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04 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Did not take time to review details. Very dismissive attitude. Would not recommend. Agree with the one star reviews on Yelp. Look else where for an attorney if needed.
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22 Apr, 2015 by Lawonda
My husband had a legal issue which would have resulted in a 10 day jail stay with probation to follow. We consulted Mr. Param Pabla and let me tell you how he worked for my husband:
1. No Jail Time
2. No probation
3. Case Dismissed!
Mr. Pabla is great negotiator! He negotiated that if my husband completed 30 hours of community service that not only will he not be on probation but the case WILL BE DISMISSED! He was always available if not by phone, then by email. Either way, he responded to our concerns expeditiously! Even though Mr. Pabla is a very busy attorney, he always made us feel like time was never an issue, although it was.
If you are looking for a lawyer who has compassion, consideration, loyalty and hard working, then Mr. Pabla is who you need. Let me just say this, be completely up front honest and truthful with him and he will work his best for you. We are very happy and most satisfied!
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01 Apr, 2015 by Debbie
My husband and I needed to update everything -family trust, will, medical stuff. Param was really patient -answering all my questions -even when I asked them twice. He wanted to be sure I understood everything we were doing. All docs were sent to us so we could go through them on our own time before anything was finalized. I also liked when we were looking at medical stuff that he had a conversation with me about what I wanted and pointed out some things I didn't think of.
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17 Jan, 2025 by Tracy helphingstine
I've had the privilege of knowing Jonathan Sanders for over five years, and during that time, I've come to admire his exceptional professionalism, dedication, and expertise in business and real estate law. Jonathan has a rare ability to make even the most complex legal matters understandable and manageable, always taking the time to explain every detail with clarity and patience.
What sets Jonathan apart is his unwavering commitment to his clients. He is not only highly capable and knowledgeable but also deeply compassionate and ethical—qualities that are invaluable when navigating challenging legal situations. He genuinely cares about the outcomes he delivers, and his hard work consistently reflects that.
Jonathan is an all-around great human being who goes above and beyond to ensure his clients feel supported and confident in their legal decisions. If you’re looking for an attorney who combines legal expertise with integrity and approachability, I can’t recommend Jonathan Sanders highly enough.
Thank you, Jonathan, for all that you do!
Tracy Helphingstine, Realtor.
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29 Oct, 2024 by Michael aguirre
Highly recommended, great team! Roy and his team helped me get through a very difficult time in my life! They was there every step of the way to help, and guide me through! His team was very good at keeping communication with me, and also very caring! Thank you Roy and everyone else who help me you all are very appreciated!!!
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19 Oct, 2024 by Barney ross
Roy and his team are awesome! They are always very professional and quick to respond. His team is very knowledgeable. I always refer people looking for a good worker comp attorney to Roy’s office. Keep crushing it Roy Yang team!
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17 Jan, 2025 by Tracy helphingstine
I've had the privilege of knowing Jonathan Sanders for over five years, and during that time, I've come to admire his exceptional professionalism, dedication, and expertise in business and real estate law. Jonathan has a rare ability to make even the most complex legal matters understandable and manageable, always taking the time to explain every detail with clarity and patience.
What sets Jonathan apart is his unwavering commitment to his clients. He is not only highly capable and knowledgeable but also deeply compassionate and ethical—qualities that are invaluable when navigating challenging legal situations. He genuinely cares about the outcomes he delivers, and his hard work consistently reflects that.
Jonathan is an all-around great human being who goes above and beyond to ensure his clients feel supported and confident in their legal decisions. If you’re looking for an attorney who combines legal expertise with integrity and approachability, I can’t recommend Jonathan Sanders highly enough.
Thank you, Jonathan, for all that you do!
Tracy Helphingstine, Realtor.
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29 Oct, 2024 by Michael aguirre
Highly recommended, great team! Roy and his team helped me get through a very difficult time in my life! They was there every step of the way to help, and guide me through! His team was very good at keeping communication with me, and also very caring! Thank you Roy and everyone else who help me you all are very appreciated!!!
