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22 Sep, 2024 by Jeroen de wit
We loved working with Jay, he is very thorough, knowledgeable and easy to communicate with. He is a genuine kind person and we felt very secure having him take us through our immigration process. Thank you again, Jay.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Rick segall
To say that Jay exceeded our expectations would be a profound understatement. He literally transformed our experience from a nightmare to a dream come true. Every single step of the way, he was deeply informative, constantly communicative, kind, thorough, and always available for us. We will not only be forever thankful for his extraordinary assistance unto the successful acquisition of my wife’s green card but we will refer anyone and everyone who needs similar assistance to him. You truly can not find anyone better.
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25 Aug, 2024 by Mark montenegro
Great service, knowledge and awesome follow up. Extremely satisfied!
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25 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Jeff returned to the court house over and over again to fight my case with the district attorney until initial felony charges were dropped to an infraction resulting in a $50 penalty plus court fees. His perseverance saved me $50K, jail, and community service time, along with a myriad of other headaches. He talks very fast, but explained the process to me until I finally understood what was going on. The case was confusing and complicated and I was not easy to educate by any means. He never seemed irritated by my constant phone calls/texts, constant questions, and constant drop off's of evidence to his office. He returns calls within 20 minutes or texted if he was in court. I will never forget when he finally said to me..."It's over. We're done. Verdict...just an infraction...same as J-walking". Of course he had to explain and repeat that several times as well.
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18 Apr, 2024 by Nelly romo
I recently engaged the services of Mr. MARCUS for my child’s case and, unfortunately, my experience did not meet the expectations set by other reviews. While I appreciate Mr. MARCUS's expertise in the field, I felt that the representation provided was not aligned with my child’s best interests, which was concerning and disappointing. It seemed there was a bias that did not favor a fair outlook for my child's situation. I would encourage Mr. MARCUS to ensure that the representation of all parties' interests, especially those of minors, is balanced and fair in future cases. This feedback is intended to be constructive and I hope it will be taken into consideration.
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13 Nov, 2023 by Erkin boy
Excellent Service ! If you want your ticket to be dismissed, I'd recommend Aaron Fontana !!! Thank you for all !
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23 Mar, 2023 by Eduardo meza
Kann California Law Group is fantastic! They kept me abreast of every step of my case and were very professional. Aaron, my attorney, took the time to listen and understand my situation and was very polite. So, thanks. Job well done.
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18 Apr, 2024 by Nelly romo
I recently engaged the services of Mr. MARCUS for my child’s case and, unfortunately, my experience did not meet the expectations set by other reviews. While I appreciate Mr. MARCUS's expertise in the field, I felt that the representation provided was not aligned with my child’s best interests, which was concerning and disappointing. It seemed there was a bias that did not favor a fair outlook for my child's situation. I would encourage Mr. MARCUS to ensure that the representation of all parties' interests, especially those of minors, is balanced and fair in future cases. This feedback is intended to be constructive and I hope it will be taken into consideration.
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13 Nov, 2023 by Erkin boy
Excellent Service ! If you want your ticket to be dismissed, I'd recommend Aaron Fontana !!! Thank you for all !
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23 Mar, 2023 by Eduardo meza
Kann California Law Group is fantastic! They kept me abreast of every step of my case and were very professional. Aaron, my attorney, took the time to listen and understand my situation and was very polite. So, thanks. Job well done.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Michael pando
Divorce661 was great! I was so stressed about all of the paperwork that comes with a divorce; it was causing major delays in getting things done! Once I decided to go with them, everything got so much easier. It was 100% worth the money! They laid everything out very clearly, answered all my questions, and got things done in a timely manner. We did it all from home, online, including the notary. It really couldn’t have been easier. If you need help, don’t think twice, use these guys and you’ll be happy.
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06 Sep, 2024 by R p
This was such a great experience. Tim made it all easy and fast. He is a star. no no he is a Five Star!
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29 Aug, 2024 by Carlos carrillo
I set up for a free 15 minute consultation to amend my divorce. He called me right on time. Within 5 minutes he gave me the honest truth of how to proceed and what to expect (more or less). He didn’t try to sell me his services. Genuinely helped me out.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Alexander hafizi
Law Offices of C. Ray Carlson: Known for professionalism and expertise in personal injury law, providing dedicated and personalized services. Ray Carlson, an exceptional attorney at the firm, is praised for his thoroughness, empathy, and strategic thinking, consistently achieving excellent results for clients.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Sydney levine
I can't say enough good things about this attorney group. They helped me out immensely with my personal injury case and made the whole process super easy. From start to finish, they were professional, supportive, and always available to answer any questions I had. Special thanks to the paralegal, Robin, who was incredibly thorough and always kept me updated. And of course, attorney Chad, who provided expert legal advice and ensured that I received the best possible outcome. Their combined efforts made a stressful situation much more manageable. I highly recommend the office of C. Ray Carlson to anyone in need of a personal injury attorney. They truly go above and beyond for their clients.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Daniel gamboa
Robin was great in helping me with my accident. The whole process from beginning to end was as smooth and saved me time and headache!
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09 Oct, 2024 by Nancy barrios
