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04 Sep, 2024 by Danette howard
I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the exceptional service I received from Mr. Runkle. I reached out for advice and Mr. Runkle went above and beyond to provide immediate and invaluable advice. If you’re looking for a criminal defense lawyer who is not only highly skilled but also incredibly attentive and supportive, I recommend Mr. Runkle! He is a true professional who excels in providing top-notch legal guidance.
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24 Aug, 2024 by Eugene mcburneyjr
Mr Runkle's service was excellent. He even gave me a ride to court and back. I am very, very satisfied.
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05 Aug, 2024 by Hart ranch
Normally I wouldn't leave a review in my particular situation. See I wanted to hire Mr Runkle after hearing what a great job he did for a friend of mine. Then we spoke and immediately I got a over whelming sense that he was the guy for the job. Only problem was. I was broke. Just buying a house and moving off grid. I went over my budgets and was struggling. Not to mention I'm kinda stubborn feeling like it shouldn't cost me a fortune because I'm innocent. My father offered me money but I was to proud to accept it. Not wanting his money to go to waist on me. Joe understood my feelings on it. He gave me some options. Was very professional and kind even knowing I couldn't afford him. He told me to call him any time if I had any questions. Year goes by. My situation gets much worse and more complicated with much more on the table at steak. Worried beyond a reasonable level of sanity left in me. In the 4th quarter on the 3rd down with 2 minutes left on the clock and my QB just injured and out of the game. Joe took the time while out with his kids to stop take my call and spend over a hour on the phone with me. Guided me toward some light. Explained everything I had questions about to me in a way I could understand. In a way that I felt better. He is undoubtedly a excellent Attorney and very knowledgeable about law. He must really like his job because he seems very comfortable doing it like second nature. He even was willing to drive to my city hours away sleep in a motel and jump right in picking up wear my injured QB left off at the last minute for me knowing I was in a bad place. I knew I couldn't afford to ask him to do that. But he sure did offer and helped me every bit that he could over the phone. Made me feel better. I offered him money for his time as we talked a few times in total. But he refused to accept it. He doesn't realize it yet and may never. But the way he carried himself with me. Has earned him the most valuable thing I have to offer anyone. My friendship. Thank you Joe. If I had money to pay you. Your hands down the Attorney I would pick for any legal matter I have for the rest of my life. Your fees are very reasonable and lower then most that don't give me half the good feeling and impression that I get with you. You are obviously a champion of freedom and justice. If You ever find yourself in need in my areas of expertise. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me. God bless.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Gabriella
I was impressed by this lawyer's expertise. He not only handled my case with professionalism but he also showed a deep understanding of my personal situation and demonstrated empathy throughout the legal process. This helped me a great deal to get through this difficult time. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience and better result! Thank you again!
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11 May, 2024 by Amin abid
Ben Jacob's is someone you'd call when other attorney either has given you false hope or a run around for your time/money. Ben took on the challenge I was facing for over a year. My previous attorney wasn't aggressive during my Preliminary hearing and I was facing trial... I called up Ben, trusted in him.. and he not only got my case fully DISMISSED but also Got me an apology from courts. Ben and his team are professionals who treat you like family. When he walks into the court room, you feel superior being his client. A man of a few words.. But His presence is well known. I had over 16 accusations. Facing 2 felony counts. EVERYTHING WAS DISMISSED. Ben went out of his way and wrote letters to my senior executives at work (as I wasn't passing a background check for employment) When I say he goes out of his way to solve ALL your problems. He does! No words can describe the appreciation and respect I have for Ben Jacobs and his team.
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11 May, 2024 by Chen
Ben is THE Attorny you want on your corner. He is professional, experienced, intelligent, and is an expertise in law. He is responsive and is very honest in all aspect of the legal process while my partner was represented by him. Ben and his team fought tirelessly on his case and was able to advocate and achieve the most optimal outcome for my partner. Ben is passionate about the law and we are so grateful for his service and legal representation. The Jacob law firm has been an invaluable resource in our case which had multiple complexities to it. If you want the best Attorny, Ben is the one you want on your side.
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13 Dec, 2023 by Jesse
John did a great job on my case I was found not guilty of 4 felonies and had cought 2 cops lying on the stand and they got suspended over it he had paused the court in order to get advice from his supervisor that's pretty amazing and then he made the proper decision to not be seen buy a jury trial because only a lawyer and a judge would know the law the way it's written and therefore got me not guilty on a technicality because the way the law was written
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03 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Tasha went out of her way to make sure I got the fairest deal/ punishment I could receive when originally they were throwing the book at me. She made extra calls worked on weekends and came to court when she should have been off on certain days.
