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28 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
I got charged with an assault that I didn't do. Mr.Symons said we should claim self defense and go to trial. He was really good about argueing for me and making sure I knew what was going on. On the day of trial, he got the charges dropped. It took a long time to get to our trial, but I'm so happy with the results.
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18 Dec, 2013 by Anonymous
He was assigned to my case that I was to pay $600 for. Never returned calls and phone was actually disconnected one day (there office, I guess, was relocating) He showed up day of my hearing and said that he was going to ask for a continuance because he had not received any paperwork for my case. Because I had not been able to make contact with him or anyone in his office I got copies of my docket myself and furnished him with those records. I then fired him and represented myself saving a but load of money, time, and future frustration of dealing with this so called attorney that I felt was incompetent.
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23 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
I decided to go with a public defender this time since hired attorneys have not done the trick for me. Brandt was very professional and knowledgeable and seemed to know exactly what we should do. The prosecutor originally asked for 5 days jail time and somehow I ended up getting only 3 days of work crew and one year probation . I don't think a $5000 lawyer could have done any better.
The only problems that I have had is the communication responding back to my calls. I know that public defenders are extremely busy with huge amounts of clients and workloads but a phone call before the big court date would've been nice to let me know our stance. Once we were at the court house he was very easy to work with. I also have tried calling his office and left messages with very little success on getting a call returned.
All in all I think Brandt does great while he is at the courts speaking with you directly. He lets you know in simple and easy to understand terms what is going on and what the possibilities may be. Wish the communication was better but understandable. Would definitely recommend to anyone needing a good public defender.
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30 Jul, 2015 by Tony helmbrecht
I had Theresa on my cases in 2013, I think she did a great job. she alwAys was visiting me while I fought my cases. she and her investigator both met all vixtims and witnesses for interviews and she spent a lot of time working my cases. she got me a goods deal and still wanted me to go to trail and I took the deal because I was ready to get the time an go to prison. but I think she was good and would like to say thank you
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08 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
I thought she was very helpful she always took extra time to help me or explain things to me so I had a good understanding of things. She also got back to me promptly when returning my calls. She showed genuine concern for me and my case.
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01 Mar, 2011 by Anonymous
theresa griffin is very unperfessional. she moved her office without a notice to her clients and dissapeared for months. she abused our rights to client lawer confidenciality by showing our case to another person. she is never available and never follows through when she tells you she will call. then when my husband called her several times tring to get info from her about something she had called him about in the first place she dropped our case (after we already paid her half) claiming he was harrasing her.
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08 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
My bro got 63 years after trusting her to be his criminal defense lawyer. She did nothing to defend him. Do not use her as a defense lawyer stick to teaching that literature class at Rainier Beach. Still stuck paying her for nothing!!!
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28 May, 2010 by Anonymous
She is one of the greatest attorneys in the state of Washington , and have saved me from the police for harrastment plenty of times
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28 May, 2010 by Anonymous
I WOULD PERSONALLY ENDORSE LEANNE LUCAS BECAUSE OF HER INTENSE PASSION FOR JUSTICE. LEANNE LUCAS APPROACHES EACH CASE WITH 100%. SHE IS LOYAL, TRUST WORTHY, INTELLIGENT AND SHE HAS HELPED ME MORE THAN MY PREVIOUS ATTORNEYS IN THE PAST.
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06 Dec, 2017 by Nick
Hired Gibbs to help with a contempt and found out we could file for a modification. Gibbs refused to file the Mod and result was a huge loss and sad part is the commissioner tells Gibbs we had grounds to file the Modification all along. Please consider someone else before hiring him.
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13 Apr, 2017 by Jonathan
My Divorce unlike many has a happy ending. My wife and I ultimately stayed together, but during the process of court dates, settlement paperwork and negotiations, Nathan Gibbs was on top of it all and gave me confidence that our affairs were being handled with care. Nathan's approach was always straight forward and honest and that helped My wife and I actually come back together I believe.
