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14 Jan, 2023 by Corey
Victimized by a corrupt common pleas court juvenile division in Newark Ohio, Amanda was able to get my convictions overturned, and has opened up so many possibilities for my life. It started with you, and I truly am greatful for ALL of your hard work championing voiceless juveniles. You are a gift to us all!!
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31 Oct, 2011 by Amy
Amanda was just simply amazing. She tackled the so-called court system in Newark Ohio with a vengance. Newark legal system has been called "the little mafia" because they write their own rules and twist the law to suit them. Amanda didn't flinch every time they tried by quoting law by case and term. She is very knowledgable of the law and can recite cases with ease. She contributes the time necessary to research and win the case. She is simply amazing.
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13 Sep, 2020 by Robyn
Melissa, was very professional and and actually cared about my case.Very knowledgeable experienced if you want a lawyer that is great and doesn’t treat you like a number this is the one.
Robyn C.
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18 Jul, 2021 by Stacey miller
Ms.Kunze, saved my life. She won an appeal for me and got my sentence reduced from 28 years down to 10.
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15 Jan, 2023 by Jerry
Kyle was very knowledgeable and extremely helpful in my final arrangements of my will. He was also affordable and completed the task in a timely manner. I felt comfortable discussing my personal matters with him. He was a pleasure to work with.
Jerry
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27 Dec, 2024 by Applauze radio
07 Dec, 2024 by Ramyang vyas
I have a great experience with Bobby. He is very knowledgeable and cooperative nature. He is very clear about his work. He is awesome. I am definitely recommending him to my family and friends.
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11 Apr, 2024 by Chinedum donald i.
Absolutely one of the best lawyers in America. Spoke with him twice from Africa and he was super cool as if we've known each other for decades. I still owe him a bottle of wine...lol
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10 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
I feel bad for my lawyers kids. She's fat and ugly and can't create factual arguments so she just writes smear campaigns. Can't imagine what their poor father goes through if that's all she's good at.
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12 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
For Hailey being court ordered to me for my case she was so amazing at her job. If I could I would use her in all my other cases dealing with my children. If your looking for someone to help you with your kids I 100% would recommend Haley mcdaniels
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10 Nov, 2023 by Matthew
Haley is the best and only family law attorney I have ever worked with. From our first meeting, she explained everything to me in terms I could easily understand and was always very responsive when I had questions outside of our meetings.
If anyone is looking for a knowledgeable attorney go to Haley.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Karion harman
23 Apr, 2024 by Tyler g
Told me what I wanted to hear to defend my case then when he showed up to court for me after I paid him a $500 deductible all he did was get my court extended and after I told him I had all the evidence to prove my innocence he just wanted me to plead down and then he dropped me as a client after he took my $500 I would never recommend this man to another person because he will not get you out of jail he will just plead you down
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15 Apr, 2024 by Michael wyatt
This was my second time retaining Mr Vassy, and let me tell you, he is hands down the best lawyer in Columbus. He is extremely easy to work with and really takes the time to understand your situation and ensure that you have the best legal advice to get the best outcome!
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10 Sep, 2024 by Jessica ward
I feel so blessed and incredibly grateful that Mr. Wagner was appointed my council in a custody case in Pickaway county. He is so knowledgeable and amazing at his job. He's honest and upfront with the different possibilities surrounding your case. He's patient and takes time to explain things and how things work. He's always reliable and even though he is busy, he makes sure to return calls or just check in. He's extremely professional and also always makes sure you, his client, feels comfortable, seen, and heard. He truly is the best of the best. I was lucky to be appointed Mr. Wagner but if I ever need a lawyer again, I will be calling Evan!!! So if you're looking for a lawyer who is Professional, Knowledgeable in law, Trustworthy, Reliable, Honest, Patient, Caring and good at getting the job done-------> look no further, Evan N. Wagner is who your looking for!!!
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10 Aug, 2024 by Dodoking 37
He helped us through a horrible case with CPS. He was massive help, understanding, and an absolutely amazing attorney. I highly recommend getting Evan Wagner as your attorney for whatever case you may be going through.
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28 May, 2024 by Howard goodman
He is a great lawyer puts his all in to the case been my lawyer going on 8 years
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20 Jan, 2025 by Beth and mike sheridan
A carrying and compassionate professional.
