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10 Reviews
4.6
344 Reviews
26 Aug, 2024 by Rafael trenado
Never again will I hire this firm. My case was a few years ago but it was with this same firm and with Mr. Valencia himself. On the phone he mentioned good things like getting the best results for me possible and possibly getting the charges dropped. All good things you want to hear as a person searching for an attorney but that's not how it went. This guy showed up late to every single one of my court dates by half and or more. He pretty much just showed up to do what I was supposed to do, which is stand before the judge and respond to his requests. I have a prior criminal record so I wasn't expecting him to make magic but at least show up to my court date on time which he did not. All matters were called first who had attorneys but sure enough mine waited until he got there. I feel I would've gotten the same results without him for sure as he did very little communicating with the DA or anyone on the other side of the podium. To top it off on my last court date after not seeing him for over half an hour I called his firm and they informed me he was in redwood city helping someone else. Seriously not cool at all or professional. So they sent another attorney from his office but not until an hour and a half from when the court started. I'm not here to complain about my outcome from the court cause that was a separate issue but i am here to complain about the unprofessional relationship I had with Mr. Valencia and how I will never recommend or reach out to them again. So save your money or go elsewhere because I wasted $4000 for something I could've and should've done myself. Last but not least I think it's very unprofessional how in most of the reviews that are not favored to them they put the person on blast for the previous case they had with them. That's very rude, unprofessional and down right dirty. If they do not like the truth being put in the reviews then maybe they should not be practicing law and giving people false hope. So I won't be surprised if I see information about my case they handled on here based on the responses to reviews that aren't in their favor.
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02 Aug, 2024 by Sean mou
In November last year, based on online reviews, I started consulting with Riccardo. At the beginning, he was quite patient. I consulted several lawyers and eventually chose him based on online reviews and his claim during the consultation that there was a 99% chance of winning the case. I felt relieved to leave the case to him. However, after we paid him, he stopped communicating and never proactively kept in touch.
At first, I thought my case was not a big deal until I was charged and realized the seriousness of the situation. I spent money consulting another lawyer online, who advised me to write a character letter and resume before being charged, which could have helped. But Riccardo never asked me to do anything besides providing basic materials. He was also unwilling to communicate proactively, and I didn't dare to keep asking him questions. Whenever I had questions, they were relayed through his assistant.
Throughout this period, he didn't inform me of what he was doing, and I had no idea about his actions until my case became more severe. He didn't help me much during the whole process and even made excuses, saying the DA was too young to understand family difficulties, which made me feel he was very unprofessional. I had trusted him because he claimed to have 30 years of experience.
After my case resulted in a conviction, I didn't disrespect him until a week ago when I asked if he could attend court on that day. He agreed, and I was very grateful. But today, when I asked him, he angrily told me he was very busy. He could have refused me or informed me earlier. Instead, he made a lot of excuses.
I swear that this person is really unprofessional, and I even doubt if those positive reviews about him are real. I know that when someone makes a mistake and needs professional help, they might go online and look at reviews. If you don't want to waste your time and risk losing your case, you really need to be cautious and not rely solely on ratings. From my experience, sometimes they are not reliable. This is my personal experience working with this person, and I hope to share it with those who need help. I fully understand your feelings, but it's crucial to be careful when choosing a lawyer.
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23 Jul, 2024 by Rigo r.
Very happy with VIB Law.
Riccardo was informative, personable and very helpful every step of the way. I’m glad I found this firm and highly recommend them!
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19 Sep, 2024 by A lee
Look no further! David Lehr's Law team is THE ONE you've been looking for! It is a breeze talking with anyone from the office at any time. I spoke with Tanner many times whom was very knowledgeable and always available. I did speak with Mr. Lehr which I realized immediately he CARES and is here for all the right reasons! All these other reviews here don't lie. I will keep David Lehr's Law group saved on my phone for a lifetime. Thanks Again Tanner & David.
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13 Apr, 2024 by Juan alvarez
Had something troubling me so called and spoke to someone who said they would return my call when an attorney was available. Since it was the weekend I was expecting to receive a call Monday or after but not even 5 minutes later my call was returned. Spoke about my situation and agreed to meet me in less than 30 minutes. Went above and beyond to address all my concerns. If I were to ever get into any legal issues they would be my first call.
