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22 Jan, 2025 by Dabagoglu law
Bret has an unwavering commitment to justice. Whether it’s crafting a strategic defense or understanding the nuances of each case, he shows a level of diligence and attention to detail that is commendable. We worked on multiple cases together over the years and I am impressed every time.
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17 Jan, 2025 by Adam heyman
Bret is one of the finest criminal defense attorneys that I know. Fiercely passionate for his clients, you can’t find a better lawyer to represent you. Professional, powerful, purposeful. Hire Bret!
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15 Jan, 2025 by Michael schueler
Bret is a fierce litigator. I’ve worked with Bret on countless cases over the last decade and can confidently say that if you need a fighter - he’s your man. He is powerful in court, creative with his arguments, and doggedly fights for each of his clients. If I was in a corner, he’s who I’d want fighting for me.
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.6
10 Reviews
02 Aug, 2024 by Dan cooper
It was a total pleasure working with Jim to get my gun rights restored. He goes above and beyond for his clients. After the Judge signed the order, Jim sent copies directly to WASP, so I could apply for my concealed carry permit sooner than later. He is very kind, caring, and incredibly professional. If you are looking to get your gun rights back, look no further. You are in good hands with Jim. Thank you, Jim. My family and I are truly grateful for your business.
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30 Oct, 2023 by Redeemed toremain
BEST ATTORNEY IN HISTORY!!!!!!!!! HIRE YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU DID!!!!
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27 Jul, 2023 by Brian sperry
I had a great experience with james, he kept me up to date on getting my gun rights back and had it done in the time he said it would be completed, his price was extremely fair, I highly recommend him and will always refer him to any one that needs his services!
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11 Dec, 2024 by Nate maat
I'll just start out with Ryan is awesome. Ryan is extremely knowledgeable and takes his job seriously. He will do everything in his power to get you the best deal possible. He is a very upfront and honest man. You are not a number to him. You are a client and he will go above and beyond for you. I couldn't have picked a better attorney. If I ever need another attorney again I will definitely be contacting him. Money we'll spent.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Reyes cordova
Ryan was such a great lawyer from his friendliness to especially his attention to detail! I would 1000% recommend him to anyone needing assistance with the courts as his knowledge is exponential.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Trischa barlet
This is long overdue, but Ryan represented me on my case earlier this year and offered me so much peace of mind. He was very knowledgeable about the Thurston County court system. He was honest with me and guided me through the legal process confidently, and I believe we achieved the best possible outcome for my case! He was very responsive when communicating, understanding, and thorough. Thank you Ryan.
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11 Dec, 2024 by Nate maat
I'll just start out with Ryan is awesome. Ryan is extremely knowledgeable and takes his job seriously. He will do everything in his power to get you the best deal possible. He is a very upfront and honest man. You are not a number to him. You are a client and he will go above and beyond for you. I couldn't have picked a better attorney. If I ever need another attorney again I will definitely be contacting him. Money we'll spent.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Reyes cordova
Ryan was such a great lawyer from his friendliness to especially his attention to detail! I would 1000% recommend him to anyone needing assistance with the courts as his knowledge is exponential.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Trischa barlet
This is long overdue, but Ryan represented me on my case earlier this year and offered me so much peace of mind. He was very knowledgeable about the Thurston County court system. He was honest with me and guided me through the legal process confidently, and I believe we achieved the best possible outcome for my case! He was very responsive when communicating, understanding, and thorough. Thank you Ryan.
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11 Dec, 2024 by Nate maat
I'll just start out with Ryan is awesome. Ryan is extremely knowledgeable and takes his job seriously. He will do everything in his power to get you the best deal possible. He is a very upfront and honest man. You are not a number to him. You are a client and he will go above and beyond for you. I couldn't have picked a better attorney. If I ever need another attorney again I will definitely be contacting him. Money we'll spent.
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04 Dec, 2024 by T.r.
Luke was accommodating, understanding, communicative, determined, and got the case dismissed!
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13 Nov, 2024 by Brittany
Luke Laughlin is by far the most efficient and most competent lawyer I've ever had the pleasure of working with. This case has been going since July of last year and I've had to serve time in jail unnecessarily because of this.