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19 Oct, 2024 by Barney ross
Roy and his team are awesome! They are always very professional and quick to respond. His team is very knowledgeable. I always refer people looking for a good worker comp attorney to Roy’s office. Keep crushing it Roy Yang team!
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14 Jun, 2022 by Robert jackson
Simply the best in the business. Customer
service excellent
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29 Jul, 2020 by Lena stevenson
Mrs. Candace is a very helpful and understanding attorney. I was pleased with the information that she's shared with me 🥰
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05 Jun, 2020 by Ricardo cordova
She was Awesome was willing to help me out at the end of the for no other reason then aha is just a good person thank you so much just for listening I appreciate you thanks again
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14 Jun, 2022 by Robert jackson
Simply the best in the business. Customer
service excellent
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29 Jul, 2020 by Lena stevenson
Mrs. Candace is a very helpful and understanding attorney. I was pleased with the information that she's shared with me 🥰
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05 Jun, 2020 by Ricardo cordova
She was Awesome was willing to help me out at the end of the for no other reason then aha is just a good person thank you so much just for listening I appreciate you thanks again
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14 Apr, 2023 by V crudo
08 Mar, 2023 by Jeff and paula marley
worst representation ever in my case interfered with his trip to Australia.
So I got a pretty shabby representation from Pacheco
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11 Jul, 2022 by Vibol p
Mr. Pacheco was great help and willing to put in the extra effort!
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14 Apr, 2023 by V crudo
08 Mar, 2023 by Jeff and paula marley
worst representation ever in my case interfered with his trip to Australia.
So I got a pretty shabby representation from Pacheco
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11 Jul, 2022 by Vibol p
Mr. Pacheco was great help and willing to put in the extra effort!
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28 Nov, 2024 by The omnipotent
30 Nov, 2023 by Its me
25 Jun, 2023 by Christian ibarra
Amazing lawyers and the team they have. They explain everything in detail and give me calls to let me know any updates. They have kept me out of trouble and our Grafeful for their services.
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21 Feb, 2025 by Cisco estrella
Every other 1 star rating I see is the same reason for my rating for this attorney, he is only interested if the case will be big enough for his time.. Even if theirs a couple claims or even one he can take he prefers it to be worth a lot more. He immediately blocked my phone number after telling me a certain claim wouldn’t be able to go through yet there was others like retaliation and unlawful determination. I closed out my previous pre litigation attorneys to go thru Falakasa for litigation, all just to regret ever had doing so horrible attitude and can sense his hunger of greed… definitely don’t waste your time on this law firm.
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13 Jan, 2025 by Jeremy e. ilang
Tagging along another review here - I also reached out, sent out paperwork and never heard back until I actually pushed them. Had to follow up 3+ times for to get the update to finally find out that the case was rejected.
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19 Mar, 2024 by A m
Reached out, sent paystubs and never heard back. A simple email would've worked but terrible when your going through being treated unfair and for a law office to ignore you. I didn't want to send stubs and now feel like I sent them for no reason. Really wish I hadn't sent them then I would've feel so bad. Hopefully they will delete, destroy them. But I can only pray.
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26 Dec, 2019 by Michael
Best criminal defense attorney in Sacramento hands down. Top notch council. And I was honored to have him in my corner.
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19 Apr, 2019 by Gail
Johnny is extremely knowledgeable, helpful, worked hard on my case. Highly recommend using his services for anything.
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10 Mar, 2014 by Dominic
Johnny is very understanding of the law. He kept us informed and I felt he strongly supported me through the legal process. He is a very approachable man and was honest throughout the process with me & my family.
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05 Jul, 2024 by Holly stewart
Linda parisi was my lawyer 15 years ago, I still refer people her way because if it wasn’t for her. I would still be locked up and she is the best lawyer and any time I’ve needed her she has tried to help, if not helped somehow she is the best of the best. She will call me back on a Friday night her work never stops. If you get a chance to retain her you are very blessed! She is like family to me. I love her with everything in me cuz she let me be able to be out here. I was facing life and she is amazing.
