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05 Dec, 2022 by Lizabeth a.
I was worried when I found out who was representing my ex-husband for our divorce and custody battle. However, James Falk was always two steps ahead of Mary Murray! I highly recommend him!
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05 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
Hired for divorce. Was clearly a means to an end for his "new office" in Myrtle Beach area. Promised to fight , be available, etc. All of the things I asked before hiring him. Instead, every phone call was met with personal family matter excuses, and no return calls! I provided every document needed, many of which were misplaced many times! Never followed through with the "fight" promised. At mediation, took calls throughout! No official billing paperwork, very disorganized. Left divorce stipulations unfinished, due to not notifying me of dates/times in a timely manner to attend! Not very professional!
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16 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Every time I spoke to him it was becuase I called him . My case was never resolved and I do not have any proof that he actually worked on the case . When confronted with this he had nothing to say for himself.
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21 Jun, 2021 by Tyler
I hired Lourie as my attorney and he did not do any work. I know these reviews aren’t meant to hold details on my case, but I honestly did all the paperwork for my case and collected affidavits and even paid for my affidavits. For our first hearing, I won custody of my son. When our second hearing neared, I was not informed of the hearing, and was not prepared because Lourie did nothing to prepare for my case, and then directly blamed ME for not being prepared. I would recommend anyone wanting a good attorney to look elsewhere. This man will waste your money and your time.
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13 Mar, 2021 by Denise phillips
04 Jan, 2021 by Mike
I hired lourie. to help me get custody of my two children. He Wasted two years. Of time and money. And when i hired his replacement. She had me full custody in 30 days.
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06 May, 2024 by S f
Mr.Crangle provided courteous and professional service. I wouldn't hesitate to call on him again.
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26 Apr, 2024 by C f biz
I had a great experience with the Crangle Law Firm. I was kept up to date on all proceedings regarding my case, anytime I reached out or called I received a prompt response and my case resulted in a complete dismissal. I would definitely recommend the Crangle Law Firm. I couldn't ask for a better result.
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01 Apr, 2024 by Destiny gloeckler
In April of 2023 my husband was charged with PWID. Quickly into the case we knew we were going to be dissatisfied with the public defenders work and started saving for a lawyer. In that time, me and our daughters returned home to Nebraska but my husband had to stay in SC until the case was resolved. By February of 2024 we still had no idea what was happening with the case or when my husband would be able to come home to us. Out of all the lawyers we contacted, John was the most cost efficient for us and ended up being the best money spent! Within 4 weeks of hiring John, he had my husbands charge reduced, his sentencing complete and my husband back home to Nebraska. I could not be more grateful for all of his efforts, his endless communication, his compassion and care for his clients and our family. 1000000% recommend to anyone who is in need of some help through the justice system. Thank you John, for everything.
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24 May, 2024 by Taja buchanan
These people will not pick up the phone nor will they clear their inbox for new messages.
Edit: they have reached back out finally and have been able to help us with our case
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28 Dec, 2023 by Angela rowe
Don't waste your time calling! IT will not answer! Don't get too excited if you do hear a human voice because you will just get hung up on!
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28 Nov, 2023 by Victoria thrane
They want to take you to court and want you to make your payments but never answer the phone so you can make the payment. Tell me how that makes sense. The automated system is a joke. The lady in the office is kind, that's the only nice thing.
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29 Jun, 2021 by Miranda
I highly recommend Greg DeLuca. He was very helpful and gave sound advice. His demeanor was great and he was very responsive. His Firm does all kinds of legal work which is great!
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29 Jun, 2021 by Melinda
Greg DeLuca gave great advice! I highly recommend him and his Firm. He was very attentive and helpful. His was very knowledgeable about the legal issue.
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02 Jan, 2019 by Andre
This lawyer was not on his game he has costed me custody of my children. He did not object to the evidence from opposition he did not care about my case children he just sat there lazy and uncreative would suggest to keep looking
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18 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired this lawyer and had very little communication or answers to my questions.we were unprepared for court and lost
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31 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
I had a bad experience with this lawyer he made a lot of promises that he couldn't stick with .
