Lawyers map
>48
experienced lawyers
Filter by
5.0
20 Reviews
4.3
7 Reviews
19 Oct, 2024 by Joaquin vargas
03 Feb, 2024 by Matt canfield
Matt’s integrity and professionalism is unmatched. Because of Mr. Sullivan, I was able to come out on top of a very serious 7 felony 5 misdemeanor charge. Kind of speaks for itself….
Matt never lost sight of my case during the long three years of fighting and he would always surprise me with how much he was always working behind the scenes and in between court dates.
His Intuitive and confident nature, combined with a brilliant legal team, provides comfort in dealing with such a stressful/uncertain time in one’s life. Not a day goes by that I’m not thankful for Matt’s hard work and determination to let my voice be heard. I know that my favorable outcome was only possible with the help Matt Sullivan and his team.
Thank you Matt for a second chance at life
Sincerely,
MC
Read more
11 Sep, 2023 by Marianne
Matt Sullivan represented me on a case recently. He was very responsive, organized, and on point. Matt made the process easy for me, with quick responses that actually made sense. Matt was very efficient and went the full distance with my case. One thing that impressed me was Matt’s attitude. He was very positive and kept me updated on my case. Matt also understood my situation and valued my thoughts and the things I had to say. He’s definitely a person you want on your side.
Read more
16 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
Michael was hired to help with a case involving two cross-border jurisdictions. An amount of undue stress, frustration and mental/financial cost was unfortunately beyond normal, largely due to us having to deal with an extremely dishonest opposing side, whose counsel (a gentleman named Gaurav Bali) in a counter motion was close to facing the judge and get sanctioned due to his unethical/illegal actions on this case (which included them faking the evidence, as well as illegally subpoenaing my former employers and financial institutions). Amidst all of this, Michael was the one who actually helped manage this mess, providing much needed clarity and guidance as to what to do and how to sanction them.
I plan on further retaining (and working with) Michael going forward, and highly recommend him as a person/professional with the highest standard of integrity.
Read more
01 Jul, 2022 by Nelcy carino
I am obliged to post my review since the reviews and comments here has lead me to a right decision of choosing Julia Jayne. She is one of a kind- prompt in answering emails, calls and inquiries, approachable, honest, straightforward, witty, pro active. We’ve only met for a short time, she listened, had genuine concern, and had acted right away. My case was resolved in less than half an hour. And even after that, Julia still reached out when she has concerns. And she only charged reasonable fees. Words are not enough to thank Julia for what she has done. No one would wanna be in a position where you need to consult or hire a lawyer, but sometimes, that is life. Don’t hesitate, consult Julia. From my heart, I highly recommend her.
Read more
24 Jan, 2022 by George
Julia was great, not only was she very responsive but proactive as well. I never had any issues trying to get a hold of her. I would definitely recommend her law firm to anyone else looking for quality work.
Read more
01 Jul, 2022 by Nelcy carino
I am obliged to post my review since the reviews and comments here has lead me to a right decision of choosing Julia Jayne. She is one of a kind- prompt in answering emails, calls and inquiries, approachable, honest, straightforward, witty, pro active. We’ve only met for a short time, she listened, had genuine concern, and had acted right away. My case was resolved in less than half an hour. And even after that, Julia still reached out when she has concerns. And she only charged reasonable fees. Words are not enough to thank Julia for what she has done. No one would wanna be in a position where you need to consult or hire a lawyer, but sometimes, that is life. Don’t hesitate, consult Julia. From my heart, I highly recommend her.
Read more
24 Jan, 2022 by George
Julia was great, not only was she very responsive but proactive as well. I never had any issues trying to get a hold of her. I would definitely recommend her law firm to anyone else looking for quality work.
Read more
30 May, 2021 by Syl mynx
In our case, Julia got a great outcome by having a great strategy and pursuing it quickly. Julia is very very smart, which you can gather from the other reviews. She also listens, which was key to our case. She listened to us, she listened to the prosecutor, and she used all of the information she gathered. She communicates clearly, and made sure that we understood every step in the process and also the strategy that she pursued so energetically. She was effective at working with the experts that we needed. I highly recommend Julia.
