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4.9
44 Reviews
11 Dec, 2024 by Ryan barlow
Michael is one incredible lawyer. He was patient, methodical, and a great communicator throughout the duration of my case. If needed, I would use Michael and his Firms again without any concern and the utmost confidence in his support. Thank you once again, Michael!
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19 Aug, 2024 by Andres camilo jr
Very tentative and direct. Phenomenal work.
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25 Jan, 2024 by Ashton myer
Really helpful, best possible outcomes.
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24 Nov, 2024 by Shari bryant
I had an aggravated menacing case in Franklin county. Sabol did not fight for me instead he questioned me and went with whatever the prosecutor said and I had never been convicted of any crimes before. I was promised if I complete the link program everything would be off my record. No Daniel Sabol made a deal with the prosecutor to keep that on my record. Smh now I am in school and have had several jobs that I can't get. Ben had to take over and settle in Mental health court. Going forward I would only trust Mark Collins and Katelyn Stephens. Dan Sabol was a horrible lawyer and lost my case on purpose because I am a African American female.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Rustin t cooper
Chase and his team handled my case with professionalism, knowledge, and experience! I had never been though the court system before and needed their guidance. They were patient, understanding, and sympathetic to my case. His partner Dan even assisted. Sabol Mallory knows what it takes to get you results. In my circumstance, the court offered deal after deal to not have to go to trial with Chase. After the 4th plea de
al he negotiated, I ended up walking out of court holding my head high! Call Sabol Mallory! I highly recommend! I was referred to them and it was a great decision.
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17 Jul, 2024 by Dustin babcock
Dan “Sabol” is very good at what he does, Top-tier representation I was facing six all drug related felony’s, Dan Took his time and did his due diligence and we got them all dropped besides for one which I agreed to a plea deal. He’s very professional communicate well with me. He’s not afraid to go to trial, but I think the opposition side is afraid to go to trial with him, thank you Dan, for everything you did for me, And I am grateful Jim Owens referred you to me. Thanks again. Have a great day.
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17 Dec, 2024 by Matthew hance
Chris has amazing communication and availability and was wonderful to work with! I'd use him again in a heartbeat.
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15 Dec, 2024 by Cole foster
John Saia communicates well and never left me uninformed. I always felt I understood what was happening through the process with him.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Caleb shovlin
Clay Lopez and Jon Saia were incredible attorneys that helped me along with the process for my case. They were always open to communicate when I had any questions and I got the results I was hoping for. Thanks again!
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02 Dec, 2024 by Bradley lacke
Athena offers her services for a very competitive (and reasonable) rate, but she makes you feel like a million dollar account from start to finish. I came to her with a slightly unorthodox financial situation, and she leveraged her experience and knowledge to bring me safely to the best possible outcome, and did it with a surplus of warmth and compassion. I've worked with many attorneys throughout my adventures and mishaps, and Athena was hands down the most lovely law-related experience I've ever had.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Shelby bryan
Highly recommend this law firm. Jason represented my fiancé and him and his team went above and beyond.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Jonathan harrop
I highly recommend Jason with team Burke. I was completely impressed and he exceeded my expectations by far. The entire team made me feel like I mattered. From the first talk with the secretary! Jason called me back at 7am the next morning. pretty much ready to fight for me! He immediately did his thing and I never stepped foot in a court room. 5 stars all the way around!!!!!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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05 Nov, 2024 by Cinia rodriguez hernandez
Excelente abogado
Brega muy muy bien
Consigue buen dinero
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29 Oct, 2024 by Juan canales
Excelente abogado
Sin dude es El mejor
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09 Oct, 2024 by Shaun humphrey
Don't waste your time, you will be doing the lawyers job for them.
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13 Jan, 2025 by Eric gibbs
Sally doesn’t mess around. She listens, learns, and applies subjectivity to defense of people who may have been wronged. I would highly recommend SRD to anyone in the area.