Very disappointed I lost the case .
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27 Jan, 2019 by Paul
I worked with Attorney Ralph Wilson Jr for my personal Injury case and he was very easy to work with. His staff visited me in the hospital and they were so caring. I would highly recommend him. My wife says we wouldn’t have made it through without them.
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24 Jul, 2017 by Amanda
Larry Crane represented me in both state and federal court and went so far above and beyond anything I could have hoped for in representing me, he was honest with me about what I was facing and in court I was so pleased with the outcome I have been recommending him adamantly ever since! He's wonderful and I'm with my family today and not in jail because of his extra efforts.
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10 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr Crane falled to defend me instead he make a deal with DA for me (one already offered to me before he was hired)and when I refused it he tried to intimidate me into taking it anyway. I told thim he was fired and he said I couldn't fire him. He continued to go ahead without me and go to court. I had talked with judge and said I wasn't able to come to court due to an illness. He had put hardly no time in case and as I had no written contract with him and he would not give me billable hours he put in on case.
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16 Jun, 2021 by Keni
If you are assigned this public defender and you are a POC run. Not only was he flippant about my trail. He wanted me to take a plea when there was no evidence. SMFH. He tried skirting around my questions and labeled me a criminal before meeting with me. STAY AWAY!
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09 May, 2016 by Brandy
Mr. Filiberto is a awesome attorney to have. He is professional and did everything plus some for my troubles. He went above and beyond for me and I would recommend him to anyone in the area needing a attorney.
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10 Jan, 2024 by Pamela
This lady, who has a small child herself, had me thrown in jail for my sperm donors attorney fees. She sentenced me too 30 days,I could get out when I paid my ex's attorney fees of $2300. I am an unemployed,single parent who home schools her son. Kimmons did not give me a chance to pay the money back over time, did not let me make arrangements for my child or his school work,she found me guilty of almost all the accusations, strictly on hear say and did not let my witnesses speak to prove these were lies. My son is 9 years old,his sperm donor wanted nothing to do with him and did not even meet him until he was 7 years old,he drinks and drives with my child in the vehicle but she didn't care about any of that. She was rude,nasty,biased and did NOT have the best interest of my child in mind.
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12 Apr, 2016 by Christopher l. hosch
Mandy far exceeded my expectations. Mandy personalized the relationship, owned my concerns, and engendered a belief she would do everything possible to help me succeed. And she did. Most of all, Mandy was available and responded in a timely manner. I would most definitely recommend her.
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09 Dec, 2023 by Shaquana
At the height of the pandemic I was a newly admitted lawyer attempting to navigate my new profession on my own in my own law firm. Attorney Geddings and I were opposing counsel but even then he helped me which most wouldn't have done . Since then he's been a constant source of knowledge, assistance , and a pure friend . There aren't too many areas of law that he is not familiar with and he is always willing to help. I would not be half the lawyer I am without him!
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25 May, 2019 by Brenda
Paid lawyer $5000 to get land subdivided and taxes reimbursed. After 3 year neither request was completed. New lawyer came on board and completed same job within 30 days. Have yet to be refunded money. Please be careful have all documentation to show.
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11 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
I hired him for a criminal matter for my son. He didn't mind taking my money, but a gladiator he is not. He failed my son. I would absolutely never recommend him for anything legal. An ambulance chaser he is, a criminal defense attorney he is most certainly not.
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02 Mar, 2016 by Nicholas
I have had a great experience with Mr. Edwards and his staff. I highly recommend his practice and appreciate the hard work he has done for me. He is a great listener and conducts himself in a decisive and refined manor at all times.
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15 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. Mills answered all my questions. He and Leigh Ann really helped me get through a tough issue. I could tell that they have been doing this for a long time and I felt comfortable knowing that they were handling my case.
