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20 Aug, 2024 by Allah sweatglands
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14 Aug, 2024 by Devin rose
Josh and his team are phenomenal.
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10 Jul, 2024 by Big4dre tv
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20 Feb, 2024 by Terry hollingshed
Woods and Woods,They know what they are doing. Just have patience and let them work their magic. THANK YOU WOODS AND WOODS!!
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19 Dec, 2023 by Maddy boling
Andy Wood Jr made my case easy and stress free. He made me feel comfortable and kept me in the loop about everything and we came out successful. 10/10 will recommend him to everyone!
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25 Jul, 2023 by Alex demoss
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17 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Negative 100 stars.Brian aka "George" only does his job if he's paid and if you are white. All he does is commit fraud upon the court and commits bribery. Any one that has any complaints should report him to the Virginia Bar Association. He threatens you if you don't plead guilty because Virginia has "Kangaroo Court" where you don't have any Constitutional Rights. And if you complain he lies and pays off the Virginia Bar to cover up his fraud. All the good reviews are fake and those are his cohorts . If I have my way Mr. Tacey you will be admonished and your license revoked for the fuckery you did with my case.
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09 Nov, 2023 by Kim
I am writing to express my utmost gratitude for the exceptional legal representation provided by Mr. G. Brian Tacey during my son's recent case. His professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcome truly set him apart. Mr. Tacey's attention to detail and thorough preparation were instrumental in securing a favorable resolution for my son. I wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Tacey for legal services to anyone in need of a dedicated and proficient attorney.
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13 Jun, 2023 by Porscha
I am blessed to have been in that cell that night even tho it was the worst day of my life, hearing those inmates yell your name out to represent me along with another female who was dealing with worse charges than I was but to be a single mother framed and cornered by 6 individuals I used self defense and one ran to the court because she didn’t get her way when police arrived which threw me in jail…fighting felonies and misdemeanor brandishing and attempt to kill, Tacey and his connections are UNMATCHED he knew what was going to happen in court before it happened!!! Very professional treats you like you are someone he’s known for years and may not contact you all the time but he’s working and he’s most definitely there when you call without a doubt!! He handles my case with care and when the individuals realized after my lawyer met with theirs CHARGES WERE DROPPED!! I’m not okay I have a restraining order for being innocent but I’m thankful my record is clean and I’m not behind bars! That’s all because of TACEY!!! He is the GO TO!! Worth the pretty penny! Thank you again and may god continue to bless you ❤️
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11 Sep, 2024 by Brian joseph
You truly get what you pay for, especially in legal representation. And if your kids mean enough to you you won't think twice about retaining Craig Sampson. A father in a custody battle in VA can be a bad position to be in and bring low expectations regarding the outcome. Craig is the best in the business hands down. Extremely well prepared and has a court presence second to none. He will shine for you if given the opportunity. His pre-trial performance stopped the opposition in their tracks so overwhelmingly, they withdrew the case prior to the actual trial. Where they were not prepared, he was and made that day the trial. The judge acknowledged every point and legal precedent he presented. I can't say enough to truly explain his skill sets and professionalism, but you can witness it yourself. Although this is business, I will be eternally grateful for what he did for me and my daughters ensuring we stayed as one, family.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Alan weinstein
I'm recently divorced, it was stressful time, my attorney Mellissa Vanzile was so professional and always to the point. She was always compassionate with me, knowing I was stressed out. When we went to the pretrial hearing, Melissa argued professionally to the Judge, and we were able to get him to side with Mrs. Vanzile and myself. Through this process, my ex-wife and I are still friendly and are able to talk freely with each other, I Owe a lot of that to Melissa, because of the way she handled our situation. Also, we have a daughter, son in law and a very special Grandson. My ex and I agree they are three people that are very important. During Holiday, birthdays and special events we will be able to stand in the same room together and especially school events with our Grandson. Agin this would not be possible without Melissia's help. Sincerely Alan W.
