Lawyers map
>18
experienced lawyers
Filter by
04 Sep, 2024 by Karen hannah
I was in the middle of a divorce and things were going very badly. I changed over to this law firm and was represented by Bobbi Jo. She was very good and also compassionate. I was devastated with what I was going through. I’m thankful for her and their law firm.
Read more
31 Aug, 2024 by Jacob malott
Chris is awesome and his services speak for themselves! Worth every penny! He made himself available immediately after our speeding ticket and was with us throughout the entire process. Great follow through, great communication… Just an all-around great experience and he took away all of the stress. Case dismissed …. and If you get a speeding ticket and you’re within range of the Cowan law firm, it is an absolute no-brainer to enlist their services.
Read more
27 Aug, 2024 by Francesca
Chris is extremely knowledgeable and demonstrated a deep understanding of the law while providing clear guidance every step of the way. He was always available to answer my questions. Thanks to Chris's expertise, my case was resolved efficiently and with a favorable outcome. I couldn't be more satisfied with my results, highly recommend!
Read more
04 Sep, 2024 by Karen hannah
I was in the middle of a divorce and things were going very badly. I changed over to this law firm and was represented by Bobbi Jo. She was very good and also compassionate. I was devastated with what I was going through. I’m thankful for her and their law firm.
Read more
31 Aug, 2024 by Jacob malott
Chris is awesome and his services speak for themselves! Worth every penny! He made himself available immediately after our speeding ticket and was with us throughout the entire process. Great follow through, great communication… Just an all-around great experience and he took away all of the stress. Case dismissed …. and If you get a speeding ticket and you’re within range of the Cowan law firm, it is an absolute no-brainer to enlist their services.
Read more
27 Aug, 2024 by Francesca
Chris is extremely knowledgeable and demonstrated a deep understanding of the law while providing clear guidance every step of the way. He was always available to answer my questions. Thanks to Chris's expertise, my case was resolved efficiently and with a favorable outcome. I couldn't be more satisfied with my results, highly recommend!
Read more
28 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
If you have a federal case in the Southern District of Ohio then this is your guy. Over the course of 4-5 years I grew to one of the largest Darknet LSD distributors in the country and when I was caught the feds came down hard. Our house was raided, many valuable assets seized, and several agencies were involved. They didn’t arrest me that day but I knew at some point I’d have to go to prison for what I did so the real question quickly became, how long?
I live in Maryland but the charges where out of Columbus, OH. So we looked on Avvo for a federal attorney out of southern Ohio and found Mr. Nolder. We called him for a consultation shortly after the raid and he pretty much laid out exactly how everything was going to play out. Once we hired him all the calls/texts from the Feds got re-routed through him.
He had more experience then any other attorney I talked to and seemed super knowledgeable regarding big federal drug cases out of Southern Ohio. So we hired him the following week. Federal cases can get extremely expensive and before I talked to him I almost went with a public defender but we thought with such a serious matter it would be best to hire a private attorney. If you can afford it I would definitely recommend going the private attorney route.
His rates are really fair, there actually better then most federal attorneys in that area and he’s been an federal attorney in that area for something like 35 years.
He’s a straight shooter and super thorough, like super super thorough. The day he gets a notice or update on your case he calls/emails you and walks you through it. He makes sure you understand exactly what’s he’s filing and everything else you need to know.
The target letter I got after the raid said the feds were looking at charging me with distribution of LSD, distribution of LSD to persons under 21, tax evasion, and money laundering and there was also possibility of other charges stacking up. The feds were also threatening my fiancée, who had no knowledge of my wrongdoings. After some back and forth Mr. Nolder worked out a plea deal where I would plea guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute LSD and Money Laundering. He talked to the US Attorney and made it to where my fiancée was not charged.
Before all the wheeling and dealing, departures, and point reductions, the feds where looking for something absurd, like 150-165 months.
At sentencing the prosecutor was asking for at least 96 months but during the sentencing Mr. Nolder was able to successfully motion for downward departures so between that and other agreements that got worked into my plea deal, I was ultimately sentenced to 90 months.
