>1.1k
experienced lawyers
Filter by
23 Aug, 2017 by Hugh jass
The lawyer would be better placed in a circus, he is a clown. When it came to light the people whom hit my vehicle were undocumented from Mexico, he told us he could not work with us,
Read more
29 May, 2014 by Nick
Mr. Bustamante was absolutely fantastic with my case. He devoted so much time and energy into my case I am forever grateful for what he has done for me. I would recommend Mr. Bustamante to anyone who wants a hard working lawyer on your side he is fantastic.
Read more
11 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
We hired Dan back in June of 2013 to defend our son for criminal charges he was facing. The law office was refferred to us by a family member, and Dan was assigned to our case. From the beginnning, he was very compasionate about our situation and explained to us what our son was looking at, what the options were, and what steps we needed to take. He took charge of the case and I never had to worry about what was going on. I knew he would work as hard as he could for us. I asked that he contact me weekly via text message, phones calls, or email to provide me status updates. He provided me his personal cell phone and I was able to text him at any time and he would get back to me timely. He never hesitated to provide, even if he had none. He conducted numerous interviews via phone and in person with people that could help my sons case. My son was possibly facing years in prison, but in the end only served 2 days in jail thanks to Dan and all his hard work. I was never a believer in Attorneys and felt it was a waste of money. But Dan proved me wrong. He cared about us, and fought to save my sons future. Thank you DAN KAFFANA!
Read more
26 Dec, 2012 by Anonymous
Kaffana failed to file certain time sensitive court documents and Kaffana stated he did file them. He failed to timely submit a subpoena and he wrote in incorrect information for the subpoena. Kaffana never attached the transcript/evidence needed for an appeal submitted to the Court of Appeals. The CoA threw out the appeal solely because there was not the transcript/evidence needed for the Opening Brief of the appeal. He has lied to my Ex's counsel and stated I was difficult to reach when I had been emailing Kaffana and made several phone calls with voicemails left at his office. He withdrew as my lawyer because he stated he could not get a hold of me for 30+ days, which was false. The State Bar is investigating this matter. He has detrimentally ruined my life for my kids and I.
Read more
23 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
He did a good job with case, and because he did what he did I got helped. But, he was hired by me, with my money, paid out of money I got from the sale of my house and an acre lot I owned, but basically did my parents bidding. Maybe he believed they were actually making the payment, which they weren't, that's why most lawyers won't accept payment from anyone but their client.
As far as the law, he was great, he was prompt, not too expensive, not cheap. He got the case dismissed. Legally, he was fine, I am just very unhappy with how he was paid by me but not working for me, and I was his client.
Read more
17 Dec, 2015 by Rick
Brian is a nice guy. He was always easy to reach. He advised me well. I was guilty of a crime and the sentenced negotiated was favorable.
Read more
13 May, 2013 by Anonymous
My childrens father was represented by Mr. De La Torre recently...as a public defender im totally aware he works for the state, but I feel he definitely could have worked harder for his client. He put noone other than myself & his client on the stand, not a character witness...noone else. There was clear cut discrepencies in the manner of how evidence was obtained, and witnesses reports to police and their given testimony. But clearly the most important legal matter he didn't tell his client, and that was if he lost this case, under A.R.S. 13-604.12 (B) that his client would serve no less then the presumptive sentence because he was already on probation. (Probably important to advise ur client on!!) However he did tell me & his client not to mention any time frame to the jury or on the stand regarding possible sentencing as it would be declared a mistrial.
Read more
16 Mar, 2022 by Mike
22 Jun, 2020 by Sky boles
Man was so rude he couldn't wait to get off the phone and didn't listen to what I was saying before I finished saying it, two sentences. I asked him a basic procedural question that he said he couldn't answer unless he reviewed my entire case. Whether you can file an appeal in bankruptcy is universal and procedural, it doesn't change "depending on your case". don't waste money on these idiots, they can only lose for you.
Read more
19 Sep, 2019 by Immortal scorpion
14 Jun, 2024 by Anali
you have no compassion for the families affected.
You’re rude and inconsiderate.
You should have chosen a different career path.
you seem full of hate and anger.
i pray you find peace.
