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Gerald Harris Goldstein, experienced Appeals, Criminal Defense attorney in San Antonio, TX with 394 reviews
Average
info
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.
34,20
star star star star star
4.4/5
Avvo
5.0
1 Reviews
Google Maps
4.4
393 Reviews
star star star star star
16 Feb, 2025 by Tracy byrd
Best in the business!
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star star star star star
23 Dec, 2024 by Arnece roberts
If I could give 0 stars I would. Absolutely THE problem when it comes to attorneys this day and age.(maybe it’s just with men). If you want a game where you're being strung along and billed forever playing the rollercoaster game with you and your children's life instead of evidence being presented in a costly/timely and empathetic manner THIS IS YOUR GUY. Mr. Bancroft, i just got off the phone with you where you hung up on me stating that I’m threatening you. Get over your ego and realize that your business as a practicing attourney needs realignment. I wrote you about a standing invoice you provided totaling to less than the amount that Ive paid to you months prior with no response. After speaking to your paralegal, then being transferred to your “billing dept.” and speaking to them I was provided with a newer invoice…..with newer charges, where whomever was working before had originally just simply “forgot to send me the invoice”….what a convenient coincidence. After speaking with her, I was transferred to you where I had a conversation with your ego. Well, from the little guy(s) down here Mr. Bancroft, do whats right and fabricating invoices to skip out on paying balances owed on any moneys paid to you for the services that you DID NOT PROVIDE are just not that. Client paid $1750 in retainer fees(half of your 3500 to get the case started) and had to chase said attourney down for enquiries with little to no communications outside of ones that were initiated by me/client, INCLUDING in person conversation with YOU where I unexpectedly paid a visit to your office in August after I could not successfully contact anyone and asked about a status of my case. You did not recall my case by name until we went to your office and you searched my name.(keep in mind, this is three months after contracting). Attourney invoicing per attourney-client portals all state work for balance of $753, with latest payment from client being $631 in October.(this never happened, only payment made was the initial one and didn't make another due to subpar and in my opinion MALPRACTICAL, I'm aware that isn't an official word, service). After a few months of calling and majorly being placed on hold, back and forth’s with promises of returned calls or motions with paralegals, multiples of them and finally being frustrated with the reality of paying an attourney and not being fought for……while fighting a vindictive situation with my children as a GREAT DAD I asked for an explanation stating that if I did not hear anything as ai had been I wanted to discontinue services and be refunded via message inside of the client portal, I THEN was given a response…..but not with accountability, not with a plan of action, not to communicate any valuable evidence or structured plan of action, but to speak downward of me on the “dismal” months of non-payment……….ultimately this attourney demanded I paid him his past due amount, in addition to totals for mediations that hadn't even been had yet to avoid him WITHDRAWING. Needless to say I attended the mediation PRO SE, paid the mediator directly. I’m now on maximum state mandated child support and standard visitation for the children I equally raised because the relationship did not work out with their mother…finally divorced none the less. All of the evidence in the world to fight that good fight never presented, never saw a represented court setting, money just wasted and thank GOD I demanded a standard or it could have been MUCH MUCH worse financially. Contracted with this attourney on 5/24/2024….attourney withdrew as of 11/5/2024, yet they have still attempted to withdraw payment from my bank as of latest, 12/19/2024…….this was my SECOND attourney over a course of what I recall as a 3 year nightmare……I can confidently say, this is whats wrong with the family law system! Will edit with photo documentation when I have time.
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22 Dec, 2024 by Colton king
My wife and I had to deal with CPS so we hired Valerie to represent us, and we are so happy we did! She laid out a plan, kept us in the loop, and got us through the case with a favorable outcome. Well worth the money! Thank you so much!
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George Bruce Dombart, experienced Criminal Defense, Family Law attorney in San Antonio, TX with 146 reviews
Average
info
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.
33,98
star star star star star
4.4/5
Avvo
5.0
4 Reviews
Google Maps
4.3
142 Reviews
star star star star star
22 Dec, 2024 by Colton king
My wife and I had to deal with CPS so we hired Valerie to represent us, and we are so happy we did! She laid out a plan, kept us in the loop, and got us through the case with a favorable outcome. Well worth the money! Thank you so much!
