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5.0
3 Reviews
4.7
165 Reviews
13 Feb, 2025 by Ha richard
Tessa Muir is a fantastic attorney who helped me navigate a challenging Title IX case. I was accused of writing a note and creating a hostile environment, but thanks to her expertise and tireless dedication, the case was ultimately dismissed by my college.
From the start, she was thorough, strategic, and professional. She took the time to understand the specifics of my situation and built a strong defense on my behalf. Her communication skills and attention to detail were key in presenting my side clearly and effectively.
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12 Feb, 2025 by Ashley vandyke
Tried to get advice/use them, never received a call back
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28 Jan, 2025 by Crazy redneck
i am very happy with the outcome with my family, heath and sarah are excellent i would most definitely recommend them if you need help with anything. callback is aslo very quick based on my experience. very well done guys and thank you
Read more
5.0
20 Reviews
4.7
165 Reviews
13 Feb, 2025 by Ha richard
Tessa Muir is a fantastic attorney who helped me navigate a challenging Title IX case. I was accused of writing a note and creating a hostile environment, but thanks to her expertise and tireless dedication, the case was ultimately dismissed by my college.
From the start, she was thorough, strategic, and professional. She took the time to understand the specifics of my situation and built a strong defense on my behalf. Her communication skills and attention to detail were key in presenting my side clearly and effectively.
Read more
12 Feb, 2025 by Ashley vandyke
Tried to get advice/use them, never received a call back
Read more
28 Jan, 2025 by Crazy redneck
i am very happy with the outcome with my family, heath and sarah are excellent i would most definitely recommend them if you need help with anything. callback is aslo very quick based on my experience. very well done guys and thank you
Read more
09 Jan, 2025 by Anonymous
Shawn was very honest and knowledgable with my situation. Answered all my questions and helped me along the way.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Anonymous
Shawn saved me thousands of dollars and got me an outstanding result. Other attorneys were giving me massive quotes and promising me the world. Shawn Promised me that he would fight hard for me, not charge me as much as other attorneys and get me the best result possible. He delivered. Thank you Shawn!
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18 Nov, 2024 by Daniel
Called Shawn on an issue. He was very upfront and offered services if I needed him. I have saved his number as my case is complicated but he never spoke about cost just facts. Thanks Shawn! Hopefully I won’t need you but just in case, no pun intended, I’ve saved your info.
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13 Nov, 2024 by Anonymous
Mike and his team at SBBL Law were phenomenal to work with. After finding myself with a DUI >5 years ago, SBBL helped to reduce the charge to an OWI. 5 years later Mike was able to help me get the charge expunged. I feel like I can finally move on with my life and close that sad chapter that hauntedme. I was even finally able to visit Canada which felt like a true victory. I highly recommend using Mike and SBBL. They have your back!
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09 Oct, 2024 by Anna
If I could give 10 stars, I would! What a dedicated, hard-working, compassionate group of people. I highly recommend Michael Bartish; knowledgeable, educated, communicative, kind-hearted and down-to-earth. I knew I was in great hands from our first meeting. I had no hesitation in hiring Mike for my second OWI. He kept his word, and worked his magic to push my Sentencing past Michigan's 7 year window between OWI's. Therefore, being able to plea to a first offense, which changed the outcome of my potential consequences. I was looking at 14 days in jail, among several other possible punishments. I'm grateful to be writing this from my own home, as he was successful to get me probation and the privilege of keeping my license (with restrictions, of course). With a lot of hard work, patience, and prayers, I could not have hoped for a better outcome.
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25 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
In June I found myself in a situation that required legal counsel. I was under a lot of pressure to host a “Pinterest” graduation party for my daughter. There were lots of laughs, pictures and well lots of drinking…
At the end of the night I got my youngest to bed and stumbled my way to bed myself. On the way I overheard inappropriate conversation between my husband & my daughter’s friends. I told my husband to get out and the friends to go home.
