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11 Dec, 2024 by Alexandra
I cannot express enough gratitude for Jessica and Meredith and their incredible team for their outstanding support and expertise throughout my court case. From the very beginning, they were not only professional and knowledgeable but also deeply compassionate and understanding of my situation.
Jessica and Meredith fought tirelessly on my behalf and ensured that every detail was handled with care and precision. Their dedication to my case was evident in every interaction, and they always made me feel supported and heard. The entire team was equally remarkable, always responsive, organized, and willing to go above and beyond to help.
Thanks to their efforts, we achieved a settlement that exceeded my expectations. The outcome will make a significant difference in my life and my children’s lives, and I owe it all to Jessica’s hard work and determination.
If you are looking for a lawyer who is not only highly skilled but also genuinely cares about her clients, I wholeheartedly recommend Jessica and Meredith. They are truly exceptional, and I feel so fortunate to have had them in my corner during this challenging time.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Tiffany eastman
My experience with Jessica Ressler and her firm has been amazing! It is very difficult to find the delicate balance of not only an attorney that listens and hears you, but represents your best interest. I am been involved in an extremely complex and litigious battle. Without her caring yet determined approach, I am not quite sure if I would have been able to make it through.... Every step of the way, Jessica has been communicative, forthright, and available. I have always been made to feel heard, which is invaluable when going thru the complexities of such emotional and financial stress. Jessica is beyond brilliant, the hardest worker I know, and is so determined to fight for her clients best interests, my best interests. I am thrilled to have found her and her firm! Every single person in that office deserves more than 5 stars!!
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29 Nov, 2024 by Jennifer satter
I had a very frustrating, and potentially negatively life altering, experience with Ms. Ressler earlier this year. The error on her part cost my family time, frustration, and stress to myself and my children.
I was advised to file a temporary order of protection which involved making claims against family members. Unbeknownst to me, Jessica Ressler has a general modus operandi of being an extremely aggressive attorney, regardless of the situation. Her tactics involve getting her clients temporary orders of protection, involving the police, and using false statements. For those who are not aware, these tactics often negatively impact children. She treats every case the same, and her reputation in the industry is well known as being overly aggressive to the point of being detrimental to her clients and their cases. Further, her strategy unnecessarily involves child protective services who are legally obligated to investigate each case, and each parent, regardless of the accusations made.
Without going into significant personal detail, the filings I made under Ms. Ressler's guidance landed me in the cross hairs of CPS for no apparent reason. The result could have led to a permanent record, termination from my job, and an inability to be involved in some children's activities. When I pointed this out to Ms. Ressler, I was met with vague explanations and no real accountability, nor help to assist me from a legal standpoint. While initially she was attentive to my questions, once this occurred, her communication stopped instead of following up on ways to assist me, as though she signed off from my case. Ultimately, the CPS case was resolved without issue based on evidence provided by my family.
It should be noted that Ms. Ressler was recently formally admonished in court for her tactics and procedures. As previously stated, her reputation amongst attorneys in the NYC metro area is well known, and not well regarded.
I would not trust this lawyer with anything important and would highly caution others to do their due diligence before hiring her. I strongly suggest looking elsewhere for legal counsel.
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14 Nov, 2024 by Kimberley b-p
With great gratitude, thank you Duane and Adam! You believed that I was injured and you fought hard to bring us a big win. If anyone wants to win, contact Fiedler and Deutsch for all of your legal needs!
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29 Oct, 2024 by Brian canavan
Greg did not fight for me. He just wanted an easy payday. It was like my wife had two lawyers
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28 Oct, 2024 by Dimitry desavy ralph
07 Nov, 2024 by Lauri fay
If you are headed for a difficult divorce and seeking compassionate, intelligent and competent representation, I highly recommend The Pappalardo Law Group.
John Pappalardo and his associate, Judith Murphy worked diligently for me for over 5 years through an extremely contentious divorce. Despite the fact that my ex controlled all the marital assets and was willing to spend everything to destroy me, John and Judith stuck by me. My case was also very difficult as we had 4 different judges presiding due to the length of time it took to resolve. Two of the four judges were completely inexperienced and were blatantly incompetent. These circumstances made for a very challenging battle. During all of this, I felt that I had the best possible attorneys representing me. In an extremely emotional and soul crushing time, both John and Judith always made me feel like I was a person worth fighting for. Yet, John would tell me exactly what he thought, even if it wasn’t always what I wanted to hear. He is completely honest and told me what I needed to hear, giving the best possible advice.
I thank them both for their hard work!
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26 Sep, 2024 by Samantha podesta
I am incredibly dissatisfied with the legal services provided by John Pappalardo and his team during my child custody case. They consistently ran up the bill with ineffective strategies and failed to properly guide me on the best course of action, resulting in significant financial strain and distress.
