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18 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
I had an issue with medications that Mike immediately recognized and had experience with. He was able to take care of my case in a diversionary manner and I was satisfied with the result considering the severe penalties I could have incurred.
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24 Jan, 2020 by Jovany
It was my first time getting a DUI, pretty scary feeling a friend recommended Michael to me and it was a great decision to hire him on. He was very knowledgeable about situations like these, gave me all the information i needed to get started, especially for my restricted license. He got everything resolved in two court days and got my DUI reduced to negligent driving. I would definitely recommend Michael to others!!!!.
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20 Nov, 2019 by Sam
Even when things got a little sticky in my first time DUI case, Mike knows the right things to bring up and knows how to handle what gets thrown at him. I’m impressed by the confidence, composure and knowledgeability. He knows the right people, which is the biggest name of the game because if you don’t, you don’t have a defense. I’m thoroughly content with how he handled my case and if you are in the south sound area I would strongly advise to at least consult with the guy. At a fair price I doubt there are much better options. My only problem was lack of communication within his own office. I wasn’t able to get ahold of him as much as I would’ve liked to (since he’s busy handling business), and it seemed like one of his representatives didn’t have as much experience but Mike still handled it well.
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08 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Russ took my case and used his expertise to ease my anxiety about the legal process, explain in great detail specifics in terms I could understand and ultimately win my complicated case. His research, and ability to examine all details was impeccable. My case was one that many felt had no chance of winning but Mr. Russ was able to. Hands down an amazing lawyer, one I would highly, highly recommend.
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15 Aug, 2009 by D
Merry does a great job and is a good value.
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18 Sep, 2024 by Melissa
I hired Chelsea to assist me with a traffic ticket. She handled the case very quickly and was able to have the ticket reduced and not appear on my driving record! I would definitely hire her again!
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13 May, 2024 by Anonymous
I consulted with her and spent $200 for her legal advice. After taking my $200 which would have been applied to a retainer- she never called me, sent me a retainer, and basically ghosted me. I have a very basic family law issue and not sure why she took my consult money just to ghost me. Unprofessional, rude, and a scam!
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08 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
I hired Chelsea for my family law matter. She has always communicated clearly, quickly, and made sure to take the time to explain everything that was happening. She also made sure to keep me informed of all possible outcomes. She showed compassion, patience, and sympathy for my situation and I truly felt like she cared about me and my family. In the courtroom, she was professional and courteous towards everyone and stayed calm and cool under pressure. I feel like she was always prepared for every possibility. I highly recommend her!
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25 Feb, 2022 by Jk
Donna and her staffs have been very responsive with my uncontested divorce proceedings of my Vietnamese ex-wife who left me outright 6 months after she got her US Citizenship. I researched online and interviewed divorcees on the pricing bracket, and it was within the range. I must admit I asked little too many questions and repeats for me to be sure and understood were what piled up the bill. If I had enough confidence in myself, knew for sure that the divorce would be uncontested, and easily communicate with ex-wife directly, I would go to different direction for half less in total expenses or lesser in by doing the other way. I choose Donna because she was two out of five lawyers that responded right away, is local, near Costco, expert, good reviews, and was referred by Employee Assistance Plan (Magellan Ascend). I will utilize her service again as needed. On the few silly minor downsides: seems staff turnover seems to be high during the pandemic, one staff charged annoying 0.05 hour of service but bill as 0.1 hour to round to the nearest tenths, staff got my email wrong first few times by using gmail.com instead hotmail.com, and Donna didn’t graduate with law degree in WA State at least she was certified to practice law in WA with law degree outside WA state.
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01 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
I cannot put into words how horrible my experience was with this law firm. I had never had to hire a lawyer before so I did not know what to expect, but I should have paid attention to the red flags I had from just the intake call. Made an appointment to talk with Donna, desk associate had to call back because she had not written down my name. Go to pay the cashier and even after an email asking for the receipt they said I would receive, but didn't, still didn't get one. Received my papers to sign via an app called DocuSign and 4 times they had me signing in the wrong place and I had to do it again. I had an uncontested- open and close- divorce case. I was quoted 1,500 with a retainer of 3,000. I wasn't told I would be assigned to C. Tucker and not Person, whom I'd spoke to, but I didn't initially mind, until I had to call back a week after I signed on to even get the name of who my lawyer would be. Then for the appointment I made to speak with her for the first time, I had to call in an hour later because she'd forgotten to call me. From there the list goes absolutely bonkers of questions I wasn't asked, questions she refused to answer, paperwork that was filled out with wrong information on paperwork that they didnt explain, to Losing the info I'd sent multiple times, to charging for 20 mins of actual 5 mins of phone conversations. She charged me for every mistake they had to go back and fix. It was only after 3 email threads I CC'd to Person of the mind-boggling incompetence and the fact that Tucker spend 400$ of my money sending a server to my ex, that was admitted by Person that it was a waste of time and money, did Tucker get fired. Donna then took on my case herself and finished the almost complete job, but absolutely refused to make things right with the money the person she hired squandered. Stating she had to eat the 600$ of work she had to do. So a total of over 3,600$ was what it costs to get an uncontested divorce. Save yourself in incredible and expensive headache and just RUN!
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25 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
I am going through a divorce with someone who doesn’t want one, in emergency situations where I’ve felt trapped, in danger and controlled she has stepped in and been responsive along with her staff to protect not only me but my girls. I am thankful I hired her and to have her and her staff who quickly respond and together address all issues to keep us as safe as possible.
