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12 Jan, 2025 by Donaimee r
Would NEVER EVER recommend. Being our first time every needing a attorney and referred to her. Yea she in fact made our situation worse for our loved one and now have a reputable attorney who is saying she in fact screwed our loved one over by having them agree to certain things they never should have cause NO PROOF!! DO NOT USE UNLESS want worse case scenario for your loved one.
It won't let me leave 0 stars as she isn't even a one star in our families eyes.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Littlestar3311
Received advice, and I'm very grateful. Honest and trustworthy legal team here. Thank you for hearing me out and giving me an avenue when I called concerning my car. Appreciate the time you took to help me.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Jordan austin
I've been with denny for over 15 years he is honest and his loyalty is with you and will stand up for you when no one else will stand next to you 5 star lawyer's he built a generation of dedicated lawyer's I trust his sons just as I trust him... real lawyer's for real life problems Thank you to Sawan & Sawan
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.7
187 Reviews
28 Dec, 2024 by Thomas cousino
I cannot say enough about the representation that Brian Morrissey gave me! He is truly an outstanding attorney that will help you with the utmost curtesy and professionalism. Please consider him for any of your legal needs!!
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21 Dec, 2024 by Funylee
22 Nov, 2024 by Jennifer brothers
We knew we made the right decision as soon as we retained Mr. Boerst. His knowledge, experience, integrity and confidence left us very reassured. We got an outcome better than we had hoped. He makes himself available to answer questions, truly cares about his clients and is one of the most professional persons in the area. I would not hesitate to contact him if you are in need of legal services. He is exceptional and a class act.
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28 Dec, 2023 by Nick fuzinski
The best ever and very kind, He’s been there more than plenty of time. He’s a great person. He’s like family to people that he doesn’t even know he’s always nice he’s not in it for the money. Well you know what I mean people he’s a very good guy they do what they need to do and he’s caring I would choose him over anything Lawyer he’s the best.
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26 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
Scott is professional, responsive, and handled my traffic case exactly as I wanted with a great outcome. Highly recommended!
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18 Nov, 2021 by Ryan
Scott made my bankruptcy filing extremely easy. He was able to answer the many questions that popped up throughout the process and was easy to contact. Scott was also extremely easy to talk with and was able to set my mind at ease whenever I began to overthink the process. All in all, I had a fantastic experience and can't thank Scott enough for helping me on the path to a new beginning!
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12 Jan, 2025 by Donaimee r
Would NEVER EVER recommend. Being our first time every needing a attorney and referred to her. Yea she in fact made our situation worse for our loved one and now have a reputable attorney who is saying she in fact screwed our loved one over by having them agree to certain things they never should have cause NO PROOF!! DO NOT USE UNLESS want worse case scenario for your loved one.
It won't let me leave 0 stars as she isn't even a one star in our families eyes.
Read more
09 Jan, 2025 by Littlestar3311
Received advice, and I'm very grateful. Honest and trustworthy legal team here. Thank you for hearing me out and giving me an avenue when I called concerning my car. Appreciate the time you took to help me.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Jordan austin
I've been with denny for over 15 years he is honest and his loyalty is with you and will stand up for you when no one else will stand next to you 5 star lawyer's he built a generation of dedicated lawyer's I trust his sons just as I trust him... real lawyer's for real life problems Thank you to Sawan & Sawan
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06 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Andrew was highly recommended and did not disappoint, reached a fair agreement with the courts where I was able to keep my CDL. Highly recommended.
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23 Feb, 2024 by Sam
Andrew is an excellent lawyer. He knows his stuff when it comes to the legal system. Along with his further education outside of the law. He does everything he can and knows how to do to get the best outcome. I hope I never have to, but I would definitely hire Andrew again. I also recommend him for anyone in need
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11 Nov, 2023 by Ismail
Well I hold cdl and I got put over and was charged with drink drive so I went to the court for only the first hearing and soon I got out I contact with
LAWYER Andrew Richard Bucher
And I really thank you sir for standing up for me my case was dismissed and the best part is I was continuing my job and did not have to go to the court
100% Andrew took care of it
THANK YOU AGAIN ALL THE STAFF
SAHRA thank you
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26 Sep, 2024 by Marcos ortiz
he is one of the best there in Toledo.....
