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04 Feb, 2021 by Billy
Honestly I probably should have gotten a DUI but Josh saved me! He was very communicative and detailed with what he was doing and why thought the whole case. Can’t recommend him enough!
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11 Dec, 2020 by Rene c
We hired Josh to assist my daughter. Josh was very professional and a pleasure to work. He kept me up to date and responded quickly. Josh listened to my daughter and gave great advice. Your knowledge and passion shows you truly care about your clients. Josh put a 110% and was able to get the case dismissed. We are very pleased with the outcome. You have restored my daughters faith in the legal system. I would highly recommend Josh. Thank you, for helping my daughter.! We truly appreciate your assistance.
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02 Nov, 2020 by Timothy
As a veteran with a long history of working within the Federal Government, and around the world, I would like to convey to any person in need of a high character, hard working, and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer, Attorney Joshua Lopez truly cares, and can do the job!
I believe Attorney Joshua Lopez to be one of the finest, and sharpest high character criminal defense lawyers in Arizona.
In my time of real need, Attorney Joshua Lopez demonstrated his character, and got the best results!
God Bless You Joshua -
Tim
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15 Jan, 2020 by April
I hired Amy in the wave of a very stressful, emotional time as my special needs son was facing some serious charges for a bad night of dysregulation. From the beginning Amy was a calming, reassuring presence. She was responsive to all my questions, gave specific advice and helped me understand the process of Juvenile justice very clearly. As soon as I spoke to her and decided to hire her, I immediately felt like I had the right person on my team and my stress reduced immensely. Amy represented my son with compassion and professionalism and my son absolutely loved and trusted her. In the end, Amy's hard work and guidance resulted in a very positive outcome. While I hope I never need to use her services again, I feel better knowing that I have someone I can go to for help and would not hesitate to hire her again!
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02 Dec, 2019 by Kayla
Amy was a dream to work with. I hired her to help on a case with my father and I wouldn’t change it for the world. She truly, truly cares. She does not view you just as another “check”. During the entire process my grandmother and I had many questions and she was never too busy to answer them via call or email. She takes the time to go over every detail and aspect of the case, the justice system and what to expect going forward. She treats her clients with compassion, kindness and thoughtfulness. Hiring Amy was single handedly the best decision me and my family has ever made. She was there for my father on one of the toughest days of his life and was able to calm him and get him to move forward knowing the difficult choice he had to face. I would highly recommend Amy to anyone in need of a criminal defense lawyer. She truly is the best.
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11 Sep, 2019 by Javier
If there were more stars, I would absolutely give them. Amy went above and beyond with my case. From start to finish I had no doubt in my mind that she was doing all she could for me. She listened to what I had to say, spoke truthfully and never sugarcoated anything. She got me ready for my court appearance and knowing that she was defending me eliminated any nerves I had. She was very assertive and to the point. There will be no next time, but if there was, I would hire Amy again in a heartbeat.
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01 Feb, 2021 by Sergio
Best attorney I've ever had. Knowledgeable and straightforward. I would definitely recommend him to anyone I know. Thanm you Cameron for helping me a few years ago!
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22 Jun, 2017 by Dustin
I can't put into words how thankful I am I had Mr. Morgan as my attorney. I am thankful for his knowledgeable staff who went above and beyond, holding my hand through my misfortune when they did not have to. His retainer was extremely fair and reasonable. I would absolutely recommend Mr. Morgan as an attorney. Although, I hope I never have to see him again.
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09 Jul, 2015 by Erik
Trustworthy is the most important thing I can say about Cameron. His straight forward approach can be abrasive but it is necessary when trying to understand what kind of fight your up against. He was more than reasonably priced. Honestly, I was a little apprehensive because he came in way under any other attorney I interviewed. I feared he would nail me with fees half way through the case holding me hostage, but this did not happen. He is a NO BS attorney, this guy truly saved my life and I highly recommend him.
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13 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Magnus represented my husband in a criminal case, my husband was charged with 5 felony charges Magnus got 4 of the charges dropped therefore my husband only got sentenced to probation. Magnus was very helpful during this difficult time, he kept the lines of communication open, was never hard to get a hold of which was nice considering other firms have a 48hr response time. He really cares about his clients and even keeps in touch to see how things are going in my husbands immigration case.
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02 Sep, 2015 by George
Mr. Eriksson was a tremendous lawyer to have on my side and I would highly recommend him to anyone in need. He was very communicative and had all the answers to my questions.
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01 Sep, 2015 by Chasen
I was very pleased with the results Magnus produced. I left the courtroom with a better outcome than predicted. Magnus was professional, presentable, and courteous. I would recommend him to anyone I know.
