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24 Feb, 2025 by Leif nelson
Did work for this firm and was promised payment. 18 months trying to collect and they ghosted me. Don't believe them if they promise you anything without getting an extensive contract.
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16 Sep, 2024 by S a
This firm is absolutely incompetent, in particular Mark Swan who has made multiple excuses as to why the work we hired him to do a year ago hasn't been completed. I would strongly recommend anyone considering hiring this firm to look elsewhere.
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09 May, 2024 by Migillicuty max
CORRUPT
Dictionary
Definitions from Oxford Languages · Learn
adjective
1. Having or showing a willingness to act dishonestly in return for money or personal gain.
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24 Feb, 2025 by Leif nelson
Did work for this firm and was promised payment. 18 months trying to collect and they ghosted me. Don't believe them if they promise you anything without getting an extensive contract.
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16 Sep, 2024 by S a
This firm is absolutely incompetent, in particular Mark Swan who has made multiple excuses as to why the work we hired him to do a year ago hasn't been completed. I would strongly recommend anyone considering hiring this firm to look elsewhere.
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09 May, 2024 by Migillicuty max
CORRUPT
Dictionary
Definitions from Oxford Languages · Learn
adjective
1. Having or showing a willingness to act dishonestly in return for money or personal gain.
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06 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
This attorney represented me in a local justice court. Despite the fact that she had numerous other clients waiting to talk with her, she spent enough time with me to understand my case, explain my options, and expectations for each option. Personally, I found the whole experience to be very scary and was comforted by her patience, understanding, and the way she represented me in the court room. I would definitely recommend her and hire her again.
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13 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
I had been representing myself in a case involving Sandy City's property ordinances, and I had demanded a jury trial. At the latest pre-trial hearing, the judge offered to assign a court appointed attorney because, he said, he did not want me representing myself in a jury trial. At our first (and only) meeting, this attorney summoned me into the conference room at the courthouse, avoiding eye contact and failing to even introduce herself. The first words out of her mouth were an indirect admission that she had not even read the case file (even though she had had weeks to do so). Skimming the file as I sat there, she proceeded to tell me what the City was "offering." I tried to explain to her that we were beyond all that and she had been assigned to this case specifically to represent me in a jury trial, but she cut me off by putting her palm in my face as if I were a little child. She looked me in the eye for the first time to tell me -- in an extremely angry tone -- that this was a conservative community and a jury would convict me just because I was sitting in the defendant's chair. The meeting only went downhill from there. When I told her she would not be representing me, she arose and screamed at me -- yes -- screamed -- with her finger in my face -- "Get out of here!" I was already getting up to leave at that point, which made such an embarrassing scene completely unnecessary. I then went into the courtroom and told the judge what had happened and that I could not have such a person represent me. He then assigned a different court-appointed attorney to my case.
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27 Oct, 2013 by Marilyn
She was so busy talking about her upcoming wedding/dress I'm surprised she even had any time for me. On my sentencing day she was busy making a lunch date with the prosecutor and so I got no warning of how my demeanor might affect the judge I had. I was sentenced to 15 months in prison and learned more about how the legal system works, from the inmates, after being incarcerated then from this supposed professional !!!!
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17 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
I have had a lot of public defenders and none have been like her. She actually cared about me and my case.
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04 Jun, 2024 by Josh_climbs_trees
30 Jun, 2022 by Susana mcmahon
Extremely rude, they hang up on me.
Three times.
She told me , she not has a time to speak with me.
The don't get it that it is government employees and we pay taxes for to pay them.
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15 Aug, 2015 by Ehsanullah ehsan ehsan faizi afghani imam jaafari
Ehsanullah ehsan Kandahar Afghanistan
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01 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
After hiring and paying Greg from home equity he was hard to contact and when he made jail visits never brought a notepad. I eventually went pro se and he was assigned as Standby (his wife makes these assignments for the court). When testifying he was to direct "my questions" to me to answer. He didn't ask me a single question of about 18-20 so no defense testimony or evidence was entered! He works for the Prosecutors, NOT you! Be cautious if you need legal services...
