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07 Sep, 2010 by Scott
Over the past five years I have used Ken Cariffe regarding many different legal matters. As one who has worked with attorney's over the past 31 years I can with out a doubt state that Ken Cariffe has demonstrated a firm grasp of our needs and expectations.
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26 Aug, 2010 by Claudine
I have worked with Ken Cariffe on numerous issues and he has always done a wonderful job.
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17 Aug, 2010 by Jonathan
Very responsive and helpful. Had a clear understanding of my issues and worked on alternatives to address my goals. He clearly explained the law affecting my issues and was very fair with billing.
Also, the staff was very friendly and professional. I felt like I was in good hands.
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15 May, 2024 by Ryan halvorson
4 years ago I was facing serious consequences for an incident that changed the course of my career and life. Thanks to Gary Barthel and his team, he helped fight for me to get a better outcome and navigate the process to be able to complete the court requirements to reduce the punishment and ultimately expunge my record. If you're active duty or a veteran in any kind of trouble with civilian or military law I would recommend getting in touch with military law center.
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06 Oct, 2021 by Andy
I am a combat veteran, with 10 years of service. In the fall of 2020, I received a call from the Public Defender’s office asking me if I was going to use their services. I told her that she must have the wrong number. She confirmed that she in fact had the correct number. She went on to tell me I was being indicted on two felony counts for attempting to exercise my 2nd Amendment right to purchase a shotgun. I thought, “This is some kind of joke.” It was not.
In the summer of 2016, I was taken to a hospital by the police for an alcohol related incident. Prior to leaving the hospital for home, I apparently signed a document acknowledging that I could not purchase a firearm for 5 years. I don’t remember this or really anything about that night.
After becoming sober, four years later in December 2019, I attempted to purchase a shotgun so I could teach my son to shoot. On the 7th day of the 10-day waiting period I received a phone call that the gun store could not release the weapon to me. I didn’t know why. Two months later I was contacted by an investigator asking why I tried to purchase a gun. “You are barred from owning a firearm” he said. This was news to me. He explained that almost four years earlier I was given what’s called a 5150. This means that a doctor had determined that I am a danger to myself and others. I don’t remember ever hearing those words from a doctor.
I was given a public defender who, in my opinion, did nothing but try to intimidate me into taking the prosecutor’s deal. I refused because I honestly did not know that I was a barred person and was willing to fight for my 2nd amendment right, even if that meant I might become a convicted felon. It seemed like the DA’s office and the public defender both just wanted me to go away. I was getting irritated with the way the whole situation was developing.
Finally, I was fed up. I started asking around for any effective attorneys who truly believed in our constitutional rights and that wouldn’t try to extend the case in order to increase their bill. A veteran neighbor suggested Attorney Gary Barthel at the Military Law Center. Mr. Barthel is a veteran himself and so I felt he could understand the nuance of this case. What he discovered blew my mind.
After retaining Mr. Barthel, he immediately started to examine the evidence and determined the 5150 determination, that I was threat to myself or others, was not properly assessed in accordance with California law. Additionally, Mr. Barthel also determined I was denied a required hearing to appeal California’s 5-year ban to purchase a weapon. Based upon the results of his investigation, Mr. Barthel was able to convince the District Attorney’s office to dismiss the charges.
It took Mr. Barthel only a few months to get all charges dropped. Attorneys are expensive so it is important to find one that is efficient. Mr. Barthel was able to win the case and since it was done so quickly, my total bill was very reasonable. I was also refunded the unused portion of the retainer. I don’t plan on ever needing a criminal defense attorney again, but if I do, I’m calling Gary Barthel. He is very competent, and I would highly recommend his services.
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16 Jun, 2021 by Kevin green
Smart guys & great results! Nick & Gary solved couple year old 'problem' I'd gotten into in Riverside- THANKS
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21 Feb, 2024 by Kirk edwards
31 Jan, 2024 by Oanh edwards
Lauren's services were beyond excellent! We couldn't be happier. Not only is she an ultra professional, knowledgeable, efficient and responsive attorney but she is also kind, considerate, thoughtful and patient. She made us feel at ease and made the whole process of filing adoption paperwork easy to follow and execute. She is trustworthy and you can tell she genuinely loves what she does. We highly recommend Lauren to anyone who is looking for a trustworthy, professional, experienced and caring adoption attorney. We felt like she took care of us as if we were family. She even had a personalized gift made for our son after the adoption was finalized! We're grateful for her top-notch services.
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27 Jan, 2024 by Jim harris
Danielle helped us with our new wills, setting up a new trust, medical directives, and powers of attorney. She even set up a pet trust so that our cat would be taken care of if something happened to both of us.
From our first meeting she was courteous and professional, listening to our concerns and answering our questions. She walked us through all the information we would need to gather, and made everything as painless and easy as possible. I especially appreciated her flexibility and patience with our complicated work schedules.
Highly recommended!
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Government Lawyer Can Do for You
A government lawyer specializes in legal issues related to government policies, regulations, and disputes involving public entities. Whether you are a private individual, business, or government agency, a government lawyer provides expert guidance on navigating the complexities of government law. These attorneys handle cases ranging from constitutional law, administrative law, regulatory compliance, and government contracts to defending or challenging government actions.
Government lawyers help individuals and organizations understand their rights and obligations under the law, represent them in disputes with government agencies, and assist in matters of government contracting, procurement, or public policy.
When Should I Hire a Government Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a government lawyer in several situations involving government regulations, compliance, or disputes. Common reasons to hire a government lawyer include:
- Government contracts and procurement: If you are bidding for or negotiating a contract with a government agency, a lawyer can help ensure compliance with federal, state, or local contracting rules.