Next thing I know my husband is right behind me yelling, pointing & forcing me into a corner. I went into fight or flight and needed to get away. My daughter whose graduation party it was came running up behind my husband to get him away from me. Not realizing in my attempts to get away, I pushed my daughter. She was not hurt physically. Emotionally startled and embarrassed I’m sure. I did get away into our bedroom and locked the door. My husband punched the door and entered the room. I continued to retreat to get away from him because I was terrified. I somehow was able to call 911 and they sent officers.
I cannot comprehend what the officer was thinking because I was arrested after calling for help. My husband’s lies convinced her that I assaulted him and my daughter. He even added that I racked a 9mm and “almost” pointed it at him…
I was arrested & in jail for the night. I started to panic & was terrified about potentially losing my job and/or licensing through the state in addition to losing my CPL & 2nd amendment rights.
I was initially charged with felony felonious assault and a few other things that I do not recall.
I started looking & researching who to hire to sort this mess out.
I had talked to a dozen attorneys & all I heard were the same lines- like a salesman working for commission. A few of them sat ok with me. But that was the problem… they were ok. When there is so much on the line mediocre is not what I was willing to accept.
I reached out to a trusted attorney that I had worked with previously on a civil matter from Warner Norcross + Judd. He referred me to Michael Bartish. I began digging into reviews & searching for articles about him. I reached out to SBBL Law. It didn’t take long for Michael to return my call.
After speaking with Michael over the phone I knew he was the guy. He was direct yet empathetic. He listened to what was important to me and the fears I had. He was reassuring without over promising any sort of result. He never said any of the lines I’d heard from the previous attorneys who seemed to not be genuine.
Over the course of about 2 months Michael walked me through the process, explained everything so that I understood. I could feel he was vested in this fight with me from our first court appearance. His presence and confident demeanor brought me peace at some of the most emotional times I had faced in a long time. Michael included me in every aspect of the case and looked to me to make the decisions on plea deals that were offered. He supported my decision to go to trial. He still never promised a winning result but his confidence gave me the confidence to fight this.
I had never watched a jury selection. The jurors likely never were jurors before. Watching Michael educate the jurors while assessing their ability to be impartial for the anticipated trial was nothing short of impressive. He has power in his voice & not the sort that’s disrespectful or arrogant.
At hearings Michael made clear arguments backed by law. He crushed every move the prosecution attempted. He has passion and speaks with a dominance you only see with true experience.
The prosecution dismissed the case. Any headway they attempted was shattered by Michael. It was a huge win for us! Michael and I joked that it was a bit disappointing not going to trial. Watching him in the courtroom knowing his abilities I felt it would be a sure win and it would put the prosecutor in his place even more.
If I ever need a defense attorney he 100% will be my guy!
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13 Feb, 2025 by Ha richard
Tessa Muir is a fantastic attorney who helped me navigate a challenging Title IX case. I was accused of writing a note and creating a hostile environment, but thanks to her expertise and tireless dedication, the case was ultimately dismissed by my college.
From the start, she was thorough, strategic, and professional. She took the time to understand the specifics of my situation and built a strong defense on my behalf. Her communication skills and attention to detail were key in presenting my side clearly and effectively.
Read more
12 Feb, 2025 by Ashley vandyke
Tried to get advice/use them, never received a call back
Read more
28 Jan, 2025 by Crazy redneck
i am very happy with the outcome with my family, heath and sarah are excellent i would most definitely recommend them if you need help with anything. callback is aslo very quick based on my experience. very well done guys and thank you
Read more
5.0
7 Reviews
4.7
165 Reviews
13 Feb, 2025 by Ha richard
Tessa Muir is a fantastic attorney who helped me navigate a challenging Title IX case. I was accused of writing a note and creating a hostile environment, but thanks to her expertise and tireless dedication, the case was ultimately dismissed by my college.
From the start, she was thorough, strategic, and professional. She took the time to understand the specifics of my situation and built a strong defense on my behalf. Her communication skills and attention to detail were key in presenting my side clearly and effectively.
