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01 Aug, 2023 by Dalila clark
As said in the previous reviews, Mr. Vargas is rude. He seems to be all about the money. I was advocating for my fiancé, who is in TDC. Who was appointed Mr. Vargas during a case. Mr. Vargas refused to help. The only thing that Mr. Vargas did was ignore text messages and phone calls. He showed up one time to a court case. And did little to absolutely nothing besides show up to the courthouse. I was told by Mr. Vargas over the phone that he would help if I was willing to pay the $300 charge that he charges per hour. I offered to pay that $300 per hour; after offering, Mr. Vargas, then said absolutely no. “I don’t want to take your case. I have paying clients that I’m already assisting” Even though he was already a court appointed attorney on said case. Luckily, I was able to contact the court system. And have Mr. Vargas removed from the case. Yes, it took months for this to actually happen. But thank goodness he was removed. Mr. Vargas is a horrible man. He does not want to actually help his community. I do not understand why anyone gets involved in law if they are not passionate about speaking up against the law, For their clients.
Good riddance Vargas. You will not be missed.
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01 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
I was court appointed this lawyer for a criminal case. Off the bat, I’ll say that his communication skills are horrendous. He does not return calls no matter how urgent the situation is. On one incident he showed up to court 5 hours late. He made absolutely no effort to speak with me about my case. The first two times that he showed up to court he was still unfamiliar with my case details and had to reset multiple times because he was not ready. Extremely dismissive in nature.
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07 Jul, 2021 by Marion
Mr. Vargas was appointed as the attorney for my grand daughter in Comal County Jail. The rules for court appointed lawyers is they have to contact their client within 24 hours of being appointed. I contacted Mr. Vargas after the 24 hours had gone by and he yelled at me for 10 minutes about how he did not want me to call him. This was Wednesday and he said he would see her by Friday, 2 weeks later he had not called her and would not return my calls. I called the court and explained the situation. The next day he did show up at the jail and left before seeing my Grand daughter. He came back with 3 court papers for her to sign, refused to let her read them, told her it was for probation agreement. He told her that I was never to call him or the court or the jail again. So we are trying to get a new court appointed attorney. He is mean and rude and does not keep his word
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15 Dec, 2023 by Marie
DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THIS MAN. HE IS ARROGANT, DISRESPECTFUL, AND RUDE AND WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP YOUR CASE. I DID ASK THE PAPERWORK FOR MY HUSBANDS CASE AND GOT IT DISMISSED, AND THIS MAN HAS THE AUDACITY TO SAY I GOT YOU DISMISSED. WHEN I WOULD CALL HIM TO GET THE STATUS ON THE CASE HE TOLD ME SEVERAL TIMES WHY ARE YOU CALLING ME YOUR NOT THE DEFENDANT, AND WOULD HANG UP ON ME. I CAN'T STRESS ENOUGH DO NOT HIRE THIS MAN.
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17 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
He has done absolutely nothing to help my brother in laws case. He was in jail when his court date up they took him to a family violance court instead of criminal court. The judge ordered a RWOB till his reset trial court date. This attorney didnt fight for him he agreed with leaving him in jail without a bond!! Then when my sister called him he hung up on her. He is a horrible lawyer and will not fight for whats right. He should not even practice he just wants the money.
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23 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
Didn't file motions that help my case I'd asking to file a motion if speedy trial and he didn't do anything I asked him to do or helped
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29 Aug, 2023 by Ebony
John was retained by myself for a simple child modification case. He was paid in full cash, took my money and never contacted me again. For 5 months I was ignored by this attorney. He wouldn’t answer my emails, texts or calls. It took me notifying the state bar association for him to return my calls. Please please DO NOT hire John Sandheinrich. He will take your money and leave you high and dry!