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14 Jan, 2025 by John lohrman
Very thorough and passionate regarding probate law. Highly recommend as a firm for Will & Estates.
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20 Dec, 2024 by Justin fox
These guys helped me through a very difficult estate.These service was great and made everything a lot less stressful even with the harships and roadblocks the league system threw at us.Would recommend them to anyone who asked me for a recommendation.
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20 Jan, 2025 by Beth and mike sheridan
A carrying and compassionate professional.
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14 Jan, 2025 by John lohrman
Very thorough and passionate regarding probate law. Highly recommend as a firm for Will & Estates.
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20 Dec, 2024 by Justin fox
These guys helped me through a very difficult estate.These service was great and made everything a lot less stressful even with the harships and roadblocks the league system threw at us.Would recommend them to anyone who asked me for a recommendation.
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13 Jan, 2025 by Eric gibbs
Sally doesn’t mess around. She listens, learns, and applies subjectivity to defense of people who may have been wronged. I would highly recommend SRD to anyone in the area.
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23 Sep, 2024 by Pamela giles
They are so unprofessional they didn't even get a hold of my Witness. We had to track the Witness down ourselves. They closed our case before we found the witness. They're so unprofessional I wouldn't recommend them to nobody. Also, they never return calls. Don't waste your time with these attorneys. My daughter was also in the car. She had a different attorney and they are negotiating her pay right now as were speaking.
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21 Aug, 2024 by A dav
Sally was an absolutely amazing lawyer from start to finish. She was very knowledgeable, thorough and went to bat for me!! I came to her scared and unraveling about the case. Not one time did she make me feel as if I was a nuisance or overwhelming!! I appreciated her advocacy for me and her determination to make sure things worked out in fair just manner!! I would recommend her a million times over!! Her staff is just as great and welcoming. Just a great experience all around with Sally!!
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25 Jul, 2024 by Ed
Elizabeth helped us navigate extremely complicated issues surrounding custody of our adopted child who suffers from significant mental health struggles. Elizabeth is knowledgeable, compassionate, and a fierce defender of our family. She was the right person for the job!
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13 Jun, 2024 by Clay korner
The team at Nigh Law Group is unsurpassed as legal advocates.
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06 May, 2024 by Anthony
This firm has hired a monster named Rebecca J Stumler. She has a track record of abusing people. She is nasty and will get you on the wrong side of the judge! Check out her personal reviews!!!
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03 Feb, 2024 by Travis l
25 Jun, 2022 by Steven ward
03 Jun, 2020 by Jordan
Very helpful and useful!
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13 Dec, 2024 by Michelle renee' elson
Highly recommend Kate. Very informative to help understand what she was doing to help and very helpful to our cause. Couldn't thank her enough for her work.
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18 Oct, 2024 by Irina reed
I highly recommend Scott Martin and Barr, Jones and Associates! Scott is an excellent, experienced and compassionate divorce attorney and made me feel comfortable, valued and supported through a long and emotional divorce and custody journey. Scott and his team provided timely and detailed updates every step of the way and were a delight to work with!
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18 Oct, 2024 by Kim howard
For the first time in my life I had to find a lawyer. After doing some searching. I found Barr Jones and Associates LLC. Within that group, Chelsea Miller was assigned to my case and I retained her. She was patient, understanding and on top of her business!! If you are looking for a good lawyer give her a call.
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08 Dec, 2024 by Luis salazar
Diana was super helpful and and bilingual help me with my case it went smooth thanks for the help
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22 Nov, 2024 by Rachael king
Angela Kent was absolutely amazing through our process she was super patient with us as we sorted our case for a drunk driver that hit us head on and she had us all taken care of. It was a long tedious process but Annie was able to walk us through it all and got us our settlement.
