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5.0
62 Reviews
4.8
84 Reviews
16 Jan, 2025 by Victor
Hired Mr. Kearney for a criminal defense case of receiving stolen property, and he did an outstanding job. Got the charged dismissed and was very professional. Treated me with respect .
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14 Jan, 2025 by Jon
Very professional and great representation. Showed up on time and intervened well with everybody plus me. He knows his stuff and made me feel good about the case. I would 100% recommend him to anybody. Loved having you as an attorney!
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12 Jan, 2025 by Heartfelt history
RJ is an excellent attorney.
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5.0
34 Reviews
4.8
84 Reviews
12 Jan, 2025 by Heartfelt history
RJ is an excellent attorney.
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14 Dec, 2024 by Lauren stankiewicz
First let me say TL Kearney is amazing! what my family faced was by far horrific and we felt hope was lost and all odds against us. From the moment we met Mr.Kearney I felt a huge relief he was always so quick to respond to my million questions walked us through every step of the way was always prepared and gave us all of our options he left no stone unturned. He was extremely patient and understanding. He was hands down outstanding in court and the outcome was even better then we could have imagined I will forever be grateful to him for doing such outstanding work and helping my family in a time of need. If I had to choose again I would always choose him. Please don’t hesitate and go see him. Thank you TL from the bottom of my heart !
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03 Dec, 2024 by Alyse
My husband and I hired RJ Fisher to represent him. He was charged with a felony (person not to possess) and 2 ungraded misdemeanors. RJ was able to get the firearm and one of the misdemeanors thrown out! I have so much respect for RJ because he was always honest with us, he was so thorough, we were never left in the dark about anything, he listened to our concerns and we always felt heard. RJ was fighting with us, not just for us. We never felt like “just a paycheck” to RJ. He was always reachable when we needed him and he never procrastinated. When we were having issues with my husband’s transfers, RJ was on it immediately! He reached out to the court anytime needed and even reached out to parole to make sure things were moving along afterwards. He has went above and beyond. We will forever be thankful for RJ. I would recommend RJ Fisher to everyone if I could!
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20 Dec, 2024 by Steven bradley
Nancy Mizerak was an excellent attorney and the communication was perfect. Nancy and her assistant were timely on what paperwork they needed from us. Nancy has a skill at understanding the process and how the Judges will see what is presented. She and KGB Law will represent your interest to the full extent possible. We were given directions every step of the way through the process and all deadlines were met. And the process was successful Thank you...
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10 Dec, 2024 by Kailey flanagan
So grateful to have had Brian on my case. Best representation I could have asked for. Thank you for all your hard work!
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03 Dec, 2024 by Maritza s.
I would like to recommend KBG injury law in special Attorney Jennifer Kline and her paralegal Rachael Trembly for helping me in my process. I am so grateful to both of them because they took all their time and dedication to make my process easy and victorious. Thanks and many blessings to both of you. 100% Recommend
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5.0
22 Reviews
4.4
19 Reviews
04 Sep, 2024 by Scott
He was very thorough and explained everything!!
This is the second time I have used Attorney Schefter and would recommend him to all my friends who need guidance during difficult times !!!
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04 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Great lawyer, really came thru for us! Thank u!! Will recommend and call if needed again!
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24 Aug, 2024 by Tyler
Originally hired Penny Ayres & she was great, very competent & skilled.
Jason Shirley had taken over for her & became the worst choice for my custody trial I could have made. He is by far the worst attonrey I’ve ever witnessed practice. Very lazy & very unprofessional, said my daughter looked like a “chuckey” doll to opposing counsel. Showed up to trial with a 13 point small binder, every hearing was 10 steps backwards from where Penny got us.
Hiring anybody or anything else would be a better choice than Jason, If I could choose less than 1 star I would. If he truly wanted to help people Get Justice he would change practices or retire. A brick wall could have represented me better. How he still has any business is beyond me.