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27 Mar, 2024 by Tori atkins
Honest, fast, and gives you all of your options. I was referred to Melissa and refer her to everyone I know going through a tough divorce. She is amazing!
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11 Sep, 2024 by Brian joseph
You truly get what you pay for, especially in legal representation. And if your kids mean enough to you you won't think twice about retaining Craig Sampson. A father in a custody battle in VA can be a bad position to be in and bring low expectations regarding the outcome. Craig is the best in the business hands down. Extremely well prepared and has a court presence second to none. He will shine for you if given the opportunity. His pre-trial performance stopped the opposition in their tracks so overwhelmingly, they withdrew the case prior to the actual trial. Where they were not prepared, he was and made that day the trial. The judge acknowledged every point and legal precedent he presented. I can't say enough to truly explain his skill sets and professionalism, but you can witness it yourself. Although this is business, I will be eternally grateful for what he did for me and my daughters ensuring we stayed as one, family.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Alan weinstein
I'm recently divorced, it was stressful time, my attorney Mellissa Vanzile was so professional and always to the point. She was always compassionate with me, knowing I was stressed out. When we went to the pretrial hearing, Melissa argued professionally to the Judge, and we were able to get him to side with Mrs. Vanzile and myself. Through this process, my ex-wife and I are still friendly and are able to talk freely with each other, I Owe a lot of that to Melissa, because of the way she handled our situation. Also, we have a daughter, son in law and a very special Grandson. My ex and I agree they are three people that are very important. During Holiday, birthdays and special events we will be able to stand in the same room together and especially school events with our Grandson. Agin this would not be possible without Melissia's help. Sincerely Alan W.
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27 Mar, 2024 by Tori atkins
Honest, fast, and gives you all of your options. I was referred to Melissa and refer her to everyone I know going through a tough divorce. She is amazing!
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15 Dec, 2023 by Aqiyla willis
Linda Scott does not care about her clients. She deliberately told me and the family of my fiance' that she will not fight for him if he did not sign the plea agreement. She did not want to hear anything of his story. She didn't want to explain anything. She rushes you and will walk away when she is done talking or does not want to continue the conversation. She railroaded him and was obviously not on his side. Forget retirement, just disbar her with no type of severence. No telling how many people she has done this to. From other reviews, this was not her first time doing this.
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25 Sep, 2023 by Torrie gaye
Best around. Definitely won't find better. Years of experience and follows through.
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21 May, 2023 by Elizabeth smith
This man could not get his people to construct an appeal in a timely fashion. My son remains incarcerated. This man was selected by the Virginia State Bar to be of service to me. What a joke. Does not even deserve the star I selected to review him.
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07 Jan, 2024 by Nathan philype
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10 Oct, 2023 by Summer layton
This firm is filled with knowledgeable and attentive attorneys. I highly recommend.
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12 Jun, 2022 by Marvin greene
Highly unprofessional in all seriousness…
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21 Jan, 2022 by Elizabeth
Ms. Sossei is a badass attorney and I would highly recommend her! Very detail oriented and hard working! She will fight hard for you and never settles for less than. She never sugar coats anything and is always 100% honest when it comes to your case. She does not treat you like just another client or a file on her desk, she treats you like family!
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17 Jan, 2022 by Jasmine
We had an absolutely horrendous experience with Tammy Sossei. Do not waste a second of your time or money with her as your attorney! She failed to provide any basic guidance, strategy, or to adequately prepare us for what to expect come court day. She was some combination of disorganized, tardy, disheveled, and unprepared for every interaction. It was clear that the judges do not respect or think highly of her. Her assistant, Katie, is basically incompetent. For example, she sent the wrong settlement offer to the other sides attorney, her scanned legal docs were missing random pages, and she doesn’t understand how to transfer files between google docs and word. I regret ever allowing Ms. Sossei to represent us for such an important life matter. Do not trust her with your legal affairs. She (and in turn, you) will lose.