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02 Aug, 2023 by Elizabeth
He has multiple complaints against him with the state bar. He has lied to his clients and lied to the state bar. He took my case and my money and then continued to lie to me for months that things were done that he never did. He lied about having hearings and it took me having to call the court house to find out. He had done this to other people. Save yourself the distress and actually get a good attorney because it is not him
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03 Feb, 2021 by T
A one star is actually very generous considering Mr. Sandheinrich was hired in January 2019 for a "simple", non-contested case. According to Mr. Sandheinrich, the judge wouldn't have any other choice but award us a favorable outcome. In December 2020, I changed counsel. My new attorney accomplished more in 3 months than Mr. Sandheinrich did in 23 months. There was no follow through, a lot of misguided information and NO resolution. Mr. Sandheinrich will charm you, tell you exactly what you want to hear and then take your money and leave you. Don't be fooled!
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26 Sep, 2020 by José
Mr. Valdez has no business holding a Texas bar license to practice any kind of law whatsoever. I have submitted a formal complaint/grievance to the state bar. He was a court appointed lawyer for a case i had in county court 186 in S.A. He missed completely more than one court appointment. A judge during his absence asked the court clerks in a scheduled appointment "is this the same Jerry Valdez that always shows up late if at all ? ". The clerk simply nodded and said "yes your honor". That's to say he has a well established reputation for being tardy and even absent from scheduled court proceedings. Do not for any reason hire this man. He is a crook, a lier, and has no business practicing law in Texas or any other state for that matter. I will work tirelessly to have him disbarred as he is a detriment to legal community as a whole.
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30 May, 2018 by Anonymous
This guy lies, he's not a good lawyer at all. He will not work for you, he works for the courts. No return phone calls, no visits in jail to discuss my case. I only saw him the day of my trial for which as stated he did not fight for me.
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29 Oct, 2017 by Warren
Jerry told lied to me, about what would happen after a conviction, now i cannot drive or find a good job . when i try to contact him, he ignores and avoids my phone calls , and refuses to call me back. My life if now set back for years to come due to this lawyer.
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09 Jun, 2016 by Kim
If there was a less than poor or less than 1 star option, I would've picked that instead! I would tell anyone that's in the process of trying to find a parole attorney to keep looking if they're thinking about hiring Paul Hampel. I hired Paul for my husband, this is not the first time my husband has been incarcerated. Paul said that he was pretty certain there would be a good outcome for parole but after 2 parole hearings and a short way, my husband was still denied. My husband is currently serving an 8 year sentence for evading arrest, non aggravated, he has an exemplary disciplinary record, and he's not in any gangs, as a matter of fact - he's very involved in the faith based programs. There was no reason for him not to get his short way other than Paul not doing his job. During the parole process, I requested every time to speak to the parole board and every time Paul's secretary's said my request had been denied. After my husband was denied his short way and set off for another year, I called everyday, 2 and 3 times a day, and Paul wouldn't talk to me. The girls who answer his phone always say that he's either not in the office or he's on the other line or he's in the middle of a parole hearing, they've even put me on hold and left me there for 15 or 20 minutes until I just hung up. The secretaries sounded irritated or put out when I called and asked for any information - they would always tell me if they hear anything they would let me know and in the almost 3 years that he represented my husband I never received one phone call from that office - I was the one calling them when I noticed his case was in review on the computer. This office has horrible customer service and all they cared about was getting their money, although Paul Hampel is cheaper than what other attorneys charge, it's just not worth it - he's equivalent to not having an attorney at all, so you might as well keep your money. In the end you get what you pay for - and for me... They have my money and I still don't have my husband home with me :( Needless to say I fired him after my husband didn't make his short way. Don't make the same mistake I did by hiring this worthless attorney
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06 May, 2016 by Paul
Please save yourself the affliction and do not hire Paul Hampel. He is incompetent and unable to carry out his services in an effective manner. I am sorry I hired him and am filing a grievance with Austin State Board
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21 Feb, 2013 by Carina
They were nice at the beginning but soon after my last payment, no body answer the phone, once I send him a letter and he did call me but he call me names and threatening not ever call him email or send no more letters or he will put my brothers case a side and he told me I will hear from him. I never call him no more but he keep my $2400. He charge me and my brother still not home. I will informed my self how I can report him to BBB so he stop lying to people and have more ethics and not calling people annoying. I paid him $2400. Dollars and he call me annoying wow how low work ethics. I will not recommend him to no body.
