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27 Jan, 2025 by Cornecia calloway
I highly recommend Mr.Ferguson for all your lawyer needs! I was facing a felony try for allegedly fighting a cop and he was able to get it dismissed AND I had a misdemeanor case he got dismissed too! I’m so happy, I actually got another chance at life !!! 10/10 go see him!
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21 Jan, 2025 by Abe solis
Took care of everything for me. Better results than I expected!
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20 Jan, 2025 by Desmond lewis
18 Feb, 2020 by Ghan
After trying to be forced by a public defender to plead guilty to something I definitely did not do Ms K walked in that court room and I walked out a free man!
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19 Sep, 2015 by Aquitted!
Firecracker! If you want someone aggressive and knowledgeable, then Ms. Kimbrough is your trial attorney!
Saved MY buns, and did so when odds seemed against us. Listen to her. Do what she asks. And be supportive. She knows what she's doing. Period! I hope she becomes Judge one day soon.
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10 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
I had questions and needed advice in a timely way. I contacted 1/2 dozen attorneys and Mr. Bieger was the one that took time with me. He was a patient listener and already familiar with the facts. His points were well made and advice seems good. I would hire if the case warranted it.
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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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08 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
I had 4 tickets from United States Federal Park Rangers. They were driving off designated roadway, possession of tobacco by a minor, fleeing to elude, and speeding 95 MPH in a 50 MPH speed zone. The park rangers didn’t arrest me that day, but when I had my day in court those officers wanted me jailed. Davis got the court to drop all charges except fleeing to elude and I walked away with a $1500.00 fine and nothing more. I would definitely recommend his services time and time again because you can’t beat a deal like that in my opinion.
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14 Oct, 2013 by Clarence
Mr.Byrd took charge of my case and handled it so great. He kept me informed .His defense strategy is Super!!
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06 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
The best lawyer in Nashville. Highly recommended. Great federal lawyer. Very knowledgeable. Ms. Hodde takes everything into consideration for the best results in your case. Very truthful lawyer.
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03 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Ben Russ is the best lawyer! He has represented my whole family at one time or another. He is compassionate and very knowledgeable. He was able to guide me through a very scary process especially since I did not understand the legal system. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for counsel.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Teddy
I needed a lawyer and Lee Davis was highly recommended. I was charged with aggravated assault.
Mr. Davis did his best to keep me calm and informed. With his patience and directions, my case was dismissed and expunged 100%. One of the most disturbing incidents in my live was resolved.
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15 Jul, 2023 by Patty elswick
A couple of days ago I wrote a review out of frustration and I was upset, I did not mean it. Mr. Glen is a man of Integrity and Great work ethics, we are truly blessed to have him as our Lawyer. I am truly sorry if this hurt Mr. Glenn. He is a Great Lawyer.
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29 Oct, 2022 by Doctor monkerstein
Great defense atty and fine family man.
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07 Aug, 2022 by Mike peters
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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21 Jan, 2025 by Dante rosales
I hired a lawyer from this office that took $10,000 from me and then quit practicing family law 6 months later.
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15 Jan, 2025 by Jake steffenhagen
Joshua Corman handled my case with precise expertise. I cannot thank him enough for his care and genuine manner. Very accommodating and professional, great communication. Highly recommended.
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06 Jan, 2025 by April fletcher
Mr. Angelakis is the real MVP. From the beginning to the end!! Very informative, patient and friendly. Even the receptionist was a sweetheart. If you are looking for a lawyer that goes above and beyond for their clients.He’s most definitely the guy to get the job done. I promise you want be disappointed!!!
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27 Aug, 2024 by Jessica mcclure
I DO NOT RECOMMEND MR MASSEY LAW FIRM TO ANYONE. FOR ONE HOW CAN YOU SIGN ON TO BE MY LAWYER JUST TO SIDE WITH SOMEONE THAT ISNT YOUR CLIENT AND BELIEVE EVERYTHING ELSE THAT YOUR COMPETITORS ARE TELLING YOU WHEN CLEAR AS DAY YOU HAVE THE TRUTH AND THE EVIDENCE RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU BUT STILL YOU SIDING WITH THE OTHER LAWYER THAT DONT EVEN HAVE ALL THE FACTS PLUS NO EVIDENCE OR ANYTHING BUT YOU ONLY GOING ON WHAT THE OTHER SIDE IS SAYING WHEN THE EVIDENCE IS IN YOUR FACE BUT IM IN THE WRONG OR IM NOT GETTING THE PROPER HELP THAT I HIRED YOU FOR ONLY TO GET SET WITH OTHER COURT DATE SO THE OTHER SIDE CAN GATHER THEY EVIDENCE THAT THEY NEED TO BRING TO THE NEXT COURT DATE PLEASE MAKE THAT MAKE SENSE I HIGHLY DO NOT RECOMMEND NO ONE TO EVER GO TO THEM FOR HELP BECAUSE THEY GOING TO SIDE WITH THE OPPOSITE TEAM AND NOT HELP YOU AT ALL WHEN YOU ARE THEY CLIENT THEY DO NOT FIGHT FOR JUSTICE FOR THEIR CLIENTS
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24 Aug, 2024 by Iamcaybo1
Never hire Joe McClusky he just wants your money and he will never fully represent you. He judges you before your case even starts and he’s never honestly on your side.
