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17 Feb, 2024 by Timothy milton
George Butler is a great attorney, professional, curtious, considerate.
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04 Feb, 2024 by Michael spink
29 Jul, 2023 by Annie keough
25 Jul, 2023 by Swat sud
Mark Schwartz has been diligently on the top of the issues relating to the case and kept me informed all along. He was doing the right things from beginning till the end. He was honest, very caring and emphatic during my recovery. He was always concerned about me getting better and get right treatment after the auto accident injuries.
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22 Mar, 2022 by Matt schultz
I was referred to this office through another larger firm. I left multiple voicemails and no one ever bothered to contact me back. I wasted three weeks of my time trying to get in contact with them.
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20 Sep, 2021 by Dennis l hopkins
In October 2019 I had to sue my local airport manager and airport board for an egregious violation of my First Amendment rights when they wrongfully evicted me from my airplane hangar after I criticized the management of the airport. Aviation attorney Mark Schwartz was referred by a close friend of mine, also a satisfied client. Mark provided exceptional legal representation resulting in not only a significant monetary settlement, but also forced the airport to agree to that they would not enforce any further “at will” termination provisions in other airport tenants’ leases. Helping me celebrate moving into my "new" hangar in October 2020 was my flying buddy and granddaughter! If a client has aviation issues to be adjudicated, Mark Schwartz is the attorney to call!!
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22 Apr, 2019 by Yekaterina
Mr. Hyman was helping my mother. He has experience, very approachable, always returns phone calls the same day. We needed a waver and he walked us all the way through to the successful interview. I would highly recommend him.
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11 Jun, 2015 by Julia
Marshall's firm is extremely knowledgable, caring, and professional- they worked day and night to get me justice and won me my life back. I would recommend Marshall and Russel to anyone dealing with immigration issues, they are the best lawyers in Detroit.
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06 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
I wish I had paid more attention to the AVVO rating for this lawyer before I hired him. The rating is fairly low as compared with some of the other lawyers in the area, for a good reason. He seems to be interested more in money than his client. He has nice manners, but he is not up to date on legal know how. The receptionist tries to help, but it can be a little difficult to set up a follow up appointment with him. He will charge for conference with other lawyers about the case. You have to be careful as his office might bill for every small correspondence.
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22 Jun, 2023 by Jonathan
Disappointing. After getting screwed by the AG, all my money taken, I had to get a loan to pay this firm five grand, for nothing. The attorney assigned to my case just let it go, kicking the can down the road, allowing and asking for delays against my wishes until the money was all used up. The result: they convinced the AG to settle for fifty thousand more than the deal I got myself. He did answer questions, though.
It is not worth it to hire Chapman Law Group.
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18 May, 2016 by Anonymous
What happens when a healthcare organization/leader treats overstep the boundaries of fairness. As a healthcare professional, I experienced 'unfairness'. I entered the hospital's administrative playing field to defend what I do best and only know -patient care. My integrity, honesty, and loyalty to the healthcare profession was ridiculed and shot down by legal terms that I did not fully understand. The playing field was uneven and 'unjust'.
And then, I retained AJK, a healthcare attorney who understood my concerns. He saw my passion, the value I add to patient care, and most importantly believed in what I was saying. AJK stood up for me, guided me through the step-by-step process, and together we stood up for what was right. The outcome resulted in the reestablishment of my character and no black mark against my healthcare licensure.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Fannie craft
Poor communication. He rarely returned calls. Was retained for a post conviction case (appeal) and this attorney presented the same evidence as the trial attorney… no new evidence nor error was presented in the appellate brief….he was not prepared nor did he research the case. Very disappointed.. would not recommend.
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13 Nov, 2018 by Jacqueline
I contacted Attorney Richards regarding my son Malik Lemons who for the first time of his life facing criminal charges, Mr. Richards not only calmed my frantic nerves by being there whenever my son and I called with questions regarding his case explaining as well as teaching he and I of his rights! Thank you Attorney Richards for going above and beyond for your client's!!