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02 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Hired him to take care of my family's ticket now we all have warrants for our arrest, we payed him all this money and nothing. To top it of he wont even return our phone calls
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03 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
hired him three years ago to take care of my tickets and all he did was reset the court date and now i have a warrant out for my arrest cause he did not take care of them and i cant hire another lawyer till he signs off on it
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13 Mar, 2012 by Gabriel perez
i have had a hard time contacting him. he has not help my traffic tickets. and my case is on freeze until he shows up to court or he calls me back. I have had a hard time finding employment because of this reason. I when to court to try to just pay my tickets so I can work ,i need to live. Only to be told i can't pay my tickets until i contact this attorney. So my advice use him at your own risk!
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06 May, 2022 by Jennifer
I’ve known Hector for years… my family has been living an ongoing nightmare for almost 3 years now, and we consulted him on the matter. Decided to retain him, and the case ended up being dropped. It didn’t go anywhere, never even set foot in court or even zoom court for that matter. We’d discussed the likelihood of getting any part of the $7500 retainer back at our initial consultation, and were assured we’d most likely see some return. Fast forward and now being told we get none of it back. He referenced the contract, and said the retainer is nonrefundable, however I do not find that information within the contract. We requested an itemized statement, which he was annoyed by, and days later when we received it, saw that a couple of listed items do not even make sense, and every item listed was charged at an in court rate. I genuinely feel like he played on the emotions, vulnerability and turmoil of myself and my family at the time we chose to retain him. It’s extremely disheartening to think that a friend would do this, considering that this case involved my daughter and grandson, two of the people closest to me that are my world.
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07 Mar, 2019 by Carlos alonzo
Hector has been a friend of mine for over 10 years. I hired him for my personal injury case. It was a heartbreaking experience, poor communication, poor results on the case ,including his assistant Ray using salesman closing tactics on me . Overall waste of time.
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31 May, 2023 by Jenny
No lo contraten es un estafador solo dice q va ayudar con el caso y no hace nada ya después que uno le paga aveces ni contestan son unos estafadores
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09 Jun, 2021 by Hernandez
No lo recomiendo solo te cobra y no ace nada por ty solo tiene 2 reviews. Mas de un web sites no existe y Los demas es lo mismo son un fraude cuidado no caigan en su juego lo digo por experiencia propia primero investiga y denuncia mala practica de estos abogados falsos
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16 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
I was able to communicate with Mr Duganne, until I paid him a substantial amount. Now he will not answer phone, or return text or emails. It's like he fell off the face of the earth! I never received any copies or haven't found any evidence that he's done anything on my case! At a loss for what to do. Live on a fixed income and it took awhile to save enough to pay him. And now don't have funds for another lawyer! Ugh!
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04 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
Never answered or returned calls. Always late to court. Did not represent me in the fullest. Just went with the plea bargain instead of fighting for and defending his client. Also, charges even though court appointed.
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27 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Horrible attorney. A yes man to the DA and best friends with the judge in court 187. Pessimistic, not driven, not interested in defending his clients.
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02 Mar, 2021 by Joycelyn
He has insulted my intelligence! He has threatened me via emails and text messages. On a phone call with my husband, he told my husband that I will never see my children again and neither will he. This man has completely sabatoged my case! He has treated me very poorly and unfair because I am a woman and of the minority. He doesn't take the time to treat me with respect, he's extremely harsh especially when he gives information and makes it sound extremely horrible! He was upset with me when I reported him over 3 times to the San Antonio Bar Association and removed himself off my case/filed a Motion Of Continuance just because he personally felt upset. He's done nothing for me but make everything worse! Court appointed or not, Richard's services are the worst! I don't recommend him! He will lie to you and make you out to be the enemy! I pray that justice will be served for my family and I. I don't deserve this anymore and I'm speaking out! Richard doesn't like when you speak the truth against him, he will use it to his advantage and become vindictive!
