenacious. He worked tirelessly on my behalf eventually getting the DUI charge against me dropped; I owe him a great debt of gratitude. I was very happy with all the work and consideration he and his helpful and diligent assistant Cara put into my case. He was very fair about payment and was worth every dime. Eric would be my first choice should I ever need legal assistance again.
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07 Nov, 2022 by Ed coleman
If I ever need legal assistance in New Hampshire again, my one and only call will be to Tim Bush. He was extremely professional and empathetic. He made you feel like he really was in it with you! I could not have asked for a better outcome and I consider myself lucky, lucky because Tim Bush was recommended to me.
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15 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
I was arrested for a DUI, Disobeyeing a police officer and later charged with unlawful passing of a school bus, criminal threatening, and disorderly conduct. Mr. Bush got the DUI down to a reckless op violation, and only 1 misdemeanor.
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19 Sep, 2018 by Shannon
I reached out to Tim Bush when my son was in trouble, facing felonious charges. Attorney Bush sat with us and listened to my son’s circumstances, taking the time required to listen to everything my son had to say. Attorney Bush told my son what his plan of action was and even spent some time to speak with him about making good decisions as a young man. Attorney Bush is very professional, will fight to get you the best result and genuinely cares about his clients. I would highly recommend Attorney Bush and am very grateful for all he did for my son.
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14 Jan, 2025 by Tryston
I had an amazing experience with Tony Naro at Naro Law he did an amazing job helping my case. It was a long process for me but Tony gave me suggestions that I took and worked hard in my personal life and we got the outcome we were looking for from the state. I don’t think it would have been possiblewithout Tony he went above and beyond for me and defended me in my case very well and I was very impressed. He is all around a good guy and helped guide me to a better path and actually cared for me and all I can say is I would highly recommend his service if you are in need for a criminal defense lawyer!!
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04 Jan, 2025 by Andrea
Tony help my family move through a very challenging situation. He was able to be compassionate well at the same time giving us realistic expectations. I am forever grateful for his hope. He has always been responsive Even outside of business hours to help ease our minds. We could not have asked for better representation. Thank you!
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03 Jan, 2025 by Hugh
On several occasions, Tony Naro's advice and counsel have proven invaluable to me and my family. He understands the nuances of law and how it differs across states, is a terrific coach for courtroom appearances, and has a vast referral network to connect you with services he doesn't offer himself. Hehas advised me on child guardianship, parental rights, and estate planning matters (via an excellent referral). He's also down to earth, savvy, warm, and makes you feel confident without feeling confrontational. Highly recommended.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Scott park
Being a retired police detective I needed a solid attorney with skills that required a unique level. I have worked with Mark for over 20 years. I reached out to Mark to help me resolve what could have been a major problem. Within a month Mark resolved my legal issues. He is a very talented lawyer with a great reputation. I cannot express how grateful I am to Mark and his staff. If you are looking for a great accomplished attorney, you need Mark behind you. Having been a cop for over three decades I trusted Mark to solve my legal issues and he did just that. He is one of best attorneys I’ve worked with. Don’t settle for less, call Mark.
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31 Aug, 2022 by Stephanie
Mark Osborne and his team worked extremely fast and were able to get a positive outcome in Nashua district court. Without his help I’d never have known what to do.
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25 May, 2022 by Brucemkt
I found out I had a legal issue in NH, It involved a lady that I used to date a couple years ago. I needed to hire a NH criminal lawyer to find out all the information regarding this case. Mr.. Osborne went above and beyond for me and he took the time to explain everything to me in great detail. I would highly recommend Mark if you're looking for a Lawyer that will truly be on your side and genuinely cares then this is your guy.
Bruce
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01 May, 2018 by Brenna
Atorney Snow approached my case with integrity and care. He complied the necessary information and documents quickly and accurately. He handled himself with authority and poise in the courtroom. His wise counsel and effective representation helped to secure a win for me in a very complex and volatile divorce case. I am forever grateful for his help, and I highly recommend Attorney Snow.