Karla and Paul were both so professional and helpful throughout my case. They made me feel at ease durning the whole process and kept me informed. They were very honest and knowledgeable when it came to any questions I had with my case. They made the whole experience so easy and made me feel safe. I am very happy and grateful to have both Karla and Paul represent me they really went above and beyond for me while making sure I was also getting the best treatment for my injuries. Hiring them both was the best decision I’ve made, they truly are the best.
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22 Sep, 2024 by Angie mata
I did lots of research and spoke to different attorneys before deciding to hire Antionette. She was awesome! She connected with us right away. Antionette was very kind, patient, answered all our questions and took the time to explain the different processes we would be dealing with to us. She was honest about the possible outcomes and prepped us for different scenarios and questions. We felt confident going to court and felt she had our best interest at heart and that she would do her best to get the best possible outcome. Antionette is very professional, honest and understanding. I would definitely hire her again and also refer her to friends and family. Thank you for everything, Antionette!
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20 Sep, 2024 by Dagim w.
I had the pleasure of working with Antionette Lias and I can't recommend her highly enough. From our first conversation, she was frank, straightforward, and incredibly knowledgeable. She answered all my questions and concerns with patience and clarity, ensuring I fully understood the process. What truly stood out to me was Antionette’s s compassion. She took the time to understand my situation and provided guidance on what to do to achieve the best possible outcome. Her advice was spot-on, and I felt confident knowing she was on my side. Her professionalism was also top-notch. Antionette returned my calls, texts, and messages promptly, making me feel like a priority. And to top it off, her fees were very reasonable, especially given the high quality of service I received. If you're looking for a lawyer who will be honest, responsive, and supportive throughout the entire process, I highly recommend Antionette Lias. Dagim W.
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10 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
Francisco is not an unbiased attorney - he does not take all elements of a divorce into consideration - I would not recommend him to anyone.
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28 Jul, 2020 by Andrea reeder
I hired attorney Francisco Zavala to handle my divorce case in Chatsworth Court. My ex husband refused to work things out and hired a nasty unethical lawyer. Mr. Zavala worked very hard on my case. He answered my calls the majority of the time. When he was unavailable, all my calls were returned the same day. Mr. Zavala didn’t charge me for every little phone call or email like some other lawyers do. Mr. Zavala was genuinely interested in getting me justice instead of just making money. Mr. Zavala never stopped working on my case. Attorney Zavala is honest, hard working, experienced and aggressive. I won my case, and received the custody orders that were in the best interest of our children. My ex husband is a bully and a wife abuser, but with Mr. Zavala by my side, the bully got put in his place. Thank you attorney Zavala.
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19 Apr, 2018 by Vanessa meyers
I hired Mr. Zavala based off of a friends recommendation and i couldn’t be more pleased with the results. My case was very complex as it involved my two younger children which i was fighting for FULL custody. Without getting into too much detail, my case started out for a quick custody battle as i was fighting against an unfit father figure. However, my case quickly turned into a long ongoing trial. Mr. Zavala showed no hesitation to continue working on my case even given the new complications. He never raised my rates and even made it a point to connect with me on a more personal level rather than just my Divorce Attorney. I’m really glad my friend reccommended him, i couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer.
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12 May, 2024 by Christopher wright
I recently had the unfortunate experience of working with Michael Finley on a legal matter regarding visitation rights and child support with my daughter. Initially, I was hopeful as he appeared attentive during our initial interview. However, once he received the retainer fee, the level of service plummeted drastically. Communication was virtually nonexistent after the initial meeting. I found myself unable to reach him when I had questions or concerns about my case. This lack of responsiveness resulted in a missed court date, which had serious consequences for my case. Furthermore, Michael Finley failed to advise me adequately about potential legal ramifications, such as the possibility of being held responsible for the opposing party's attorney fees. I was blindsided by unexpected fees and expenses that were not disclosed upfront. What's most egregious is that Michael Finley violated our agreement regarding the retainer fee. We had agreed that he would notify me if the retainer was about to run out, so I could make an informed decision about continuing his services. However, I was shocked to receive a bill for $25,000, far exceeding what we had initially discussed. The agreement that he had written had been worded to favor his interest. He took advantage of my lack of legalese. Overall, my experience with Michael Finley was extremely disappointing and frustrating. I felt misled, ignored, and taken advantage of. I would strongly advise anyone considering his services to proceed with caution and ensure that all agreements are documented in writing. While I cannot recommend Michael Finley based on my experience, I must emphasize that my intention is not to threaten or defame him in any way. Rather, I hope that my feedback serves as a cautionary tale for others and encourages Michael Finley to reconsider his practices and prioritize the needs of his clients in the future. Sincerely, Christopher Wright
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21 Dec, 2023 by Tina
This attorney is the most unprofessional attorney we have ever encountered. He yells and belittles his clients, not to mention he hangs up on you as a client if he feels you challenge him. We have been working with him for 6 months with no resolution to our case at all. He is non responsive and does not follow up. We have had to track him down to find out the status of our case. His behavior is very unprofessional and we have encountered this multiple times since we hired him.
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09 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
I met with him for a free consultation as I was desperate, destitute and in great need of legal advice. He was so clear and neat on his advice and explanations but most of all it his generosity what amazed me the most as he spent all the necessary time to make sure I was clear about my situation. He spent over an hour of his time at no charge. There are no many attorneys left like him.
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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:

