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5.0
7 Reviews
4.9
194 Reviews
22 Jan, 2025 by Brooklynn hartmann
STL Law Group helped me navigate an incredibly complex legal matter over the course of several years. Throughout the process, they were attentive, supportive, and professional. I had the opportunity to work closely with Kirk, Alex, Laurie, and Heather, and each one of them made me feel heard and valued.
This was a very challenging time for me, but the team made sure I felt safe and confident every step of the way. If you’re looking for a law firm that will stand by you and handle your case with care and expertise, I highly recommend STL Law Group to anyone in the area!
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05 Dec, 2024 by Kim braun
Highly recommend Mr. Cavanagh. He and his associates made what was a difficult case for me very straightforward. Very communicative and helpful.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Jimmy tietjens
5.0
7 Reviews
4.9
158 Reviews
10 Jan, 2025 by Elvis dautovic
Great team that goes above and beyond to get the best car accident results
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10 Jan, 2025 by Caren shepard
I was involved in an automobile accident in 2024. I received countless solicitations from injury law fims and diligantly explored my options prior to making a choice for legal repesentation. My choice was made for me when, unlike any other law firms I researched, Kevin Roach personally reurned my phone call and agreed to meet with me in personaly prior to signing a contract. I employed the services of the Roach Law Firm and could not be more pleased. Since contracting with them I have had personal, prompt, and profession service. All of my interactions have been met in a kind and timely mannor and have instilled confidence in the ongoing legal proceedings. I would highly recommend this firm to my family and friends should the unfortunate need for thier services arise.
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30 Dec, 2024 by Jason long
The most incompetent attorney that I have ever had to deal with. He and his staff have been unable to close a small estate for five years now. He does not communicate with clients in a timely and accurate manner and usually takes months to file simple paperwork with the courts. He is not capable of dealing with anything more complicated than a speeding ticket.
If you are in need of an attorney that can handle all issues in estate law, you should spare yourself the trouble and look elsewhere. He has, and continues to, waste the time of a bereaved family that wishing nothing more than to close a simple estate and move on with their lives.
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21 Jan, 2025 by Chris couch
Tallmadge Newton and his associates Steven and Dylan are some of the finest attorneys I have ever had the pleasure of working with. They’re not only very good and competent attorneys, but they are genuinely decent men. Miss Mary and Jess are equally amazing and they make a great team. I cannot say enough good things about this firm. They are not enough stars to give these men and women. I literally owe them my freedom. Thank you.
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29 Nov, 2024 by Darryl allen
The associates and lawyers at Bruning Law Firm were amazing. They answered all my questions and walked me step by step on the process and what was going on with my case. They kept me in loop with everything that was happening with my case. I will definitely recommend them to my family and friends if they need a law firm to represent them. Thank you for your hard work and keeping me updated with everything. You guys are the best.
Darryl A.
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23 Nov, 2024 by Lavonta clerk
5.0
10 Reviews
4.9
19 Reviews
18 Jan, 2024 by Scott hussey
Personable and highly competent. Covered all the bases.
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01 Nov, 2023 by Rachael larocco
I worked with this law firm for several years and I love them. Kenton was always great at notifying me of changes to my case. Alice at the front sent me monthly updates which helped me tremendously. All experiences in the office were great. I never had to worry about my case at all. Would recommend to anyone!
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01 Nov, 2023 by Tobey bishop
for your family, you cant go wrong with Martha. Completely competent and trustworthy.
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21 Jan, 2025 by Chris couch
Tallmadge Newton and his associates Steven and Dylan are some of the finest attorneys I have ever had the pleasure of working with. They’re not only very good and competent attorneys, but they are genuinely decent men. Miss Mary and Jess are equally amazing and they make a great team. I cannot say enough good things about this firm. They are not enough stars to give these men and women. I literally owe them my freedom. Thank you.
