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30 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
This lawyer failed to protect me from the hands of my abusive husband. She failed in many areas and didn’t protect me from getting wrongfully charged with assault when I was the one assaulted. I was then harassed by the man for the next year without much I could do about it because he claimed I broke an oop by letting his kids contact him. Worst lawyer ever for anyone in an abusive relationship. You won’t be protected, helped, or represented well at all. She simply doesn’t have the time or care to help you.
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25 Apr, 2023 by Larry
Ms. Coleman is smart and quick on her feet. She has lots of trial experience, and it shows. She listened to me when I was going through a hard time and she was appointed to me. She didn't have to work hard as hard for me as her other clients. She knew I couldn't pay and she didn't care. She still fought for me and was able to get me out of jail. Highly recommend.
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22 May, 2022 by Anonymous
This attorney seemed more focused on her upcoming election she was running for than to meet the needs of her client. She treated me like just another number and gave off a snooty vibe like she thought she was better than me. She did not accept my concerns as valid and dismissed my requests on how to represent my defense. I hope no one else who needs quality representation gets stuck with this attorney.
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12 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
I had an appointment with My Simerlein with regards to my adjustment of status to the US. He knew less about my case facts that I did and all he wanted to do was steer us towards the most expensive route (with regards to his fees). He showed very little interest in me and my husband, aside from how much fee he could book and how scary he could make the process sound to us (thereby trying to get us to book his top end fees). We booked an hour appointment with him but only got 20 min with him as his secretary came in and told him he had to go to his next appointment. We agreed to send follow-up paperwork to him so he could review and advise us more accurately. We sent the paperwork and never heard back from him. But he was of course, was very happy to deduced the hourly fee from our account and go on with his business. Steer clear of this guy. He is inauthentic.
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19 Jun, 2019 by Rachel
Mr Simerlain and his entire staff - Javier, Ana and so many others were so dedicated and professional in helping navigate the immigration courts and process. They were very thorough and prompt with the presentation and arguments. Steven is very knowledgeable and very keen to making sure his clients are getting the best of his work, service and commitment. He work ethic is impeccable and his demeanor is so relaxing even in the most difficult of situations. I would highly recommend Mr. Simerlain to anyone who has immigration questions and or concerns. He is very fair in pricing and is very considerate regardless of anyone circumstances. He treats people with dignity and purposes and sees potential where some people would not find it. He is a qualified and very competent lawyer .
He knows the law and the justice system in and out and he spends tons of hours working on each case making it very personal. I am eternally grateful for his guidance and direction and hard work. His entire office team is super to work with and they are available at anytime
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05 Aug, 2013 by Michelle
Not impressed. I was highly recommended to Joe Baker by others, but they hype did not live up to his performance in my case. He was very hard to get in touch with, and rarely returned calls. He did nothing to prepare for my case until the day before we had court!
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21 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
Went to Mr. Baker with DUI 2nd charge and about 5 others. All charges were either dropped or reduced. My fines were next to nothing and spent no time in jail other than the initial arrest. He is very good at his job and will get you the results you want. Not great at keeping you informed though. Overall I was more than satisfied with the results.
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23 Oct, 2024 by Jasmine taylor
22 Oct, 2024 by Kimberly phillips
They have been amazing working with my daddy getting things done to make sure he being taken care of! Would highly recommend them
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22 Oct, 2024 by Tracy teal
11 Aug, 2024 by Caleb gilbreath
I would stay far, far away from this office. My wife and I retained Kline and had a horrendous experience. I would describe him as incompetent, uncommunicative, and dishonest.
Without going into painstaking detail of all our grievances, I will say that it was next to impossible to receive any meaningful work or communication from Kline and the office. We actually missed a response deadline with the court in our case because of a supposed “lost email”. We initially paid a retainer to Kline and were told, in writing, that we would be notified when our retainer was exhausted so that we could discuss how to proceed. Instead, we suddenly received an invoice for thousands of dollars, informing us that our retainer had been used up for weeks. When I pointed out the clause in our agreement regarding our retainer, Kline abruptly responded that we should seek new counsel. I would strongly discourage anyone from retaining the services of this office
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11 Aug, 2024 by Caleb
I would stay far, far away from this office. My wife and I retained Kline and had a horrendous experience. I would describe him as incompetent, uncommunicative, and dishonest.
