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25 Feb, 2020 by N. allan. k
Attorney Spindle is simply an awesome lawyer. He literally went to bat for me on the legal frontier at the Loundoun courthouse. What a day to remember! Knowing that I wouldn't have to see the inside of a jail cell was blessing enough but to go the extra mile and further negotiate with the tough police Officer to reduce pending court charges on me was for lack of a better word phenomenal. Attorney Spindle went from persuading both the Commonwealth attorney, Cop and Judge that a "not guilty" plea was in my best interest accepting all fault to winning the court case for me when the judge, the final authority decided an improper driving infraction was my charge. That was a slam dunk of a court conclusion given I had been charged with reckless driving and an accident. I don't advocate for what I did, in fact I apologized to the judge but to have the blessing of a Spindle will always go a long way. Definitely highly recommend Attorney Spindle's legal brilliance. Was blessed and plan to maintain! Thanks Attorney S for granting a husband and career man a sound opportunity to life.
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30 Jan, 2020 by Mr. blue
Mr. Spindle represented me in a matter that was "unique" to say the least. His former life as a magistrate helped very much and enabled the issue to be resolved in a favorable outcome (the charge is being dismissed). I highly encourage anyone needing an attorney they can trust (there really is such a thing) and one who will work for them, hire Mr. Spindle, you will NOT be disappointed!
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28 Oct, 2019 by Bryan
Mr. Spindle helped me out tremendously. I had a very bad DUI, where the victim was pushing to go to trial and attempt to get me upwards of 30 days jail time. Mr. Spindle was able to get me only 5 days jail time, after a continuation, and with all facts pointing against me. One of the best and would highly recommend.
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16 Feb, 2025 by Greg plaster
03 Feb, 2025 by Logan peterson
I cannot express enough gratitude for this law firm and Brittany Carper for the role as the guardian ad litem in our custody case. From the very beginning, it was clear that she genuinely cared about the well-being of my child and took her responsibility seriously. She was thorough, compassionate, and truly invested in understanding the full picture to make the best recommendations.
Throughout the process, Brittany remained professional, fair, and dedicated to ensuring my child’s best interests were at the center of every decision. Her ability to listen, communicate effectively, and navigate sensitive matters with care made all the difference. It was clear she wasn’t just doing a job—she was advocating for what was right.
If you’re looking for a guardian ad litem or custody laywer who is both compassionate and committed to the children she represents, I highly recommend Brittany Carper. I am incredibly grateful for her work and the positive impact she has had on my child’s life.
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28 Jan, 2025 by Brandon white
I do not understand how two different people, from the same law firm, with the same access to information, come up with such a drastic difference of opinion, other than personal bias.
In 2019 Ms. Carper recommended that I have sole legal custody and that mom be on supervised visitation, and in 2022 when my daughter finally got that stability, my daughter thrived. When Ms. Dillon took over as GAL for the appeal that was going on, she pushed for my daughter to go back to her mother, and if I understood her recommendations correctly, that Mom have sole legal custody.
And I done believe that recommendation was based on what was best for my child, but was made because Ms. Dillon doesn't want to admit that she has made bad calls that have favored the mother over what was best for my daughter.
I feel like it doesn't matter what I say though, as It is going to be ignored, and blown off as a father who is just mad because the GAL didn't side with him, but I am at the point where I am beyond frustrated and angry at the way Ms. Dillon.
But I am not mad because the GAL didn't side with me, I'm mad because Ms. Dillon has continuously pushed me in to agreeing to orders, and then held it against me that I followed those orders. She continuously ignored anything that didn't fit with her narrative of events, including the observations of Doctor's and counselors. and she even made her own observations about how the mother was negatively impacting my relationship with my daughter, and then recommended the mother have custody so that she could facilitate resolving those issues. I feel like Ms. Dillon has used her "authority" to retaliate against me for all the times i have pointed out that her plan of putting my child back with her mother isn't working, that she was being deceived by the mother, and that she was making assessments about my parenting style and mental health that she was in no way qualified to make.
I have felt like Ms. Dillon has had a bias in favor of my child's mother since she came onto the case. And when I walked out of court in January and found out that one of the mother's witness went to the same church and Ms. Dillon, granted they hadn't seen each other in a while, I it only furthered my concerns about her bias towards in father of my child's mother.
I don't believe that Ms. Dillon has the best interest of my daughter in mind when she makes recommendations on custody or visitation.
I love my daughter, and I have fought for 13 years to be a part of her life and keep her safe from her mother's neglect and abuse. And for 5 years I thought I had done that, then a year ago Ms. Dillon made recommendations for my daughter to go back to her mother, and was celebrating with her mother in her accomplishment, since then exactly what I said would happen has happened and everything has gone downhill. My daughter's mental health has plummeted since Ms. Dillon made the recommendations for a change in custody so that my child’s mother could pull my child out of a residential treatment facility AGAINST the advice of her long term counselors.
I am an Army veteran, with a long history of service to my community and nation, with no history of drug or alcohol abuse, or any other factor that would warrant her recommendations to keep my child away from me for almost a year. I have an MBA, PMP, a stable career with a TS clearance, and a supporting family where my daughter thrived. And my name has been drug through the mud because I have wanted to see my daughter succeed in life, and wouldn’t blindly agree for my daughter to go back to her mother, for no other reason than that’s what she wanted to do because her mother would let her do almost anything she wanted.
What has happened to my daughter is a tragedy, and is the reason why no one actually trust the "system" that is supposedly in place to help them. I would not trust anyone from this law firm as a GAL.
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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:
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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:
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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:
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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.
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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.