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15 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
Greg Webley is nothing but a big fat liar and a thief I hired him to take on my case. He kept asking for more money. He took on my case and worked against me!! He's a hot headed con! He lied to my face and said he was all for me until we were in the court room then he worked against me! Hire him if you want to get locked up, dis respected, have your bank account emptied by Mr.Webley and lied to over and over!!!!! You would get a better attorney out of a Cracker Jack box!!!!!!
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13 Apr, 2015 by Damian
We met with him to do a contested adoption in which he stated he did so the time But that was definitely not the truth. After taking $8000 from us he had nothing to show for the money except he filed a petition for adoption. Webley and his assistant continually dodged our calls and emails until finally i went down to his office and demanded an update. He informed me he was out of money and needed more to continue so we asked for an invoice for all the money we had already given him. He said he would need a week or two to put an invoice together (fabricate one more likely). Don't make the same mistake we did.
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11 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
Greg did great by me and my children. He is very no nonsense and will tell you exactly what you need to hear-on another note his secretary will tell you her entire life story, loudly and non-stop, it was the only downfall of Greg. I will also recommend Greg to anyone I know although I will advice them that Jacki is hard to handle sometimes....she seems to forget its about the client and not about her stories
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14 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Robinson for a custody agreement. He said it would be a quick case. We agreed on the payment schedule and I paid every month as agreed. When the case took longer than he figured it would be he became harder and harder to get in touch with. He did nothing in court. I technically won my case but lost alot of time with my child and child support payments to me dropped drastically. Then he stopped cashing my checks. He sent me to collections for 3x what he billed me for. I'm still paying the collections agency years later.
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26 Mar, 2015 by Thankful
Terry Robinson is part man, part amazing. When my husband's ex-wife decided she didn't want to return our daughter after a scheduled visit she filed for an emergency hearing to be allowed to keep her without a single shred of evidence while we lived in another state and could not respond in person. He briefed himself on our case with only 30 minutes notice, rushed to represent us in the hearing, and got the erroneous motion thrown out and our daughter was returned the next day under the order of the judge. There are no words good enough to express how thankful I am to this man for being there for us in our time of need. He is worth his weight ten fold in gold. Thank you Terry!
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23 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
When Mr. Robinson took over my case, things immediately started to change for the better. He is professional, competent, and he cares about his clients. Each time he has advocated for me, the matter was resolved. In this particular matter, he represented me in a custody dispute and child support order. He's defended me amidst multiple false allegations and ALL were dismissed. I find that if you are forthcoming with him, you get the best results. If you have any legal matter, I recommend Mr. Robinson. He's your man!
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08 Jun, 2022 by Amy
Dennis casey was supposed to file adoption papers soon as signed papers. Never did. I opted out the adoption. Never answered my calls until I found his email online and made a paper receipt. He and the supposed adoptive parents called cps on Me. But by the Grace of God cps only is requiring me to do an agreed family services instead of dragging me thru court. He's behind a scheme and hurting families. Be careful!!!!
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31 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Dennis did an adoption for my husband and I and it was nothing but a wonderful experience. He walked us through the entire process from top to bottom and even called us afterwards to see how we had adjusted to life as new parents. He is now working on a will for us. I highly recommend this attorney to anyone!
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14 Nov, 2015 by Mike
Dennis did my bankruptcy. He was very caring and helpful and made the process go smooth. A year later he did my moms divorce and also had a great experience. He is fast and very easy to talk to. Several years later my grandfather past away and left grandma with lots of debt. Dennis help grandma keep her dignity while going through the bankruptcy process. Dennis is a great and the best!
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07 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
Absolutely the worst. Terrible Attorney, Terrible communication, Terrible Service. I always felt sorry for his paralegal Anika, as she for sure carried the burden and brunt of his workload and kept him in business.....AWFUL ATTORNEY!!!!! Total Rip Off also - what a waste of money - Bradshaw was embarrassing in court. He always tried billing us for things in excess also of what he actually did. Disgusting.
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07 Oct, 2017 by Daniel
I was in bad vehicle accident! Mr.Bradshaw and his team were so great in handling all my bills. He was very true to his word and a very professional! Thank you so much Mr.Bradshaw for settling my case!!!
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18 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
The Slayer would not return any phone calls every time you would contact him every time it goes to voicemail then when I paid for him the $2,500 he told me he would let me know when he would go over that amount and never did and charging me extra money all this lawyer is he just wants money he did nothing for my case my divorce case and now I don't even get custody of my child and my ex has ruined my life I would never recommend this lawyer
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03 Apr, 2011 by Eric watson
In 2004 I hired this attorney because the DAC attorney insisted I was to plea out the first day I saw him. I had met Mr. Greene months before this date and discussed things with him. He seemed to be knowledgeable. I called him and discussed the case with him, asked him if he had done this type of case before and he said yes. Asked him to motion to suppress evidence because the search warrant was too broad. This was denied and was forced into an Alfred Plea on ten counts. I found out later he avoided the motion to suppress (as he changed the subject which made things confusing) and had never done a case like this, and, in a supreme court decision the ten should have been a one count. Mr. Greene was not honest with me and buddied up with the Pros Atty the day the Alfred Plea was accepted. He even denied me the chance to review the physical evidence as the pros atty refused to show it.
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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:

  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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