That sentence sounds worse then it really is though because Mr. Nolder made sure I was recommended by the Judge and on my PSR for RDAP (drug program) in prison which gets you a year off your sentence. He also made sure the charges that I plead guilty to qualified for the new FSA credits while I’m incarcerated. Those FSA credits are great and they really whack off a bunch of time. Since I didn’t get arrested the day of the raid he also made sure the judge recommended me for self surrender to prison and made sure the judge recommended to a minimum security camp. So I’ll end up serving my time in a camp instead of a prison. The difference is a very low staff to inmate ratio, freedom of movement inside the facility, and little to no fences. Overall he made the whole experience as comfortable as possible given the circumstances.
After it is all said and done, between RDAP, FSA Credits, Statutory Good Time, and release to halfway house/home confinement. I’ll serve something like 3 years 2 months to 3 years 6 months in the federal camp before getting released to a halfway house/home confinement. That’s a whole heck of a lot better then where we started (150+ months).
Overall he’s a fantastic attorney, with reasonable rates, and we had a great experience with him. Thanks for everything!
Read more
09 Oct, 2022 by Brandon
I originally contacted Mr. Nolder last year after being arrested as part of a very large conspiracy to traffic charge originating in the U.S. Southern District of Ohio. He was one of perhaps 8-10 attorneys I spoke with for an initial consult.
I ended up selecting him based on not only research into the various attorneys I consulted with (he has one of the best records over the longest periods of time in his location and area of expertise), but also based on his personality, which I found to be no-nonsense, straightforward, and knowledgeable. Price was also a consideration, and he represented me for slightly less than 1/3 the cost of the most expensive quotes I received, which I found astonishing, given his reputation and obvious legal acumen. In my experience, it is extremely rare to find legal representation that combines top-tier effectiveness without being accompanied by an exorbitant price tag, but that is exactly what I found in Mr. Nolder.
Mr. Nolder always had time for me when requested, he responds promptly to both telephone and email inquiries, frequently on the same day, and never any later than the next day after my reaching out to him.
He answered any and all questions I had about my proceedings, including many I would not have thought to ask on my own, this being my first contact with the Federal law enforcement apparatus.
He developed and executed an aggressive plan to negotiate with the government to bring down my offense level, and made sure I understood each and every proceeding and motion in my case. He also assisted me with Zoom calls in which he would clearly explain what was going to occur in each phase of my case, and also assisted me in role-playing when necessary before each of my contacts with authorities to make sure that I was able to properly focus on articulating the points which would be most effective in promoting my own defense, including providing advice that was specific to the judge who ultimately oversaw my case.
Ultimately, I received a sentence of time served (which was only a few days, served at the time of my initial arrest), 6 months home confinement, and 3 years probation on a charge that could easily have seen me serving 3-5+ years in a Federal prison.
I could not be happier with the result of my case, or the quality of representation provided by Mr. Nolder, and I wholeheartedly endorse his services to anyone in need of aggressive, competent, and effective criminal defense representation anywhere in Ohio.
Read more
21 Sep, 2022 by Joseph
I found myself in a major rough patch with drugs and alcohol which led to me being charged with a felony drug charge. Steve was recommended to me through a friend and he immediately saw me the same day to hear my story. Throughout the process he explained things in a way that myself and family could understand. He did not sugar coat anything or give false hopes, but rather explain what was happening and how was going to help.
He immediately had a plan and kept me in the loop the entire time. He made sure I was aware of everything that was happening and was always willing to meet with me or talk on the phone as soon as possible.
When it came to my sentencing I was nervous beyond belief, but the second he stood up in court and started talking he was precise, deliberate, and knowledgeable. He brought home every point he wanted to make and everyone actually listened.
I avoided going to prison and received house arrest and probation but only because of Steve. If I had any other lawyer I would be rotting away in prison and not able to help change my life for the better. I am forever indebted to Steve and will always recommend him as the best attorney in the state.