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02 Jan, 2024 by Eddie lopez
30 Nov, 2022 by Amit k
Great service
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22 Nov, 2021 by Lupita quintero
The best in the world thanks for everything, lawyer thanks for helping me in my case❤️
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17 Jul, 2020 by Sam perez
The Office of Douglas Pharr helped us with everything from day one. The communication was efficient, and professional. Olga was super helpful with communication in Spanish and in English. Attorney Douglas Pharr genuinely cares about his clients. I had another attorney to help with the same case but for another reason, and Attorney Douglas Pharr made sure that he was on the same page as my other attorney before he made other decisions. We highly recommend the Law Office of Douglas Pharr, for his EXPERTISE, COMMUNICATION, and his team's PROFESSIONALISM.
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22 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
It went From 3 serious felonies to a misdemeanor. No jail time instead work alternative program. Thank you Mr Sawyer for defending my family member.
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20 Sep, 2023 by Khalid mehmood
No regrets , Allen has been a blessing me. He gave me the best counsel to ensure the best outcome. He is straight to the point , cares about your time, knowledgeable in his expertise of Law . He can break down a case very quickly and conveying everything in a perfect form.
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20 Feb, 2023 by Michelle
He did nothing for my case never could get ahold of him the things that he said he was gonna do they sounded good but then when it came down to it he did not stick up for me like an attorney should he didn't put the work in there were so many things that were overlooked in my discovery that could have been useful he didn't give 2 craps about my case I'd spent 3 years away from my son because hes a piece of crap lawyer I even offered to pay more than his retainer fee he declined but still did a crappy job Do not hire Alan Sawyer hes a sh*t lawyer don't waste your time or your money
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28 Aug, 2024 by Eric snyder
Well, my lawsuit is still underway but everything is going great. It was a shock to discover the death of my brother and to learn that his "friend" had "appropriated" all of his assets. TLL jumped right in to freeze the assets and start the process to get justice for my brother and fulfill his true wishes.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Lambcat means
Feel safe and secure with him taking care of my case.
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24 May, 2024 by Tony panzica
05 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
The circumstances of my case were such that they required a minor level of effort to approach the nuances of the situation. From my conversations with other Santa Barbara lawyers, in my first case he could have pushed for a better decision through increased communication and effort with the District Attorney. When I received a DUI, a more serious offense than my first charge, he was misleading in his role as an attorney. I did the required programs through Zona Seca and participated actively in all activities as dictated by the Santa Barbara Superior Court. After all of that, I was told by the DMV that I had to spend another 16 months at Zona Seca before I could get my license despite legal decisions surrounding my case. Pearlman was non-responsive on multiple occasions even after I had become aware of this information. When I finally got in contact with him, he informed me that I had no options other than to take the non-legally dictated decision of another 16 months at Zona Seca. In that same vein, he offered no legal advice nor action to approach or alter the decision, which was eventually determined to be a simple clerical error. Through other local Santa Barbara attorneys, I was luckily able to get the legal support I deserved. They were able to draft me a writ certiorari for a nominal price and worked to ensure I had my license back within a few months. The lack of Pearlman's willingness to help rectify my situation was remarkable. Had I not worked with other great attorneys in Santa Barbara, I would have been under the impression that I had no other options and was hopeless in responding the inadequacies of the DMV. If you have any nuances or complex components to your DUI, I would highly advise you continue to do your research and look elsewhere for consultation.
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28 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
I can't express how grateful I feel to have hired Mr. Pearlman. He is an extremely experienced and thoughtful attorney. Moreover, I believe his long experience and reputation with the DA's office was critical to my success.
I was arrested for suspected DUI and multiple substance related charges. I was expecting the worst as this wasn't my first offense. In the end he got the multiple counts down to one possession charge leading to an informal probation which is so much better than I was expecting. I paid him a single very reasonable fee (not going to trial) and I always felt that I was getting a service consistently worth every penny I paid. I can't say that of other lawyers that have represented me at all. In fact, he kept to our contract without charging more even though the case unexpectedly dragged on for more than a year (solely due to the red-tape of the county).
