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02 Jan, 2025 by Laura
Thank you so much Peter and Logan!!
Always got right back to me and just really cared about my case. I would highly recommend Peter McGuire. Logan is so on top of everything going on with my case.
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02 Jan, 2025 by K jaxn-bn4d
I have been trying to get disability for about 10yrs now. I was given Peter McQuires name from a friend of my husbands. His Paralegal Logan is AMAZING! He kept me informed of everything and explained any questions I may have had. And in less than a year I will FINALLY receive disability.
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02 Jan, 2025 by Far motlagh
People in this firm were respectful and answered all my questions. I was approved for disability.
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20 Feb, 2025 by Jeff mecklenburg
I slid on black ice and had an accident, in which my vehicle was the only thing damaged. The cop hit me (rather unreasonably) with careless driving for this, as there was nothing I could do to avoid the accident. Steven Pisani did an awesome job and was able to get the bogus reckless driving charge reduced to unsafe backing, which is a much lower charge and kept me from paying more in court fees, insurance, and in drivers license points. Thank you for your help!
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16 Jan, 2025 by Janet ye
Ross successfully fought a careless driving ticket for my father. My father has a CDL so this ticket could have ended his livelihood. I interviewed many other attorneys in the area. None of them wanted to fight this case. Ross is the only one who showed tremendous knowledge of the court and ability to win. I'm glad that we trusted him. Thank you!
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02 Jan, 2025 by D d
This lawyer is incompetent and rude. He hung up on me and I ended up getting a better result going to court myself.
Find someone else.
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20 Dec, 2024 by Rebekah blas
Mike was beyond amazing to work with. He is an incredible attorney and we got a favorable outcome on my case. From our first phone call he listened to me and was very sympathetic for my situation. I had spoke with several lawyers prior and they were not as kind or compassionate as he is.
This was my first time needing a lawyer. Mike helped make the entire process smooth and not intimidating. He is very good at his job and does it with ease. He is also very reasonably priced.
I fully recommend Mike if you are in need of an attorney. I hope to not need a criminal defense attorney in the future but if I do, Mike will be the one I call and who I refer people to.
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16 Dec, 2024 by Micah w
Mike helped me a lot settle 3 cases with no jail time! He worked with me and was really on top of getting my cases solved. Thank you again Mike for all your help.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Kristen payne
David & Hayden were phenomenal in their handling of my 16 year old son’s traffic case. If you need representation for anything traffic related, this is the place. Thank you!
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03 Dec, 2024 by Dolly parton
13 Nov, 2024 by Mp singh
A lot of Thanks for my green card specially to jay sir for your true guidance 🙏🙏🙏🙏
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14 Sep, 2024 by Deyanira torres cruz
I want to thank Wadi and Scott for their efficient representation in a traffic law case. Scott explained everything to me in terms I could understand and made the process feel seamless.
If anyone is looking for knowledgeable and seasoned attorneys, don’t hesitate to hire Muhaisen & Muhaisen!
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21 Jan, 2025 by Alex lavoie
Spoke with Michael today, super guy. Steered my int eu right direction. Spent time with me over the phone and really spoke to me like a human and not a paycheck. He charged me zero dollars for the guidance. 10/10 firm.
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16 Jan, 2025 by Jessica melford
Pretty disappointed since I was referred to this law firm by a friend/ coworker. Communication has been poor, appears ball has been drop while the firm has been handling my case and still no solution as of it. I will update my review accordingly but as of right now not please with the service.
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08 Jan, 2025 by Candice marley
Tim Tarr and David Turner did an amazing job with my husband’s case. We ended with a much better deal than even expected. They made us feel calm and secure during the whole process. Highly recommend.!!
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25 Sep, 2024 by John k
I had a client that refused to pay for services rendered. I retained services from Allen Vellone Wolf Helfrich and worked largely with Vandana Koelsch. I was from out of state so I depended on her for the heavy lifting. At the end of the day, it was a successful outcome and appreciate their professionalism.
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27 Aug, 2024 by James campbell, jr
My experience with Allen Vellone Wolf Helfrich & Factor has been beyond great. They dug into the issues of my case and discovered things in my favor that go far beyond what other defendants in the same case appear to have missed or not seriously considered. My opinions of Jim Helfrich and Kate Sender go beyond my ability to express. The best I can say is that I trust them to do their absolute best, which I believe they have done. No bullshit.
They haven’t always told me what I want to hear, but they have always considered my opinion and that has been reflected in the things they have produced on my behalf. My case is not over, but they believe in me and have taken my side with the best they have to offer. Their rates are fair, and I have never had the feeling they were fabricating hours as so many law firms do, especially the law firm that is attacking me. I suspect I will have more to add to this review in the future.