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star star star star star
17 Dec, 2024 by David mitchell
After 38 years and 5 months i received my first child support payment Thanks to the Marvel Law Firm of San Antonio, TX David L. Mitchell of Iowa
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star star star star star
05 Dec, 2024 by Pamela payan
Represented me in an auto accident years ago, I always recommend them to friends. Were extremely helpful through the years long process and won my case for me.
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Robert J. Barrera, experienced Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence attorney in San Antonio, TX with 56 reviews
Average
info
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.
33,87
star star star star star
4.4/5
Avvo
5.0
3 Reviews
Google Maps
4.3
53 Reviews
star star star star star
12 Dec, 2024 by Mandy
*This review is written & on behalf of my mother Looking for a Great Lawyer? Look no further, call the office of Bobby Barrera. My brother’s situation looked pretty grim. We were sure he’d be going on vacation for a while, but nope, not one day. Thank you Jesus for Bobby Barrera. Kind and professional with a touch of sense of humor that helps when you’re feeling hopeless and afraid. It was an honor to meet him, but if I don’t see him again, that’s OK! Lol! Bobby Barrera is definitely a 5 STAR in our book. It’s also a plus when you have a great secretary like Sandy!
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star star star star star
05 Nov, 2024 by Elizabeth chavez
Excellent
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star star star star star
27 Sep, 2024 by Eugene bonilla
Bobby did an outstanding job for our family. I highly recommend his services. He's extremely professional and is very experienced.
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David Joseph Kimmelman, experienced Criminal Defense, Federal Crime attorney in San Antonio, TX with 393 reviews
Below Average
info
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.
29,93
star star star star star
4.4/5
Google Maps
4.4
393 Reviews
star star star star star
16 Feb, 2025 by Tracy byrd
Best in the business!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
23 Dec, 2024 by Arnece roberts
If I could give 0 stars I would. Absolutely THE problem when it comes to attorneys this day and age.(maybe it’s just with men). If you want a game where you're being strung along and billed forever playing the rollercoaster game with you and your children's life instead of evidence being presented in a costly/timely and empathetic manner THIS IS YOUR GUY. Mr. Bancroft, i just got off the phone with you where you hung up on me stating that I’m threatening you. Get over your ego and realize that your business as a practicing attourney needs realignment. I wrote you about a standing invoice you provided totaling to less than the amount that Ive paid to you months prior with no response. After speaking to your paralegal, then being transferred to your “billing dept.” and speaking to them I was provided with a newer invoice…..with newer charges, where whomever was working before had originally just simply “forgot to send me the invoice”….what a convenient coincidence. After speaking with her, I was transferred to you where I had a conversation with your ego. Well, from the little guy(s) down here Mr. Bancroft, do whats right and fabricating invoices to skip out on paying balances owed on any moneys paid to you for the services that you DID NOT PROVIDE are just not that. Client paid $1750 in retainer fees(half of your 3500 to get the case started) and had to chase said attourney down for enquiries with little to no communications outside of ones that were initiated by me/client, INCLUDING in person conversation with YOU where I unexpectedly paid a visit to your office in August after I could not successfully contact anyone and asked about a status of my case. You did not recall my case by name until we went to your office and you searched my name.(keep in mind, this is three months after contracting). Attourney invoicing per attourney-client portals all state work for balance of $753, with latest payment from client being $631 in October.(this never happened, only payment made was the initial one and didn't make another due to subpar and in my opinion MALPRACTICAL, I'm aware that isn't an official word, service). After a few months of calling and majorly being placed on hold, back and forth’s with promises of returned calls or motions with paralegals, multiples of them and finally being frustrated with the reality of paying an attourney and not being fought for……while fighting a vindictive situation with my children as a GREAT DAD I asked for an explanation stating that if I did not hear anything as ai had been I wanted to discontinue services and be refunded via message inside of the client portal, I THEN was given a response…..but not with accountability, not with a plan of action, not to communicate any valuable evidence or structured plan of action, but to speak downward of me on the “dismal” months of non-payment……….ultimately this attourney demanded I paid him his past due amount, in addition to totals for mediations that hadn't even been had yet to avoid him WITHDRAWING. Needless to say I attended the mediation PRO SE, paid the mediator directly. I’m now on maximum state mandated child support and standard visitation for the children I equally raised because the relationship did not work out with their mother…finally divorced none the less. All of the evidence in the world to fight that good fight never presented, never saw a represented court setting, money just wasted and thank GOD I demanded a standard or it could have been MUCH MUCH worse financially. Contracted with this attourney on 5/24/2024….attourney withdrew as of 11/5/2024, yet they have still attempted to withdraw payment from my bank as of latest, 12/19/2024…….this was my SECOND attourney over a course of what I recall as a 3 year nightmare……I can confidently say, this is whats wrong with the family law system! Will edit with photo documentation when I have time.