Read more
26 Jul, 2023 by Steve
I have never considered myself to be ignorant of the law. But that was exactly the situation that I was in when I had a knock on my front door at 6 AM. On the other side of that door I found 6 FBI Agents in bullet proof vests carrying automatic weapons, and one local police officer dressed in swat gear. I was being arrested for a part time hourly position that I held. In my position I could see some Income Tax dealings that were obviously wrong. I sent the billing out, collected the money and sent letters of receipt as I was instructed by the owner. I was in the lowest point in my life at 70 years old. I was in California and the charges were in Boston. Finding a lawyer was my first priority, and again had no experience in this effort. My daughter is a lawyer and she immediately began a search for an attorney that could represent me in Federal Court, had White Collar crime experience and was available. She found Dave Thomas in Columbus Ohio. The two of them had a brief phone call and she was convinced he was the right guy for the job. A week later I met Dave in Boston. I was still in a state of confusion and denial. My first meeting with Dave was a blur as this event was still so fresh. He explained the charges to me and laid out a path that involved a guilty plea and three years of working with the prosecutors. At no time during my relationship with Dave, did I ever feel that I wasn't receiving the best possible care for the situation I was in.
Dave and I met via phone, email and face to face several times. Each time I gained confidence and easily put my trust in Dave's hands. I learned about self denial via Dave's counsel and prep for the events that laid ahead.
It has been more than four years since my arrest. If it had not been for Dave, my wife, my family and friends I would have never made it through this process. I whole heartedly recommend Dave Thomas and his brilliant assistant Katie Walrubenstein for your needs.
Read more
08 Feb, 2023 by Erica
I have known Dave since I was a law clerk (more years ago than I’d care to count). To this day he is who I go to and refer people to for any question involving defending a criminal allegation, especially white collar criminal defense. He is experienced, respected throughout the Ohio and federal court systems, zealous, and defends every case he has expertly. Moreover, he truly embodies client-centered defense. He goes above and beyond to ensure that his clients understand the charges they are facing, the potential consequences (both direct and collateral), and takes as much time as is needed to address his clients’ needs, and concerns. I always know when I refer someone to Dave, they will have the best possible outcome for whatever they are facing.
Read more
11 Jan, 2023 by Robert
I am a physician. When I found myself the subject of a healthcare fraud investigation, my personal attorney told me Dave Thomas is the lawyer you want for this, and he was right. Dave's expertise in the field and his knowledge of and experience in the labyrinthine world of fraud investigation proved invaluable. And the care and attention he gave me personally helped me maintain my equanimity during a very trying time. He always returned my calls quickly, addressed all my concerns, and answered my questions promptly and professionally. He gained my trust immediately. Knowing I was in expert hands, I followed his advice, and the case was settled to our satisfaction. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
Read more
28 Jun, 2024 by Danielle
If you want a reliable, great communicator and someone who take you and your case Mr. Dennis is the attorney you want to hire. He answered all my concerns and questions. I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of help
Read more
24 Oct, 2019 by Janie bolin
Dennis Belli was referred to me during the most desperate humiliating time in my life. He seemed to care as much about my case as I did. Mr Belli is professional, caring and attentive. He was detailed and meticulous in his preparation to present my case. Mr Belli presented evidence to defend me that I didn't even know existed. Mr Belli is a genius in the courtroom. In the courtroom Mr Belli is a brilliant artist and his medium is his words. If my family or a loved ones should ever need legal representation there is no one else I would want by their side but Dennis Belli.
Read more
10 Aug, 2019 by Ms. glenn
Dennis is a amazing lawyer, my family have been deaing with Dennis since the early 90’s, not only has he helped the family out in more than one defense case, he has also jumped out on a limb to help me win a custody battle, he also represented me in a successful divorce. I will recommend this man to anyone, thank you Dennis! My family love and appreciate all your hard work.
Read more
10 Oct, 2024 by Farid khan
ALH law group is working with us for state papers documents! So far this firm is very professional and keeps update our process! We very happy for that! Thanks!!Farid khan
Read more
07 Oct, 2024 by Dustin rall
Office staff is friendly and helpful commutation is excellent I would highly recommend
Read more
02 Oct, 2024 by Rebecca roehl
Since I've never done this before, I was apprehensive. Alison and her crew made everything understandable . I was impressed by their professionalism and warmth. Will highly recommend this firm.