Luke just replaced my last attorney and only worked this case for one month and got it DISMISSED! HE WAS A PUBLIC DEFENDER FOR ME AND DEFINITELY TOOK GREAT CARE OF ME WITH THIS DISMISSAL!
I RECOMMEND HIM FOR ANY AND ALL CRIMINAL DEFENSE CASES! YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!! THANKS AGAIN LUKE YOU'RE A STUD IN THE CRIMINAL DEFENSE INDUSTRY!!!
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22 Jan, 2025 by Dabagoglu law
Bret has an unwavering commitment to justice. Whether it’s crafting a strategic defense or understanding the nuances of each case, he shows a level of diligence and attention to detail that is commendable. We worked on multiple cases together over the years and I am impressed every time.
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17 Jan, 2025 by Adam heyman
Bret is one of the finest criminal defense attorneys that I know. Fiercely passionate for his clients, you can’t find a better lawyer to represent you. Professional, powerful, purposeful. Hire Bret!
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15 Jan, 2025 by Michael schueler
Bret is a fierce litigator. I’ve worked with Bret on countless cases over the last decade and can confidently say that if you need a fighter - he’s your man. He is powerful in court, creative with his arguments, and doggedly fights for each of his clients. If I was in a corner, he’s who I’d want fighting for me.
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5.0
2 Reviews
4.6
19 Reviews
13 Nov, 2023 by Ali
12 Apr, 2023 by Stulin kenworthy
20 Mar, 2023 by Margaret rice
What a caring group of professionals! Highly recommend.
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06 Sep, 2023 by M tierney
Five stars simply aren't enough to reflect the level of service Mr. Lousteau provided - from the very beginning of my case right through to the charges being dropped and the case dismissed. He's thoroughly professional, kind (and kindness really does matter), and his expert guidance made navigating a difficult process and system way less scary than it would have otherwise been. He's great to work with and I am so thankful that he represented me.
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09 Apr, 2023 by Chris kucharski
You should try to avoid a DV arrest at all costs. You get ordered out of your own home by a judge, you are presumed to be a violent person which is humiliating. If this happens to you, call David Lousteau. I did, and am very glad I did. David skillfully steered my court case into a diversion and my charges will get dismissed with no jail, no conviction. I am back home. He also personally kept my head on straight during this highly stressful episode. Thank you, David!
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31 Mar, 2023 by Mpvjf zpvoh
Nine felonies and three misdemeanors charged, no convictions. What more can you ask for?
My case was heavy. With ode to my own safety and privacy, I can only say so much about it. The odds were stacked against me. Someone I thought I could trust decided to frame me, falsely accusing me of grievous crimes that had the potential to land me incarcerated for, at the very least, five years in prison. David Lousteau made sure that didn't happen.
David is a dilligent, studious, tactful, reliable, highly effective attorney. He's as passionate about law as he is experienced in it, and steadfast in getting results for his clients.
If you need more information to convince you he's right for your case, talk to him and you'll understand why his work begets these positive reviews!
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02 Aug, 2024 by Dan cooper
It was a total pleasure working with Jim to get my gun rights restored. He goes above and beyond for his clients. After the Judge signed the order, Jim sent copies directly to WASP, so I could apply for my concealed carry permit sooner than later. He is very kind, caring, and incredibly professional. If you are looking to get your gun rights back, look no further. You are in good hands with Jim. Thank you, Jim. My family and I are truly grateful for your business.
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30 Oct, 2023 by Redeemed toremain
BEST ATTORNEY IN HISTORY!!!!!!!!! HIRE YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU DID!!!!
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27 Jul, 2023 by Brian sperry
I had a great experience with james, he kept me up to date on getting my gun rights back and had it done in the time he said it would be completed, his price was extremely fair, I highly recommend him and will always refer him to any one that needs his services!
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04 May, 2024 by Monica bolden
11 Jan, 2020 by Dawn benson
Mr. Kalikow attorney is kind, caring and person of integrity. I appreciated his service. I would recommend his service❤️👍😀
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14 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
ATTY. JOHNSON IS THE EPITOME OF WHAT AN ATTY. SHOULD BE. GAVE GREAT ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND WORKED EXTREMELY HARD IN LITIGATION, WINNING VERY SUCCESSFULLY ON MY BEHALF. I WOULD GLADLY RECOMMEND ATTY. JOHNSON TO OTHERS AND HAVE HAPPILY AND WILLINGLY PLACED HIM ON MY SPEED DIAL.
