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08 Apr, 2024 by Tim leclerc
Casey did an awesome job on my case! He was professional and caring. He inherently understood the situation I was in and was able to answer all of my questions, even the ones I should have asked but didn't think to.
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20 Feb, 2024 by Mario
If you have a moving traffic violation in VA, please seek counsel & not pay the fines.Latter has hidden costs like higher insurance premiums & -ve entry on your driving records. The one gem among the several attorneys I called was Casey Stevens. He was extremely knowledgeable about the violation . Explained to me in layman's terms what was involved & what to be done. Thanks to him my case was dismissed. He was genuinely interested to help me . He returned his calls promptly & took the time to listen. I highly recommend him to anyone I know or seeking counsel for traffic violation in VA. HE IS IT. Thank you Mr. Stevens. Mario
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02 Oct, 2023 by B w
Casey is the best lawyer ever!
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08 Apr, 2024 by Tim leclerc
Casey did an awesome job on my case! He was professional and caring. He inherently understood the situation I was in and was able to answer all of my questions, even the ones I should have asked but didn't think to.
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02 Oct, 2023 by B w
Casey is the best lawyer ever!
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14 Aug, 2023 by John
Lisa is phenomenal. My daughter was charged with reckless driving in Virginia just after graduating college. We were very anxious since my daughter was interviewing for jobs and a misdemeanor would hurt her chances. Lisa told us exactly what to do to help get the charge reduced. She was ALWAYS available when I called or texted. Weekends, dinner time, didn’t matter, she responded. She got the charge dismissed. I’m so glad we hired Lisa!
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23 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
Kevin was able to quickly cut through the complexity of my family law case and move forward with a strong strategy that helped to bring my case to a victory. He will not waste time or money and truly cares about his clients and getting them the best possible outcome. I could not recommend him enough. Excellent attorney.
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17 Jun, 2021 by Charlie
Blake is an absolute artisan in the practice of law. Blake walked into court with me with and defended my interests brilliantly...on extreme short notice and without a flaw. I saw first hand his wit and intellect in action. My arrest was a nightmare. His defense quickly put those bad dreams in the rear view mirror. Thank You Blake!
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13 Sep, 2012 by Rachel
When I almost gave up on my case, Attorney Ishmael Thoronka worked tirelessly around the clock to get me positive results and at the end I was satisfied. His skills are exemplary.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Heyling hernandez
I was looking for an attorney to help me finalize a divorce in VA and since the first consultation I had with one of the attorneys, I felt very comfortable and all my answers/concerns were answered. Ms. Randell is very knowledgeable and she was very responsive to any questions or concerns I had. I 100% recommend her and her team!!
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05 Jul, 2024 by Eveie barratt
Hiring Andrew Taylor as my attorney was the best decision I made when filing for divorce. My case was complicated, including numerous filings and hearings leading to a multi-day trial related to my divorce, child custody and support. He also handled my J&DR Court hearings to secure a Protective Order for my children and I. Andrew knows the law thoroughly and his experience in the courtroom meant he gave me very sound advice. After trying diligently to settle with the other side, it became clear we would have to go to trial. This meant months strategically prioritizing and timing the work on discovery, depositions, expert witnesses, coordination with the Guardian Ad Litem (GAL), minor children testifying to the judge in chambers, and supplementary legal negotiations. Andrew and his paralegal, Shannon, expertly managed all of this. They are truly good people and a delightful team: I trust them implicitly. Prior to my divorce trial, I presented Andrew with a 20-point list of what I wanted the judge to grant me. Andrew’s deep understanding of what the court would be looking for with regard to the best interest of my children, quantifying asset/debt values, jurisdiction, case law, & how that lined up with the fact patterns in my case meant success: what the judge granted me after the trial was beyond my expectations. Even though I was the one who chose to file for divorce, it was daunting emotionally. Sometimes I just wanted to give up the fight for what I knew I was legally allowed. However, Andrew Taylor is a thoughtful, empathetic person who clearly sees his role as one to help families navigate when they are facing hard realities. Andrew did everything to advocate for me & my children. My family & I have gone from surviving to thriving; we now live in a peaceful, joyful home. I highly recommend you speak with Andrew Taylor; whether your case is a simple one or more complex, to make sure all issues are properly addressed now and for your future.
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10 May, 2024 by Wayne nelson
My experience with this firm was horrendous!! I was baited during the custody consultation to feel as though I had a very strong case for full custody. However, once I provided the required retainment for representation, I simply became a statistic. Andrew consistently pushed for me to just accept opposing party offers of every other weekend, simply because it is the "standard" and had no concern of really fighting for me or my daughter's 'equal' time together. The goal of this firm is to drag clients through the system as slowly as possible, for their maximum profit!.. I was astonished to find that for my final bill, which only included the prep and appearance for my 20 min support hearing that should have only involved plugging my income numbers into a worksheet, I had accumulated the same amount of changes, nearly $7000, as I had for all of the work in the months leading up to the custody hearing. Don't make my mistake....You'll probably fair just as well, if not better, representing yourself and saving your kid's college fund.