Read more
16 Mar, 2016 by Shane
Mr. Scott is one of the best lawyers by far not just in Columbus but anywhere. I've used Joe several times over my questionable career and he has always got be a far better deal then i deserve he will go above and beyond what any other lawyers will i have had many experiences with other lawyers before Joe and none of them has done Joe has done i highly recommend Mr. Scott if you are any kind of legal trouble.
Read more
23 Feb, 2016 by Rico darks
Thanks to Scott & Nolder I was released from prison early on judicial release. I was serving a 16 year term and got out 5 years early. Joe Scott worked hard for me and used all available resources to get me out. I have nothing but good things to say about Joe Scott. He is a good man and works hard for his clients.
Read more
09 Dec, 2015 by Tina
My son was charged with three (3) aggravated robberies and was looking at thirty-three (33) years in prison. We hired Mr. Scott to get the case resolved and were able to get him probation. I would highly recommend hiring Mr. Scott.
Read more
09 Jun, 2014 by R.e.
I have used Mr.Settina on several occasions and was very satisfied . Settina works for you and not against you always fighting for what's right. He's the man with a plan.
Read more
09 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
In terms of his experience with white collar crimes, Attorney Settina was knowledgeable, professional and extremely patient during my ordeal. Attorney Settina explained things in common English so the process made sense, but got very specific when necessary. In all, he took a painful process and made it as pain-free as possible. I would absolutely recommend Settina Law.
Read more
04 May, 2017 by Heidi aloush
Mr. Yeazel did a fanstastic job with my husband's sentencing. The judge ruled way below the advised guidelines because of Mr. Yeazel's presentation of mitigating factors. Mr. Yeazel is a compassionate attorney who truly cares about his client and their family. His responsivness to email and calls is impressively prompt. I would highly recomend Mr. Yeazel to anyone in need of legal representation.
Read more
13 Mar, 2013 by Jimmy
Great appeal lawyer. Made a very difficult situation easy to manage and took on all the weight from my shoulders. Keith is excellent at his practice, personable and straight to the point. I would highly recommend Keith
Read more
09 Oct, 2024 by Shaun humphrey
Don't waste your time, you will be doing the lawyers job for them.
Read more
04 Oct, 2024 by Daniel roman
Excelente abogado
Me ayudó muy bien en mi caso de accidente de auto
Read more
13 Sep, 2024 by Joselyn berberena
Excelente abogado
Me ayudo mucho en mi caso de accidente
Read more
04 Sep, 2024 by Greg coleman
Very good law firm for a good price . They helped me protect my Commercial Drivers License in a traffic case. I’d recommend any family or friends to them.
Read more
29 Aug, 2024 by Mark sutherland
When it was all said and done. I am pleased with the results of my case.
Read more
23 Aug, 2024 by Emily gonzalez
They are all so kind and they go out of their way to help their clients and they are great with Communication I highly recommend them they now how to get the job done very experienced thank you so much we appreciate everything And thank you Jason
Read more
21 Aug, 2024 by A dav
Sally was an absolutely amazing lawyer from start to finish. She was very knowledgeable, thorough and went to bat for me!! I came to her scared and unraveling about the case. Not one time did she make me feel as if I was a nuisance or overwhelming!! I appreciated her advocacy for me and her determination to make sure things worked out in fair just manner!! I would recommend her a million times over!! Her staff is just as great and welcoming. Just a great experience all around with Sally!!
Read more
24 Jul, 2024 by Sophia hicks
I can't thank Attorney Sally Rothschild - Dennison enough for her exceptional legal services. Facing pending charges, especially with a police department currently under investigation, was an incredibly stressful time for me. Sally's expertise and dedication made all the difference. She meticulously analyzed my case, kept me informed at every step, and ultimately helped me achieve the best possible outcome. Her professionalism and commitment to her clients are truly commendable. If you're in need of a highly skilled and compassionate attorney, I highly recommend Sally Rothschild - Dennison. She's the best!