Read more
05 Jun, 2023 by William
This attorney has to be one of the worst, most GHETTO, ratchet attorney's iv ever seen in my life. His mannerisms and attitude is as if he is still living his street life from his "Hood" and is an absolute disgrace. Never hire this man he will insult you and thinks he is better and above you, especially if you are not of negro decent.
Read more
25 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
Very incompetent and disrespectful to his clients, qualification is rather very questionable
Read more
26 Mar, 2024 by Odessa pike
Worthless didn't even have the guts to show his face at my brothers sentencing today, didn't give the judge all the reference letters. Lied to my brother who is ill and totally confused as to why he had no legal representation in court as they took him into custody. Bet he shows up to collect the check for defending him though. This man needs to be disbarred. If you hear the name Tyrone Mitchell run as fast as you can and get another lawyer, don't listen to or take this frauds advice.
Read more
20 Feb, 2024 by Christa garman
He is not helping a friend of mine. He lied to the defendant and to the judge. He isn't helping anyone, but himself for the money. Please if you get the guy ask for someone else immediately. There has been recording of all the conversations between Tyrone and the other person about their conversation and he still sits there and lies won't send anything over to be looked at before signing any paperwork. This guy is a piece of work and everyone needs to report him to the Arizona State Bar Association.
Read more
24 Oct, 2023 by Sherrie castillo
Tyrone was assigned to my son's case as a public defender. He told us to give him any questions or information that would help him get my son out of jail. He refused to use any information that we gave him, and he didn't call any of us up as witnesses. He said he didn't want to look like he was picking on the"victim". In the end, my son went to prison because this man wouldn't do his job. If you get assigned him, request another lawyer immediately.
Read more
03 Jun, 2019 by Chad
I gave Kevin SPECIFIC instructions to contact my aunt while I was in jail if he needed to contact me. He did not listen to my request and it cost me just under $1,900 to have a letter produced because of him not following my request. There's a lot of detail to this story no doubt, but bottom line I paid that much for a letter and because of that I was at my hearing ALONE!! What a joke this firm is! I had a meeting to discuss with his business partners and one of their comments was if I wasn't in jail it wouldn't have cost anything! YES, the nerve to say something like this. If it wasn't for people like me in jail he wouldn't have a damn salary!
Read more
28 Jan, 2008 by Anonymous
He is overworked and does not make time for every client. Told me I was going to prison and he might get me 10 years. Got mandatory probation.
Read more
30 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
Immediately, 0 stars is the most appropriate number of stars he deserves but it is impossible to leave 0 stars. I was a indigent client and the court appointed John McBee as my Pro Bono attorney. I am confident in saying it was the best news the prosecution received that day. I was incarcerated at Perryville Women’s Prison and was determined to change my lifestyle. I had made incredible strides in turning my life around including being accepted onto the Perryville Female Firecrew when new charges were brought against me. John McBee promised to file a motion to have me returned to the prison to secure my position on the fire squad. This would also make it possible for me to continue my drug rehab classes and other social skills classes I was involved in. The motion was never filed. This was just one out of several instances that he never followed through with. Most of the time when I had a question his message box was full and it was impossible to leave a message or question. When I did manage to get through to his secretary and leave a message, he never returned my phone calls. He ignored several emails and phone messages from my father that I had given permission for John McBee to contact. And again, very often a full message box. He came to the jail twice and I was in the jail for just short of 6 months. He never asked for a written statement of my side of the events in question to look for discrepancies in the police report. My parents hired a private detective, he didn’t return the private investigators phone calls. These calls and notes from the private investigator were imperative to my defense. John McBee needed to go over the numerous errors from the police report and obvious holes in the case. The couple of times John McBee did speak to the private investigator he promised to meet him in person! This never happened. The pleas he kept showing me in court were not only ludicrous, they were never even close to an acceptable plea, especially considering the changes I had made and actual actions of proof that I was turning my life around. In my opinion he is definitely inept and shouldn’t be practicing law at all. He is an inadequate, unresponsive and bottom line a terrible criminal defense attorney for anyone. He will look you in the eyes and lie. He has very limited communication skills. Actually screamed in the phone at my mother for questioning his plan of action. He might as well of worked for the prosecution. My parents had to hire a private attorney to take over my case. Within a month my case was taken care of with the concurrent sentence I had asked John to get.