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21 Nov, 2024 by Chris zoeller
Had a great experience with them
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15 Dec, 2024 by Ervin leka
Best layer in columbus
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06 Aug, 2024 by Amanda richardson
Everyone has a job to do and naturally we want the money owed to do said job. But it is morally wrong to play with someone’s life and freedom because of it. But who expects lawyers to have morals? The situation my husband is in could’ve been avoided. Next time I’ll stick to my own instincts because this was absolutely not my first choice for a lawyer it was his families and we both regret letting them take the lead. Even when payments were being made he didn’t do much and this is the reason I refused to make the last one. Just make sure you pay him in full upfront if you want him to actually care. He did not do any face to face meetings with my fiancé. The first time they met face to face was at the hearing and it was clear he did no research. He was combative and had an arrogant attitude. He’ll say one thing on the phone to one person and either act oblivious to another or put something different in writing. He has zero regard for his client if you’re not filling his pocket and even when you are giving him money he still doesn’t seem to care. I really wouldn’t recommend working with him. It’s really hit or miss with him clearly and you don’t want to be a miss
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22 Jul, 2024 by Tiffany ann
GREG IS A GOD SENT HIM &HIS STAFF ARE ALWAYS THERE @ ANYTIME. HE CALLS RIGHT BACK. THERE IS SO MANY MORE THINGS 2 SAY. ALWAYS TREATED ME LIKE FAMILY. WILLNOT USE ANY OTHER ATTORNEY!
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31 Jan, 2025 by Michael adkins
Craig Tuttle and his team have done an exemplary job in this complex case. thank you for your help in understanding the process and in the final result.
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19 Jan, 2025 by Gokul niroula
I had a very disappointing experience with Yazdani Law, LLC, Columbus, OH. Despite paying for their services in full, they mishandled my case by submitting incorrect documentation, leading to delays and unnecessary stress during the visa process. To make matters worse, they demanded extra money beyond the agreed-upon contract amount, claiming it was for unforeseen circumstances—issues that should have been anticipated with proper diligence.
Their lack of accountability and professionalism was evident throughout. They acted as if they were providing a free service, despite the significant fees I paid. Instead of acknowledging their errors, they attempted to mask their mistakes by blaming and suppressing.
I do not recommend this lawyer or firm to anyone seeking reliable immigration assistance.
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19 Jan, 2025 by Monica jones
An Unstoppable Advocate – Kia Fights for Her Clients!
I cannot say enough great things about Kia and the incredible work she has done for me and my children. From the moment she took on my case, she was relentless in ensuring that every detail was handled with precision and care. Litigation is never easy, and when things took a turn for the worse, Kia stepped in and made sure that my paperwork was solid and in my favor.
What truly sets her apart is her resilience. She didn’t care she challenged the court she was going to keep approaching the bench until we got what we needed. The judge wasn’t trying to hear the matter, but that didn’t stop her. She went as far as to request a hearing just to make sure we didn’t leave that courthouse without a resolution. Her intelligence, persistence, and dedication were unmatched.
As a Black woman attorney, it would have been easy for her to let ego or frustration take over, to throw her hands up and walk away when the court was being rigid and unwilling to listen. But instead, she showed incredible fortitude, humility, integrity, and character. She stayed the course, refusing to give up, even when it was clear the process wasn’t designed to be flexible or creative. I know without a doubt that things could have gone so much worse if not for her determination.
Kia is not just a lawyer—she is an advocate, a fighter, and someone who truly cares. If you need an attorney who won’t back down and will stand up for you no matter what, she is the one you want in your corner. I am beyond grateful for her, and I highly recommend her to anyone in need of strong, compassionate legal representation.
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10 Oct, 2024 by Tj clark
07 Mar, 2024 by James belknap
Let me tell you what a wonderful lawyer Amy Weis is. Amy helped navigate me and my two young sons (with the assistance of a wonderful guardian ad litem, Kerry McCormick) through an ugly custody battle and divorce in 2010. I credit Amy with my two now grown sons being happy and successful young men-she and Kerry kept those boys with their Dad. Fast forward over a decade later, and I needed some information from the divorce settlement for tax reasons. I left a voicemail for Amy, and had a response with all information I needed emailed to me with a nice note within an hour. Amy was so skilled throughout the entire process, and obviously keeps incredible records. And, most importantly, she cares. What a wonderful attorney.