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02 Feb, 2021 by Beatrice
Nice, friendly, sweet until it was time to work. She dropped the ball. Big time. I should have googled and been better prepared for myself. What’s the point of a hired attorney right. Find someone better. Or worry you may miss something because your on your own. But if you want a great friendly personality. She’s it.
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04 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
I would not recommend her to anyone. She was not very interested in telling us what she could do with our case but was clear on telling us her hourly and retainer fee and had the nerve to add we could pay her more money to file a simple change order. Why would I hire you if I have to do all the work myself?!
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19 Sep, 2017 by Tom mckeen
Alison is an amazing attorney. She was prompt to respond to emails. She really cared about the case and most importantly her skills won my case. I would highly recommended her.
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16 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Allison is the best! Dealing with custody matters can be nerve-racking. When you are coping with a high conflict custody dispute on top of all it can become overwhelming. Allison took care of everything. We would not have kept our sanity without her. Allison kept us up to date and eased our anxiety. We hope we are never in this situation again but if we are, we know Allison is just a phone call away. It has been a positive experience working with Allison. She makes it easy for us to understand all the procedures that are involved, we appreciate all the work and effort she put in on working on our case. Weal enjoyed working with her. Thank you again for everything you are truly a part of our family!
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18 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Wes Simon was assigned to my (adult) child's case. I was feeling so helpless and lost in the jungle of jail rules, court rules, police rules - first time for my child being in jail - so very scary... Wes worked his magic and got their case finalized in a very short period of time. I'm so very grateful for his help!
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20 Feb, 2022 by Alex j alexander
I am a recovering addict, who had a relapse, and due to intimidation, I was eventually charged. He is an outstanding attorney and is spending a lot of time on this case. I'm in college and he has really helped with having the ridiculous charges reduced greatly. I was caught with nothing on me, but a lottery ticket with cocaine residue was in my room. It was not mine. I'm currently charged with possession and if convicted, he said I will be on probation. I have faith in this attorney and I know he is extremely aggressive to prove the truth at trial. I would definitely recommend his representation to anyone in a position like mine. He is also very experienced in civil law and has had very positive outcomes in court, and also has negotiated more than fair plea bargains for others.
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05 May, 2018 by Anonymous
Simon was responsive; but, as my court-appointed attorney, either clearly disregarded my concerns regarding conflict of interest in court, or was merely anxious to get my case out of the way. Following an attempt to have my bail posted at a bond hearing, Simon essentially scolded me for ‘knowing‘ (of) court staff (e.g. attorneys, deputies, judges), among other things, and then hastily made arrangements with the Commonwealth Attorney’s office to turn my bond hearing into trial.
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14 Mar, 2022 by Lc
Mr. Cosby was very compassionate and understanding in a case where he represented a family member in. He knew the law inside and out which resulted in the best case scenario outcome. He understood how this incident had impacted my whole family and went out of his way to help us all in any way that he could. I would highly recommend Mr. Cosby to anyone seeking a knowledgable attorney who will show compassion and fight for you in the court room. Thanks to Mr. Cosby and all of his staff for their assistance.
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27 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Yes my husband hired him and then here come kelvin who don't no what he doing I'm trying to get something done about this now I think they working together to scam people
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26 Jan, 2021 by Amayah
Mr. Cosby is very sincere and compassionate to his clients with one exception dont bs him be straight forward and the veteran will make sure you win the war, he is remarkably good his years of experience is verynoticable because if I didnt know better I would believe he read minds that's how in tune he is with his clients needs dont hesitate grab him now or never it's your freedom your choice but my choice is and always will be the "Honorable Great Goat Charles C Cosby Jr."
