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14 Jun, 2022 by Deena
I met David Britton on Ashley Madison. He was my “fun friend” for a long time. He told me his wife was frigid and no longer made him feel desire. So, we had an affair.
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18 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
I have used Mr. Britton several times. He is easy to work with and will give you realistic expectations and not just what you want to hear. Mr. Britton help my parents get their Living Will and Medical Power of Attorney taken care of quickly. I feel that I can call Mr. Britton at anytime for advice and services and I have. When I haven't been able to make it to his office he has made other arrangements to help me or allowed me to meet him after regular scheduled work hours. I am so glad to have met and used Mr. Brittons services. I just wish I could use him for all my legal needs.
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14 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
My husband is currently incarcerated at Pierce County Jail on robbery in the first. The suppose victim recanted his statment several times that there was no weapon and my husband wants to fight this because he also didn't rob this person. My husband requsted for a knapstad order to be put in which she did, but then refused to request a court date. This attorney would belittle and degrade my husband after several failed attempts to contact her and she wouldn't pick up the phone for me. She has very poor communication skills. She always seemed unprepared and unorganized. My husband had to go through his own case to point things out that didn't mach up. Lucky for me I was able to fire her and pay for a differentattorney. If you have someone who is in the jail, have them look her up in the library and you will see that she has been fired before by different defendants due to the same similarities that I'm going through. She also does a lot of plead deals and doesn't fight for you. She want's the money, but doesn't want to do the work or effort.
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13 Jan, 2009 by C.a.mcglone
Paula helped my husband and I change jurisdiction of a custody case which was almost impossible to do but she made it happen and we held on to custody of our son who is 18 years old and doing great now!
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18 May, 2022 by Jessica
Contacted him about my car being hit in the middle of the night. The woman actually hit 3 cars, mowed down a fence, carport and light pole. Had the whole thing on camera. Took the dude 3 weeks to even call me back after I sent in everything requested. Their braindead assistant claims she called me 3 times but I checked my phone records and there was NEVER a call. Do NOT call them if you need a lawyer.
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21 Aug, 2021 by David
I contacted Mr Foskey about a copyright infringement complaint with no merit from a copyright mill…. Rather than state facts that - [a] copyright claims are the jurisdiction of the federal court with a minimum filing fee of 400 dollars [b] that the cost to litigate would run 10s of thousands of dollars for a 900 dollar claim that they would have to prove damages and [c] they weren’t a legal firm and had no basis to threaten legal action, he told me to just pay them. In other words he was clueless on how to deal with such matters. Avoid him.
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07 Mar, 2019 by Lance
Reached out to Mr. Foskey to take on my case with a Traffic ticket. He reviewed, let me know it might be difficult to fight. Sent him my sworn statement which he said wouldn't be necessary. Subpoenaed the WSP who never showed, ticket was thrown out. Fast, easy to work with and responsive via email - Mr. Foskey is one of the greats!
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19 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
My husband just got sentenced 8 yrs in prison after Feste promised that he would get him 60 months or less with dosa and he did absolutely nothing for him other then tell us what we wanted to hear, but when it came down to the day of sentencing he didn't even defend my husband at all he just agreed with the judge instead of fighting for my husband like a attorney is supposed to do in court. He is nothing but a LIAR and will not go against the prosecuting attorneys. All he can say is "He shouldn't have opened his mouth and told them everything when he was arrested"!
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19 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
I wouldn't recommend a dead person to this attorney if he was the last one on earth. This slimy slug does not and will not work on your side. This slug only works with the prosecutors and the judges. He did not help my son. Matter in fact this slug along with his friend slugs Edwards, Darren and Blonde lied about EVERYTHING then each of them screwed him with no lube.
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24 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
So for about a week now day in and day out I cant get a hold of this mofo what so ever I call and I call and I call 40 times a day at the minimum and ge has no receptionists what so ever and no where to leave a call back number or leave any message
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02 Feb, 2023 by Chris
Took my money, stopped commicating and didnt finish the job... left me hanging and had to hire another atty..unprofessional and waste of money...avoid.