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23 May, 2018 by Kevin
Mr. Richards is a Godsend!!! I had know idea what to do!! I just got my second DUI in one of the toughest areas in Oakland County (W, Bloomfield) and I was losing my mind!! First he calm me down and he lead and guided me through the process step by step like he could see the future and was honest with me from the beginning! he let me know that I was going to do jail time, but what was important that we was going to concentrate on trying to do all the right things so I wouldn't have to do the Max!! (Which is 93 Days) His Professionalism and his Guidance got me through the process! I did 14 Days, which was a blessing! He took the time to contact my family that lives out of town to let them know what was going on and also my Employer and I really believe that what help me keep my job!!! And if anyone knows about the process with the courts on DUI's you need money! I can't thank him enough!!! Its nothing easy about this situation or the process, but he made it easier to digest the situation I put myself in!! He's My Friend, My Brother and My Lawyer!! Thank You for Guiding me and getting my life back on track!!!
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02 Sep, 2021 by Jim
The complaint about 17k is nonsense, designed solely by an abusive alcoholic to smear me. He was convicted of drunk driving twice, went to jail, got out, got drunk and assaulted his wife, who promptly filed for divorce before he went back to jail for 8 months for the assault and alcohol. He hired me before he went to jail. I received an agreed retainer fee, knowing the extensive time required to handle his case while he is in jail. I handled his divorce, custody and friend of the court matters, went to court hearings for him, visited him in jail and spoke with him by phone, kept the case alive so he could see his child when he got out of jail. I accomplished all that, filed pleadings when needed, basically spent 8-9 months handling his case while he sat in jail for alcohol and wife abuse. I successfully fought with court staff to preserve his parenting time, but when he finally was released from jail he didn’t like the very generous parenting time order from the court so he fired me. I sent him a final bill, all hourly rate as agreed. He used up the retainer and still owed 2.5k. Six months later he hadn’t paid, said he never got the bill, asked me to deliver a copy to his home that evening, I did so, he wouldn’t answer the door so I left it in a secure spot on his porch. He still wouldn’t pay. Just an angry and hostile alcoholic who refused to accept responsibility for his actions. I offered several times to meet with him and discuss his issues, but he refused. He complained to the state bar, who agreed with my performance and dismissed his complaint. He of course can write anything he wants in this website, but that doesn’t make it true.
Another complaint is the family friend who hired me to file her divorce, changed her mind, and a year later asked me again, sort of, then didn’t like the timing and the cost. I couldn’t make her happy no matter what I did. More dishonest and one-sided venting , misplaced frustration from an unhappy marriage and divorce. The state bar defended my actions.
I have never mishandled one penny of client funds in 45 years. The lady who claimed “con man” never once mentioned such with me, greatly appreciated my starting her divorce case quickly and without the customary fee, met me at my office twice, voluntarily paid additional fees months later and without being requested, and we talked often to make sure she was safe and protected legally snd financially. I later had an accident and was medically off of work for a few months, and then I suddenly learned she hired another attorney, which is her right, but then defamed me and said all sorts of uncalled for nasty things about me, name-calling, dishonest things, to the court. She never mentioned them to me, wouldn’t talk with me, just vented and attacked, without discussing any of her claims with me. She needed another attorney after I was disabled, but her attacks and name calling were dishonest.
I’ve been in practice for 45 years in all types of cases, and have a completely clean record with the State Bar. My clients virtually always become my long-term friends. Only recently, a few disgruntled divorce clients have decided to vent and attack me. With misplaced hostility. And at times to avoid paying their bills. Their complaints are unfounded, the State Bar complaints have been denied, and the fee obligations have been upheld in court.
I have provided a wide range of legal services for 45 years, with an impeccable reputation for legal service with kindness and efficiency, often with low fee rates. I’m disappointed by the recent baseless complaints written here, efforts to discuss the issues were denied, and this AVVO service does not demand honesty in their complaints.
The out of state people wanted a 5k service for 1.5k, I tried to help them but didn’t get it done timely, they accepted my work then wanted their money back. I did so, thus worked for free for them. I couldn’t make them happy.
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26 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
I wish I would have seen the other reviews on this con man before I was suckered. I had the exact same experience with bogus medical excuses, adjourning things without even telling me, ripping me off and never sending one invoice, meeting with me at an office that was not his.
I am currently putting together a detailed report with specific dates to file with the Michigan Bar. I have something called integrity and I will not allow this person to continue to victimize innocent people.