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16 Jun, 2024 by Spar farkel
They suck.
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12 Apr, 2023 by Amy greenhalgh
Amazing team with YEARS of experience!!!!
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28 Nov, 2024 by The omnipotent
30 Nov, 2023 by Its me
25 Jun, 2023 by Christian ibarra
Amazing lawyers and the team they have. They explain everything in detail and give me calls to let me know any updates. They have kept me out of trouble and our Grafeful for their services.
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13 Feb, 2023 by Stanley
I called and spoke with Mr. Rehm about possibly suing a man who recently attacked me and, without hardly any information, he told me that I don’t have a case. I am a local professional who was brutally attacked yet Mr. Rehm just wrote it off without finding out anymore information.
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23 Dec, 2015 by Charles
I had gotten charged with reckless driving. Oh yes, I was guilty of an ordinary speeding infraction, but a bogus police officer saw an older man that he could take advantage of by turning a ordinary ticket into something way bigger..for him and the city of Lincoln, CA. After getting all the info and the officer's report, Mr. Rehm told me to relax and we had a winnable case. He was right. He totally took the Asst. DA and the Officer's account of things and kicked their butts with their own words..and dishonesty. The Jury was not only unanimous about acquitting me, they talked to me after court and said my lawyer really helped persuade them of my innocence. Mike Rehm saved my ass. What more can I say. He was a great lawyer, and I am thankful for choosing him. Next time you are in trouble, call Mike.
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21 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Michael Rehm was a horrible option for an attorney for my dui case. I was a first-time offender with no priors and he literally did the bare minimum at times, but displayed mostly below average effort. He did not maintain contact, was highly abrasive and hard to communicate with and never struck me as anyone who valued me as a client. I'd never met him in person and on the opportunity I did have (court date) he decided to send his less than respectable associate instead. Michael basically got me what any other offender would have gotten in this case, likely the same results I would have gotten representing myself or hiring a public defender. It was a waste of money and he made the experience that much more difficult and troubling. Don't chance it.
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11 Oct, 2019 by Matthew b
I was referred to Larry pilgrim from a friend for my first offense dui. I highly recommend Larry to anyone in need of a lawyer. My experience talking to lawyers about my dui before Larry wasn't so good, they made me feel worse. Once I talked to Larry, he answered every question I had and also gave me all the information I needed which put me at ease. My first time meeting him was comforting and stress relieving.
Larry fought for the lowest slap on the wrist for me, and he got it. Yesterday was the last court date for my case, and I am unbelievably happy with the outcome.
If you have a low response time with Larry, don't let it bother you. He has his own life to live on top of all his work. I assure you he will take care of you and make your situation the best possible as he did for me.
Thank you so much Larry, I'd be in a heap of chaos without you.
I learned a lot from my mistake and I won't be letting it happen again.
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17 Oct, 2018 by J.
This man met with me once to quickly take my credit card ( money.) I never received any fee agreement from him- although I asked several times, and in several ways ( texts, emails phone calls, etc.) When I finally did reach him, he said he had not done anything on my case, as, in his opinion, there was nothing (yet) to do. I asked for a full refund and have never received it.
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18 Nov, 2017 by Ronny
We went for a consultation on a Saturday and after that we told him we will think about it and get some more opinions Lerry got all upset and very emotional because we saw him on a Saturday. First of all he tried to overcharge he said $8500 then he came down to $5000 immediately. Larry, you are in a business and not everyone will get service from you. He wanted us to do ALL the work even though it was a weak case. Forget him as your lawyer, don’t even waste your time.