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01 Dec, 2021 by James carns
In 2015 Mitchell was to represent me in divorce against wife. He a so called Marine sign a deal with my wife lawyer. Giving my wife the house my tools equipment and all my personal belongings while I sat on jail.He did maybe 3 hrs of work and left me with nothing.He talks tuff , but he's no Marine
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01 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired mitchell to do help me with an accident in to help with keeping my license I quickly realized after I gave him 500.00 that he did not know what he was doing. We went to court and he was incredibly confident so much so he was rude to the court staff. I lost my case and I lost my license I had to hire another more competent lawyer.
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25 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
To prospective clients considering Puget Law Group (PLG), I wish to provide an honest account of my engagement with Tim Lewis and the firm. I initially chose PLG on February 14th, 2022, based on a recommendation from a trusted friend within the legal community. My expectations were set high for a professional and effective working relationship. Unfortunately, from the very outset, my experience fell far short of satisfactory. I was initially assigned to a different attorney within the firm, and for almost eight months, little to no progress was made. There were no interviews, no strategy sessions, and even worse, there was a troubling lack of communication during this period. It wasn't until the beginning of November 2022 that I was informed I would be getting a new attorney, Tim Lewis. On Tuesday, November 8th, I was included in a group email for an introduction, with the expectation that Mr. Lewis would reach out to me. By Thursday the 10th, having heard nothing, I decided to take the initiative and left a message for Mr. Lewis. Despite this, by Tuesday, November 15th, I had still not received any communication. Frustrated with the complete lack of responsiveness, I responded to the group email, reiterating my contact information in case it had been overlooked. By the end of the day on Wednesday, November 16th, with still no response from anyone, I took the step of emailing the managing partner to express my frustration at the complete absence of any communication. In that email, I made it clear that while I did not expect to be the sole focus, I at least expected to feel like a valued client. Finally, I was contacted, but I continued to feel isolated and unsupported. The advice I received from Mr. Lewis was to "take the deal," a suggestion that left me feeling stuck and frustrated. Given my responsibilities as the full-time caregiver of an 18-month-old daughter, I couldn't afford jail time, so I reluctantly signed the deal. Before the sentencing, I expressed my desire not to speak during the proceeding, given my dissatisfaction with the justice system. However, when the judge inquired about me, Mr. Lewis, who had not taken a minute to learn anything about me, stumbled over his words and had nothing substantial to offer, leading to my forced participation in explaining my background to the judge. In July of that year, as part of my sentencing, I was required to enroll in an online course, with a hearing scheduled for September 1st to review my compliance. I provided proof of registration to Mr. Lewis on August 24th, and again on September 20th. Despite this, no motion was filed, and I was unaware of this. As a result, the hearing was rescheduled for September 29th, with the threat of a warrant if I didn't attend. In early September, I left a message with Tim about the upcoming hearing, which I believed would prompt a simple response indicating that the motion had been filed, and my presence was not required. Regrettably, no response was received. Nine days passed, and I had still not heard from Mr. Lewis. I expected him to at least appear on my behalf, but he did not. I had to face the court without legal representation. I understand that being a lawyer is often a challenging and demanding profession. My intention is not to impugn anyone's character or motives but to share my personal experience, which left me unrepresented in court.
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26 Oct, 2020 by William
Attorney Kawamura supervises the Pierce County Office of Assigned Council. His office and attorneys might as well be attached to the Prosecutors office as he and his employee Attorney Joel Harte always pressure people to plead guilty. My nephew ran out of money for an attorney and attorney Joel Harte promised that there would be two other attorneys and an investigator on the case, and that as a lie. Kawamura's office refuses to interview the person that actually committed the crime my nephew is charged with or put him on the witness list. Kawamura refuses to subpoena pay records that would prove my nephew innocent, and refuses to enter them into discovery. Kawamura's office refuses to put people on the witness list that would prove the people who filed a false police report were lying and that there residence was actually a "drug house." Kawamua and his employee attorney Harte are the bottom-of-the-barrel attorneys and should be avoided at all costs.