When my wife and I agreed to stick together, we asked Nathan to switch gears and instead of helping finalize the divorce, we asked him to help get our dissolution dismissed and with in only a few days it was dismissed and we're up and rebuilding..
Nathan and the Goldberg Jones team were honest, straight fwd and aggressive during this ordeal and in the end were caring and genuine with our final needs, I'd recommend them for men going through what really is/was for me the most difficult times I have been through.
thanks, Nathan!
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16 Oct, 2013 by Ronaldo
Represented me in complex injury case, tried to a jury and jury awarded fair compensation. He has a lot of trial practice experience and trying cases to juries in courts throughout Western Washington. I recommend him without qualification and have recommended him to several friends. All have been highly satisfied with the work he did for them.
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08 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Kevin did a great job defending me against a frivolous lawsuit.
He not only had the case dismissed but gain a judgment against the opposing party for his fees.
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30 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
communication was poor, and it was difficult to get timely responses to my questions and concerns
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23 Mar, 2017 by Ryan
Ryan is competent in multiple areas of litigation and is extremely professional in his work. I would recommend him anytime.
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06 Dec, 2022 by Rowan
Hey Arthur, sorry about that rude man that gave your a 1 ⭐️ Review, but you are amazing
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26 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
Tried working with this asshat but he was arrogant and obnoxious. Would get angry and throw fits for no reason and is a total misogynist who treats woman horribly and then gaslights them into submission. I know this because Seattle is a small town and we share mutual acquaintances he wasn’t aware of.
He boasted that he “lulls clients into a feeling of false security” and “does whatever it takes to destroy people.” This guys is an manipulative and lying creep. Be advised to stay away.
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29 Aug, 2020 by Ryan menges
After contacting James I felt really good about connecting with him! He referred i to a colleague of his saying that he was so busy and bogged down and he assured i his colleague would be very helpful! i met with his colleague and felt great and inspired and felt a relief of a burden on my back believing i was getting the help i desired! Then Covid-19 swooped in and our communication very quickly declined! it declined so much so that after signing a contract with his colleague I do not believe I ever spoke with James ever again! See the colleague and James were both to be working for me! They both totally did an about face on me and ceased communications!!! It was very bizarre!
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16 May, 2019 by Paul bufalini
Jim did my appeal for my dosa revoke. The end result was 34,000 dollars but on the bright side I won my appeal with the court of appeals granting me immediate release from prison. There is in fact case law regarding my case. At a dosa revoke hearing due to the potential loss of freedom you have a right to have a lawyer present. So for those who had there dosa revoke without a lawyer you need to a appeal that revoke. The state tried to appeal it to the Supreme Court but the court denied review so after a ton of money and 14months we won. Jim’s brief was unbelievable he is a genius when it comes to the law. I have read hundreds of briefs and Jim’s was above and beyond anything I’ve ever read.
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07 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Was off put by this attorneys poor communication skills. Our initial meeting was met with many hem's and haw's when I asked specific questions about my litigation. He is a knowledgeable individual, however I would not want him representing me in a court room.
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31 Jan, 2012 by Anonymous
Let me start by saying this Public Defender does one thing and that's his job and his job only. He doesn't judge and he is extremely smart but, I felt that he made me feel really unsure of what to do because he made it so I only had 2 choices which is take wreckless or fight it. Honestly the way he handled it made me feel really unsure and had a hard time giving me an opinion what he would do in my situation. He is a great lawyer and I wouldn't have picked any other one because he truly does care and does his job to the best of his ability, but as far as opinion goes he leaves me at a standstill and not sure what to do. My case was that I blew a 0.0 on my way home from work when the cop showed up after i got in a dinger on the freeway and the police officer believed I was intoxicated with a non-prescription drug. So basically they are trying to say I should get a DUI because I refused a blood test and I might have taken too much zoloft. Which i didn't i took what was prescribed to me. If I wanted to get high off something I definatly wouldn't chose zoloft.