Office staff / paralegals were great
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5.0
21 Reviews
4.4
33 Reviews
23 Jan, 2025 by Timothy straub
Atty Carrucoli has helped many of our clients and has always done great work and his attention to detail is unparalleled.!!
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05 Dec, 2024 by Invisible illness ashley
Attorney Carrucoli, is an amazing and phenomenal attorney! He was understanding of the concerns and struggles of single parents who are unemployed going through a legal crisis. He was able to not only get a lot of charges withdrawn but he was able to reduce the things that stuck to receive the least punishment. I cannot recommend him enough!
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02 Nov, 2024 by Carolyn hentz
Attorney Carrucoli did a fine job on my case. Highly Endorse!
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06 Feb, 2025 by Amelia afuwape
My first time talking with Rosina oh my God she’s so good talk to people politely she answered all my questions and looking forward to work with her in future and the office staff talk to people good. I recommended this office to anyone looking for immigration lawyer to work with.
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05 Feb, 2025 by Rolando hernandez
05 Feb, 2025 by Diaz xiomara
Gracias a la abogada Rosina que ha estado ayudando ahora ya tengo mi permiso de trabajo mucha gracias
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14 Oct, 2024 by Alise
John Bergdoll is a very competent and caring attorney. He listens carefully and understands how important your case is to you while at the same time offering you balanced and realistic legal advice. His practice has helped our family several times over the last 10 years and has provided us with consistently sound advice and service.
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30 Mar, 2021 by Sam
Attorney Bergdoll did a excellent job at taking his time to listen and work with me on issues I had and was honest up front towards my options and focus on what was best for my child. I would recommend him if you need a honest upfront options that does not affect anyone in the custody situation, and an understanding explanation on pros and cons to help you with the decision making you may have.
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28 Jul, 2015 by Gabbriel
John prepared my will and healthcare directive. I appreciated the way he took the time to listen to my concerns and then carefully discussed my options so that I could make the best informed decision for my particular situation. I left thinking why didn't I do this sooner. The overall office was also welcoming and came with the exceptional service of a family owned business that has built a solid reputation for two generations.
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01 Nov, 2024 by Kaleb valentin
Taylor was amazing he got the results i wanted and more. He was always on top of my case. He listened to me and was always available if i had any questions. DO NOT REGRET using him for my custody case. DEFINITELY RECOMMEND!!!
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30 Jul, 2024 by Kalene gingrich
Taylor Bare was wonderful and very professional! He walked me through what to expect and was patient and kind. I never felt rushed when meeting with him and he answered all of my questions. I would highly recommend Bare Law to anyone.
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28 Jul, 2024 by Imani krause
Taylor Bare was absolutely phenomenal. He’s very realistic and professional. I will forever recommend his work.
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01 Nov, 2024 by Kaleb valentin
Taylor was amazing he got the results i wanted and more. He was always on top of my case. He listened to me and was always available if i had any questions. DO NOT REGRET using him for my custody case. DEFINITELY RECOMMEND!!!
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30 Jul, 2024 by Kalene gingrich
Taylor Bare was wonderful and very professional! He walked me through what to expect and was patient and kind. I never felt rushed when meeting with him and he answered all of my questions. I would highly recommend Bare Law to anyone.
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28 Jul, 2024 by Imani krause
Taylor Bare was absolutely phenomenal. He’s very realistic and professional. I will forever recommend his work.
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15 Oct, 2024 by Brian stankiewicz
I have to tip my hat to Deanna. She spoke to me with such care I could have swore I was speaking with a family member. And even though the firm could not handle my specific situation, Deanna went to her supervisor and reached back out to me later in the day sending me in a direction of help. Long story short they atleast cared enough to help in any way possible. If Donham law show's that level of compassion to someone who cant be a client then imagine if you could...I recommend if you are looking to give them a call you won't be disappointed. Thanks Deanna
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03 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
In my experience, Attorney Hobbs is a lawyer without integrity . He forgets things easily, doesn't like to be corrected and is completely difficult to even deal with half the time.
