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Robert J DeGroot, experienced Consumer Protection, Criminal Defense attorney in Newark, NJ with 6 reviews
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43,19
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5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
6 Reviews
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18 Mar, 2017 by Erik
We were clients of the law offices of Robert J. DeGroot, with Robert DeGroot and Oleg Nekritin as our attorneys. We would like to take this opportunity to tell you what an outstanding job that they did for us in our complex, contentious, and from what many other experts have said, very difficult custody case. From what we have learned, when child custody is being disputed, missteps can be easy to make and are difficult to reverse. For me, a father, to have succeeded, it was essential that smart decisions be made early in the case. The DeGroot team gave us extraordinary counsel from the onset, and gave us a solid understanding of the factors that Family Court Judges consider when determining custody. The smart decisions were made because of these exemplary attorneys. When fighting for our family, we could only select the best, the attorneys at Robert J. DeGroot. They guided us through all flavors of maneuverings from opposing counsel - all the while making sure best interests of my child were served. Not only were these two individual’s complete professionals in their handling of our case, but they both went beyond what we could ever have hoped for. To us they are the meaning behind “For the People.” We consider Bob and Oleg friends of our family for life.
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01 Mar, 2017 by Carlos
My ex wife accused me of following her and stalking her. De Groot and staff were able through traffic reconstruction and cell phone records demonstrate that it was she who was following me. I was found not guilty and can see my kids once more.
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24 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. DeGroot and his firm were thorough, efficient and most importantly effective in presenting my defense. He and his team explored all potential avenues and presented a qualified case to the court. The result was a reduced penalty and dismissal of some charges. Mr. DeGroot was recognized and well respected by the South Orange Court. I would definitely recommend Mr. DeGroot and his Law Firm to my family and friends.
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Thomas Edward Moseley, experienced Criminal Defense, Federal Crime attorney in Newark, NJ with 140 reviews
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41,75
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4.8/5
Google Maps
4.8
140 Reviews
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06 Feb, 2025 by Melissa sidoti
Husain Gatlin is probably one of the best attorneys I have ever retained and I can’t thank him enough for being so hands on with our case. He did everything he said he was going to do and he is well worth every cent you spend!! As I have told Husain previously, I admire him and I don’t like lawyers! 🤣 I think that explains it all!! Thank you 😎
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04 Feb, 2025 by Wade smith
I highly recommend Mr. Gatlin services to all my family, friends, an associates. His office staff was a pleasure to work with, they were very professional an detailed. Mr. Gatlin made sure all my questions were answered an kept me informed every step of the way. I didnt have to ask any questions, he was on top of it. I would recommend anyone that need professional legal representation to seek Mr Gatlin. I really appreciate his assistance and i want to say THANK YOU Mr. Gatlin for your excellent professional assistance and the outcome.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Matthew streeter
I paid Husain A. Gatlin $2,500 to represent me in a simple civil dispute. From the beginning, he was difficult to get a hold of, and even though I only reached out with legitimate questions, Gatlin only communicated through a document uploading website, through which it took several days to get a response. Communication got so bad with Gatlin that another lawyer of mine attempted to contact him regarding vital matters- he and I still got no response for weeks. Gatlin made it clear to me -by actually telling me- that he was tired of this case and had no interest in continuing it. It was such a relatively minor case (albeit very important to me) that he simply lost interest when it started taking just a little longer than expected to reach a resolution. WORSE OF ALL, I didn’t find out until trial commenced (with a new lawyer) that a major point of contention between the other party and me was caused by Gatlin’s carelessness. Part of my countersuit against the other party was for trespassing. It didn’t come out until the trial, when opposing counsel brought it to my attention while I was on the witness stand, that unbeknownst to me, Gatlin had given the go-ahead to the other party to enter my property WITHOUT CONSULTING ME, OR EVEN TELLING ME AFTER HE DID IT. Police were called, charges were filed, trial took place, all because Gatlin, knowing I would never allow the trespass FOR THE SAFETY OF MY CHILDREN, took it upon himself to let the other party enter my property without even telling me he’d done it. As a trial date approached, when he should have been the most interactive, Gatlin completely fell off the face of the planet. Neither I nor my other attorney could reach him at all. Weeks later, I fired him and hired another attorney. Since Gatlin did nothing the entire ten months he “represented” me (other than wear his pretty little bow ties), I filed for fee arbitration to recoup at least a portion of the $2,500 I paid. During the fee arbitration hearing, he blatantly lied several times, and when I proved he was lying, he resorted to insults. If your case isn’t as sexy and exciting as a murder, this is the kind of service you can expect from Husain A. Gatlin. ---------UPDATE, IN RESPONSE TO COMPANY'S COMMENT------------ The panel's questionable decision aside, there's no denying the fact that your carelessness put my children in danger and caused unnecessary litigation. And it's no coincidence that other negative reviews of you have common denominators- your carelessness, quickness to lose interest in cases you're paid to see through to the end, and petulant refusal to communicate with clients.
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Montell Figgins, experienced Car Accident, Criminal Defense attorney in Newark, NJ with 402 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
40,77
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4.7/5
Avvo
5.0
20 Reviews
Google Maps
4.7
382 Reviews
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27 Feb, 2025 by Alondra gómez
From the very first consultation, I felt at ease. The attorneys were attentive, knowledgeable, and gave me the reassurance I needed during a tough time
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27 Feb, 2025 by Glen alexander de dios tello
I highly recommend Cobos Law Firm for anyone going through a divorce. They guided me every step of the way and fought for my rights.
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26 Feb, 2025 by Ruth gomez
Súper recomendado. El mejor abogado de divorcios en Newark, Nueva Jersey.
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Alan D Bowman, experienced Civil Rights, Criminal Defense attorney in Newark, NJ with 4 reviews
Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
37,02
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4.7/5
Avvo
4.7
4 Reviews
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28 Aug, 2022 by Joseph
When I worked for the dept.of corrections,allen represented me,allen was very effective 8n stopping the nkdoc from ruining my career.hes worth every dollar.thank you allen.
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10 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Bowman represented me in a civil case. I was wrongly accused and felt I was being railroaded by the legal system. In stepped Mr. Bowman. His representation made the difference. He dissected the witness during trial, exposed her untruths, and demonstrated to the court I was falsely accused. I was amazed with how completely thorough he is. He left nothing to chance. There is not better attorney. I interviewed several attorneys before selecting Alan Bowman.
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01 Apr, 2013 by Nabil
Mr. Bowman, represent my wife and he was wonderful will prepared at all the time, and get her what he promised
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Matthew Michael Pustay, experienced Criminal Defense, Estate Planning attorney in Newark, NJ with 0 reviews
Below Average
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4,00
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0.0/5
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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:

  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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