Read more
03 Jan, 2025 by Kai c
Thank you from the bottom of our family’s heart to Atty. Russ Goodrow at Goodrow Law firm.
Atty. Goodrow is an honest, professional, and a knowledgeable attorney. He took the time and always communicated with our family. Atty Goodrow helped me to stay calm and absolutely lessened my stress during the process. Not only is Atty Goodrow an excellent attorney but he also possesses a great amount of emotional intelligence as an attorney. He provided tremendous guidance to our family and extremely patient and organized. I highly recommend Atty Goodrow at Goodrow Law Firm.
Read more
15 Dec, 2024 by Travis
Adam and his firm are truly exceptional. Adam is a caring and compassionate attorney who guided me through a terrifying and intricate legal matter and secured the best possible outcome. I am utterly grateful for his and his firm’s exceptional work.
If you seek further proof of Adam’s reputation, simply ask any attorney in the San Francisco area about him. You will witness the immense respect and admiration he holds within the legal community.
Thank you once again, Adam, and John, for everything.
Read more
10 Dec, 2024 by Heather kenna hall
Valery was truly phenomenal in her support and guidance to me in an unfortunate accidental legal situation involving what was technically a felony crime on my part. Having never been in trouble with the law before, she was especially kind and supportive to me, and was successful in getting my charges dismissed. Valery is my savior and has my wholehearted endorsement.
Read more
30 Jan, 2024 by Ed
I interviewed dozens of lawyers, and I hired one who was soothing but turned out to be incompetent. She was not only a waste of money, she left me hanging with a trial date that was approaching fast. I had to scramble and thank God Sean was willing to take my case. He does not sugar coat anything. He's extremely professional, organized, competent and honest. He does his homework, talks through all aspects of your case, writes briefs well, prepares you thoroughly for trial, and speaks in court with authority. He takes his job seriously and gets it done on your behalf.
Read more
12 Aug, 2023 by Crystal
My divorce started with a different attorney. A firm I will not name here who honestly took a great deal of my money with very little oversight. I received a referral to Sean and I'm so glad I made the switch. You can't prepare for divorce so I was blind sided and hadn't done my research. I wish I had started my divorce with Sean as my attorney. He listed to me and was able to see my side and advocate what was best for me and my daughter. I will forever be thankful to him in remembering all the details of my case. We didn't have to rehash everything every time we met. Sean was so efficient every time we met and also very sincere. He made himself available and he always gave me both sides of an argument and he prepared me every step of the way. I settled my divorce and child custody case with my ex-husband and I feel that it was fair. I wasted so much money in the beginning by not using an attorney such as Sean. I can't tell you how rare he is and I'm so grateful for the time and service he provided.
Read more
06 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
I am an attorney and am familiar with litigation. I retained an attorney to file a divorce proceeding, and that attorney did nothing but bill me for work that did not move the case forward. Fed up, I was referred to Sean Patrick Joyce. What a breath of fresh air. Mr. Joyce took immediate action, was a great communicator, and effectively utilized his terrific paralegal. In a matter of weeks, Mr. Joyce resolved issues, moved the case forward and obtained a stipulated judgment for me. During the time period that I worked with Mr. Joyce, and his paralegal, all of my questions were quickly resolved with an eye towards resolution and cost effectiveness. Mr. Joyce is direct, honest and a real problem solver. I would highly recommend his firm.
Read more
10 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
After getting myself into some legal troubles and risking losing my drivers license for a year, I went on a lengthy search for the right lawyer to represent me in court. Luckily I found Mr. Linschied after several recommendations from esteemed legal professionals and selecting him was absolutely the best possible decision I could have made for myself and my future. Mr. Linscheid was always open to hearing me out and was very honest with me throughout the entire process of my trial. On top of this, Mr. Linscheid is very good at communicating what is happening to ensure that you know where your case sits every step of the way, and the various possible outcomes given your situation. He worked very hard to grant me the best possible outcome, and he went above and beyond ultimately bringing forth an outcome that far exceeded my expectations. I can honestly say working with Mr. Linscheid resolved what seemed like an absolute nightmare to me and I would very highly recommend him to anyone searching for professional legal services under his scopes of work.