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27 Aug, 2024 by John berry
Larry very helpful and great don't hesitate and call him great guy to work with
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01 Mar, 2024 by Chris
Gretchen was 100 percent on my side from the minute we met! I was wrongfully accused of 2 major felonies and could have been put in prison for a long time! Gretchen went above and beyond what a public defender would ever do! She stayed in contact with my family and friends to keep me updated while I was behind bars! She is awesome and when my charges were dismissed I felt the right of the world was off my shoulders she is excellent lawyer and I appreciate her hard work and I think she should get a medal for what she did for me!
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18 Sep, 2023 by Angelique
I used Joey for a criminal matter.. pertaining to a auto accident... he knows what he is doing..he very attentive to his clients and very well respected in the legal system... he's handle a few matters for me.. he gets the job done that's far sure.. he is my go to attorney for sure... his dad was awesome in his day...very caring kind man...both of them... they do their thing folks...
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24 Jun, 2022 by David
I have been going through a difficult case in the Juvenile Courts and I have to say that Mr. Westmeyer has been nothing but professional and tentative to the needs of my family and I. He goes above and beyond to stand firm with his clients and I'm so glad I found him. I highly recommend him for all areas of Law!
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09 Nov, 2021 by Shannon
Joe has been our family lawyer for years , he has helped us with different types of cases , and he is always helpful and we are very satisfied with his work.
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12 Jan, 2025 by Donaimee r
Would NEVER EVER recommend. Being our first time every needing a attorney and referred to her. Yea she in fact made our situation worse for our loved one and now have a reputable attorney who is saying she in fact screwed our loved one over by having them agree to certain things they never should have cause NO PROOF!! DO NOT USE UNLESS want worse case scenario for your loved one.
It won't let me leave 0 stars as she isn't even a one star in our families eyes.
Read more
09 Jan, 2025 by Littlestar3311
Received advice, and I'm very grateful. Honest and trustworthy legal team here. Thank you for hearing me out and giving me an avenue when I called concerning my car. Appreciate the time you took to help me.
Read more
04 Sep, 2024 by Jordan austin
I've been with denny for over 15 years he is honest and his loyalty is with you and will stand up for you when no one else will stand next to you 5 star lawyer's he built a generation of dedicated lawyer's I trust his sons just as I trust him... real lawyer's for real life problems Thank you to Sawan & Sawan
Read more
28 Dec, 2024 by Thomas cousino
I cannot say enough about the representation that Brian Morrissey gave me! He is truly an outstanding attorney that will help you with the utmost curtesy and professionalism. Please consider him for any of your legal needs!!
Read more
21 Dec, 2024 by Funylee
22 Nov, 2024 by Jennifer brothers
We knew we made the right decision as soon as we retained Mr. Boerst. His knowledge, experience, integrity and confidence left us very reassured. We got an outcome better than we had hoped. He makes himself available to answer questions, truly cares about his clients and is one of the most professional persons in the area. I would not hesitate to contact him if you are in need of legal services. He is exceptional and a class act.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Marcos ortiz
he is one of the best there in Toledo.....
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27 Aug, 2024 by John berry
Larry very helpful and great don't hesitate and call him great guy to work with
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01 Mar, 2024 by Chris
Gretchen was 100 percent on my side from the minute we met! I was wrongfully accused of 2 major felonies and could have been put in prison for a long time! Gretchen went above and beyond what a public defender would ever do! She stayed in contact with my family and friends to keep me updated while I was behind bars! She is awesome and when my charges were dismissed I felt the right of the world was off my shoulders she is excellent lawyer and I appreciate her hard work and I think she should get a medal for what she did for me!
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17 Feb, 2023 by Vicki
Allison is a wonderful person and attorney! She puts her heart and soul into each case and works hard to get you the results you expect. She will fight for your rights and work hard to get justice! I would highly recommend her for your case!