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01 Sep, 2024 by Paul hoover
Donham Law came thru to help us during a very difficult time. They listened and gave hope. We can't be more grateful for the positive outcome.
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30 Nov, 2023 by Kate maloney
I have worked with Attorney Woodward on personal and professional matters. Could not recommend her more highly.
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30 Nov, 2023 by Pie katie
Gillian is my go to attorney for family law. She is deligent, kind, and thorough. I have recommended her several times and the people who hired her were also pleased.
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28 Sep, 2022 by Lynn
Reached out for advice of what to do with the home warranty claim issue. There were several pages in home warranty contract that spelled out liability coverages. The attorney offered free-of-charge advice regarding the pursuit of the contractor rather than the home warranty company. Very knowledgeable and concise.
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31 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
I went in to court with charges n came out with a fine n a clean slate. Great job diana thank you!
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09 Jul, 2019 by Carl
Diana is a very knowledgeable attorney every aspect of my case was unique and she made sure I understood everything that was happening and was very clued into the legal side of it,I recommend her because everything she said that was going to happen did and the outcome was exactly like we discussed
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02 Jul, 2019 by Glen
Diana was very helpful and nice and she fought her hardest for me highly would recommend her
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10 Dec, 2017 by Terry
Attorney Edd helped with multiple kegal issues including staff problems and other things.I sm very pleased with his personable service and great knowledge .
I would strongly recommend him to sll my friends and family
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28 Apr, 2016 by Raifert
I came to Mr. Paskey to help me with troubles that were brought on. When i came to the firm, they welcomed me in and herd everything that i had to say. Mr. Paskey told me up front that he would like to help but could not promise anything, and also told me that he did not want me to hire him right away, to go out and look at other lawyers to be sure. I knew from the beginning that i choose the right person for the job. During the entire process he kept me informed and made professional references as to what would be smart to do through the process (ex: hiring a court stenographer). In the end of everything he always made sure that i was doing okay and tried to work with me even when i lived out of state. When it came down to the final trial he worked his hardest to make sure that I was comfortable and that i remained calm. The trial came out in favor and i couldn't be more grateful that he handled my case and fought his hardest for me. I am forever grateful that he took time out of his busy days to handle my case. Thank You so much and peace be with you Mr. Paskey!
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19 Aug, 2015 by Nan
Ed Paskey helped and supported us through the details of the transaction to purchase our house. He was thoughtful, immediately responsive and continuously advising about our best interests in the process. We would certainly ask for his help and guidance in the future and strongly recommend his expertise to others.
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01 Nov, 2024 by Kaleb valentin
Taylor was amazing he got the results i wanted and more. He was always on top of my case. He listened to me and was always available if i had any questions. DO NOT REGRET using him for my custody case. DEFINITELY RECOMMEND!!!
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30 Jul, 2024 by Kalene gingrich
Taylor Bare was wonderful and very professional! He walked me through what to expect and was patient and kind. I never felt rushed when meeting with him and he answered all of my questions. I would highly recommend Bare Law to anyone.
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28 Jul, 2024 by Imani krause
Taylor Bare was absolutely phenomenal. He’s very realistic and professional. I will forever recommend his work.
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10 Dec, 2017 by Tarik
He represented us in a commercial real estate closing,very attentive to details .
Very pleased with the service. They go above and beyond
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24 Nov, 2016 by Jarred and julie
Doug France and his staff are extremely easy to work with and have been a huge help in our situation. Doug explained everything to us so we fully understood what the laws were and knew what to expect. He has a straight to it attitude and is very confident. We never felt like he didn't have the time to listen to our concerns. We will recommend Doug France to any of our family or friends! This will be a long term professional relationship for sure.
We are so thankful this Thanksgiving for all Doug and his staff have helped us accomplish. Great people!
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17 Feb, 2016 by Stephen
I have known Doug France professionally for going on 7 years now and have always found him to be responsive and effective. His demeanor has always reflected the fact that he has a sympathetic ear regardless of the nature of my inquiries.