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5.0
4 Reviews
27 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
Craig is beyond brilliant in his knowledge and approach to reconciling case. I felt like Craig truly cared about my case and well being. He fought hard, did an exceptional job, lowering my sentence in many ways. I'm a fan, personally and professionally. His firm Rosenstein Law Group offers exceptional care and consideration to anyone who happens to need their services. I highly recommend Craig to anyone who needs excellent representation!
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13 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
My case was very complicated with many variables. From the first time we sat down with Craig and his team to our last meeting in the courtroom they were all dedicated and determined to see that justice prevailed. After 2 years all charges were dropped. Thank you to Craig and his team I will never forget the care and sensitivity you showed me and how determined you all were.
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02 May, 2018 by Derek
Craig Rosenstein did an outstanding job representing me in my case. he did his job providing all evidence resulting in us winning my case. He was very knowledgeable, professional, and friendly. Thank you to Craig and his team. I highly recommend Rosenstein Law Group to anyone in need of representation.
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08 Jun, 2022 by Kevin
I couldn't be happier with the results of my case and the work Vincent did for me. His pricing was fair and he always conducted himself with integrity.
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26 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
I have used Vincent Matioli’s law service on a couple occasions. The first time was when I found myself in a pickle. I attempted to waffle my way through it alone because I didn’t think I could afford an attorney. Finding Vince was a god send. Not only did he get my DUI charge dropped he made the process painless. Between his experience, availability, knowledgeable paralegal, and flexibility with payments I was able to move on and get past this unfortunate event rather smoothly.
The second time I contacted Vince was for some legal advice pertaining to my Sisters divorce. He was able to help me understand how the process went which in turn helped put my mind at ease that my sisters lawyer was doing his job.
Vince is truly a caring lawyer which I didn’t think existed. If you need any legal assistance don’t waste your time trying to figure it out yourself or with some expensive big name law firm. Contact Vince you won’t be disappointed.
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10 Apr, 2019 by Lori
I hired Vince for a Family Law matter. The overall outcome has been great I would recommend Vince to anyone that needs a family law attorney.
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04 Jun, 2008 by Anonymous
Worked with Veronica on a employment dispute. She was very thorough and complete. She provided several options I hadn't considered and guided me along the process. Great follow-up and advice. Would recommend her to anyone needing legal help
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04 Jun, 2008 by Amy
Veronica Manolio is an extremely professional and dedicated litigation attorney. Her expertise is top notch and the services provided far exceeded my expectations. Her counsel is second to none. I would recommend Veronica to anyone and any company seeking legal advice.
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13 Jan, 2019 by Andrew alex
30 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
Professional and extremely helpful
Excellent communicator and knowledgeable
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13 Jan, 2019 by Andrew alex
13 Sep, 2014 by Kim
I had an issue with a landlord who was non-responsive to health issues due to a water/mold issue. Mr. Parks reviewed our case and met with me and the landlord on a weekend, after a lawsuit was filed, and was able to negotiate a favorable outcome so that litigation was not necessary.
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29 Mar, 2017 by David
Unfortunately I was sued in late 2015. I believe that the case against me was silly. However, the nature and dollars involved meant I had to take it seriously. So I looked for lawyers qualified in the relevant area of law to help me and Alan was one of several that I found. I called several lawyers in Phoenix and interviewed each. When I called Alan he listened. He also expressed sympathy for the situation I found myself. Once I understood Alan's experience, qualifications and had spoken to him again at length, I decided to hire Alan. I chose Alan because among the highly qualified lawyers that I contacted, Alan was very technical, quick to grasp the situation I found myself and he also seemed to genuinely care. His rate was not cheap, but it was in the middle of the scale of lawyers with the needed qualifications. I was never disappointed with my choice. Alan at all times was caring and kept excellent perspective. He was usually available and when he was not he had an associate address my needs. He has the knowledge, experience, skills, staff and caring to help someone through the misery of being sued. The case is over now, and I am still happy that I chose Alan to represent me. He was the right lawyer for the situation.
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03 Jun, 2016 by Chris
I recently hired Jim Riner to represent me in a domestic dispute. After a costly arbitration the opposing party was not abiding by the terms of the arbitrator's decision nor where they abiding by certain AZ laws. Jim was able to step in and, using his background in marital law, resolve the situation. I would highly recommend Jim for any marital of common law type issues.
