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31 May, 2023 by Phil
I hired Mr. Wallin to handle a very important matter. He came highly recommended and the recommendation was correct! He has over 30 years in practice, including time as a prosecuting attorney. All the DA's and judges know him and respect him. That is just who you want reprenting you. He was thoroughly prepared, had spoken to the DA in advance and my case took all of ten minutes for the judge to follow the recommendation of the DA and find in my favor. Mr. Wallin is very personable and knowledgeable. Just what you want in an attorney!
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24 Apr, 2023 by Kelly
David and Jennifer were great they handle my case with the utmost sincerity. they were able to get my case rejected and were always available to answer my questions. I highly recommend David Wallin to any one needing his legal services. Thank you David and Thank you Jennifer!
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22 Apr, 2023 by Brenda
After talking to numerous lawyers, I hired Mr. Wallin to represent my son. I am so glad that I did. He thoroughly listened to our case and understand our difficult position. He was up front and honest about the possibilities we faced. I am happy to say that his firm and Alfred G. were successful in getting 2 charges dismissed and the 3rd one reduced. I worked with Jenni the paralegal who was also very professional and kind. Both Jenni and Alfred always promptly returned emails and phone calls and helped us through this trying time. Kudos to Mr. Wallin office - I cannot thank you enough!!
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27 Mar, 2020 by Martha
I couldn't be any happier with the service provided! I was pulled over for speeding and he was able to get it dismissed!! At first I was hesitant since I was used to paying tickets and not fighting them. I highly recommend you use this option!
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12 Feb, 2020 by Deepak
My speeding ticket has been cleared with no points. He is very responsive and very attentive in replying messages and calls.
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27 Jan, 2020 by Les
Mr. Fenn took over an eviction process that was done very poorly by a local eviction service. He was able to refile with the courts in Kern county, get the eviction approved by the courts.
Mr. Fenn was also able to garnish the wages of the evicted and best of all was able to get my money refunded by the eviction service. All of this was done in a very timely manner and he always kept me informed. If I'm ever in need of his services again he will be the first lawyer I contact.
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21 Jun, 2017 by Billy
I'll start the review by saying that if I had stayed with this lawyer all the way through to trial, I'd be a felon at best and possibly in jail. Instead I went back to the public defender and the case was dismissed.
This all started when I called their office on Saturday and Wallin picked up. He used scare tactics saying I need to hire him right away so they can work on the defense. I fell for it and met up with the paralegal to give them 5K an hour later. As soon as they had my money, it was very hard to get a hold of anyone. Later I found out that they hadn't worked on my defense until weeks later.
Here's a more detailed history of problems I had with them from least to worst:
-Receptionist confirmed an appointment I had at 11am just 30 mins prior and I drove down, my appointments not til 12 and she says it wasn't her I talked too and closes the window on me.
-The first Monday after retaining I called to ask some basic questions on what the process of going to my court date would be like, my assigned paralegal Ana was not there that day so the receptionist transferred me to another paralegal. When I asked her, she wouldn't answer my question and said I had to wait til the next day.
-Another time I called when Ana was there that day and I had some questions, but the receptionist said she was on the phone and would call me back in 30 mins. I waited 4 hours til the end of business and never got a call back.
-Another time I emailed some questions because calling wasn't working out, I sent it early Friday morning and never got a response, on Monday evening I called in and finally got ahold of Ana to ask if she got my email questions and she had only opened the attachment in the email, but not read my questions.
-The receptionist said she was unavailable so I was transferred to someone else I never got her name, but my question was if it's standard practice at this firm for me to not have a face to face meeting with my lawyer before going to court and she wouldn't answer the question saying I could make an appointment with Alfredo.
-Another time I came in to go over the police report with Ana and she wanted me to fill out the social history form, but I had already filled it out and emailed it to her more than a week ago. She had to ask if I was sure and then she checked her email and found it.
-Ana emailed me someone else's discovery and when I called up to tell her, she said are you sure?
-I was trying to make an appointment with Alfredo on Monday and the receptionist told me Ana was unavailable and would call me back. Tuesday never got a call so I called again and also left a voicemail with Ana and emailed both Ana and Alfredo that I wanted to make an appointment. I called on Wednesday and still hadn't gotten a call or email back and everyone was still unavailable. Thursday came around and I still didn't get ahold of anyone so I had tell the receptionist I was going to call the bar and report that I couldn't communicate with my attorney. 5 mins later I got a call from Alfredo.
-Thursday call from Alfredo
Excuses on how he's been too busy in courts all around LA. I told him if he were too busy then why take my money? He said if you want a lawyer that has a lot of free time that you can contact all the time, he's not going to have any cases and not be a good Lawyer. We have the most experience in the AV, you'd probably not be happy if we didn't show up to your court.
I said even a 5 min call would be okay so I'm not in the dark and he said that's why I'm calling you Now. He said This is the only time he's had. At this stage, he said it didn't matter about my fiancée saying they made up things that she didn't tell the police. Because they won't have her show up, they'll use what's in the statements.
The DA knows she is not pressing charges so they won't call her in,
But the DA did call her in and she just didn't show up so they issued a body attatchement.
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13 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
Alfred is one of the best lawyers in the Antelope Valley area. I am a lawyer myself. And when a close family member needed help, I went to Alfred. His staff was extremely professional and well organized.
I have known Alfred since 1996—we were law school roommates. In school, he said he wanted to work for the district attorney. But he realized that his passion was standing up for the underdog.
Once you meet Alfred, you will immediately see that he’s different—in a good way. He’s different because he is genuine. He doesn’t pretend to be somebody else. He may be quiet and reserved. But believe me, Alfred is a fierce competitor. He likes to be right.
Here's my top 5 compliments. He’s (1) super honest; (2) responsible; (3) serious; (4) smart; and (5) reliable.
You should especially be impressed that Alfred has only worked at one law firm for nearly 13 years. That isn't typical. It’s a tribute to his loyalty to his firm and commitment. I am proud to call Alfred my friend.
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30 Jun, 2012 by Anonymous
A very soft spoken trustworthy lawyer who can put any of your fears to rest. Always called back when asked even if not in the office and it was a pressing matter. Is also very knowledgeable and always speaks about similiar cases, when talking one on one, to show the comparisons between your case and others to give you a better outlook of what to expect. I did not have many questions concerning this case after awhile because I basically put all of my trust in Mr. Guevara's hands because I knew that everything would be okay. And the things he did behind the scenes, talking to DA's and others, was amazing. I definitely knew everything would be taken care of and it was.
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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.