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05 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
This guy is a rookie attorney with little to no trial experience has only one year of being a attorney make sure you sign a clear contract with this guy for a flat rate or he will try to take advantage be careful hiring him for anything other than a misdemeanor
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12 Jan, 2022 by Ali
It is hard to find honest attorneys these days, but Mr. Mize is one of the good ones. He cared about me and my case, and helped me get through the very stressful criminal defense process and come out the other end with my sanity and freedom still intact. Hope to never need such services again, but if I do, I will absolutely come to Mr. Mize first.
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12 Jan, 2022 by Jackie
Affordable payments, amazing representation and got all charges dropped. I couldn’t be more pleased with his work and communication every step of the way. Thanks Mike!
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11 Aug, 2024 by Kelly
09 Aug, 2024 by Michelle sandoval
20 Oct, 2023 by Ryan kaika
20 Oct, 2021 by Joyce aka ehrhardt ,enders ,dalton aakhus (useyrpowers4good)
Very personal and kind hearted woman. Honest caring and helpfull
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28 Aug, 2021 by Timothy glenn
Tail feathers lol
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14 Jan, 2016 by Troy allen
Truly Thankful
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05 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Shon is such an outstanding lawyer who uses his abilities to their full potential. He managed to get me 25 hours of community service for a crime that could've gotten my license taken away. The case was settled 3 weeks after getting arrested. I highly recommend hiring him if you're in need of a lawyer who knows what he's doing.
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22 May, 2012 by Jeff
He accepted a strike without my knowledge. He's failed for the last 32 days to get my file to me. His phone and fax are disconnected, his office is locked. His e-mail is blocked. He's done everything possible to avoid being found or contacted.
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25 Apr, 2011 by Meliposa
If you need a good defense attorney, this is Your Man!!! Behind the scenes, we were not privy to his methods, but the outcome was spectacular. Hard for the client to understand long stretches of silence through the process, but when it was all said and done, the day of trial, Shon was on FIRE!! It was truly amazing. His demeanor, character and flamboyancy add to his charm. And he is incredibly Handsome. You can't help but be mesmerzied by him. Waiting for him to strike a blow. I highly recommend him
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11 Aug, 2024 by Kelly
09 Aug, 2024 by Michelle sandoval
20 Oct, 2023 by Ryan kaika
11 Aug, 2024 by Kelly
09 Aug, 2024 by Michelle sandoval
20 Oct, 2023 by Ryan kaika
10 Jan, 2025 by Anonymous
This guy is disrespectful and ignorant. As an attorney, he calls undocumented immigrants "illegal". That says alot about his character and his views on immigration. He should be disbarred.
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24 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
He harassed an undocumented person for using the term "undocumented." Illegal has a really negative connotation. Going forward I would recommend the attorney read the DOJs 2021 report on the term "illegal alien" and go back and delete their post with this updated information.
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23 Oct, 2022 by James
I was assigned Brian through Cabrillo Law Group my first conversation with Brian regarding a misdemeanor charge was if you don’t do anything you don’t need to worry the police won’t show up at your house or work to arrest you.
I have attempted to reach him numerous times via email no response from him it has been a couple of months I don’t know what is happening with my case I requested information from him regarding my case nothing from him
He won’t work for you in your case
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26 Dec, 2020 by Shannon
Ms. Titus handled a matter for me. We WON! She did a great job with the paperwork and she was aggressive in the courtroom. Her price was affordable too.
I'm thrilled!
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14 Jan, 2019 by Albert
I hired Marion to work 2 traffic tickets for me a 1-pointer and a 2-pointer. I asked her to try and get me down to 1 point by negotiating or fighting the tickets. She told me that she wasn't confident that she could win and that she would try to negotiate, but she negotiated poorly and pled me guilty to both tickets, for a total of 3 points. I should have been able to take traffic school to delete 1 point, but Marion screwed up the paperwork and by the time I realized what she had done, it was too late, so I got 3 points, and my license got suspended. Thanks Marion!
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20 Dec, 2016 by Concerned observer
She arrived at the Solano County courthouse looking disheveled. Maybe it was a rough night. Who knows, but a lack of professional appearance could be of concern.