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26 Mar, 2024 by Ande b. sejna
Shady business. Deletes & hides negative reviews of their deceptive lawyers.
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25 Sep, 2024 by John k
I had a client that refused to pay for services rendered. I retained services from Allen Vellone Wolf Helfrich and worked largely with Vandana Koelsch. I was from out of state so I depended on her for the heavy lifting. At the end of the day, it was a successful outcome and appreciate their professionalism.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Steve
Jennifer was amazing! She was personal and professional and left no stone unturned.
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27 Aug, 2024 by James campbell, jr
My experience with Allen Vellone Wolf Helfrich & Factor has been beyond great. They dug into the issues of my case and discovered things in my favor that go far beyond what other defendants in the same case appear to have missed or not seriously considered. My opinions of Jim Helfrich and Kate Sender go beyond my ability to express. The best I can say is that I trust them to do their absolute best, which I believe they have done. No bullshit.
They haven’t always told me what I want to hear, but they have always considered my opinion and that has been reflected in the things they have produced on my behalf. My case is not over, but they believe in me and have taken my side with the best they have to offer. Their rates are fair, and I have never had the feeling they were fabricating hours as so many law firms do, especially the law firm that is attacking me. I suspect I will have more to add to this review in the future.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Kristopher gallagher
Desmond, absolutely, fights for my rights as a father and my ability to see my son.
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18 Jun, 2024 by Rafael hulme
Having no experience in this field at all, I was pretty terrified when I was shown to be at fault for a car accident. The entire team was excellent gave me a lot of information helped me to remain calm, and on the day of Katy in particular went way above and beyond the call of duty to help facilitate me reaching the courthouse on time. I was very impressed on every level with this operation.
Oh, and they significantly reduced the amount of trouble I was going to get into! Well worth the retainer.
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24 Feb, 2024 by Kevin
Thank you for all of your help and support, you are all amazing. After what has been the toughest period of my life I feel fortunate to have found you. Carrie, you are great and I appreciate you so much. Not only did you help me through my case, but you saved me from bad representation; thank you. For anyone looking for help from a top notch legal team that can be trusted, I highly recommend Rodger Daley and Associates. They are skilled attorneys, and unlike some others out there, they will not bilk you.
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28 Jun, 2024 by Kate levin
Robyn and her team worked tirelessly on our case and made us feel comfortable the entire step of the process with clear communication in what was an extremely stressful time for our family. Robyn handled sensitive subjects with professionalism and care and always made us feel like our case was her top priority. We are extremely grateful for everything Levin Sitcoff has done for our family. We couldn’t have done it without them!
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27 Jun, 2024 by Lynsey crevier
Susan Minamizono and her team did a wonderful job on my case. She provided a lengthy consult, answering all my questions and giving a clear path forward. Susan is not only professional and great at her job, but she cares about her clients. I always knew what next steps needed to be taken and Susan was always easy to contact, with her responding promptly. If I needed legal services again, I would not hesitate to reach out to her. I’m very thankful for the work her and her team did on my case. With their guidance and help, my case was won.
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12 Jun, 2024 by Lupe gutierrez
Alonzi is the best of the best! Very sympathetic and knowledgeable. We had a brief meeting with him regarding my husbands case and he didn’t even charge for the consultation after he heard our case. He said he would only charge if he went to court with us but assured us it would be thrown out and he was right. Thank you for your wise words we will never forget the kindness you offered us at our time of stress.
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12 Apr, 2024 by Theresa sears
02 Feb, 2023 by Diana lee
I would not recommend this law firm. Mr. Driskell worked on my sons case. He never returns phone calls and e-mail. His prices are outrages. We’re thinking he cheated us on our settlement. I’ve ask for the file and to this day I have not gotten anything!!!
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05 Aug, 2022 by Stefanie lungren
Do not hire Patrick Fitzgerald. This has by far been the worst experience I have ever had. Mr Fitzgerald will make deals with the DA that you did not approve of and use your case against you to make you feel like less of a human being. He will criticize, curse and hang up on you if you question what he is doing and why he is making deals without your consent. Absolutely horrible!!
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09 Feb, 2024 by Micah craig
I met Julian Bendinelli years ago, and I’m so grateful for his advice and guidance over the last few years. His entire firm staff is kind and always went above and beyond to help me and answer my questions. I highly recommend him if you have any kind of injury claim.