I could tell that he really cared about my case and his office gave me the personal attention and time that I needed. He answered all my questions very promptly and professionally. Moreover, his office and administrative staff were just as helpful, polite and kind. They always dealt with any issues, paper work, court dates or appearances in a quick, detailed and professional manner.
I thought my career, life, license and professional certification were all going to be over & ruined. Instead, because I followed his advice and instructions, I'm getting a second chance and learning a serious lesson. I would 100% recommend Mr. Pearlman first for any criminal defense needs.
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12 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
I contacted Mr. Pearlman due to being arrested after I was assaulted. I had no prior record and was the victim in this case looking at felony assault charges on myself and the other party. Mr. Pearlman assured the case would get dropped because of circumstances that I was the victim and assured me he knew people in D.A. Office to help expedite this matter. I gave him the retainer fee and signed paperwork. The day of my trial he was late and did not show on time before the judge to address my case. The case was dropped none of which was addressed by Mr. Pearlman to the courts. I emailed Mr. Pearlman that he did not represent me in court like he said, nor did he make any kind of reasonable attempt to discuss getting this arrest taken off my record like we discussed during consultation. Mr.Pearlman wanted more money to discuss helping me get the arrest taken off my record, which I found out fromD.A. Office I could do on my own without a lawyer or fee needed. Mr. Pearlman had poor communication with me following retainer fee received and contract signed. His office assistant was the only professional in this whole situation. She was lovely. Thanks to Mr. Pearlman I now feel like I was victimized twice. Please consider many other lawyers that hold true to their word that will show up to your court date. A phone call to someone he may or may not have known was never verified nor did it help my case. Mr. Pearlman knew it would get dismissed and took my money anyway without making much effort.
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26 Feb, 2024 by Elaina bravo
26 Feb, 2024 by Maricela bravo
If I could I would give him a zero star my brother been down 15 years and Jesse promise us so many things after my dad pay him this so call lawyer did not speak up in my brothers court he stayed quiet I spoken up got kicked out don’t promise innocent families and don’t go trough with it you promise 99% chance my brother be out and he been down 15 years he is such a lier
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28 Jan, 2024 by Tt thompson
Jesse is an amazing attorney and won't let you down! He may not hold your hand because him and his law firm are working and doing what they're being paid to do, and that's to get you the best deal or beating the case altogether. From life sentences to misdemeanor cases. Jesse knows what he's doing!
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12 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
DO NOT HIRE THIS LAWYER.He is a slug,careless ,act like a pauper,does not answer your calls or answers days later, he is only after ur money. he does not take credit cards by telling you if he does , he will have to pay taxes. so he is a cheater already. Wants only cash or checks. while having 3 boats he claimes to be poor.he gives u long boring stories and lectures about his relationship with his girlfriend for 1 or even 2 hours instead of taking care of your case. he just wants to make money to make ends meet. lazy, slow, unknowledgeable, overweight, talks about irrelevant stuff. u will be sorry to hire him.i made that mistake by not yielding to other reviews about him. DO NOT MAKE MY MISTAKE. DO NOT HIRE THIS NOTORIOUS LAWYER.
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08 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
I was looking at this site and saw the negative review from the guy whose case was dismissed and I am surprised that he was complaining about a dismissal. I had Mr. McBride deal with a Felony Assault with a Weapon arrest back in 2010 and I was happy with both the result (no conviction on my record) and the service (he immediately presented my issues to a supervising District Attorney). I would use this office again without hesitation as the fee was a fraction of what other lawyers charged for this. Maybe things changed or maybe the other client really had different expectations than I did but, I don't see how you can complain about a dismissal?
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27 Oct, 2014 by Matt
I was arrested on a restraining order violation.
Hired Mr. McBride as my attorney.
This was a very, very easy case for ANY attorney to have dismissed.
My opponent had removed a critical part of the Judges order in the restraining order which prohibited me from being arrested.
When the Sheriffs did not see that order, I was arrested.
Mr. McBride spoke to the District Attorney assigned to my case and immediately showed the DA the discrepancy in the two restraining orders: One said I could not be arrested (mine and the original courts), the other did not have that page (my opponents he gave to the Sheriff for evidence).