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16 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
I would avoid this lawyer at all costs. He lacks much professionalism, and takes your money for work not fully rendered. Low quality work ethics. Whatever he sustains on his website, is completely the opposite.
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11 Jun, 2024 by John
Cedric and Nadia left us hanging. No communication and no representation. Look elsewhere for a good lawyer.
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14 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
Attorney Cunningham was very professional and on time. He did a great job and really helped me out. He was very knowledgeable and affordable. I would definitely recommend him to anyone.
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25 Jun, 2021 by Sheryl
I hired this attorney to represent me in a custody case for my daughters, paid him a ton of money and he did not fight for me at all. As soon as the court case ended, I had to hire another attorney to undo the mess he created for me. Dont waste your time with him, he wants to make as much money as possible without putting in the work.
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07 Mar, 2018 by John
I was charged with a DUI. Normally, I would have just used any attorney but unfortunately due to my employment any type of blemish on my driving record would have meant immediate termination. I did my research and consulted with three attorneys in the area that specialized in this area of law. I really did not want just any lawyer representing me. I did find that many lawyers were willing to take the case but really did not do a lot of DUI cases. I was quite apprehensive about being in a situation with an attorney who normally does not do a lot of DUI work. After consulting with Steve I found him to be candid and straightforward. He early on told me the positive points and negative points in my case. A close friend of mine had referred me to his office. I decided to retain him upon consultation. Steve and his office staff definitely went to "bat" for me and my case. In the end, I attained a dismissal due to various circumstances surrounding my case. I have never been in a situation like this before in my whole life. I felt much more confident knowing I had Steve and his office by my side. While I do not intend to have any more problems in the future I would always be a client if the need arises. When it is important and a lot is at stake, I would highly recommend anyone to use him as their lawyer.
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16 Dec, 2013 by Anonymous
She was hired to assist another lawyer in a civil case. Instead of taking the opportunity (for professional growth and a lot of money) and learning about the case, she chose to use her existing knowledge. She apparently knew nothing about this kind of case and chose to remain ignorant. She often gave the client incorrect information. Her laziness and arrogance were very obvious. She was only waiting for a check. She was incredibly rude - continually taking personal phone calls during meetings with client and other lawyers, screaming at the client, etc. She did as little as possible and even tried to get the client to do her work for her. She disgraced herself personally and professionally. Her commission was substantially reduced due to her actions or lack thereof.
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22 Apr, 2013 by James
God put Atty Gay in my life. In a nut shell... I was treated unfairly by the MTP PD. She did not care care about ruffling some feathers in the mt p police department.. If you want a lawyer who is sharp, knows her stuff, has 30 years of connections....Ms. Gay is your next atty. My advise is do what she tells you to do...everything. Attorney Gay will always be real, she gives you her cell phone number! even though she is raising a slew of young girls, she finds time to practice law.. She is a good person with a better heart!!! Clayton
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14 Jan, 2021 by Keron
Mr. Anderson is very dependable and always returns your calls. He works with you to get your side then gets all of the facts together before going to court. He will make sure he has your best interest in mind before any decisions are made and all evidence is in his hands and reviewed. I highly recommended him for all your criminal and family law needs. Tell all your family and friends to give him call. Excellent customer service from the office staff also, I give the whole experience a 10 ⭐️ star!!
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06 Dec, 2020 by Brian moore
Rarely have any communication from this office, doesn’t return emails or phone calls in a timely manner.
Very unorganized, misplaced my file causing delayed court date.
Absolutely no representation in the court, allowed me to destroyed in court because of misplaced file.
