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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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23 Oct, 2024 by J king
I called and left my number so someone could reach out. About 10 minutes ago someone called me back. She listened to 2 minutes of my situation and said we don't take employment cases very rudely and hung up. She wasn't willing to listen to my entire story. I guess that's what's available when you're broke.
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13 Sep, 2024 by T balla
THE WOMAN THAT AMSWER THE PHONE ARE COMPLETELY RUDE JUST KEPT TALKING OVER ME AND THE 1ST LADY HUNG THE PHONE UP ON ME I WILL GO THERE TO HANDLE MY BUSINESS YOU DONT LIKE YOUR JOB QUIT STOP BEING MISERABLE 💯
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14 Aug, 2024 by Tamela barringer
The legal aid lawyer ( Sarah) performance was unsatisfactory. She did not carefully examine the documentation and information shared with her via email. In court, she displayed inadequate preparation and initially seemed to represent me, but later switched allegiances. Had I known she would not provide adequate representation, I could have handled the matter personally, using the information at my disposal. The lawyer did not work in favor of my family's interests.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Morgan s
I was never married to my child's father, but pursuing a custody agreement through the courts proved to be the best approach. Working with Sarah was an exceptional experience. She is highly compassionate, knowledgeable, and genuinely dedicated to advocating for the rights and best interests of the child or children involved, while also providing tailored support based on individual circumstances.
Sarah communicates openly and provides constructive guidance, helping clients stay accountable when necessary. Her compassionate and non-judgmental approach is truly commendable.
Overall, my experience with her was outstanding, and I would not hesitate to use her again in the future.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Chuck hainy
Mr. Simpson is the best is not one of. He is clear concise and gets to the point. Definitely a no B S. kinda of atty and I'm glad he doesn't give off a feeling of him being better than his clients
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03 Jul, 2024 by Anthony c.
Mrs. Haberland went above and beyond to help me in a Child Support case. She was very honest and very professional and because of her expertise, everything came out fair and square the way it should have. I highly recommend her to anybody, especially your fathers out there who have struggled with an unbalanced system.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Morgan s
I was never married to my child's father, but pursuing a custody agreement through the courts proved to be the best approach. Working with Sarah was an exceptional experience. She is highly compassionate, knowledgeable, and genuinely dedicated to advocating for the rights and best interests of the child or children involved, while also providing tailored support based on individual circumstances.
Sarah communicates openly and provides constructive guidance, helping clients stay accountable when necessary. Her compassionate and non-judgmental approach is truly commendable.
Overall, my experience with her was outstanding, and I would not hesitate to use her again in the future.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Chuck hainy
Mr. Simpson is the best is not one of. He is clear concise and gets to the point. Definitely a no B S. kinda of atty and I'm glad he doesn't give off a feeling of him being better than his clients
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03 Jul, 2024 by Anthony c.
Mrs. Haberland went above and beyond to help me in a Child Support case. She was very honest and very professional and because of her expertise, everything came out fair and square the way it should have. I highly recommend her to anybody, especially your fathers out there who have struggled with an unbalanced system.
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09 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
Mr. Gerken frequently arrived late for court hearings. He was slow to communicate. His knowledge of the law is inadequate. We do not feel he was competent to handle the seriousness of our case. He lack of knowledge of the law led to a lengthy prison sentence while advising the judge not to allow judicial release. What attorney advises the judge to rule against his own client?
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11 Nov, 2019 by John
George Gerken was a wonderful lawyer on my behalf! He took the time to thoroughly go over my case, what to expect in terms of a time frame, and how to not only prepare for my trial but to have confidence in the process. The process takes a long time and patience is a must when dealing with legal matters. George helped me to remain patient and calm during what I felt was a very unsettling and stressful time. During my entire trial and process in the courtroom he always kept good communication and never tried to 'sugar coat' anything. He was very honest and open. I'm am very pleased with how he handled the case and the defense on my behalf. He is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I continue to have the upmost faith in him and how he handles the legal process!
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11 Nov, 2019 by Greg
George did an excellent job with my case, I felt that he took care of me as my lawyer and I was very pleased with the outcome at my hearing. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing assistance.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Morgan s
I was never married to my child's father, but pursuing a custody agreement through the courts proved to be the best approach. Working with Sarah was an exceptional experience. She is highly compassionate, knowledgeable, and genuinely dedicated to advocating for the rights and best interests of the child or children involved, while also providing tailored support based on individual circumstances.
Sarah communicates openly and provides constructive guidance, helping clients stay accountable when necessary. Her compassionate and non-judgmental approach is truly commendable.
Overall, my experience with her was outstanding, and I would not hesitate to use her again in the future.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Chuck hainy
Mr. Simpson is the best is not one of. He is clear concise and gets to the point. Definitely a no B S. kinda of atty and I'm glad he doesn't give off a feeling of him being better than his clients
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03 Jul, 2024 by Anthony c.
