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08 May, 2017 by Doug
I had John for my felony case and gotten my self into a pickle with probation a couple of times John was there for me all the way through my case along with probation case he made sure I was given a fare chance every time and fought for me thank you John!
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17 Apr, 2016 by Andrew
I have hired John Campion at 3 different times, all for felony arrests. Every time I have been very happy with my representation, as well as the final outcome. When hiring a lawyer in Racine/Kenosha/Milwaukee, you can't go wrong with John Campion. Not only is he professional, conducts himself well in the courtroom, and is a very capable and skilled attorney, it felt like he actually cared and fought hard to get me the best possible outcome. He was able to see possible defenses and holes in witness testimony and facts that I viewed as minor, but he would use those facts to poke holes in the plaintiffs case. On my last case in 2013, before I hired John, the public defender I had brought me an offer of 6 years prison, 3 years parole to be served after the 21 months I was serving on extended supervision violations. This plea went up to 7 years in, 3 out when I refused to waive my preliminary hearing. I hired John, and by the time a plea was reached about 9 months later, I ended up getting 3 years probation, with no additional prison time added to the 21 months revocation time. He was able to get the plea I wanted the whole time 2 days before we were set to go to trial, which I felt fully confident doing with John as my representation. He saved me nearly a decade behind bars. The first two times I had him he did well for me also. Bottom line, if you need a good, ethical lawyer, you can't go wrong going with John "The Champ" Campion.
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20 May, 2019 by Shahid
Very smart and intelligent individual. Was able to help us out in drafting our will in a timely manner at a very reasonable cost..
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15 Nov, 2016 by Tammy
Insightful, knowledgeable and very intelligent.
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28 Nov, 2016 by Laura
William is an outstanding lawyer! He brought my case to a jury trial, and I was found NOT GUILTY. He was very honest throughout the whole process and I trusted his judgement. He was available whenever I needed to talk to him, and he listened it all my concerns. He is a great communicator, compassionate, and knew exactly what to say to the jury. William is a very smart and professional lawyer. I cannot thank him enough!
This DUI was the scariest situation I have ever been in. I spent almost 4 months of my life living in fear. I could have lost my career, driving privileges, and had to serve jail time. I highly recommend him!! I can put this horrible situation behind me because of William. Thank you so so much, William! Thanks to Petit & Dommershausen law office staff. Great firm.
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23 Apr, 2015 by Adam
Attorney Ackell got a ridiculous temporary restraining order dismissed that was placed against me over a year after the fact. He did this while I was 1600 miles away. I got to appear by phone at the hearing. Attorney Ackell was in constant contact with me and had less than a week to prepare for court. He came up with an excellent strategy based on the facts of the case. He was well spoken and quite obviously knows how to present good solid evidence at court. The TRO was dismissed and I can go on with my life. Thank you Attorney Ackell!!!
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30 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Candice is an excellent attorney who recently helped me with a difficult situation and has been quick and swift and fair, pricing wise.
I have used AVVO for years in my business whenever I sought an excellent lawyer. This time it was personal and as always AVVO provided me a top professional. They are the best and so is Candice. She knows the laws well and took great care of me.
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11 Mar, 2010 by Steven
I was falsely accused of harassment by an ex and was served with a restraining order. I contacted Attorney Tlustosch and she quickly got back to me. I hired her and she got the case dismissed. I found her to be knowledgeable, competent and passionate about her work. I would recommend her to anyone reading this profile.
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04 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
The name lives up to this guy's reputation. Seriously. If you're in trouble, the FIRST thing you should do is give Keith "the Beast" Belzer a call. I went to court with him for some minor offenses and I felt like it was cheating. Got away with just a slap on the wrist, and a lesson well learned: call Keith. He has also helped out numerous buddies of mine with much more serious offenses, all with exceptional results. this guy doesn't play around. He's sincere, works hard, and gets results. If you've ever seen Pulp Fiction, imagine having "the wolf" as your personal attorney. Get into a sticky situation? Your solution is just a call away.