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06 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
Please think long and hard before having this man as an attorney he will sail you down the river without a care in the world . Not only will he ignore what you saying but being your attorney he will make his own judgement and act accordingly to that if you can’t afford an attorney and they assign him your best bet is to wait until you can afford to get an attorney or represent yourself. He will never reach out to you unless he’s trying to get you to plea to get you off his stack load of cases on his desk. I pray for anyone who has this man as their attorney.No fight in him at all!!! He will buckle under pressure!!! No Aggressiveness at!!!! Tell you one thing in person and do the opposite in the courtroom
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16 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Chris really helped me with my legal issue when I needed a lawyer. He was always willing to talk to me and take my phone calls, and worked very hard on my behalf. Thanks to his hard work, my case had a really great resolution. I would recommend him to anyone that needed a dedicated attorney to help on their case! Thanks Chris!
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28 Dec, 2020 by Anthony
REALLY NICE!!! REALLY SMART!!! REALLY CARES ABOUT HER PEOPLE SHE WORKS WITH!!!
WORKS REALLY HARD AT WHAT SHE DOES AND ALSO TAKES TIME TO HELP HER COWORKERS!!! AND! SHE AND HANDLES HER POSITION LIKE A CEO!!! I WOULD RECOMMEND HER TO ANY AND EVERYBODY FOR FUTURE CASES ETC. ETC. ETC.!!!
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15 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
I used him in a child custody case. he was not very efficient in keeping me informed of what I need to do how I need to do the business. at the time of my court case he was very organize and he came across very poorly in explaining the conditions of the case to me.
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27 May, 2015 by Anonymous
I recently had to use Mr Welborn for a case and his manners are terrible and so his his secretary's. He will tell you he can gurantee he can get you off and its no problem. He doesn't know how to keep in contact with you and updated on your case. After a month went by without hearing from him I had to call him and ask for an update from his secretary and then it was late the next day before he called me back. He talks down to you and makes you feel like how you feel is stupid. I had a lot riding on this case and I felt he was ill prepared for it throughout the whole case. Then he didn't even show up for my court date. I called to ask what was going on and his secretary rudely stated that she had tried to call but couldn't get an answer on a Friday at 4:30 after I talked to her a 3:30 with no mention about no having to show up. When asked if she called the number given to call if no answer she stated she had not called it. Then she had ample amount of time to call the morning of the hearing and did not. The day of the trial the Judge and Solicitors office wanted to know why he didn't show up and that I had to represent myself. I received a rude letter needing my information after I had given it to him on several different occasions on how to reach me after he wasn't able to contact me on one occasion. It seemed like he just wasnt concerned about my case what so ever. He acted as if he was the greatest lawyer ever if he did anything concerning my case. I wanted a jury trial and he never pushed it.
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06 Nov, 2014 by Reid
Very rude when told I was referred by the Lawyer referral service! Wanted me to pay him $50.00 before he even knew what the case was for! I cant afford to loose $250.00 from work and give him $50.00 without knowing he can or would take my case!
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23 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
He and his very unprofessional assistant were awful. The office was dark and dank and the entire place unorganized. He seemed disinterested in my case altogether. I don’t know if he is still practicing, but my best advice is find anyone else if you want quality representation!
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18 Jul, 2015 by Jennifer
This lawyer went above and beyond to help me. I was charged with breach of trust and was guilty as charged. Mr. Sample worked out a deal to clear my record. I would never be able to get another job if not for his help. I see some bad reviews here, but I find it hard to believe they are real. I guess anybody can post a bunch of vindictive BS here with no consequences. Maybe the posts are from people that were on the other side of Mr. Sample and lost their cases.
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10 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
I had a very enjoyable experience with this attorney and his firm. I used his firm for a divorce/custody action. He and his paralegal walked with me hand in hand to keep me calm and informed of what all was going on and how to handle all situations.
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19 Jan, 2024 by Elijah briggs
05 Jan, 2024 by Don vargas
I have used the Moore Law Firm twice. Both times they did a Fantastic job! They cared about my daughter and I. They kept me informed of how my cases were going and I was very pleased with the outcome. I highly recommend them.
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01 Dec, 2023 by Brooke'lyn gordon
25 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
Lucas has no ethics and makes up false and slanderous things. Avoid him at all costs.