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30 Dec, 2021 by Jose
SHE PRESIDES OVER HER COURT WITH GOD LIKE COMPLEX NOT ALLOWING PLAINTIFF OR DEFEDANTS THAT AREN'T IN HER BRITISH ACCREDITTED COUNTRY CLUB THE SAME PRIVILIGES AND LIBERTIES AFFORDED BY THE CONSTITUTION AND TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHS ACT OF 1964. SHE SHOULD NEVER BE IN OFFICE. PERRIOD!!!!!!!!
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20 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
I used Cynthia for my divorce and custody case, she was a little less expensive than the other consultation with another attorney... I got what I paid for. She didn't return my calls, emails or texts for months and when she finally did she claimed she never got my messages. I used a friends phone once and she answered right away but that didn't work after she had the number. She sat on paperwork, and then worded the decree incorrectly causing me to pay more money than I had to as well as having the attorney general put my child support payments on hold because of the verbiage being wrong on my decree so they couldn't send it to have the money taken from my ex husbands check. When I reached out to her I had to wait over a month to reach her and then she sat on the paperwork again and finally got to court several months later. She sent me a text saying the judged signed and she would send me the decree and my Q-Dro and I never received it nor was I able to reach her again. She was horrible!
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21 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
Una persona q trabaja allí dice ser abogado y no lo es su nombre es Josue Velásquez y lo único que hace es robar el dinero de las personas lo digo porque tuve una relación con el y al final lo descubrí, al principio muy amable pero una vez q le pagas no les importas y también hace que la gente mienta en sus casos de Immigracion mucho cuidado busquen en state bar of texas y verán de lo que les hablo
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27 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
la oficina de este Abogado Rodolfo Zepeda, lamentablemente son unas personas sin interes por los seres humanos, una ves que se les a pagado sus onoraris ya ni contestan el telefono, te ponen en espera y luego te cuelgan. ni siquiera puedes hablar con ellos. Tienen un terrible servico al cliente. Si necesitan un abogado les recomiendo que busquen a otro porque estos senores no vale la pena. yo persoalmente tube muuy mala experiencia con estos senores, quienes son de lo peor de las ramo de abogados. y no se los recomiendo.
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01 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
This man was assigned to my case In 2018 about a year passed and I had only spoken with him twice ever the phone he has my first contact information and he chose to email me instead of phone for some odd reason. Also he keeps telling me to take a plea that I do not want to take because I am not guilty and it will affect my background later on in life and he seems to not care at all about that. I asked him for the evidence and he has given me none in this whole time.. he does. Or care about anyone’s freedom or situations he lies a lot to his own clients and leaves them like just a few months ago I was waiting from 8:30 am until 12:00pm for him to go in a room with the DA for 5minutes giggle and laugh and for him to come out and suggest the plea once again and has me signed for a re set date once again for the 3rd time he does not take his clients serious at all so I would VERY STRONGLY NOT RECOMMEND THIS ATTORNEY he will leave you in binds and maybe even jail time. If you already have him I suggest you replace him with another. IMMEDIATELY!!!
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28 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
Worst Attourney anyone could ever get stuck with! 8 months passed by not a shred of paper work not a video clip not one meeting just court dates and suggestions on the court dates , this man does not care about anyone’s charges he make countless mistakes every court date I had with him he did not even recognize me left me waiting for 3 hours almost got me a bench warrant for his mistakes I should not have to babysit my Attourney into doing his job! Do not hire this man and if you have him FIRE him!!!!