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23 Sep, 2024 by Pamela giles
They are so unprofessional they didn't even get a hold of my Witness. We had to track the Witness down ourselves. They closed our case before we found the witness. They're so unprofessional I wouldn't recommend them to nobody. Also, they never return calls. Don't waste your time with these attorneys. My daughter was also in the car. She had a different attorney and they are negotiating her pay right now as were speaking.
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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!!
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03 Dec, 2024 by Aaron luikart
Professional, effective and affordable. Josh is someone you can trust and will fight for justice.
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03 Dec, 2024 by Leo grand
Attorney Joshua Hall comes off aggressive, but in reality he doesn't like to do paperwork. Josh refuses to file motions in the best interest of his clients and creates excuses. If you need a diligent attorney to file motions and argue on paper, Joshua Hall is NOT the attorney to go with. He tries to push his clients into plea deals and fails to communicate timely. Save your money.
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21 Nov, 2024 by Tori powell
21 Jan, 2025 by Alisha fletcher
RUDE! Wouldn’t recommend.
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21 Jan, 2025 by Elise gucker
20 Jan, 2025 by Ashton seales (ash)
Called to ask about a possible consult and Joe himself answered. He was very rude, snippy, and not at all professional, basically laughing at me in tone. I definitely don't recommend reaching out to him for your legal needs.
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10 Jan, 2024 by Benjamin rosh
25 Oct, 2023 by Jake slaback
Was recommended to Zach from a different law firm since my case was in a different county. I originally gave 5 stars because my OVI got dropped but I'm changing to 3 stars because my license is still suspended and I'm frustrated looking back on how everything went. Zach indicated to me several times that I would be able to get my license back before and after the trial. I asked about appealing early on and after, but we never tried. Communication was hard at times and especially after my case was officially closed. I have a much better understanding of Ohio law and very happy my OVI was dropped with the evidence that worked in my favor, but I'm disappointed in the false hope, lack of communication, and lack of effort to try to get my license back.
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12 Sep, 2023 by Kevin benson
I've used Meranda Law Firm a few times and they've taken great care of me. I highly recommend Zach Meranda. He gets the job done right! I won't go to anyone else!!!
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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
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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.
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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.
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17 Dec, 2024 by Matthew hance
Chris has amazing communication and availability and was wonderful to work with! I'd use him again in a heartbeat.
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15 Dec, 2024 by Cole foster
John Saia communicates well and never left me uninformed. I always felt I understood what was happening through the process with him.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Caleb shovlin
Clay Lopez and Jon Saia were incredible attorneys that helped me along with the process for my case. They were always open to communicate when I had any questions and I got the results I was hoping for. Thanks again!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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11 Jan, 2025 by Ron bragg
After asking around for the best law firm o prepare my Will and open a Trust, ALH was mentioned more than once.
And they were exactly correct. The process, people and communication were outstanding!
I have put this off for years, anticipating a lot of time and work.
ALH proved this to be false.
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06 Jan, 2025 by Amanda jones
ALH Law Group was the first legal service I contacted, and it quickly became clear they were the best choice. From the moment I spoke with Allison, she was outstanding—professional, approachable, and incredibly reassuring. She took the time to listen and expertly addressed my concerns, easing my stress from the very first call. Thanks to her, my needs were handled swiftly and efficiently. Without a doubt, I would turn to ALH Law Group again if I ever need legal assistance in the future, and I highly recommend them to anyone seeking reliable, top-notch legal support.
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27 Dec, 2024 by Andrew halleck
I’m totally thrilled with the results from using ALH! Highly recommended!
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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.
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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.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Josh bosley
Colin McNamee's skills and expertise managed to make the absolute best out of the crummy situation I found myself in. I appreciate all the hard work, effort, and care he had put into my case as well as his continuing efforts in crossing the t's and dotting the i's. An absolute asset of a man that anyone would be lucky to have on their side with an upbeat demeanor hard to find anywhere else.
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20 Jan, 2025 by Easy dropshipping
Colin is highly intelligent strong caring and aggressive. He has your back and you can trust him to fight for you.
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13 Jan, 2025 by Dorion hughes
Colin did an excellent job representing me! He is full of knowledge and insight. I highly recommend him.
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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.