Read more
12 Feb, 2025 by Ashley vandyke
Tried to get advice/use them, never received a call back
Read more
28 Jan, 2025 by Crazy redneck
i am very happy with the outcome with my family, heath and sarah are excellent i would most definitely recommend them if you need help with anything. callback is aslo very quick based on my experience. very well done guys and thank you
Read more
13 Feb, 2025 by Ha richard
Tessa Muir is a fantastic attorney who helped me navigate a challenging Title IX case. I was accused of writing a note and creating a hostile environment, but thanks to her expertise and tireless dedication, the case was ultimately dismissed by my college.
From the start, she was thorough, strategic, and professional. She took the time to understand the specifics of my situation and built a strong defense on my behalf. Her communication skills and attention to detail were key in presenting my side clearly and effectively.
Read more
12 Feb, 2025 by Ashley vandyke
Tried to get advice/use them, never received a call back
Read more
28 Jan, 2025 by Crazy redneck
i am very happy with the outcome with my family, heath and sarah are excellent i would most definitely recommend them if you need help with anything. callback is aslo very quick based on my experience. very well done guys and thank you
Read more
10 Feb, 2016 by Leigha
Mr. Fagan is an awesome attorney. He's the only attorney I've ever worked with who answers your calls to him right away and digs for every possible angle to help you out. He got absolutely amazing result for my husband when he was in a horribly grim circumstance. We were looking at facing a life ruining predicament which Mr. Fagan was able to work into a really good result. Mr. Fagan was able to work what seemed like a miracle to us. I would 100% recommend hiring Mr. Fagan to help you out if you or anyone you know are facing criminal charges. Thank you Mr. Fagan!!!! May we also remain very truly yours.
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24 Aug, 2024 by Debbie
When I was 33 years old my life was quite different than it is today. I am so grateful that I hired Mr. Phelan for my defense Attorney. I had hit my rock bottom when I met him. 2 seperate drug cases in less than 2 month in 2 different counties. I was looking at a 2 year mandatory sentence for possession with intent & possession.
One county (Kent) he got my charges dropped so no time there. The other county (Ottawa) the charges reduced to possession. I was given 3 years probation and some fines. I helped him by first taking responsibility for my charges and being proactive. I completed IOP ( intensive out patient) therapy, I attended AA/NA meetings and had a paper signed proving my attendance, completed 120 hours of Community Service (of my choice not theirs) I wrote a proposal to the judge offering action towards improving my self as a citizen in lieu of incarceration.
Larry didn’t really know what to do with a client like myself but he worked it in my favor. Giving me a second chance to make things right and live as a responsible woman. That is exactly what I did. I haven’t spoken with Larry in many years I have kept track of him for I’m a far. He is a fantastic, compassionate, fourth right attorney. If he asks you to do something,… do it!
He will do his best to defend you!
I’m so grateful that I chose him when I needed him!
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13 Feb, 2025 by Ha richard
Tessa Muir is a fantastic attorney who helped me navigate a challenging Title IX case. I was accused of writing a note and creating a hostile environment, but thanks to her expertise and tireless dedication, the case was ultimately dismissed by my college.
From the start, she was thorough, strategic, and professional. She took the time to understand the specifics of my situation and built a strong defense on my behalf. Her communication skills and attention to detail were key in presenting my side clearly and effectively.
Read more
12 Feb, 2025 by Ashley vandyke
Tried to get advice/use them, never received a call back
Read more
28 Jan, 2025 by Crazy redneck
i am very happy with the outcome with my family, heath and sarah are excellent i would most definitely recommend them if you need help with anything. callback is aslo very quick based on my experience. very well done guys and thank you
Read more
22 Jan, 2025 by Jason zwart
What’s a great team, highly recommend for the professionalism!!
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08 Jan, 2025 by Deshawn anderson
John and Shanna was very helpful I appreciate you guys n thanks so much !!