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11 May, 2009 by Anonymous
i was facing 3 felonies and a bunch of misdemeanors, including intent to deliver, another bud felonie, and felony concealed weapon (brass knuckles). and keith got me about 9 months of diversion agreement, olmost 100 hrs of community service. and absolutley nothing on my record. he is an AWESOME lawyer. hes not one of those lawyers that seems like he only cares about money, he actually cares. I would recommend him to everyone that needs a lawyer!!! of all the lawyers i know HE'S THE BEST!!!!
-mat
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18 Jul, 2022 by Jeff
I was extremely fortunate to have had Mathew appointed as my attorney. Now, I know any attorney will slid in there i belive you are innocent or im here for you and to insure your rights are not taken lightly and abused. But, this man stuck with me even when the judge and the state's attorney exemplified just how obtuse our legal system is. None the less, he listened, observed and strategized an attack that took back my constitutional rights that the wisconsin legal mafia tried to steal f r om me.
Thank you Matthew
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29 Jun, 2022 by Ryan
Matt is a great lawyer . He goes through ur charge or charges throughly. D.a. was asking 6months he got me time served no probation that's awesome plus he actually comes to see u and go over any changes that there may be.
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14 Sep, 2010 by A very grateful client
Attorney Paul Schwartz is extremely knowledgeable, honest, and hard working. He has always given top notch advice and handled matters in an expeditious and professional manner. He continually provided updates and brought the case to a fair conclusion. I would HIGHLY recommend Attorney Schwartz!
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06 May, 2010 by Eileen
Paul has been representing the YWCA Madison in employment and contract issues since about 1997. I came on board in 1998 as the CEO and immediately got to know Paul and I have worked with him ever since. He has been exemplary in his work for our association. He is through, he renders excellent advise and is extremely knowlegeable in employment law including UC and EEOC. He has represented us in a number of cases and with his help we have had exceptional success. He is someone that I can turn to for advise and I wisely do. He takes the time necessary to prepare for each case, he asks very good questions. He always files our documents in a timely manner and he always keeps us informed of where we are in the process.
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29 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
I am extremely pleased with Attorney Grieve after my case. I retained his firm to represent me on a serious matter. He was able to answer all of my questions and took the time to understand the issues and nuances of the case. Through his aggressive representation we accomplished far more than I had thought possible. I would recommend him and Grieve Law to anyone who is in need of an accomplished criminal and DUI attorney!
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18 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I was recently involved in relatively serious traffic violation. As a result I had police knocking at my door multiple times and were calling very frequently. My family and I were very anxious as the potential outcome could have been disastrous for my family. I called Tom Grieve and he immediately calmed me down by fully explaining the situation I was in and took control immediately. He called the police and as a result they backed down right away. I work 3rd shift and was worried about being able to be in contact with him when I needed to be, but Tom worked around my schedule as if he shared my hours. He was always available and always returned my calls in a timely matter. Tom is a very busy attorney and I probably called much more often than was necessary but he never acted annoyed or rushed. With his help he walked me through everything that was in my best interest and I followed his instructions. As a result, in the end his hard work exonerated me from the charges that were leveled against me. I know that I couldn't have been his priority case but he acted as if I was. Each and every time i reached out to him he took the time to answer all of my questions. He even contacted my wife who wasn't even his client when she had questions about the case. I cannot recommend him strongly enough. I have worked with a few attorneys in the past and have been let down every time and Tom has renewed my faith in them. He went above and beyond what I expected from him. Hopefully I will not be in need of an attorney again to help me out of legal trouble, but if I do his is the only name I'll be calling.
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10 Jan, 2024 by Jason
I hired Atty. Taggart after being charged with 3 misdemeanors. She always got back to me and was thorough in answering my questions the best she could. I could not have asked for a better result at the end of my case. I definitely recommend.
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30 Aug, 2021 by Ashley
My boyfriend and I worked with Kayla Taggart. I can not say enough. She was awesome from start to finish, and I would definitely use her as a an attorney if I need to again. Long story short, my boyfriend was facing a residency restriction, based on an event that happened ten years ago. I was calling around to different places in Appleton and Green Bay with the no luck. I then called her law office. The secretary that answered told me that she might have someone to help us. I talked with Kayla and she said that she would be interested. We met with her several times. She read through the material that we gave her and she also did some digging to get us the background that we needed to be successful. She also coached my boyfriend through the process. This made both him and I more comfortable. She was positive, but didn't sell us a dream. She covered multiple scenarios and how we would tackle each one. As someone who has been involved with attorneys in the past, this is by far the best one I have ever had. If you are ever in a pickle, give Kayla a call. She definitely has a passion for her career and her clients.