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11 Feb, 2022 by Tea
I got a dui in a tough town. Usually an automatic 10 days in jail. Allison was able to have my 10 days spent in hotel class instead of jail (not the norm for this town). Plus got me driving privileges. She was empathetic, understanding and a great listener. Don’t want to leave out... reasonably priced fees. I highly recommend her for your legal issues
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06 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
I would give Allison Groth an excellent rating she was very prompt and very helpful to me.
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29 Dec, 2024 by Thundah
27 Dec, 2024 by Luna thornton
Incredible staff!!
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11 Dec, 2024 by Lynzie tansel
Great communication on updates and information and always staying on top of things really caring about the client
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15 Dec, 2021 by Allan
He will work for you....he is on your side.
He will talk to you on your level.
Worked very hard for me.
Easy to talk to and understand
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07 Mar, 2020 by Tonya
Mr. Zeiger was marvelous and quick to handle my divorce case. He was fair and honest and guided me well during the entire process. He answered all my questions and also educated me on what the legal lingo meant. I recommend Mr. Zeiger to handle any case within his area of expertise.
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17 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
My divorce turned into a nightmare. My ex fought us on absolutely everything, refused to provide court ordered documentation, just made it extremely difficult. Mr. Zeiger was honest about what was/wasn't worth a fight. From his experience he already knew what the outcome would be. He fought hard for what was right, didn't let the lack of cooperation from the other side detour him. He found ways to gather the necessary documentation without their assistance. In the end the settlements were fair and I didn't have any regrets about the decisions we made and how it was all handled.
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08 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I needed a legal representative for a Civil Order of Protection due to a Domestic Violence situation back in 2008. Mr. Goodwin was compassionate and caring throught the process of putting our case together, and attentive, sharp and assertive in getting me the CPO; he made sure I was as at ease as possible, and well protected during one of the most stressful times in my life. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
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01 Sep, 2017 by Krys
If it were not for him I don't know where I'd be today. He goes above and beyond for his clients. He saved my life and the life of my children. Thank you so much
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22 Jan, 2015 by Amber
I found Mr. Goodwin to be extremely compassionate and knowledgable. He treats clients with the upmost respect and was very friendly. When u have questions pertaining to your case, he does get back with you quickly. I would most definitely recommend him!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Daniel gearing
I wouldn't use him again told me it would cost 5000$ to go to trial for full custody of my daughter . 2 court dates"1-2hr" and a hearing over phone"1 hr" settled for joint custody and all 5000$ is gone.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Jennifer eitniear
if your looking for the absolute best attorney , that is well renown in all courtrooms as well as highly favored by our judges and magistrates , you have found "The Best" in the area and arena...
remember though , you get what you pay for and really his retainers are on par with other attorneys with less experience, and not so favored in courtrooms.
do yourself a favor and retain this guy!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Larry white
I have found Jeff to be a very competent attorney. I would highly recommend Jeff Levy to anyone seeking the advice of a Lawyer.
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22 Mar, 2024 by 4~ever grateful!
Kurt W. Bruderly from Toledo is the sharpest attorney I have ever me!
Kurt is an amazing guy both personally and professionally.
HE IS STRONG, AGGRESSIVE & EXPERIENCED!
Kurt places the client first and he provides aggressive, no nonsense, quality legal representation at an affordable price. He aggressively protects the interests of his clients. He is super personable and always a pleasure to work with... Communication was always prompt, informative and clear. I never had any trouble with getting a hold of him. He is creative, assertive and driven. Kurt is confident yet humble ,and he seems to possess a certain amount of swagger.
I was comfortable discussing sensitive matters with him because he has this knack of putting you at ease. He's the best you can get in my opinion. I am convinced that nobody else could have gotten the same results for me!
If your back is against the wall and the whole world is against you... Then you want KURT W. BRUDERLY on your side...
He made the difference for me...
I am convinced that nobody else could have gotten the same results.
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09 Dec, 2018 by Melissa
Kurt worked with a sense of urgency on my case, and was also able to explain the legal process to me with clarity and patience. He made an extremely emotional and stressful time more manageable, and I really felt like he cared. I would recommend him to friends and family who need a criminal defense attorney.