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star star star star star
22 Dec, 2024 by Colton king
My wife and I had to deal with CPS so we hired Valerie to represent us, and we are so happy we did! She laid out a plan, kept us in the loop, and got us through the case with a favorable outcome. Well worth the money! Thank you so much!
Read more Google Maps
See more
Roy R. Barrera, experienced Criminal Defense, Federal Crime attorney in San Antonio, TX with 53 reviews
Below Average
info
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.
29,03
star star star star star
4.3/5
Google Maps
4.3
53 Reviews
star star star star star
12 Dec, 2024 by Mandy
*This review is written & on behalf of my mother Looking for a Great Lawyer? Look no further, call the office of Bobby Barrera. My brother’s situation looked pretty grim. We were sure he’d be going on vacation for a while, but nope, not one day. Thank you Jesus for Bobby Barrera. Kind and professional with a touch of sense of humor that helps when you’re feeling hopeless and afraid. It was an honor to meet him, but if I don’t see him again, that’s OK! Lol! Bobby Barrera is definitely a 5 STAR in our book. It’s also a plus when you have a great secretary like Sandy!
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star star star star star
05 Nov, 2024 by Elizabeth chavez
Excellent
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star star star star star
27 Sep, 2024 by Eugene bonilla
Bobby did an outstanding job for our family. I highly recommend his services. He's extremely professional and is very experienced.
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Veronica Imelda Legarreta, experienced Criminal Defense, Family Law attorney in San Antonio, TX with 5 reviews
Below Average
info
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.
28,52
star star star star star
4.2/5
Avvo
4.2
5 Reviews
star star star star star
05 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Veronica Legarreta has proven to be very unprofessional. She takes weeks, and even months to respond to case inquiries. Both Veronica and her assistant are verbally aggressive, rude and have even yelled at us on more than one occasion. We requested an itemized bill to check retainer funds status. Veronica became irate, slamming folders onto her desk, and berated her assistant in front of us for being inefficient. Veronica emailed us the following day, stating she would no longer be our attorney. Over the last 2 months, she continues to be difficult in transferring our file to our new attorney. We have decided to have a police escort accompany us to retrieve our paperwork, in person. Veronica Legarretta is a physically and verbally hostile person. We will certainly report her behavior to the State Bar for unprofessionalism.
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20 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
We hired Ms Legaretta when our son was charged with multiple non-violent felonies, and looking at a sentence of 25 years. Immediately after hiring her, she did the research, formulated a plan, communicated that plan to us, and then went to work. As with all worried parents, we had questions every day. She encouraged us to text or call as often as we had questions. And she responded with minutes or hours everytime. She was always straight forward, even when the information wasn't what we wanted to hear. She coordinated and collaborated with the prosecutor multiple times, and was able to get a much lesser sentence. Her rates were very affordable, and accepted a payment plan. She made the legal process as easy as possible. She always fully explained the process which helped us understand. We definitely recommend her if you are in need of a criminal lawyer.
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04 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Veronica Legarreta is the reason I have my son with me today. He could have been sent to jail for a prank that resulted in a misdemeanor.
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John Edward Murphy, experienced Federal Crime attorney in San Antonio, TX with 8 reviews
Below Average
info
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.