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26 Jul, 2022 by Corrie miracle
Cannot recommend Mr. Arden enough. The gentleman knows is stiff when it comes to child custody cases. I appreciate him taking his time helping me navigate my questions and telling me what things would look like if the case went a certain way. Definitely someone who appreciates their clients and cares about their ourcomes.
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28 May, 2022 by Zeydy ellis
I highly recommend Mr. Arden, so profesional and caring for his clients. He really takes care of every detail, from the beginning to the end. So dependable, affordable and excellent results. Also I just enjoyed working with him. He was always there to address whenever question I had.
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29 Aug, 2021 by Dominant domino
The Law office of Alan Arden was a VERY professional team. He was timely, accurate, honest, caring, respectful, considerate, hardworking, dependable, hardcharging, trustworthy, fair and so much more. If you need defense council you should look no further than this office. It was a privilege to have them and the results will prove themselves!
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06 Feb, 2024 by Safiullah nasery
I wanted to extend my deepest appreciation for the outstanding legal representation you provided during my injury case. I am grateful for your tireless efforts in navigating the complexities of my case.
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07 Dec, 2023 by Lisa kingery
This law firm is amazing at their job. They were able to hold the offenders accountable and got us what we deserved. They really know what they are doing and I recommend them to any and everyone. Thank you Mr. Schupak and team!
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09 Sep, 2023 by Janet turner
Since my daughter and husband both recently passed away, I was so hopeful that Mr. Schupak would help me hold my husband's nursing home accountable for negligence. Sadly, he did not want to take the case. I wish he had given more time and consideration.
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18 Oct, 2024 by All smilez
Mrs. Jessica and her team was the most efficient, hands on law firm that I have ever experienced. I called them last minute, maybe like two days before my custody hearing and they were able to get me in and out of court with a successful trial and a win for my family and I. I am so grateful to have them in my corner and they were listening to my needs of myself and my family. Not that I will need them in the future but if I do, I would definitely come to them and recommend them to everyone. Thank you so much!!!
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20 Sep, 2024 by Rebecca moore
At the suggestion of my daughter, I called Jessica 5 days before the statute of limitations date for my personal injury case. Jessica and her team jumped right in to assist, filed on time, and explained the process clearly for me to understand. They were able to settle with the insurance company for substantially more than the insurance company offered me prior to hiring Jessica. I recommend her to anyone that ask me in similar circumstances.
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06 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Jessica along with her staff Alexis and Vicky assisted me when I needed it most. Jessica's expert knowledge of multiple facets of the law to include personal injury is greatly respected and appreciated. Their attention to detail and precise guidance made dealing with my situation more than manageable. If you're in need of legal advice or representation, Jessica should be your first call, she'll represent you well!
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27 Mar, 2023 by Deidre
When it became clear to me that my custody & child support situation was not going to come to a resolution without the courts getting involved, I was referred to Nichols Zauzig by a family friend who had previously had a wonderful experience with this firm while being represented by Paul Nichols. I cannot say enough amazing things in regards to the representation I have received by Paul Nichols. His knowledge of the law and ability to analyze a situation, (sometimes that situation could mean the second right before the court hearing is to begin) and to be able to quickly make the right decision for his client is completely remarkable. I wholeheartedly will continue to put my trust in him and highly recommend to others needing an amazing, experienced, results driven attorney to do the same.
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05 Mar, 2023 by Anna
We are appreciative and grateful for how our son’s child custody case was handled by Paul F. Nichols of the law firm, Nichols Zauzig. Mr. Nichols was the third and final attorney we hired who was finally able to understand the complexities of what proved to be a difficult and traumatic experience for all involved. Mr. Nichols explained everything in terms we could easily understand, was responsive to our questions and concerns and kept us advised of the status of the case. As a result of his exceptional expertise, we now have the opportunity to be grandparents and our son has the opportunity to be a father to his two children who were alienated from us by their mother. Through Mr. Nichols’ adroit understanding of the complex circumstances of this case, he was able to right the wrongs that had been done. His paralegal, Dana Lynn, is outstanding. Ms. Lynn was knowledgeable, compassionate and able to expertly respond to our inquiries and requests. We are all extremely pleased with the outcome of our son’s child custody, visitation and child support case and highly recommend Paul F. Nichols and his firm.
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12 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. Nichols is by far the best attorney I could have hired. From the initial consultation Mr. Nichols was the consummate professional, answering any and all questions I had. He did exactly as he said he would and made this painful journey a lot more bearable.