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24 Jul, 2023 by Pyro kaynine
I had a vehicle accident in 2020. It is now late 2023 and I can't tell if this case is still on going. They lack communication. I had a lawyer work with me up til the part they negotiate and then he goes quiet. The law firm ends up firing him. And now I'm with a new attorney and he hasn't said nothing other then an email stating who he was and that he's taking over my case. 0/10. Would never recommend this law firm to anyone.
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18 Mar, 2023 by Jose gomez
Mark was able to assist me in my matter with superb professionalism. Communication was easy, he was very understanding of my situation, and helped me understand the process.
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09 Feb, 2024 by Micah craig
I met Julian Bendinelli years ago, and I’m so grateful for his advice and guidance over the last few years. His entire firm staff is kind and always went above and beyond to help me and answer my questions. I highly recommend him if you have any kind of injury claim.
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24 Jul, 2023 by Pyro kaynine
I had a vehicle accident in 2020. It is now late 2023 and I can't tell if this case is still on going. They lack communication. I had a lawyer work with me up til the part they negotiate and then he goes quiet. The law firm ends up firing him. And now I'm with a new attorney and he hasn't said nothing other then an email stating who he was and that he's taking over my case. 0/10. Would never recommend this law firm to anyone.
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18 Mar, 2023 by Jose gomez
Mark was able to assist me in my matter with superb professionalism. Communication was easy, he was very understanding of my situation, and helped me understand the process.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Kristopher gallagher
Desmond, absolutely, fights for my rights as a father and my ability to see my son.
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18 Jun, 2024 by Rafael hulme
Having no experience in this field at all, I was pretty terrified when I was shown to be at fault for a car accident. The entire team was excellent gave me a lot of information helped me to remain calm, and on the day of Katy in particular went way above and beyond the call of duty to help facilitate me reaching the courthouse on time. I was very impressed on every level with this operation.
Oh, and they significantly reduced the amount of trouble I was going to get into! Well worth the retainer.
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24 Feb, 2024 by Kevin
Thank you for all of your help and support, you are all amazing. After what has been the toughest period of my life I feel fortunate to have found you. Carrie, you are great and I appreciate you so much. Not only did you help me through my case, but you saved me from bad representation; thank you. For anyone looking for help from a top notch legal team that can be trusted, I highly recommend Rodger Daley and Associates. They are skilled attorneys, and unlike some others out there, they will not bilk you.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Kristopher gallagher
Desmond, absolutely, fights for my rights as a father and my ability to see my son.
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18 Jun, 2024 by Rafael hulme
Having no experience in this field at all, I was pretty terrified when I was shown to be at fault for a car accident. The entire team was excellent gave me a lot of information helped me to remain calm, and on the day of Katy in particular went way above and beyond the call of duty to help facilitate me reaching the courthouse on time. I was very impressed on every level with this operation.
Oh, and they significantly reduced the amount of trouble I was going to get into! Well worth the retainer.
Read more
24 Feb, 2024 by Kevin
Thank you for all of your help and support, you are all amazing. After what has been the toughest period of my life I feel fortunate to have found you. Carrie, you are great and I appreciate you so much. Not only did you help me through my case, but you saved me from bad representation; thank you. For anyone looking for help from a top notch legal team that can be trusted, I highly recommend Rodger Daley and Associates. They are skilled attorneys, and unlike some others out there, they will not bilk you.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Emily vasquez
Dawn Gould was great through my case, which lasted over a year. She is very thorough, compassionate, but will give it to you straight and be sure you know what the law says and what you ought to expect. She will respond professionally and firmly with opposing attorneys and will not allow anyone to push you (or her) around!
I don’t plan to ever need her specialties again, but if I do, at least I know where to turn!
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09 Dec, 2024 by Heather stockman
She gave us a lot of information that we would not have known about at all. We felt we at least had a good case after our consultation.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Janelle harris
Contacted the Harris Law Firm regarding my divorce, they offered a 30 minute free consultation, they were very nice, thorough and answered all questions. I'd highly recommend them.
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03 Jul, 2020 by Jarrett
Walker did a great job with a very difficult case. He is honest, hardworking, and professional. His knowledge of the criminal justice system made me feel at ease throughout my case. I highly recommend Walker as a criminal defense lawyer.
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15 Oct, 2018 by Victor stewart
My wife Lora and I consider Ralph and the rest of his office to be LIFESAVERS! We had to fight to keep our home after the seller breached our contract & were literally trying to steal our home from us! During this INCREDIBLY stressful time, not only was Ralph always the voice of experience, counsel & reason, but also of comfort, allowing us to digest this ordeal with wisdom instead of emotion. Thank you Ralph & all at Cantafio Law! We will refer you to anyone in need of your services.
