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21 Feb, 2024 by Ashlee west
Thank you so much to Mark and his team. They were so helpful and kind. Jennifer never let a email go unanswered she is the best. With the help of Mark and his team my husband is coming home. We would like to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.
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29 Dec, 2023 by Angelica
Jennifer in Atty Morales’ office was always available to answer my questions and concerns. She walked me through with the whole process and I never felt alone. Attorney Morales represented my loved one very well, I can’t say enough about the whole experience. Thank you very much
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28 Mar, 2023 by Leidy
So grateful for Mark and his team. They worked hard to get my brother approved for parole and kept us updated throughout the process.
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22 Jul, 2021 by David
My case was dismissed as promised. He was very responsive always responding to test and keeping me in the loop. I can say he listened and worked with me to get my case dismissed. He is very knowledge able and he provide a personal touch unlike other lawyers that you never meet. I will use him again if i ever have legal trouble.
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13 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
Very professional, answered all my questions. Had me on a fast and speedy trial. I thank youb
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18 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
Pack your patience. This fine gentleman has a way of getting things done, they take awhile... but the way he drags things out with the prosecutors keeps the leverage on your side. There were times I lost my patience with him, but in the end I was able to see that his strategy is purposeful and effective!
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27 Jul, 2010 by Nancy
Very pleasurable and satisfactory experience using Laura B. Barker, Attorney at Law. We made the right choice by choosing her to represent my Son. We never once had to step in a court room. Gave her all the details and she took care of it all from start to finish.
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11 Aug, 2024 by Bhalaajee meenakshi-sundaram
Great lawyer!
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22 May, 2024 by Krista
We hired Jo to intervene into my niece's CPS case where we had been the kinship foster parents for almost a year and half. CPS was not doing their job and there were a lot of information being left out. Jo stepped up in every way, spending countless hours getting to the bottom of all the information, and advocating for us and our sweet baby. We had the best possible outcome and that would not have been possible without Jo. I will forever be grateful for this amazing woman, she is truly the best.
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21 Mar, 2024 by Chris
She worked on my case and showed great dedication and integrity. This lawyer went above and beyond on my behalf and I will be forever grateful and thankful.
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10 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
When you are confronted by the most adverse time in your life, you need someone on your side to defend your rights and proclaim your station. Mr. Steve Hesse is that person. Mr. Hesse is very well versed in the defense of claims, and is methodical in presenting the facts. Mr. Hesse is well regarded in the legal community and knows how to approach the judicial system with your case. He will not try to tell you what you want to hear and will not promise you an outcome you obviously want. But he will provide you exceptional legal counsel. In addition, he will guide you in addressing your personal needs while you go through this most stressful time. He will represent you as a person and not just a client. I highly recommend the services of Steve Hesse. He is the best defense lawyer you could want in these most-challenging times.
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28 Mar, 2019 by Chad
Who doesn't charge you more when they can??? (read below) I interviewed many lawyers to help with a false accusation against my family. However, Steve was the only one that I felt "cared" on the phone. He dropped what he was doing to meet us at the police station the next day. When he got there, he walked us through what to expect and the Lieutenant remembered Steve for when he was "on the other side". Steve's knowledge of how the police work was instrumental in warning us what to do/not do. As a result, things went very smoothly. (He is a combination of a gentle demeanor and also a serious bulldog depending upon the hat he needs to wear.) He even assisted my wife when she was questioned even though he was officially representing me and not her. She later joked that she didn't want his help in the first place and then wished Steve was "her" lawyer! After the police meeting, I offered to pay more to retain him all the way through the potential process. He advised me to wait as he didn't want to take my money when we didn't even know if there would be next steps (or what they would be). Fast forward to our names being cleared and we didn't have to have any next steps. YAY!!! Steve followed up with us and we didn't have to pay any additional money. Although I hope I NEVER have to use him again, I would HIGHLY recommend him to anyone who needs help. If I ever do need help in the future, he'll be my first call.
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08 Jul, 2018 by Jason
Stephen was professional, helpful, and a wealth of knowledge while he assisted my with my case. He came highly recommended and I can not have asked for better representation. I strongly recommend his services should you require them.
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10 Jul, 2024 by Erin mckinney
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12 Apr, 2024 by Sierra custom remodeling
Super professional and professional.