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20 Feb, 2022 by Edward
His integrity is unmatched. Unless you compare him to Sydney Powell (the nut job still trying to overturn the election). Avoid this guy at all costs.
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19 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
I obtained the services of Lucas Marchant on behalf of my son who is a high school student. Mr. Marchant was very genuine and walked us through the criminal justice process, as well as, the public school procedures involving disciplinary action. Mr. Marchant always kept me up to date on what was taking place and came to the best resolution for our situation that we feel like we could have come to. I would definitely recommend The Marchant Law Firm and would retain his services again if I ever find myself needing a lawyer again.
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13 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
She went speechless in our hearing and let the defense walk all over us and her. Ultimately leaving us trampled and falsely accused in front of a court full of family and friends.
She stood there, flipping through paperwork, shaking, not knowing the answers to the judges questions which she had in front of her.
After paying her a 5 digit retainer "the Butcher" just gave up and convince my husband to give in to the defendants demands and settle. She would only go to trial and continue to help us fight for custody if we paid her another 5 digit + retainer. She was timid, easily intimidated and unprepared. Not worth the money! Do not recommend for complicated custody cases!
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05 Jun, 2014 by Dani
My husband and I used Janet, in a custody battle. Janet was like a pit bull. She never backed down. She kept us informed every step of the way, and always kept our daughter's, (my step-daughter) best interest at heart. She was up against a very unsavory laywer, who often lied to his own client, for his own best interest. It's usually very hard for a father to gain custody instead of the mother, without serious cause against the mother, but we won our case. We gained custody of my husband's daughter. She has now graduated high school, and will be off to college in the fall.
I have also reccomended Janet Butcher to other friends, who need a feisty pit bull on their case.
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08 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
Janet failed on every level. I hired her to represent me and instead it felt like she was working on behalf of the other attorney. She did not keep me informed nor did she explain why she chose to go against everything we agreed to do. She prefers to make you settle out of court even if all the terms are not in your favor. Be careful to take any advice from her and do not trust her! She currently has a lawsuit pending against her.
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23 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Robert Polk handled my divorce and custody case. At the time I was a mother of a 15 month old. There were extenuating circumstances. He is a very knowledgable lawyer. Does well in court, he literally had my ex's lawyer at a loss for words at one point. Almost at times as if the other lawyer just kept agreeing with him. That being said, I feel Mr. Polk was not fighting for me. I had a feeling he made the process swift and basically easy on the other party, almost as if he had been in favor of my ex husband the entire time. He got me the LEAST amount of child support, my friends and family have no idea how my ex makes what he does and only pays $300. The father was never in the picture, committed adultery, yet me being a stay at home wife received no spousal support. The father gets our child every other weekend, holidays, one night a week and child support has been "based" on that. However the father never has gotten him which I stressed he would not even attempt to, mr Polk did not help me pursue full custody knowing I wanted to bc the father is unstable and not a good environment. For upwards of 15k I paid, I feel I did not get the result I wanted and that I was brushed aside. I honestly believe he is in favor of a father in divorce cases and custody cases. If you are a wife or mother I strongly urge you to look elsewhere. He is very smart, capable, and I believe with common interests he is a great lawyer. But he does not favor the mother, therefore I do not recommend him.
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05 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Handled a trafficking case for me in 2012/13. Took a $25000 retainer, then came back for another $10000 5 months later, ostensibly for federal representation. Let me get interviewed by dea without counsel present and justified the fees by implying all along he could get Judge Verdon to give me an illegal sentence. Was ultimately sanctioned by the Disciplinary Counsel of the SC Supreme Court for his handling of my case and the plea he arranged has been withdrawn. I only had to spend 3 years in prison and my family had to spend about another $50000 to achieve this.