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08 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
Jim Williams represented me from Dec 2017 to Aug 2018 for legal divorce proceedings. He requested a retainer payment of $5000.00, which I paid through a colleague of his, since he did not accept credit card. I was referred to him by the same colleague. My situation was complicated, so Jim assured me his expertise, and requested additional money be added to the retainer in the amount of $10,000.00, which brings the total retainer sum to $15,000.00. I had to replace him in August 2018, because he had done nothing substantial, and almost had me placed in legal default to the initial divorce compliant. Fast forward to March 2019, Jim Williams never provided a breakdown of costs, and took advantage of my vulnerable position during a tumultuous divorce proceeding. During this time, Jim authored but 3 documents.
• Motion for Parenting Time.
• Response to initial divorce complaint, 5 months later.
• Response to a motion.
I was compelled to replace Mr. Williams for more responsive and dutiful legal divorce representation. On 4 separate occasions, in August 2018, September 2018, and February of 2019, I requested an invoice and breakdown of services, and wanted money back. No invoice of any kind had been received. After I notified Jim that he would be replaced, he stated he was owed additional money and an itemized bill would be forthcoming. He said, just pay the $2300, and an invoice could be provided later. He claimed I owed him money via text message, but did not substantiate amount. No further funds have been flowed in direction.
An update as of 3/8/19, Jim Williams, was informed that legal action would be pursued to his non-action, and was given a final attempt to reconcile. He provided an invoice the next day, and placed it onto my parent’s house behind a sign on the porch. This is the first and only invoice he provided. He asserts he sent one back in August 2018, when he was replaced. He now substantiates a bill for over $17K, which is erroneous, and I challenge his assertion of the time and effort placed in the breakdown of his bill. None of the discovery, interrogatories, or any substantial work was completed or even started. I had to hire another attorney to begin the real divorce work. Further, he is attempting to change the narrative that he sent the invoice in the past, claiming I am being dishonest with him. He back-dated his letters to fit his dishonest narrative. “Various phone calls, conference meetings” unsubstantiated line items are now in his invoice. They are nonsense and intellectually dishonest, claiming 3 or 4 hours of work for simple errands. Again, Mr. Williams composed 3 documents, and was given warning that if he did not reply to the original divorce complaint filed in Dec 2017, I would be placed in default. He finally responded five months after the original complaint. Moreover, Mr. Williams is prone to make cancellations and postponements due to convenient and likely bogus claims of ailing health issues, with multiple heart attacks, concussion, car accidents, funerals, as evidenced during the divorce proceeding as well as just recently when he was asked for a cost breakdown. The only motivation that apparently worked was the threat of legal recourse. I will be aggressively following up with the Grievance Board in Michigan with retained legal counsel.
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12 Oct, 2024 by Artie smirnov
These people are horrible.
I made arrangements with them multiple times then they garnish my bank account and I call to try to work again with them and make arrangements they don’t follow through and take everything. Then when I try to call them they twist my words blame everything on someone else and speak to me like it’s my fault and I’m incompetent.
The money they garnished which was way more then what was agreed on was the money for my partners insulin. I guess they are so good at their jobs not sure how they can sleep at night. if someone works with them im so sorry truly. one day karma will catch up im sure of it.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Jennifer latorre
I wish I could give them zero stars. These people are extremely rude and have terrible customer service. Not only did they garnish my wages TWICE after the debt was completely paid, but they refused to work with me in getting my refund sent to me! My debt was paid on August 23rd. They owe me nearly 2k and they told me a check was mailed to me on September 18th. I received a letter from them dates September 17th stating my debt has been paid in full, but it’s now October 1st and still no check. I’ve called a few times to follow up and they (various representatives and a supervisor) have legit spoken to me like I’m a POS, just very condescending and snippy. They said the mail delay is not their problem and there was nothing further they would do for me. I suggested some other options of getting my refund to me like direct deposit, cancelling the check and sending a new one, or I was willing to go in person to their office to pick up the check. They would lot work with me in any way. I’m disgusted with this place.
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02 Apr, 2024 by Cs
The creditor they are representing has never contacted me. I do not have a debt, but they are willing to represent.
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03 Feb, 2011 by Tina
Stan Szot was disrespectful of his client (my husband) and treated me like a hostile witness instead of listening to the facts of the case. In the end, he took money and did nothing to help us in the matter he was supposed to handle, and ended up walking away leaving a bunch of matters not taken care of. We are still getting letters from the IRS and MI dept of Treasury because he failed to make sure that these entities were properly notified that a business had been disolved.