Read more
20 Jun, 2024 by Jim plavecsky
I had a family member unexpectedly in need of a criminal defense lawyer so I picked Sally based on these reviews. She called me back immediately and started diligently working the case. She was with us every step of the way with excellent communication and achieved the best possible outcome. I don't plan on getting into trouble myself, but If I ever do, Sally Dennison would be my first phone call!
Read more
21 Feb, 2024 by Amanda mae
Chase Mallory wasted our money and time. He got paid to represent and he didn't do anything. He didn't even try. Do not hire him!
Read more
05 Feb, 2024 by Andrew michaelides
Sabol Mallory did an amazing job.
I was very pleased w the outcome,
Returned my calls always went over everything w me would HIGHLY recommend them.
Read more
10 Jan, 2024 by Benjamin rosh
18 Apr, 2024 by Jhaaliyl
worked hard on my case & was able to keep me free! shows up on time & professional and never had to question his direction!! definitely the goat!!
Read more
25 Dec, 2023 by Peter yang
Joshua hall delivered…. Sometimes I read reviews and think lot of these, especially the good ones are fabricated, but not this guy. He helped me reduce a cdl traffic ticket to a parking ticket w/ no points. He knows what he is doing. I’m going with him if anything ever comes up and he is extremely reasonable in price. Thanks Josh…..
Read more
27 Jul, 2023 by Lindsay crist
4.9
16 Reviews
4.9
43 Reviews
19 Aug, 2024 by Andres camilo jr
Very tentative and direct. Phenomenal work.
Read more
25 Jan, 2024 by Ashton myer
Really helpful, best possible outcomes.
Read more
03 Jan, 2024 by Jeff slater
01 Sep, 2024 by Adam
Very bad attorney. Hired him 8 months before court. First court appearance he tells judge, “I haven’t had time to look over the case can we get another date”. He gets it. Every time I talked to him he would said “we have a good case”, and would never really talk to me about it. He would say, “you don’t question a pilot about flying a plane, well this is my plane”. Fast forward or the weekend before trial. He starts asking me questions that he should have asked months ago. He didn’t know the names of the witnesses we were suppose to use. He didn’t know the witnesses the other side had. Court date comes, right before they start he goes in the back with the judge and the other side. He comes out saying, “we are going to lose. You need to take this deal or you will get double.” How do you goto court with a lawyer that tells you that he can’t win after months of saying how good he is in court and how good the case is. DO NOT TRUST YOUR LIFE TO THIS FRAUD OF A LAWYER.
Read more
23 May, 2024 by Jeff sheets
Steve is definitely the guy you want in your corner. His work more than met my expectations, 100 % satisfied.
Read more
23 Apr, 2024 by Jonathon marinchek
14 Jun, 2024 by Kathy gillespie
Colin was very rude and spoke to me as if I was ignorant. I would not recommend him he only wants your money
Read more
25 Apr, 2024 by Tyler mcdonough
The KM Law Firm provided us excellent legal representation at an affordable rate. They did a great job of making options and recommendations clear, providing timely communications, and always proposing what was in my organization's best interest.
For these reasons, I highly recommend KM Law Firm!
If and when legal representation is needed, they are my preferred law firm.
Read more
14 Mar, 2024 by Brittany carlson
Collin is great! Quick to answer and extremely helpful. Highly recommend.
Read more
05 Jun, 2024 by Kadra noor
03 Feb, 2024 by Serenity mirabito
David Abromowitz was the lawyer I hired to help set up my IV Hydration and Vitamin Infusion business. He charged me quadruple what was discussed (quoted me 3.5-5K - charged me over 20K and I paid a final amount of OVER 12k - astronomical amount) and took 3 times as long to complete the job. Three other nurses in my coaching group (NursePreneurs) had similar experiences with him and another nurse, coincidentally, came forward today from a different IV Hydration/Vitamin Infusion business reporting the same story. RNs - be warned! He is dishonest and will overcharge you! I notified the BBB but his response was "I'm sorry she didn't understand". You and I both know the truth, Mr. Abromowitz. You were intentionally dishonest. It's people like you that give lawyers a bad name. All these RNs trusted you, I trusted you. Despite your lawyerly response to this review - you and I know the truth.
