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22 Jun, 2017 by Sarah
My ex-husband and I were introduced to Mary in january of 2017. At that time things were very rocky for the two of us and we were not agreeing on much. The demeanor and ease of Mary's mediation with both of our lawyers present was so calming and effective. We both left that session feeling as tho we wished we had went straight with mediation and chosen Mary from the beginning. In May of 2017 my ex and I decided that another mediation session was in our best interest. We contacted Mary and she was able to get us in right away. This session was very different than the first. It was just my ex and I with Mary no lawyers present at that time. She sat and listened to us ... presented us with what she heard and where we needed to go. It was the ideal situation in any custody/divorce matter. Calm, collected and easy. We settled in an hours time. She fairly charged us and promised to always be a resource to the two of us in the future if necessary. Fast forward to my settlement hearing ... I ran into her at the court house and was nervous and worried because my attorney was late. She gave me a hug told me how impressed she was by the coparenting my ex and I were doing and insured me that everything would be ok. She also said that she would represent me if need be. She is amazing!! I will always be grateful to her for helping us during this awkward and heart wrenching time. Would recommend to anyone!
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21 Jun, 2017 by Don
Mary was fantastic in helping me get my daughter who was 6 years old at the time out of an extremely unsafe situation. Mary is smart, trustworthy, personable, tough and knows the law. She is great in the court room and it did not matter that I was a man trying to rescue my daughter, she cared about what was best for my daughter. Mary's experience and expertise helped change a little girls life. I will be forever grateful to her for all her hard work and am thankful every day when I look at my daughter who is safe, happy and is doing great. Thank you so much!!! Don :)
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01 Oct, 2015 by Jan
I have had Mary's representation on multiple issues. Mary is smart, caring and professional. I cannot think of one time that I felt anything but gratitude for her knowledge and kindness.
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08 Apr, 2011 by Shawn
Michael was great in helping me win my case. Has been the best experience with working with any lawyer. I hope who ever reads these reviews of Michael will greatly consider hiring him. I have passed his card on too friends who will be considering Michael as well.
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14 Mar, 2011 by Celia
For the past 3 years I have been working and continue to work with Attorney Adams. I have recommended him to family and friends. What stands out about Attorney Adams is his dedication and effort. Previously, I have worked with lawyers that have never put any effort in my case. Attorney Adams, unlike other lawyers I've worked with, has cared about my case. He has always been there when I needed his guidance. I will continue to work with Attorney Adams and recommend him to anyone that is looking for someone that is honest, caring and is dedicated to his work.
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04 Mar, 2011 by Lloyd
Mr. Adams represented my brother in some rather unfortunate circumstances. He was honest and upfront about the ramnifications of the charges and the potential penalties. Having never dealt with legal issues, my parents and I were very appreciative of his knowledge and abilities to answer our questions, defend my brother, and mitigate our circumstances. I would strongly recommend Mr. Adams as he is na excellent attorney. Lloyd Reed
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10 Feb, 2016 by Leigha
Mr. Fagan is an awesome attorney. He's the only attorney I've ever worked with who answers your calls to him right away and digs for every possible angle to help you out. He got absolutely amazing result for my husband when he was in a horribly grim circumstance. We were looking at facing a life ruining predicament which Mr. Fagan was able to work into a really good result. Mr. Fagan was able to work what seemed like a miracle to us. I would 100% recommend hiring Mr. Fagan to help you out if you or anyone you know are facing criminal charges. Thank you Mr. Fagan!!!! May we also remain very truly yours.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Ty troeger
While needing to hire a lawyer was not on my list of things to do in life, being in a position where I needed one brought me to the Rodenhouse Law Group. Wonderful people from start to finish. Audra McClure was amazing with communication from the initial meeting to the final contact. Their efforts certainly made a life changing experience one that was not rushed, felt like I was being pressured or just another number in their list of clients: they made me feel like everything I had to say was important regardless of how big or little the details were.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Lorna grant
Miles took such wonderful care for me and my family. I will recommend Miles and your whole law office to everyone. Thank you for everything you did for me.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Alfredo