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25 Apr, 2024 by T o
Mr. Massey and he’s team are the absolute BEST law firm in Memphis . Seth is amazing ! I highly recommend this law firm . Quick and responsive. They will fight for you in court and get the job done . Mr . Massey is the TRIAL KING , he wins and that’s a guarantee. He’s also a great author he has many books published . I would highly advise anyone that is having criminal court issues to contact this firm , I have yet to see them lose . They are all top attorneys . We love the whole team !
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01 Dec, 2021 by Tracy
I was appointed this lawyer during a federal case and he was a God send!!!! He is an amazing person with very high morals and values..Very trustworthy and keeps communication open without watering down the outcome...I would recommend him to anyone who wants a lawyer to care about them as a person...
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21 Sep, 2017 by Destiney
Mr. Shockley is currently my fiance's lawyer. He has been very honest, and always kept communication with my self and my fiance. Although we are still unsure of sentencing. Because federal chargers are different. We have faith in Mr.Shockley.
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20 Oct, 2013 by Boota
I know him when he was the Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California, San Francisco, I have dealt with him, and he was the Government attorney against me in my criminal case, but this guy is very honest, man of his word and promise keeping person, who you can trust, I have no hard feeling against him, he did his job, and during whole process I came to know this person is good to know and wish to meet him or speak to him one day, while now he is not employee of the U.S. Government.
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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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04 Feb, 2021 by Amanda
I talked to many attorneys after my accident in order to find the right one that actually cared about his clients. Mark Chiozza does just that!! I’m so happy I chose Chiozza Law Firm and highly recommend them.
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24 Aug, 2011 by Anonymous
I asked for assistance from his father and he came to assist. Was injured/etc. his father too. I have still issues he is a great hunter for the truth, my marriage liscense in Northern, MS under Collins lined out then Strickland to Elvis in 1975, will help. I have numerous accounts stolen by banks, and police, truck stolen by them too, have Truck title certificate no holder, insurance was State Farm, 1/10/2010. My agent Paul Stevens died within min. I have no home, vehicle, job, friends that don't get hurt too. Never got any money from
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14 Nov, 2014 by Tilihia
David has one every case for me and my dad not only is he a lawyer and I have known him for many years but he is like a mentor who will make sure you are headed the right direction in life and he will help you in every way possible I admire him for that! When he tells you he is going to do something trust and believe with patience he will make it happen. Make him your lawyer he is excellent and thank you for your time reviewing have a good day
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19 Jun, 2014 by Laura
The day after Christmas my son found himself alone, scared, and in jail. I called Mr. Parris and he immediately started arrangements for my son's release. As his case progresses, Mr. Parris is attentive and sensitive to what our family is going through. He gives honest answers to our questions and is very knowledgeable about my son's case. Although we are uncertain of the outcome, I feel confident Mr. Parris will get the best possible results for us.
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04 Feb, 2025 by Tacaris payne
From the Briscoe Family. Hired Mr Campbell for my case, he told me what he was gonna do and he did everything he said he was gonna do. Excellent attorney . Will be using him again and I strongly recommend him. And all of the staff was nice, friendly and helpful. If you need a attorney that's gonna fight for you and succeed, call Campbell law firm.
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31 Jan, 2025 by Mary brinkey
I would like to Thank Leslie and his staff I rate you all 100 percent real 🙏 you do what you say you gone do Thank you from The Clark Brinkley family we really love your work From grandmother Mary I know you all got tired of me 😔 Thank you
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29 Jan, 2025 by Tammy mcgowan
Ms. Tanya helped to keep the flow of our case on point. From appointment reminders, taking time to explain things from court…whatever she could do to assist was done. Your hard work for Us did not go unnoticed 🥰🥰
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22 Dec, 2024 by Ken dalton
This guy is a loose cannon! He should be the UN-Lawyer! Extremely unprofessional, unorganized & even a bit unethical 😑 SMH. Just a Bad Actor.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Franchata bush
Awesome attorney! He is very kind, answered all of my questions and his service was amazing!
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27 Nov, 2024 by Landon engelhart
Heeg Law effectively helped me expedite my contract needs while starting my small business. As a Nashvillian and a business owner, I can confidently say this group is on your side! If you're ever in need of guidance don't hesitate to call, Justin was excellent.