  1. What is your experience with cases like mine?
    Make sure the lawyer has a strong track record with the specific type of criminal charges you’re facing, whether it’s DUI, drug offenses, or violent crimes.
  2. What is your fee structure?
    Ask how the lawyer charges for their services and whether you’ll be responsible for any additional costs.
  3. What are the potential outcomes of my case?
    A good lawyer should provide an honest assessment of your case and the likelihood of dismissal, a plea bargain, or conviction.
  4. How many cases have you taken to trial?
    While many criminal cases settle with a plea deal, it’s important to hire a lawyer with courtroom experience in case your case goes to trial.
  5. Who will handle my case?
    Ask if the lawyer will be personally involved or if other attorneys in the firm will handle most of the work.
  6. How do you communicate with your clients?
    Be clear on how often and through what channels you can expect updates on your case.

How to Check the Credibility of a Criminal Defense Lawyer

To verify the credibility of a criminal defense lawyer, take the following steps:

  • Check their standing with the state bar: Confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with your state’s bar association. Look for any past disciplinary actions or complaints.
  • Read online reviews and testimonials: Platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google can provide insights from previous clients about the lawyer’s communication, professionalism, and case outcomes.
  • Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should have past clients or other professionals who can speak to their competence and work ethic.
  • Review their case history: Look at the lawyer’s website or professional profile to see their experience with criminal cases, including high-profile or complex cases.
  • Look for trial experience: If your case might go to trial, make sure the lawyer has a strong history of courtroom advocacy and success.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most of your first consultation with a criminal defense lawyer, bring the following:

  • Details of your case: Be prepared to provide a detailed account of the charges against you, including any documents related to your arrest, police reports, and court dates.
  • Criminal history: If you have any prior criminal convictions, inform your lawyer so they can understand how that may affect your current case.
  • List of witnesses or evidence: If there are any potential witnesses or evidence that may support your defense, share this information during the consultation.
  • Questions for the lawyer: Prepare questions about their experience, legal strategy, and fees to ensure you understand how they will handle your case.
  • Bail or release documents: If you’ve been released on bail, bring any paperwork related to your release conditions or restrictions.

By being well-prepared, you can help your lawyer quickly assess your situation and begin building an effective defense strategy.

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