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29 Nov, 2024 by Darryl allen
The associates and lawyers at Bruning Law Firm were amazing. They answered all my questions and walked me step by step on the process and what was going on with my case. They kept me in loop with everything that was happening with my case. I will definitely recommend them to my family and friends if they need a law firm to represent them. Thank you for your hard work and keeping me updated with everything. You guys are the best.
Darryl A.
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23 Nov, 2024 by Lavonta clerk
05 Dec, 2024 by Jennifer lude
I worked with Christian Misner. He was extremely reliable, courteous, and made me feel like he truly cared about my concerns. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer!
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25 Oct, 2024 by Dashyra dent
I am overjoyed with this law firm , Chris , Kevin And Tom Are GREAT HARDWORKING Men , I was worried bout My Case Due to the fact Mulitple law firms Heard my case and still denied me , After several attempts of being denied I prayed and searched and Thought to give Donner applewhite a chance , it was the reviews that got me , and the trust I seen they earned from there clients and boy did it take a turn for the good from that point on , They where very professional , very patient More importantly invested ! They exceeded my expectations , and I can’t thank them enough ! This law firm is a hidden Gem 💎 THANKYOU SOO MUCH DONNER APPLEWHITE I AM MORE THAN HAPPY WITH MY OUTCOME! I definitely will be doing more buisness with you guys . They will work with you , just Give them something to work with and Watch them work they magic .
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07 Oct, 2024 by Madison cox
We were extremely satisfied with the service we received from Chris Herman. We retained him to help my husband with an issue that was likely not as major as Mr. Herman normally deals with. However, it was a serious matter to us and that is how he treated it. He took the time to listen to our concerns, gather the facts and clearly laid out our options to proceed. Once we agreed on the best course for us, Mr. Herman took it from there and did the rest. The outcome and the costs were exactly what was expected and explained to us. We could not have hoped for more. We would not hesitate for a moment to recommend him to any of our friends and family that were in need of excellent legal services!
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29 Mar, 2022 by Amy
John Burns is a strong, efficient and competent lawyer. He treats his clients like family while being a joy to work with. He helped my aging aunt sell her family farm and ensured she was treated fairly. His ability to take the complex and make it simple for all ages to understand is simply one of his many great competencies. Thank you, for everything, John!
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02 Aug, 2021 by Jonathan mcallister
John is a highly competent attorney in the field of personal injury. I highly recommend him, especially in the area of slip and falls!
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15 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
John Meehan was the best lawyer I could have asked for. He was extremely passionate and gave me updates often about the process and what he was doing. Not only was he honest and very professional he was able to get me a $50,000 settlement for an accident that I was found to be at fault. I will never use another lawyer and I would recommend him to anyone who needs serious legal help. Thanks John!
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09 Jan, 2025 by Marc ottolini
I had an excellent experience working with Jim and his team setting up my estate planning. The services were comprehensive, at a reasonable price.
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03 Jan, 2025 by Dustin h
I am beyond grateful to John and his exceptional team of paralegals for their incredible work on my legal cases. Faced with daunting odds, both statistically and emotionally, John's unwavering dedication resulted in all charges being dropped, an outcome I hardly dared to dream of. John's expertise is matched only by the dedication of his paralegals. From day one, they ensured I was never left in the dark. They kept me informed at every stage, answering all my questions with patience and clarity. Their ability to break down complex legal jargon into understandable terms made a world of difference, reassuring me during some incredibly stressful times.
For anyone navigating the choppy waters of legal issues, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of being patient and trusting the process. The legal system can be slow and daunting, but John and his team proved that persistence and diligence pay off. They offered support not just legally, but psychologically, understanding the immense burden a legal cloud places on an individual and their family.
When the news finally came that all charges were dropped, it was as if an enormous weight had lifted off my shoulders. My family and I could finally breathe easy, and I cannot express the depth of relief and gratitude we feel. Even though I hope to never face another legal issue again, I can say without hesitation that if I did, John and his team would be the first people I would call. Their unparalleled dedication and human touch set them apart from any other legal team I've encountered.