The DA immediately asked Mr. McBride, "How do I know your client did not write that himself and stick it in there?" (fair question).
Mr. McBride said, "You don't. I don't. Get the original court order and get back to me."
When the DA obtained the original court order and saw the original and mine were identical and my opponents copy had that critical page missing, the DA knew immediately that page was removed and, knowing there was no way the DA would win this case, dismissed the case before trial.
Easy case to have dismissed before trial.
Why so few stars when he won my case?
Having Mr. McBride return phone calls was a case in futility.
This attorney just NEVER corresponds with his clients.
In my case, the first meeting with Mr. McBride and the DA was in November.
The case was continued until Dec 18th for the DA to receive the original court order.
After December 18, I did call Mr. McBride a couple times, hoping to get an update before the Christmas break. No such luck.
I phoned Mr. McBride at least 10 times in January. Never a return call.
I phoned Mr. McBride at least 5 times in February until he finally answered his phone.
I asked him for an update on my case.
He said the case was dismissed back in December. I asked why he didn't call me or send me an email or a text to let me know that it was dismissed.
Mr. McBride said, "The court should have done that."
No Sir. You're MY attorney. I hired YOU. YOU do that. Not the courts.
That's what you get from Mr. McBride.
Good luck receiving updates or a courtesy return phone call.
I'm sure when Mr. McBride improves on this much needed aspect of his practice, his ratings will dramatically improve as well.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
With all respect , on first court date MR Najera was about 2 hours late , on 2 nd court he said he would be there at 9am and was running late , me and my ex wife with her attorney waited till 11am finally MR Najera s assistant called that he would not make due to being in another court trial , 3 rd court date MR Najera showed up late about 10am and without my file , mey exs attorney had to give him a copy , finally they asked for more money and I refused ..
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20 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Do not waste your money. He will make you pay and not deliver what he promises
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31 May, 2022 by Foundation 707
Not an aggressive attorney and hung me out to dry twice.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Drug Crime Lawyer Can Do for You
A drug crime lawyer specializes in defending individuals accused of offenses involving controlled substances. These offenses can range from simple possession to more serious charges like distribution, trafficking, manufacturing, or possession with intent to distribute. Drug crimes can involve illegal substances such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, as well as the unauthorized use or distribution of prescription medications.
A drug crime lawyer has in-depth knowledge of federal and state drug laws and can navigate the complexities of the legal system to protect your rights. They can challenge the prosecution's evidence, negotiate plea deals, and represent you in court to potentially reduce charges, dismiss the case, or minimize penalties.
When Should I Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a drug crime lawyer as soon as possible in the following situations:
- Under Investigation: If you suspect you are being investigated for a drug-related offense, consulting a lawyer early can help you avoid self-incrimination and prepare a defense strategy.
- Arrested or Charged: If you have been arrested or formally charged with a drug crime, immediate legal representation is crucial to protect your rights and begin building your defense.
- Search and Seizure Issues: If law enforcement has conducted a search of your person, vehicle, or property, a lawyer can assess whether your Fourth Amendment rights were violated and if any evidence can be suppressed.
- Facing Serious Penalties: Drug charges can carry severe consequences, including jail time, hefty fines, probation, mandatory rehabilitation programs, and a permanent criminal record.
- Complex Cases: Cases involving multiple charges, conspiracy, trafficking across state or national borders, or allegations of involvement with organized crime require specialized legal expertise.
What Does a Drug Crime Lawyer Do?
A drug crime lawyer provides a range of legal services to defend and support you throughout the legal process:
- Legal Consultation and Advice: Explain the charges against you, your rights, and the potential consequences. They will help you understand the legal process and your options.
- Case Investigation: Examine the details of your case, including police reports, evidence, and witness statements, to identify weaknesses or violations of legal procedures.
- Defense Strategy Development: Create a tailored defense strategy, which may include challenging the legality of the search and seizure, disputing possession, or questioning the credibility of witnesses.
- Negotiating with Prosecutors: Work to negotiate plea bargains or reduced charges when appropriate, aiming to minimize potential penalties.