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24 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr Kawamura gets paid to win or lose. It does not matter to him. When he represented me he told me to take the plea as he did not study my case and if I went to court we had a 95% chance to lose and I would do 12 years. So I was pretty much conned into pleaing out. His loss rate is very high. When I was assaulted and told him, Mike told me not to say anything so he let a crime be ignored and did nothing about it. I asked him to help me withdrawing my plea. He ignored that.
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29 Mar, 2011 by Eric watson
I am a prior client of Mr Kawamura during 1992 through 2001. I am not satisfied with his work as it lacks strength, dignity and pride. I have tried to work with him to get satisfaction with him but due to his heavy case load it was very hard to communicate with him. I had sent letters and made calls and it was rare to receive a reply within a timely manner. In my opinion, his strategy is poor and lacks authority in defense. I reviewed this with Attorney Gunther and she stated I was not guilty to what I plead to. At one point, It was so bad that I asked the court to remove him due to a conflict of interest and that was a success.
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20 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
I have her now, I'll let you know how it goes. were set for trial. If I don't reply.....very bad news. (went to jail).
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07 Dec, 2014 by Philip
I took the word of the previous comment and fired her! It's pretty scary and very uneasy having her represent me, she was lazy, there was no communication between us at all, I was lucky if she even showed up to court. It seemed like I had a substitute lawyer or a continuous, so I took the action to find someone that actually seems like they care about my situation and not just another case number that's gonna take some shitty ass plea for something I didn't do. Please take my advice and fire her before its to late or you can be just better off representing yourself
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08 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
My boyfriend was charged with assault and possesion of firearm and was apointed Jane Melby to represent him. He should have fired her! When he was first apointed to her, I went to a couple paid attorneys to see how much they would charge but we could not afford then but they gave us some good advice on some things to do to help the case. I was going to hire a PI to gather witness statements help proving no assault occured but she assured him that she would get her Pi's to get statements but she never did, My boyfriend asked her for a motion to supress evidence in which she said she was going to do and never did that either.She did nothing to help his case or prove his innocence! WHen the prosecuting attorneys asked to postpone the case due to a death in her family, my boyfriend said he would actually like to continue the case and not grant the case be postponed but Jane went against his wishes and granted the continuance anyways. When they went back to court she granted another continuance due to more important cases after him stating he would like to move forward and not grant a continuance again, She is hard to get in contact with and dose not return phone calls, nor will she speak to family or awnser family members questions about the case! When it came down to the trial and they started offering plea's we started asking questions and wanted to know why nothing was done to help defend his case she acted as if things were in motion but then nothing ever got done so again she was asked what was going on and if they got witness statements and if she motioned to supress eveidence and what evidence they had and she said the witnesses probably moved by now or couldn't be found so she did not get a private investigator to do so, making excuses to why things weren't done or couldn't be done and saying oh this can't be done and that can't be done which we knew was a lie. She did not fight for him and did nothing to defend him. The only thing she did the whole time she was suppose to be defending him was tell him a crappy plea offer of 60 months for an assault he did not commit and a gun charge which they obtained while illegally felony stoping and searching him. She did say oh you have good action at trial but why the hell would we risk it with her crappy job of representing him and her not getting the evidence he needed to to prove his innocence! On top of all that the day of the plea agreement and sentencing there was some confusion over his points and so she said they had to continue the case til "suposivley" next week (that's what she told him) in which he then asked if she could prolong sentencing for as long as possible due to some family issues, she agreed to ask for a continuance but then turned around that same day had him come back to court after all of his family left court and they sentenced him. when he asked her why din't she ask for a continuance her responce to him was oh I must have misunderstood you. well the whole time she was his lawyer she must have misunderstood him or she just could not comprehend what he was saying! she is just all around bad and she does not work for you but does the littlest amount of work possible and then has you take the crappyest deal possible knowing she did not fight for you but worked against you and worked along side of the prosecuting attorney's. He might as well not even had a lawyer becasue she did nothing for him!!
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27 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
John Neeb is a one man liability generating machine. His cases have been overturned so many times that his county is now recognized as leading the country in prosecutorial misconduct. Combined with a brutish demeanor and poor argumentative and interpersonal skills, it's a wonder this man is allowed to practice law. John Neeb is a sad symbol of the low bar we set for prosecutors in Washington state.