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11 Jul, 2024 by Kristopher lichtanski
I have had an excellent experience with CCL and Ms. Choi in the matter of a complicated easement / title situation. The office staff was super responsive, appointments were scheduled quickly and in collaboration with my schedule/availability, and the meetings I had with Ms. Choi were focused, organized, and super productive. I felt that Ms. Choi was prepared for the meetings, understood what I was dealing with, and discussed with me multiple options and potential outcomes regarding this legal matter, which is going to end up in Court. I could not have asked for a better attorney for my situation (and I have consulted with others prior to CCL) and I very much look forward to my ongoing work with CCL and Ms. Choi. I recommend CCL and Ms. Choi wholeheartedly!
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05 May, 2024 by Ricardo saenz
I arranged a meeting with her to discuss immigration matters and seek professional validation of the process I had completed on my own. Unfortunately, during our reunion, she seemed more focused on protecting herself than genuinely assisting me. However, when I attended my USCIS appointment today, everything was in order, and the concerns she raised did not materialize. It was a stressful experience unnecessarily.
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26 Apr, 2024 by Larry hu
I did not have a good experience with the law firm. My main issues is that Boyoon Choi would repeatedly interrupt me and cut me off before I could finish speaking and there were some mannerisms like scoffing (in a subtle but noticeable way) that came off as pretty condescending and I received a general negative feeling from the tone of voice she used with me. She was also 6 minutes late to our Zoom meeting but cut our 30 minute meeting short nonetheless so we really only had 24 minutes together. I'm sure she would probably bill the time for 30 minutes to my MetLife benefits and not the 24 minutes that I actually got. The way I see it, if a client does not have the correct understanding then inform them in a respectful way. Trying to be subtle with mannerisms like quietly scoffing or responding with a negative tone, one that felt a bit indignant towards me feels less like you're working with someone that's trying to advocate for you and more like you're talking to someone that's trying to take out whatever stress she may be having towards you. It seems that no wonder her staff seems to sound a bit on edge over the phone as I can imagine what it can be like to be subjected to that over time.
She also knew that my home is in Snohomish County but told me that she can't help with the eviction process in that area, but took my money through my MetLife benefit anyway. That's pretty messed up.
Lastly, I also felt it was problematic to be told that she did not know the RCW that covered why a 90 day notice to vacate due to sale is not enforceable unless it is specifically mentioned in the lease agreement. When I requested clarification for her to specify how is this the case, she could only tell me it's part of the general landlord tenant rights that a lease agreement has to specify that an early termination can take place due to sale and that this language would not be specifically mentioned due to it being covered under the general umbrella of tenant rights. However, RCW 59.18.650 clearly states it's permissible for a landlord to end a lease agreement early with cause for the purpose of selling a home.
Boyoon Choi should really be careful with giving advice that she clearly does not know the basis for. It is concerning when you ask for the RCW that she does not know it, and scoffs at you while mentioning it's part of the general rights for a tenant.
Anyways, here is what I was told by another source about the permissibility of ending a lease early to sell the home:
In Washington State, typically, if a landlord provides a 90-day notice to vacate for the purpose of selling the property, this is generally considered lawful. In Washington State, the enforceability of a 90-day notice to vacate due to the sale of a property typically does not require a specific clause in the lease agreement stating that sale of the home entails the tenant moving out. The standard process allows landlords to issue such a notice as part of the rights to dispose of their property, assuming other legal and procedural requirements are met (e.g., proper notice period and service).
Lastly, she was also incorrect about my MetLife legal benefit. She said I don't have benefits for litigation as part of my benefit but in my MetLife portal it clearly states: "This service covers the Participant as a landlord for matters involving leases, security deposits and disputes with a residential tenant. The service includes attorney services for the eviction of a tenant up to and including trial."
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30 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
We hired Michele to assist us in a misdemeanor case involving our adult son. She was diligent, thoughtful in her approach to the case, and was able to resolve the matter to our grateful satisfaction.