Moreover, communication was severely lacking throughout the process, with my emails and calls often going unanswered for days. I felt like I was constantly kept in the dark about important developments in my case, and when I did receive updates, they were vague and unhelpful.
Additionally, the level of professionalism exhibited by John Pappalardo and his team left much to be desired. I often felt dismissed and belittled whenever I raised concerns or asked for clarification on legal matters.
Overall, I would not recommend John Pappalardo's legal services to anyone in need of competent and reliable representation. My experience with his firm was nothing short of a nightmare, and I am left feeling extremely disappointed and let down.
In conclusion, I strongly advise against utilizing John Pappalardo's services for child custody cases. Their poor communication, inadequate preparation, and lack of effectiveness in the courtroom only served to heighten stress and financial burden. They do not prioritize or protect the well-being of the children and struggle to handle cases involving domestic abuse or high-conflict custody disputes.
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03 Aug, 2024 by Derek c
The Poppalardo Law group
You never think one day you’ll need to go through the process of fighting for custody of your children. Unfortunately that day came me. I found myself in a love-less relationship with an unfaithful partner who I shared 2 beautiful children with. I felt helpless because you always think the law favors the mother in most cases. Being an extremely involved father who coached and was very active in my children’s life, I knew I didn’t want to be the typical every-other-weekend warrior father, I had to fight for my children. I was referred to The Pappalardo Law group from a friend of a friend who was also an attorney in Connecticut. She was very confident that this was the best Law Firm for my situation. I reluctantly made the call and set up the appointment. Turned out to be one of the best most important decisions I’ve ever made. John Pappalardo assigned his associate Sam to my my case and from day one they both worked tirelessly to understand our circumstances and put together an amazing case to present to the court. It was a long stressful road but being able to be in my children’s life on a day to day basis made the tough journey worth it. Sam was an amazing partner through all of this even going on maternity leave, having a baby and still returning to my case to close it out. She was extremely attentive and the communication always made me feel like I was a priority. Nobody ever wants to go through this process in life but if you find yourself in a situation where you’re fighting to keep your children in your life, I would Highly recommend reaching out and putting your trust in The Poppalardo Law Group.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Lydia rack
I used him and his firm to sell my Co-Op and gave him power of attorney to sign for me since i couldn’t be there. Ever since the deal closed i haven’t heard from him, and his office will not answer or return my calls. He withheld money until i shipped the keys, and even after i sent them, i have not received the money back. His office also has not sent me any closing documents which i need for taxes and other things. This is extremely disappointing and frustrating. All of my calls and emails are being ignored. I don’t live in the state anymore so i can’t even go to the office to speak to anyone. So this is very frustrating.
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02 May, 2024 by St
30 minutes and another of a hour on the phone with them even with out establishing there service still provided great support and information. Well spoken and extremely knowledgeable. Definitely will use there services soon.
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15 Oct, 2023 by Patricia williams
I am very happy with the work of this law firm. Alex handled my custody issue and was able to get me joint custody so I can have equal time with my child like my ex. In addition, I don’t have to pay child support anymore. Thank you for all your help.
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03 Jul, 2024 by John
Richard Ferrante doesn’t answer or return phone calls. Sends emails on Sunday afternoons only. I don’t even know what I’m being charged with because this imbecile is my attorney.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Michele
Ferrante read from the wrong case file. He set expectations that he never met. When we [finally] met in person he treated me like an imbecile and was so hostile I asked for a different lawyer.
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17 Nov, 2021 by Marco
I hired Richard to represent me in a serious criminal matter. He was patient and answered all of my questions, including providing me options for different types of defenses. He advocated very hard for me. I eventually decided to plead guilty and he helped me obtain a reduced sentence. He even answered my gillfriend's questions to.
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16 Dec, 2024 by Deigna bernard
If I could give 0 stars I would. We have been trying to get in contact with Mitchell Rutkin for over a year in regards to estate planning. He has taken our money and we have been left in the dust in return. Please be warned and save your time and money.
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11 Dec, 2024 by Alex garcia lopez
30 Oct, 2024 by Humberto munoz
They didn't help me, they just lied to me, they hired lawyers who didn't even know where they were. I lost everything, even my money. They just played with me with their promises. What a disappointment.
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16 Dec, 2024 by Deigna bernard
If I could give 0 stars I would. We have been trying to get in contact with Mitchell Rutkin for over a year in regards to estate planning. He has taken our money and we have been left in the dust in return. Please be warned and save your time and money.
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11 Dec, 2024 by Alex garcia lopez
30 Oct, 2024 by Humberto munoz
They didn't help me, they just lied to me, they hired lawyers who didn't even know where they were. I lost everything, even my money. They just played with me with their promises. What a disappointment.
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16 Dec, 2024 by Deigna bernard
If I could give 0 stars I would. We have been trying to get in contact with Mitchell Rutkin for over a year in regards to estate planning. He has taken our money and we have been left in the dust in return. Please be warned and save your time and money.