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09 Dec, 2024 by Latasha james
I had the pleasure of working with Valentina and I can truly say she had a lot of patience and understanding. She went above and beyond to help me get all the paperwork I needed to to get my case filed I would definitely recommend this Law firm and rate it a 10 out of 10
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20 Dec, 2024 by Susan (suza) duesbery
I highly recommend Kevin for anyone seeking expert guidance on protecting their intellectual property. He skillfully navigated me through the process of securing two trademarks, making it seamless and stress-free. Kevin's professionalism, combined with his approachable demeanor, ensured I always understood each step of the process. I’ll definitely turn to him for all my future trademark needs. Thank you, Kevin!
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22 Nov, 2024 by Steve viggiano
We had an excellent experience working with Kevin McLaughlin at Crafted Law. He was knowledgeable, professional, and attentive throughout the entire trademark process. From the initial consultation to the final registration, Crafted Law made the process very straightforward. They took the time to answer all of our teams questions and provided valuable insights to ensure our brand was fully protected. I highly recommend Kevin McLaughlin to anyone looking for expert trademark assistance.
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21 Nov, 2024 by Jayson dekmar
Kevin filed a trademark for my company. He had great communication and prices seemed reasonable. I would work with him again.
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13 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
I am so lucky to have found Karen to be my attorney. She helped sort out a very nasty divorce situation and got my case done, on favorable terms. My kids and I have been able to move forward in our lives, thanks to Karen and her willingness to listen to me and my concerns, and act on them. I highly recommend Ms. Boer to anyone.
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5.0
5 Reviews
4.2
31 Reviews
05 Sep, 2024 by Eric allen
Britt Cobb is an amazing attorney. She definitely has her clients best interests in mind. If you’re facing serious charges and want a top rated lawyer she’s it. The skill and professionalism she shows is unmatched. I couldn’t thank her enough. I’m free and had the best outcome possible only because of her knowledge and determination.
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16 Apr, 2024 by J.s j
Experiencing the services of Britt Cobb as my lawyer was truly delightful. Her expertise was enlisted to clear a previous criminal record, and she did not disappoint. Throughout our collaboration, Britt demonstrated exceptional communication skills, responding promptly to all queries and concerns. Ultimately, through her proficiency and dedication, I achieved the desired outcome. Moreover, Britt displayed professionalism at every turn, earning her a glowing recommendation from me. Working with her was indeed a privilege.
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27 Nov, 2023 by Barbara sosa baladron
This is to celebrate attorney Britt Cobb's excellent professional services she performed on behalf of a couple of family members after taking their cases. In a time where compassion, honesty, and remaining true to core values are essential, Ms. Britt Cobb has done an outstanding job in displaying them with flying colors! She has advocated and counseled my two family members with clarity, boldness, and outstanding attorney skills.
I still remember the freezing cold night I was left alone in Kalamazoo, about 8 years ago. Ms. Britt Cobb in addition to two very recognized attorneys were representing my family member's case. Curious about who reached out to make sure I was alive, safe, and sound? Attorney Britt Cobb did! It is her humane, integral actions, and bright personality and professional skills that set her apart and that speak louder than words! Look no further; choose Ms. Britt Cobb as your expert attorney at law!
Ms. Britt has exceeded my expectations as a person and as a professional. May God bless you, Ms. Britt; yesterday, today, and always! Amen!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Eric allen
Britt Cobb is an amazing attorney. She definitely has her clients best interests in mind. If you’re facing serious charges and want a top rated lawyer she’s it. The skill and professionalism she shows is unmatched. I couldn’t thank her enough. I’m free and had the best outcome possible only because of her knowledge and determination.
Read more
16 Apr, 2024 by J.s j
Experiencing the services of Britt Cobb as my lawyer was truly delightful. Her expertise was enlisted to clear a previous criminal record, and she did not disappoint. Throughout our collaboration, Britt demonstrated exceptional communication skills, responding promptly to all queries and concerns. Ultimately, through her proficiency and dedication, I achieved the desired outcome. Moreover, Britt displayed professionalism at every turn, earning her a glowing recommendation from me. Working with her was indeed a privilege.