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21 Mar, 2018 by Peter
I have known and worked with Brian both as a colleague and as a client overprobably 20 years or,ore. He is absolutely at the top of his profession and has my highest recommendation.
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10 Sep, 2015 by Janet
I have been acquainted with attorney Brian Snow for 15+ years. He became my lawyer when I was running a business. He not only improved my contracts by adding necessary clauses and making them air tight, he was also there for me whenever a legal matter arose. Several years later he handled my divorce which was a very emotional ordeal. He was understanding, patient and once again took charge of what was needed to be done. And lastly, he helped me with the ordeal regarding the sale of my house. There were multiple problems that occurred and he was there to answer my questions, intervene with other lawyers and the real estate agents, offer support, and humor. The positive outcome was due to his hard work and diligence. There is no other person that I would use to handle any legal issues. His knowledge of the law is excellent but for me what has really made the difference is that he treats me with respect and cares about my well-being. He is the kind of lawyer, all lawyer should esteem to become.
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30 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
By far, Attorney LaFrance from start to finish with my divorce case was extremely professional, well-detailed, informative, understanding and supportive.
Communication was also top-notch with Attorney LaFrance.
Clearly one can tell that Attorney LaFrance provides the respectful amount of attention, takes the time to listen and provide effective feedback in a very timely manner.
I am very grateful I found Attorney LaFrance who successfully assisted me in the most difficult time of my life from start to finish.
Thank you for everything, on behalf of myself and my daughter.
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11 Apr, 2023 by Richard
Patricia (Patti) LaFrance esq. Is an amazing attorney. She did a very nice job laying out exactly what my expectations should be during my divorce. She quickly ascertained the nature of my case and the unique challenges that I was left to deal with. She is particularly well versed and known for her advocacy in domestic violence cases. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised when our Judge knew her by first name and referred to her work when she was with the prosecutors office. The judge certainly seemed to value her legal arguments and opinions. Needless to say I got a more-than fair result in my divorce. If I should ever be in the unfortunate need for an attorney then Patti is the very first person I am going to call. Thank you Patti for your incredible effort. It made a big difference for my children and myself.
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17 Feb, 2020 by Ken
Patricia was hired to assist in appealing a denied claim filed with our insurance carrier for a large employee theft that occurred at my company. I had been battling back and forth for well over a year with our carrier before dismissing our current attorney and hiring Patricia. Patricia had the issue resolved for us within a couple months and our claim was paid in full. She has also been assisting us with the ongoing criminal investigation of the former employee and has been instrumental in keeping a very slow process moving forward. Patricia is personal, smart and extremely competent. I'd highly recommend hiring her for your legal matters.
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07 Feb, 2018 by Joyce
I hired Attorney Worsley to take on my case which was turned down by many attorneys (7) in the northeast due to the complexity of the cases involved. Fact is she was up against a Family Law Attorney who's office is in Lowell Massachusetts. With Attorney Worley's expertise we were well armed in the courtrooms to handle the criminal and domestic charges that were filed against my X husband. With class Attorney Worsley professionally tore him and his Attorney apart in the courtroom. Attorney Worsley stood up for what was right, she defended myself and my 3 daughters with professionalism. Because of Attorney Worsley's brilliant courtroom expertise she had won on every level in each of the hearings in the Merrimack District Court, putting to shame our opponent. As I sit here today I cant help but think what an amazing job she had done for my 3 daughters and myself. We are free from his abuse and lies. we no longer live in constant fear. My daughters and I can sleep peacefully now thanks to Attorney Worsley.
Thank you Attorney Worsley for giving my daughters and myself a peaceful and happy life.
