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25 Aug, 2017 by David
Norman McKellar and Julie, who was always available for questions and directives, informed me of the hopeful benefit of filing an OIC on my extant IRS Debt of $144K. The eight months (each step in the process was predicted) resulted in a final settlement of $19K total. The fee of $4.5 K was more than reasonable considering the dramatic result.
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31 Jul, 2017 by Rick
I owned a small business employing 15 people and got behind on my federal taxes. I was really in arrears before I contacted Norm and was feeling desperate. Norm and his firm agreed to take on my case, explained what I needed to do and what will happen next. His firm helped me come to resolution with the IRS. I would wholeheartedly recommend him and his paralegal, Julie, is great too!!!!
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31 May, 2017 by Ed
IRS wanted to tax me twice on stock options I sold. Mr McKellar worked the problem; paid no additional tax.
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12 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
I am pleased with the outcome that Attorney Bell worked to compensate me for a car wreck. Attorney Bell will meet with you and decide if the case is something he is willing to work with. Bianca was my contact person and she was very helpful and patient with me and the process. I I appreciate the attention provided for my case. Thank you guys for taking my case.
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28 Aug, 2021 by Justin
This attorney carefully evaluated the case with his team. Extremely knowledgeable, you can tell that Mr. Bell has specialized in criminal defense for many years, and that he cares about the outcome his cases.
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06 Jan, 2021 by Pauline milligan
He done a really good job. Made sure we were taken care of. Would highly recommend him
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04 May, 2022 by Dan
This guy is great young and dedicated to win knows some immigration law and is very competitive
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14 Sep, 2021 by Michael
Mr. Fanduzz explained my options throughout my case. He was always available when I had questions or concerns, and always responded quickly. He was able to get me the best possible outcome in my case. Highly recommended!
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12 Sep, 2021 by Justice
He is a Great lawyer an he is way cheaper then the last Laywer we had . He keeps in contact he keeps you posted on what’s may or may not happen I recommend him to anyone look for a great Laywer at a reasonable price
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08 Nov, 2023 by Sandy
My son was called back to court when he shouldn't have been. Nobody wanted to help they were lagging trying to make trouble for him .Chelsea stepped up to the plate (unlike the original attorney). Let me tell you she got right down to Business she went above and beyond. Same day it was all cleared and done. She outdoes those expensive attorneys anyway hands down!!!! I've never seen an attorney tackle anything the way she did. She went after it as though it were her own son and kept me posted all the way. All I can say is WOW. Now this woman deserves the title "Attorney". She's passionate about her work and her clients. If I ever need an attorney I'm looking for Chelsea Harris!!!!!! This is a real honest review from a real person!!!
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09 Jun, 2020 by Cari
My life turned upside down 3+ years ago when the unexpected happened. Before I knew it I was talking about criminal defense and my name was attached to something I did not do. Dealing with the trauma and now the accusations were more than I could deal with on my own. Fighting for my credibility, reputation and foremost the truth was completely out of my hands. I contacted James A. H. Bell Law Firm and he immediately had his team on my case. Chelsea and the team helped me understand the foreign language of the law. I was guided, not forced into making life-altering decisions. My fears, questions, and opinions were welcome. These people did not know me and in the beginning, they did not know whether I was truly "not guilty", but even still, they treated me with such respect, and never did I feel like a criminal. On many occasions, Chelsea went out of their way to fight for me when I felt I could not pick myself off the floor. She sat with me and cried with me and was fully invested in my case. She took it personally, it wasn't just a job to her! She may look like a cute, petite lady but I promise you she is a firecracker that I would not want to reckon with!! Today, I stand in freedom due to extensive research, interviews, knowledge, and the wisdom to fight for the laws I did not even know I had. Sometimes, crap just happens. It may be due to your own actions or just a curveball that life hands you but I can promise that you will NEVER have a more committed lawyer on your side than Chelsea and her team! I literally owe them my life!
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15 Jan, 2019 by Carol
Our case was a very difficult and complex situation crossing a state line. We contacted the James A. H. Bell Law Firm regarding a criminal defense for our son. He turned the case over to his associates, one of which was Chelsea Harris. Chelsea gave it her all for almost 15 months to give my mentally ill son the opportunity to properly defend himself against totally false charges that were made against him in Tennessee. She fully and thoroughly researched related cases and prior rulings in order to help give him this opportunity. We have had contact with her in the evening and on weekend days showing that she has worked long and hard hours on his behalf, not just during customary office hours. There were numerous court appearances that required a lot of drive time for her as well. She shows a genuine interest and caring for her client. The case was finally dismissed and we have Chelsea to thank for this. I will be eternally grateful to her for this and I would definitely recommend her without hesitation for anyone needing a great defense attorney.
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30 Nov, 2017 by Richard
If you had any idea how many emails of correspondence between all parties involved are on Mark's server you'd be simply amazed. Yet he took it all with stride, never got upset (I think I would have) and actually tried to understand the problems at hand. He works extremely well with the elderly. My mother was 93 or 94 when she meet him and there was a sincere feeling of caring and admiral respect for my mother. She had no hesitations from the moment they met and neither did I. I felt safe leaving her in his care as he took care of her estate issues which were in need major improvements after having realizing what she signed without full disclosure. That original "Trust" didn't know the definition of "trust" let alone relay HER desires. Mark help her "fine tune" an understandable document over the course of a month. She was left understanding what she had in front of her and more than pleased with all his work forming a new "Living Trust" that was exactly as she wanted it. Professional, courteous and in the top 1% of lawyers that actually listen to people and do what is asked. Couldn't be more pleased.
