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5.0
25 Reviews
5.0
69 Reviews
13 Jan, 2025 by Kenny t
Morgan, Fran and Team saved my life/career from being destroyed! I came to Morgan two years ago and he went to work on my cases (yes cases). The one thing I can say throughout the last couple years is don’t get frustrated. Listen to Morgan, even though the legal systems time line will sux and will go slow, stay the course. Morgan/Fran are supportive and will help you throughout the process. All my cases were dismissed last week. Best money and decision I could have made choosing Morgan and team.
Regards, Kenny Tranum.
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22 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Morgan was an exceptional attorney and was so good, he was able to get my charges dismissed. He always said to me as I tried not to worry, “go live your life, “ This comforted me greatly. Morgan is the best!
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08 May, 2024 by Cara moves
Morgan & his staff were so helpful! Helped me clear my record and make my life better! Highly recommend him and his team to anyone in the Houston area! Best of the best!
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5.0
21 Reviews
4.9
471 Reviews
26 Feb, 2025 by Ross christensen
Richard Canlas, Esq., turns the worst day of your life into the best day of your life. This is second time I’ve retained him legally, and God willing will be the last time I need to, but I know Who I’m going to call without a moment hesitation, if it gets to the point where I need a legal represent
again. If you get tangled up in the Texas legal system, even a little bit, even for something fairly innocuous, and you care about your reputation, then the money spent with him is well placed. There’s some truth to the old saying that you get what you pay for but with Richard you always get a little bit extra and you won’t be disappointed. I highly recommend him. I’ve known him for decades and he knows the system up there in Conroe, and he knows where to apply pressure and when to apply pressure and I think that if I aspired to be a lawyer, he would be One of my role models!
Sincerely,
RC
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24 Jan, 2025 by Leah moody
I am so blessed to have Adam Looney on my side. He fights for me in a way no one else would.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Bimal sangari
I whole-heartedly recommend the law services of LaRochelle Luna. They professionally handled my case and did an excellent job of providing legal services to represent me. Throughout the experience, I felt I was in good hands and they responded to my communications in a timely manner.
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11 Feb, 2025 by Julio
Great service. Got our ticket dismissed after we hired him last minute. Definitely recommend his services
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09 Feb, 2025 by Donna maher
I came to Dickey Law Group with really specific questions and concerns, and they were able to answer them completely and calm my nerves around what could’ve been a really stressful time. I highly recommend Jay to anyone in the area looking for a legal advice.
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17 Jan, 2025 by Cesar martinez
DLG has been absolutely amazing to work with. From the beginning of the process and what we needed to have ready all the way to the end. I am someone that has a million questions, and they were able to answer them all. The combination of their preparation, responsiveness, and knowledge has made everything feel seamless. I could not recommend this law firm enough.
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02 Jan, 2025 by Mike tamayo
I am very pleased with the result of our case. We could not have asked for a better outcome. Throughout the process Matt and his law firm were responsive and kept me up to date on our case. I am definitely going to save his number.
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02 Jan, 2025 by Omar rodriguez
I worked with Matt and Ana on a divorce case that was supposed to be quick and straightforward, but the other party made it incredibly challenging, as expected. Despite numerous obstacles, including the other party joining the Army and refusing service multiple times, Ana never gave up. She consistently strategized and found ways to move the process forward. She went above and beyond, even reaching out to JAG officers at the Army base and navigating their bureaucracy. Thanks to her determination and expertise, they successfully resolved the case, leaving everything free and clear. I’m deeply grateful for their hard work and highly recommend them to anyone in need of a reliable and dedicated attorney in Houston.
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28 Dec, 2024 by Anonymous
Mr. Horak offered utmost professionalism and care while having Felony charges against me dismissed.
My case was an emotionally exhausting case with too many complexities involved but Mr. Horak strategic thinking helped me achieve a favorable outcome.
The paralegal staff was also courteous and prompt in their responses. I am very glad to have Mr. Horak as my attorney.
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08 May, 2024 by Celeste vasquez
Professional, efficient, competent, and genuinely exhibited compassionate character as I explained my distressing matter.
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30 Nov, 2022 by S j
Attorney Bolton was very patient with me and helped me understand things going on in my situation with care and compassion. I highly recommend him!