26,78
star star star star star
4.5/5
Google Maps
4.5
8 Reviews
star star star star star
15 Apr, 2024 by Jean s.
We recently worked with James Woo to prepare our will and other pertinent documents for our estate planning. Mr Woo was excellent to work with. He made this difficult task so easy for us. Mr Woo explained everything very clearly and worked to complete all of our documents within two weeks. We highly recommend him!😄
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27 Jul, 2022 by Timothy kilpatrick
Very professional organization that provided us with outstanding advice on estate planning and will preparation.
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27 Jul, 2022 by Sarah b
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Jorge Gabriel Trevino, experienced Federal Crime, Immigration attorney in San Antonio, TX with 7 reviews
Below Average
info
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.
17,30
star star star star star
3.2/5
Avvo
3.2
7 Reviews
star star star star star
16 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
My husband and I hired Mr. Trevino to help my husband with his residency and it’s been the longest time waiting, without knowing anything. I do not know if he is good or not because we have spoken to him ONCE and through a video call were we could even get to see him, so basically just a phone call. They have the worst customer service, secretary is rude and they never know anything. Plus, that’s once in a million when they answer the phone, which is completely rare. As of today we haven’t received any answers, and when we get to speak to any of them, they just ask for money. WORST EXPERIENCE EVER.
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30 Jan, 2022 by Karla
Hola, yo contrate a el abogado JORGE TREVIÑO para que me ayudara con mi esposo. En un proceso para que obtuviera su residencia permanente me cobro un mínimo para agarrar su caso para comenzar a trabajar en el. siempre obtuve respuestas a todas mis preguntas etc etc muy buen abogado super respetuosos & atento hoy en día podría desir que es un excelente abogado que confío a ojos cerrados & que gracias a dios mi esposo obtuvo su residencia gracias abogado
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01 Nov, 2018 by Sacramento
I hired Jorge Treviño to help petition my girlfriend under VAWA. He charged me 50% upfront. He did open a case but soon after that, he stopped answering my calls and texts. His secretary at the firm also stopped answering my calls. I regret hiring this lawyer I just wish he was more honest with me and tell me what actually was going on to help my girlfriend instead of wasting our time and money. Please go to a different immigration lawyer thank you.
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Kristen Lyn Mulliner, experienced Criminal Defense, Federal Crime attorney in San Antonio, TX with 5 reviews
Below Average
info
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.
10,89
star star star star star
1.8/5
Avvo
1.8
5 Reviews
star star star star star
30 May, 2023 by Kaydee
Kristen and her husband Jeff knowingly let my husband go to prison. They lied to the state and let us fail when trying to prove innocence. We paid $25,000 for literally nothing. No defense, no help, nothing. We would have been better off with a public defender. She told the state that we were liars (even though we have proof of their wrongdoings) and therefore my husband will get to spend decades in prison for something the Mulliners KNOW he did not do. Thanks for that. So much for Justice. I hope karma comes back on you both. Stop practicing law regardless of which side you’re on. You’re ruining people’s lives every day and sadly you’ve ruined ours. The other reviews I’ve read here are 100% accurate so please do not get into bed with these people. Do your research and don’t repeat our mistakes. It will literally cost you everything.
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19 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
She had to turn to prosecuting people because she and her husband (now known as Charles Jeffrey Mulliner) take your $$$ and do NOTHING for it. One word. Scammers.
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12 Aug, 2022 by Don't
Walk away. She lied over and over, said she did not say things that she said although we had several family present to hear it. Her husband and her work together, act like they're a caring team to help you or your loved one. Once she has the money, there's no work, no researching cases, no great Motions, let alone a Motion at all. Easy to take cases, make deals and walk away with the money and no work. Next case? She was assistant district attorney, still is, although under the guise of defense attorney.
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George Bruce Dombart, experienced Criminal Defense, Family Law attorney in San Antonio, TX with  reviews
Below Average
info
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.
4,00
star star star star star
0/5
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Colin Hobbs, experienced Criminal Defense, Family Law attorney in San Antonio, TX with  reviews
Below Average
info
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.
4,00
star star star star star
0/5
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Erik Steven Reynolds, experienced Criminal Defense, Federal Crime attorney in San Antonio, TX with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
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.
0,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
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Jennifer Kay Pena, experienced Criminal Defense, Federal Crime attorney in San Antonio, TX with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
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.
0,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
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You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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:

  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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