Forewarned is forearmed!
Read more
15 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Please get another lawyer. He does NOTHING for his clients. He will not return my calls or email me back. He failed to tell me my court dates and now I have a warrant.
Read more
05 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
This lawyer is a joke. He doesn't take any initiative with his cases; he refuses to look into anything I've brought to his attention regarding my discovery, & he blatantly ignores my attempts to contact him. Even members of my family tried to get in contact with him about my case & he ignored them too. When I bring the things he's neglected to do to his attention, he'll outright lie about ignoring my attempts to contact him & he will just make up anything he can to make himself look like he's not completely disregarding my case & me as a person. After all of my court dates, he has always come up with some excuse as to why he can't stay & discuss my case with me. A few mornings he literally RAN AWAY from me & somehow was able to disappear into an elevator before I even fully exited the courtroom. I wouldn't even wish this kind of representation on my worst enemy. If you ever happen to be unlucky enough to get represented by this "lawyer", I would suggest that you do everything in your power to get new representation, & that you do it very quickly.
Read more
01 Nov, 2023 by Candace
Tyrone Mitchell is a private attorney that has a contract with the courts to be a public defender for individuals that can not afford private legal counsel but all he does for the courts is put all of their clients in prison. This has been going on for years and there are so many other private attorneys that does this in Arizona. No wonder why Arizona have one of the top incarceration rates in the United States. Tyrone didn’t cross examine any witnesses, never asked to get my husband case dropped. Or lessen his charges. The DA dropped some charges and Tyrone never asked. He will let you miss court and will give you wrong court dates. Tyrone needs his license took and if anyone feels the same way please email me at
Read more
22 Jan, 2023 by Paul
Tirone Mitchel is a worthless peice of work. He is a useless layer unless you are on the apposing side then he is ok!!!! He will lie to you, if he even answers you!! When he does nt answer you he is probably hindering your case like he did mine!!! I tried to get a hold of him to find out if I could go into a rehab to mitagate my charges while out on bond without forfeiting my bond and he burnt me!!!!! Get a new layer!!!!
Read more
08 Oct, 2021 by Ryan
Tyrone will not call the client nor return phone calls. Voice mailbox is full and there is a error when you text the number. No communication with the client. Total disregard for the client.
Read more
17 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
This Attorney represented me on a criminal matter that took over two years. He was paid over $300.000.00, and to this day I was never given a statement. And the worst part, I took a plea. This is not a case that went to trial. I was made so many promises, I never even thought to talk with another Attorney. Very dumb on my part. I even found out later, while sitting in prison, that Mr. Dichter is not even recognized by the State Bar as a criminal specialist. Every time I went to court for a continuance, this Attorney was more interested in shaking the hand of the investigator than mine. The bottom line, talk to several Attorneys, don't just listen to the promises of one.
Read more
05 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
This attorney represented me in a criminal matter. This attorney received over $300,000 to represent me during a two year period. Such a joke. First of all, hire a lawyer who is a specialist in that field. Steve is not a certified specialist in criminal defense. He always had lots of promises.
Read more
10 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
She advised me during a Criminal sex offense charge. She more or less held my hand thru the process....Offered little advisement as she was referred by the Maricopa County Area Defense Agency. Personal consultations were less than 10 minutes....Office staff did not follow up with messeges. I felt she did not vigorously fight my case as she went along with the Prosecutor. Did not explain strategy in my case. Did not initially review the police report with me...She was very quiet and I felt lazy in the whole process. I would not recommend her to anyone. She did not explain my plea agreement thoroughly with me and did not know work furlough rules or jail procedures. She was very uninformed I observed. Very poor at answering phone calls. I would recommend her to be sanctioned against by the Arizona State Bar.....Very poor experience.
Read more
18 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
She is extremely knowledgeable and helpful if wants to be. She represented me three times, twice very effectively. (I was being stalked repeatedly by a troubled woman. And by the way, I have three MA degrees and a Ph.D; I'm not stupid here.) When I saw her for a third representation, she screamed at me in her office and threatened that if I didn't leave she would call the police and have me evicted/arrested. I have no idea why. Perhaps she was having a bad day, But it was the most unprofessional presentation I've ever seen If I were you, I would not trust her with my case.