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30 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
She is unprofessional and her intenstions are only in what benefits her not her clients. Worthless as a lawyer&judge! She had no intenstions in fully helping her clients and always asked for more money in return. She gave us the run around on everything and was never clear on anything but when she needed her money she made sure she was on top of everything and answer minimal questions.
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24 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Michael initially answered calls, in the event he didn’t he would return the call in a reasonable time frame. Not prompt but within reason. Within the first week he had already reneged on things he previously said he would do. Dates he guaranteed passed by. With no explanation or reason. He simply stopped communicating. Leaving us completely in the dark. On a matter he said was just a matter of presenting to the judge, no more than a simple interaction ll. After contacting the county clerk numerous times I was informed he never even went as he had assured he would. Now he will not answer anyones calls and has yet to return a single call. Is this guy actually committed to his clients. I don’t think so
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23 Jun, 2021 by Victoria
BEWARE! After selling me on everything she could do for me legally in my divorce and getting my money up front, she would not return my calls, did absolutely nothing in my case, and deflected me to her partner, who was ill advised. Heidi ended up dropping me in my case, to go to work for a different law firm. I was then stuck with her worthless partner, Paul Hardy, who screwed me royally, (those are the words by another attorney I contacted). BEWARE of this unprofessional excuse of an attorney!
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26 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Her son, Michael Gabriel Sosa, is a notorious child predator and she has repeatedly protected him from prosecution through suspect practices. She has been notified by the victims and their families as to his distribution of child pornography with no effect. DOES NOT PRACTICE WHAT SHE PREACHES.
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28 May, 2024 by Anonymous
My husband was appointed this C.A attorney.The way he spoke to him the first time they met was absolutely unprofessional and down right rude .He accused him of being high on cocaine ,I thought to myself why on earth is this guy so accusatory and so down right rude ,on the next c.d he lied and said he couldn't find my husband so he left .I'm greatful to the kind officer who witnessed the incident,my husband was sitting in front row waiting on his attorney like he was told.So my husband decided against using him and will be retaining new council on his new set date for court .In my opinion ,who wants someone against you and who lies on you to represent you for ANYTHING ESPECIALLY WHEN YOUR PRECIOUS LIFE IS AT RISK ,any amount of time is too much.
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04 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Mrs. Benavides was by far the worst lawyer I have ever had. She kept pushing for me to go to SAFP, which is basically a concentration camp. Because of her I ended up doing a lot more time then I should have. DO NOT hire her, and if you get appointed her by the court fire her immediately as you could end up in a “rehab”/ concentration camp if you have a drug charge. Instead of helping me beat the case she was trying to be a life coach and ended up getting me more time.
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27 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
I was charged with three counts misdemeanors 2017/8. The temporary protective order was issued for about a month against me from my ex. Two months later( the protective order expired), it was almost Christmas. I really miss my child since my ex took her away from me without telling me anything. Then I tried to contact her and wrote a message saying " Not letting me see my child is not right, I 'd like to meet you in police station" I think this is very normal and pose no threat. Because of this, Cynthia Olson ordered me to testify for two year protective order. At that time, no protective order to prevent me from contacting her either. And I messaged her in a safest way but Cynthia Maria Olson still asked me to testify. Now all my charges are dismissed. I have never done anything to my ex. Cynthia Maria Olson only listen to what my ex said instead of looking at evidence. From the beginning to the end, it is all " she said..". My question is what's the difference between having protective order and no protective ? If there is a protective order, I can't contact her but if there no protective order, I contact her in the safest way, you still ordered me to testify ? Then there is really no difference. Because of your protective order, I have not seen my child for 1 year and half. And this is going to continue until the end of 2019. which is inhuman since I don't have money for the family lawyer. Now all the cases dismissed but the protective order is still there for no sense. I need your explanation. for what reason you asked me to testify in the court ? My ex took advantage of this all the time. It is ridiculous that even though all the charges got dismissed, the protective order is still there. You protect what and whom? If telling my ex to meet at police station to see my child is not safe, where else can be safer ?