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22 Jul, 2024 by Peggy
Lisa Brown's advising and solving my legal matter was great. The attention to detail, effective communication, and expediency was so appreciated because timing was very important to me. Lisa was kind and respectful. It is great to know that I can depend on her for future representation when needed.
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23 Sep, 2023 by Myra
Please be advised Attorney Brown provided excellent Professional Service with my case. I am completely satisfied. Attorney Brown was punctual in responding to my call and office visits. Attorney Brown is knowledgeable of Trust, Wills, Living Wills,and Probate. Without reservation, I highly recommend anyone to her.
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25 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
We went to court for custody. Lisa prepared a thorough case against my children's mother. This custody battle was 4 years in the making. In court she painted a picture of the facts while protecting me. We won primary custody of my two daughters. I could not be happier. Also, Mr. Brown was a great help in teaching me how to cope with how you need to treat the other parent as you go through this difficult situation. I can not wait to start the school year with my two bright little girls. Happy Girl Dad!
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21 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. Johnson helped prevent me having to do jail time by coming to an agreement with the defense attorney. Which in result I plead no contest to one of my charges and plead guilty to the other.
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28 Jan, 2020 by Pamela
Mr. Johnson was able to get my reckless driving ticket reduced down to an infraction. I was very pleased with the outcome!
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25 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
This lawyer was no help on my court case. He did not explain the law or case in detail. James Johnson did not want to help me with my appeal case. He just took my money. When it was time to go to court for my appeal I did not know he did not want to help me. Less than a week before my case he left a message. My pending case was Reckless driving. He did not speak or contact me after my court appearance. Haven’t emailed me either. I would not recommend this lawyer or it’s firm at all.
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05 Mar, 2024 by Rashida
Mr Guy is a straight forward man. He will handle your case with care, respect, Honesty. I am grateful for him. He handled my situation and gave me the opportunity and advice I needed. My money was well spent! Thank you
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03 Aug, 2020 by Valerie
I will say Mr Guy is the best lawyer I have ever met, he is different from other lawyers, he helped me recover my truck from a business partner that was using my truck for his personal gains and refuse to return it, I have been trying to recover my truck for months and even the cops could not help me. He is a man with a kind heart, did not even charge me a dollar gave me free legal advice and help me recover my truck basically for free, something that would have cost me 5000$ and more just in legal fees. He has a good heart and really takes his time to understand your problem. I wish we had lawyers like this good man. God bless you and your family and thanks for helping me get my property. He is very confident and very positive. I will always use you as my lawyer.
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13 Apr, 2020 by Enny
Mr. White has been a pleasure to work with on my case. He was very communicative and responsive to my inquiries about the progress/handling of my case. He went to great lengths, doing research and preparation for my hearing. His efforts ultimately resulted in my charges being reduced and ultimately dismissed at a progress hearing. I highly recommend Mr. White to anyone looking for a good/honest lawyer, who understands the legal process and will work hard to get a successful resolution to your case.
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08 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
They set you up with kindness and leave uou dry his assistance Julia need too be working for Wendy's or Mc Donald's the worst lie about everything and they are very rude when they are wrong never again absolutely the worst
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23 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
You can be a good Christian but awful at your job. He completely gave us terrible advise and was awful in court, awful is being nice. He mumbled the Judge had to tell him to speak up. He called my daughter by the wrong name, he had no clue what he was doing, the other attny chewed him up and spit him out. Afterwards he said that went well and I had to remind him we lost. We had to hire another attny to try to undo what he did. Again you can be a good Christian but terrible at your job. I regret the day we hired him.
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05 Feb, 2021 by Dale
Chester Banks will only help you if you are a close friend. He did not handle my criminal case at all and I received 8 months in jail for a petty offense. When I tried to call him, he would never return my calls from the jail. He did not want to consult with me about my case until the day of my hearing. He kept the door open while folks listened to our quick talk. Any positive reviews shown here are probably false reviews, left by friends and family. He also cheats on his taxes. He is not a good man.
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08 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
This law office is a complete JOKE! They do not care about you or your legal status! BE WARE THEY JUST WANT YOUR MONEY! They never answer phone calls, or get back to you, or even UPDATE YOU REGARDING YOUR OWN LEGAL STATUS!! This Law firm is a complete joke and are full of BS! I do NOT recommend this attorney office! They make you wait months/years because they can’t do what people are paying them for. THEY ALSO SEND YOUR PAPERWORK TO THE WRONG FACILITY THAT DOESNT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH YOU!
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07 Apr, 2018 by Carlos
Mr. Hawbecker helped me to renew my DACA after it had expired. I was very scared that I would never be able to get it back, But Mr. Hawbecker helped me get it back. He showed me that he cared about my situation and had his awesome staff help me with everything. I recommend this Attorney and his entire staff to anyone!!
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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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