Read more
04 Oct, 2022 by Sherif
If you are in need of legal assistance, I highly recommend Mr. Linscheid. He is an excellent lawyer who is very knowledgeable and experienced in a wide range of legal matters. He is also a very good communicator and is very responsive to his clients' needs and concerns. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone who needs legal assistance.
Read more
21 Sep, 2018 by Jonathan
It was one of the worst moments in my life. I was driving home and I crashed my car into a parked car. I was scared, lost, confused but most of all worried.
I was refered by a friend to a lawyer named Michael Linscheid, who turned out to be a saving grace.
He helped me go through the court system and provided me the reassurance that everything will be ok.
He is the utmost professional and his knowledge of the court system is extremely extensive.
After the court case had already happened, Michael followed up with me to ensure everything was on track to get my license back.
I would not be where I am today if it weren't for Michael.
Read more
01 Jul, 2022 by Nelcy carino
I am obliged to post my review since the reviews and comments here has lead me to a right decision of choosing Julia Jayne. She is one of a kind- prompt in answering emails, calls and inquiries, approachable, honest, straightforward, witty, pro active. We’ve only met for a short time, she listened, had genuine concern, and had acted right away. My case was resolved in less than half an hour. And even after that, Julia still reached out when she has concerns. And she only charged reasonable fees. Words are not enough to thank Julia for what she has done. No one would wanna be in a position where you need to consult or hire a lawyer, but sometimes, that is life. Don’t hesitate, consult Julia. From my heart, I highly recommend her.
Read more
24 Jan, 2022 by George
Julia was great, not only was she very responsive but proactive as well. I never had any issues trying to get a hold of her. I would definitely recommend her law firm to anyone else looking for quality work.
Read more
30 May, 2021 by Syl mynx
In our case, Julia got a great outcome by having a great strategy and pursuing it quickly. Julia is very very smart, which you can gather from the other reviews. She also listens, which was key to our case. She listened to us, she listened to the prosecutor, and she used all of the information she gathered. She communicates clearly, and made sure that we understood every step in the process and also the strategy that she pursued so energetically. She was effective at working with the experts that we needed. I highly recommend Julia.
Read more
01 Jul, 2022 by Nelcy carino
I am obliged to post my review since the reviews and comments here has lead me to a right decision of choosing Julia Jayne. She is one of a kind- prompt in answering emails, calls and inquiries, approachable, honest, straightforward, witty, pro active. We’ve only met for a short time, she listened, had genuine concern, and had acted right away. My case was resolved in less than half an hour. And even after that, Julia still reached out when she has concerns. And she only charged reasonable fees. Words are not enough to thank Julia for what she has done. No one would wanna be in a position where you need to consult or hire a lawyer, but sometimes, that is life. Don’t hesitate, consult Julia. From my heart, I highly recommend her.
Read more
23 Feb, 2022 by Viktoria
Kim is an amazing attorney. She is cooperative, strategic, and fierce at the same time. You will be in amazing hands with Kim.
Read more
24 Jan, 2022 by George
Julia was great, not only was she very responsive but proactive as well. I never had any issues trying to get a hold of her. I would definitely recommend her law firm to anyone else looking for quality work.
Read more
16 Sep, 2024 by Ellie rose maas
I don’t have a ton of experience with lawyers, but would 100% recommend working with Cary after utilizing him to help with our prenuptial agreement. Cary was knowledgeable, quick to respond, and made the process as easy and straightforward as possible.
Since Cary was my lawyer and my partner had a different lawyer, I can tell you that our experience was one of extreme differences. While Cary was no nonsense, great at listening and modifying the document to support our wishes, and respectful of our timeline- my partners lawyer was an absolute nightmare for us both.
