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02 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
Highly recommend! I am a small business owner. Mr. Kopperud assisted me in writing contracts and represented me in a contract dispute involving damaged property. I was very satisfied with his assistance.
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04 Mar, 2020 by Josh
Hannah has represented me for over a year now on serious criminal charges. She is very easy to get in touch with and always answers her phone and even responds to texts. if she is out of town with the OPA, it does not matter. She finds time for you. Even if its just to talk she is there for you 100%. There is no doubt in my mind that she will be a top attorney in the valley very soon. In the course of my dealing with her some new charges came my way and she was front and center making sure i did not make any mistakes which looking back now was crucial and something that i feel other attorneys would not have done. Hannah appears to be very well connected in the legal world and is very well known. The best way I feel to describe her is that she is a Lioness protecting you, her cub. Her rates are very fair and she cares about you're situation. She was in the jail visiting me before anyone else including my family, just seeing if there is anything I needed or that she could do. To me her honesty and loyalty is what makes her amazing. I will honestly say if you find yourself in a life altering situation that requires a need for a attorney, at minimum call her and you will see what i'm talking about.
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23 Apr, 2024 by D p
16 Nov, 2023 by Adam garrant
Darryl and his team fought hard for a great outcome and kept me home with my child. Very tentative and always answered all of my needs. Would recommend
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30 Oct, 2023 by Maelynn pauling
Darryl is a compassionate attorney who gets things done!
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19 Jan, 2017 by L
Anyone reading this review should consider the source when reading the previous person's review…. Derek Koehler is one of the most excellent public defenders I, myself (or anyone requiring free representation) could ask for. Yes, it's true, if you sporadically attempt to contact him or wait until the last minute before going to court, then your chances of speaking with him personally may be slim. That being said; it clearly states on his voicemail that the best way to contact him is through email & if you heed that advice, he is very prompt & responsive. This man literally represents entire communities in the state of Alaska & I am not surprised that he doesn't go out of his way to contact or call back every single defendant he represents. If you don't want to deal with the hassle & inconvenience of attending court hearings, spending hundreds of dollars in fines & court fees or facing the negative consequences of the results of your actions, then I highly suggest NOT BREAKING THE LAW. Go figure, right!? I hate to be the bearer of bad news; but criminal activity, poor decision making, negligence & lack of common sense MAY result in unpleasant legal consequences such as but not limited to; incarceration & an unnecessary loss of time & money. In closing, my recently closed case could not have been handled any better, nor could there have been a better end result if I had hired an attorney and spent thousands on a retainer alone. Mr. Koehler is an exceptional public defender & any defendant who cannot afford their own representation would be lucky to have him.
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17 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
I received Derek as my attorney and called him and left messages on a daily basis for 2 months. Not only did he NEVER call me he was never present in court for me 4 times. The same kid was there that told me Derek was "Swamped with 120 cases" and did not have any time to deal with my case and he would just "continue" my case again just like he did the last 4 times. This was after I spent $235 and flew in from out of town for a trial call that I was told by the hack that I did not even need to be present for! I can't wait to see what else my phantom "attorney" has done for me! I have shown up for court 4 times and was always told by someone else Derek was "In court" somewhere else and would not be there and my case needed to be continued!
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28 Feb, 2024 by C m
They don’t answer calls, don’t return messages. They don’t maintain open communications with victims about future court dates and the nature of court dates. Asked whether they did any kind of background check on the perpetrator prior to offering a joke of a plea bargain for assault, they claimed they did one and did not turn up any record. Yet I found half a dozen examples of reckless prior conduct using a free background check service (JudyRecords). How is it I was able to find half a dozen prior records, with the same name, same date of birth, in a state the perpetrator previously lived in, and the same general type of behavior (reckless disregard for the safety of other people)? The district attorney’s office refused to fingerprint the perpetrator of assault, a process which would have yielded information answering the question of whether the perpetrator had ever been arrested previously using the same name or an alias. How can they offer a plea bargain or sentence a defendant without knowing for sure whether the perpetrator has a prior criminal record? A prior record is the very thing that establishes whether conduct is part of a pattern. Because the district attorney would not do this on their own volition, we asked this question in open court and judge Browning himself also acted like this assault case was as trivial as Jay-walking, saying he has nothing to do with police and district attorney matters, at which point the district attorney stood up and said they already talked to us about this. Thus far, I am not impressed with our Just-Us system.
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08 Feb, 2023 by Pheakie music
They are doing a great job handling a high volume of things. They are bringing us justice. #justiceforhazlee
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19 Mar, 2021 by Sue ellen montes
The secretary us the only contact for the DA. Lines of communication should be open more.
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03 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
We hired Elizabeth for a child custody case. From the moment we hired her, she gave us advice that was harmful to our case. She consistently tried to lengthen phone calls and rewrite documents in order to run up the bill, but not once did we feel she did something that was in our child’s best interest. She will tell you “ it should work” or “it should be okay,” but there is no action behind it. The other parent’s attorney walked all over her. By the time we realized she was not working our case and making progress, thousands of dollars were spent and it was too late to get another attorney. My teen daughter who was so hopeful for a change, became hopeless when nothing changed and Elizabeth did not fight for her voice to be heard.
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08 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
She is absolutely the worst public defender. Does not stay in contact or explain legal strategy with client. ( I doubt she has one ) she refuses to file motions that are requested for example a bail review. We had to contact someone else in the office and had them schedule a bail review. Even the other public defenders said they were sorry we had her for an attorney. When the court date arrived she didn't even know her client had a bail hearing. This case has been open for over a month and the evidentiary hearing is in one week; she has yet to speak to witnesses and has only spoken with her client 3 times. If you get her I would suggest requesting a new attorney. I would not give her one star but it is mandatory. Hope this helps.
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FAQs
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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.