Read more
22 Jun, 2015 by Rita
A friend of mine - wrongly convicted - received Kerrie as his court-appointed counsel for his appeal. What a joke. She filed a one-issue brief and didn't even correctly cite the record. If you know anything about appeals, you know that you can only further appeal the issues that were preserved. She preserved one out of the myriad of issues in the trial court, so now he's screwed. He said he received very little communication from her and he filed a motion to force her to withdraw, which was granted over 12 days ago now. The court ordered immediate withdrawal and transfer of the record items and she has yet to do so.
Read more
22 Jan, 2015 by Robert
I wanted a Rule 32 in my case. I filed the paperwork for a post conviction relief (Rule 32) and asked to be assigned a public defender to help me with my case. The judge granted the public defender request and assigned Kerrie Droban. The only contact I had was a single letter the office sent me saying she only does work by mail (snail mail) and wont do anything by e-mail or phone. I got to know nothing about what was going on...if anything. Then one day a random letter shows up saying Kerrie Droban's office cant find anything wrong with my case after they looked at the transcripts (this being 6 months after I 1st filed the rule 32 motion) . I understand getting transcripts, but that does not take 6 months. Plus that was not even the problem in my case. My probation officer lied in court, told the judge I had committed 1000 arsons when I have committed zero, not even my crime. My probation was violated because probation violated a court order and punished me for it. How hard is it to put in a motion to clarify, get a response, put in a motion to enforce, and make a judge understand I cant violate probation for doing everything the court says.
Read more
27 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
Jones if I could give no stars I would. He didn't talk to his defenders and does nothing to help there case I don't know how he has a job and does nothing. My boyfriend has been in jail long enough to get covid 19 and he is fighting his case going to trial. Yet he sits in there while he could be home . Says he put in a motion for redetermination over a week ago and has not done it. Family member leave voicemails and still nothing . He is not doing anything and to top it off my boyfriend is in the hole for being sick not for trouble and the cells are disgusting and gross. They give u nothing when he has a fever it's down right wrong. Jones is the worst.
Read more
03 Feb, 2013 by Roger
I found Jones Unscrupulous, Untrustworthy and Unwilling in every aspect. He never returned my calls and failed to make an appointment to meet with me until the day after I complained to the Judge. When he did commit to meet with me, he had his secretary call in sick for him, and failed to show. Jones later acted arbitrary and conspicious, to divert attention from his poor performance, by claiming his client (me) was incompetent to assist him in his (mis)representation. Jones is motivated by an undeclared self-serving agenda fueled by denying one's Consitutional Rights. Jones has no respect for Due Process of Law, nor Due Dilligence. I believe he has done everything to help the Prosecution, and nothing in my best interest. Thanks to Richard K Jones, I am placed in a Supervised Probation status stemming from a Booking Number that was assigned to someone of the opposite sex. I was never booked, nor arrested in this current matter. I have never been in prison, nor have I ever been on Probation in my entire life. I have not been convicted of any crime. In fact, I have never even been to trial, nor seen any Jury. Jones continues to slander me by claiming I am the one who is incompetent. However, I have no difficulty understanding that, my co-called representative has successfully forced me to serve a sentence far worse than I would likely have received by the Court had I gone to trial AND been found Guilty.
Read more
01 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
I hired Blake for a child custody case. I provided him with physical evidence, witnesses and trusted his advice. Once we got to trial, he did not call any witnesses to the stand, he advised against needing any more evidence than submitted and did not argue on key points in court. We lost due to not enough evidence submitted. He then informed of new direction to take that changed 180 degrees each consultation. He seemed disconnected to the case. His counseling seemed on however he felt at that moment not in the case overall. I would not recommend him not because we lost but because of the direction he took after the case. His direction forward not only failed but he rebuttal his own advise within 6 months after, which was far to late. He was also one of the more expensive attorneys I worked with. Which did not make a difference.