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11 Dec, 2024 by Alex garcia lopez
30 Oct, 2024 by Humberto munoz
They didn't help me, they just lied to me, they hired lawyers who didn't even know where they were. I lost everything, even my money. They just played with me with their promises. What a disappointment.
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11 Feb, 2025 by Shane samuels
I had the pleasure of having Julie Cherico represent my daughter, and I couldn’t be more grateful for her dedication and professionalism. She approached the case with care, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. Julie’s expertise and compassionate approach made a challenging process much easier to navigate. Her ability to communicate effectively and advocate passionately truly set her apart. I highly recommend her to anyone in need of a knowledgeable and dedicated attorney.
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01 Apr, 2024 by James enowitch
I am writing to express my utmost gratitude and satisfaction for the outstanding legal services provided by Julie Cherico during my recent family court case. From the moment I engaged Julie as my counsel, I was immediately struck by their professionalism, expertise, and unwavering commitment to my case. She demonstrated a deep understanding of family law and exhibited exceptional skill in navigating the complexities of my situation.Throughout the entire process, Julie displayed a remarkable level of dedication, always going above and beyond to ensure that my rights and interests were protected. She took the time to thoroughly explain all aspects of the legal proceedings, patiently answering my questions and addressing any concerns I had along the way. I cannot recommend Julie highly enough to anyone in need of legal representation in family court matters. She is a consummate professional, a compassionate advocate, and an invaluable asset to anyone navigating the complexities of the legal system. Jim E.
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22 Mar, 2024 by Judy cook
Words can’t really express how appreciative I am by the legal services performed by Julie Cherico. She is professional, courteous, and highly responsive. I would highly recommend her.
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17 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Hired him and provided all the documents he asked from us. I even had a checklist for all the documents I gave them. We missed our deadline and had to wait another year to have my mom get her much needed visa.
My mom needed surgery to repair valves in her heart. Very disappointed with his promised good service and result. I would stay away from him and his mom's law firm. They don't even return my calls or emails to them.
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30 Nov, 2014 by Junior
Jesus Antonio Cachaya did a wonderful job on adjusting my son's immigration status. Now my son is legal to work and complete his MED studies in the US.
Thank you very much Jesus.
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28 Nov, 2024 by Allison
Mitch fought hard for me for over 2 years! He got me everything I wanted and more. He knows the law and is 100 times smarter than any attorney that’s in the court room. He dominates in the courtroom. Those calling Mr. Leiberman “disgusting” and “an awful human” must not have listened to his advice.He can be controlling and unpleasant at times but I didn’t pay him to be my best friend. I hired him to win in court! Don’t let your spouse contact him first. It won’t be pretty if he is on the other side. Mitch is the man!
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01 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
Destroyed my family and took tens of thousands of dollars. Couldn’t care less how he destroys families.
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03 Jan, 2024 by Mike
I found myself in a difficult position after my first attorney was not prepared and did not show up. Mitch cleaned up the mess and delivered a great resolution for me. He truly had my back during a horrible process.
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1.0
2 Reviews
5.0
1 Reviews
12 Sep, 2023 by Stoneleigh farm
I had the good fortune of retaining Lydia Milone for my divorce proceedings in 2019, and I say this with the utmost respect and gratitude- Lydia is a lioness; ferocious in her client’s defense and protective of their needs and emotions in what are for them, very turbulent times.
Lydia shepherded me through one of the most difficult experiences of my life- listening to my concerns, protecting my interests and offering sage advice through the entire process. I’m eternally grateful that it was she by my side through such conflict, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone in need of assistance traversing the legal system in matters of divorce and family law.
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06 Jan, 2012 by Anonymous
ms. riley left her law firm without informing her clients. my license has been suspended due to her actions.
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06 Jan, 2012 by Anonymous
ms. riley left her law firm without informing her clients. my license has been suspended due to her actions.
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17 Oct, 2020 by Sixto
The guy with that sodomy post, is full of himself. Viviano should me disbarred. He and the legal aide society, told me that they dont help me with my own defense, that they were there just to explain anything I didn't understand about the law. (I asked about my rights...they REPEATEDLY said..."lets see what the DA's is offering..[next week] I can say a lot but, stay away from this guy and DEFINATELY stay away from the legal aide society....as far as "lets make a deal" viviano.....Keep watching the news, I am getting close :)
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09 Feb, 2016 by Samir
I was wrongly accused of sodomizing a three year old child. I demanded a trial and Mr. Viviano took care of me every step of the way. In the end the truth came out and I am forever thankful.
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18 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. Viviano seemed to only be interested and concerned with the more high profile cases. He made me wait 15 minutes outside of court while talking to one client and I had to beg him to give me more than 2 minutes. He did not correctly explain court procedures to me resulting in the loss of my job and extended court visits. I was very dissatisfied with the service. I could have defended myself just as well, or better, on my own....
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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.