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31 May, 2019 by Anonymous
I have recently had the opportunity to use the services of Mr. Logan Elia with The Rose Law Group. The case involved criminal defense for my child, which did involve the juvenile court system. The situation was a very difficult one as it involved a long history of litigious situations with my ex-husband. With the help of the Rose Law Group’s team, Mr. Elia was able to glean from our records all the pertinent material. Mr. Elia then took legal action in defense of my daughter. The ensuing comprehensive approach showed that Mr. Elia had patiently and thoroughly reviewed years of records. Mr. Elia discussed every angle with my daughter and me and responded appropriately with opposing counsel in a timely and resourceful manner. Mr. Elia was honest and practical in his approach and was a calming influence for both my daughter and myself both in and out of court. This very stressful situation ended with my daughter’s record clean and her future brighter for Mr. Elias’ efforts.
This latest situation once again exemplified for me the benefits of using a multi-faceted legal approach as is the Rose Law Group. The team approach involved both criminal defense and family law. I cannot say enough good things about this Group’s attention to detail, willingness to discuss the case in layman’s terms and their expert legal defense.
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12 Mar, 2015 by Krista
Brian was very honest about what my options were without giving me any false hopes or expectations. In hindsight, I see the reason for this. My case was dropped to traffic school and believe me, it could have been A LOT worse! He did everything he could to arrive at an outcome that blew us both away. I would recommend him to anyone I know.
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22 Nov, 2014 by Scott
Stewart took my case and was very forthright on my case. He gave me a reasonable fee and then really went to bat for me once my case went to trial. He researched and was able to win my case on a technicality. I highly recommend him if you want someone who is fair and does anything he can do to win.
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17 Dec, 2007 by Anonymous
Retained Mr. Appleton to defend our company against potentially ruinous claims. His research, fact-finding, and trial preparation were extremely
thorough and his handling of witnesses superb. He is a very polished
trial attorney and we were totally pleased with the results.
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27 Jan, 2015 by Erika
Hi, I am a client of Ms. Pelletier. Back in August 2014 my boyfriend and I encountered a problem with our landlord leading into a case to the court. We went to do our response, and from there I didn't know how to proceed on the case. I had used the internet to find a lawyer to see what we could do, but had no luck. Then I remembered that there was an office downtown Phoenix, near the courts called Legal Community Services. I filled out an application to see if I qualified to have a lawyer to look at my case. About a week or 2 went by, when I received a phone call from the secretary for Ms. Janis Pelletier. She called me, met with me in person. We spoke about my case, about what we could do and what was the next step. As a result, the landlord we had took us to court for nonpayment for rent, electricity and accusing us of tampering with an APS electric meter. Our lawyer, Ms. Pelletier, helped us by filing a motion to dismiss. The case was dismissed, and then the landlord refiled against us in a total of 3 times. By, the second time the landlord refiled against us, the case was transferred to an arbitrator. From there, I contacted our lawyer, and she filed for another motion to dismiss. once again, the case was dismissed. On January 6th, the landlord refiled against us once more. I communicated with Ms. Pelletier, and she was kind to file another motion to dismiss. Finally, our case is dismissed and closed. Ms. Pelletier is a great, kind, communicative, and caring person. I highly recommend her. Thank you!!
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27 Nov, 2017 by Bryan
Eric Hitchcock getting excellent job for me on a couple criminal cases end as well for a good friend of mine on some civil issues. He is very straightforward and confident yet not arrogant in any way. He genuinely cares about his clients!
It was clear as we went into courtrooms that he knew everybody and they both respected and liked him!
I am so happy and lucky that I chose him as my attorney because he under-promise and over-delivered. I would highly recommend him!
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17 Sep, 2024 by Emily riordan
Got referred to Angelica by a family member! She has great energy and is willing to help your financial future!
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15 Sep, 2024 by Erin
Angelica took the time to speak with my husband and I. She listened carefully to our situation, she was super warm/friendly and really seemed to care about us as people vs just as business. We are looking forward to working with her and eager to get going on our financial goals!
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12 Sep, 2024 by Darien manley
Just had our first meeting with Angelica and what a breath of fresh air! Bonnie and I had a great introduction to how Angelica works within the Edward Jones model! Very impressed with her knowledge and professionalism and how we jumped right in to making changes for the better! Can't to see where this new relationship takes us!
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31 Jul, 2024 by Henry cooper
I can't say enough about Brant and Kris! They consistently go the extra mile, going above and beyond the call of duty in every interaction. Their thoroughness, effectiveness, and efficiency are unmatched. They are incredibly responsive and attentive, always calling back in a timely manner as if they can read your mind.
I highly recommend these exceptional guys and give them a 5 out of 5 star review. They make you feel like a priority, just as they do for everyone else.
Highly sensitive information is exchanged and they handle with care. If you're looking for top-notch service, Brant and Kris are the ones to trust.
