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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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03 Sep, 2024 by A sure
Rachel Kugel and Her Team Cleared My Name As a healthcare professional, I’m usually very private about my personal matters, especially online. But I felt compelled to share my story about how Rachel Kugel and her amazing team saved my career. Due to some policy issues, I’m writing this under an anonymous profile, but what I went through was very real. I was falsely accused and arrested for a DUI, along with a refusal to take a breathalyzer test. It was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life. I knew these charges could destroy everything I’d worked so hard for in my career. I was desperate and didn’t know where to turn. That’s when I found Rachel Kugel. From the very first conversation, I felt a glimmer of hope. Rachel didn’t just see me as another case—she believed in my innocence and was determined to fight for me. She walked me through every step of the process with confidence and care, never once making me feel like I was in this alone. Rachel and her team worked tirelessly to uncover the truth and challenge the charges against me. Against all odds, they were able to get both the DUI and the refusal charges dismissed. The outcome was something I didn’t even think was possible. It felt like a miracle. I’m still in shock at what Rachel was able to achieve. Because of her, I was able to clear my name and continue with my life and career. I can’t express enough how grateful I am for her expertise and dedication. If you ever find yourself in a tough situation, Rachel Kugel is the person you want in your corner. She truly saved me.
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14 Aug, 2024 by John maurice
I cannot recommend The Kugal Firm highly enough! From my very first consultation, Rachel and her team exhibited the utmost professionalism and expertise in handling my case. Rachel’s deep knowledge of the law and her strategic approach made all the difference. Thanks to her diligent work, my DUI was dismissed, which has truly changed my life for the better. Throughout the entire process, Rachel was always available to answer my questions and provide guidance, making me feel supported and confident in her abilities. If you are in need of a dedicated attorney who will fight for you, look no further than The Kugal Firm. Rachel’s commitment to her clients is unparalleled, and I am incredibly grateful for her and her team's efforts. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them—you won’t regret it!
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02 Jul, 2024 by Nazirah smith
CON ARTIST My father paid this lawyer $50k for my brother. He went to trial and was found guilty on some accounts and not guilty on others but he said he would do his appeal for free. The appeal was filled and he missed the court date so they threw my brother appeal out! No update on anything from this con artist but broken promises as if he didn’t get paid. Why offer to do something and you’re not going to do it . Seems to me he stalling for time. Anyways don’t trust this man. I pray he still not in practice.
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05 Oct, 2024 by Sooner hart
Cobos Law Firm is exceptional They handled my custody case with professionalism and care. The team was attentive responsive and always kept me informed. I couldn’t have asked for better support through a challenging time. Highly recommend
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03 Oct, 2024 by Helen
Please be cautious of this law firm. Several warning signs should not be ignored. Mr. Brown, in particular, was highly problematic. He attempted to have me undergo anger management without my knowledge as part of a deal he made with the prosecutor. Neither he nor the law firm returned my calls, and he failed to appear in court when required. He lacked communication skills and legal knowledge. He seemed more interested in cutting deals with prosecutors than defending clients' rights. I eventually had to hire another lawyer who could highlight the inconsistencies in the false charges against me, resulting in the dismissal of the case.
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29 Sep, 2024 by Yayah hadjar youssouf
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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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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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