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22 Jun, 2015 by Lisa
So I hired him for a couple cases in which he responded to and was more than helpful on the first and second but when it came to the third he advised me to not go against the other lawyer because I would lose but assured me I could refile at a different time. So I did so and now comes the time to refile & know that I didn't ask him, he offered to help me with the
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What a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Do for You
A criminal defense lawyer provides legal representation to individuals or organizations accused of criminal conduct. If you're facing criminal charges, a defense lawyer will work to protect your rights, build a defense strategy, and ensure you receive a fair trial. Their primary goal is to reduce or dismiss charges, secure an acquittal, or negotiate a favorable plea deal.
Criminal defense lawyers have extensive knowledge of criminal law and court procedures. They investigate your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence, and represent you in court, ensuring that you have the best possible defense.
When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
It’s crucial to hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible if you are facing any criminal charges. Some situations in which you should seek legal representation include:
- Arrest or police questioning: If you've been arrested or are under investigation, hiring a lawyer early on can prevent self-incrimination and protect your rights during police questioning.
- Felony charges: Crimes such as murder, assault, drug trafficking, or robbery carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences. A defense lawyer is essential in these cases.
- Misdemeanor charges: Even for less serious offenses like DUI, theft, or simple assault, a lawyer can help reduce penalties, negotiate alternatives to jail, or get charges dismissed.
- Plea negotiations: If you’re considering a plea bargain, a lawyer can evaluate the deal, advise you on its consequences, and negotiate for more favorable terms.
- Probation or parole violations: If you’ve been accused of violating probation or parole, a lawyer can defend you against additional penalties or revocation.
- Juvenile offenses: For minors charged with criminal acts, a criminal defense lawyer can protect their future by minimizing legal repercussions or keeping the case in juvenile court.
What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?
Criminal defense lawyers provide comprehensive legal services to protect their clients’ rights throughout the criminal justice process. Their duties include:
- Case evaluation and investigation: Reviewing the evidence, interviewing witnesses, and investigating the facts to develop a strong defense strategy.
- Legal advice: Advising you on your rights, the charges you’re facing, and potential defense strategies, including whether to take a plea deal or go to trial.
- Negotiating plea bargains: Working with prosecutors to negotiate a plea deal that could reduce charges or minimize penalties.
- Court representation: Representing you in all court hearings, including bail hearings, pretrial motions, trials, and sentencing hearings.
- Filing motions: Filing motions to dismiss charges, suppress evidence, or reduce bail, depending on the specifics of your case.
- Trial preparation and defense: Preparing a defense strategy and presenting arguments, evidence, and witnesses during trial to contest the prosecution's case.
- Appeals: If you are convicted, a defense lawyer can appeal the conviction or sentence, arguing errors in the trial process or legal rulings.
How Are Criminal Defense Lawyers Paid?
Criminal defense lawyers generally charge clients in one of three ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Payment structures include:
- Flat fee: For straightforward cases (e.g., minor misdemeanors), some lawyers charge a one-time flat fee that covers all aspects of the defense.
- Hourly rate: For more complex or ongoing cases, lawyers may charge by the hour, with rates varying based on the lawyer’s experience and geographic location.
- Retainer fee: In cases where extensive work is expected, the client may pay a retainer fee upfront. The lawyer then bills against that retainer for their work on the case.
The cost of criminal defense services can vary greatly, so it’s important to discuss fees during your initial consultation.
How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer depends on several factors, including the severity of the charges, the complexity of the case, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost guidelines are:
- Misdemeanor cases: For relatively minor offenses, such as a DUI or petty theft, a flat fee may range from $1,500 to $5,000.
- Felony cases: More serious charges, such as assault or drug trafficking, can range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the complexity and duration of the case.
- Hourly rates: For cases billed by the hour, lawyers may charge anywhere from $150 to $500 or more per hour, depending on their expertise and the case's location.
- Additional expenses: You may also be responsible for other costs, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, or the cost of private investigators.
Be sure to clarify the lawyer’s fee structure and any potential additional costs during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Before hiring a criminal defense lawyer, you’ll want to ensure that they’re a good fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask:
-
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.