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14 Jun, 2022 by Tanya moore
Very helpful
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08 Jul, 2024 by Anisha kaul
I worked with Sheridan and Matthew on my EB1A case. Everything seemed almost effortless and we coordinated remotely throughout. Sheridan and his team is prompt, proactive and very professional(3Ps). Sheridan explained everything very clearly at each step of my case - the HOWs, WHENs, WHYs, WHY NOTs....I would like to highlight that Matthew, a team member of Sheridan, is one the most organized and courteous people I have worked with. If you seek legal advice on EB1A cases, please checkout Sheridan's Blog for all the previous work. Cheers.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Mohan sharma
We contacted Sheridan to support us to help us with H1B RFE. The professional services he provided was really exceptional. He did an excellent work by understanding the quires and responding accurately, as a result no further questions were asked and visa was approved within a week of receiving the RFE response. I would highly recommend him for any immigration work. We have decided to appoint him for our all future immigration needs.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Raul notta
I highly recommend Sheridan services. During our first interview he made precise questions to see if he could take our case and recommend the path forward (we went for the extraordinary abilities petition). From there everything went smoothly, he was personally involved in reviewing and suggesting corrections to the recommendation letters, and, together with the rest of the documents, crafting the application. I got the extraordinary ability petition approved in 15 days and received the green cards for me and my family in 4 months!. We were expecting a long, tiresome process (more than a year) so we were amazed by the speed of it all.
He was super professional, made everything simple, step by step and kept open communications for any questions we had.
Again, I highly recommend his services for any immigration needs.
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18 Sep, 2024 by Tanita mitchell
Thank you Attonery at Law Judith Shields and staff for all of your help. In year 2019 I was placed in an uncomfortable situation and needed help. Attonery Shields and staff (Ashton) not only assisted me with getting the charges dismissed but also in year 2024 assisted with getting the entire recorded removed.
I truly cannot thank them enough for all of their help, hard work and dedication. If you are in the Montgomery county area or Harris county area and are in a bind please do not hesitate to reach out to them. This office truly goes above and beyond to assist their clients.
Thank you again Attonery Shields and Paralegal Ashton 😀
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11 Sep, 2024 by Mandy c
If I could give her more than 5 stars I would!!! All of these other 5 star google reviews are accurate, she is great! There have been two situations that Mrs. Shield helped my family with over a few years and she truly is a wonderful person who cares about her clients. She is very responsive, she fully explains everything, treats you with respect and she works hard for you. Even on her court appointments, she treats the client with respect and truly helps them. Her diligence is truly a blessing. Even her assistant is wonderful to communicate with. My family is very appreciative of Mrs. Shield's and everything she does. I will always recommend her to anyone!
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01 Nov, 2023 by Spencer levine
Mrs. Shields is the best attorney in Montgomery county she is very responsive and always there when you need her. She has more integrity than any attorney in Montgomery county, she is very professional and caring. I would not trust my life in any other attorney hands. If you or a loved one are looking for an attorney this is the woman you should call. She moves mountains and talks you through everything you need to know, she is always there to get you prepared for whatever you are walking into.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Gabriela salcedo
I trust them, legal issues are very delicate subjects that must be handled with experience and professionalism and these are some of the qualities that this firm has.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Words with wayne
22 Nov, 2024 by Chad bing
21 Nov, 2024 by Alicia sauls
I am incredibly grateful for the outstanding legal services provided by Andrea. Thanks to her expertise, professionalism, and dedication, my son's case was dismissed. From the very first consultation, Andrea demonstrated a deep understanding of the law and a genuine commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. She kept us informed throughout the entire process, answered all of our questions with patience, and worked tirelessly to ensure a favorable result. I truly appreciate how she handled everything with such care and skill, and I would highly recommend Andrea Kolski to anyone in need of legal representation. Thank you again for your incredible support!
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15 Oct, 2024 by Rick
05 Sep, 2024 by Lars gravaas
Andrea Kolski is the number one lawyer in Montgomery County! There’s no reason you shouldn’t hire her, if you have a legal issue. She is anonymous always.
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5.0
12 Reviews
4.8
66 Reviews
21 Nov, 2024 by Alicia sauls
I am incredibly grateful for the outstanding legal services provided by Andrea. Thanks to her expertise, professionalism, and dedication, my son's case was dismissed. From the very first consultation, Andrea demonstrated a deep understanding of the law and a genuine commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. She kept us informed throughout the entire process, answered all of our questions with patience, and worked tirelessly to ensure a favorable result. I truly appreciate how she handled everything with such care and skill, and I would highly recommend Andrea Kolski to anyone in need of legal representation. Thank you again for your incredible support!
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15 Oct, 2024 by Rick
05 Sep, 2024 by Lars gravaas
Andrea Kolski is the number one lawyer in Montgomery County! There’s no reason you shouldn’t hire her, if you have a legal issue. She is anonymous always.