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24 Apr, 2024 by Bryan
I found attorney Nestor Javier Lopez-Garcia through a Legal Aid referral notification when requesting legal assistance for my type of case. I was seeking representation after my initial civil case was concluded against my apartment complex [Artisan Luxury Apartments | Location: 8701 W. Parmer Lane] [Case #1JC-21-0454]. While I lived there, I rented a garage port that was tied into my lease agreement. While still in my lease, they leased out my garage to a new resident, and reported my items as abandoned. I filed a civil suit against them, and won a settlement amount; however their attorney made a countersuit about water damage on the carpet, which was the result from the big winterstorm that happened around 2021.and was related to the winter storm that displaced most of the people in my building. After that situation happened, there was no maintenance work done to repair my floor in the unit. I realized that this countersuit could be a tactic to mitigate the settlement. The settlement I won therefore was reduced after they won their countersuit against me. I filed an appeal, and realized that I needed professional help, because I realized how unprepared I was to counter-argue the opposing side's claim. I came into contact with Nestor J. Lopez, Esq. (Loc: Law Office of Nestor J. Lopez, PLLC). Which I found through Texas Legal Aid service. The issue that Mr. Lopez caused me was not appearing for my appeal hearing, & advising me that I did not have to appear myself. This caused the opposing side to win a Final Judgment at the County Court at Law #4 [No. 22-0869-CC4]. I had the opportunity to open a new case, but within that 30 day window Mr. Lopez did not file a new case on my behalf, and failed to provide me the information I needed to get him off my case, which would have allowed me to get someone else to open a new case for me. I had grounds to reopen a new case, but since Mr. Lopez was listed as my lawyer on file, then he would have to do so, which he never did. I filed a CDC grievance with the "Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel" [Re: 202207630] and provided them a detail papertrail & timeline of the events that lead to my outcome. After the hearing they found cause to provide disciplinary actions on him. He was required to complete mandatory courses, and has since been reinstated as of April 10, 2024. I am writing this review for anyone needing honest feedback before making a decision. I believe that people need resources & feedback to make informed decisions. I have vetted this review to make sure I have cobberating information to support everything I stated.
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26 Dec, 2007 by Anonymous
Family Law. I am a father who had a favorable social study and custody from 5/04 to 3/06. This attorney never presented our case before a judge. My ex-spouse had her cousin go to CPS and accuse me and my son of abuse to our youngest. Ruled out in less than two months. Advice of Lawyer was to give her custody. I never received child support. This CPS false allegations are common in custody cases. I do not recommend this lawyer for any task. I will be happy to give more details.
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08 Oct, 2022 by Aaliyah
Within my title, those 5 words would be how I would describe my "lawyer". He was my court appointed attorney, however, if that is how he works with his clients when its free, I can only imagine what he would do if you pay him money. I am not going to disregard his experience nor education, but when I was his client, it never felt like he was on top of things. In April he stated he would file for a speedy trial for my case, but it wasn't filed until August, essentially a day or two before my next court date, which had gotten pushed back an additional 30 days after that. After telling him my entire situation, it felt he had no care in the world to actually help me. For example, I wanted him to apply for a dismissal and he kept informing me with legal jargon of why he couldn't do that. Little did he know, I have a relative who works for SAPD, and explained the situation exactly the same, and stated there's no reason why the case should be dragging on any further. I even talked to a lawyer I was willing to pay my last dime on, who sated the same thing. My lawyer failed to address to the court my medical history, the lack of evidence the courts and police have, as well as address the fact that if my BAC was 0.0%, and if the courts are wanting to test for drugs, how come its taking them almost two years to test for substances? I am led to believe that he was being careless the whole time, due to how much time had gone by as he was my attorney. Another issue that could've helped my case, would have been him looking at all 15 hours of the police body cam, so that he can note that there was no sobriety test given nor was the police asking me questions on my medical history as well. It makes no sense that Mr. Garcia stated that he was still never able to get the footage, when my new attorney had watched 10 out of 15 hours