Read more
27 Nov, 2023 by Barbara sosa baladron
This is to celebrate attorney Britt Cobb's excellent professional services she performed on behalf of a couple of family members after taking their cases. In a time where compassion, honesty, and remaining true to core values are essential, Ms. Britt Cobb has done an outstanding job in displaying them with flying colors! She has advocated and counseled my two family members with clarity, boldness, and outstanding attorney skills.
I still remember the freezing cold night I was left alone in Kalamazoo, about 8 years ago. Ms. Britt Cobb in addition to two very recognized attorneys were representing my family member's case. Curious about who reached out to make sure I was alive, safe, and sound? Attorney Britt Cobb did! It is her humane, integral actions, and bright personality and professional skills that set her apart and that speak louder than words! Look no further; choose Ms. Britt Cobb as your expert attorney at law!
Ms. Britt has exceeded my expectations as a person and as a professional. May God bless you, Ms. Britt; yesterday, today, and always! Amen!
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07 Oct, 2021 by Aubrey kruger
Very polite staff and people that truly know what they are doing!
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28 Aug, 2021 by Tyler black
Cares solely for himself and his own interests.
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25 Aug, 2021 by Jamie overway
Doug van Essen is rude and disrespectful! Do not support this man!
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11 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Mr Upshaw was the court appointed lawyer for my friend and he did not defend him at all. During the trial he did not contest any of the evidence or object to anything the prosecution presented in court. He would not communicate with his client or plan ahead. He just kept him in the dark. As a result, he was convicted and Mr Upshaw was still not communicating or contesting anything and he failed to file for papers in time and seems like he’s working for the court that paid him and not for my friend. He’s not as aggressive as he should be. As a result my friend might be going to jail for a long time. NO thanks to you Mr. Upshaw
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27 Feb, 2024 by Tommie p
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mr. Upshaw is definitely an outstanding lawyer.
He has all the skills that makes him great .
• Very Knowledgeable
• Great Communication Skills
• Responsiveness
• Shows Great Patience
• Great Listening Skills
• Hardworking
Mr. Upshaw ,
I can’t thank you enough .
You have stuck by me through the years in dealing with this very stressful case. I admire your composure , and your strong writing ability . Many lawyers just appear to be good…….
You are GREAT !!!
Would I recommend Mr. Upshaw ? ABSOLUTELY !!!!!!
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05 Feb, 2024 by Carmen
I cannot say enough positive things about attorney Geoffrey Upshaw. My son was facing a serious legal issue and Mr. Upshaw was his court appointed lawyer . From the moment we met him, he was professional, knowledgeable, and took the time to truly understand the situation.
Throughout the entire legal process, Mr. Upshaw was incredibly efficient and always kept us informed of any updates or developments, still does . He worked tirelessly on my son's case. His attention to detail and dedication to his clients is truly commendable.
I am so grateful for the great work that Attorney Upshaw did for my son. He is an exceptional attorney and I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of legal representation. Thank you, Mr. Upshaw, for all that you have done for our family.
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14 Sep, 2024 by Snow queen
Jeff Van Meter one of the associate lawyers is very unperfessional .. He doesn't return your calls and isn't very efficient...
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12 Jun, 2024 by Caleb sleighter
I contacted Stephen Drew for a work comp issue and malpractice questions. I am genuinely impressed and appreciative of the help and advice given. As time passes if things don’t go as planned with work comp or if we have any complications I will 100% use this law office. Stephen drew is the best. Thank you again for your help!
Should be noted his secretary Carla was amazing. Super friendly and very helpful! Thank you to her also!
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26 Apr, 2024 by Ereuka dickerson
Experienced compassionate resident supporter of the City, county & and state of Michigan
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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.