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14 Aug, 2023 by Sheridan pollard
I usually do not write many reviews, but I was compelled to do so based on the great experience I had with Weis Law Group. I was going through a BAD custody battle (relocation case) involving my 2 year old son at the time and was initially recommend to Amy Weis by a family friend who is also an attorney. He told me Amy is one of the best in Ohio so I was excited to contact her about representing me. Once I reached out, I was told that Amy could not take my case (I do not remember the reason why, however I want to say it was because she was mainly handling divorce cases and my case did not involve a divorce) however I was told that her partner David could represent me. At first, I was extremely hesitant to work with David for many reasons. The first being that my family friend had highly recommended Amy, had no knowledge of David and his experience and lastly with me being a woman and a mother I was honestly unsure if David would be able to resonate with me, my situation and represent me the best way possible as the other Male Attorneys I had consultations with prior seemed to favor fathers.
With that, I had a consultation with both David and Amy, they were both very knowledgeable and I was told Amy would partner with David throughout the case and I felt good moving forward. I am absolutely thrilled with the exceptional legal representation provided by Attorney David in my relocation custody case and I could not be more thankful that Amy partnered me with him. From the very beginning, I spoke with many different attorneys both male and female and was informed by other attorneys that winning such a challenging case (relocation) would be difficult. I was told that the magistrate assigned to my case does not like relocations and hardly granted them and they expressed doubt in the outcome. However, David displayed unwavering confidence and expertise throughout the process. He went above and beyond to come up with creative ways to prove what would be in the best interest of my son.
One notable aspect of working with David and the Weis Group, was their understanding of my financial situation. They were incredibly flexible and accommodating, allowing me to make payments that suited my circumstances. This demonstrated their genuine commitment to helping me without adding additional stress.
Throughout the case, David displayed a deep understanding of family law and a strategic approach to litigation. They prepared every aspect of my case, ensuring that no stone was left unturned. Their attention to detail and thoroughness were truly impressive and David was always available to speak when needed. I was very anxious about the outcome of the case however David helped to calm me on our days of being in front of the magistrate.
Thanks to David’s dedication, knowledge, and skill, we achieved a favorable outcome in the relocation custody case. I was able to relocate with my son and remain the school placement parent. Their ability to present a compelling argument, backed by solid evidence, was instrumental in securing the best possible result for me and my family.
I cannot recommend Attorney David and Weis Law Group highly enough. Their professionalism, compassion, and expertise made a significant impact on the success of my case. If you are facing a difficult legal matter, particularly in family law, I wholeheartedly encourage you to seek the services of David and Wei’s Law Group. Their exceptional representation and unwavering commitment to their clients truly set them apart. David, I feel so fortunate to have had you representing me.
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06 Dec, 2024 by Victoria d
Ryan Ward was amazing. I felt Iike I had just paid thousands for a defense lawyer. He truly tries to get to know his client and work out a deal that will get them home to their family as soon as possible. My fiancé and I were so grateful for him!
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22 Apr, 2024 by Lyndon [don] lannaman
09 Feb, 2024 by Ladimer j chesnick
27 Dec, 2024 by Elizabeth mayer
I did not leave a review for this business. I have never used this attorney. The review with my name on it was not given by me.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Zolbyamba lochin
John Rutan handled my case with the utmost professionalism. He was patient answering any questions and gave sound legal advice. I Highly recommend him and would absolutely go to him again if I had another traffic issue.
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29 Sep, 2024 by David busby
Best attorney I've ever had!!! Really great and professional guy! Would recommend him to anyone.
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26 Dec, 2024 by Jeremiah poole
Sometimes in life we make poor choices and end up having the consequences of those choices follow us in our lives. The consequences can be far greater than just going to jail or fines. I have had to face these consequences and it has followed me into my new life. Meade law Group has been fighting on my behalf to give me a true new start in life. We are still in the process, although saying that… they have already changed some of what was following me. With their help and strategies I am 3 misdemeanors less and on my way to having a completely clean record. Since the beginning they have been very forward with me and have kept in touch with me guiding me through the process. It’s taken a bit longer than I anticipated but when you are fighting for something as important as the rest of your life… Patience is definitely required. Meade Law Group is incredibly professional and Heidi has been great to work with. In fact all the Ladies that have contacted me have been incredibly sweet and helpful. I’m looking forward to the end of this process and believe I will finally have the new beginning I’ve longed for, for so long.
Thank you Meade Law Group I highly recommend your council and Work!
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19 Dec, 2024 by Towtruck guitar life
He is an amazing attorney I thought my wife was over and I explained my case to him and he reassured me about everything he was very clear. Me and darren kept contact thow the hole case i was cleared of the Allegations that were not true and. With the amazing help that darren attorney The allegations were drunk. II 100%.
