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01 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
If you want a lawyer that doesn’t return calls or file judge ordered paperwork in almost a year then he’s your guy. This guys a joke.
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07 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
Tom is a great attorney. I've used him for probably 4 or 5 years now. I think I first used him for my divorce. I've used him for about 4, 5 or maybe even 6 speeding tickets...each one harder to get out of than the last, but Tom's never disappointed. He's handled my work's DOT Violations, MSHA/OSHA Citations, traffic tickets and accidents.
I use him so much, I almost don't care when I get in trouble. I just laugh and say, "time to call Tom!" He's a great guy, works hard and genuinely cares. I've dealt with some of the best attorneys in Syracuse, but nothing compares to the personable approach you get from Tom.
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01 Apr, 2012 by Kevin
I retained Mr Valerino to assist with some traffic violations my son had received
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28 Jun, 2024 by Muhammed
Paul worked close with me on my case much respect for him. Case dismissed …
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25 May, 2024 by Tidus
Hired Paul Carey for a family member he is a terrible lying attorney .. Paul is more like a police officer than a lawyer he lied to take your families hard earned money then he will switch the narrative and become combative . My nephew had him I do not recommend him for anyone you’d think his prowess of the law would have him on the side of the defense however he is on the side of the prosecution. Communication skills completely off lacks integrity and does not have the heart of any richeous defense attorney . The cases he have one must have been in a complete dumb because my nephews case he promised great things just to show he was just after money and it’s sad heart breaking and disappointing.. He should have been disbarred 5 years ago!!!!!!!!!
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28 Jan, 2023 by Tim
This is the attorney to hire…period! He has always answered my calls when I was in need and has giving me the best advice without asking for money. I have hired him in the past and will continue to do so! He works hard for you and is not afraid to show it in court!
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03 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
This man has gone after my family time and time after again over an already settled case. He is ruthless and a terrible person.
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07 Sep, 2020 by Stephanie
After several calls and struggling to find a lawyer. I highly recommend this law firm to anyone and would gladly refer my friends. They were the only ones to confidently take my case! They are a very honest and loyal and committed Law firm! Jim & Heather spent years working on my case and won and got me the compensation I deserved! Jim was an absolute gentleman, very sympathetic and supportive of me while I took a stand in court. He was very good at debating my case! Jim and Heather are very skilled at what they do, modest, and very professional, always kept me posted on the status of our results!
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04 May, 2021 by Anonymous
my brother had the misfortune of getting this so called lawyer assigned to him on his FEDERAL CRIMINAL CASE. keep in mind that we did not choose her she was assigned to him. I have called her office 100 times and I have only spoke to her ONCE!! ... i have emailed, called, left voicemail after voicemail to not even hear anything back, my brother is facing serious time for something that he did not do and this so called lawyer cant even return a call to let us know what she obtained on the discovery! ... I will be damned if I will let my brothers freedom be left in her hands! ... THESE ARE PEOPLES LIVES YOU ARE PLAYING WITH!! CHRISTINA CAGNINA IS THE WORST!
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13 Apr, 2017 by Derron
I was sort of an extreme knuckle head as a child and Ms.Cagnina represented me on a number of situations and never failed short. I had a certain level of confidence in her abilities in a room full of giants. She is a very Nice Lady a pleasure to speak with and a darn good Attorney,
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28 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
I used her for my divorce that wasn't contested. She went out on a medical leave and they never told me. I got charged for every email and call that I made. They should have informed me that she was out and when she would return. I did most of the work for my divorce. It was a joke what she came up with in the beginning. I wouldn't recommend her to anyone!
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03 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
Quickly agreed to take my case. Took my money for the retainer. Then misspelled my name many times. Any time I questioned what was going on I got the runaround. Then billed for more money. My divorce was finally going to court but I had to provide the photos and was told I would have to pay for appraisals to prove ex's property worth. Everything was about money. She threatened to drop my case if more money wasn't paid the day before court. After divorce was finally granted after nearly 3 years, I received yet another bill for yet more money. Very dissatisfied.
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05 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
DO NOT USE LAURIN HADDAD. According to my now ex husband I am officially divorced. Something that should have happened three months ago according to his lawyer, as this was her negligence. There have been several instances in which she has failed me. To begin with, she did not know my name, my husbands name, my case, or what I wanted. I had to advocate for myself and tell her each time we spoke the run down of what the plan was and what I wanted. Her office staff violated confidentiality sending me another persons Statement of Net Worth.
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20 Oct, 2021 by Erica
While trying to get my children back home and out of the foster care system, my husband had been assigned Lauren Heddad and thought that because she owns her own law firm would be a good choice for him but he found out very quickly that she never returns phone calls, never returns emails and does not associate with other attorneys for further information and considers it as "jumping through hoops" in which case told my husband that she does not do. She refuses to work with anyone else that pertains to a case that has more information then her and was just very rude to my husband when he tried to explain some situations and was rushing him as if he wasn't speaking fast enough for her and had better things to do then discuss his case.