If you find yourself in a difficult legal situation, I wholeheartedly recommend placing your trust in John and his team. They have not only provided an exceptional legal service but have restored a vital sense of hope and justice in our lives.
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03 Jan, 2025 by Skyler marshall
John is awesome and extremely knowledgeable. Got me out of a tough bind, quickly. he provided clear guidance, answered all my questions, and worked diligently to achieve the favorable outcome. I highly recommend JCS Law to seeking legal support.
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29 Sep, 2024 by Bridgette edghill
Matt and Lynsey are a pleasure to work with. They're professional and handle matters brought to them efficiently.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Stan dix
Jett Injury Lawyers did an excellent job of handling my case. Matt and Lynsey went above and beyond my expectations. They not only assisted me in working with the insurance company, but working with doctors offices as well to assist in my recovery. Highly recommend their services.
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13 Aug, 2024 by Lorna roth
I have used the services of Jett Accident and Injury Lawyers.
This is an awesome firm. Matthew Jett is a very knowledgeable attorney who goes above and beyond for his clients. His secretary, Lindsey, is very efficient
and helpful in explaining legal forms and procedures. I highly recommend this law firm.
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5.0
2 Reviews
4.9
323 Reviews
07 Feb, 2025 by John hopson
I don't typically leave reviews. However, the team at Traffic Law Counselors have been extremely helpful in regard to handling a speeding ticket. While I have not gotten to the end result yet, they were quick to respond, very professional, and even price matched the attorney fee in my case! Very happy with the way this relationship has started!
Thank you Traffic Law Counselor team!
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05 Feb, 2025 by David boik
Shelby is always happy to help with any questions or concerns and gives as much information as she can! Highly recommend the team!
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05 Feb, 2025 by Robert del rosario
Shelby was very helpful and quick. I texted info and she helped me navigate the process. 5-stars and I would use Carter Law again!
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15 Jan, 2025 by Vladimir roxas
I got into an accident (rear-ended) in St. Louis last February and sustained a neck sprain. I decided to get professional legal help from Jimmy Miller of Miller and Hine, LLC. I called their office late in the evening on a Saturday; left a voicemail, but he immediately called me and discussed with me all the details of getting proper medical attention and formalities for them to act in my behalf in dealing with the insurance companies involved. Since I live in another state, he and his office arranged for my therapy sessions with affiliated physicians close to home. I also never had any problems with getting updates from him. He’s always on top of it until everything else has been done and I got the settlement from the insurance company.
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07 Jan, 2025 by Emilie vang
Miller & Hine Car Accident Lawyers were amazing, especially Jason! He was very helpful and transparent throughout this process. It made my family and I feel comfortable.
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20 Dec, 2024 by Isaiah west
Jason did an incredible job handling my case. Excellent communication and made everything so easy for me. I would recommend him to anyone!
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22 Jan, 2025 by Vineet chauhan
22 Jan, 2025 by Ishaq choudhury
22 Jan, 2025 by Carmel braga
Highly recommend. They were extremely helpful when I reached out!
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17 Jan, 2025 by Leroyce
These attorneys are simply amazing! Their advertisement let me know I was being sued by a collection agency. They are knowledgeable, smart, gifted at their skills. Also will back up what they say they can do. If you need results, and a spokesman who can and will deliver then Boevingloh & Pilakos is for you. I have them in my address book! Ha
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14 Jan, 2025 by Cary kinder
Highly recommend Kris. Took care of my case and I did not have to worry about anything. Great Outcome.
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10 Jan, 2025 by Rochelle douglass
For a first encounter, It was a great success. This was my first time reaching out to any lawyer, Chris was extremely helpful and informative. I look forward to working with him in the future.
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16 Jan, 2025 by Jill clones
Alvin and his staff are the best at their business. They work well with you and get the job done!! Beth was great to deal with also.
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15 Jan, 2025 by Lacole purley
Great professionalism, straight to the point, answered all of my questions, great communication, and I recommend Eason Law Firm to anyone and everyone who needs a lawyer after a car accident. The staff are awesome and super friendly too!