Read more
26 Aug, 2023 by Clyde days
Very unprofessional. I paid Jessica $350; all she did was eat her breakfast, and she gave me some paperwork. She was too rude even to answer any questions and never answered my calls after the original consultation . She then claimed to have sent me several emails and demanded that I answer her (her way to get rid of me as a client) to sever her services; at this point, I realized it was best to cut my losses and get a lawyer who cared. Please don't waste your time with this one; she is a high-priced waste of your time.
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 Federal Crime Lawyer Can Do for You
A federal crime lawyer specializes in defending individuals or organizations accused of violating federal laws. These lawyers have experience navigating the complex federal criminal justice system, which includes higher penalties, stricter sentencing guidelines, and a different court system than state-level crimes. Federal crime lawyers defend clients against a wide range of charges, such as drug trafficking, white-collar crimes, fraud, conspiracy, gun violations, and more. They assist in every phase of the legal process, from investigation to trial and appeals, ensuring their clients' rights are protected.
If you’re facing federal criminal charges, a federal crime lawyer can provide the necessary defense and expertise to navigate the complexities of federal law and achieve the best possible outcome.
When Should I Hire a Federal Crime Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a federal crime lawyer in any situation where you are under investigation or have been charged with a federal crime. Key scenarios include:
- Charged with a federal crime: If you’ve been charged with a federal offense, such as drug trafficking, wire fraud, money laundering, or conspiracy, hiring a federal crime lawyer is essential to ensure your defense is tailored to federal court procedures and laws.
- Target of a federal investigation: If you are being investigated by federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, ATF, or IRS, it’s crucial to retain a lawyer early on. A lawyer can help you avoid self-incrimination and build a defense strategy to counter the investigation.
- White-collar crimes: If you’ve been accused of federal white-collar crimes such as securities fraud, embezzlement, or insider trading, a lawyer can help defend you against charges brought by federal prosecutors and regulatory agencies like the SEC.
- Drug-related charges: If you’re facing federal drug charges, such as possession, distribution, or trafficking of controlled substances, a lawyer can represent you in federal court and negotiate plea deals or challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Gun-related offenses: If you’ve been charged with federal gun crimes, including illegal possession, trafficking, or using a firearm during a violent crime, a federal crime lawyer can help defend against harsh federal penalties.
- Immigration-related crimes: Federal charges involving immigration violations, such as human trafficking, smuggling, or illegal re-entry after deportation, require specialized legal knowledge of both federal criminal law and immigration law.
- Appeals: If you’ve been convicted of a federal crime and are seeking to appeal the conviction or sentence, a federal crime lawyer can assist with the appeals process, focusing on legal errors or issues that may have occurred during the trial.
Hiring a lawyer as soon as you know you are under investigation or charged with a federal crime gives you the best chance of protecting your rights and building a strong defense.
What Does a Federal Crime Lawyer Do?
A federal crime lawyer provides a wide range of legal services to defend individuals and organizations accused of federal crimes. Their responsibilities often include:
- Defending clients in federal court: Federal crime lawyers represent clients in all stages of federal criminal proceedings, including pre-trial motions, plea negotiations, trials, and sentencing hearings.
- Building a defense strategy: Lawyers thoroughly investigate the charges, review the prosecution’s evidence, and develop a defense strategy tailored to the unique aspects of federal law and sentencing guidelines.
- Negotiating plea deals: In some cases, a lawyer may negotiate with federal prosecutors to reduce charges or penalties, potentially avoiding a lengthy trial and reducing sentencing.
- Handling federal investigations: If you are the subject of a federal investigation, a lawyer will guide you on how to interact with federal agents, respond to subpoenas, and handle potential interrogations, ensuring your rights are not violated.
- Filing pre-trial motions: Federal crime lawyers can file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or challenge the legality of the investigation or arrest, aiming to weaken the prosecution’s case before trial.
- Representing clients in appeals: If you’ve been convicted, a federal crime lawyer can represent you in the appeals process, focusing on legal errors, misconduct, or constitutional issues that may have affected the trial’s outcome.