Without going into painstaking detail of all our grievances, I will say that it was next to impossible to receive any meaningful work or communication from Kline and the office. We actually missed a response deadline with the court in our case because of a supposed “lost email”. We initially paid a retainer to Kline and were told, in writing, that we would be notified when our retainer was exhausted so that we could discuss how to proceed. Instead, we suddenly received an invoice for thousands of dollars, informing us that our retainer had been used up for weeks. When I pointed out the clause in our agreement regarding our retainer, Kline abruptly responded that we should seek new counsel. I would strongly discourage anyone from retaining the services of this office
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03 Jan, 2022 by Robert shanley
15 Jun, 2024 by Dexter 68
Only thing good about this office in Mr.Funk..I and few others want know if could bring.video of illegal gambling in 98% of all nolensville pike,Murfreesboro pike beer stores,etc along with the little white boxes behind all their counters that prints your winning amount out on to get paid after hitting payout button on skill machines..None of us are blind and cannot read....it states in bold black and white.....no gambling.in state of Tn...Remember the troubles last time this happened decades ago...? We do.Video??
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13 Jan, 2024 by Tom parker
15 Oct, 2023 by Michael walker
Good food at a decent price.
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17 Jun, 2024 by Jaun baum
Why did Ruby Law skim money from a wonderful Christian family needing work visas? They do everything you asked and were allegedly threatened by Ruby Law. Shame on you. Stealing money for empty promises is not a company TN wants around.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Swarkham hom
Zero transparency.
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03 Apr, 2024 by Tuwanparsa
15 Jun, 2024 by Dexter 68
Only thing good about this office in Mr.Funk..I and few others want know if could bring.video of illegal gambling in 98% of all nolensville pike,Murfreesboro pike beer stores,etc along with the little white boxes behind all their counters that prints your winning amount out on to get paid after hitting payout button on skill machines..None of us are blind and cannot read....it states in bold black and white.....no gambling.in state of Tn...Remember the troubles last time this happened decades ago...? We do.Video??
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13 Jan, 2024 by Tom parker
15 Oct, 2023 by Michael walker
Good food at a decent price.
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07 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
Has been almost 2 years I " hired "Sean Lewis and everytime I called his office they just said they still waiting for some paperwork from immigration. He asked to be paid at front for his service I paid $800 for starting my case and yet till today 2023 I'm still waiting for any response! NO I DO NOT RECOMMEND HIM! in my opinion he is a scammer who only propagates lies to the hispanic audience on the radio. we hispanics work hard for our money and we believe in these bad lawyer scammers. I lost money and time save your money and take it to a good honest lawyer. Shame of him..
Han pasado casi 2 años que "contraté" a Sean Lewis y cada vez que llamo a su oficina me desen que todavía estan esperando algún papeleo de inmigración. Pidió que le pagara por adelantado por su servicio. Pagué $ 800 por iniciar mi caso y, sin embargo, hasta hoy, 2023, ¡todavía estoy esperando una respuesta! NO YO NO LO RECOMIENDO! en mi opinion es un estafador que solo propaga mentiras a la audiencia hispana en la radio. los hispanos trabajamos duro por nuestro dinero y creemos en estos malos estafadores de abogados. Perdí dinero y tiempo, ahorre su dinero y llévelo a un buen abogado honesto. vergüenza de él
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10 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
I hired to apply for visa U for being victim of fraud and pay in advance $5000 he tell me is going to take 12 hours $400 per hour and only take 2 videoconference that 30 minutes and 6 calls
They closed my case and send me at letter that say no talk about or being arrested for obvious reason I be anonymous before you hired this attorney check they rating and reviews and not waste you money they only take easy cases and money
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25 Apr, 2018 by Sarah
I went and paid another consultation (my husband had already paid a consultation fee once) to speak to him about getting another bond hearing (he is detained in Louisiana in a immigration detention facility) my husband called so he could also talk to Sean Lewis. Sean Lewis was yelling at my husband and telling him there was nothing that could be done and he had to go back and forget about ever trying to come back to the United States and forget about his family here. I asked about an I-130 form and he said it would never be approved. He made my husband very upset and made him cry for the words he said. Thankfully we found another lawyer that is more knowledgeable and can help him even though he has to go back to his country for awhile. I would not recommend Sean Lewis. I didn't like him the first time I met him either, he was dressed like he just got out of working as a painter had paint all over his clothes and wouldn't let me or the kids come back in the room to talk or ask questions as well. He may be on the radio and sound like an awesome lawyer but he is not as smart as he sounds.