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17 Jul, 2024 by J
This guy didn’t even bother to show up for clients court date, which led to her incarceration. Useless
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13 May, 2024 by Bee
If you get this lawyer I feel sorry for you . Idk if it’s because we got him court appointed and he just thinks low of us but from the lady that answered the phone to anything about him they are very rude and care NOTHING ABOUT YOU ! Maybe if you pay him outta pocket things may be different but I’d definitely ask for another lawyer. Unless you enjoy extra charges , more time and being put places away from your family .
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05 Jun, 2023 by Karen cunningham
Theresa Rhinehart took my hard earned money and my Mother's, for TWO YEARS,during my awful divorce, she THEN, QUIT, in the courtroom the DAY I FINALLY WENT TO COURT!!!!! BECAUSE she was "intimidated" by my ex-husbands attorney!!!!! The judge went along with this Ludacris action by my attorney!!! Something needs to be done!!! So, I would give this "person" NEGATIVE 5000 on her reviews!!!! But then there is, KARMA....
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20 Feb, 2024 by Terry hollingshed
Woods and Woods,They know what they are doing. Just have patience and let them work their magic. THANK YOU WOODS AND WOODS!!
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19 Dec, 2023 by Maddy boling
Andy Wood Jr made my case easy and stress free. He made me feel comfortable and kept me in the loop about everything and we came out successful. 10/10 will recommend him to everyone!
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25 Jul, 2023 by Alex demoss
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20 Feb, 2024 by Terry hollingshed
Woods and Woods,They know what they are doing. Just have patience and let them work their magic. THANK YOU WOODS AND WOODS!!
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19 Dec, 2023 by Maddy boling
Andy Wood Jr made my case easy and stress free. He made me feel comfortable and kept me in the loop about everything and we came out successful. 10/10 will recommend him to everyone!
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25 Jul, 2023 by Alex demoss
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15 Aug, 2024 by James dolan
Doesn't know how to defend someone now my uncle is doing a year and six months, hopefully he can take time to appeal his case, he easily took his money.
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05 Aug, 2024 by Chris
Mr. Kevin Calhoun was referred to me by a friend he helped navigate a similar legal matter. From the moment I spoke with Kevin I felt a deep sense of reassurance that my case was in the best hands possible. Mr. Calhoun effortlessly navigated my legal options as well as various Richmond Courts. I was treated with dignity and respect when it mattered most because Kevin had my back. Kevin Calhoun-Case Dismissed!
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18 Dec, 2022 by Crystal
I was actually assigned Mr. Calhoun as a court appointed attorney, which in most cases, you get an over worked, under paid, jerk that couldn’t care less about you OR your case!! I had a different situation a few years back, where I was assigned an attorney, and the guy NEVER EVEN SPOKE TO THE COMMONWEALTHS ATTORNEY!! She said she couldn’t get in touch with him!! So she contacted my friend, (who had filed the charges against me), and she and he worked out a deal. Then, HE DIDNT EVEN SHOW UP FOR COURT!!! His excuse was that he “fell down the stairs”, and his secretary was supposed to call”. HA!! No one would answer the phone at his practice, because the Judge AND I, AND the C.A., all called him MANY times that morning looking for him, so I think he forgot about my court date!!! Then he LIED to the Judge about why he wasn’t there! (And for SOME UNGODLY REASON, I STILL HAVE TO PAY THAT ***HOLE!!! Anyway, when I was assigned Kevin, I was surprised at how on top of everything he was!! And stayed on top of it, and at the end of the year long probation, he was able to convince the Judge that the case should be dismissed, since I’d done EVERYTHING I was told to do by the courts!! Then, we had THOUGHT I’d be stuck paying a $750 Court cost, however, the Judge decided that I shouldn’t have to pay that fee, since I’d complied with everything they’d told me to do! Kevin called me throughout the year checking on how I was doing, etc. I would definitely hire Mr. Calhoun again!! He’s one of the good guys!
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03 Nov, 2016 by Casey
Russell was appointed by the courts and did an excellent job. I was given a suspended sentence on 2 grand larcenys.
