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15 Mar, 2024 by Michael
Drew is an exceptional, multifaceted attorney and real asset to our company. He continually strives to understand the intricacies of our business affairs and produce results. He is highly recommended.
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26 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
I cannot express enough the immediate efforts of Drew to solve the problem at hand was something you don’t see often nowadays. Drew was able to completely prevent something from happening that would have changed the course of my life. If anyone wants a lawyer that makes you feel like you are his number 1 priority hire Drew!!!! Definitely recommending him to anyone that is in need of legal counsel.
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27 Jul, 2023 by Robin
Many thanks to attorney Drew Patterson, who handled a business lawsuit for me in a very professional and timely manner resulting in the case being dismissed. In my opinion, Drew was very knowledgeable, asked pertinent questions, explained things easily and understandably, and was a pleasure to work with. He gets it done! If I need an attorney again, Drew will be the first one I call. Additionally, the staff at Robert Eckard & Associates were always courteous and helpful.
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10 May, 2017 by Billy joe king
My family and I interviewed several attorneys before we found Ms. Rice. This attorney knows the law. We found her to be attentive, precise and thorough in every way. Ms. Rice will go the extra mile to be sure that her clients are satisfied with the results. I highly recommend her as your attorney.
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27 Apr, 2014 by Carol
Julie is a first rate attorney. She guided me through the process of incorporating my business from a sole proprietorship to an S-Corporation - registering my firm, articles of incorporation, obtaining company seal, and how to set up my company books. She reviews my professional services contracts to ensure that terms are fair, reasonable, and recommends protective clauses. Julie helped me navigate my legal options for pursuing payment from a client who refused to pay me for my business services on a change order. She will give you the good, the bad and the ugly so you know what you are getting into. She will provide available options for legal representation to best suit your needs. She is responsive and a pleasure to work with, putting my legal questions into language I can understand.
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20 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
Ms. Rice is truly professional in her work. Her legal expertise was clearly demonstrated in the fast, efficient and knowledgable response to our legal questions. I would highly recommend Ms. Rice in all your legal matters.
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10 May, 2014 by Anonymous
I was charged with drug trafficking and was facing lots of time. Thankfully, I was referred to Mr. Liebling who kept me out of prison. Mr. Liebling really seemed to care about me and my case and was great about keeping me up to date. I consider myself lucky to have found him.
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18 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
5 Stars. He kept me out of prison when I was charged in federal court. I heard from a lot of people that federal court is different than being charged in state court (that the penalties are pretty serious), and my family and I, to be blunt, were worried. I would absolutely recommend Mr. Liebling, no question.
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03 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
DUI not guilty at trial. He returns calls!!! If you have questions will take the time to make sure you understand what's happening in the case. Never makes unrealistic promises and will let you know up front what the possible outcomes are and will not sugar coat it. Puts his fees in writing so you know what you are getting.
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06 Jan, 2011 by Anonymous
Mr. Slater was my attorney for over 2 years and handled a family law case for me. He was there for me every step of the way. Questions were always handled in a timely manner and his professionalism is second to none.
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05 Jun, 2023 by Jd dill
I have worked in the personal injury legal field for decades. I have been employed or subcontracted with the large firms that you see on television. I had the pleasure of being referred to this firm via a friend (a doctor) that's also in the business. Let me just say despite the ads that saturate all of us; bigger isn't necessarily better!! From the initial meeting with Leslie and her numerous updates on my case as it progressed with Margie Swope the pre-litigation handling attorney to the seamless transition to litigation attorney Scott Swope and his paralegal Julie; I couldn't have been more pleased! This part (litigation) is a key factor as there are firms out there that don't/won't litigate and big insurance knows which ones do and don't! This firm has that reputation and rightfully so! They won't back down and will fight for you! They exceeded my expectations and should I ever need experts in this field again; I will definitely utilize their superb services again!
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04 May, 2022 by Fonda dillard
Scott and Margie Swope are among the most honest and dedicated to helping others. They will not rest until every avenue has been explored. I trust my life to them. Scott's background in law enforcement and the judicial system has added to his extensive education. Their hearts and minds are in the right place
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08 Feb, 2022 by Errol williams
Swope law firm is fantastic! They handled my case smoothly, highly recommend!