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03 Oct, 2018 by Greg doser
Overall a very good experience. The law firm was going through a transaction so there was a couple of times things were confusing but as a lawyer, Mr. Cantafio is knowledgeable, caring and down to earth.
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01 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
I reached out to Karin for legal help in the middle of a difficult, complicated legal situation I had with my daughter and her father. My case had a some history to it that made representation somewhat daunting. Karin has a steadiness that allowed her to dive in and steer clear of the various details that could detract from a straightforward approach to my case. She held firm on the goal of the case and showed that she thoroughly cared about my position and the welfare of my daughter.
My case was bumped four times over the course of a year. This was painful and frustrating. It was comforting to have Karin there to help me remain patient and I never once felt like her support wavered.
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01 Mar, 2017 by Scott
I paid her a lot of money up front. Nothing was moving forward with my case. I had absolutely no progress and nothing was done. I stopped using her and she sent me another bill in the mail (thousands). I refused to pay because again, because nothing was done to help me. She sent it to a bill agency and I paid it and it is still showing I did not pay it (years later). So now I am trying to get her to take it off county records years later.
I am a low income single dad and I was taken to the cleaners.
All I wanted was to see my daughter more and I came out in debt with no progress.
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22 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Karin, showed patience, knowledge and experience in handling my case. Excellent communication about the case and what to expect in each step of the process.
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26 Sep, 2021 by Chelsea
Mike was an attorney of my friends on a homicide case and he did an excellent job and I obtained him for my drug case was pleased with his weapon representation he's a good hard-working attorney that does his best for his clients and I would recommend him to anybody that needs a good way
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14 Sep, 2018 by Carlos
Mike is an awsome criminal lawyer he helped me with my 3rd DV out of jefferson county this year helped me keep my kids and my probation revocation out of Denver i highly recommend him.... as a pass convict no one believed me when it came down to push and shove with the Da he handled it the way it should have been
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09 Sep, 2018 by Craig
Michael Root failed to provide me with adequate representation in a Retaliation Against a Judge case. The witness (alleged victim Judge) had provably lied on the witness stand, and Mr. Root, more concerned about preserving his career than seeking justice, threw me under the bus: the official Court transcript vs. the actual evidence on the record of the Court proves this. Not recommended.
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17 Feb, 2025 by Kathryn weihing
Wonderfully efficient law firm. Took care of our will, trust, PoA needs quickly.
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17 Feb, 2025 by Nancy chang
We recently had the pleasure of working with Anastasia and her team at Legacy Law Group. We have a great experience and everyone was so helpful throughout the entire process. They were clear on everything and made a stressful process less stressful by explaining everything every step of the way. We never felt rushed or pressured into anything and it was nice to not feel like every question you have is being billed by the hour. They are always responsive to every question we had. They truly care about their clients and are passionate about helping you protect your family. I would highly recommend Anastasia and her team for your estate planning needs.
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14 Feb, 2025 by Laura allensworth
We had the pleasure of working with Anastasia and her team Tatyana and Michelle, and we couldn't be more satisfied. I had done research for an irrevocable trust, and all it entails and general cost. My head was swimming, but I had a somewhat general understanding. Anastasia and her team were efficient, accommodating, and thorough. Legacy Law Group provided us peace of mind, and we highly recommend them.
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16 Oct, 2024 by Fouad benqadi
I also do not recommend Jeffrey and his lawfirm after I paid the retainer there was little to no communication and I repeated myself multiple times. He completely dropped the ball on both of his appearances and failed to represent me in court along with filing court paperwork without my approval. I have fired him and will be seeking new council or maybe just represent myself!
Also I will be reporting him to the bar for malpractice as he asked me to do an evaluation with is his “buddy” and they would make it sound as if I didn’t need therapy. I do not agree with any of the statements against me and will stand firm to this so I declined the assessment.
Pretty sure it’s just another method of extracting money from you. BEWARE of this law firm and look elsewhere even though he has 30 years in Adams county court rooms.
Truly disappointed.
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05 Oct, 2024 by Maria hatch
05 Aug, 2024 by Tosha harry
The senior associate Katherine Karstetter allows her clients to violate laws and encourages them to file false government reports saying they have a right. Falsifying reports to the FBI, police, making calls to anyone who knows me and scouting USA is not okay trying to get me fired, and trying to stop my advocacy, training and support of disabled, low income, and children is not okay. Shame on you. Glad you defend people who have no defense. It is okay for your client to have my information my family's information our addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers on sticky notes in her possession.You defend and believe pathological liers who report false felony accusations, who has a personality disorders when you know they are mentally ill. Shame on you.
