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12 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Our working relationship with Mr. Seigler spanned over 4 years. It was not associated with criminal defense, but with civil problems regarding an easement. Mr. Seigler was contacted & hired after another local lawyer was paid to get resolution to the problem, but failed to take timely action. Mr. Seigler worked diligently in a timely fashion to attain success for us in this difficult, drawn-out case. We highly recommend Mr. Seigler!
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16 Oct, 2017 by Edward and valerie
We met with Attorney Seigler to explain what had happened to the line fence. During the course of resolving issue of the removal of the fence without our knowledge we brought family records and expenses regarding the dispute. The pros and cons of the issue were presented to us by Attorney Seigler. He presented the evidence and his pending correspondence to us prior to presenting our side of the issue.
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10 Apr, 2017 by Jb
A few years ago, I faced a complicated business situation. I asked a local attorney if he would be interested in assisting me. He said the case was beyond his realm. He said the person he would recommend would be Darrell Seigler of Ottawa.
Darrell did a great job in a difficult case. He faced 4 or 5 legal teams and produced excellent results for the complexity of the case.
There were no surprises.
He kept me informed throughout.
He kept costs reasonable.
I have used his services on several other occasions. At times, I have just used him for advice.
I recommend him highly
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22 Apr, 2024 by John frederick
Spoke with Mark S.
on the phone was very knowledgeable very professional
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01 Oct, 2018 by Michelle harper
02 Feb, 2024 by Carmina pereja
31 Mar, 2023 by Lynnie logan
28 Jan, 2023 by Kevin sterling
19 Aug, 2017 by Carrie
Ryan is an excellent and understanding Attorney. He is patient, honest, knowledgeable and easy to talk to. I highly recommend him .
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22 Sep, 2016 by Kevin
Attorney Hamer did a good job with our minor case. We had no prior experience with needing a defense lawyer, so we were a little nervous about the process. We had never heard of him or met him in the past. We found him through a series of phone calls, made the initial call to him, took a big gulp, and hired him.
He turned out to be a good choice! Despite our low-profile case and the modest fee he would earn, he cared about us and he worked to achieve the best result possible. He returned calls and emails in a timely manner--usually the same day or the day after. Being a worrier, I tended to be the one to initiate the majority of the emails, but he always answered promptly. He appeared on our behalf in court, arranging matters so that we never had to appear in court (though this was partially possible due to the minor nature of the offense). He was courteous and professional and honest. He achieved a more favorable outcome than we could've achieved on our own. We highly recommend him for anyone who needs a defense attorney.
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02 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I had hired Ryan for a DUI Case. Anytime I asked what his approach was going to be to the case, he could never give me a straight answer. I paid him $1500 just to have my court case continued multiples times. He was also very poor at getting back to me about anything regarding my case. Instead of reaching out to me to give a status update, I always had to contact him to find out anything at all.
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25 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
He made promise of child support order within 2 months of filing divorce-during consultation. He said” I’ll give you a deal” 13 months later- a young woman and her children have struggled and suffered -financially, physically and mentally at the hands of this completely unprofessional beast. From his lack of professionalism - to his down right dirty demeanor. He promised child support on 4 occasions - trips to court- never produced anything. He did absolutely nothing but double his bill!! He should be disbarred!! He doesn’t show up for court- his client does- he’s embarrassed because he was trying to pull a fast one on the judge and other party- so he calls up this young lady - screams at her for 10 minutes- gets on a zoom call- sets her for trial and then files a motion to withdraw. Who does that? He charged her a ton of money and 13 months later- still at square 1 nothing accomplished- absolutely nothing accomplished- and he jumps ship. Possibly he didn’t like the question “ what have you done for me?” This horrible individual treats some of his clients as if they are insignificant in this world- why does he think he can do that?? Because he’s been doing it for a very long time and getting away with it . No more !
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12 Jul, 2024 by Stephanie wright
RUNNNNN would NEVER recommend him. He took my $2000 which if he did his job my situation would have been resolved in a few weeks. He did NOTHING I did all the research and foot work and he kept prolonging it for months and months with no follow through just excuses. His lack of professionalism was appalling I tried to fire him multiple times. He begged and stated he would do his job just give him another chance. The 3rd time he stated “if I don’t do my job you can come to my office and punch me in the face”. Wowwwww what professional would EVER say something so bizarre. When called him out and asked why things weren’t taken care of like he said he would his anger was ridiculous. He seemed out of it most of the time so this again was concerning.
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18 May, 2024 by Ricki ann topel
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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.