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16 Dec, 2012 by Dave
This attorney represented me in a criminal case. His skills are poor and it seems the man has a problem with the public and justice, With me his ethics were poor and I felt trapped and no matter how much I tried to use the truth in defense he ignored it. I would not recommend this attorney to anyone. He has hardly any friends.....can you imagine.
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26 Oct, 2020 by William
My nephew ran out of money to pay is attorney in a criminal case. Attorney Harte talked my nephew into allowing the court to let Harte to take over the case. Big Mistake!!! Harte promised that there would be two more attorneys and an investigator on the case and that was a lie. All attorney Harte did was pressure my nephew to make a guilty plea deal that is very bad. Harte refused to subpoena pay records and enter them into discover. The pay records would show that my nephew was innocent. Harte refused to interview and place on the witness list my nephew's cousin who actually committed the crime. Harte refused to interview and place on the witness list my nephew's father who would testify that the people that filed the police complaint were lying and committing perjury. The father could also testify that the arresting officer was lying in a police report and committing perjury. Harte refused to object to evidence (cell phone) that had more than likely been tampered with by the police and refused to review chain-of-custody of the device. Harte refused to show my nephew the "discovery" evidence in violation of the WSBA "Code of Conduct." Harte would not return phone calls. A complaint to Harte's supervisor attorney Michael Kawamura was ignored. All Harte is interested in is showing he closed another case and justify his offices annual budget. Harte might as well be working for the Prosecutors office as it is our opinion that Harte is trying to make the prosecutors office look good so he can get a job there. We feel sorry for anyone who has or had Harte as their attorney as he pressures innocent people into pleading guilty and be railroaded into jail.
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13 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
Ive been in contact with mr goodwin he gives not a bit of hope for his client he shows no concern for tge well being of the client overall im will be seeking a lawsuit against tacoma police dept and mr goodwin if he continue to be non understanding and bias
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23 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
SCAM Do not waste your time this is not a real person. Fake!! Again DO NOT hire
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16 Jul, 2023 by Timothy
In 2020 I was wrongfully arrested by an officer in training with his FTO at his side after calling for assistance for a verbal dispute with my spouse in Thurston County. After she attempted to force unwanted contact, I instinctively picked up the phone and called 911. That was a mistake. 14 months later, after a NCO was developed from the false arrest, I was persuaded by Eric Schuler as my public defense to take a plea or I would go to jail, even though he understood I was innocent. He had plenty of photos, audio, transcripts, interviews, etc to show I was violated. I would have went to jail and lost everything all over again if I stood up for myself according to him. This is because there were accusations of me violating the NCO and emails standing up for my son that was about to turn 5 as the government was promoting these harmful vaccinations for that age group and telling my ex to pay the house that almost went under foreclosure due to her neglect. We're also both Navy veterans and in truth, I have no criminal background. The comradery and brotherhood is a lie. If you want to be let down, you're in the right spot.
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08 May, 2011 by Eric watson
Mr Decosta was my defense attorney for a misdemeanor back in 2004. When I saw him in jail the fist thing he gave me was plea form and siad "it was yours wasnt it?" I asked him to motion to dismiss the evidense as the Search Warrant was broad. He said he would but never filed it. He knew it would dump the evidense & close the case. I had to fire him but that didnt work. The judge sided up with him and I had to pay for a worthless atty to remove Decosta. If you do not want prison time find someone trustworthy. My sentence was 80% of max
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11 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
I hade him when I got arrested , and now I wish I never did. Je did not try to fight for me in my legal case and just threw me under the bus and then wanted paid. Thank God the judge seen it my way and did not order me to pay him. Please don't waste your time or money on this guy.
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08 Feb, 2012 by Rose washington
MY SON HAVE HAD THE LAWYER BEFORE AND HE NEVER PICK UP THE PHONE NOR DID HE RETURN A PHONE CALL.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. What is your fee structure?
    Ask how the lawyer charges for their services and whether you’ll be responsible for any additional costs.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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