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25 Jul, 2017 by Jimmy leo roach
THANKS TO PAUL EXPERTISE IN HIS WORK AND SCHEDULING AND TIME FRAME. HE HAS BEEN ABLE TO SHOW HOW ACURATE AND COMMITTED HE WAS TO MY DEALINGS WITH THE LAW. I WAS FALSELY CHARGED. I WAS FOUND NOT QUILTY . THANKS TO HIS EFFORTS. I DONT HAVE TO HAVE A FACE CHARGES ON MY RECORD TO DEAL WITH IN THE FUTURE.
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05 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr Parash is an apathetic, sad-sack attorney that deserves to be disbarred for his abject apathy, total lack of responsiveness and complete and utter disregard for his clients.
He will look you straight in the eye and lie to your face.
He won't even bother to read emails, text messages, court documents, or prepare for hearings, no matter the urgency required. He shows up late for hearings and appointments (if he bothers to set appointments with you).
He'll ignore all forms of communication for MONTHS ON END. When things are most pressing, and EVERYTHING is at stake, that's exactly the precise time when he'll abandon you.
STAY AWAY!!!
He's the very epitome of the scumbag attorney. When you finally get fed up and refuse to be a pushover and call him out, he actually has the gall to demand your respect. What a joke!
Then he'll say something like "I feel really bad about your situation....blah blah....you're really getting a raw deal..." Oh yeah buddy, then DO SOMETHING!! Lift a finger to help. Return a phone call. File a motion. Read an email!!
He does not operate with any modicum of urgency. He does not care if your life is being destroyed. I had to fire him the very day of a critical hearing because he didn't lift a finger to help me and my son.
Do not rely on him (or you'll find yourself saying "your honor, I have no idea where my attorney is...", and suddenly your beloved children will very soon be separated from you.
This guy will lead you to ruin. BE WARNED!!
PS -- if you don't believe, please read other reviews online.
Here are common blurbs: 1) "Paul did indeed sound drunk most of the time we spoke..", and
2)"...he total scum of the earth...", and
3) "...he was a complete joke! He showed up to court late, he looked hung over, he did no research to back up what he was fighting for...", and
4) "...this man is the worst attorney i have ever witnessed...", and, here's the doosie of them all:
5) "What a sleazy piece of garbage. The man is rude. He should be lined up against a wall and shot! "
Keep in mind these are all different reviews. Google Birdeye for these.
More importantly, if gets appointed to your case RUN!!!!
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16 May, 2020 by Julie
Firstly, let me acknowledge that family law is an inherently negative process and, while I recognize that, Lynn and her team made it exponentially more stressful than it should have been.
My case wasn't big; I didn't put down tens of thousands of dollars for a retainer. Which is why, I believe, I was treated like a second class client. When I would ask for an update, I was told that Lynn was in court or had a deadline coming up so I'd have to wait. I was very patient for 6+ months...I understood that the holidays caused delays, I empathized when their whole office got sick in January, I accepted further setbacks when I was told opposing counsel was on vacation, I tolerated Lynn's various discovery deadlines and court dates (unrelated to my case). But eventually, my patience waned.
Trying to touch base on my case, I asked for a phone call. I was brushed off due to her other work demands or flat out ignored. After 3 failed attempts for a phone call meeting, I gave up and resorted to emails only...which lead to a host of other problems including miscommunication, further delays, and (of course) a large bill.
9 out of 10 documents I received were sloppily done with very little attention to detail. I had to point out common grammar mistakes and, more often than not, there were important parts of the motions/orders written incorrectly or simply did not reflect what we had discussed. (E.g. One of the first order versions sent to me, the terms "respondent" and "petitioner" were mixed up thereby identifying each party incorrectly. Another where the county was incorrect. Another where the motion was for a divorce (I've never been married). And, sadly, I have more examples but won't list them here.
PRO TIP- When you receive documents to review, the files must be downloaded to your device or the formatting will be off (previewing alone will mess with the formatting). I learned this at the very end of my case. Had I been told this prior, it would've saved me time, money and frustration.
Their billing practices are another problem. I once sent an email very clearly asking 4 questions; I labeled then 1., 2., 3., & 4.
Their reply?
One sentence telling me they haven't worked on my case and, later that day, I received an invoice for $15.
While I will gladly pay for services rendered, $15 just to tell me no work had been done does not sit right with me.
Additionally, some invoices are nondescript. I've received invoices for "Staffing" or "Correspondence" or "Email".
Which left me with questions such as: What correspondence? To whom was the email? And what exactly does "Staffing" even mean? Sometimes I'd ask for an explanation, one time I even received one! But, for the most part, my inquiries would be left unanswered or I was too afraid to ask for fear of being billed for the billing details (which should've been included in the first place).
If you hired this firm and are in a similar situation, I'm sorry. If you want to get your case worked on, you have to beg and plead and keep on top of them constantly, all of which is going to cost you money. In the end, it took 8 months, thousands of dollars, countless emails and a global pandemic (when their office was slow because courts were closed) to finally reach a resolution in my case. Had my persistence and the COVID-19 quarantine not occurred, I truly believe I'd still be in the midst of this nonsense.
So my advice is this: Unless you have unlimited resources and time, find another attorney that actually cares and has time for you. And if you're dealing with custody issues, do NOT pay attorneys to negotiate on your behalf. Submit discovery then go to court and/or mediation - it'll save you time, money, and sanity in the long run.
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19 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
I had a pretty airtight custody case where my ex kidnapped/withheld my child. Lynn did next to nothing to help resolve my issue. I could have done the same if I had represented myself. She never fought for me in court, never brought up all the terrible things my ex was doing to my child or expressed the terrible living conditions. I had several terms I wanted put in my court order and Lynn ignored my requestes to do so. Fast forward several years and those failed requests are costing me tens of thousands of dollars.
She is very nice, easy to talk to and in your initial visit will make you feel like she is a tough lawyer that will win your case. In reality, once hired, she’s very tough to get ahold of. Often had to call her more than 20 times over a month before she would call back. Would only get texts saying “in court. Call you later.”
She had another profile on Avvo that had several negative reviews but that profile is no longer on here
You’ve been warned
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FAQs
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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.