Abusing and neglecting your child is not okay, and continuing to affect children's and others mental health, and physical health with inappropriate interactions is not okay. Your law firm should be about facts and the truth not defending blatant liers and allowing them to stalk and abuse people. But yes you are a shoulder to cry on that obviously does not have the mental capacity or morals to distinguish right from wrong. Shame on you....
You said I court anyone has a right to file complaints so here it is. You are a guardian ad lidium Shame on you, you do not protect anyone.
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17 Feb, 2025 by Kathryn weihing
Wonderfully efficient law firm. Took care of our will, trust, PoA needs quickly.
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17 Feb, 2025 by Nancy chang
We recently had the pleasure of working with Anastasia and her team at Legacy Law Group. We have a great experience and everyone was so helpful throughout the entire process. They were clear on everything and made a stressful process less stressful by explaining everything every step of the way. We never felt rushed or pressured into anything and it was nice to not feel like every question you have is being billed by the hour. They are always responsive to every question we had. They truly care about their clients and are passionate about helping you protect your family. I would highly recommend Anastasia and her team for your estate planning needs.
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14 Feb, 2025 by Laura allensworth
We had the pleasure of working with Anastasia and her team Tatyana and Michelle, and we couldn't be more satisfied. I had done research for an irrevocable trust, and all it entails and general cost. My head was swimming, but I had a somewhat general understanding. Anastasia and her team were efficient, accommodating, and thorough. Legacy Law Group provided us peace of mind, and we highly recommend them.
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11 Apr, 2024 by Emir dini
A cesspool of legal malpractice. I watched several parents go through agonizing ordeals despite ORPC being aware (and failing to intervene). Lots of embedded institutional bias, particularly towards Hispanic clients. In my opinion, ORPC needs a leadership change and more judicial scrutiny.
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24 Aug, 2023 by Anna beer
I was trying to get in contact with then for 4 weeks regarding my lawyer and I only got a response after leaving nasty voice-mail on their general mailbox. Once I got in contact with them they fairly quickly reached out to my lawyer and he became response after that so I do appreciate that. But then after I needed to speak with them again I've called 5 times and I'm still awaiting a call back. It's very frustrating.
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21 Jun, 2023 by Cami garcia
Such an amazing company! Supporting parents that are at their lowest point is truly admirable!!
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03 Jan, 2025 by Lori
If your case is assigned to Ceila Harned, do everything you can to get a new CFI. This woman is biased and incompetent beyond belief. She is enamored with the men in the case. She seemingly hates the mothers and will do everything in her power to paint the mother in a bad light and put the father ina good light.
My ex-husband had a long history of domestic violence on file with the courts. But she painted out as a saint. And she painted me as a liar, who coached my kids to hate their father.
When we got to court, she walked into the room and openly hugged him, and his new girlfriend and sat right behind them waiting for court to start. Like they were best friends. She totally fawned over my ex in open court like she was a schoolgirl with a crush. I couldn’t believe my eyes.
Luckily for me, her incompetence is what got her. She had my kids names listed completely wrong in her report and messed up several dates. My lawyer ate her for lunch and had her report struck from the record and she was never allowed to testify. That is what saved me that day.
Avoid this woman at all costs. She is truly terrible and should have her law license stripped away.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Rebecca moss
Such a lifesaver! Use her for all of your legal questions and needs. You are in good hands with her!
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06 May, 2024 by Samantha esparza
01 Aug, 2017 by Thomas
Amanda was appointed by the court to represent me. She failed at even the most basic tasks. One of her motions was so filled with spelling errors that it was barely understandable. She was very disorganized, it took more than 5 meetings for her to remember to bring one key document which made things take forever. Two weeks before trial, after her having 8 months to prepare and an investigator to assist her, she revealed that she was so unprepared for court that I would have to suffer 6 more months of anxiety about the case while she continued to prepare. I wound up taking a plea deal for something I didn't do just to be able to get on with my life. Don't waste your time, hire a real lawyer instead.
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23 May, 2017 by Max
she helped me through the trial process of a d.u.i. with great skill and profesinalisim.
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10 Dec, 2024 by Nancy
He did not address my issues. Seldom returned phone calls. During a hearing, he said very little in my defense and I had to keep saying things like “ask this” or “say that”. Every time I asked him a question he would say, “don’t worry” without any explanation as to what his strategy was! I would never recommend him!!!
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08 Dec, 2014 by Debra
He was really fast to respond, knew his stuff and basically got me what I needed, and he keeps his overhead low so I think that is why he was pretty affordable. I don't really feel like paying for a marble office floor and he takes my calls directly.
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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.