One large difference between the two was that Cary had a flat rate fee and my spouses lawyer charged by the hour. Because of this, I firmly believe his lawyer drew the process out as much as possible, often completely disregarding our express wishes, and did everything extremely last minute- causing a lot of stress and unnecessary anxiety for us all.
That said, Cary did a fabulous job handling working with someone so unimpressive, and I believe is the only reason we ended up with a document at all.
Read more
22 Feb, 2024 by T. nicolaus
There are a lot of good lawyers out there, but when your child is in trouble, you need a GREAT lawyer, and that's where Mike Silveira comes in. Today, Mike contacted us to share the fantastic news that our son's case was dismissed. This was no easy feat. Our son received a DUI in Nov. 2020, and to make matters worse, fentanyl (not intentionally ingested) was found in his system. We looked at reviews online and we chose Silveira Law based on the great reviews we read. We could not be happier with the outcome. For more than 3 years, Mike Silveira fought for our son, never giving up and doing everything legally possible to have the case dismissed. Mike stuck with it and continued to work the case even when the DA refused to reduce or dismiss it due to newer and stricter policy surrounding unintentional fentanyl. There are no words to describe our amazement when we learned today that the case was not just reduced -- but dismissed! Now our son can move forward with a clean slate -- all thanks to Mike. The dark cloud has lifted. If you find yourself in this situation, don't hesitate to go with Mike Silveira Law. He's truly the best there is! And he has a wonderful staff of folks working there! Thank you, Mike! We are forever grateful for your professionalism, tenacity, and kindness.
Read more
14 Feb, 2024 by Nick hytinen
AMAZING!!! Got my 2nd DUI dismissed!!!! (small collision involved, no one hurt so I cannot believe it). Silveira communicated great, their office was easy to contact and courteous, detailed, and quick replies. He went to many many court dates over the last 3 years trying to get it dismissed and it paid off big time ! I never expected in my wildest dreams to have this turn out! Thank you!!!
Read more
19 Dec, 2024 by Lulu salman
I can’t really say enough of what Mr Shamieh has done for us. He was outstanding in ever way. Very detailed in his work timing taking time with us. His support in filing and representing us. He has helped us become American Citizens finally. Wish I knew him from beginning.
Thank you and your amazing staff
Read more
18 Dec, 2024 by Karla costa
This Office saved my life. Literally. Thank you so much to attorneys Ray Chau and Ghassan Shamieh for leading this and guiding me. Because of you guys, my life and my daughter’s lives are changed and we are forever grateful to you. Obrigao!!!!!!!!
Read more
17 Dec, 2024 by Monaam mzoughi
Thank you so much for your help in my N-400 Mr Elyas we’re professional and reliable attorney.you are the best .
Read more
20 Feb, 2025 by James witty
William Reilly has successfully fought for my disability claim, forcing the company to continue abiding by their insurance policy.
Read more
20 Jan, 2025 by Sabrina pappas
Highly recommend!!!
Best immigration lawyer team ever.
Thank you for all great work during my residency and citizenship journey!
Read more
21 Nov, 2024 by Mikosha phoenix
Amie and team guided us during a long journey and were always knowledgeable, professional and understanding.
Read more
05 Feb, 2025 by Anonymous
I hired Marc to represent me because of a felony Child Endangerment and misdemeanor DUI arrest in Fresno. Marc contacted the DMV and the hearing to consider suspending my driver license was set-aside. I am very pleased with this outcome. I also hired Marc to represent me in another legal matter inFresno, as well as in Contra Costa County.
Read more
22 Jan, 2025 by Anonymous
I hired Marc Pelta to be my lawyer to represent me in a misdemeanor battery investigation because I was informed by the Fremont Police that I falsely accused of it because I defended my wife and baby son from an aggressive man at the park. Marc contacted the Alameda County District Attorney's Officefor me and persuaded the DA to offer me diversion instead of charging me with a crime. I am happy with the result.
Read more
20 Jan, 2025 by Carolya
We hired Marc to represent our son who was falsely accused of Domestic Violence during a family Christmas vacation on Catalina Island in Los Angeles. He persuaded the District Attorney to not file a criminal case against our son. We are very pleased with this result and highly recommend him! Thankyou, Marc!