Read more
25 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
This attorney failed to inform us that our discovery period was when we were required to submit our witnesses and did not include the witnesses we had given him. He also advised us not to fight a partial summary judgment against us stating that it would be very difficult to dispute it and win. Naturally, we lost that part of the case. Once we reached our main trial, we found out that all of the arguments we were going to make were stricken from the record as they were arguments that should have been made in the partial summary judgment. In essence, the ill advise from our attorney sealed the deal for the other party. He also repeatedly wanted to "stay away" from arguments that would dispute the other parties claims or question their motivations. For this reason, we would have to say he was not tenacious at all. He obviously did not have the expertise in the area that we needed. We were fighting a termination of parental rights.
Read more
05 Oct, 2009 by Anonymous
Mr. Bustamante and his office are rude, don't do much work, and violate laws left and right. I am shocked nobody has complained about him yet. He refuses to get back in a timely manner. From my own experiences with this lawyer it seems he lies and cheats his way through court room proceedings.
Read more
30 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
She is afraid of public speaking in front of judge. She acts like a bad student that was caught in the middle of the misbehavior. Worse experience ever. I lost my WINNING case with her just because of her being nonprofessional. I would win my case if I represented myself. If you do not have other options, go to court room alone! Lenora, reconsider your trade! Go and become a cashier at WalMart! Seriously, please, do not mislead people so they may think you are a lawyer.
Read more
21 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
Hello, I hired Stephen Crawford and paid him to Represent a case for my son. He was the Lawyer for my son's case from MAY2020- JULY2021. During this time, Stephen Crawford didn't do any diligence. He rarely answered any of our phone calls, he didn't do very well at keeping us informed about the case, he didn't file very many motions or any paperwork, he only visited my son 1 time while he was in jail. He seemed to have very poor communication skills. He also, withdrew himself from the case without notice. The only way we found out he withdrew, is when my sons Public Defender informed us. In my opinion, I feel like he is very unprofessional. I have left him several messages letting him know that I need a refund of my money. He never responds, and hasn't responded so I had no other options, but to file a complaint. I feel like he took advantage of me and my son. He took our money and left us HIGH and DRY. Thanks
Read more
12 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr Austin Woods represented me and let his emotions take over and drug out the case. I really wanted to settle and he wouldn't let me. He made decisions on my behave that did not represent my best interests. I would not hire him again.
Read more
22 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
We contacted Mr Wood about two months ago regarding a business matter in the Tempe area. We talked both on the phone and via email. He had us send all the documentation regarding the issue and advised us he wanted to talk further on the matter. We patiently waited and after an additional several weeks reached out to Mr Wood at Baskin-Richards. Rather than talk to us on the phone, he emailed that he was not interested in helping us ! If he would have been upfront with us we could have been well under way with a competent attorney. Mr. Wood led us on that he was interested in handling our matter only to let us down.
Don't let David Wood or Baskin-Richards waste your time.
Read more
06 Aug, 2022 by Rakeal
I never go out of my way to write bad reviews at that, but I’m going to fight and fight to be heard! Krystal needs to be fired and I’m going to the attorney office Monday and making sure something happens, if not, they’re definitely covering her butt for some reason! She’s the reason domestic cases are escalating and people are getting hurt, women are getting hurt. I just think this women is not fit for her position what so ever. And like I stated before I am ready to fight to be heard about the ones who legit shouldn’t have authority. This is personal, this is for the safety of the people of Arizona. And start getting rid of the ones who are making the office look so bad.
Read more
18 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
If you're ready to go to prison you should go ahead and get Mr. Morris as your lawyer he will be so hard to contact. If your court gets vacated, he will not call you and let you know when your next court date is or that your court is being vacated. He will get you to throw out a plea to continue to go to trial and then leave you and your case without informing you that he's done working on your case and just leave you like a bad habit. I felt like he really wasn't concerned about my case as much as I am of course but I feel like I did all the footwork to prove my innocence and when he was called to be informed of what I have came across evidence-wise I never was able to really get a hold of him at all. Mr Morris might have been licensed for 32 years but I also see he doesn't have any reviews so pay attention to that people. And hopefully you come across a better lawyer than this one.
Read more
10 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
Under a definition for prosecutorial misconduct, corruption or liar , this man's name should be written. He gets paid by the people to lie, cheat, break court orders, use dirty tactics, completely insane behavior. No morals whatsoever, more then that, he will lie with no remorse. Stay away from this man as he will violate several court orders and also he would commit prosecutorial misconduct without consequences.