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14 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
I met with Mr. Watson and ended up not hiring him. He spoke down to me, asked me questions but then interrupted me as soon as I started answering (he never got any answers by doing this) and told me I would lose my case. His whole attitude was very condescending. I walked out and hired another lawyer. Not only did my lawyer feel confident that I would win, but she won my case with very little effort!
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16 Nov, 2012 by Amanda
He represented me as a young adult when I had some legal issues. Since then I have recommended him to 4 friends and coworkers that hired him for their divorce. 15 years later, I still trust his judgement, hard work, and council for any legal issues I may have, including a current speeding traffic ticket.
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01 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
Very attentive lawyer, helped my husband witha DUI. Mr. Martelino got him his liscense back and helped a great amount. He is also Spanish Speaking, so that is helpful (although not to us, we are English speaking). The only thing that was annoying is he did not always answer calls, or call back quickly. Aside from that, I would recommend him to anyone!
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21 Nov, 2023 by Abraham bengu
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24 Oct, 2023 by Wanda carleton
Slow to help ppl because it takes a long time to get things done in the courts and judicial departments
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27 Nov, 2022 by Gail crews
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19 Feb, 2011 by Barbara
Mr. Windle and his office handled a speeding violation for my daughter and I felt that his handling of the case was professional from the beginning. Correspondence and telephone communication was timely and matter was resolved in a positive manner.
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08 Feb, 2011 by Anonymous
Mr. Windle did a great job of keeping me informed with my options in my case as well as letting me know the outcome of the offense I was charged with. He did a great job as my defense in court. He was very friendly and approachable when I had a question or was concerned with a particular issue in my case. I would be happy to use as well as recommend Mr. Windle to anyone.
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25 Oct, 2010 by Anonymous
What I have to say is better left unsaid regarding my experience with Mr. Robert Windle.
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20 Aug, 2023 by Randolph. p
Mr. Mcfeed Said he’s not just a lawyer he’s someone who cares about his clients and his clients family. Without any doubt he wants the best for his clients, and their family. He’s a true family man with a passion for justice a true fighter he’s a counselor, he’s advisor he’s a mentor his a life coach a motivator he’s very humble and respectful his spirit makes you relax and motivate . I first met Mr. Said when I was a young man 17 years ago he’s the same as he is today. I think him for helping me and my family start a fresh life and career. Mr. Mcfeed Said is a true warrior for justice and equality pound for pound his the best .
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01 Nov, 2018 by Casey lewis
Greetings all warriors in personal legal battles. As such, these things in our lives plague our ability to function, sometimes we are treated unfairly...etc. I was told by Mr. Said that Bc of my name, Which is "Casey", that I did not stand a chance of fighting my case. He instead completely ignored the work that should have been done in my case and took my money, only to become a traitor and later cozy up to the CA at the time. He also turned one of my best friends against me, ,and to this day I have never gotten beyond this. This person is evil. Do not hire him. For years I was ignorant to the fact that I could probably have appealed my sentencing due to his negligence. However, seeing that he has gotten in trouble TWICE in two different states brings up serious red flags. He does not care at all about the wrongly accused, he is looking to work on his "networking" of other people in the legal system he is brown nosing with and cares nothing of your case. DO NOT.
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08 Apr, 2018 by Taicia
Mufeed Said represented me in 2005 and scared the bejezus out of me with his aggressiveness and truly believed in my innocence. Subsequent trial outcome, acquittal of first degree murder. He is definitely an attorney worth his salt. Formidable would be describing him in the lightest. I'd retain him in a personal capacity, if I could. He was appointed to me by the court and I honestly thought he would railroad me but he showed me that I could trust him.
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11 Aug, 2021 by C
Wendell Allen took "personal" favors to give custody to a mother that relocated kids to another state without the father consent when he was the Guardian of the kids. He is not to be trusted.
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16 Aug, 2019 by Km wiggins
Attorney Allen was incredibly informative and knowledgeable when it came to our matter. We highly recommended him!