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26 Jan, 2024 by Elle miller
Such a pleasure working with Patrick. Very open and honest with me. He helped me to understand everything every step of the way.
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15 Sep, 2023 by Stephen camp
Honest, persistent, hardworking and qualified. These are the characteristics that Newsom Law brought to the table and won our case. Thank you!
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27 May, 2023 by Tamika mcdonald
07 Sep, 2023 by Tina
I literally just spoke to Mr John a few hours ago because am from out of state and my case is in sumner county…..Mr John spoke to me with so much kindness and respect like he has known me for a while, great communication….Thank you so much
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06 Feb, 2020 by Corrie
Mr. Pellegrin represented me in 2014 the outcome was great! I recently hired him again he is currently working on my case in 2020. I know I am in the best hands possible for criminal defense I referred two clients to him that would agree.... .John Pellegrin is honest and has years of wisdom in law.. He's the only attorney I recommend to anyone! This man is the Best available!!! He works hard for his clients!!!!
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16 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
Literally did the bare minimum. Pretty much absent from anytime we had a court appearance. Infact the Judges made annoyed comments about his tardiness and absence. After all was said and done he didn't do anything for me that we couldn't have done ourselves except he charged money that we could have used towards the fines. So again complete waste of time and money. All I see are 5 star reviews on this page. So I'm assuming that you guys just delete the real reviews of f upset clients so if this doesn't get posted. I will be contacting the better business bureau.
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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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12 May, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired Frank Sr. For family law post divorce, I feel he was not prepared for case in contempt hearing and lost case.i called his office trying to contact him, in three weeks he did not return calls. Would not recommend him. His son by the way was very personable!
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31 Dec, 2013 by Pete
this lawyer has not contacted my husband whos been sitting in jail 4 months now Dwight has always been really rude towards me when im trying to find out information honestly I think he is a poor lawyer I would rather represent my self rather than have him on my case my husband could honestly be out with me if his lawyer would do his job
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Federal Crime Lawyer Can Do for You
A federal crime lawyer specializes in defending individuals or organizations accused of violating federal laws. These lawyers have experience navigating the complex federal criminal justice system, which includes higher penalties, stricter sentencing guidelines, and a different court system than state-level crimes. Federal crime lawyers defend clients against a wide range of charges, such as drug trafficking, white-collar crimes, fraud, conspiracy, gun violations, and more. They assist in every phase of the legal process, from investigation to trial and appeals, ensuring their clients' rights are protected.
If you’re facing federal criminal charges, a federal crime lawyer can provide the necessary defense and expertise to navigate the complexities of federal law and achieve the best possible outcome.
When Should I Hire a Federal Crime Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a federal crime lawyer in any situation where you are under investigation or have been charged with a federal crime. Key scenarios include:
- Charged with a federal crime: If you’ve been charged with a federal offense, such as drug trafficking, wire fraud, money laundering, or conspiracy, hiring a federal crime lawyer is essential to ensure your defense is tailored to federal court procedures and laws.
- Target of a federal investigation: If you are being investigated by federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, ATF, or IRS, it’s crucial to retain a lawyer early on. A lawyer can help you avoid self-incrimination and build a defense strategy to counter the investigation.
- White-collar crimes: If you’ve been accused of federal white-collar crimes such as securities fraud, embezzlement, or insider trading, a lawyer can help defend you against charges brought by federal prosecutors and regulatory agencies like the SEC.
- Drug-related charges: If you’re facing federal drug charges, such as possession, distribution, or trafficking of controlled substances, a lawyer can represent you in federal court and negotiate plea deals or challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Gun-related offenses: If you’ve been charged with federal gun crimes, including illegal possession, trafficking, or using a firearm during a violent crime, a federal crime lawyer can help defend against harsh federal penalties.
- Immigration-related crimes: Federal charges involving immigration violations, such as human trafficking, smuggling, or illegal re-entry after deportation, require specialized legal knowledge of both federal criminal law and immigration law.
- Appeals: If you’ve been convicted of a federal crime and are seeking to appeal the conviction or sentence, a federal crime lawyer can assist with the appeals process, focusing on legal errors or issues that may have occurred during the trial.
Hiring a lawyer as soon as you know you are under investigation or charged with a federal crime gives you the best chance of protecting your rights and building a strong defense.
What Does a Federal Crime Lawyer Do?
A federal crime lawyer provides a wide range of legal services to defend individuals and organizations accused of federal crimes. Their responsibilities often include:
- Defending clients in federal court: Federal crime lawyers represent clients in all stages of federal criminal proceedings, including pre-trial motions, plea negotiations, trials, and sentencing hearings.
- Building a defense strategy: Lawyers thoroughly investigate the charges, review the prosecution’s evidence, and develop a defense strategy tailored to the unique aspects of federal law and sentencing guidelines.
- Negotiating plea deals: In some cases, a lawyer may negotiate with federal prosecutors to reduce charges or penalties, potentially avoiding a lengthy trial and reducing sentencing.