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08 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Mike has been nothing but honest to my family and me. He has helped where I would not trust any other attorney in the Sacramento County to name a few Skip Solinskey and Jeffery Hunt who are not trustworthy. Mike has gone beyond his duties to help my family and has done a wonderful job. He is an ongoing attorney of my family since 2008 and will remain our attorney until he retires.
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10 Dec, 2008 by Anonymous
I was robbed by Mr. Borkowski!! I trusted him to be professional and reliable and he was neither. Prior to our initial consultation Mr. Borkowski quoted me a retainer fee in the amount of $4,500. At the end of our consultation he agreed to represent me, however, he requested an additional $1,500 for the retainer fee totaling $6,000. He explained the extraordinary circumstances regarding my case and gave a brief explanation of the approach he would be using . From the beginning, I basically did his job for him. It was difficult to reach him and he seemed to ignore my case until the day before and/or the morning of court. When it came to challenging the court because rules and laws were not being addressed or enforced, Mr. Borkowski refused to address them because they were laws/rules/codes with "NO TEETH". What is the point in having codes/laws if nobody is willing to enforce them. I trusted Mr. Borkowski...he violated my trust in the worst way!
He was often a "NO SHOW" at court!
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03 Jun, 2015 by Edie
4 FALSE ARRESTS in just one MONTH (6 weeks in jail and I had to PLEAD GUILTY to all charges in order to get out or I'd lose everything (dog, car, new residence etc.)...I didn't want to plead, but my PD Damien Jovel wouldn't do anything for me)...I am the VICTIM I am INNOCENT!!!..
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02 Apr, 2014 by Rachel johnson
Damien jovell is a very good person overall his compassion and his care is truly amazing I have received his help as a public defender and I thought they were all pretenders but he changed my view and helped me with my legal issues.
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10 Mar, 2023 by Dester
This guy handled my traffic tickets and is as bad as anything you can think of. He lost the case and never bothered to inform me till I was leaving off work. I say DO NOT WASTE YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY ON HIM
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11 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
I needed help with my wife's immigration. Nafeh was very knowledgable and up to date with all the information. I was so impressed and indebted that I have recommended him to several of my friends facing the same situation.
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25 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
Tom Volk, of the Sacramento Adoption Center, provides the absolute best services to all involved in the adoption process. We have very happily adopted twice through this center and have zero complaints. Adoption can have it's ups and downs and that is why you need someone like Tom working in the best interest of the child and those making decisions in the child's life. He puts his heart and soul into the work he does for so many families. He is genuine, extremely knowledgeable and compassionate. Whether you are a birth mother or an adoptive family, he doesn't settle for less than his best for his clients, Choosing not to work with Tom Volk is missing out on a fantastic adoption experience.
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18 Nov, 2011 by Anonymous
We worked with Tom Volk with Sacramento Adoption Center in Sacramento. We were promised a lot of things that never happened. We did indeed adopt a baby, but it has been over a year now and the adoption is still not final. He charges for every email, phone call that is made, same goes for his receptionist when she emails or calls. We paid them over $25,000, and he is still demanding more.
STAY AWAY!!!
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24 Jul, 2022 by Brian and valerie
I highly recommend Mr. Russell Miller as a top Criminal Defense Attorney. He is very knowledgeable and has the expertise to win your case. He has a lot of experience and is highly respected in the courtrooms by everyone (especially the judges). He will appear at all court appearances and will make sure he achieved the best outcome possible for your case. He fought for me until the end and I am amazed by the outcome of my case. I would recommend Mr. Miller to anyone seeking a criminal defense attorney as he knows how to get the job accomplished. Great job and thank you for being there for me.