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21 Nov, 2024 by Alicia sauls
I am incredibly grateful for the outstanding legal services provided by Andrea. Thanks to her expertise, professionalism, and dedication, my son's case was dismissed. From the very first consultation, Andrea demonstrated a deep understanding of the law and a genuine commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. She kept us informed throughout the entire process, answered all of our questions with patience, and worked tirelessly to ensure a favorable result. I truly appreciate how she handled everything with such care and skill, and I would highly recommend Andrea Kolski to anyone in need of legal representation. Thank you again for your incredible support!
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16 Oct, 2024 by Venessa
Wendy Baker was appointed my lawyer by the court. Right from the start she was on top of everything with my case. She was absolutely wonderful. She was professional, empathetic, and tough. She helped me stay calm through a very difficult situation and looked out for my best interest. I could not havegotten a better lawyer. She was definitely a blessing & I could never thank her enough.
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15 Oct, 2024 by Rick
19 Jan, 2025 by Sara perez rosario
Tuve una excelente experiencia con los servicios del abogado Rivas.
Lo recomiendo 💯
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18 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
I hired the firm to represent me in a family court custody dispute.
The firm was unorganized throughout the whole process.
KC would miss court ordered mediation.
There were files attached to my docket that did not belong me and communication was terrible.
I would not recommend
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08 May, 2024 by Celeste vasquez
Professional, efficient, competent, and genuinely exhibited compassionate character as I explained my distressing matter.
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04 Feb, 2025 by Mallary fortunato
Highly recommend! They move quick and you only pay for what you need! Extremely knowledgeable about the eviction process. We paid on a Tuesday evening and by Wednesday afternoon they had our holdover tenant served!
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22 Jan, 2025 by John novosad
Pleased with the excellent service from White & Mejias. I dealt with Kyle. Everything was ready to sign when I walked in - took less than 5 minutes. I would recommend this firm - check out their well designed website. Thanks Kyle.
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29 Dec, 2024 by Julie dunlap
Exceptional service! I've received guidance from this law firm; they've assisted me in personal and business matters. They are quick to respond, thorough in review, and very knowledgeable of the law. I highly recommend them for any of your legal needs!
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21 Nov, 2024 by Alicia sauls
I am incredibly grateful for the outstanding legal services provided by Andrea. Thanks to her expertise, professionalism, and dedication, my son's case was dismissed. From the very first consultation, Andrea demonstrated a deep understanding of the law and a genuine commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. She kept us informed throughout the entire process, answered all of our questions with patience, and worked tirelessly to ensure a favorable result. I truly appreciate how she handled everything with such care and skill, and I would highly recommend Andrea Kolski to anyone in need of legal representation. Thank you again for your incredible support!
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15 Oct, 2024 by Rick
05 Sep, 2024 by Lars gravaas
Andrea Kolski is the number one lawyer in Montgomery County! There’s no reason you shouldn’t hire her, if you have a legal issue. She is anonymous always.
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09 Feb, 2025 by Donna maher
I came to Dickey Law Group with really specific questions and concerns, and they were able to answer them completely and calm my nerves around what could’ve been a really stressful time. I highly recommend Jay to anyone in the area looking for a legal advice.
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17 Jan, 2025 by Cesar martinez
DLG has been absolutely amazing to work with. From the beginning of the process and what we needed to have ready all the way to the end. I am someone that has a million questions, and they were able to answer them all. The combination of their preparation, responsiveness, and knowledge has made everything feel seamless. I could not recommend this law firm enough.
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22 Dec, 2024 by Aubrey williams
06 Jun, 2024 by Paige
Mr. Marinkovich and his team took my case on after my daughter was attacked by a dog. He has so much knowledge when it comes to the insurance world that it truly made me feel comfortable with the choice in his firm. I never had to go through any of it alone or with out guidance. Even through the child protective services interview, he hosted in his office on a SATURDAY just to ensure it was complete and closed and no longer a worry.
Thank you so much for helping me through the hardest case of my life, you and your team are so appreciated!
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07 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
The attorney Milan was very helpful with our case, we came to him thru a referral of a friend. When we discussed our case with the attorney he believed us from the very first time. Every meeting that we had with the attorney and his paralegal helped us understand the status of our case, because this was our second time seeking legal advice for our case we truly believed its was not a coincidence meeting the attorney. Also his paralegal was very helpful and patient with our mother, he translated every word one by one in Spanish which we were very impressed because not everyone has the ability to speak Spanish correctly. Thru out the entire process the attorney and his team were always very attentive with us even during trial. All we can say is thank you for helping us with our case, we received justice finally.