Mrs. Haberland went above and beyond to help me in a Child Support case. She was very honest and very professional and because of her expertise, everything came out fair and square the way it should have. I highly recommend her to anybody, especially your fathers out there who have struggled with an unbalanced system.
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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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10 Oct, 2023 by Brandon
Don’t waste your time with Tammy Harmon at Lawrence law office or that office. Tammy charges outrageous rates and for NOTHING! Went to court for us talked a big game at the “consultation” that’s was supposed to be FREE. Went to court Tammy showed up like she just rolled outta bed also. Then when we get into the court room Tammy doesn’t barely speak lost the case straight off even the judge new that it was a lie Tammy had ALL the proof but sat there and looked like a puppy along with the owner Rod Lawrence at Lawrence law. Also we won’t talk about where Tammy thought it was her job to call the defendant on your own time and turn around and CHARGE ME 75$! Get a grip that’s not her job to contact them! Do yourself a favor and don’t hire her or Lawrence law.
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18 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
If you find yourself in a legal situation and are asking yourself, what do I do now? The answer is call and hire Mark Davis for legal representation. I was arrested with 10 Percocet pills in Toledo, interrogated by a detective and was facing a felony drug charge. For weeks I was nervous, scared, frantic about what would happen, until I contacted Mark Davis who was willing to meet with me on a Saturday afternoon. Thanks to Mark I somehow walked out of the courtroom a few months later with a $150 fine and was done. Mark explains and communicates your case to you with his best knowledge of the legal facts associated. He does not just tell you everything will be OK but explains using his best legal knowledge, possible outcomes in a way that keeps your stress level low. I see people talk about Marks ego. I put my trust in the Law office of Mark Davis for an OVI charge as well. I had two priors, and was offered a minor misdemeanor from the prosecutor which I thought hard about taking. I wouldn't say Mark used his ego in recommending I take my case to trial, but instead used his legal knowledge of helping me make the best decision based on legal FACTS. Due to the trust I have in Mark I was found NOT GUILTY through a trial by jury in Maumee. I have never seen such professional conduct. Mark is a very well respected attorney throughout the court systems in Maumee and Toledo. The Law Office of Mark Davis is the best there is, and he is the only attorney I would recommend to any close friends or family needing legal representation.
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10 Jul, 2017 by Scott geiger
He unforfeited my car and kept me out. He answered his phone with all of my many questions. He's out to do the very best for all of his clients.
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07 Dec, 2016 by Matthew
Knowledge of the law and constitution, caring to your specific needs ,know his way around the court, I would definitely use his skills again,Great service from Mark Davis! 5 Stars!!!@!
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12 Aug, 2021 by Desiree
This firm was a joke, started out with Attorny and was passed off to Patty. What was supposed to be a simple cut and dry average 10,000$ divorce turned into a circus show and 30,000$ dollars. When I try and negotiate a settlement that she said they would do, I am never given a settlement price option. Absolutely rediculous that I was even charged 30,000 dollars for a basic divorce to begin with!!
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07 Apr, 2020 by Sarah
I had a phone consultation with Patricia that was very helpful. I appreciated her knowledge of my situation, her sound guidance, and her timely reply to my call for advice.
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26 Mar, 2018 by Melyssa
Patricia Kurt is nothing less than a professional. She was very attentive to the uniqueness of my case. Would recommend her for any of your family court needs. She and her team did an excellent job keeping all things pertaining to my case organized and timely. Could not have asked for better representation!
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22 Jan, 2025 by Lore whiteside
My legal aid attorney told me that even though the park refused my rent which broke the court ordered injunction to move . She should have filed the park broke the law. If I could give negative 100 I would. Thanks to her I lost my home I owned.
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11 Nov, 2024 by Tobi
Very rude operators and not inclined to help at all, I've been trying to contact this office everyday for 2 weeks to finish a completed application
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25 Jul, 2024 by Richard wooley
No help at all
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19 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Hired Jerry for various cases. Bankruptcy was done, and very thorough. Other cases were handled well! He is down to earth and will tell you if you have a case or not. May not be what you want to hear, but he is honest and gives realistic expectations based on experience. Staff is very kind and will take time to answer your questions.
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07 May, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired Jerry for a child support matter which he could seem to get past the requirements of Juvenile Court to even have a hearing.
Jerry’s secretary should be the Attorney she does all the work, answers all the questions and runs the office as well. All Jerry does is appear in court and from what I heard is clueless in the courtroom.
A do not hire!