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29 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
I am very happy with how Dawn has handled my case, I feel that she really cares what happens and works hard to make everything right for you.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Jeff krouk
Brian Kelly, Excellent Estate Planning assistance
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24 Sep, 2024 by Alyssa
Attorney Barker is the best! He is down to earth, smart, kind, generous, easy to work with, and will do his ALL to ensure a great outcome. Words cannot explain how grateful I am to him for his help.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Traci currier
Andrea Nelson from Hamblett & Kerrigan is awesome! My husband and I met with her to get our affairs in order. Andrea advised that any blended families should definitely put this in place because Probate goes by blood lines. Having children and step children we knew we needed to act on this information. My husband and I had the initial meeting. Andrea was so patient, explained everything to us, extremely knowledgeable and professional. Two or three weeks later we went back to sign. Done! She made something we procrastinated for years so easy, made me wonder why the heck we waited so long. Thank goodness our kids are now protected. We highly recommend her!! Thank you Andrea!
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08 Feb, 2025 by Benja juster
Joe helped us with my father's revocable trust, albeit with many upselling attempts. After we activated the POA, we tried to set up an irrevocable trust, and he was suspicious and uncooperative. This caused a lot of anguish in our process of caring for my father's estate. I suggest going with a more holistically and comprehensively engaged estate planner.
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07 Dec, 2023 by Gate city monument, inc.
07 Dec, 2023 by Candy keraghan
05 Jan, 2022 by Steve
Hired Tim for criminal defense for an unfortunate 3rd DUI. He picked up his phone on a Sunday and gave me a consultation and a little bit of hope. He claimed that he could get my aggravated 3rd offense DUI pled down to a 2nd offense (even though I was within NH's 10 year look back period). I did what he told me to do and he negotiated with the prosecutor and got the deal done. Was also able to move the court date out to accommodate my request. Tim has experience and is a pleasure to work with. I'd recommend him for any DUI case.
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17 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
Timothy Goulden was excellent I would definitely hire him. He was available, attentive and professional. He has a great demeanor and is very knowledgeable. I am very grateful he was our lawyer.
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12 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
I received a Reckless Operation charge in NH as an out of state operator. Tim Goulden was the first attorney I contacted, and he answered my call early on a Monday morning. I went with my gut and hired Tim right away. I had also contacted four others that morning, with one calling back a week later (with a much larger fee), one a month later, and one that never called back. My instinct proved correct, as Tim made the whole process relatively stress free. Tim got the charge reduced and I never had to go to court. In fact, I never even met Tim personally. There was no need. He took care of it all. I highly recommend Tim's services.
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03 Nov, 2024 by Rachael pierce
Attorney Demers was so kind and thoughtful when handling the estate of my daughter Denise. He was patient with our questions, was open, and extremely knowledgeable. He made a difficult time easier. We appreciated his time and effort and feel blessed to have him working with and for us. I highly recommend. Dianne.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Squirrel attackspidy
Attorney Demers was so generous sharing his time and expert knowledge of estate planning law with me. Between the two calls I made to him, he had given me over an hour of free consultation. Long before those calls were completed I was ready to hire him in a heartbeat. I knew I would have been in good hands.
Unfortunately, due to his present heavy caseload and the complexity of my particular case, he could not have given it the attention it deserved. He referred me to a few firms that had attorneys he had personally worked with, and who also had the right skillset for the particular estate planning issue I was experiencing.
I really appreciated his honesty and looking out for my best interests. I was so impressed with his knowledge and insightful comments on things I had not considered, that if my situation wasn't time critical I would have waited until his schedule freed up. He's a shining example of how all lawyers should treat prospective clients. God bless you sir.
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18 Jul, 2024 by Jennifer a hammond
Absolutely amazing attorney. Extremely well versed in what he does. Handled my case questions throughly, completely, and more effectively than 2 other law firms had. I am grateful to have had such sound legal advice during my time of need.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Roger doyon
I highly recommend Attorney Mike Lee. He was professional, practical, and reasonable and didn't waste his time and my money representing me during my divorce.