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16 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
Well she was assigned to me through the courts. She was very professional and down to earth,I also felt she didn't prejudge me or see me as a criminal and I've been a free man and all charges have been dropped on my end
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25 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
Helped me face up to my divorce and I received a settlement I could live on.
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16 Jul, 2014 by Steve
After going through multiple lawyers I was very happy to finally find a great one. I use Brad for all my personal and business needs and have been extremely satisfied.
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09 Jul, 2014 by Tom
I have been using Brad Hoeft for almost every aspect of my business including new business start ups, contract negotiations and general real estate. Over the past 15 years he has been extremely successful on my behalf and has protected me from countless liability situations. Brad's attention to detail combined with his common sense approach to business law make him our one and only choice when it comes to choosing a lawyer.
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18 Oct, 2016 by Alex
When corrupt Walworth Deputies wanted to beat me up and charge me criminally for Disorderly Conduct and Resisting an Officer, Attorney Flitcroft was ready for a fight! He dotted his i’s and crossed his t’s then went back to make sure it was done to his liking. In other words, when other attorneys wanted me to “plead out” like a coward, I would not, and Attorney Flitcroft made sure the truth would be heard in court. He subpoenaed all five deputies involved, a courthouse worker, a witness and even the Clerk of Court Sheila Reiff. He got all the video footage I acquired into evidence and even filed a motion to dismiss before the trial in an attempt to create a pre-trial deposition of witnesses (unfortunately the judge saw right through this strategy and stayed the motion until trial). But this shows you anecdotal evidence of this experienced attorney’s “outside the box” thinking when preparing a criminal defense. He ground away at District Attorney Matthew Leusink (the guy who looks like he’s afraid of his own shadow) and in a legal game of chicken the criminal charges were dismissed at the prosecutor’s motion. He opted to charge me with civil ordinance violations instead, but at least I am 100% guaranteed not to do any jail time. If it had not been for the experience and relentlessness of Attorney Flitcroft giving the prosecutor no respite, the outcome may have been different. If you are charged in Walworth, know that most attorneys are afraid of a trial in Walworth, they would rather plead out. So if you want aggressive defense, give Attorney Flitcroft a call, his initial consultation is free and after talking to him yourself you’d probably want to retain him.
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16 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
I was in criminal trouble when the cops entered my house with no warrant and used lame excuses to justify it. Anthony told me not to worry and he got the case dismissed with some motion. We argued in front of the judge and he agreed with Anthony. He did an awesome job and I highly reccomend his services.
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02 Mar, 2018 by Cheryl
I hired Timothy Mistrioty for my daughter who received 4 tickets in Walworth, Wisconsin . I was horrified at the fact that one of the tickets was a DUI. My daughter only 23, I knew this could ruin her life. Not that she didn't create the problem herself however I have always believed people deserve a second chance. I have little faith in attorneys as most seem to just line their pockets with your money ! I could not ask for a more reasonable contract/payment for what he was about to do (however I thought it was going to be a waste of hard earned money at the time we hired him...Boy was I wrong) ! I couldn't have been any more satisfied with the outcome. He managed to get 2 tickets dismissed and the DUI amended down to Reckless driving. A paraphernalia charge amended to a disorderly conduct. Honestly how could anyone expect better than that outcome ! My daughter and I are so THANKFUL for a real attorney who fought for her and possibly changed what could have been a black cloud forever. The moment that he gave us the outcome a huge burden was lifted and a heartbreak mended !! Thank you Timothy Mistrioty for your true dedication and concern for my daughter's future ! It will be much brighter because of you !! God bless you !
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20 Apr, 2011 by John
Excellent. It was my second DUI in Waukesha and Attorney Mistrioty came to represent me at the very last second. Tim doesn't take the job- he tries to win the case.