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17 Dec, 2021 by Nancy
I have been requesting that Russ Miller file for a correction in my record. I have been assured numerous times over 21 years - yes 21 years - that it will be done. Because Mr. Miller failed to do as promised it took me too long to get approved as a resource family and ultimately a precious child with complex medical needs passed away in the care of inadequately trained people. I last spoke with Mr. Miller last year and have a copy of a letter I sent him in 2019. I have notes showing that I contacted him numerous times (not quite yearly) and every time, I have been assured it will be cleared up. Additionally, when my case was active, he failed to appear in court multiple times although he had already been paid. This man will tell you he will work hard for you but after he gets your money, he pretty much puts forth no effort and in the end his mistake or failure to correct the court's mistake has followed me these decades and worst of all resulted in preventing me from saving a child's life - just before her 2nd birthday.
If you are considering hiring this agency, I would recommend you run - fast!!
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09 Apr, 2021 by Shaun
Absolutely horrible attorney. Deprives clients of their constitutional rights. Will flood his schedule and make your family wait months if not years before he does anything at all. I had Mr. Miller represent me and he violated my constitutional right to effective representation. He was absolutely horrible. He is resentful as well. If you request for him to help you and actually perform a service before he wants to (years away) he will intentionally throw your case. Or he is really just that bad. He does not prepare at all and never has any of the facts in court. He will ignore you. I called many many times over a period of about a year. Never once did he answer his phone.
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24 Oct, 2022 by Gerald wilcox
I paid Trevor Carson $7,000.00 to do work for me. He quit for no reason. I filed a complaint with State Bar. He lied 21 times to avoid discipline. I sued him in small claims court. He has missed four court dates. He sued me for threatening and harassing him. Do not trust this man. Gerald Wilcox
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28 Feb, 2022 by M h
I hired him in March of 21 to help with a state licensed cannabis business litigation. I paid about 3k for him to send one certified demand letter and about 2 emails with the company. Come to find out they had contacted him 5 times about my case during December when I had emailed him for 3 weeks (no response) asking for an update if he heard anything he said no. He never sent me the emails or told me about them (Definitely worthy of a bar complaint) he just said he was busy and was no longer able to handle my case. Mind you he charges around $34-100+ per email even if he says "no news". He and his assistant contacted me constantly until I paid then he went m.i.a. everything he did I could have done for free for myself after 1-2 hours of research. I only hired him because he led me to believe he would go to litigation with me if needed (also a lie). He also didn't tell me that as part owner of the company I can request records from the city/state myself. The absolute worst customer service and minimal knowledge. How this guy passed the bar let alone is the head of the bar in Sacramento is beyond me. I should never have to apologize for my attorneys profound incompetence or have better communication skills than him. You can find much better for cheaper than this waste of time and money.
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28 Feb, 2022 by Nathan curry
24 Oct, 2022 by Gerald wilcox
I paid Trevor Carson $7,000.00 to do work for me. He quit for no reason. I filed a complaint with State Bar. He lied 21 times to avoid discipline. I sued him in small claims court. He has missed four court dates. He sued me for threatening and harassing him. Do not trust this man. Gerald Wilcox
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28 Feb, 2022 by M h
I hired him in March of 21 to help with a state licensed cannabis business litigation. I paid about 3k for him to send one certified demand letter and about 2 emails with the company. Come to find out they had contacted him 5 times about my case during December when I had emailed him for 3 weeks (no response) asking for an update if he heard anything he said no. He never sent me the emails or told me about them (Definitely worthy of a bar complaint) he just said he was busy and was no longer able to handle my case. Mind you he charges around $34-100+ per email even if he says "no news". He and his assistant contacted me constantly until I paid then he went m.i.a. everything he did I could have done for free for myself after 1-2 hours of research. I only hired him because he led me to believe he would go to litigation with me if needed (also a lie). He also didn't tell me that as part owner of the company I can request records from the city/state myself. The absolute worst customer service and minimal knowledge. How this guy passed the bar let alone is the head of the bar in Sacramento is beyond me. I should never have to apologize for my attorneys profound incompetence or have better communication skills than him. You can find much better for cheaper than this waste of time and money.
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28 Feb, 2022 by Nathan curry
Discover the ideal lawyer
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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:
-
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.