already and was just appointed last month. *Did I mention that when I had asked for a dismissal, that he stated he didn't want to bother the judge? To me when I hear those words that doesn't sound like a lawyer, or at least an aggressive one. Just because you are a court appointed attorney doesn't mean you should shrub off your clients nor not execute as if the client was paying you, because if he had been paid, then my request more than likely would have been filed. I have had past court appointed attorneys who have been heavily on my case, communicating me through the whole process, and making sure I end up scot free, because the charges were nonsense. When I started to communicate to him more, he got more squirmy, dismissive, and unresponsive at times. As in he was rushing me off the phone when I had several questions. So much so that when I had asked for more help, he decided to withdraw from my case as my court appointed attorney. If you chose this career path as a free lawyer, you have to understand customer service, and based on our interaction he has none. There was a point in our phone conversations, that when I was asking him all these legal questions he stated "Did you get a law degree"? I am not sure if that is what he says to all his clients, but no I got a Health science degree from the #1 university in the state of Texas, and because I felt like this entire case is a form of discrimination (non racial), I am disappointed in the fact that this is ongoing, and he did nothing to resolve it. Otherwise I would be leaving a very different review.
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18 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
Roy G. Franco charged my sister 1000.00 to represent me. He sent lawyer George B. Dombart to represent me AFTER I HAD POSTED MY OWN BOND AND ARRANGED MY OWN DEFENSE WHEN I WAS RELEASED. I had never met with either attorney before I had my first court appearance and was shocked when George B. Dombart appeared instead of the public defender that I had previously requested and qualified for. I fired attorney Dombart on the spot and arranged to hire a new attorney who successfully brought in witnesses who testified to my innocence and the charges against me were dismissed and the case was closed. The reason I adamantly declined anyone associated with Mr. Franco is that he has a history of alcohol abuse, and even admitted to the use of illegal drugs. He had harassed me earlier about my religious/faith practices during unsolicited late night phone calls in which his speech was slurred and his temperament was bizarre. He also spread misinformation about me to our family members. Mr. Franco now refuses to take my phone calls, as well as my sister’s. He also refuses to return voice messages left on his answering machine. He has not responded to letters of demand for reimbursement of the 1000.00 that were sent via certified mail. Mr. Dombart, his associate, has behaved the same and my sister and I have filed formal grievance with the State Bar of Texas.
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23 Jan, 2016 by Hassan matthew kukah
I`d never seen an attorney getting to the court house all smelling alcohol.
More importantly, is his claim of help. Nothing falls free from the Sky.
Finally, he does more damage to poor uneducated immigrants cases than assist their sorry situation, using "Pro-Bono" to lure these unsuspecting already traumatized immigrants is unethical, selfish and inhuman which circumvents the basic principle of fundamental human rights.
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07 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Hernandez was a court appointed attorney for my son in a criminal case. He took many months to even visit my son in jail. He did not file any motions on his behalf for many months. His bedside manner was horrible. He does not return your calls until the day before court. My son spent about a year in jail before the case was settled. My son is now paying the price, in prison.
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20 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
He speaks to you like youre beneath him. If you tell him something and he doesnt hear you correctly he'll start screaming at you calling you a liar. He made me feel so uncomfortable and scared to even say anything because i didnt know if he was gonna snap on me or tell me he did not care about what i was telling him. I have never been so mistreated in my life.
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09 Oct, 2021 by Soraya barragan
Disbarred and suspended attorney and still collecting fees
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16 Sep, 2024 by Valerie
Called him left voicemails didn’t receive call backs, sent text messages , showed message as being read abs never responded to messages sent. If possible, I would share screenshots of messages sent that were ignored.
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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:
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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.