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13 Nov, 2023 by Ali
12 Apr, 2023 by Stulin kenworthy
20 Mar, 2023 by Margaret rice
What a caring group of professionals! Highly recommend.
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16 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Aaron not only is great at what he does but also demonstrates tremendous respect and empathy. He helped me with two civil cases as I went through a very difficult time. From the very first time I spoke with him, he was patient and explained to me the process thoroughly, making me feel at ease. Aaron possesses a great wealth of legal knowledge & experience and was also very strategic in handling my cases, winning both cases (which were tricky and challenging). I couldn't appreciate more his professionalism, compassion, integrity, and encouragement along the way. He is not only a great attorney but also an amazing person. I would highly recommend Aaron for those who are in need of legal assistance.
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30 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
Aaron was everything I hoped when I was looking for a lawyer for a traffic violation. He knew exactly what he needed from me, communicated well, and got right on the problem. We got the outcome we were hoping for, but even if we hadn't (that's how it goes sometimes) I would have been satisfied.
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09 Oct, 2018 by Matthew
Aaron represented me for 2 moving violations. Once we agreed to work together and I filed for contested hearings, Aaron tracked the process and took care of everything with courts. He got one dismissed and settled the other as a non-moving violation infraction. I hadn't anticipated that working him would make things so easy.
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17 Apr, 2019 by Stazzy
I was very pleased with Andrew Yi as my attorney. I believe I was given the best professional advice and assistance with my court case with him as my attorney. Because of his diligence I had a excellent outcome in my court case. I highly recommend him. Would most definitely have him again. That only being the case I find myself needing an attorney again. God Willing I don't...
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17 Dec, 2013 by Rw
When I first contacted Andrew Yi, I had planned on meeting with several lawyers so I could shop around and really get one I was comfortable with, since my previous encounters had been pretty terrible. I've even had a lawyer call me AFTER the case was settled, only to bill me over $100 for a follow up phone call that lasted five minutes. Needless to say, I was extremely nervous about going through all that again. But after meeting with Andrew, I knew I didn't need to talk to anyone else. Even though he told me exactly what to expect, he was still very reassuring and friendly. I never felt like I was just a client to him. He really seemed to care about me and my case from the very beginning. Not only that, but he showed incredible aptitude in the court room, and everything went so much smoother than I had imagined. He speaks the language of the prosecutors, and seemed to have no trouble getting what he wanted.
I certainly hope I will not need a lawyer again any time soon, but in the unlikely event that I do, I will be contacting Andrew Yi immediately.
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24 Nov, 2013 by Frank
From start to finish Mr. Yi was extremely helpful. I feel I am more knowledgeable about the law now just from the short time I spent with Mr. Yi about my case. I would recommend to anyone to hire Mr. Yi especially for DUI help!
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22 Jan, 2025 by Dabagoglu law
Bret has an unwavering commitment to justice. Whether it’s crafting a strategic defense or understanding the nuances of each case, he shows a level of diligence and attention to detail that is commendable. We worked on multiple cases together over the years and I am impressed every time.
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17 Jan, 2025 by Adam heyman
Bret is one of the finest criminal defense attorneys that I know. Fiercely passionate for his clients, you can’t find a better lawyer to represent you. Professional, powerful, purposeful. Hire Bret!
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15 Jan, 2025 by Michael schueler
Bret is a fierce litigator. I’ve worked with Bret on countless cases over the last decade and can confidently say that if you need a fighter - he’s your man. He is powerful in court, creative with his arguments, and doggedly fights for each of his clients. If I was in a corner, he’s who I’d want fighting for me.
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16 Oct, 2020 by Ellen
Chester is a dedicated attorney for Landlords and has helped me. He knows the law and is able to execute it. His staff is professional and helpful. I highly recommend him.
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30 Jan, 2018 by Brian
Chester is a brilliant lawyer and I highly recommend him! He is a passionate advocate for his clients who is unafraid to go the extra mile. His efforts often lead to his client's getting more favorable resolutions then they otherwise would have with other attorneys. Chester was always 100 miles ahead of me with interviews, planning and tactics. His skills and knowledge are second to none and would hire him in a second if the need was to arise.