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25 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired this attorney to work on a highly emotional case. She immediately criticized me, and attempting to scare me with what turned out to be false information about my case. She also did very little work to investigate the actual facts and claimed I was facing jail time when in fact the next lawyer I hired made it clear that was never a risk. She pretended to do work while mostly just trying to scare me and get me to think she was all that was standing between me and jail. She also did no work to dig into the facts the prosecutor had and base my defense on the inaccuracies and breaches in protocol from the prosecutor. My next attorney was actually competent, realistic, respectful, and collaborated with me to a completely successful defense. I was not aware of just how unprofessional Michele was until I had competent representation. Scaring clients and not doing work only to make more money is unethical and unhelpful. Go and hire someone who will care about your defense, do the work, get the facts, and not only motivated to increase your fees to her. Would give a minus star if I could.
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02 Oct, 2017 by George artem
Michele was hired by my family in order to help me with a so called felony. Did the bare minimum to scrape by.
Had to eventually change my name because of the nature of the charges. This was three years ago and I still get flack over it.
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08 Oct, 2022 by Cal mcdonald, p.i.
Steve Teller represented me on a case that we closed just today. While I don't know him well (yet), I am extremely impressed with both his persona and practice. He went out of his way to be extraordinarily respectful of some of my differences, and genuinely fought hard for me. Our opponent on the case was a massive corporation that had first wronged me, then tried to deny their wrongdoing, and finally they brought terrifying and unscrupulous lawyers to their side of the table to muddy the waters with counteraccusations and vile lies.
But unlike 90% of attorneys out there, I believe Steve truly cares about the Little Guy and he really went to bat for me on a case that I thought was hopeless at times- fighting against a dug-in Goliath with limitless resources. But Steve never quit advocating for me, and in the end we eked out a modest victory.
Even though we achieved merely a moderate settlement that was not necessarily lifechanging money, I couldn't have felt more happy and vindicated (and plan to put that couple thousand G's to good use). While I can't speak for how every case goes, or to the ultimate depths and breadths of his legal acumen, this case here did Steve Teller Law some serious credit... And I can't thank you enough, Steve.
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26 Sep, 2022 by Carlos suarez
I got important information to assess my situation and options
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26 May, 2022 by Desiree gibson
Stephen Teller has literally saved me $80,000. I have had to consult with him on two separate occasions throughout the past 20 years, and armed with his direction and advice, I was able to come out of two different situations with the resolution that I desired, and my bonus in-hand. I highly recommend him and his staff, and could not be happier with the dealings that I've had with his firm.
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12 Dec, 2018 by Leif madsen
i was referred to Kerry Richards by a friend who also had a great experience. Kerry Richards is a saint. saved me and my son. i owe to him all the little moments i get to experience as i watch my son grow everyday. we finalized everything almost three years ago and writing this still brings tears to my eyes. there is nothing more important than family, and i wouldnt trust mine with anyone else.
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15 Aug, 2018 by Rob fulwell
09 Feb, 2015 by Lori sherman
Do not use Joel Bradshaw to be the lawyer for a irrevocable trust. The trustee would not give an accounting or bank statements and receipts to the beneficiaries, which is required by law, and Joel Bradshaw defended the trustee instead of the beneficiaries. He must not have informed the trustee of the law. The law requires the trustee to look out for the best interest of the beneficiaries not use the trust money in whatever way they please. Mr. Bradshaw also told beneficiaries the trustee could not produce the bank statements because they were in "storage". I guess he never heard of "online banking".
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13 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
Ms. Bjork has given poor representation/ lack of services in my Husbands Criminal case! With Amitys short time of being his Lawyer, she did nothing but give false hope for my Husband and his future. Granted it takes time to gather information on a case, but... there was no movement forward even with-in these few months... Amity proved NOT helpful .... She never showed up at my Husbands last Omnibus Hearing, So it was continued the following day. She decided to show up for court and have my Husband sign a 45day continuance. He was thinking she needed more time to gather info before his next court date in Feb 2013. She did not respond to his letter, and didn't show up for the last visit she scheduled with him. Lastly she withdrew from his case 4 days ago! Way to go on horrible representation, and lack of being professional.