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23 Sep, 2015 by Shane
Two things you cant say about most attorneys is they are upfront and honest. Jeff is very good at what he does and doesn't give you the run around.
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16 Sep, 2015 by James
Jeff Zilba is an outstanding attorney. He will fight for you and be in your corner no matter the circumstance. I could not recommend him more highly.
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15 Apr, 2016 by Troy
I was involved in a car crash where the other party did not want to pay for the damages to my car. I did not have a police report and was very frustrated with the whole situation. When it came time for me to suggest legal action against the other party, I went to Kelly because I was a student at the University of Toledo.
From the very start I liked Kelly. She listened to my story regarding all of the bizarre excuses given by the other party and then gave me some advice. She was very informative, explaining to me why I should ALWAYS get a police report and suggesting that I see a doctor because there could be underlying injuries that could manifest after I received payment. She then gave me a few options as to how we could proceed with the situation.
In the end, thanks to Kelly's work and guidance I did receive a fair payment for the damages done to my car. Throughout the whole experience I felt that she had my back, was willing to answer any questions that I had, and had a very good balance between offering me legal advice but still allowing me to call the shots. My only complaint is that communication between the office and I was pretty slow and done primarily via mail. With this being said, I still think that Kelly did a fantastic job with my case and the outcome could not have been better.
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28 Nov, 2018 by Steven
I've known Brian on a personal level for a number of years. I have recently contacted Brian about a case I'm currently dealing with, Brian was very efficient and thorough in his explinatons. His prices are very reasonable, and highly recommend you will not be disappointed. He is very honest and upfront with his expectations!
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20 Sep, 2024 by Chuck s.
Jeffrey P. Nunnari has served as my attorney of record in pending child support and custody litigation since early 2022 and is representing me presently in the same capacity. To his credit, despite being faced with an unfavorable and highly contentious environment in the courts, Mr. Nunnari's superb legal counsel has produced outcomes that have proven to be beneficial to both me and my children.
Mr. Nunnari's demeanor is both professional and highly personable making his approach both analytical and a source of comfort to the client experiencing what is most often a very unpleasant situation. He is intelligent, profoundly insightful, and demonstrates a comprehensive technical understanding of the issues relevant to the case.
Based upon my past and current experience with him, I can recommend Mr. Nunnari's services without any reservation whatsoever.
If you are in the midst of a difficult legal challenge, Mr. Nunnari should be your first phone call.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Marcos ortiz
he is one of the best there in Toledo.....
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27 Aug, 2024 by John berry
Larry very helpful and great don't hesitate and call him great guy to work with
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01 Mar, 2024 by Chris
Gretchen was 100 percent on my side from the minute we met! I was wrongfully accused of 2 major felonies and could have been put in prison for a long time! Gretchen went above and beyond what a public defender would ever do! She stayed in contact with my family and friends to keep me updated while I was behind bars! She is awesome and when my charges were dismissed I felt the right of the world was off my shoulders she is excellent lawyer and I appreciate her hard work and I think she should get a medal for what she did for me!
Read more
18 Mar, 2024 by Steven
Stevin Groth is a great experienced lawyer. He is easy to talk to and always got back to me about my questions in a timely manner. I give him and his team 5/5 stars and would definitely recommend hiring him as your defense attorney. I was very happy with my outcome for my case. 👍👍
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29 Dec, 2024 by Thundah
27 Dec, 2024 by Luna thornton
Incredible staff!!
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11 Dec, 2024 by Lynzie tansel
Great communication on updates and information and always staying on top of things really caring about the client
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28 Dec, 2023 by Ron hedrick
27 Dec, 2023 by London klucas
27 Dec, 2023 by Bethany diacou
David is an excellent criminal defense attorney
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12 Jan, 2025 by Donaimee r
Would NEVER EVER recommend. Being our first time every needing a attorney and referred to her. Yea she in fact made our situation worse for our loved one and now have a reputable attorney who is saying she in fact screwed our loved one over by having them agree to certain things they never should have cause NO PROOF!! DO NOT USE UNLESS want worse case scenario for your loved one.