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17 Sep, 2017 by Brooks
Chester has helped me on multiple occasions. He helped my wife and I with our bankruptcy with a colleague who specializes in them. Everything went perfectly. He also cleared up a traffic camera infraction that showed up in the mail. I wasn't even in the state on the day that they said I ran that light. He's absolutely the guy that you want on your side when you enter a court of law.
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17 Nov, 2013 by Mark
I am a single parent with sole custody of my 16 year old son, we relocated to Wisconsin after I secured a position as an engineer. Between our move, my new job and my son's new school going through a divorce from 2000 miles away could have been a major stressor with the wrong attorney. Because of Ms. Murphy's efficiency, courtesy and accessibility I was able to concentrate at work and relax at home without the added stress of the divorce. Laura Murphy is very thorough and knowledgeable and in the courtroom she exemplifies her professionalism through preparedness, integrity and ethics, as in my case she even tried to help explain the law to my ex-wife who was representing herself. I also wanted to mention that Laura's paralegal Christy is a joy to work with, she is very pleasant, personable and kept me well informed.
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28 Sep, 2011 by Anonymous
I contacted Laura extremely worried about my career and the potential implications to my life. Feeling overwhelmed, she quickly gave me the confidence to approach this matter in the correct way.
Her guidance was good & timely throughout the criminal and DOL process. She helped me understand each step and how she was going to proceed with my case. I saw how she deeply understands the system from her well-rounded knowledge (formerly working as a local prosecutor).
It was great to watch her put her plan into action. Christy (her legal assistant) quickly answered my questions (asked the DOL) or would follow-up with Laura – this put me at ease during a stressful and complex process. I truly appreciated Laura’s guidance. I was glad to have her and Christy on my side.
My outcome was better than I expected with the court and DOL. In the future, if I have a legal matter, I would contact Laura first and I highly recommend Laura.
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27 Aug, 2011 by Carlye
I could not have asked for anything more in an attorney! Laura handled my divorce case with extreme professionalism while also offering caring support and heartfelt guidance. Even now that my case is settled, she continues to provide that same guidance and support whenever needed. Laura and her assistant Christy really go above and beyond the call of duty!
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21 Dec, 2011 by Gregory
William T. Ferrell has provided service for my company for the past seven years. Although he primarily represents in criminal law cases, he has adequately represented my company and me in some challenging civil matters. William Ferrell has been responsive to my concerns and has always been available when the need arises. He has been economically fair and always represents in a professional manner and has been effective to my company goals and has provided legal advice that has kept me from screwing things up worse than they were. Thank you William Ferrell!
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28 Jul, 2010 by Mike
Mr. Ferrell was very professional in his representation of me. He or someone from his team was with me at every hearing until the charges were put in a dismissed status. I never went back to jail after that first horrible weekend. We are currently discussing the procedure of completely removing the case from my record. I will return here with the results of that.
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09 Oct, 2017 by Debra
In 2015 I entered into a twenty month contract for the purchase of a horse. The final payment date of August 4, 2017. March 2017 due to financial issues with my business I was going to have to sell the horse, negotiate an extension of payment, or return the horse. I sent a letter to the owners laying out the possible options, as well as getting permission to sell. I was contacted by their attorney. It was pay the balance on or before August 2017, yes I could sell the horse under specific conditions. If not they would file suit for Breach of Contract. I was unable to get the horse sold. By July the finances changed an I would be able to make the payments but would need to extend the deadline. I contacted Mr. Kover for advice and his professional help. He explained the process of this type of lawsuit to me in layman’s terms and came up with several options. He then took over the negotiations and I am making the final payments with an extended deadline. Mr. Kover was professional and answered all my questions. He made himself available. I will be keeping him as my attorney for my professional as well as personal legal needs.
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14 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
Jason is very detailed-oriented and remains focused on the matter at hand. He responds to both email and phone calls extremely fast on the same day. He calmly reviewed my case and explained things to me very well. I have hired him for 2 situations, and wouldn't hesitate to hire him again. I highly recommend!
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27 Nov, 2024 by Katti arnold
Gary is awesome, helped us navigate cps and their deceitful tactics!