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11 Jun, 2024 by Docs truck service
Kelly Tanner Law is amazing. While my companies issue isn't one they cover, they gave me good sound information that got me on my way to a resolution.
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11 Mar, 2024 by Nicole m
Kelly is a very respectful and kind person. He will listen and direct you and the case in the appropriate way! I would definitely recommend him to anyone.
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03 Nov, 2023 by Jo cool mccarty
No reply back.
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28 Nov, 2018 by Kayce
Jason answered all my questions promptly. All I has to do was show up, and he took care of everything else. I left feeling much lighter. Jason is a very genuine, professional man.
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09 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
I was very scared until I called Jason. He got my case dismissed the very next day. He is honest and he won't overcharge you. Stop reading reviews and call him now.
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08 Nov, 2018 by Penny
Live 200 miles away, my son had a speeding ticket in the area. Did a search for attorneys in the area. Inquiry's varied wildly! I liked Jason, Everything went smoothly, no surprises, and very reasonable. I would highly recommend his law firm.
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15 Jul, 2024 by Christie arnold
Great lawyer
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09 Jul, 2024 by Kay mackin
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12 Sep, 2023 by Vesna plakanis
The team at Sharp and Attanasio were lifesavers for my family during the challenging experience of dealing with my brother's unexpected death. As the oldest, I was thrust into the position of being the executor to his estate, something that no one should have to navigate while dealing with the grief that follows the death of a loved on. Robin and Ron were there with me the entire time with compassion and kindness. They helped me overcome the difficulties that occur when a loved one dies without a will while allowing me the space to grieve. We have since used them for other both personal and professional situations. It is a relief to have them on our team.
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04 Nov, 2023 by English
This guy is absolutely pathetic!
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13 Apr, 2022 by Misty russell
Smart ellics to people.
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28 Feb, 2020 by Walt
MAKE HIM WRITE EVERYTHING YOU HIRE HIM TO DO IN YOUR CONTRACT. DON'T TRUST HE WILL DO IT ON HIS WORD. HIS CONTRACT IS VERY MISLEADING. I hired him to get a declaratory judgment on my legal status and he charged me $15,000.00 up front and assured me he would find out what court we needed to go to. So I signed his contract and paid the $15,000.00 . The contract he produced for me to sign alluded to going to court but the way he worded it I had no way to enforce it when he changed his mind about my representation. After six months all he had done was to produced two letters and after the second letter he got a response from the other party and then told me he could not do anything else. He sent me to another Attorney to file a complaint in Federal court and refused to refund any of the $15,000.00. I filed a complaint to the TN Board of Professional Conduct and Mr. Isaacs hired another Attorney to represent him, who then offered me a $3,000.00 refund on the fee. I told him I felt Mr. Isaacs had only done about $3,000.00 worth of work and I would like the full amount of the UNEARNED fee back. To this day I have not been refunded any of the fee I paid Mr. Isaacs and the complaint I filed has been dropped by the board. I was a fool for trusting Mr. Isaacs and to pay $15,000.00 up front
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07 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr. Brown agreed to represent me for two separate traffic offenses and gave me a slightly reduced rate ($500 for both). However, he instructed me to go ahead and pay the original higher rate ($300) for the first ticket he had already billed me for and then he sent a second bill for $200, which I also paid in good faith. The result of Mr. Brown's representation for the speeding ticket was disappointing. He was only able to get the speed reduced slightly and the court costs reduced accordingly, but I still wound up with three points against my license and over a hundred dollars in court costs on top of what I paid him! It has been a number of years since I needed a traffic attorney, but back when I drove cross country and picked up an occasional speeding ticket, they were always able to get the ticket dismissed. Mr. Brown's excuse was that the court in Alcoa was very hard line on speeding tickets. But when he voiced his apprehension about being able to effectively represent me for the second ticket where the other driver actually struck me, I began to wonder whether this guy knows what he's doing. I've had a few traffic attorneys represent me over the years and this is the first time I ran into one who considered himself ineffective. When I expressed my concern, he abruptly withdrew from my case, but said he will only refund $200 instead of the $250 we had agreed to when he agreed to represent me for the second traffic offense. Not only do I feel duped by an attorney who is clearly ineffective, I feel ripped off by an obvious con artist.
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13 Jan, 2015 by David
These days its hard to trust a lawyer and know where to turn Mr. Brown took a case when others wouldn't he wasn't about money he was about the pursuit of justice and saved my life he showed zeal and showed that real lawyers exsist in life who still care about the law and what it stands for.
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10 Apr, 2012 by Deanna
I presented my case to Alexander which was a small claims case. He took it very serious and immediately began contacting necessary parties upon receiving all my information. Alexander kept in close contact with updates on the case as they happened. Alexander always returned my calls in a timely manner. Alexander asked me to collect specific paperwork regarding my case and then did all the communication with the other parties which made it very easy on me. I would highly recommend anyone to seek Alexander's expertise.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

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