- Handling federal investigations: If you are the subject of a federal investigation, a lawyer will guide you on how to interact with federal agents, respond to subpoenas, and handle potential interrogations, ensuring your rights are not violated.
- Filing pre-trial motions: Federal crime lawyers can file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or challenge the legality of the investigation or arrest, aiming to weaken the prosecution’s case before trial.
- Representing clients in appeals: If you’ve been convicted, a federal crime lawyer can represent you in the appeals process, focusing on legal errors, misconduct, or constitutional issues that may have affected the trial’s outcome.
- Managing sentencing and post-conviction matters: Lawyers also help clients during the sentencing phase, arguing for leniency or alternatives to imprisonment, and assist with post-conviction matters such as parole or supervised release violations.
How Are Federal Crime Lawyers Paid?
Federal crime lawyers typically charge for their services in various ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the expected time commitment. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Many federal crime lawyers charge by the hour, with rates typically ranging from $300 to $1,000 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience, the case complexity, and geographic location.
- Flat fee: For specific services, such as negotiating a plea deal or representing you during the initial stages of a federal investigation, some lawyers offer a flat fee. Flat fees for federal criminal defense cases often range from $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the scope of the work.
- Retainer: In complex federal cases, a lawyer may require a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers a portion of the legal work. The lawyer then bills against this retainer as they work on the case. Retainers typically range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the case.
- Payment plans: Some federal crime lawyers may offer payment plans, especially if the case involves extended litigation or lengthy appeals. This can help make legal fees more manageable over time.
It’s crucial to discuss fees with your lawyer upfront to understand the total cost of representation and how payments will be handled throughout the case.
How Much Does a Federal Crime Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a federal crime lawyer depends on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the time required to resolve the case. General cost estimates include:
- Hourly rates: Federal crime lawyers generally charge between $300 and $1,000 per hour. For example, if a lawyer charges $500 per hour and spends 50 hours on your case, the total cost would be $25,000.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as negotiating a plea deal, flat fees can range from $5,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on the seriousness of the charges and the lawyer’s experience.
- Retainers: In more complex or ongoing cases, a lawyer may require a retainer of $10,000 to $100,000, depending on the case’s scope and complexity.
- Appeals: If you’re appealing a federal conviction, legal fees for an appeal can range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the issues being raised and the length of the appellate process.
In addition to legal fees, you may also need to cover additional costs such as court filing fees, expert witness fees, and investigation expenses.
Top Questions to Ask a Federal Crime Lawyer
Before hiring a federal crime lawyer, it’s essential to ask key questions to ensure they have the necessary experience and qualifications to handle your case. Key questions to ask include:
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What experience do you have with federal cases?
Ensure the lawyer has extensive experience handling federal criminal cases, particularly those similar to yours, such as drug trafficking, white-collar crimes, or gun violations. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost of your defense. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
Ask for an honest assessment of your case and the potential outcomes, including plea deals, dismissals, or trial strategies. -
What is your approach to defending federal cases?
Ask how the lawyer plans to approach your defense, including potential pre-trial motions, negotiations with federal prosecutors, or trial strategies. -
Will my case go to trial?
Ask whether the lawyer thinks your case will settle out of court through a plea deal or whether it’s expected to go to trial, and how the lawyer will prepare for either scenario. -
How long will my case take?
Federal cases can take time to resolve, so ask the lawyer for an estimated timeline, from investigation to trial or settlement. -
What are the possible penalties if convicted?
Ask about the potential penalties you could face if convicted, including prison time, fines, or other consequences, and how the lawyer plans to mitigate those penalties.
How to Check the Credibility of a Federal Crime Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable federal crime lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Check their bar status: Verify with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed to practice law and has no disciplinary actions or complaints.
- Look for federal crime experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in federal criminal defense and have successfully handled cases like yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about their experience with the lawyer.
- Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on federal cases.
- Check for federal court admissions: Make sure the lawyer is admitted to practice in federal court, as federal criminal cases are handled in federal district courts.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a federal crime lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Information about the charges or investigation: Provide any documents related to the charges against you, such as indictments, subpoenas, or notices of investigation. This helps the lawyer assess the severity of the charges and the potential defense strategy.
- Details of previous interactions with federal agents: If federal agents have contacted you or conducted searches, provide a detailed account of those interactions, including search warrants, interrogations, or evidence seized.
- Questions about your case: Prepare a list of questions regarding the legal process, potential outcomes, and how the lawyer plans to defend you.
- Relevant financial information: If your case involves financial crimes or assets that may be at risk, bring relevant financial records, such as bank statements, business records, or tax returns.
- Previous legal history: If you have a prior criminal record or have been involved in federal investigations before, bring details about those cases.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and provide the best possible legal defense for your federal case.