Read more
03 Jan, 2025 by Kai c
Thank you from the bottom of our family’s heart to Atty. Russ Goodrow at Goodrow Law firm.
Atty. Goodrow is an honest, professional, and a knowledgeable attorney. He took the time and always communicated with our family. Atty Goodrow helped me to stay calm and absolutely lessened my stress during the process. Not only is Atty Goodrow an excellent attorney but he also possesses a great amount of emotional intelligence as an attorney. He provided tremendous guidance to our family and extremely patient and organized. I highly recommend Atty Goodrow at Goodrow Law Firm.
Read more
15 Dec, 2024 by Travis
Adam and his firm are truly exceptional. Adam is a caring and compassionate attorney who guided me through a terrifying and intricate legal matter and secured the best possible outcome. I am utterly grateful for his and his firm’s exceptional work.
If you seek further proof of Adam’s reputation, simply ask any attorney in the San Francisco area about him. You will witness the immense respect and admiration he holds within the legal community.
Thank you once again, Adam, and John, for everything.
Read more
10 Dec, 2024 by Heather kenna hall
Valery was truly phenomenal in her support and guidance to me in an unfortunate accidental legal situation involving what was technically a felony crime on my part. Having never been in trouble with the law before, she was especially kind and supportive to me, and was successful in getting my charges dismissed. Valery is my savior and has my wholehearted endorsement.
Read more
03 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
John represented my husband in a case and was a fantastic resource to have. He was able to give us very good council, broke down the process and what needed to happen, and did it in very easy to digest terms. He is an excellent negotiator and I felt he was really going to bat for us both in and out of court. I can't recommend him enough.
Read more
03 Jun, 2019 by Fred
I was looking at 30 years, maybe life in a criminal case. A friend of mine referred me to John and his team. They were all very attentive, passionate, and knowledgeable.
John's presence in the courtroom really leaves an impression. When government attorneys, police officers, and legal experts are conspiring against you; you must hire someone to be in your corner and to stand for you. John's the guy to do it.
Read more
19 Feb, 2019 by Rama
John is a great lawyer. He was very professional, thorough and went the extra mile to help with my case. He was able to get my case dismissed!. I would without a doubt recommend him.
Read more
16 May, 2018 by Syth
Erica has been such an asset! She tackled every obstacle that was thrown at me and I've always been able to get ahold of her so I never felt alone throughout this process:-) I would hire her again without hesitation.
Read more
07 Jun, 2017 by Edward
Erica is an awesome attorney! She was contracted to provide criminal defense strategy and pretrial prep that proved extremely valuable.
If she wasn't so busy and if i didn't put a team together, I would of retained Erica as a lead in my case.
Read more
01 Jul, 2022 by Nelcy carino
I am obliged to post my review since the reviews and comments here has lead me to a right decision of choosing Julia Jayne. She is one of a kind- prompt in answering emails, calls and inquiries, approachable, honest, straightforward, witty, pro active. We’ve only met for a short time, she listened, had genuine concern, and had acted right away. My case was resolved in less than half an hour. And even after that, Julia still reached out when she has concerns. And she only charged reasonable fees. Words are not enough to thank Julia for what she has done. No one would wanna be in a position where you need to consult or hire a lawyer, but sometimes, that is life. Don’t hesitate, consult Julia. From my heart, I highly recommend her.
Read more
24 Jan, 2022 by George
Julia was great, not only was she very responsive but proactive as well. I never had any issues trying to get a hold of her. I would definitely recommend her law firm to anyone else looking for quality work.
Read more
30 May, 2021 by Syl mynx
In our case, Julia got a great outcome by having a great strategy and pursuing it quickly. Julia is very very smart, which you can gather from the other reviews. She also listens, which was key to our case. She listened to us, she listened to the prosecutor, and she used all of the information she gathered. She communicates clearly, and made sure that we understood every step in the process and also the strategy that she pursued so energetically. She was effective at working with the experts that we needed. I highly recommend Julia.