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25 Jan, 2016 by Courtney
This was my first experience with being in legal trouble. I had no idea what was going to happen and luckily I sought out the legal help of Sarah. From my first appointment to my last court date, and even a phone call weeks after being release from jail, Sarah was always very supportive. She made sure I was comfortable and knew what was happening every step of the way. I could call or email her with the many questions I had and she would promptly get back to me. Sarah always had my best interest as a priority. I was originally charged with a felony and a misdemeanor, and with the help of Sarah I plead down to 5 counts of a misdemeanor and received only 30 days in jail compared to the years in prison I was facing. If you are looking for someone who will not only fight for what's best for you, but also support and care about you, then you need to choose Sarah Harless!
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28 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
This past year, I was pulled over, arrested and charged with OWI. I've never been in trouble with the law, and I had no experience working with an attorney. Woefully ignorant and inadequate to handle the situation, I hired Sarah Harless as my attorney.
Ms. Harless and her colleagues were timely with every important piece of information. When I had questions, she picked up her phone and/or responded via email. No questions were left unanswered, and no concerns were left unresolved. I was made aware of court dates well in advance; there were never any surprises. All happenings were comprehensively documented, filed and copies mailed to me immediately. A life-altering situation such as this should have been 100 times more stressful than it was; Ms. Harless is the reason it was not.
In the end, my case was dismissed -- all charges dropped. Without the help of Ms. Harless, this would have been an impossibility; she is the reason for the dismissal. In the courtoom, she was prepared, well spoken, precise and adamant while always being respectful. She was incredibly thorough in her presentation, and spoke of laws, details and facts only a true expert in the field would know to look for and speak on.
Ms. Harless never once spoke down to me. She treated me respectfully, and I was never an offender in her eyes. I am forever grateful for this.
When I decided to hire an attorney, the process of picking someone to represent my case involved randomly searching Google for attorneys in the area. I landed on Ms. Harless by chance, and I am so thankful that I did.
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30 Aug, 2020 by Jonathan
I've used Mr. Kershek. Multiple times throughout my life. He's not only a great attorney, but cares about his clients, and if serious, will help you in your life with issues you may have. I still talk to him, but now as a friend, not just a lawyer
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20 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
Couldn't have been a better experience. I had contacted two other attorneys before hiring Mr. Kershek. The first flat out told me he/she couldn't accomplish what I was looking for and so didn't want to take the case on. The second reminded me multiple times that I was taking a huge risk by spending money on him/her because it was not likely that anything would change. I called Mr. Kershek the night before I had court. He not only took the case on at the last minute without hesitation, but he displayed the confidence, fervor, and hope that I needed to feel secure in my decision to move forward with an attorney. He went to bat for me and ultimately accomplished what I was looking for. His rates were better than the other attorneys I had contacted as well! I will be forever grateful.
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29 Feb, 2012 by Jamie
Dana was very confident in navigating a collaborative divorce. She worked well with the opposing lawyer on my behalf to speed the process, at all times keeping our original goal in mind: make the kids well-being 1st priority. When it got to sticky discussions, Dana was the one to bring all parties back to the table to push forward and accomplish what needed to be done. I appreciated her ability to "hear" me, validate my position and then help me to have realistic expectations. I cannot imagine such a thing as a great divorce, but Dana's expertise and grounded approach gave me peace of mind that this would be DONE as well as possible within the parameters that were out of my control.
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03 Nov, 2008 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Dana. She does a lot of work for our company and is always up to speed on our cases and keeps us informed as well.
At the time of settlement, Dana knowledgeable on the case facts and always has our client's interest at the forefront of the case.
Dana is an asset to our company and I recommend referring cases to her often.
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10 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Cristina reviewed my divorce decree from 2011 to help me determine if I could request child support to begin after my current maintenance order expires. She took the time to go over the current state law requirements for eligibility and helped with the state calculation to determine the amount. She was thorough, professional, and extremely efficient with the review and preparation of all the necessary documents to be sure that there is no gap in payments. I will be sure to utilize her services again if needed in the future and will definitely recommend her to family and friends! Thank you Cristina!!
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06 Jan, 2017 by Nathan
So far, i am beyond pleased with her firm. She is aggressive but yet in a way, most lawyers lack, calm. She is very knowledgeable and she gets things done in timely manner. She keeps her billing very accurate. You will pay but from what I see she's not there for anybody but her client. I can see she is not there to make friends she is there to get her client what they want. All in all the best lawyer I've every retained and I have retained several across the boards of different cases. 5 stars. And her willingness to work with you on payments makes her stand out. Keep in mind I did put down a retainer But not all that she requested and she has afforded me a father a timeline to get it to highly recommend you think of consulting her before making any descions on who to retain.