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26 Nov, 2024 by Anonymous
Not only did she not represent my child's best interest she gave him to someone that never wanted until money was involved. She did a home visit once for 45 mins and charged for 2.5 hours, she neglected to look at facts ( medical documentation, criminal backgrounds, or the well-being of a child),and she never once asked what the child wanted. Her office is unorganized and unprofessional, and she told the courts that my house was messy. She called cps and they deemed my house very clean. She accused a 3 year old of sexually assaulting an 8 year old, then retracted that statement saying she never said that, even though there was two witnesses. Took into consideration false allegations from the other party and never did a fact check. Her communication skills are non-existent. Any concerns I brought up concerning my child's welfare she disregarded it and reasoned with "I'll see what the other party wants to do".
If I could leave a negative star review I would.
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17 Apr, 2019 by Mr. b
Have used Laurie for a couple of different cases dealing with custody and support. Laurie is very professional and has the knowledge to deliver positive results. Don't trust your case to just anyone, your representation matters, and Laurie is one of the best.
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23 Oct, 2024 by J king
I called and left my number so someone could reach out. About 10 minutes ago someone called me back. She listened to 2 minutes of my situation and said we don't take employment cases very rudely and hung up. She wasn't willing to listen to my entire story. I guess that's what's available when you're broke.
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13 Sep, 2024 by T balla
THE WOMAN THAT AMSWER THE PHONE ARE COMPLETELY RUDE JUST KEPT TALKING OVER ME AND THE 1ST LADY HUNG THE PHONE UP ON ME I WILL GO THERE TO HANDLE MY BUSINESS YOU DONT LIKE YOUR JOB QUIT STOP BEING MISERABLE 💯
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14 Aug, 2024 by Tamela barringer
The legal aid lawyer ( Sarah) performance was unsatisfactory. She did not carefully examine the documentation and information shared with her via email. In court, she displayed inadequate preparation and initially seemed to represent me, but later switched allegiances. Had I known she would not provide adequate representation, I could have handled the matter personally, using the information at my disposal. The lawyer did not work in favor of my family's interests.
Read more
22 Jan, 2025 by Lore whiteside
My legal aid attorney told me that even though the park refused my rent which broke the court ordered injunction to move . She should have filed the park broke the law. If I could give negative 100 I would. Thanks to her I lost my home I owned.
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11 Nov, 2024 by Tobi
Very rude operators and not inclined to help at all, I've been trying to contact this office everyday for 2 weeks to finish a completed application
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25 Jul, 2024 by Richard wooley
No help at all
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22 Jan, 2025 by Lore whiteside
My legal aid attorney told me that even though the park refused my rent which broke the court ordered injunction to move . She should have filed the park broke the law. If I could give negative 100 I would. Thanks to her I lost my home I owned.
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11 Nov, 2024 by Tobi
Very rude operators and not inclined to help at all, I've been trying to contact this office everyday for 2 weeks to finish a completed application
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25 Jul, 2024 by Richard wooley
No help at all
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22 Jan, 2025 by Lore whiteside
My legal aid attorney told me that even though the park refused my rent which broke the court ordered injunction to move . She should have filed the park broke the law. If I could give negative 100 I would. Thanks to her I lost my home I owned.
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11 Nov, 2024 by Tobi
Very rude operators and not inclined to help at all, I've been trying to contact this office everyday for 2 weeks to finish a completed application
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25 Jul, 2024 by Richard wooley
No help at all
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22 Jan, 2025 by Lore whiteside
My legal aid attorney told me that even though the park refused my rent which broke the court ordered injunction to move . She should have filed the park broke the law. If I could give negative 100 I would. Thanks to her I lost my home I owned.
Read more
11 Nov, 2024 by Tobi
Very rude operators and not inclined to help at all, I've been trying to contact this office everyday for 2 weeks to finish a completed application
Read more
25 Jul, 2024 by Richard wooley
No help at all
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22 Jan, 2025 by Lore whiteside
My legal aid attorney told me that even though the park refused my rent which broke the court ordered injunction to move . She should have filed the park broke the law. If I could give negative 100 I would. Thanks to her I lost my home I owned.
Read more
11 Nov, 2024 by Tobi
Very rude operators and not inclined to help at all, I've been trying to contact this office everyday for 2 weeks to finish a completed application
Read more
25 Jul, 2024 by Richard wooley
No help at all
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22 Jan, 2025 by Lore whiteside
My legal aid attorney told me that even though the park refused my rent which broke the court ordered injunction to move . She should have filed the park broke the law. If I could give negative 100 I would. Thanks to her I lost my home I owned.
Read more
11 Nov, 2024 by Tobi
Very rude operators and not inclined to help at all, I've been trying to contact this office everyday for 2 weeks to finish a completed application
Read more
25 Jul, 2024 by Richard wooley
No help at all
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22 Jan, 2025 by Lore whiteside
My legal aid attorney told me that even though the park refused my rent which broke the court ordered injunction to move . She should have filed the park broke the law. If I could give negative 100 I would. Thanks to her I lost my home I owned.