Lauren Heddad is very unprofessional, very rude, and very cold hearted. I would not recommend her to anyone who is trying to win a case because she has a very poor effort to keep in contact especially when there is important documents to be delt with involving small children.
Very displeased and very disappointed with her attitude towards people and does not need to be in the lawyer business if she can't learn to communicate with her clients better.
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24 Jan, 2018 by John
I was charged with 45 felonies for writing illegal prescriptions throughout the county. I was APPOINTED Janelle as an attorney. She worked so hard for me, and because of the nature of the charges, she was able to get me into a Judicial Diversion program (Drug Court). I should have done serious time for this. But Janelle was the hardest working lawyer in the city. She isapproachable, returns your calls, and when there are updates on the case, she will come see you if you are locked up still unable to make bail. She won't come to see you unless something in the case has changed. So don't expect her to just come visit to say nothing has happened. Its a waste of her and your time. Thank you Janelle!!!
Update....since then, I have been back into the legal system, and AGAIN, Janelle has been AMAZING! She was able to get my charges reduced, and then a Conditional Discharge. She is awesome. HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIRING HER!!!
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02 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Left multiple messages to set up an appt to talk about my case and it's been 2 months with no response. The only Time I was able to speak to her was in court!! Terrible attorney!
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26 Aug, 2012 by Sk
I was charged with a misdemeanor as a result of police misconduct.miss frias advised me to cop out to a plea bargain, despite lack of sufficient evidence against me, which I later realized was something many lawyers do to save much needed trial dates in the backed up court system. She told me all I needed to do was make arrangements to start the activity I agreed to in the plea bargain and I would no longer need to appear in court as she would do that on my behalf.a few months later, police are at my house, arresting me for a bench warrant.they wouldn't tell me the alleged date that I'd missed court.when they asked who my attorney was and I told them janelle frias....all three of them laughed and Said good luck getting out of this one.
My family tried to contact her while I was incarcerated, she did not respond.I was in jail for 4 days, she never contacted me.my family bailed me out, I've been home for five days and have yet to hear from her. I have court on monday and am looking forward to hearing her excuse for why she has not contacted me nor informed me these court dates I supposedly missed. Needless to say, she will be relieved of her duties as my case is too much for her work load and I will request a new public defender. I am utterly disgusted that this incompetent woman has helped this unjust system to taint my flawless reputation and record.I advise other victims of the judicial system to get a second opinion and to hound their lawyers, no matter how trustworthy they appear. No one should have to suffer needlessly in jail at the hands of a preoccupied attorney and have their families suffer and lose money for this reason.
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24 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
I was assigned this attorney by Judge David Bruffett in Cicero, New York. This attorney and Judge Bruffett are friends. After being assigned I experienced an almost three year battle to get this attorney relieved as my assigned counsel. He was condensending, arrogant, and in league with the judge and DA's office to get me convicted. He did absolutely nothing on my case but email me a one (1) page undated Discovery request, and nothing else besides showing up in court. We exchanged many emails in which I suggested an investigator, preserving evidence at the police precinct (videos) and a myriad of things which he ignored. I truly believe he was involved in a conspiracy to have me convicted. After almost three (3) years of battling with my court appointed attorney, I found out he was fired from Legal Services for failing to do any work on his defendants cases including mine. Thank God. I witnessed him speed when leaving the court and I recorded him. When I confronted him about his speeding he said he was "entitiled to speed" due to his "years of service as a public defender." Hmmmm...really? He thinks he is above the law and does not have to do work despite receiving payment for his services by the County. This man accused me of being prejudice towards him for being Jewish and old. I told him I serve a Jewish Messiah as a Christian and was not prejudice against anyone especially people of the Jewish faith. I do not recommend hiring him especially after being fired from Legal Services. I was forced to file an Attorney Grievance Complaint for his failure to zealously represent me. It is being considered and I believe I presented enough credible evidence to back up my claims. Do your due diligence before hiring this attorney and check into his background. Dav Savlov his former boss was forced to reveal his firing to me. He prejudiced my case by failing to do any legal work of substance and by having me do my own motions and legal work. I have faith I will be exonerated but it was a hard journey dealing with ineffective assistance of counsel. Again, I warn you, be careful and think twice before hiring this attorney. He is toxic and has severe issues.
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22 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Stay away from the individual. She will reel you in and make you feel comfortable, than behind your back she does absolutely nothing and appeases the other side. If you disagree with her, she takes it personally and is extremely rude and vindictive. I’ve paid her over $30,000 for nothing.
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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.