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22 Apr, 2022 by Curtis
My statement is from my family's personal encounters.
Caveat Emptor, Let the buyer beware! I equate him to both, a used car being sold by a questionable used car salesperson. The car looks good on the car lot. The salesperson promises that the services from the vehicle will be the best that you could ever wish for. After you have made the deal and took it off the lot it shows it's true limited capabilities.and all.of its problems. You try calling the sales person and they don't answer the phone. You go to their place of business and the signs says "Out to breakfast, lunch and dinner". The office person has a similar story of "he's in court or he just stepped out and I will tell him you called. When you finally get to talk to him, it's always the same delaying tactics. He is waiting on some documents from the court or he has filed a motion for....something or another. Only to find out that nothing has been filed. No visits have been made. Multiple appearances have been missed. Continuance have been requested. I am still waiting on the POA that was supposed to have been produced....NOT.
Run don't walk. If you can't run then crawl. If you can't crawl have a friend to carry you on their back. Or drag you by your hair but seek other counselling.
From personal experience, I would not recommend him to represent me on anything other than witnessing my signature and then notorizing it. On second thought, I'll just got to the bank. I have an account and don't expect anything more than a seal.
Not every argument is going to go in his favor nor is he going to win every case. However, I did expect a more professional service, a devotion to duty and attention to detail far greater than what he gave to my family.
Buyer beware!
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28 Apr, 2011 by Anonymous
Mr. Pulley provided me with a great defense as well as great representation for my entire family in several situations. He was always very professional, as well as making me feel comfortable with the process.
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31 Jan, 2011 by Anonymous
We retained Mr. Pulley for our criminal defense. The charges were serious, but politically driven. Mr. Pulley took a retainer and showed up in court for us three times. The first two times, the prosecution was not ready. The third time, Mr. Pulley asked for a continuance. The fourth time (and we had to travel at our own expense to these hearings as we did not live locally), he just didn't show. After the first call, we attempted to reach him and we were told that he had a stomach bug and would not be there. No attempt was made to contact us or the court. Additionally, the DA noted to the judge that he had no communication with Mr. Pulley, that the necessary documents had not been filed and he felt that a continuance was in order so that we could seek proper representation. Mr. Pulley also did not return our phone calls or emails. This entire episode went on for over a year before the no show. When we sent him a letter asking for our retainer to be returned, minus his billable hours (oh...forgot that part...he did not furnish us with a billable hours statement during the entire year, even though we requested it), he ignored us. We have filed a complaint against him with the TN Board. Please don't waste your time with this man.
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22 Apr, 2024 by Felipe pena
I hired this firm to represent me on an appeal concerning a ruling in juvenile court. I won the ruling but the attorney by the name of Emily Pfeiffer, who is no longer active at that firm did not follow up to see where I stood on child support payments, and when the final order was drafted the court was under the misconception that I owed $10,000 and back child support which was paid at the end of the year prior which put me back in a position to owe child support arrears that I’ve paid already. Also, I was very detailed at what I wanted because opposing party was going after me for $20,000 in attorney fees I also wanted appealed and council representing this firm did not follow up, but left me in a position to get garnished by opposing counsel and insisted on me paying my $800 balance with them , when the job was not finished. Rob turner also garnished my wages for the remaining balance and left me in debt, leaving me to do my own footwork and prove to the court that my arrears have been paid would cost me three years of wasted time. I reached out to the firm to have this taken care of on a walk-in visit and a lady by the name of Chelsea Stevenson literally lied to me for six months straight after I explained to her in detail what was going on and had me under the impression things were getting resolved when they weren’t. After I had proven my case to the court as of recent I sent the firm the updated order to show them. I wasn’t lying and have not heard from any of them, that is “Rob Turner“ and “Chelsea Stevenson“ who used a personal matter concerning my ex-wife as leverage from me not contacting her and said I was harassing her after she surrendered her personal number to me to keep in contact with her. Absolutely nothing got done, and this firm is horrible in representing anyone, but will take your money immediately. I paid the full balance for 3 court appearances on my appeal in the dollar amount of $4000. This firm should be shut down by the bar of Nashville literally . They’re a bunch of liars and do not have the people in their best interest. They care nothing of their reputation and left me in shambles. Rob Turner is a crook and from what I was told he had a life-threatening accident from falling off of balcony, it’s not to wonder if someone threw him off with how his firm conducts business.