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30 Jul, 2024 by One vote
One needs a lawyer to believe in them first and foremost. Attn. Lee did! He believed in me and why I had to seek out a Legal Separation/Divorce lawyer to begin with. Attn Lee is Knowledgeable, Confident and
Self Assured--attributes one needs in a lawyer. He never once shied away from any challenge, he met them head on. A difficult case but my lawyer prevailed. I will be forever grateful. I highly recommend Attn Lee and this law Firm, Small and Lee. 5 Stars.
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17 Jun, 2024 by Zachary mastrangelo
24 Jan, 2025 by Roger doyon
I highly recommend Attorney Mike Lee. He was professional, practical, and reasonable and didn't waste his time and my money representing me during my divorce.
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30 Jul, 2024 by One vote
One needs a lawyer to believe in them first and foremost. Attn. Lee did! He believed in me and why I had to seek out a Legal Separation/Divorce lawyer to begin with. Attn Lee is Knowledgeable, Confident and
Self Assured--attributes one needs in a lawyer. He never once shied away from any challenge, he met them head on. A difficult case but my lawyer prevailed. I will be forever grateful. I highly recommend Attn Lee and this law Firm, Small and Lee. 5 Stars.
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17 Jun, 2024 by Zachary mastrangelo
24 Jan, 2025 by Roger doyon
I highly recommend Attorney Mike Lee. He was professional, practical, and reasonable and didn't waste his time and my money representing me during my divorce.
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30 Jul, 2024 by One vote
One needs a lawyer to believe in them first and foremost. Attn. Lee did! He believed in me and why I had to seek out a Legal Separation/Divorce lawyer to begin with. Attn Lee is Knowledgeable, Confident and
Self Assured--attributes one needs in a lawyer. He never once shied away from any challenge, he met them head on. A difficult case but my lawyer prevailed. I will be forever grateful. I highly recommend Attn Lee and this law Firm, Small and Lee. 5 Stars.
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17 Jun, 2024 by Zachary mastrangelo
22 Sep, 2020 by Erica
mike is top notch and he wasn't like other lawyers i had met with, or just looking for money... He actually cared about me and my well being ..I was facing a dui , accident and jail time and mike got me a minimum license loss with no jail time... I will never ever go through this again , but mike was so amazing to work with and having him by my side telling me everything would be okay is what i needed.... if you need someone to look out for you and that knows what they are doing , Hire Mike Anzalone he is the best of the best...Can i add that he called me even after he was done with my case to answer some questions , No lawyer does that .... so just goes to show how great he is and is an attorney that actually cares!! thank you Michael:)
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07 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Unprofessional. Shady. Sketchy. When I first called he acted like he was so happy to work with me. He got his down payment and said I had until my next court date which was in 2 months to pay the remainder. He called 2 weeks later demanding the money so at the end of that week I tried to call back to pay him. I called every day with no answer. Not to mention during the whole time I was dealing with him he was hard to contact and never returned any calls. I then got a letter in the mail with a check for my down payment saying there was a communication error and that he didn't want to continue working with me. No. The communication error is that I have called and called to try to pay him and he refused to work with me. He is the most unhelpful and unprofessional "business man" I have ever dealt with. I would not recommend to anybody.
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10 Oct, 2012 by Matt
I was rear ended. I contacted a couple lawyers but none wanted my case. One said my injuries weren't severe enough, the other just never got back to me after our first talk. I was going to give up, but I called Mike Anzalone. He talked to me about my injuries and how the accident happened and really made me feel like he gave a damn about my case. Well I am so thankful he did. I ended up with a five figure settlement. I cannot express how happy I am with Mr. Anzalone and his staff. Especially his secretary, I think her name was Kathleen. She was very helpful. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Anzalone Law Firm to anyone with an injury. Even if another lawyer blows you off, or just makes you feel like they don't care about your case. Call Mike Anzalone, he will take care of you. He definitely helped me, more than I could've expected. Thanks Mike!
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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.
