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06 Aug, 2024 by Tiffani
My friend has been incarcerated at Lee Sterritt for 8 months & never hears back from Mr. Ashford nor gets visits. In last court appearance he told my friend to stop filing dumbass grievances - the judge even asked if he said this. He stated he did & him, the judge & the DA rep all laughed. Not everyone is guilty. Not sure exactly what he does to earn a salary. Smh.
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10 Feb, 2023 by Erica wilson
I am reading the bad reviews about Mr. Ashford and that is not the man that I got for my son case. He was very honest about my son situation and let me know the choices that he had. My son had one of the worst cases you can have. Every time I called him his receptionist would answer and tell me he wasn't in, and she would take a message and make sure he got it. He would call me back when he could, no it was not right away, but he always returned my calls. When you get a lawyer, we have to understand that our family member is NOT the only client they have. He could be handling 20 other cases at one time. He is an attorney for Juveniles and adults. Yes, we all want them to stop what they are doing and cater to our loved ones, I'm no exception to that, but that's just not how it is. We want certain outcomes, knowing darn well it's a 50/50 chance it could go the other way. Be realistic about the outcome of the situation. Just like my son case. It was not what I wanted but it was the best decision for his situation. Then when you don't get the outcome, you want. The attorney gets bashed. They are the attorney for a reason if you could do the job yourself then you wouldn't need him. I had to learn to be patience and know that he would get to me just as soon as he could, and that's exactly what he did. It didn't make me feel less important at all. Respect your attorney, talk with sense when you speak to them, be patience, and be realistic about the situation. Mr. Ashford thank you 1,000 times for your dedication on my son case, and even checking on me to see how I was holding up. If you are looking for an attorney do not hesitate to call him. He is a VERY, VERY, good attorney.
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21 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
George Ashford III failed to communicate and provide updates on a case. I understand that if the courts a public defender to defend you. The attorney pretty much works for the courts. How is this fair? I feel that he did not fight for me when I needed him the most. Although, I did not personally hire him, Dallas County did, I feel that he could have at least put forth an effort to fight for my freedom or a lesser sentence.
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15 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Started a motion without consulting me. She used false information and made up evidence. She was rude, unprofessional and did not answer my questions/concerns even after demanding payment. I am in the process of file a grievance with the State Bar of TX.
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27 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
Monique is Amazing!!
I met her under the circumstances of having no bond allowed an she was able to convince the judge for a bond when I was told by many attorney’s that it was impossible.
Very pleasant to speak with and very informative, always willing to assist on any measures. She works with you at all times of the day.
Monique recently helped complete a custody battle from 2014 which we avoided incarceration. Monique reinsured me and guided me through each step. “I WALKED FREE”.
I highly recommend Monique! She is very professional, approachable and gives you an honest direct option on the matter!
Thank you,
KH
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01 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
She is rude and non informative
She wasn’t helping me at all but made the case worse.
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07 May, 2019 by Anonymous
He has no empathy even just at a human level. My friend had warned me but I had started using him already before he told me. My case was stagnant and I do not think he had it filed maybe because he either chose not to or was rejected due to his suspension. By this time I was already down over $1000 on attorney fees alone. He also makes up additional fees that you may not suspect because you may not understand the law, this, I learnt from a different attorney. A year later, he kept giving excuses and does not bother giving an update even just by email and waits for you to call only to get another excuse because he is not organized. He blamed his secretary on one occasion something no one would want to hear.
He pulls in new clients with free consultation. I took off before it was too late. My friend had a traffic case that he learnt had not been filed with the courts from another lawyer as well.
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12 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
This office filed a claim with the insurance without proper documentations, when I asked to get information about what they sent to the insurance and the status of the case, they refused, stating that they will review my file and get back to me. I spoke with Fidelis, who told me to come to his office, pick up my file and get out of his office , he also said other things I rather not mention in this review, so uncalled for...
Come to find out, he is was actually disciplined in 2016 by the board.
Very unprofessional, untruthful and very rude.
Run away from this firm.
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11 Nov, 2014 by Tia
A caring and genuine lawyer who always has his clients best interests in mind he will give hundred percent to your case and fight for. ..I would definitely recommend him without any reservation. People needs more attorney like him! Service truly appreciative
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26 May, 2017 by Zulema dominguez
I don't know why he's doing so bad as an attorney, It's like everything he learned in law school was pointless. He's good at making appointments, but never showing up or emailing you, his employers are rude, there's was one time in particular that a lady answering the phone for the office started to yell at me. He didn't go to the best school either.
No sé por qué está tan mal como abogado, es como si todo lo que aprendiera en la escuela de derecho fuera inútil. Él es bueno en hacer citas, pero nunca apareciendo o enviándote por correo electrónico, sus patrones son groseros, allí era una vez en particular que una señora que contestaba el teléfono para la oficina comenzó a gritar en mí. Tampoco fue a la mejor escuela.
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18 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
If I could give this attorney a half a star I could. His staff is extremely rude and for some reason. I had to send my documents more than 4 times and every time I would talk to the attorney he wouldn't even know anything about my case. He would treat me like if I was in the wrong when I paid him to represent me not to judge me. The only time we were supposed to be at court he didn't show up. The whOle time I had him as my attorney he didn't even represent me not even once but yet he took my money. One time I showed up for court and his office forgot to let me know that it was cancel. Very unprofessional staff and attorney. Please stay away from this attorney.
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06 Sep, 2013 by Tierra
This lawyer did not represent me properly and screwed up my life! In 200 I was charged with assault on a person hat had been harassing me for months with threatening phone calls, voicemails, and stalking me at my place of residence. The young lady came over to my apartment and when I opened the door she barged in with a knife and attacked me. My mother and I called the police but she claimed that I stabbed her. So I was placed in jail for three weeks and charges with felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. My mother hired Jeff Buckwald to represent me and he urged me to plead guilty. I was 18 years old and scared out of my mind because I did not want to go back to jail. So I plead guilty following my attorneys orders and was convicted. The only thing he was concerned with was getting more money from me. I was young, naive and did not know what I was getting myself into. Now I have been living with a criminal record all this time and my chances of ever getting a decent job or place to live have been ruined. Do not hire this attorney if you want to be represented fairly.
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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.