Read more
11 Nov, 2024 by Tobi
Very rude operators and not inclined to help at all, I've been trying to contact this office everyday for 2 weeks to finish a completed application
Read more
25 Jul, 2024 by Richard wooley
No help at all
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22 Jan, 2025 by Lore whiteside
My legal aid attorney told me that even though the park refused my rent which broke the court ordered injunction to move . She should have filed the park broke the law. If I could give negative 100 I would. Thanks to her I lost my home I owned.
Read more
11 Nov, 2024 by Tobi
Very rude operators and not inclined to help at all, I've been trying to contact this office everyday for 2 weeks to finish a completed application
Read more
25 Jul, 2024 by Richard wooley
No help at all
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19 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
Take this review and consider it a sign. Do not go to this man for law help. It will do you no good and you will be set further back then where you started.
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01 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
sam took my case in aug of 2015, I paid him over $10,600 for retainer, plus if we go to trial there would be another payment of $14,400. the case was delayed close to a year, I ran out of money at the current time. sam told me to plead to the charges of guilty, I told him no, he informed after collecting the $10600 two months later that I was guilty. sam withdrew from case I was left with nothing, I was appointed a public defender that has given me hope in case. all I want is half of my retainer back sam does 50 hrs wrapped up maybe 20 hrs. Please do all your research before contacting sam, I was referred to him, I put my faith into what he told me......
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06 Sep, 2008 by Anonymous
My husband, son and myself highly recommend Mr. Eidy. We always felt informed about the whole process. Mr. Eidy was quick to return phone calls, went out of way to collect evidence, and was never demeaning to my son. After he won my son's case he called a week later for follow up to make sure the family was ok. His personal touch was not expected but was appreciated.
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17 Jun, 2023 by Tamara
He will take your money & never return phone calls. All he do is plea out he shows no fight in him. He works for prosecution & the judge not you. He make you want to risk it all & hurt him cause he playing around with people lives. Complete failure please do not hire him in my opinion he needs to retire!!!
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08 Jul, 2013 by Carey
He said all the things you want to hear but was never organized didn't prepare the proper paper work and over all dropped the ball. He kept on apologizing and was telling me he would do better. I would not use this lawyer unless you want to lose and spend a lot of money. He will not fight for you.
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08 Jul, 2012 by Anonymous
I'll keep it short. Didn't know Ohio driving laws or procedure for driving privileges and failed to inform me that a temporary ID could be obtained. I was also told that Ohio does not have a grace period for licenses that have been expired. If anyone has any questions on my statements I have all the voice messages stating the above in my google voice. She was also late to my pretrial.Did not say anything about me personally to the judge and simply did a "smile and nod" skit.
There is more but honestly that is all that really stuck out and irritated me. I wasn't able to obtain my driving privileges and was told that I would never get them. I actually contacted the courts and was given the go ahead to get them. I actually got the judge to sign off on the privileges. The lack of effort shown by Ms. Akande not only baffles me but every cop, clerk and lawyer I have told my FULL story to.
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02 Jan, 2024 by Jessica powers
Absolutely the worst attorney I have ever had the misfortune of dealing with. Gerbitz represented my husband on charges that were dismissed due to lack of evidence and my husband being innocent. Subsequently Gerbitz advised my husband to plead guilty to a failure to appear on the dropped charges and lied to me and my husband telling us that if he pled guilty he would be given time served, three months he had been incarcerated and that my husband would be released that day. In reality my husband was sentenced to 13 months in a maximum security facility North Central Correctional center with the worst of the worst. Gerbitz was verbal abusive to my husband and family he was impossible to get in touch with. He never provided my husband or family with the motion of discovery. He screamed at my husband at court when asked if anyone promised you anything to take this plea. My husband didn't have a criminal history and is a hard worker and my families main provider. He was also his mother's caregiver and responsible for making any and all major and financial decisions. Without him we are most likely going to lose everything we have and his mother's health has substantially declined. I believe he should lose his license to practice law in Ohio due to his misconduct and deliberately lying to his clients and withholding necessary information. I absolutely believe he is corrupt and violated my husband's rights. Meanwhile my husband sits in prison and my family struggles and day by day we lose more and more and sink lower in to financial ruin and despair. There are no records in online searches of my husband's charge or sentence only the docket and notes stating the case was dismissed and no jail sentence was given. Why is my husband in prison? Something very wrong is going on here. I will get to the bottom of it. Gerbitz will be held accountable for his actions. He might have gotten away with this with others but he won't go without some type of investigation and repercussion regarding this case. I intend to see to it.
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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.