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02 Oct, 2024 by Jarien ramos
Great and quick service 10/10!!
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02 Oct, 2024 by J e
We were from out of town and the lawyers and staff we dealt with during our ordeal were top notch! They communicated with us through the process, answered any & all questions we had, and we ended up with a good outcome for an otherwise crummy situation. I would highly recommend this firm.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Mark dorward
Bernhardt Riley has been fantastic , very helpful and prompt. I would highly recommend them for any law issues you may have. They have helped me on two different occasions dealing with a contractor building my new house and dealing with a crazy neighbor over a fence issue.
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25 Feb, 2024 by H jumper
Wendi is not only professional, but also personable and empathetically sensitive to your emotional state of mind. This is very important when you have never experienced a divorce in your past before contracting with her. My first conversations with her gave me a feeling of confidence that she was going to be a very good choice for me. Throughout the brief proceedings, she provided the guidance that I needed and was always open to suggestions from me, as well as consistently providing helpful answers to my questions. Between us, and her counseling, we devised an agreeable strategy that became a satisfying success in its outcome. And, as it turns out, seemingly for both sides, because it ended without any perceived animosities. It would be a severe understatement just to only say that Wendi has what it takes to provide the best divorce advocate a person could expect because she excels at what she does and provides more certainty. This is my way of giving back some of what she provided for me during a very important and stressful period of my life.
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14 Nov, 2023 by Brittany arbes
Hands down the best attorney around. I highly recommend Mrs Wendi Hall-Gonzales,PA. I read the previous review and wanted to set the record straight. My mother god rest her soul that was battling cancer during my case. Highly recommended her and as well and her staff. Made her experience least stressful as possible as well as very informing for her to help along with the process. The past review is from who I was battling in court, my which was my x family and who was just trying to hurt me more and hurt who was helping me through this difficult time. For future experiences I will always go with this attorney.
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08 Aug, 2023 by John morgan
I hired a different attorney who was slow, not attentive, and never prepared for our meetings. I fired him and hired Wendi L Hall-Gonzales. Totally different experience. Excellent. Always responded to my questions. Very attentive. She was able to bring my divorce to an end in a timely fashion. It would have been faster had it not been for the one I was divorcing. I highly recommend Wendi L Hall-Gonzales.
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25 May, 2022 by Alberto cassola
We spoke to Mr. Smith and asked for his assistance with a small matter. He promised to take care of it in a matter of a couple of days and requested we pay his fee in advance, which we did. We never received any work product, Mr. Smith has gone completely silent and we have not received a refund despite multiple requests. This sums up our experience with this firm.
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25 Jan, 2018 by Janet smith
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09 Jan, 2018 by Luther lee
I reached out for a consultation and was provided top notch service. The end result of a tough situation was success in the court room thanks to The Law Offices of Zachary C. Smith! Would definitely recommend!
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31 Jul, 2023 by Crystal sellers
You can't get the man to call you back you can never leave a message cuz the mailbox is full apparently he doesn't have a secretary he's very unprofessional at this point
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03 Dec, 2020 by Stephanie graska-casdorph
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31 Jul, 2023 by Crystal sellers
You can't get the man to call you back you can never leave a message cuz the mailbox is full apparently he doesn't have a secretary he's very unprofessional at this point
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03 Dec, 2020 by Stephanie graska-casdorph
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06 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Save your money, do not contact Bruce Young. I hired Bruce and of course at our first meeting he had an action plan and seemed to be on my side. I fell for it, and paid him the $3,000 flat fee/ retainer..... I had to call his office and remind him of our hearings, he was never prepared and never got anything done. He then had the nerve to bill me for multiple hours, emailing and mailing me invoices with no explanation...... Then he attempted to collect another 1k of retainer. Not only was I told it would not exceed that price, but never once did Bruce do anything that I benefitted from and I had to hire another attorney. The other attorney I hired had to undue the idiotic things Bruce had done and actually fought for me.....all of this for less then half the price of Bruce Young. Read on about Bruce....I feel so bad for the women working in his office..... I highly discourage you to even contact Bruce Young. His office is outdated and he is only interested in padding his wallet.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. What is your fee structure?
    Ask how the lawyer charges for their services and whether you’ll be responsible for any additional costs.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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