Read more
01 Jul, 2022 by Nelcy carino
I am obliged to post my review since the reviews and comments here has lead me to a right decision of choosing Julia Jayne. She is one of a kind- prompt in answering emails, calls and inquiries, approachable, honest, straightforward, witty, pro active. We’ve only met for a short time, she listened, had genuine concern, and had acted right away. My case was resolved in less than half an hour. And even after that, Julia still reached out when she has concerns. And she only charged reasonable fees. Words are not enough to thank Julia for what she has done. No one would wanna be in a position where you need to consult or hire a lawyer, but sometimes, that is life. Don’t hesitate, consult Julia. From my heart, I highly recommend her.
Read more
24 Jan, 2022 by George
Julia was great, not only was she very responsive but proactive as well. I never had any issues trying to get a hold of her. I would definitely recommend her law firm to anyone else looking for quality work.
Read more
30 May, 2021 by Syl mynx
In our case, Julia got a great outcome by having a great strategy and pursuing it quickly. Julia is very very smart, which you can gather from the other reviews. She also listens, which was key to our case. She listened to us, she listened to the prosecutor, and she used all of the information she gathered. She communicates clearly, and made sure that we understood every step in the process and also the strategy that she pursued so energetically. She was effective at working with the experts that we needed. I highly recommend Julia.
Read more
18 Nov, 2024 by Tamara williams (tammy)
17 Nov, 2024 by Louis rodriquez
11 Nov, 2024 by Foster yanko
05 Jun, 2024 by Martinez martinez
Excelente abogado
Read more
17 May, 2024 by Daniela silva
Highly recommend! Anderson was our attorney who helped me and my family on a settlement of a lawsuit. He continued to fight the case until satisfied with the results.
Read more
17 May, 2024 by Kyle larson
I’ve known Anderson for several years now and he is one of the best attorneys I have worked with. He is prompt, responsive, incredibly knowledgeable, and caring. I give him 5 stars!!!
Read more
18 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
I went through restraining order hearing, before , during and after the hearing, he gave the most honest and truthful and ethical advice to me what I should do , what I should expect without charging me a penny.I presented myself and I got fair result.
I never seen any attorney so ethical and generous like him so if someone has family law matters, I fully recommend to him for competency, reasonable price and everything.
Thank you so much for your help Mr Gurley.
Read more
29 May, 2015 by Anonymous
After another Family Lawyer charged me $40K and didn't do anything but expensive discoveries, I ended up in Adam Gurley's Office begging for help. He his a kind-hearted lawyer with a deep knowledge of Family Law. He immediately put his associates to do re job. They did a supreme job without the exuberant partner fees. They are a team of caring professionals without the greed of most family law attorneys.
It was a bit inconvenient to drive to his office as I live in Daly City, but it was well worth it. They were available after regular work hours and the weekends.
Read more
30 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Gurley after his initial consultation when he overstated his abilities and also asked me to write a favorable review (on another website) due to a competition he had going with another attorney. He started out pretty good but when push came to shove he pretty much sold me out. The real eye opener was in an all day negotiating session he arrived ahead of me and without waiting for me to arrive , began meeting with opposing counsel and did not respond to my phone calls. He went on to make numerous comments regarding the lack of value while negotiating personal property issues. Then after we had negotiated a settlement, and I requested that he NOT continue responding to opposing counsel's requests, which amounted to clerical functions while charging out at an attorney's hourly rate, Mr Gurley withdrew from my case as I was in the middle of packing and scrambling to lease an apartment, after my initial agreement fell through. I was shocked that he would pull such a unprofessional maneuver. I would not recommend him to a friend .
Read more
08 Mar, 2023 by Amelia bonilla
15 Jan, 2023 by Andrew semaan
06 Jul, 2022 by Derek ryan
06 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
Mr Graham's performance on my case was shocking. He repeatedly demonstrated a dangerous lack of attention to detail generating error ridden discovery documents and a frustrating inability to comprehend simple financial transactions. Despite enormous fees, Mr. Graham achieved little to nothing on my behalf.