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08 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Marinkovich was very helpful in helping my family navigate false accusations filed with Family Protective Services. He was professional and courteous with everyone involved. He was even good with both of my children. I can't recommend him or his staff enough.
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18 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
I was charged with my 3rd DWI which was enhanced to a habitual offender case that carries 25 to life. I hired Gerald Bourque who did his homework on my past history and got my charge reduced to a 2nd DWI misdemeanor. I would highly recommend this attorney if you are ever facing a serious offense like this. He has great communication skills and very professional. My case was then transferred to his son Morgan Bourque who continued to fight this charge for me.
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29 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Unfortunately, I have had to consult with a number of lawyers over the years and from our very first conversation about my custody modification, I knew immediately Mr. Warren was cut from a different cloth than your typical attorney. He is humble, genuine, listened well, and gave me realistic expectations and advice over the phone before we even had our initial consultation. Every other attorney I have dealt with had been more interested in collecting a consultation fee before being allowed to speak with them, and then during the consultation, being treated as just the next paycheck. Not only was Chris warm, personal, and down to earth, you could tell throughout the process that he genuinely cares about his clients and the outcome of their case - unfortunately a rare occurrence in my experience. This was the one time I was happy to pay an attorney for their services and will continue to hire him every time another need arises.
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19 Jan, 2025 by Sara perez rosario
Tuve una excelente experiencia con los servicios del abogado Rivas.
Lo recomiendo 💯
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08 May, 2024 by Celeste vasquez
Professional, efficient, competent, and genuinely exhibited compassionate character as I explained my distressing matter.
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30 Nov, 2022 by S j
Attorney Bolton was very patient with me and helped me understand things going on in my situation with care and compassion. I highly recommend him!
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1.0
1 Reviews
5.0
21 Reviews
19 Jan, 2025 by Sara perez rosario
Tuve una excelente experiencia con los servicios del abogado Rivas.
Lo recomiendo 💯
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21 Nov, 2024 by Anonymous
She's just terrible and she'll lie and say she has no record of representing you when you give her a bad review.
Pass on this one, she's terrible.
The reviews that are 5 stats is because she ask people to write her a review.
She'll take your money and won't do a DARN thing.
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08 May, 2024 by Celeste vasquez
Professional, efficient, competent, and genuinely exhibited compassionate character as I explained my distressing matter.
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05 Dec, 2015 by Gary
Mr. Hersom was polite and friendly. More importantly, he was professional and knowledgeable of the law. He was able to take my negative situation and turn it into a positive. I don't put a lot of faith and trust into people and especially lawyers. I can say with 100% certainty that after this experience, he will be the only lawyer I'll use and the only lawyer I'll trust.
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01 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
Brice and team did an excellent job representing me in a recent legal matter. They were friendly and professional and got a great outcome for me. I would use them again and recommend them to others.
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14 Nov, 2015 by Kimberly
I had a few hiccups in my case (on my part) and Mr. Hersom still made everything go smoothly. I completed my terms of my pretrial diversion and my case was successfully dismissed. I'm extremely grateful to have had him on my side.
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21 Dec, 2023 by Aravind panicker
Have been with this Law Firm for more than year. All the staff are professionals with lots of experience. I want to thank Madeline Morales and George for their exceptional service.
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30 Jun, 2023 by Omari thomas
Amaro law firm did great with my case. Juan Canencio did an awesome job at making sure I was updated, taken care of, and always listened to my concerns. Thank you for everything Amaro Law firm.
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05 Apr, 2023 by P v
I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the assistance of your marketing professional Lindsey Wohrer with her help in registering for an event. Due to a technical issue, I was having trouble registering online, and she was really helpful! I greatly appreciate her prompt and efficient help in resolving the issue. Once again, thank you for your excellent support and professionalism. I look forward to attending the event!
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21 Nov, 2024 by Alicia sauls
I am incredibly grateful for the outstanding legal services provided by Andrea. Thanks to her expertise, professionalism, and dedication, my son's case was dismissed. From the very first consultation, Andrea demonstrated a deep understanding of the law and a genuine commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. She kept us informed throughout the entire process, answered all of our questions with patience, and worked tirelessly to ensure a favorable result. I truly appreciate how she handled everything with such care and skill, and I would highly recommend Andrea Kolski to anyone in need of legal representation. Thank you again for your incredible support!
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15 Oct, 2024 by Rick
05 Sep, 2024 by Lars gravaas
Andrea Kolski is the number one lawyer in Montgomery County! There’s no reason you shouldn’t hire her, if you have a legal issue. She is anonymous always.