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16 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
We have used Attorney Hamme since he started at this office, after working for the District Attorney. We have found him to be very detail oriented and informative in many ascpects of law. We have used him for Wills, Estate Planning and Real Estate services.
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16 Mar, 2015 by Nick
I was and still am represented by Attorney Lord and he is what all Attorneys should strive to be. He always responded to my question, treated my family with respect and has truly changed my life.
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.5
182 Reviews
03 Feb, 2025 by Asha imanii
I would not recommend MPL Law Firm, specifically attorney Richard Robinson, for anyone in need of reliable legal representation! My boyfriend has been incarcerated, and we have been deeply disappointed by the lack of attention and care from his attorney. Richard Robinson has consistently neglected my boyfriend’s case, failing to return phone calls or provide updates. He shows up to court but does not advocate on my boyfriend’s behalf — instead, he remains silent while the prosecutors dominate the proceedings. On top of that, he frequently lies about the status of the case, leaving us feeling confused, frustrated, and powerless. We have never felt like a priority and are seriously considering seeking new representation. If you care about your legal situation, I suggest looking elsewhere.
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07 Jan, 2025 by S raviraj
I would definitely not recommend her!! She is not experienced enough! She does not try enough! She will talk to you like she can do a lot but actually she doesn’t try hard enough.
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04 Jan, 2025 by Nathan williams
Heather came highly recommended by friends and family, and she did not disappoint. She was instrumental in helping me get a speeding ticket significantly reduced, which was a huge relief. Her communication throughout the process was excellent, keeping me informed and at ease every step of the way. What I thought would be a stressful and unfamiliar experience turned out to be a breeze thanks to her expertise. I would absolutely recommend Heather to anyone in need of legal assistance—she’s truly top-notch!
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27 Jan, 2025 by Stephanie franklin
Melanie is by far the BEST! If you are looking for a defense attorney that is afforable, determined, knowledgeable and compassionate, than shes it! She's an excellent defense attorney and works hard to guarantee to get you the best possible outcome as an end result. If it were possible to give more than 5 stars I would have, as she deserves to be rated WAY more than 5 stars! I HIGHLY recommend Melanie for anyone in need and I can promise you won't be left disappointed!
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02 Jan, 2025 by John sease
29 Aug, 2024 by Demary santos
Thank you so much for going above and beyond! I am extremely grateful for all of your help and bearing with me through everything! I write today to express my gratitude for your help on winning my trial. Your work ethic and presentation was great. Your professionalism and legal advice was so helpful throughout these months of stress.
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5.0
1 Reviews
4.5
197 Reviews
03 Feb, 2025 by Asha imanii
I would not recommend MPL Law Firm, specifically attorney Richard Robinson, for anyone in need of reliable legal representation! My boyfriend has been incarcerated, and we have been deeply disappointed by the lack of attention and care from his attorney. Richard Robinson has consistently neglected my boyfriend’s case, failing to return phone calls or provide updates. He shows up to court but does not advocate on my boyfriend’s behalf — instead, he remains silent while the prosecutors dominate the proceedings. On top of that, he frequently lies about the status of the case, leaving us feeling confused, frustrated, and powerless. We have never felt like a priority and are seriously considering seeking new representation. If you care about your legal situation, I suggest looking elsewhere.
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07 Jan, 2025 by S raviraj
I would definitely not recommend her!! She is not experienced enough! She does not try enough! She will talk to you like she can do a lot but actually she doesn’t try hard enough.
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04 Jan, 2025 by Nathan williams
Heather came highly recommended by friends and family, and she did not disappoint. She was instrumental in helping me get a speeding ticket significantly reduced, which was a huge relief. Her communication throughout the process was excellent, keeping me informed and at ease every step of the way. What I thought would be a stressful and unfamiliar experience turned out to be a breeze thanks to her expertise. I would absolutely recommend Heather to anyone in need of legal assistance—she’s truly top-notch!