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17 Mar, 2010 by Anonymous
Andy helped me a through a very difficult time and knows the Waukesha court system which really helps too.
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04 May, 2009 by Anonymous
I have used Andy Ladd three times in the last three years. He's very professional, always returned my calls, and his staff was great!
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02 Apr, 2024 by Jason
Mr. Rotter is a good man. Patient, good listener, honest and great integrity. Fully trustworthy. He cares about people.
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31 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Ms. McMahon represented our son in a case where our son got mixed up in middle school with the school bully. They scuffled and the bully's parents filed assault and battery charges. Ms. McMahon represented our son competently and was able to demonstrate the patent absurdity of the charges.
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25 Jan, 2017 by Jason
I have been working with Kurt Ellison and his father for three or four years now they are the best lawyers in town they really go out of their way to help you my family uses them they always take your calls and listen to anything you have to say very professional I would not go to anybody else but them
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13 Apr, 2016 by Charles
David Herring was my associate attorney for a civil suit. I was a plaintiff who had been involved in a car accident while on my bicycle and we won at trial. I had a great time working with Mr. Herring every step of the case. It was a very high bar, as they say, and couldn't be more grateful for the effort. Trial was stressful and I was counting on more communication from my attorneys which I felt lacked. The victory was a huge relief in my life, and so I would highly recommend his service.
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31 Aug, 2011 by Anonymous
I was facing felony theft charges when I hired Ms. Dorow. In short, she was able to get my charges reduced to 2 misdemeanor theft counts. I was ultimately sentenced to 2 years probation.
She was extremely thorough and knowledgeable. I hope to never need to hire her for anything again, but would recommend her in a heartbeat.
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16 Jan, 2017 by Brandon e crum
I couldn't have asked for anything more out of the representation that was provided to him.
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09 May, 2021 by Gordon
Ms. Jasmer helped my wife and I with a very complex family case, her attention to detail, hard work and commitment to fight for us was outstanding, we were very happy with the outcome of our case.
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29 Dec, 2014 by Tina
I think Marshall Belton is a very good lawyer. He cares and he gets the job done. He is on top of things and that's what you need when you are being represented by an attorney. Someone you can believe has your best interest at heart. My husband and I have faith in him.
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07 May, 2014 by Kraig
I got a dui while on parole, and was facing almost certain revocation. Katie worked out a deal for a quick sentencing, so that I could complete an aoda program, n be home to my family after only a short time...she really understood that people make mistakes, and the answer isnt always prison. I'd recommend Katie to anyone looking for a smart diligent attorney, who will keep u informed @ all times as to what is going on
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10 Jan, 2017 by Jarrod
Attorney Babe has been my lawyer since 01-16-13 and has been great. Since day one she has advised me on my options, the laws, and how we should advance in my family matter. She has always been punctual in responding to me, taking the time to answer numerous questions, returning my phone calls, and the hundreds of emails I have sent her over the years. During my court appearances Attorney Babe is respected and well received at the court house, which is great being we have been there almost 10 times over the past few years. I can tell you hiring Attorney Babe was the best decision I have made, she has helped alleviate the stress that is involved with court and the whole process. If you find yourself in the unfortunate circumstance and need a lawyer, I would give Katie Babe a call.
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14 May, 2015 by Steve
I was charged with disorderly conduct on a government installation ,I was not charged at first ,I hired a lawyer to get the charges dropped ,this case went uncharged for a year and when I received notice that I was being charged the lawyer I hired wanted more money to show up in court ...to make a long story short I had already paid this lawyer too much for doing nothing so I fired her and hired William Richard Jones. he was on the spot he came in and argued my case got the charges dropped and was done in less than an hour although we had agreed to a much higher price he only charged me for the time he spent on the case which was about 10% of my previous lawyer . He was professional and courteous at all times and showed a great concern for my case and the outcome that I wanted one of the best lawyers I have dealt with in a long time
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09 Mar, 2023 by Charles
Kathleen represented me at a board of appeals meeting for a building permit. She is diligent and
honest.
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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:
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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.