Suggest using Darren. He helped me out out of a really bad area. And he brought Justice. And showing I was innocent and everything. He is an amazing attorney. He did an amazing job. If I'm ever in a situation I need his help again, he's the one who I'm calling.
And thank you again, Darren, and you're entire team that. Help me out. And got me out of the c*** that I was facing.
On the allegation that was not true show I give him a 1000% Thank you.
Mead, lawn. I hope you have an amazing New Year
Have a great day.
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19 Dec, 2024 by Tome spears
Follow up to my last review- I was contacted by an attorney and he was awesome! He listened to situation and assured me if they are not able to assist me they will point me in the right direction to get the kind of attorney needed for me and my situation.
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21 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
I was sued. Jessika counterclaimed. They offered a low settlement. She refused to fold and prepped for trial. Finally, the other side made an offer for settlement that was just right. Jessika really held out until the last minute for a good settlement and the case against me was dismissed!
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07 Nov, 2014 by Greg
After I realized there was no other legal recourse other than divorce, Jessika Gualtieri was one of the few attorneys I could find that would actually care about my situation. I needed personal attention and someone who knew what they were doing. It seemed like a very slow process at first, but once Jessika took over my case everything went smoothly...my divorce settlement was much more than I ever expected. I would recommend Ms. Gualtieri to everyone and she will be the first ones I call if I every need another attorney.
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02 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Jessika may not fit your stereotypical lawyer image at first, but she is a caring lawyer and definitely trustworthy. She managed to get us diversion and even an early sealing of our case. We are grateful for her help and I would strongly recommend her to anyone who needs a fresh perspective to their case.
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01 Dec, 2024 by Tova howell
16 Aug, 2024 by Patrick donovan
Dustin was very knowledgeable on my needs and did a great job explaining the details and how to get all of them created.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Megan smith
01 Jan, 2025 by Bb pp
From day one, he was sharp, professional, and absolutely no-nonsense about getting the best possible outcome. He didn’t sugarcoat anything but somehow made the legal process feel less daunting. His stern demeanor in the courtroom was matched only by his personable nature outside of it, which made me feel like I was not just a client, but a priority.
If you’re looking for a family attorney who’s equal parts pit bull and people person, look no further than Attorney Hank Sonderman. He helped me win sole custody of my daughter, and I couldn’t be more grateful—or impressed. Thank you, again!
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28 Dec, 2024 by Wanda hudson
Attorney Hank provided exceptional representation for my son in his custody case. He understands the law and has a strong presence in the courtroom. He is very professional and knowledgeable and was genuinely committed to reaching a favorable outcome for my son. He was always available to answer questions and he fought for what was best for my granddaughter. We LOVE Hank Sonderman and HIGHLY recommend him.
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24 Dec, 2024 by Bailey mackey
01 Jan, 2025 by Bb pp
From day one, he was sharp, professional, and absolutely no-nonsense about getting the best possible outcome. He didn’t sugarcoat anything but somehow made the legal process feel less daunting. His stern demeanor in the courtroom was matched only by his personable nature outside of it, which made me feel like I was not just a client, but a priority.
If you’re looking for a family attorney who’s equal parts pit bull and people person, look no further than Attorney Hank Sonderman. He helped me win sole custody of my daughter, and I couldn’t be more grateful—or impressed. Thank you, again!
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28 Dec, 2024 by Wanda hudson
Attorney Hank provided exceptional representation for my son in his custody case. He understands the law and has a strong presence in the courtroom. He is very professional and knowledgeable and was genuinely committed to reaching a favorable outcome for my son. He was always available to answer questions and he fought for what was best for my granddaughter. We LOVE Hank Sonderman and HIGHLY recommend him.