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20 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
I just wanted to post this review in thanks for Attorney Lineberry. I'm going through a very difficult time in what's been a 2+ year struggle to set my life back on a good path, his advice on my situation did exactly as he said and my stomach is calmer knowing my rights and that I'm not wrong and that I'm being taken advantage of. So, if you have questions in his area of law, he's definitely the one to call!! Thank you thank you thank you!
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02 Sep, 2015 by Heather
Attorney Lineberry is a great attorney that I have hired more than once for different situations. No matter the situation he has a calming influence and his knowledge and professionalism help to make the legal processes I have encountered go smoothly and give me the confidence needed to get through them. He is always accessible and makes me feel as though my case is important to him. Though I hope to never need an attorney I am glad to know he is only a phone call away.
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01 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Lineberry made me feel like I was his number one priority. He was very passionate about what he was doing and it really eased my worries. Not being knowledgeable in legal matters, he was also able to explain everything to me in a way that I could easily understand. What I appreciated most was his regular updates on my case and prompt responses to my emails.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Elaine
My family and I reached out to Heidi about a charge I had from 2018. I had moved to Florida without finishing handling it and a bench warrant had been issued. Heidi was able to get the warrant dismissed and the original charge down to a summary offense that only required paying a fine. Communicating with her was seamless and she provided all the answers and details we needed. It couldn't have gone any better and I am so grateful for the work she did for me.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Jon
Heidi has consistantly gone above and beyond in all aspects of a highly complex case. She was a beacon of hope and confidence during difficult times. Her genuine care, compassion, and tenacity is unparalleled in the court room and beyond. Her dedication to justice is unquestionable and her perpetual results are undeniable. Her keen insights sythesized with the aforementioned truths equate to her being a phenomenal and trust worthy attorney as well as a great friend. Heidi is truly a best in class lawyer and a powerful asset to help navigate simple or complex situations. I would highly recommend her and the firm she represents. Anyone who is a client of hers will no doubt be in the best of hands.
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24 Sep, 2019 by Ilene
25 Jul, 2018 by Jose pol
Honorable attorney.
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18 Dec, 2017 by A blair
Very knowledgeable on the estate questions that I had. Prevented me from making a potentially costly mistake. There are times it is better to not accept the position of executor of an estate.
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02 Jan, 2025 by Madison depew
02 Jan, 2025 by Kylei snyder
Amazing lawyer!!!
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18 Nov, 2024 by Skylar partlow
Detail Oriented, On time, the outcome was excellent and she is a fighter at every stage of the case. If you need a Lawyer give her a call NOW. You need her on your side! Zealousness for sure.
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07 Mar, 2024 by Alicia
08 Sep, 2023 by Danielle grey
I choose this law firm because the location was great for me since it's not far away and it's convenient they are open until 5pm. Had never worked with an Attorney before but wasn't impressed and glad I changed council. Fees are based on a “sliding scale” percentage depending on amount of money your working with = Expensive. In my case for an Estate account. I planned to handle basic responsibilities like opening the account to pay bills, reduce late fees, phone calls, etc. but that was made out to seem like it would be complicated and they should do all the work. $$$ Jack wasn't very personable and didn't shake my hand once. Glad I went with my gut and changed to an hourly Lawyer that was willing to let me be a part of the process and not nickel and dime me. I do not recommend and hate the idea of paying the ridiculously high bill I received for the little work that was done.
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11 Apr, 2022 by Doug mccaskey
Vicky was great at getting me scheduled for a consultation quickly, and Jack was able to review my contract in easy to understand terms and ensure that all clauses are reasonable vs anything out of the ordinary and weighed the pros/cons of making a change. Fortunately, this was fairly uncomplicated and the only potential change would not be significantly relevant for me so we did not pursue any changes. He was very nice to talk with and I would certainly recommend him for others looking for contract review.
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10 Jun, 2024 by Diane gettys
A+. Peter Vaughn and his staff took great care of me and had my best interest at heart.