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14 Jan, 2025 by Pauline nolan
If you are looking for an attorney who will provide you with excellent legal service, Mr. Alvin Wolff and his team will be there for you. Mr. Alvin Wolff is very knowledgeable, helpful, and has nearly forty years of experience practicing law. He is passionate about his job and he will do his best to work on your case, or if needed, refer you to a respected attorney.
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16 Jan, 2025 by Jill clones
Alvin and his staff are the best at their business. They work well with you and get the job done!! Beth was great to deal with also.
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15 Jan, 2025 by Lacole purley
Great professionalism, straight to the point, answered all of my questions, great communication, and I recommend Eason Law Firm to anyone and everyone who needs a lawyer after a car accident. The staff are awesome and super friendly too!
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14 Jan, 2025 by Pauline nolan
If you are looking for an attorney who will provide you with excellent legal service, Mr. Alvin Wolff and his team will be there for you. Mr. Alvin Wolff is very knowledgeable, helpful, and has nearly forty years of experience practicing law. He is passionate about his job and he will do his best to work on your case, or if needed, refer you to a respected attorney.
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22 Jan, 2025 by Brooklynn hartmann
STL Law Group helped me navigate an incredibly complex legal matter over the course of several years. Throughout the process, they were attentive, supportive, and professional. I had the opportunity to work closely with Kirk, Alex, Laurie, and Heather, and each one of them made me feel heard and valued.
This was a very challenging time for me, but the team made sure I felt safe and confident every step of the way. If you’re looking for a law firm that will stand by you and handle your case with care and expertise, I highly recommend STL Law Group to anyone in the area!
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05 Dec, 2024 by Kim braun
Highly recommend Mr. Cavanagh. He and his associates made what was a difficult case for me very straightforward. Very communicative and helpful.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Jimmy tietjens
15 Jan, 2025 by Vladimir roxas
I got into an accident (rear-ended) in St. Louis last February and sustained a neck sprain. I decided to get professional legal help from Jimmy Miller of Miller and Hine, LLC. I called their office late in the evening on a Saturday; left a voicemail, but he immediately called me and discussed with me all the details of getting proper medical attention and formalities for them to act in my behalf in dealing with the insurance companies involved. Since I live in another state, he and his office arranged for my therapy sessions with affiliated physicians close to home. I also never had any problems with getting updates from him. He’s always on top of it until everything else has been done and I got the settlement from the insurance company.
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07 Jan, 2025 by Emilie vang
Miller & Hine Car Accident Lawyers were amazing, especially Jason! He was very helpful and transparent throughout this process. It made my family and I feel comfortable.
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20 Dec, 2024 by Isaiah west
Jason did an incredible job handling my case. Excellent communication and made everything so easy for me. I would recommend him to anyone!
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10 Feb, 2025 by Scott
04 Feb, 2025 by Mindy margrabe
Kelly, Cindy and Alexis worked hard to get my disability approved after a three plus years wait! I am very satisfied with my experience at Crowe & Shanahan!
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08 Jan, 2025 by Carla stewart
Highly recommend. It was nice to have someone looking out for me through such an overwhelming process.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Amy komrska
21 Jan, 2025 by Zachary opengart
Mr. Waterkotte was incredibly impressive from start to finish. His attention to detail was excellent but it was his willingness to fight for his clients that really stood out. I would not hesitate to recommend Combs Waterkotte to my friends and family should the situation arise.
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19 Jan, 2025 by Yolanda blandón
Definitivamente el mejor abogado un trabajo eficaz y claro sobre todo sincero y lo recomiendo totalmente feliz por el gran trabajo, esfuerzo y dedicación gracias.
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19 Dec, 2024 by Keith hungate
03 Dec, 2024 by Jwahn palmer
03 Dec, 2024 by Brandon butler
Made the process very easy and efficient! Highly recommend!
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21 Jun, 2022 by Mark w
17 Jan, 2020 by Jeff reeves
Betty was very nice and effective. She has long term determination and ethics that comes from her heart.