Read more
09 Feb, 2025 by Donna maher
I came to Dickey Law Group with really specific questions and concerns, and they were able to answer them completely and calm my nerves around what could’ve been a really stressful time. I highly recommend Jay to anyone in the area looking for a legal advice.
Read more
17 Jan, 2025 by Cesar martinez
DLG has been absolutely amazing to work with. From the beginning of the process and what we needed to have ready all the way to the end. I am someone that has a million questions, and they were able to answer them all. The combination of their preparation, responsiveness, and knowledge has made everything feel seamless. I could not recommend this law firm enough.
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22 Dec, 2024 by Aubrey williams
06 Jun, 2024 by Virginia riddle
Erin's professionalism and knowledge was also laced with kindness and compassion in our particular difficult situation. My husband & I had prepared our own will through Legal Zoom. Com. Erin added important verbiage and documentation that we had failed to include but needed at the end of our lives.
We were so thankful for her legal guidance and advice regarding the importance of each document. We now have a great peace of mind that we have everything we and our family need.
We highly recommend and trust her services.
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23 May, 2024 by Hank cardarelli
Of all the attorneys we worked with on estate planning, none were more thorough and personable than Erin Lucke. Her explanations were in understandable language, a trait not present in many attorneys.
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17 May, 2024 by James fleming
We needed an experienced attorney to handle an estate from out of state. Erin did an excellent job handling this with two executors, both from out of state, thank you again Erin!
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26 Feb, 2025 by Ross christensen
Richard Canlas, Esq., turns the worst day of your life into the best day of your life. This is second time I’ve retained him legally, and God willing will be the last time I need to, but I know Who I’m going to call without a moment hesitation, if it gets to the point where I need a legal represent
again. If you get tangled up in the Texas legal system, even a little bit, even for something fairly innocuous, and you care about your reputation, then the money spent with him is well placed. There’s some truth to the old saying that you get what you pay for but with Richard you always get a little bit extra and you won’t be disappointed. I highly recommend him. I’ve known him for decades and he knows the system up there in Conroe, and he knows where to apply pressure and when to apply pressure and I think that if I aspired to be a lawyer, he would be One of my role models!
Sincerely,
RC
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24 Jan, 2025 by Leah moody
I am so blessed to have Adam Looney on my side. He fights for me in a way no one else would.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Bimal sangari
I whole-heartedly recommend the law services of LaRochelle Luna. They professionally handled my case and did an excellent job of providing legal services to represent me. Throughout the experience, I felt I was in good hands and they responded to my communications in a timely manner.
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28 Jan, 2025 by Omar contreras
24 Jan, 2025 by Jorge tovar
Buenos días, quiero agradecer infinitamente al equipo del abogado Xavier Chávez por su excelente trabajo para resolver satisfactoriamente el proceso de divorcio por la ley de Texas, mencionando que cuando me comentaron que me tramitaria un divorcio me quedé muy sorprendido porque mi situación con mi pareja era unión libre y no sabía que podía obtener un divorcio. Este equipo de abogados lo tramitó y se obtuvo afortunadamente porque esto es parte muy importante para el proceso migratorio que aún esta pendiente, muchas gracias a todos los que colaboraron y mis sinceras felicitaciones, ampliamente recomendados por su ética profesional y calidad en el servicio
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15 Jan, 2025 by Patty martinez
It was a great experience working with Xavier Law Firm, since the first time I was here they provided me with the information and advice for my case, Stephanie Lopez walked me through the entire process, and communicated any updates, her expertise and knowledge gave me all the assurance I needed, my case got resolved faster than expected. I would 100% recommend to work with Xavier Law Firm and his entire staff.
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02 Jun, 2021 by Brian
Kemp law firm helped me get a bogus ticket dropped, after the Prosecutor wanted me to pay $160 fine and 90 days deferment. Police Office was wrong I should not have gotten a ticket for what he wrote it for. I found the statute that showed it was legal and Kemp got it dismissed. Very fast and efficient, listened to me and understood my point. Didnt try and convince me to pay fine and take deal just to close the case. Put em on Retainer!
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07 Mar, 2019 by Michelle
I am so grateful for Jeff and his associates. He handled my case with confidence and ease because he knew exactly what he was doing and was able to receive an outcome that was ten times better than I could’ve asked for. I will continue to use Jeff and his team and would recommend Jeff Kemp to anyone seeking great advice and a great lawyer!
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09 Jul, 2018 by Jerry
Jeff Kemp was fantastic in making sure my medical issues were addressed. Mr. Kemp and his staff were the very best in looking after my best interest. I highly recommend Mr. Kemp and staff to anyone needing a personal injury 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.