Read more
10 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
He’s a nice guy but he does not have a productive bone in his body. His paralegal and him would charge for opening emails and not respond to opposing counsel. You would do much better setting out of correct without Andrew representing you. He will collect $19k in two months without making any progress on your case.
Read more
14 Jan, 2020 by Kimberly
Andrew is very honest, he calls it as he sees it. He is straight forward very professional. He seeks out the facts and is very quick to point out the points of the case. He's a husband and a father and knows family values. He doesn't let his ego get in the way when dealing with attorneys he sticks to what's best for the family. Andrew is confident and professional and handles himself remarkably well.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Domestic Violence Lawyer Can Do for You
A domestic violence lawyer provides legal assistance to individuals involved in cases of domestic abuse, whether you are a victim seeking protection or someone accused of domestic violence defending against the charges. These lawyers help with obtaining restraining orders (protective orders), representing clients in criminal court, and handling related family law issues such as child custody, divorce, and visitation rights.
If you are dealing with domestic violence, a lawyer can help protect your rights and navigate the legal system to ensure your safety or defend you if you’re falsely accused.
When Should I Hire a Domestic Violence Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a domestic violence lawyer if you are:
-
A Victim of Domestic Violence:
- Filing for a protective order (restraining order): If you need immediate protection from an abuser, a lawyer can help you file for a protective order, which legally requires the abuser to stay away from you and refrain from contacting you.
- Divorce or separation due to abuse: If domestic violence is a factor in your relationship, a lawyer can help you pursue a divorce or legal separation and ensure that you are protected throughout the process.
- Child custody and visitation issues: A lawyer can help you secure custody of your children and limit or restrict the abuser’s visitation rights to protect the safety of your children.
- Filing criminal charges: If you are pursuing criminal charges against the abuser, a domestic violence lawyer can work with law enforcement and prosecutors to ensure the case is handled properly.
- Assistance with safety planning: A lawyer can advise on the legal steps to create a safety plan, including securing temporary housing, and taking steps to protect you and your family.
-
Accused of Domestic Violence:
- Defending against criminal charges: If you’ve been accused of domestic violence, a lawyer can defend your case, challenge the evidence, and represent you in court. If possible, the lawyer can help get charges reduced or dismissed.
- Challenging a restraining order: If someone has obtained a protective order against you, a lawyer can help you contest the order to prevent it from negatively impacting your life, including your employment and child custody rights.
- Dealing with family law issues: Domestic violence allegations can affect child custody, divorce, and property division. A lawyer can represent your interests in family court and ensure that your parental rights are protected.
- Avoiding criminal record implications: A lawyer can work to minimize the impact of the allegations on your record, which can affect your employment, housing, and future legal matters.
Hiring a lawyer at the earliest stages can help ensure your rights are protected and the case is handled effectively, whether you are seeking protection or defending against accusations.
What Does a Domestic Violence Lawyer Do?
A domestic violence lawyer provides various legal services depending on the specifics of your case. These responsibilities often include:
-
For Victims:
- Filing for protective orders: A lawyer can help victims of domestic violence obtain temporary or permanent restraining orders, which provide legal protection by restricting the abuser’s access to you and your children.
- Representing you in divorce and child custody matters: Domestic violence often leads to divorce or separation, and a lawyer can represent you in family court to protect your assets, secure custody of your children, and arrange spousal and child support.
- Criminal representation: Lawyers work with law enforcement and prosecutors to pursue criminal charges against the abuser, ensuring that you are informed and supported throughout the legal process.
- Safety planning and legal advice: Lawyers provide advice on how to stay safe legally and can assist in securing temporary housing, providing guidance on how to leave abusive situations safely.
-
For the Accused:
- Defending against charges: A lawyer will build a defense by investigating the case, gathering evidence, and challenging the claims made against you. If necessary, the lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or penalties.
- Challenging protective orders: If a restraining order has been placed against you, a lawyer can contest the order and present evidence to defend against it, aiming to minimize its impact on your life and reputation.