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22 Jul, 2024 by Rachel maquar
Both Kris and Brant were wonderful to work with! They made the process so easy and less intimidating. Both were always so quick to reach out when I had any questions and always helped alleviate any concerns I had. I appreciate so much that I was never left wondering what was going on with my case, and loved how easy they were to talk to - I never felt overwhelmed with legal terms! They are genuinely compassionate in what is a very stressful time and I am so glad I chose them to help me through it. 100% recommend!
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18 Jul, 2024 by Val pejic
I spoke with Brant ( one of the senior attorneys) regarding my wage garnishment situation and got a lot of help and information with my court case. From filling out contact form online to having a consultation was a fast and flawless process. What I value most about my interaction is Brants expertise and integrity while at the same time a down to earth interaction. Thank you 🙏
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31 Oct, 2024 by Cheyenne jensen
I’ve never felt the need to write a review regarding a law firm until now, although my qualms don’t lie specifically towards the firm but rather some of those representing it. For the last almost 2 years I have watched someone very close to me be strung along with fleeing promises while being tossed around from attorney to attorney. Thousands of dollars lost for the same guilty plea deal that could have been made almost 2 YEARS and 7 THOUSAND dollars ago!!
The first attorney was great, no complaints. He left the company and I can understand why.
The second, Vicky Lopez was a hot mess. Mess being the key word. She regularly showed up late, disheveled, unprepared. Over all just falling apart- from broken shoes to unkept hair, not professional at all. Unimpressed doesn’t even begin to sum it up.
Moving on from the appearance of this attorney, her lack of urgency and unpreparedness was concerning. Showing up over an hour late to a scheduled court hearing with no contact and relatively no idea what’s going on in this case. And this was just the tip of the iceberg. There were multiple unnecessary continuances that strung this case along and poor communication from this attorney herself.
I could honestly go on forever, but no one has the time or energy for that.
The third attorney, Mr. Estrada was assigned because Mrs. Lopez was out on vacation- since there was already a guilty plea in order he was just a warm body although he seemed perfectly competent.
I truly believe that given the opportunity to have better representation this case could have gone in a better direction with a nicer outcome but unfortunately for us that was not the case. The law firm used a young and naive person as a cash grab with the promises of reckless driving and an “easy win”.
I wouldn’t recommend this law firm to anybody under any circumstances. Especially if you’re a young 20 something, and it’s your first offense.
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31 Oct, 2024 by Stevie
Jonathan is amazing, very knowledgeable, and kind. If you are looking for a lawyer I highly recommend giving him a call to obtain his services
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31 Oct, 2024 by Randell blankenship
Attorney Ralph Estrada and the Rosenstein Law Group are top notch! I would highly recommend their services to anyone whom needs responsive professional legal representation.
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03 Jul, 2024 by Stacy brown
Very easy to work with and so helpful through the probate process.
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21 Jun, 2024 by Anna marie villanueva
Matthew Cook was extremely helpful. I was very impressed with his knowledge. He was very prompt to answer my calls and emails. If I ever have another situation in Arizona I would most definitely work with Fowler St Claire and Matthew
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16 May, 2024 by Robert de alcala
Andy and Matthew took really good care of us preparing our estate plan. They were attentive to our particular situation. We consider them our family attorneys.
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10 Oct, 2024 by Rk
I can't say enough good things about Brad and the incredible service he provided for my case. Since I was out of state but facing prosecution in Arizona, it was essential to find a lawyer who could truly represent me, and Brad was absolutely the right choice. From the very beginning, he was responsive, attentive, and always available to address my questions and concerns.
What really stood out was his genuine empathy and understanding of my situation. He made me feel heard and supported every step of the way. His professionalism and dedication were evident throughout the process, and I’m so grateful for the outcome.
If you’re looking for a lawyer who will fight for you and provide excellent, compassionate legal representation, I highly recommend Brad and his team. You won’t regret it!
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19 Sep, 2024 by Taylor bays
The entire legal team was absolutely amazing! Very understanding and they were able to resolve things very quickly ! Would definitely recommend them in any case!
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19 Sep, 2024 by Chris coffman
First time ever needing a lawyer. It was a very pleasant experience given the circumstances. They took care of everything and explained my options at every step of the process. Would highly recommend their services.
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22 Apr, 2024 by Matt patterson
Seemingly too good to be true but KEYTLaw delivers as advertised - exceptional service and highly recommended. I can't imagine a more simple, efficient, and professional way to set up an LLC in full compliance. I was up and running in a day, got live phone support on my questions, and have continued to get benefit from all the guidance and content available to those who engage Keyt for this service. Fanatastic.