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14 Sep, 2018 by Luanne brickey
I work here. It's a great place to work and I hope they make the official list again.
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10 Oct, 2024 by Chrissy mares
20 Sep, 2024 by B m
I’m very happy to have found Mr. Todd Mandel to handle my accident case. When I was hit by a reckless driver, I thought it would take years for my case to be settled, if at all, after I had so much trouble with my insurance. His team got it handled and I received more than I could’ve expected. I will be recommending him in the future, thank you Mandel Law.
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18 Sep, 2024 by Kassidy little
In November of 2023 another driver ran a light and slammed into my car and totaled it. Almost a year later and I have nothing to show for it. I never got a rental or anything. The ball was dropped time and time again over the past year and this allowed the insurance company to screw me over at every turn. I lost my job twice, my transportation, my 4 year old can’t attend speech therapy anymore, everything is terrible. It got so bad at one point I actually begun the process to fire Mr. Mandel. I didn’t because I was told they had already sent over a request and it was over $100,000. I figured if they could partially recover that, that would be more than enough to make all of this worth it but it turns out even that was just a cover dream. The office called me today and said the most I can and ever could’ve gotten is $25,000. Which I also have to split with him and insurance, so I jumped through hoops and had my entire life ruined for less money than I would’ve gotten on my taxes anyway and I have honestly never felt so defeated and heartbroken. My car was totaled and they didn’t even get it paid off, I still owe $2000 on it too! I’m not even getting a new car when all of this is over and that’s honestly the only thing I really needed and wanted out of all this.
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15 Dec, 2024 by Amanda g
They were able to make the process fast and always answered my questions in a timely manner.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Ardiana krasniqi
Me and my fiancée had the pleasure to work with Jeffrey and Alicia on a family matter.
Thanks to their hard work and dedication, our case was resolved successfully, and we are incredibly grateful for their exceptional service.
If you are in need of a family law lawyer who is not only highly skilled but also compassionate and approachable, look no further than Jeffrey (Bartol law firm). They are truly a beacon of hope in the legal field.
I can’t recommend them highly enough. 😊
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02 Jul, 2024 by John bliven
I will start this off the way I will finish it.. Bardol Law Firm is a great practice, with Great people, Compassionate people, Great processes and extremely fair with billings.
So Going through one of the most difficult times in my life seeing something that I had so much hope and expectation for success end in a train wreck was to say the least difficult and embarrassing. Given all of that as the back drop, I then learned that this individual (my Ex) was trying to take advantage of me and destroy me almost from day one of the marriage with was only 16 or 18 months in length.
This is where Bardol Law Firm and specifically Ann and Alicia (IE the "A team") came into the process. I would say that they saved my sanity through this process. Ann and Alicia are people you can depend on, people you can Trust and most important people who will get you the best results.
Ann was beyond cool under pressure and handled every twist and turn that the apposing council was throwing at us and in her words this was by far the worst Gold Digger attempt she or her firm had ever seen. Lets just say what the $$ amount that was started at vs the end result was MUCH different to the point where the Final check needed to be made out to both the client (Noe My EX) and the apposing law firm. Ann Just kept pushing it back with sound logic, sound approach and a calm approach and asking the apposing council to justify the math and show the math of how and what made up the demands for the $$. slowly but surly things started to break through and the $$ just started coming down and down and down.
I was so impressed with Alicia and her approach and keeping everything on schedule throughout this mess. She was the scheduling mastermind to keep all the balls in motion. She was also the cheerleader with reassurance that everything was going to be ok, and Ann had a Plan and a Strategy to get this done and over with.
At the end of this process, Bardol Law Firm was extremely fair. How many times do you have a credit and a check waiting for you after a process like this? I received a $2K plus check as a refund at the end. (How many times do you hear of this happening.) A great Firm, Great People, very professional, results driven and fair beyond words.