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24 Dec, 2024 by Bailey mackey
09 Dec, 2024 by Jerimy bell
Been my law firm for 6 years now and they are the best and care the most
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06 Dec, 2024 by Monica barnes
I did not have a great experience with Gregory Williams. Just finalized my probate case after 3 years after the the loss of my mom. He was not a good legal counsel and the only thing he did on my behalf was file the paperwork and set up zoom calls. I could have done all this on my own. My sister and I had our own attorney's because we could not agree on things but when it came to Gregory fighting for me he was never able to come through there was always an excuse. My sister took everything out of our mom's house and never did he discuss with me because I was also co-executor I could remove things as well it was excuse after excuse. In the end my sister's attorney was the winner. I felt like Gregory was only concerned about the $$$ and definitely did not look out for my best interest. With that being said I ended up with nothing BUT attorney fee's. I had to pay for his attorney fee's and his new law firm which he moved there toward end of 2023 and their expenses were more than Gregory and had never spoke with anyone there or agreed to their fees since initially started out with Gregory. What I received from my experience is that moving forward this will NEVER happen to my two daughters. Attorney's care nothing about your loss or your grief. At least this law firm. He never had my back for me! Every request I asked for never honored always dismissed. Gregory ended up being more expensive than my sister's attorney and he did more on this probate than Gregory!! Just a joke overall!
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24 May, 2024 by Tgvs corcoran
Would highly recommend! Quick and painless process, communicative, and highly professional. Would use again.
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17 Dec, 2019 by Courtney ashcraft
28 May, 2019 by Cleadus ramey
28 Feb, 2018 by Misty
Darrin contacted me Everytime I needed him to. He did all the work all I had to do was explain to him my situation and he took care of the rest
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23 Apr, 2024 by Darrell
Hate it
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27 Jun, 2020 by Jennifer mitchell
We were treated with great respect and compassion. Calls were answered and returned. All were quite knowledgeable and efficient.
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14 Oct, 2019 by Susan harris
23 Apr, 2024 by Darrell
Hate it
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27 Jun, 2020 by Jennifer mitchell
We were treated with great respect and compassion. Calls were answered and returned. All were quite knowledgeable and efficient.
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14 Oct, 2019 by Susan harris
23 Apr, 2024 by Darrell
Hate it
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27 Jun, 2020 by Jennifer mitchell
We were treated with great respect and compassion. Calls were answered and returned. All were quite knowledgeable and efficient.
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14 Oct, 2019 by Susan harris
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Juvenile Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A juvenile law lawyer specializes in legal issues involving minors, including those facing criminal charges, child welfare matters, or status offenses (like truancy or curfew violations). Juvenile law lawyers aim to protect the rights of minors and advocate for rehabilitation rather than punishment in criminal cases. They also help families navigate child custody, abuse, neglect cases, and other legal matters involving children.
If your child is facing criminal charges, or you are involved in a child welfare case, a juvenile law lawyer can help protect your child’s rights and work toward the most favorable outcome.
When Should I Hire a Juvenile Law Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a juvenile law lawyer in the following situations where minors are involved in legal matters:
- Juvenile criminal charges: If your child is accused of a crime, such as theft, assault, or drug offenses, a juvenile lawyer can represent them in juvenile court, advocating for leniency and alternatives to detention.
- Delinquency proceedings: A lawyer can help navigate delinquency charges, defending your child’s rights and seeking rehabilitative outcomes like counseling, probation, or diversion programs instead of incarceration.
- Status offenses: If your child has committed a status offense, such as truancy, running away, or underage drinking, a lawyer can help you resolve these issues in juvenile court, often focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
- School disciplinary issues: If your child is facing school suspensions, expulsions, or other disciplinary actions, a lawyer can help protect their educational rights and challenge any unfair or unlawful school policies.
- Child protective services (CPS) investigations: If your family is being investigated by CPS for alleged abuse, neglect, or dependency, a lawyer can represent you and protect your child’s rights throughout the investigation.
- Custody disputes: A lawyer can help in cases involving child custody or guardianship disputes, ensuring the child’s best interests are prioritized and advocating for the child’s rights.
- Emancipation: If your child seeks legal emancipation from their parents or guardians, a lawyer can assist in navigating the legal process and help the child understand their rights and responsibilities.
Hiring a lawyer early in the legal process ensures that your child’s rights are protected and that the best possible outcomes are pursued.
What Does a Juvenile Law Lawyer Do?
A juvenile law lawyer provides various services to help minors and their families navigate the legal system. Their responsibilities often include:
- Representing minors in court: A lawyer will represent your child in juvenile court, advocating for their rights and seeking rehabilitative outcomes rather than punitive measures.