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03 Jan, 2010 by Anonymous
Pretty much just vanished before we could actually proceed with anything. wouldn't return my calls or emails. Have been trying to retrieve my paperwork from her to no avail. She assured me our initial consultation that my search for legal counsel was over and that she was going to help me then suddenly changed tone when spoken to later telling me that there wasn't much she could do. Have been trying on and off every couple months to see if I owe her any money and trying to get my paperwork back. She worked with me for about six months but i'm still not sure if I was technically her client thus my several inquiries asking her if I owed a balance for her services.
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29 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
I was a client of Mr. Reid's and was very unhappy with the service that he was supposed to deliver.
He did not return my phone calls or do the job he was hired for. In the end I lost over 30 000.00 , I do not feel he would be a good lawyer to call, I would make sure you check credentials before you decide to hire this guy.
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25 Jan, 2018 by Erik
She was busy, like I can imagine. I was a good client who followed through on everything she told me to do. Being younger and inexperienced I did not understand how everything worked and she didn't explain it. I was a product on a assembly line pushed through as fast as possible. I was threatened with other charges to make me plead guilty to a fellony I didn't deserve. She was very hurried and made no effort to negotiate with the prosecutors. I hired a attorney after the plea to help my sentencing and learned alot about what had happened. I didn't deserve the felony and it would have not been hard to prove. Now I have it and it has limited my ability to be employed at any top companies in my area. You get what you pay for, my suggestion is hire a real lawyer that will work for you, not speed you through the system and later have regrets.
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23 May, 2017 by Christine
To be brief and to the point. This attorney was my attorney in the 1990s. He really knew how to talk a lot and go over and over and over and over again each and every sentence, getting us no where. Then, when the clock had run out on the defendant gaining access to my crawl space, Atty. Sharaga encouraged me to do so, because, after all, "I might want something from him in the future." Yeah right. Just another ploy to rape me of my hard-earned monies for a property which was riddled with water problems. So many water problems, that it was getting ready to float down a step hill in front of my house. But, "Talks-a-lot Sharaga," encouraged me, and so, even though the opposing attorneys were out of time, he gave them access. These attorneys found a ridiculous concept which would save them thousands of dollars and not require extensive changes to my property, including digging 14' deep 12' wide trenches on the east side, installing drain-able piping, regrading the crawl space to flow south to north, a small rock pit on the north side of my property to drain, run drainage down the west side of my property, and drainage running from my driveway to the edge of my property on the north side, to a cost in excess of $75,000. The judge threw out their ridiculous idea. But, whose there to get his $$, when I was broke and had no money and was suffering greatly with allergies and pneumonia because of these issues? He collected every single cent of the 1st humungous payment to me, and I parted to ride the bus with only a nickel in my pocket.
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14 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
I don't want to say too much but.. I wasn't happy with how limited her thought process was about my case. Maybe she is better now that she is a little older.. but you can't teach or learn these basic skills.
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01 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
Only been licensed 8 years. Worked his way up thanks to Holmes. No he makes decisions arbitrarily based on who he likes
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03 Feb, 2022 by Dana
I hired Todd Williams at Corr Cronin in Seattle Washington and it was a absolute disaster. He sold me on paying a larger retainer fee and then proved to be totally incompetent. He also missed a court deadline for an appearance and caused a default judgment to be entered. Avoid this Attorney and firm at all costs. They are just in it for the money.
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26 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
If this lawyer appointed to you, my strong concern that Ms. Lederer unable to assist you. Communication skills are very poor and willingness to help poor also. Was told "there nothing I can do for you!", that's the last thing you want to hear from an attorney.
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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.