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15 Aug, 2023 by Kevin
What a complete waste of time and my money! I don't even know who Tom Winslow is because I only dealt with receptionists and via email with Allie Brown, an apparent junior attorney at the firm. I provided the firm with over 900 pages of medical documentation pertaining to a malpractice case. Everything was turned over to the "expert" for review. She never met with me one time and the "expert" never asked a single question. I did manage to get onen brief call into her, in which she was able to inform me how much money I would have to pay. Every document that they could have obtained from any doctor I have seen was laid in their laps, so they had to do absolutely nothing to obtain it. All they had to do was review it. After being told in writing that I'd be notified by the end of July if they would proceed, I found out today after sending another email that the answer was no. "I tried calling you last week to talk about your case" was the answer I got from Allie, but there was no voicemails & no missed calls on my phone. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY!
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26 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
In 2010 I got a simple possession of marijuana charge, under a questionable pull/search-and-seizure. During my arraignment a month later, I asked the judge for a continuance to find a lawyer, and hired Mr. Swan because of his reasonable price. The first time I went to his office, it looked like a run-down shopping center rential, and was very cluttered, messy, and he was not dressed professional at all and at times talked like a sailor. That did not leave a good impression, but it didn't really bother me either, as he seemed to really know his laws and loopholes. We made the mistake of paying him all in advance, and a year later (plus or minus a couple months), I still had only heard from him once, and I had to go to his office!! A couple continuances later, he finally got the charge nol prossed. He got the job done, but he took forever and would not give me updates on the case. In the end I guess he played golf and had lunch with the judge and lawyer-talked his way into a chain-of-custody error or presentation of the evidence. Only recommended if you cannot hire or afford transportation to a more professional lawyer downtown.
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22 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
All he did was show up on time. His communication and follow up was horrible. He did not use information that I provided him nor did he seem to care about my concerns. I heard he was a good lawyer but I did not get that vibe. Now I'm behind the 8-ball trying to find someone to fix what he started or failed to start for that matter. I will not refer him to anyone.
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11 Apr, 2021 by David
On a positive note, he is very good at listening and accurately responding to a complaint. Judges seem to hold him in reverence. It goes downhill from there. He's not proactive. His tactic is to delay, delay, delay, and put everything off to the last minute. If he screws up, he begs the court for forgiveness. It cost me money when he failed to review the order submitted by the plaintiff's lawyer. He assumed he knew what was in it. The lawyer made stuff up and left me liable for something that was never even brought up. Since he didn't read, it nearly left me in contempt of court. Much to the opposing lawyer's chagrin, he told the court he never received the order, which wasn't true. He also created a conflict of interest that ended up costing me money.
Another party to the suit asked him to handle another manner. He charged $1,500 to send a letter. He never did. Truthfully, I can't imagine a worse lawyer.
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29 Sep, 2014 by Kay soldo
His receptionists was not very helpful. Never got a call back. Mr. S. Jahue Moore never said if he was the Junior or the Senior on any of my paperwork. Each time I called, I was asked if it was Jr. or Sr. and when I stated the document said neither, the secretary / receptionist seemed to become incoherant and confused.
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10 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Worst attorney I've ever been around in my entire life. Totally unprofessional - his office is an absolute mess, unprofessional in every way. Literally papers and folders scattered all over the floor that it's not a wonder that he could never remember any of our case details when we would speak with him. I felt like he couldn't care any less about us. He returns phone calls with emails and letters (who mails letters these days for important, time sensitive information? - LOL). No one ever answers the office phone during business hours. Most importantly, he gave us completely false and inaccurate advice that cost us thousands and thousands of dollars.
This is a file, pay and move on type of bankruptcy attorney. These guys are fine if you don't have anything special going on. But if you need ANY other type of assistance other than run-of-the-mill chapter 7/13 filing, before, during, or after your case, then do NOT use this attorney. He seemed completely disinterested as soon as he was paid - my opinion.
Seriously, if any of the above sounds like something you want to trust your financial future with, then perhaps Mr. Matthews is your guy. Otherwise steer very, very clear. In summary, he fit every imaginable terrible stereotype of every bankruptcy attorney, ever.
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25 Aug, 2011 by Mike
this lawyer is in it for the money.
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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.