- Managing sentencing and post-conviction matters: Lawyers also help clients during the sentencing phase, arguing for leniency or alternatives to imprisonment, and assist with post-conviction matters such as parole or supervised release violations.
How Are Federal Crime Lawyers Paid?
Federal crime lawyers typically charge for their services in various ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the expected time commitment. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Many federal crime lawyers charge by the hour, with rates typically ranging from $300 to $1,000 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience, the case complexity, and geographic location.
- Flat fee: For specific services, such as negotiating a plea deal or representing you during the initial stages of a federal investigation, some lawyers offer a flat fee. Flat fees for federal criminal defense cases often range from $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the scope of the work.
- Retainer: In complex federal cases, a lawyer may require a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers a portion of the legal work. The lawyer then bills against this retainer as they work on the case. Retainers typically range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the case.
- Payment plans: Some federal crime lawyers may offer payment plans, especially if the case involves extended litigation or lengthy appeals. This can help make legal fees more manageable over time.
It’s crucial to discuss fees with your lawyer upfront to understand the total cost of representation and how payments will be handled throughout the case.
How Much Does a Federal Crime Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a federal crime lawyer depends on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the time required to resolve the case. General cost estimates include:
- Hourly rates: Federal crime lawyers generally charge between $300 and $1,000 per hour. For example, if a lawyer charges $500 per hour and spends 50 hours on your case, the total cost would be $25,000.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as negotiating a plea deal, flat fees can range from $5,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on the seriousness of the charges and the lawyer’s experience.
- Retainers: In more complex or ongoing cases, a lawyer may require a retainer of $10,000 to $100,000, depending on the case’s scope and complexity.
- Appeals: If you’re appealing a federal conviction, legal fees for an appeal can range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the issues being raised and the length of the appellate process.
In addition to legal fees, you may also need to cover additional costs such as court filing fees, expert witness fees, and investigation expenses.
Top Questions to Ask a Federal Crime Lawyer
Before hiring a federal crime lawyer, it’s essential to ask key questions to ensure they have the necessary experience and qualifications to handle your case. Key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with federal cases?
Ensure the lawyer has extensive experience handling federal criminal cases, particularly those similar to yours, such as drug trafficking, white-collar crimes, or gun violations. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost of your defense. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
Ask for an honest assessment of your case and the potential outcomes, including plea deals, dismissals, or trial strategies. -
What is your approach to defending federal cases?
Ask how the lawyer plans to approach your defense, including potential pre-trial motions, negotiations with federal prosecutors, or trial strategies. -
Will my case go to trial?
Ask whether the lawyer thinks your case will settle out of court through a plea deal or whether it’s expected to go to trial, and how the lawyer will prepare for either scenario. -
How long will my case take?
Federal cases can take time to resolve, so ask the lawyer for an estimated timeline, from investigation to trial or settlement. -
What are the possible penalties if convicted?
Ask about the potential penalties you could face if convicted, including prison time, fines, or other consequences, and how the lawyer plans to mitigate those penalties.
How to Check the Credibility of a Federal Crime Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable federal crime lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Check their bar status: Verify with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed to practice law and has no disciplinary actions or complaints.
- Look for federal crime experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in federal criminal defense 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 have said about their experience with the lawyer.
- Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on federal cases.
- Check for federal court admissions: Make sure the lawyer is admitted to practice in federal court, as federal criminal cases are handled in federal district courts.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a federal crime lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Information about the charges or investigation: Provide any documents related to the charges against you, such as indictments, subpoenas, or notices of investigation. This helps the lawyer assess the severity of the charges and the potential defense strategy.
- Details of previous interactions with federal agents: If federal agents have contacted you or conducted searches, provide a detailed account of those interactions, including search warrants, interrogations, or evidence seized.
- Questions about your case: Prepare a list of questions regarding the legal process, potential outcomes, and how the lawyer plans to defend you.
- Relevant financial information: If your case involves financial crimes or assets that may be at risk, bring relevant financial records, such as bank statements, business records, or tax returns.
- Previous legal history: If you have a prior criminal record or have been involved in federal investigations before, bring details about those cases.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and provide the best possible legal defense for your federal case.