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11 Oct, 2024 by No names
Real professional
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01 Jul, 2024 by Alana barry
No matter what the outcome of the case would have been, I would have always given five stars. The outcome of our case did turn out very well. If we didn't have Gary and his team it would have turned out very different. I owe it all to everyone at the Preble Law Firm. Just be prepared to answer with a yes or a no. Gary really likes his questions answered with a yes or no. I am the type to try and elaborate on something. That took some getting used to. Gary has good intentions. If you want your case to be handled by the best then I would hire Gary and his team. I truly believe it was their expertise that got us the outcome we received. He will tell it like it is. He will also crack jokes to lighten the mood. When you are going to fight a case it's best to have someone be honest with you. I will forever be greatful to Gary and his team. He is the lawyer you want on your side. He is mindful of your money too. Gary Preble and his team are the ones to hire.
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24 May, 2022 by Trinity coy
08 Apr, 2022 by Juan wandestrand
06 Nov, 2020 by Pamela roberts
12 Nov, 2024 by Markus
Top Tier Lawyer. Did an amazing job getting the verdict that I deserved. Very responsive and able easy to talk to. Worked hard my case and I can't thank him enough for all the effort he put into helping me, I am truly thankful for him.
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18 May, 2024 by Anonymous
I really appreciated having Anthony Martinez on my side. He was m thorough and thoughtful, went through several different things with me over the phone and gave me options and play by plays of how it might all pan out. I was very grateful for him.
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11 Jan, 2024 by Faulkner
It's crucial for a defense to provide a detailed and compelling case. Effective communication can make a significant impact on the jury's understanding and decision-making process.
Mr. Anthony Martinez effectively presented a detailed defense, clarifying that the accusations were not accurate by emphasizing the inaccuracies in the accusations, Mr Martinez provided clarity to the jury about the inaccuracies in the case.
Thank you again Mr Martinez for your Hard work and dedication on my case. Thanks to you I’m a free man.
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29 Nov, 2023 by Chandler
If you're a vet, she can't be beat. Don't waste $20k on a sellsword, let her work her MOJO. She took supreme care of me and got me out of my jam with an outcome totally unexpected and beyond hopes! Will go get arrested again just so I can work with her again.
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16 Aug, 2019 by Daniel
Brit is (was) one of the best PD's i have ever had the pleasure of meeting me. She handled my case with the utmost professionalism, she was kind caring and always made sure I was kept informed. She is now a teacher at a law college here. This Atty is going places!
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31 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
Recently, I hired another attorney and they were fine, however, family law was all that they could handle. Mr Bellmer was able to handle criminal as well as family law, because domestic violence was used. His ability to move back and forth through different courts amazed me just how he could keep up with all of it along with his many other clients. Regarding me, he had a mountain of STUFF to overcome even with me interrupting him, he was still able to methodically and systematically overcome everything the opposing lawyer accused me of. Currently, he has righted my ship and now I personally feel that I am in a position to win. I would like to add that I am innocent, so justice will prevail. If you are guilty, then there is not much any attorney can do for you except get you a lesser sentence or sanction.
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17 Jun, 2015 by Mi mi
I have gone to this man a couple of times and ready to go to him again. He is fair and gives great guidance. Listens to you. He has wisdom to offer, not just knowledge. His services are one of a kind. Better than our family member who is an attorney. He is also very respectful and cares about our feelings. He puts things in perspective. I always refer him. All of them said he was useful and they were all satisfied with results.
I am very thankful to finally have found an attorney that I am confident in. I have met several other attorneys that were slimy and didn't care about a person welfare. I thank God for somebody like him!
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29 Oct, 2007 by Anonymous
This guy saved me from a terror tenant.
It took a different lawyer six months to do what this guy did in two weeks !!
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30 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
He was professional ,he knew what he was doing ,he made my girls feel very comfortable and he was able to bring them justice.
He has an excellent memory
And very professional attitude no matter what .
He’s good at his job .
Definitely would and have recommended him.
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24 May, 2022 by Trinity coy
08 Apr, 2022 by Juan wandestrand
06 Nov, 2020 by Pamela roberts
24 May, 2022 by Trinity coy
08 Apr, 2022 by Juan wandestrand
06 Nov, 2020 by Pamela roberts
24 May, 2022 by Trinity coy
08 Apr, 2022 by Juan wandestrand
06 Nov, 2020 by Pamela roberts
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