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25 Jul, 2023 by Lamar sipe
Was going to use them to represent me extremely unprofessional. Wouldn't allow me to state the facts of my case. Extremely unprofessional again and I wouldn't recommend them. Poor service
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07 Jul, 2023 by Ron betts
Very truthful and straight forward
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01 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
Marakay Rogers helped me with a child custody case recently. She was honest and upfront with me about what we would be dealing with and our chances for success, although they were limited. Not only did she let me know what to expect, she was in my corner every step of the way. With her knowledge and persistence, we won the case on every count.
Every phone call that I've left for her was returned in a reasonable amount of time and any necessary paperwork was delivered quickly.
I'm happy to use her again and to recommend her to anyone who wants to know that they have a fighter with them in their corner.
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10 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
To keep this short and sweet, I wouldn't recommend this women to anyone. She us unresponsive, unprofessional, rude and just plain wrong. I read these other reviews and wonder if relatives wrote them about her. If shes currently your lawyer. GOOD LUCK.
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23 Oct, 2012 by Diane
I have been fortunate to have had Ms. Rogers represent me on several occasions. All I can say is this: Any attorney who can put up with me as a client, and still hold her own in any courtroom is a winner in my book. I would recommend Marakay anytime, any day.
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18 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
good communication skills and I was informed of the process that resulted in having charges dismissed against my son
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24 Jun, 2017 by Amber
Dean went to bat for me on a case that was one of the first to be on trial with a new law. He showed confidence and was very professional in his proceedings. We won our case. He did an awesome job.
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21 Jun, 2017 by Chris
Failed to effectively communicate with me. Mr. Reynosa allowed inaccurate information presented by prosecutor to harm me. Did not correct factual errors of my PSI. During the sentencing phase, he did not advocate on my behalf. Did not mention favorable or mitigating factor as well. The billing is highly questionable. Me and my family are extremely disappointed. I'd advise caution to anyone looking for representation from this attorney.
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03 Jan, 2025 by Cynthia perez
BE CAREFUL WITH THIS WOMAN …..
"I'm leaving a negative review for the attorney handling my grandmother's divorce. The divorce was mutually agreed upon, but the attorney continues to drag her feet, seemingly to extract more money from us.
She's unprofessional and after paying her thousands of dollars, she's now claiming we need to find a notary. This process has been ongoing for a year with no resolution.
It's led me to believe we've been scammed and she's stolen our money. Extremely disappointing experience."
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26 Dec, 2024 by Josh el
13 Dec, 2024 by Anonymous
With a very specific set of situations for family law and advocacy for myself and family she has been phenomenal and continues to be. There are times I do have to wait to get a response back like any other human being, but I without failed due, and she always takes the time to communicate with me andanswer questions even when I am being somewhat of a pain in the butt, she has handled everything with grace and with compassion and I highly recommend. I am continuing to use her with the rest of my process and have full confidence.
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09 May, 2016 by Anonymous
I can't express how pleased I am with the work Heather and her staff put into my high conflict custody case. I found her to be incredibly organized and prepared which was, without a doubt, an immense asset to my defense when things went to trial. She is knowledgable of the law, handled herself well in the court room, and is empathetic and honest. I had no issues getting a response from Heather or her staff. She was pleasant to be around and even more importantly, I am pleased and relieved at the custody order we received.
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09 Aug, 2015 by Karen
Without any hesitation, Heather Z. Reynosa is an amazing attorney. Heather displays knowledge, empathy and persistence towards her clients. I have had the privilege of working with her and she has earned my admiration and appreciation. I am grateful to have her on my team.
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24 Oct, 2012 by Steve
After an intensive search for York County's best custody trial attorney (contacting no less then 25 law offices) I kept hearing the name Heather Reynosa. She did not disappoint. She won my case which had certain complexities that she went out of her way to learn about and handle appropriately. I will use and refer Heather in all family law matters from now on.
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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:
-
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.