- Filing motions and legal paperwork: The lawyer handles all necessary legal filings, including petitions, responses, and motions to dismiss charges or suppress evidence.
- Negotiating with prosecutors: In some cases, a lawyer can negotiate plea deals or diversion programs that prevent the child from having a permanent criminal record or serving time in detention.
- Advising on rehabilitation programs: Juvenile law lawyers often focus on alternatives to incarceration, such as counseling, community service, or probation, helping minors avoid long-term legal consequences.
- Handling CPS and child welfare cases: If your family is involved in a CPS investigation or child welfare case, the lawyer can advocate for your child’s safety and well-being, ensuring that their rights are upheld.
- Defending minors against school discipline: A lawyer can help challenge unfair or excessive disciplinary actions taken by schools, ensuring that your child’s educational rights are protected.
- Advising families on legal options: A lawyer will explain the juvenile legal process to families, offering advice on the best legal strategies and what to expect during the case.
How Are Juvenile Law Lawyers Paid?
Juvenile law lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the time involved. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Many juvenile law lawyers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Flat fee: For simpler cases, such as status offenses or school disciplinary hearings, a lawyer may charge a flat fee that covers all legal services related to the case.
- Retainer: In more complex cases, such as defending against serious criminal charges or handling a long-term CPS investigation, a lawyer may require a retainer, which is an upfront payment billed against as they work on the case.
- Sliding scale or pro bono services: Some juvenile law lawyers offer sliding scale fees based on income or may provide pro bono (free) services for families who cannot afford to pay full legal fees, especially in cases involving child welfare or delinquency.
Discuss the lawyer’s fee structure during your consultation to understand the total cost and payment options.
How Much Does a Juvenile Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a juvenile law lawyer depends on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the time involved. General cost estimates include:
- Juvenile criminal cases: Legal fees for defending a minor in juvenile criminal cases can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the severity of the charges and whether the case goes to trial.
- Status offenses: For cases involving minor offenses such as truancy or underage drinking, legal fees typically range from $1,500 to $5,000.
- CPS or child welfare cases: Legal fees for representing families in CPS investigations or child welfare cases can range from $2,000 to $8,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case.
- School disciplinary hearings: Legal fees for representing students in school-related issues may range from $1,000 to $3,500, depending on the legal work required.
Make sure to get a clear estimate of costs during your initial consultation to ensure you understand the full scope of fees and services.
Top Questions to Ask a Juvenile Law Lawyer
Before hiring a juvenile law lawyer, it’s important to ask key questions to ensure they have the experience and expertise to handle your child’s case effectively. Key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with juvenile law cases?
Make sure the lawyer has handled cases similar to yours, whether it’s juvenile delinquency, child custody, or CPS investigations. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, offers flat fees, or requires a retainer. Ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost. -
What is the likelihood of success in my child’s case?
Ask the lawyer for an honest assessment of the case, including potential challenges and likely outcomes. -
How long will the process take?
Juvenile cases can vary in duration, so ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to last and what factors might affect the timeline. -
Will you personally handle my child’s case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle parts of the case. Make sure you know who will be managing the case and representing your child in court. -
What rights does my child have?
Ask the lawyer to explain your child’s legal rights, including their rights during police questioning, school disciplinary actions, and court proceedings.
How to Check the Credibility of a Juvenile Law Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable juvenile law lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice law and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for juvenile law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in juvenile law and have successfully handled cases similar to yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate in juvenile cases.
- Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on juvenile law matters.
- Check for certifications or memberships: Look for memberships in organizations like the National Juvenile Defender Center (NJDC) or certifications in juvenile law, which can indicate a lawyer’s dedication to representing minors.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a juvenile law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Court documents: Bring any legal documents related to your child’s case, such as summons, complaints, or court orders.
- School records: Provide any relevant school records, including disciplinary reports, attendance records, and communications from school officials.
- CPS or investigation reports: If your case involves child welfare, bring any reports or documentation from CPS or other investigating agencies.
- Timeline of events: Prepare a detailed timeline of events related to your child’s legal issue, including interactions with authorities or school officials.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions about the legal process, your child’s rights, and potential outcomes for the case.
Being well-prepared will help the lawyer assess your child’s situation more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice tailored to your needs.
