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09 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
They hang up on . They rob you of your money . Tried to get info on my case they put you threw a rigmarole and can’t get the job done . Secretary is terrible no customer service skill
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26 Apr, 2015 by William
This is an actual client writing. I had an easily winnable case but he gave me false information that lead to a conviction. I will even give a breakdown: I was in a friend's car who had drugs in it. No drugs were found on or around me, only in the car (obviously, my friend's drugs). Reilly advised me to take what's called a stipulated trial where Reilly said the judge is supposed to read the police report and base his judgement off of that. The judge DID NOT read the police report (in fact, he brought a separate defendant with a completely different case for judgement) and I was found guilty. So I appealed the case and when it came time for actual trial, he tricked me into withdrawing the appeal because "enough time had passed without me getting in trouble, I should have gotten a default judgement that I would get acquitted". However, this did not happen and now I have a drug charge on my record that I should not have. He wanted to do the least amount of work possible and basically stole $2000 from me. DO NOT USE THIS ATTORNEY FOR ANY CASE.
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28 Aug, 2014 by Matthew
I was convicted, unjustly, of a Misdemeanor 1 in the State of PA. Reiily did not know the laws or the consequences of the conviction. He told me that I would be able to have my gun rights reinstated at the end of my probation. It was all a lie!
Do not use this shyster. he will not go the extra mile to have you exonerated and do not trust him to know the laws.
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21 Apr, 2011 by Anonymous
Only knowing of the accused charge, he was only set on me taking a plea deal without even asking for the details of the arrest which was unlawful. Did not keep me informed of a bench warrent for my arrest. Will do less work as possible.
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19 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
He was on my husband case for about 1 year and when I say he did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING… only time he answer your phone calls or questions is if it’s money involved he has a nasty attitude along with a smart mouth you literally have too stalk this man just too get a simple reply..His office looks like a hole in the wall and it doesn’t have a pleasant smell I don’t see how this man was a lawyer for all this time he’s HORRIBLE I would not recommend hiring him oh he even was suspended for fake signatures of one of his clients bail Look it up if you don’t believe me…..
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07 Mar, 2015 by Pissed
Mr Chisholm
At first seem to be very good. That is until he showed up late to every court case . Atleast two of the Times my case was postponed was because of him then he charged me extra for the the case lasting so long. Long story short, he beat the case but i had 4000 confiscated from me.he told me to sign the money over to him because it made it easier to get back the money and insure that he would get paid his cut once he got it back.well it's been two years i have not received a dime of my money. I haven't received a court date and he will not return my calls. I read another review that he did this to another women .I going to get another lawyer and sew Mr Chisholm for my money if this had happened to you contact me
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21 Apr, 2016 by Maxine
This guy is a joke and needs his license revoked! I learned about him after his office sent out a postcard advertising his services which he receives a list of new defendants from the court's to throw his fishing line at. Well I caught the bait.... He made everything sound good to get my money! I signed over my bail money to him $3,500! For a pre-trail and that was it! He never had a consultation with me and got to court and tried to wing it, embarrassing me and himself. I decided to fire him and ask for a refund. He refuses to sign over my bail money and on top of it he has a nasty attitude and is very unprofessional. DO NOT PAY HIM A DIME OR SIGN OVER ANYTHING. HE WILL NOT WORK FOR YOU!!!!
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10 Jan, 2015 by Harry
I paid Lorusso to represent me in a case.. At a hearing, judge gave him six weeks until next hearing
to submit required paperwork. I called him twice during that period to remind him about the paperwork.
He made no effort to get that paperwork. I was sent to jail for thirty days. After getting out, I terminated him, and got representation from Public Defenders. My case was subsequently dismissed and dropped
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24 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
THIS ATTORNEY IS VERY LAZY, AND UNRESPONSIVE. YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF DOING THE WORK THAT YOU HAVE PAID HIM TO DO AND CONSTANTLY CALLING AND ASKING THE SAME QUESTIONS OVER AND OVER AGAIN WITH NO REPLY. HE AND HIS SECRETARIES WILL ALSO GIVE YOU THE RUN AROUND WHEN YOU HAVE A PRESSING CONCERN, BUT REST ASSURED WHEN TIME COMES TO REMIT A PAYMENT, YOU CAN TRUST THAT THIS ATTORNEY WILL BE PRESENT. DO THE NECESSARY RESEARCH TO FIND A MORE SUITABLE ATTORNEY, AND DON'T ALWAYS BELIEVE WHAT YOU READ ABOUT A PERSON UNTIL YOU'VE TAKEN THE TIME TO DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH. SAD TO SAY THIS WAS MY EXPERIENCE, AND THIS ATTORNEY WAS NOT HELPFUL AT ALL. THE SERVICE HE PROVIDED WAS VERY POOR.
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07 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
On Saturday April 3, 2021 my husband and I met with Mr Nero to discuss immigration concerns. We paid him $2270. He told us that he would submit the paperwork and on Monday we should hear something from immigration. When we didn’t hear anything we reached out to him. His response was that he needed more information. The question was asked, when was someone going to reach out to us. He immediately stated that he no longer ants to represent my husband because already here is a problem, just by asking a simple question. Ok we asked for a full refund. Mr Nero took $100 from us for what he claimed was consultation fee of which he never discussed during our meeting.
He is a rip off and a scam. Do not use this person. He will find a way of getting put of doing the job then take your money. I hope he gets caught one day. He has apparently done his to other people. Read the reviews on him
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01 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
Discussed issue , supplied documents and paid $3500 which he stated it would cost to resolve my real estate issue. Over a period of six to seven months I texted, emailed and made phone calls. Finally, I made an office visit and was told , “$3500 was used up and it cost $5000 more”.
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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.