It won't let me leave 0 stars as she isn't even a one star in our families eyes.
Read more
09 Jan, 2025 by Littlestar3311
Received advice, and I'm very grateful. Honest and trustworthy legal team here. Thank you for hearing me out and giving me an avenue when I called concerning my car. Appreciate the time you took to help me.
Read more
04 Sep, 2024 by Jordan austin
I've been with denny for over 15 years he is honest and his loyalty is with you and will stand up for you when no one else will stand next to you 5 star lawyer's he built a generation of dedicated lawyer's I trust his sons just as I trust him... real lawyer's for real life problems Thank you to Sawan & Sawan
Read more
12 Jan, 2025 by Donaimee r
Would NEVER EVER recommend. Being our first time every needing a attorney and referred to her. Yea she in fact made our situation worse for our loved one and now have a reputable attorney who is saying she in fact screwed our loved one over by having them agree to certain things they never should have cause NO PROOF!! DO NOT USE UNLESS want worse case scenario for your loved one.
It won't let me leave 0 stars as she isn't even a one star in our families eyes.
Read more
09 Jan, 2025 by Littlestar3311
Received advice, and I'm very grateful. Honest and trustworthy legal team here. Thank you for hearing me out and giving me an avenue when I called concerning my car. Appreciate the time you took to help me.
Read more
04 Sep, 2024 by Jordan austin
I've been with denny for over 15 years he is honest and his loyalty is with you and will stand up for you when no one else will stand next to you 5 star lawyer's he built a generation of dedicated lawyer's I trust his sons just as I trust him... real lawyer's for real life problems Thank you to Sawan & Sawan
Read more
04 Aug, 2024 by Sara elizabeth arreguin perez
01 May, 2024 by Luis ramos
Here’s the thing… the paperwork to apply for a visa/green card/citizenship is not difficult, it’s just very lengthy. I could have completed it myself, but there are things only a lawyer will be able to advise you on for your particular case.
Mr. Ammar did a good job going through the things that he believed would catch the eye of the immigration officer assigned to my case. This really helped me during my interview when I was asked for details.
I have a cousin who applied for citizenship without a lawyer (to save money). He filled out the paperwork just fine, but messed up in how he approached one question and his application got denied. He’s tried to apply two times since, but having a denied application in his record has made things very difficult for him. I feel like having a lawyer to advise him the first time around would have prevented everything. The immigration process is NOT where you want to be saving money since it can have long lasting consequences.
Overall I’m very happy with this law firm and glad they were the ones helping me during my process.
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14 Apr, 2024 by Mike carter
George is the best will take more of my business to him.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Marcos ortiz
he is one of the best there in Toledo.....
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27 Aug, 2024 by John berry
Larry very helpful and great don't hesitate and call him great guy to work with
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01 Mar, 2024 by Chris
Gretchen was 100 percent on my side from the minute we met! I was wrongfully accused of 2 major felonies and could have been put in prison for a long time! Gretchen went above and beyond what a public defender would ever do! She stayed in contact with my family and friends to keep me updated while I was behind bars! She is awesome and when my charges were dismissed I felt the right of the world was off my shoulders she is excellent lawyer and I appreciate her hard work and I think she should get a medal for what she did for me!
Read more
26 Sep, 2024 by Marcos ortiz
he is one of the best there in Toledo.....
Read more
27 Aug, 2024 by John berry
Larry very helpful and great don't hesitate and call him great guy to work with
Read more
01 Mar, 2024 by Chris
Gretchen was 100 percent on my side from the minute we met! I was wrongfully accused of 2 major felonies and could have been put in prison for a long time! Gretchen went above and beyond what a public defender would ever do! She stayed in contact with my family and friends to keep me updated while I was behind bars! She is awesome and when my charges were dismissed I felt the right of the world was off my shoulders she is excellent lawyer and I appreciate her hard work and I think she should get a medal for what she did for me!
Read more
28 Dec, 2023 by Ron hedrick
27 Dec, 2023 by London klucas
27 Dec, 2023 by Bethany diacou
David is an excellent criminal defense 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.