- Regulatory compliance: Businesses operating in highly regulated industries (e.g., healthcare, finance, environmental sectors) often need legal guidance to comply with government regulations and avoid penalties.
- Government investigations: If you're being investigated by a government agency such as the IRS, SEC, or EPA, a government lawyer can help defend you against allegations or negotiate settlements.
- Challenging government actions: If a government agency has denied a permit, license, or benefit, a lawyer can help you appeal or challenge the decision in court.
- Constitutional and civil rights issues: If you believe your constitutional rights have been violated by a government entity, such as in cases involving free speech or discrimination, a government lawyer can help you seek justice.
- Public policy or lobbying efforts: If you are involved in lobbying or advocating for policy changes at the local, state, or federal level, a government lawyer can provide legal advice on compliance with lobbying laws and strategies for effective advocacy.
Hiring a government lawyer early in the process can help you navigate complex legal frameworks and avoid costly mistakes when dealing with government-related legal issues.
What Does a Government Lawyer Do?
A government lawyer provides a wide range of services that cover interactions between individuals, businesses, and government entities. They can:
- Assist with government contracts: Helping clients navigate procurement laws, drafting contracts, and resolving disputes related to government contracting.
- Provide regulatory compliance advice: Offering guidance on meeting regulatory requirements for industries subject to federal, state, or local laws.
- Handle administrative law matters: Representing clients before government agencies, such as appealing administrative decisions, applying for permits, or defending against regulatory enforcement actions.
- Challenge or defend government actions: Representing clients in lawsuits involving government agencies, including constitutional challenges, civil rights violations, or disputes over government decisions.
- Negotiate settlements with government entities: If a government agency is pursuing legal action against you or your business, a lawyer can negotiate settlements to avoid costly litigation.
- Advocate for policy changes: Advising clients on legal strategies for influencing public policy, including lobbying and drafting legislation.
- Litigate constitutional issues: Handling cases related to the Constitution, such as First Amendment rights, due process violations, or unlawful government actions.
How Are Government Lawyers Paid?
Government lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the nature of the legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: For ongoing legal matters, such as regulatory compliance or government contract disputes, lawyers may charge by the hour. Hourly rates can vary depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Flat fee: For specific services, such as drafting a government contract or filing an administrative appeal, some lawyers charge a flat fee.
- Retainer: For clients who need ongoing legal support, such as businesses frequently interacting with government agencies, a lawyer may charge a retainer fee. This is an upfront payment that covers future legal services.
- Contingency fee: In some cases involving litigation, such as civil rights violations, a lawyer may work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if they win or settle the case.
It’s important to discuss fee structures with your lawyer during the initial consultation to avoid surprises.
How Much Does a Government Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a government lawyer depends on the complexity of the legal issue, the lawyer's experience, and their fee structure. Here are some general cost estimates:
- Hourly rates: Government lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For specific legal services, such as drafting a government contract, flat fees can range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the nature of the service.
- Retainer fees: A retainer for ongoing legal work with government agencies can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the scope and frequency of the work.
- Contingency fees: In cases where a lawyer works on contingency, their fee is usually a percentage (typically 25% to 40%) of any settlement or damages awarded if the case is successful.
Be sure to get a clear estimate of costs during your consultation to ensure that you understand the fees associated with your case.
Top Questions to Ask a Government Lawyer
When hiring a government lawyer, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure they have the experience and skills needed for your specific situation. Key questions to ask include:
-
What is your experience with government law cases?
Make sure the lawyer has substantial experience in handling cases or issues involving government agencies, regulatory compliance, or constitutional law. -
What is your fee structure?
Ask how the lawyer charges for their services - whether by the hour, flat fee, retainer, or contingency fee - and request an estimate of costs. -
What are the potential outcomes of my case?
Ask for an honest assessment of your legal options and the likelihood of success based on your specific situation. -
How do you handle interactions with government agencies?
Ask about their approach to dealing with government entities and their experience with specific agencies relevant to your case (e.g., IRS, EPA, SEC). -
Have you handled cases like mine before?
Ask about their experience with similar cases and whether they have achieved favorable outcomes in the past. -
Who will handle my case?
Clarify whether the lawyer you are meeting with will personally handle your case or whether junior attorneys or paralegals will do most of the work.
How to Check the Credibility of a Government Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a reputable government lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Review their professional experience: Look for specific experience in government-related legal issues, such as regulatory compliance, government contracts, or administrative law, on their website or professional profile.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Check online reviews and ratings on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to get insight into the lawyer’s reputation and track record.
- Ask for references: Request references from previous clients who have worked with the lawyer on government-related matters to understand their experience and effectiveness.
- Check for membership in relevant organizations: Look for memberships in professional organizations such as the American Bar Association's Administrative Law Section or the National Institute of Government Procurement, which can indicate the lawyer’s focus on government law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first meeting with a government lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant information and documents. Here’s what you should bring:
- Detailed description of your legal issue: Be prepared to explain your situation, whether it’s a regulatory compliance question, a government contract issue, or a dispute with a government agency.
- Relevant documents: Bring any paperwork related to your case, such as contracts, permits, letters from government agencies, or notices of investigation.
- A list of questions: Write down any questions you have about your case, including the legal process, potential outcomes, and costs.
- Timeline of events: Provide a clear timeline of any relevant events, such as the issuance of government orders or interactions with government agencies.
- Goals for the outcome: Be ready to discuss what you hope to achieve, whether it’s a favorable settlement, regulatory compliance, or overturning a government decision.
By being organized and prepared, you can help your lawyer understand your situation more quickly and give you the best legal advice moving forward.