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05 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
The firm at Nashville Law was extremely professional, informative and attentive to my case. They worked hard to help me get the best results! I definitely recommend them. They did an amazing job for me!
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11 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Go find other representation. Do not let the urgency of your situation put yourself into a position where you end up further taken advantage of by this law firm. $11k down the drain, crappy advice, lack of engagement & communication, missed deadlines and they contributed to prolonged suffering. The attorney I was assigned was nowhere to be found unless it was to bill another retainer and receive that $$$.
Do NOT hire these people. They will manipulate you and string you along to get more money for themselves with zero results for your case. They did it to me and every other person here warning you.
This office is also known as Nashville Law Offices, PLLC, Turner Law Offices, and Robert J. Turner & Associate.
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12 May, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired Frank Sr. For family law post divorce, I feel he was not prepared for case in contempt hearing and lost case.i called his office trying to contact him, in three weeks he did not return calls. Would not recommend him. His son by the way was very personable!
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07 May, 2023 by Dolly
I find it odd that the only 2 positive reviews are just a day apart.
I hired Bohn last year. I met her in that same library parking lot as I see others did. It should have been a red flag, no office.
I asked her for a copy of our contract every single month. I finally received a copy 6 months later and it was illegible! I fired her just just about that time. This was just one problem. Bohn goes away for 10 days at a time not answering her phone. She just doesn't care. She had surgeries and can't let you know ahead of time either. She lost evidence and she is extremely dishonest. Monies you pay her come up missing. She sends invoices that she totals up hundreds over what they should so keep an eye on that. I had to hire another attorney and he picked it up from her house. In my file she had another persons evidence and my file stunk like cigarettes from her house/office. She is filthy and sloppy with your files. You should ask to see her desk before you hire her, OMG! She is so unorganized! I didn't return her call one day and she threatened to send the Sheriff to my home. She was lying just to threaten me. I could go on but my best advice to everyone is to keep looking. All these years in business and she only has 2 positive reviews? She actually brags about her 29 years in law but from the looks of it, they have not been good years by any means. If you already have a problem, get yourself a good lawyer, not this one.
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22 Feb, 2023 by M
You will just be giving money away. She does not return phone calls. Barely remembers your name. Will tell you two days before court. That you have court and she doesn’t knows the address. Send her evidence and she won’t present it. Use your retainer to send bills about phone calls and motions. Will not give you copies. Act like she works for opposing counsel. Threaten to withdraw if you ask her to job. The give you other clients information when you request your client file. Loves to meet in library parking lots on Gallatin Rd. Smells like menthol and hair products.
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30 Jun, 2020 by Danielle
I was a little shocked at the other reviews. Cynthia fought hard for me and my children during my divorce. I was an absolute terrified wreck and she was supportive and reassuring. My outcome was better than what I had hoped for and I do not feel that money was her primary concern. She geninuely made me feel like she cared about my well being as well as my childrens'. I would not hesitate to hire her again.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Brendan
I had a consultation with this guy, and he was quick to anger. He was rude, and would interrupt me mid sentence with lines like, "I think you have a misunderstanding of situation" I would attempt to explain and he would again cut me off. After I said something, he would then use like like, "So what you're telling me is. . ." and then he would insert argumentative statements that were not what I just said or a correct summary of my talking points. I would stay away from this guy, he seems verbally abusive to his clients, which might result in him putting blame on his clients when he failed them.
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20 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
I had a consultation with him but he was so rude, interrupt me many times and doesn't even listen carefully to what I said. I regret talking to him.
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24 Jun, 2022 by Mary
I met Cathryn Armistead after seeking counsel regarding matters concerning my mother, who could not represent herself. Ms. Armistead convinced me that I needed a conservatorship on my mother. She claimed that she would assist me with the conservatorship and any matter connected to it once it was obtained. Before hiring Ms. Armistead, her level of communication was high. After being hired and after she was paid, communication almost ceased entirely.