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11 Jan, 2024 by Julian mandler
As I was facing my complicated divorce, I took a long while to research and find legal representation. When I found Carl Knickerbocker, I immediately knew he was the perfect lawyer, from the first initial conversation all the way through to the final decree. I had a million questions, and he answered them all. His communication is thorough, transparent, and immediate. I felt completely taken care of in the craziness of my complex case. His exceptional expertise and strategic mindset made me feel at ease at every step. His fees are absolutely fair. I highly recommend Carl. He’s the best! Check out his incredibly helpful podcast on his website.
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30 Jun, 2019 by Bethany copeland
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15 Dec, 2015 by C. weir
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08 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
I met with Mr Ranney in his office and gave full details of my incident and when the court date came ( pre trial payment charged) he was surprised and unprepared by the the judges actions. He had just advised me ( moments before my appearing in front of the judge) that he knew how this judge operated and his expectations were way off. I would not advise anyone to even hire Mr Ranney for pre trial counsel. Consider representing yourself before signing any agreement with Douglas Ranney.
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27 Aug, 2018 by Jennifer
I was charged with a DWI (I refused giving arresting officers breath test and was not asked for blood work for BAC). Mr. Ranney got me into the PTI (Pre-Trial Intervention Program) which once completed the charge is dismissed. The PTI program is a guilty charge if you do not complete program without violation. You will have a breathalyzer in your care for 6 months, 40 hours community service, MADD class, complete a class/work book (approximately 4 weeks). Take random UAs.. I was only required to take one. I violated my breathalyzer in my car several (3-4 times) a little over a week before I completed the 6 months. Mr. Ranney was able to still get the DWI dismissed since I was so close to completing the program. I would absolutely recommend him to others. Also, his office staff is always very helpful!
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13 Jan, 2015 by Jack
I was charged with a few crimes and yes I had made those mistakes. Hired a different lawyer who just talked a good game but didn't deliver. I came in and hired Doug. He worked for months on my cases -- and got them ALL dropped. I walked away clean and put my life back together. He was the man. Lotta gratitude from me.
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24 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
We highly recommend Shawn Dick and his firm. Shawn is a very experienced lawyer and was able to help our family. He went to bat for our us, knew the law and was able to get us the outcome that we needed. We are grateful for his sincerity, kindness and his high level of experience with the law and the Williamson County courts.
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06 Nov, 2015 by Carol
We hired Shawn to represent my grandson who was originally charged with felony possession of a controlled substance. Through Shawn's very diligent hard word, he was successful in getting this charge reduced to misdemeanor, thus keeping my grandson's life from being "ruined" at the age of 17 by being convicted of a felony.
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18 Dec, 2012 by Anonymous
This lawyer did a wonder job for me he is very knowledeable on the law he is very great
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17 Aug, 2021 by Jalon
Unfortunately I have to leave a star ….Please save your time and money , dishonest and does not respond I have waited over a year after paying him in full for service and can’t even receive an update , I have sent emails , text(left on read ) , phone calls and certificated letters !
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01 May, 2019 by Me
The worst lawyer!!! Does not respond to any emails/calls. I had a great friend of mine pay for me to get my record erased. Which that person payed over a year ago. He told us the process would take a few months at worst , like I said it's been a year. We call him and email and no response on the expunge status. Basically took the money and ran. It's hurting me bc it's my record and hurts that person bc they wasted their money
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28 Jan, 2019 by Deandre
i spoke to the judge bout my case she told me to get with you bout me an you geting into court early in iam here in town ready to go to court ive been having truble geting to court
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18 Aug, 2023 by Lisa mills
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14 Mar, 2022 by Garrett henning
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14 Mar, 2022 by Garrett
I was sued over a $1,000 medical bill. I would much rather have appreciated my attorney telling me from the beginning go ahead and pay the invoice. My LegalShield membership turned me on to Tim's firm. A paycheck was soaked up for almost the same value as what I settled on over a years time. The day before trial Tim told me I should go ahead and settle. I could type a five page article on why not to use the firm but I'll leave it at, good luck if you hire Tim.
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23 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
I followed up when Ken after needing assistance. His pricing stated that the services would be a flat fee. When meeting with him, rather than speaking to me about my case, he frequently went off topic to speak about his campaign for District Attorney. After asking for a follow up on my case, he would persistently be rude and hostile to me. Not once was he proactive. I actually sought a second opinion for my case and realized I had made a poor choice. At the conclusion of my case, Ken said directly to my face, "I will never price these services at a flat rate again. It is just too much work with no payoff." I did not feel like he was an appropriate, empathetic counselor I was looking for.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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