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14 Jun, 2019 by Barry k
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15 Aug, 2024 by Mike dee
Got my 60 in a 45 speeding ticket dismissed. Attorneys commonly send letters to people seeing if they need representation. The letter says if there was an error or if a ticket was not received to disregard the letter. Call and speak with the team before you rely on reviews by people that have never used them or even spoken to them. I spoke with them, followed their instructions, and got excellent results. I asked for a "no contest" plea and try to minimize my punishment, but the ticket was dismissed!! Greg and his team delivered everything exactly as they specified.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Gil patrick
I recently received a traffic ticket for speeding in Virginia. Prior to my court date I received a letter from Attorney Gregory Waddell offering the availability of his services if I needed an attorney. His letter contained an offer for a free telephone consultation. I called Mr. Waddell and he was in court. His paralegal said she would have him return my call. Within two hours Mr. Waddell returned my call and asked how he could be of assistance. After reviewing my citation, and it's particular circumstances, he did not feel his services and associated fees were necessary since I planned on personally attending my court date. He went on to give me helpful advice on how to plead my case and suggested I take an online defensive driving course prior to the court date as the judges. have a tendency to look favorably on that type of pro active approach. WOW! What a true professional approach from Mr. Waddell. So many attorneys would have pitched their services to collect a fee. Mr. Waddell was more interested in doing the right thing and not taking advantage of a client. I can assure you that if I ever find myself in real need of an attorney I will be seeking out Mr. Waddell. I suggest you do the same. Gil Patrick
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01 Apr, 2024 by Doug
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09 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
I hired him for a family member, who went to jail because of his incomepetence. Mr. Lewis: 1. Always have different excuses for cannot present for the court: Visiting people in the jail, Hanover county circuit court, Henrico county circuit court, needs to lock the office, etc... 2. Always lethargic: Not sure was caused by sleep apnea or sth, every time he shows up in court, he will find time to take a nap, this was not professional at all. 3. Never prepare for the case: He will forget everything you told him literally the next day, and he will always bring an empty folder to your court date, pretending take few notes on his "Yellow letter sheets", each time he will bring new blank paper, never combined the notes. 4.Deceptive to his clients, him and his paralegal Raman Kneep tried their best to cover the story that Matt Pinsker was incarcerated for felony sexually assaulted female intern, this was a direct violation of Bar Association code and ethics. 5. Never admitted that he doesn't know anything: He will do his best to pretend everything is under control, and he will back asking you what had happened to cover his nonsense. 6. Procrastination: A single request to him will always takes couple weeks to reply. 7. Not physically fit as a lawyer: Always be stuttered and precarious for how to answer the questions, almost every directions he gave to the clients were detrimental to their fates, he will keep f**k you up until your life is screwed up by the court.
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07 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
I’m writing this review to help others save money and not waste their time and jeopardize their court cases. Hiring Pinsker Law was the worst decision I ever made. I’d give negative stars if I could. Initially Matt was eager to take my case so I hired him, as he had great reviews. However, soon after I had paid and hired him another lawyer who is well known called me back and warned me that something wasn’t right. As soon as I googled him some charges came up. Matt reassured me that his case was dismissed and everything was fine. So, I begin working with him. Although, he was representing me I wasn’t exactly happy with his service. He just didn’t seem that interested in my case nor did he have the zeal or interests that he had when I first hired him. When it was time to go to court, Matt was a no show. I later found out by his back up lawyer that he had been sent to jail. Again, matt had told me that his case against him was dismissed and he was ok. So that was warning sign number 1. I should’ve requested a refund and hired a new attorney at this point. However, mr. Charles lewis said he’d take over my case in Matt’s place. This was the worst mistake I’ve ever made in my life. Even with all of his credentials and years of experience, Mr. Lewis seemed like newbie and fish out of water when it came to my case. Twice he was unprepared for my case and each time asked for an extension. After the first time I should’ve hired a different lawyer. This was like the 2nd mistake I made. Mr. Lewis made a habit of arriving late to all of my court appearances. At the last court case, he came over an hour late and had the judge and bailiff upset. Not only was he late, but also unprepared per usual. I was pissed!!! He didn’t defend me like we talked about over the phone. It’s like his mind went blank when it was time to represent me. I’m pretty sure a 1st year law student could’ve have defended me better than him. Not only was I found guilty, but I wasted thousands of dollars hiring them. I’ve never heard of pissed poor service like this in my life. I beg of you, please do not make the same mistake I made. I’m writing this to help someone. My experience was nightmarish and like something out of a movie. You will regret it. I’m only writing this because I care about people. You’ve been warned.