- Court Representation: Represent you in all court proceedings, advocating on your behalf during hearings, trials, and sentencing.
- Protecting Your Rights: Ensure that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process, including protection against unlawful searches, coerced confessions, or violations of due process.
- Post-Trial Assistance: Assist with appeals, sentence modifications, or expungement of records if applicable.
How Are Drug Crime Lawyers Paid?
Drug crime lawyers typically charge for their services in one of the following ways:
- Hourly Rate: Charging an hourly fee for the time spent on your case. Rates can vary widely based on the lawyer's experience and geographic location.
- Flat Fee: A set amount that covers specific services or the entirety of your case, providing cost predictability.
- Retainer Fee: An upfront payment from which the lawyer deducts hourly fees and expenses as they work on your case. The retainer may need to be replenished as the case progresses.
- Payment Plans: Some lawyers offer payment arrangements to make their services more affordable over time.
It's important to discuss payment structures and fees during your initial consultation to understand the financial commitment involved.
How Much Does a Drug Crime Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a drug crime lawyer depends on various factors, including the complexity of the case, severity of the charges, and the lawyer's experience. General cost estimates include:
- Hourly Rates: Typically range from $200 to $500 or more per hour.
- Flat Fees: For less complex cases (e.g., simple possession charges), flat fees might range from $2,000 to $7,500.
- Complex Cases: Cases involving multiple charges, felonies, or trafficking can cost $10,000 to $50,000 or more due to the extensive legal work required.
- Trial Costs: If your case goes to trial, costs can increase significantly, potentially exceeding $25,000.
Additional costs may include:
- Expert Witness Fees: Costs for specialists who may testify on your behalf, such as forensic experts or toxicologists.
- Investigative Expenses: Expenses related to gathering evidence, hiring private investigators, or locating witnesses.
- Court Fees and Administrative Costs: Filing fees and other expenses associated with court proceedings.
Always request a detailed fee agreement and discuss potential additional costs to avoid unexpected expenses.
Top Questions to Ask a Drug Crime Lawyer
-
What experience do you have handling drug crime cases similar to mine?
Ensure the lawyer has a strong background in defending against the specific charges you are facing. -
How do you charge for your services, and what are the estimated costs?
Understand the fee structure and get an estimate of the total cost involved. -
What potential outcomes can I expect for my case?
Ask for an honest assessment, including best-case and worst-case scenarios. -
What is your approach to defending drug crime charges?
Learn about the strategies they might employ and how they plan to handle your defense. -
How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
Establish expectations for updates and availability. -
What are the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
Understand the challenges you may face and how the lawyer plans to address them. -
How long do you expect the legal process to take?
Get an estimated timeline based on the specifics of your case.
How to Check the Credibility of a Drug Crime Lawyer
- Verify Their License: Ensure the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with your state's bar association.
- Experience and Specialization: Look for a lawyer who specializes in criminal defense with a focus on drug crimes.
- Client Reviews and Testimonials: Research online reviews or ask for references to learn about other clients' experiences.
- Professional Memberships: Membership in organizations like the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) indicates a commitment to the field.
- Disciplinary Record: Check for any past disciplinary actions or complaints filed against the lawyer.
- Consultation Feedback: Use the initial consultation to assess their communication style, professionalism, and confidence in handling your case.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most of your initial meeting with a drug crime lawyer, bring the following:
- Detailed Account of Events: Write down everything you remember about the incident, including dates, times, locations, and interactions with law enforcement.
-
Legal Documents: Bring all documents related to your case, such as:
- Arrest records
- Charging documents
- Bail paperwork
- Search warrants
- Any correspondence from law enforcement or the court
- Witness Information: Provide names and contact information of any potential witnesses who can support your defense.
- Evidence: Bring any physical evidence or records that may be relevant, such as text messages, emails, or surveillance footage.
- List of Questions: Prepare questions about your case, the legal process, and the lawyer's experience.
- Honesty: Be prepared to discuss all details openly and honestly; attorney-client privilege ensures confidentiality.
By being thoroughly prepared, you enable the lawyer to assess your situation effectively and provide the best possible legal advice tailored to your case.