Read more
06 Jul, 2019 by Guilty until prover innocent
When case was made. I didn’t see this guy until the day of my court hearing. How is a case to be managed without at least one sit down and initial conversation of what happens and what the plan is or may be
Read more
06 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
He has no ethical values to help the innocent, sign a plea is all you will get, if you want to take your case to trial and know you can win, he will tell you he can't win sign away your rights is what you will get.
Read more
21 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
Greg failed my expectations of avid legal representation. He did not advise me AT ALL during my probation interview, and now I am still facing repercussions of the incident two years later, and will be for another two. He mistook my sentencing hearing for a pretrial hearing, so I went in the the sentencing with no preparation. He was overly confident in everything he said and prepared. Overall, if you want weak legal representation, go ahead and hire him. I likely would have been better off with a public defender.
Read more
22 Mar, 2012 by Anonymous
Petersen and his firm are horrible, they do not communicate about your case, it is almost impossible to speak with the attorney directly they push you off to a staff member. Does not work dillegently and is very good at procrastination. While my case was with his firm I was never updated as to where the case stood unless I made constant inquiries, as I began to become frustrated and threatened to fire them, they finally decided to work on my case and still made very little progress in extended periods of time. After firing the firm and finding a new attorney, I found out that they had lied to me about details in my case, there is no reason whatsoever to trust Petersen or his staff. They are lazy and could care less about their clients. I would never reccomend this firm, I would tell anyone to seek out a different attorney who will work for you and keep you informed, something this firm has great difficulty doing.
Read more
22 Sep, 2023 by Celeste
Jain handled my sons case. He did nothing to help me son. He called one witness and that witness was added 2 weeks before the trial began. He didn’t try to do anything. Come to find out his strategy was that the state needed to prove their case and he didn’t think they could. Do not use him for anything!
Read more
27 Jun, 2015 by Katherine
We were very disappointed in the handling of the case against Dustin Palen. This man had committed nonviolent offenses during the grips of his addiction. Immediately after he checked himself in to rehab and has 13 months sober now. We had provided endless documents proving his sobriety and his contribution to society. She was not willing to take any of this in to consideration and would only offer 8.5 years. We had two courts dates scheduled and she did not show up to either appearance and refused to respond to any correspondence attempted. I cannot express enough our dissatisfaction with this lawyer.
Read more
10 Mar, 2019 by Cheryl
I had Mr. Leather's represent me back in 2013 after my first lawyer said I would get a better outcome downtown at the superior court but I would have a different lawyer assigned which was when I got leather's. Every single month that I had him he never remembered my case let alone did any work on it to get charged reduced. I am a first time offender and never knew until I pleaded guilty to a crime that I was forced to commit (I passenger an Xbox I was renting from rent a center to pay rent a center) I never knew every month that I went to court if that was going to be the day they would throw me in jail, so with kids I made the decision to plead guilty. Well come to find out when the judge read me my charges I learned that I was being charged for furniture and a TV that rent a center DID come and pick up. I had no idea cuz in Mesa I told the other lawyer that all those things rent a center came and picked up and that I still had the pawn slip to get the Xbox out of pawn that I had no intentions on losing it and used the money i got from the pawn shop to pay rent a center cuz my abusive ex boyfriend forced me to do a temp loan on the gaming system "cuz it was an embarrassment to all his friends that they would take all our stuff back since we had it all for less than 2 weeks. I was in ministry at my church at the time and had gotten away from my ex, I had letters from character witnesses that was requested from leather's that he did absolutely nothing with. The prosecuting attorneys office refused to renegotiate my sentence as he did not present then with any of the facts or rebuttals. I boy only lost my dignity, but I lost my career as I was a CNA/pct/EMT because I am now a felon and lost my homes, cars, career, family everything because of the lack of proper representation. All he would say is "we're going to take it to trial" without explaining why he wasn't trying to go against the prosecuting office. I had no money to hire a different lawyer and if I knew then what I know now I wish I would have cuz now I owe over $7000 that after 5 years of probation that was only supposed to be 2 years and 120 hours of community service plus I have a DESIGNATED felony charge and 1 undesignated felony for "trafficking stolen property" and "theft" whereas I never even had a traffic ticket and have always been law abiding.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