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03 Aug, 2021 by Clay w.
Mr. Lewis was professional, knowledgeable and highly responsive to all my questions. He was transparent and and offered encouragement and inspiration. I truly believe without his review and guidance I may not have been given the amazing opportunity I was provided with. I would absolutely recommend his services!
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30 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
He might not pick up the phone or call back but when he get in that court room he is a animal an don’t let Prosecutors or the DA push him around he gets the job done and really fights for his client
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18 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
Never returned my calls. I’ve had to call him plenty of times till he actually picked up. Answered very unprofessional. Gave a very rude tone of voice and attitude….
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09 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
Doesn’t like to communicate very hard to get in contact with and doesn’t like to return phone calls
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10 Mar, 2024 by Usarmy pen
Awful. He will never reach out to you after he ask for your documents. Just lazy and sad work.
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14 Nov, 2023 by Aman tariq
he will make your case worse, never contact him
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08 Feb, 2020 by Due october
Awful! I called him and let him know about case details. He asked me faxed papers about case and he will call and let me know. I never got any call and never return my calls or emails. Bad business ethics. Run!!!!!!
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28 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Her communication was very poor and I had to correct her on several occasions about key details about my case. Very arrogant and demeaning at timesI regret not firing her and getting another attorney. I had a good case with the co-parrenting counselor agreeing to testify about our sessions and the actions by my then wife and Mary said she spoke to the counselor about testifying. Instead I found out after court that, per the counselor, Mary never spoke to the counselor about her testifying. Mary only tried to scare me our of going to court because it would be appealed by my wife if I did indeed win custody. I fell for it only to regret ever having her. I should have reported her behavior to the bar when it happened but was to beat down by everything that had just happened and was worried that she would cause me problems if I was back in court in the future.
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03 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
I had her in a criminal defense case and she was terrible. It started with a lack of communication leading up to the date. Once in court, she did not ask anything or stand up for me in any way. I fired her and sought council elsewhere.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Don’t ever use his firm. They don’t care about people and his employees make it hard for people who really try to work with them.
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28 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
This lawyer will eat up your retainer fees so fast and charge enormous fees,some you'll question the validity of cost and the lack of court preparation and neglecting your case. My advice is to investigate this attorney further and don't hire her!
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02 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
I Retained Mr Kokerelis For a Contested Divorce and He Failed in all Phases of the Divorce, Including His Poor Prep and Circuit Court Litigation. In the Initial Consultation He Talked a Good Game But Failed To Deliver As An Experienced Attorney. He was more interested in trying to collect Attorney Fees rather than Prepare, Fight, Litigate and Provide a good outcome for me as his Client. He Also wasn't Forthcoming with with Information that he knew and also made Decisions without Consulting me as a Client. Dont Make the Same mistake I did. you will Regret it! He is Old and Not a Competent Attorney. Look Elsewhere 0 Star Attorney!
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27 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
I employed Craig and I felt that he was more concerned about his relationship with the opposing Counsel than representing me as the client. After terminating my retainer and employing a new attorney I learned that he had not processed or handled many of the documents related to the case. I would not recommend retaining Craig as an attorney.
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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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