Several months after the conservatorship was granted, I hired Ms. Armistead in an attempt to seek justice for my mother, who had been the victim of neglect in an area nursing home. Once again, Ms. Armistead communicated with me regularly until a retainer was signed for services. After not hearing from her, I reached out via email to ask about a timeline for starting proceedings; I did not receive a response to my email. I then reached out to her office about the matter and was told by her paralegal that she did not know and would speak to Ms. Armistead concerning my question. I never heard back from her office and Ms. Armistead. I reached out again, but still no response.
After repeated attempts via email and phone to contact Ms. Armistead, I reported her to the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Supreme Court of Tennessee. After receiving a copy of the complaint, it was only then that I heard from her by mail. I received a letter terminating our contract because "our relationship had deteriorated" This is not about a "relationship" but business. I understand that it is within an attorney's right to decide not to pursue a case. It is grossly unethical and bad business not to communicate with a client.
I knew Ms. Armistead had her faults in communicating, but given the fact that it was a case of nursing home neglect of a loved one, I thought she would step up. It is inexcusable to keep a client waiting when time is wasted on helping an elderly patient (my mother) in a nursing home. Unfortunately, it appears that Ms. Armistead is only interested in obtaining new business without doing the work she is hired to do and doesn't like being held accountable, given that she terminated our "relationship" after being reported. It says a lot about a person when they are incapable of offering an apology for wasting your time and resources.
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03 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
hired, she failed to support an innocent client, requested my case file information returned- never acknowledged the request. she sent a letter stating investigation of logistics near my residence, Never bothered to meet with me at my home, raised a concern as to the validity of the investigation. Friends and professionals questioned integrity of how the case was managed, -- rather mismanaged.
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29 May, 2015 by Anonymous
I had found Jonathan Wardle through an online search and spoke with his receptionist and then Jonathan about an urgent legal matter I needed help with. We came to the agreement that I would pay them to write a letter on my behalf about the issue with some back and forth with the other party, and if we couldnt come to an agreement with them he would take my case on contingency at 25-30%.
He blew off writing my letter to the other party for two weeks until I had to remind him that I paid him to do a service. Once he finally wrote the letter, he told he my case wasnt worth his time, and that if I wanted to pursue the matter further, I would need to pay him up front to represent me in court, which completely goes against what was said me about taking the case on contingency if the letter didnt work.
I asked for a refund for what I paid him, and he refused and told me not to contact him anymore.
Do not do business with him.
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26 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
I had just gone through many months of torture. As my lawyer, Mr. Collins was very non committal to my defense. I recommend going for a dedicated lawyer if you are assigned him.
Trustworthy: When I could get in contact with Mr. Collins, I never got a straight answer about anything and was told he would show up and didn't.
Responsive: Everything I tried to get scheduled with Mr. Collins was delayed over and over again. I had only 1 visit in the 10 month period of confinement.
Knowledgeable: When it came time for "Trial or Best Interest", Mr Collins was preparing for a trial without witnesses, without corroborating ruling cases, without "a prayer", and had every intention of putting me on the stand.
Kept me informed: I only had 1 visit (5 months after being arrested), and was told misleading information at times.
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27 Jun, 2013 by Termain
This is one of the worst lawyers in the world she is not the one for anyone . This lawyer is working againest you.before you hire this woman don't do it she has misconduct for not doing here job read it google her name under misconduct
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10 Sep, 2016 by Angie dailey
I hired this attorney to represent me. He had in his possession over $15,000 documentation to submit to the court on my behalf so that I could get reimbursed for my out of pocket expenses.
He requested the documentation. He got the final packet (he lost the first one) several months before the court closing of the matter.
The administrator acknowledged and was open to the submission of the documents because he realized that expenses had to be paid....the ones I paid out of my pocket.
He chose not to submit the reasonable, legitmate expenses because it was "his belief"...blah blah blah.
Our contract did not say that he would be interjecting his beliefs or personal opinions into the work that I hired him for.
Further, he never communicated with me when the suit was settled.
In my opinion, I would never recommend this attorney.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Shelley
This firm only takes your money with no results. Poor response. Doesn’t show up or say anything at a hearing.
Do not hire this firm
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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.