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08 Jan, 2025 by Kristi lawson
Mr. Coulter and staff were great to work with. Very attentive to all the details and quick to respond to any questions we had along the way. They also communicated and expanded each step in the process so we had a better understanding of what would be happening and they helped us win our case. You will not be disappointed in using this firm for lawyer services.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Thomas taylor
07 Nov, 2024 by Erica l
This legal professional has shown exceptional competence and dedication in their field. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking legal representation that is committed to unwavering advocacy and support throughout the entirety of their case.
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03 Nov, 2024 by Tim jenkins
Mike was a answer to prayer.
I had a motorcycle accident and a nurse came by to check on me and referred me to Mike Shelton.
From that day on all my worries and concerned we're taken away.
Mike handle everything. I had no idea what to do and Mike explained everything. I totally trust him. He is a God sent.
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10 Oct, 2024 by Carol dement
Did a bad job for me
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21 Feb, 2024 by Kurt lubiewski
Always professional and great
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24 Jan, 2025 by Marco gonzalez
Eric Abramson is a skilled and dedicated professional who goes above and beyond to provide timely and effective support, making challenges easier to navigate. Thank you!
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24 Jan, 2025 by Ki era
I’m glad that I selected Eric to represent me. He was very nice and took care of my case FAST!! IF I ever need a lawyer again lol I’ll reach out to him for sure.
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18 Dec, 2024 by Robert rush
Remarkable. Joe is first and foremost a good person seeking to do the right thing. Trustworthy and genuine!
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04 Feb, 2025 by Mary harris
Carrie Simmons is the most wonderful, excellent lawyer I have ever met. She does an awesome job. She’s wonderful, patient, truthful and honest. She will definitely fight for you and I appreciate and honor her. I would recommend her to anybody and everybody I know. If you’re looking for a good lawyer please contact Carrie Sims. She’s the best and God bless.
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17 Jan, 2025 by Leroyce
These attorneys are simply amazing! Their advertisement let me know I was being sued by a collection agency. They are knowledgeable, smart, gifted at their skills. Also will back up what they say they can do. If you need results, and a spokesman who can and will deliver then Boevingloh & Pilakos is for you. I have them in my address book! Ha
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14 Jan, 2025 by Cary kinder
Highly recommend Kris. Took care of my case and I did not have to worry about anything. Great Outcome.
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11 Dec, 2024 by Bill chennault
20 Nov, 2024 by Jamie de geer
Great service, reasonable price and clear explanations of the process. I would highly recommend Douglas Richards, attorney.
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29 Oct, 2024 by Genelle hines
Easy to work with good results.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Mohamed abdellatif
Mr. Joe Flees is an extraordinary lawyer. From the beginning of listening to all the details of my case throughout the whole process, he turned my case from a very unfavorable situation with the least expected positive outcomes into a fully winning case that was fully dismissed. He believed in my innocence and utilized the evidence I had in the best possible way. I would like to thank him and his team for their extraordinary work and recommend him to those who need a lawyer to truly support them. Thank you!
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19 Jan, 2025 by Living with autism and traumatic brain injury
Jen is awesome
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14 Jan, 2025 by Rob cima
Dan Juengel was fantastic in helping my daughter with her legal problem. From the beginning, he was calm, understanding, and made a stressful situation much easier. He explained everything clearly, kept us updated throughout the process, and achieved a great result. It was clear he truly cared about my daughter’s case and our family. I’m so thankful for his help and support—I highly recommend him!
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16 Jan, 2024 by John b
10 Aug, 2023 by Sarah duncan
We hired Tony for someone who was in desperate need for some great defense..that is what Tony delivered.
Aside from that, he’s just really a great down to earth guy! He made me comfortable from our first phone call. He’s a straight shooter and he will tell you how it is! I appreciated his transparency and the fact that he’s just really easy to work with. Down to earth and relatable! Would hire again!
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22 Dec, 2022 by Jack mehuff plz bitc (too quick sorry)
he's very good informative and keeps you up-to-date on your case and mr. mellencamp is FrankBoyer and I love you
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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:
-
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.