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20 Oct, 2024 by Nancy s.
Our Attorney Jen was extremely helpful navigating us throughout our legal matters. She truly is outstanding! It was a pleasure working with her & her associates at Filippi Law Firm!
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02 Oct, 2024 by Lou ahtty
I was in need of establishing a trust and will; very important items to take care of. Although I'm sure I could have got this done for less money, the attention to detail and addressing possible future scenarios was very impressive. I'm a firm believer of you get what you pay for and I'm convinced that the Filippi Law Firm's experience with estate planning truly shows in the documents they prepared for me. I'm very happy with the results and I feel better knowing this important item has been taken care of so thoroughly!
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01 Oct, 2024 by Marc espinoza
Jennifer Prioriello is a true artist at her legal craft. You'd be lucky to have her as your attorney. My advice? Take her and don't look back. Jen will be the best decision you've made in a long time.
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28 Sep, 2024 by Alison lloyd
I had the pleasure of working with Ben Eagleton and his team. I found Ben’s approach to be assertive, forthright and exceptionally professional. He and his team always answered all of my questions and kept me well informed throughout the process. I am very happy and would highly recommend Ben and his team.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Heather bo
My experience with Ben was not a good one. My chief complaint is that he is NOT good at communicating the status of the case, returning phone calls or emails. I was told all inquiries would receive a response within a “ reasonable amount of time”, which translates to when he made it a priority to get back to me. This lack of communication led to a degradation of our communications with one another as I had no idea if he was following deadlines or not. Example, at our first court hearing I had called and emailed Ben regarding the hearing and I did not hear back from him until the morning of the hearing, which is unacceptable. A reasonable amount of time is 24-48 hours. This never happened and a typical response back was 5-7 days which did not work for me. Deadlines and follow through were another issue. I feel overall there was a lack of preparation and at best it felt rushed in his part and most likely contributed to why he was not good about “status updates “or answering my questions. I know attorneys are very busy, but this was 100% unacceptable. Also, blaming the client and treating the client as the problem, a really bad idea. Someone from the office should have responded even if only to say we got your message and we will be in touch.instead I was treated as the problem as they when someone finally did reach back out, they would say “ we have received your numerous calls and emails and sending more emails will not get a quicker response”. If you don’t want to be kept in the loop, if you don’t care about accountability and you want your case to take as long as possible, then Ben is your guy. If you want to be kept in the loop, not hear excuses but hear the progress in your case, and have deadlines and necessary correspondence followed through with- Look somewhere else. Ben is smart and articulate but business practice and communication is very poor.
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21 Jul, 2024 by William yoder
Ben eagleton is extremely poor and communication skills. I asked many many times to be kept the loop on any emails or correspondence with my case. Because he refused to keep me in the loop I was in the verge of losing my case. I had to fire him and get a lawyer that would keep me in the loop.
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27 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Jeffrey Wood to represent you if you ever get in a situation where you need legal consultation and representation for your criminal proceedings. I had never been in situation where I needed an attorney, and when I found myself needing help, he was my life raft. I was very unfamiliar with the uncharted waters I was facing. I reached out to him (because he already came highly recommended) and was blessed with a listening ear, empathy, grace, sound information, and comfort. He advocated for me from the very beginning, and very quickly I realized he was an expert in his field. His extensive knowledge, background, and experience within the Placer County DA office proved to be very valuable for my defense. He gathered details from me, looked to my family and friends who provided him background information about my character, explored the case itself, and kept me informed throughout the whole process. There was never a point where I did not feel as though my situation was his highest priority, even though he likely was advocating for other defendants at the same time. This culminated in a successful outcome for me, and my family. Mr. Wood was truly a blessing to me. A mere "thank you" to him doesn't seem like enough for his work and professionalism, so I turned to this forum to recommend him to others. If you ever find yourself in a precarious situation, reach out to him. You will not be disappointed. Thank you Mr. Wood!!! You were a godsend!!!
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12 Jan, 2024 by Shannon rodriguez
Jeffrey goes far beyond the scope of what his commitment to his clients requires. His level of attention to detail and communication is exceptional. Jeffrey’s caring, understanding and support he shows his clients is invaluable. His wisdom and advice provide his clients with the comfort they need. Jeffrey is by far the best in his field, and I would recommend him to anyone I know.
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20 Oct, 2023 by Eunah kang
She doesn't deserve even one star. I got nothing from this office since I signed the contract which has been a month. All the information I got was from the first free consultation. Lack of communication, frequent small errors, empty promises made me upset. Why would I pay for this kind of service? Would I want this person to represent me? No, I'm breaking up with her. I'll let you know how much she returns from my retainer.
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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:

  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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