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04 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
This attorney, Mr. Skordas was hired due to a recommendation by a mutual friend. He was very rude, difficult to contact & inappropriate! He was hired to defend my father. Skordas had no respect for his client, telling my father to "shut up" during a hearing. It seems he only cares about high profile cases and publicity. Regardless, he was a terrible attorney in my opinion! So disappointed with his representation!
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26 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
So sad to have to write a negative review for an attorney. Don’t hire Greg Skordas. All of the negative reviews about him are true, he doesn’t prepare, doesn’t show up and doesn’t care. Now an innocent man has to go to jail because of him.
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04 Nov, 2024 by Tanya
Poor isn’t low enough of a star for this woman. If the rating system goes into the negative, that rating would be too high. I am looking at my convictions and she does nothing to help her clients. Bad decision to hire her, no matter which side she is working for. If she can’t be trusted for whom sheis hired to represent she can’t be trusted any where.
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11 May, 2024 by Robert
She is whats wrong with the legal system. Playing with peoples lives like it’s a game
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02 May, 2024 by Anonymous
The state of Utah and the Salt Lake Legal Defender Association should be ashamed of this woman, and her previous colleagues including Daniel Torrence. Nathaniel Swift, and the DIShonerable Katherine Bernards-Goodman. They all should be arrested, charged and then have their cases railroaded, just as they schemed to have Luis Sanchez imprisoned despite him wanting to fight his case, and your lack there of, as his own attorney. You had the right to drop him from your cases if it bothered you so much, and him recieve a new DA, but you didn't! INSTEAD, you thought "hey he's just some brown immigrant, who cares?"
DESPICABLE.
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18 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Where should I start? He mistakenly texted my ex instead of me. Showed up late to my hearing, didn't demonstrate a knowledge of key facts in my case etc.
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12 Feb, 2013 by Delanna
I had hired kieth Barton in 2010 to do a bankruptcy case for me. I paid 2,100$ to get things started. Kieth up and closed his office without any noticed or information or even giving my money back. I had got ahold of his partner mark crieven he said he will try to help me get ahold of kieth. I gave him all my info to give kieth, but kieth never returned my emails, phone calls, or letters.
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21 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
There were a number of critical aspects to my case he either overlooked or plainly ignored. When asked about these issues, he asked for additional monies. Is legal points are difficult or inconvenient, he will not address them to the peril of the client.
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21 Jul, 2019 by Rocio
He did my case back in 2016. Took 10 months for a simple divorce. For a whole month, he did not do anything or work on my case. On the 8th month, he tells me to go to do the divorce class which he should have told me that the very first month of filing. He does not work with a paralegal so he did all the paperwork which was more expensive that way. After going to the court and asking them what ariel needed more, I sent that to him by email and he wrote all that back to me and charged me for it!!! Just a ridiculous lawyer!!
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07 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
We hired Ben to go after a woman that bought our company and stopped paying. We should have known he wasn’t qualified when the first letter he sent on our behalf was completely wrong!! He obviously didn’t even read up on our case to send an embarrassing letter like that. He never fixed it, told us he sent other letters but we never saw them. We were locked out of my case so there was no proof of anything. He is impossible to get a hold of. He does not return phone calls text or emails! We finally got so fed up we contacted the person we are suing and she said he won’t return her attorneys calls and emails either and that they have not received the paperwork he told us he sent.
If you’re contemplating using Ben Grindstaff I suggest you save your money and find an honest competent attorney who will actually work for you and not just steal your money and run!
We want a refund and will do whatever needs to be done to get it. The Utah bar association and BBB will be hearing from us!
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08 Aug, 2024 by Jake
We hired Craig Chlarson and he completely failed to appear. Took our money and put several unknown lawyers on our case who failed miserabley. Craig is a con man. He makes a ton of false promises. He is not to be trusted.
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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.