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19 Apr, 2024 by Carlene carl
Fabulous!!! Knowledgeable, fast and easy to work with!
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12 Feb, 2024 by Luc marceau
I want to thank the Keyt Law team for all their help over the years. They do a great job and I appreciate their customer service. THANK YOU
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22 Apr, 2024 by Matt patterson
Seemingly too good to be true but KEYTLaw delivers as advertised - exceptional service and highly recommended. I can't imagine a more simple, efficient, and professional way to set up an LLC in full compliance. I was up and running in a day, got live phone support on my questions, and have continued to get benefit from all the guidance and content available to those who engage Keyt for this service. Fanatastic.
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19 Apr, 2024 by Carlene carl
Fabulous!!! Knowledgeable, fast and easy to work with!
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12 Feb, 2024 by Luc marceau
I want to thank the Keyt Law team for all their help over the years. They do a great job and I appreciate their customer service. THANK YOU
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07 Aug, 2024 by Jim snow
After speaking with attorey Eric Macdonald of JacksonWhite Law, I chose to retain him as my representative in handling my wife's ALTCS application with the State of Arizona. I was very happy with the cost involved and with the successful approval of her application, even though it didn't go as smoothly as initially envisioned. I would recommend Eric and his firm to anyone needing this kind of service without reservation.
Jim Snow
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10 Jul, 2024 by Michael capeloto
Easy to deal with.
Very professional and dependable!
Their superior knowledge helped us to win our case.
Evan Tompkins did a fantastic job!
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18 Jun, 2024 by Ruthie marler
I wanted to thank Monica and Jessica for all their hard work on my case. I would highly recommend this team to anyone that is needing legal representation. I was facing assault charges and disorderly conduct and they went above and beyond to prove my innocence and as a result of that, all charges were dropped. Not only were the charges dismissed, they were able to get my record sealed. Monica worked tirelessly on my behalf. Jessica was always pleasantly available as well as Monica. I appreciate all that they did!
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03 Sep, 2024 by Dewey reagan
Harlene Matsen was very helpful. She really knows her stuff!!! I highly recommend R&R and Harlene!!!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Micalyn parry
Harlene was super helpful and very kind! I definitely recommend her and this company
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26 Aug, 2024 by Sdfmkarty
Got an alert about a photo speeding ticket from an out-of-state location, was not sure what action to take, but also did not want to lose my right to not respond to the alert. Found this firm online that provided me efficient, succinct, simple to follow instructions on actions to take very appreciative of their guidance.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Ashley hutchinson
We worked with Patricia Lenzner over the course of the last three years on a very complicated family case. Ms. Lenzner was our saving grace in this case. She immersed herself fully in every aspect of our case, and by final trial time knew it just as well as we did. Her attention to detail is unmatched, and made all the difference in our very convoluted situation. She was quick, thoughtful, incredibly intelligent, and completely honest at every twist and turn. She has a complete and thorough understanding of everything that goes on in the family court system, and is very forthcoming about what can and can’t be done. She works harder than any attorney I have ever met, and I would give her more stars if Google would let me.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Janet delear
My husband was suffering with mental illness, and had been diagnosed with dementia on top of that. He was a brilliant man, and at this time of his life, had taken action to meet with this lawyer( Patricia Lenzner, Owens & Perkins) - regarding "divorce" when we had an argument (he had totaled a car, gave me his license, and then - dementia and memory loss - wanted it back a month later, and I refused to give it to him). He actually filed and gave a deposit, then changed his mind 2 days later. 48 hours. This dishonest attorney, went ahead and filed anyway, after he had cancelled - causing distress to both my husband and me, as well as significant financial loss. I can only surmise, she wanted her money, rather than doing the right thing. When she called me to tell me, I asked "how can you in good conscience do this, if he's been diagnosed with two mental imbalances, bipolar one and dementia"? Facts regarding his health did not matter to her. He suffered, tremendously, and so did our family. He recently passed on. I have intended to write this honest review, to warn good people to seek counsel elsewhere.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Reyes topete
Incredible team. Prompt, honest, curious and professional. I have used their legal expertise on 5 occasions now. Highly recommended.
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03 Sep, 2024 by Dewey reagan
Harlene Matsen was very helpful. She really knows her stuff!!! I highly recommend R&R and Harlene!!!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Micalyn parry
Harlene was super helpful and very kind! I definitely recommend her and this company
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26 Aug, 2024 by Sdfmkarty
Got an alert about a photo speeding ticket from an out-of-state location, was not sure what action to take, but also did not want to lose my right to not respond to the alert. Found this firm online that provided me efficient, succinct, simple to follow instructions on actions to take very appreciative of their guidance.
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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.