- Handling related family law issues: Lawyers help defend against domestic violence allegations in divorce, child custody, and visitation disputes, working to protect your parental rights and reputation.
- Preventing long-term consequences: A lawyer will work to protect you from the long-term consequences of a domestic violence conviction, such as a criminal record that could affect employment, housing, and more.
How Are Domestic Violence Lawyers Paid?
Domestic violence lawyers generally charge for their services in different ways depending on the case's complexity and the type of legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Many domestic violence lawyers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location. Hourly rates are common for both criminal defense and family law matters.
- Flat fee: For specific tasks, such as filing a restraining order or defending against a straightforward domestic violence charge, some lawyers offer a flat fee that covers all legal work related to that service.
- Retainer: In complex cases, such as those involving criminal charges, divorce, and custody disputes, a lawyer may require a retainer fee, which is an upfront payment that covers future legal services.
- Pro bono or reduced fees: Some domestic violence lawyers provide pro bono (free) or reduced-fee services to victims of domestic abuse who cannot afford legal representation.
It’s important to discuss fees during your consultation to ensure you understand how much your case will cost and what payment options may be available.
How Much Does a Domestic Violence Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a domestic violence lawyer depends on the complexity of your case, the lawyer’s experience, and the type of legal work required. General cost estimates include:
- Restraining orders: The legal fees for filing a protective or restraining order typically range from $500 to $2,500, depending on whether the case requires a hearing.
- Criminal defense: If you’re defending against domestic violence charges, legal fees may range from $2,500 to $15,000 or more, depending on whether the case goes to trial and the severity of the charges.
- Family law issues: Legal fees for divorce, child custody, and other family law issues related to domestic violence can range from $3,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case.
- Hourly rates: Domestic violence lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour for their services, with more experienced lawyers charging higher rates.
Always ask for a detailed cost estimate during your consultation to understand the total cost of legal services.
Top Questions to Ask a Domestic Violence Lawyer
Before hiring a domestic violence lawyer, it’s important to ask key questions to ensure they have the right experience and approach for your case. Key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with domestic violence cases?
Ensure that the lawyer has handled domestic violence cases similar to yours, whether you’re a victim or the accused. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, flat fees, or a retainer, and ask for a detailed cost estimate. -
What is the likely outcome of my case?
Ask the lawyer for an honest assessment of your case, including potential challenges and expected outcomes. -
How long will the process take?
Domestic violence cases vary in length, so ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to last and what might cause delays. -
Will I need to appear in court?
Ask if your participation in court is required, and how the lawyer plans to represent you during hearings or trials. -
What steps should I take to protect myself or my rights?
Whether you’re a victim seeking protection or defending against allegations, ask the lawyer how they will help you navigate the situation.
How to Check the Credibility of a Domestic Violence Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable domestic violence lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and track record:
- Check their bar status: Verify with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for domestic violence experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in domestic violence cases and have successfully handled cases like yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients say about their experience with the lawyer.
- Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have been involved in domestic violence cases.
- Check for memberships in relevant organizations: Look for certifications or memberships in family law or domestic violence advocacy groups, such as the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV).
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a domestic violence lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
-
For Victims:
- Details of the abuse: Prepare a detailed account of the abuse, including dates, locations, and descriptions of any injuries or threats.
- Police reports and medical records: Bring copies of any police reports, medical records, or photographs that document the abuse.
- Legal filings: If you have already filed for a restraining order or been involved in any legal proceedings, bring copies of those documents.
- Questions about your safety and legal options: Be ready to ask about the best steps to protect yourself and your family, as well as what legal actions you should pursue.
-
For the Accused:
- Details of the allegations: Prepare a detailed account of the incident or allegations against you, including any evidence or witnesses that support your defense.
- Legal documents: Bring any legal documents you have received, such as a restraining order, criminal charges, or child custody filings.
- Questions about your defense: Prepare questions about the legal process, possible penalties, and how the lawyer plans to defend your case.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation and provide the best possible legal advice.