My lawyer has a thorough knowledge of the law and defended my case with determination. I highly recommend this law firm. This lawyer solved my legal problem quickly and efficiently. I could not have hoped for a better result In the name of God The lawyer thoroughly reviewed all the evidence in my case and prepared an exceptional strategy that ultimately led to my victory in court. His preparation was remarkable This lawyer negotiated a very advantageous out-of-court settlement for me, avoiding a long and costly trial. His negotiating skills are impressive. My lawyer answered all my questions with great clarity and patience. He kept me informed every step of the way, which gave me great peace of mind This lawyer demonstrated great creativity in his approach to my case. He came up with innovative solutions that tipped the scales in my favor My lawyer was always available to answer my questions and concerns. He put me at ease throughout the legal process. Thanks Shawn yre the best
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24 Apr, 2024 by Steven overway
Well..before covid I recently lost my wife to a horrible illness..I live in arkansas but from Michigan..I called shawn before the covid deal to help me with a bench warrant...he took it on..then all the courts shut down during that..recently I contacted shawn..I always kept his number..it took me days to find a attorney from Michigan who would help me since I live out of state before the covid deal..well..he was gonna help me again..I made some calls to Michigan before I contacted shawn to see how I could take care of my bench warrant out of state..I made so many calls I forgot who was who..so when shawn said he help me again..I started thinking if he said to turn my self in what would happen to my dog..I made my dog a service dog for depression I went through after my wife died..today.some place called me and I thought it was a place to help me out with my dog situation. I started talking about maybe I will have to turn my self in and such..and you think there are lawyers who really do pro Bono like in the movies..then when they said who they were actually are..I said ok..I'm good..cause you know I asked shawn to help me..so..later he calls and said he heard my name in court.im thinking huh?.I explained what I said..and I asked him are you still gonna help me..he said..no..I'm not gonna help you and just hung up on me..wow..I don't even know what I did wrong..maybe I should have asked him that about my service dog..I didn't know!!...all he said to me before he hung up was.and I quote (you got it all set). Like I waisted his time and that was never my intention..he is a nice lawyer. Dont get me wrong..just..that threw me for a loop..now I have to go at this with no legal representation..I was recommended to call him back in 2020..but..it is what it is..I guess I should have never talked to that person..he would still be helping me..but..hey..I messed up I guess..but he will help you..just make sure . Don't talk to know one else but shawn..
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12 Apr, 2024 by Matt
Very helpful and I was very happy with the outcome. Give this man a call!
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23 Oct, 2024 by Aiden deng
Mark was extremely helpful and experienced, he was very knowledgable and very resourceful as well. 100% would recommend.
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21 Sep, 2024 by Nic paauw
The first and only call you need to make when charged with an owi/dui is Mark Caldwell From there follow his instructions to the letter, he knows the ins and outs of the courts, judges, and prosecutors, and when he gives advice follow it He is a hardworking, honest, and straight shooting lawyer, he is there to help you get through this difficult situation, and make sure you navigate the intricacies of the law He has an exemplary reputation within the legal community, which will greatly benefit you when pleading your case This is the man that will get you your second chance
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11 Jul, 2024 by Mower safety
Very helpful lawyer and affordable I’d advise to get him if you are charged with a DUI
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28 Oct, 2024 by Margie elzerman
CE Education with Kevin and Rita, "Beyond Belief - Fair Housing Fact or Fiction". The learning techniques presented by Kevin are always fun and very informative. Looking forward to annual education with Hirzel Law for Team In Rhodes Management!
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28 Oct, 2024 by Nicole fujiko
I attended my first Fair Housing Fact or Fiction presentation hosted by Hirzel Law today, with the InRhodes Management team, and it was extremely interactive and informative! I enjoyed the class, it promoted active conversation with the team, and allowed us to discuss different view points together!! Thanks Kevin and Rita!
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28 Oct, 2024 by Stephanie rumble
Hirzel's team is not only one of the leading condo/hoa collection attorney's, but they offer tremendous amounts of information, resources, facts, updates and their own experiences/knowledge of all varying legal issues. They will go above and beyond to answer questions, provide examples, offer resources, and collect on those unpaid association dues.
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14 Oct, 2024 by Anna wodarek
If I could give 10 stars, I would! What a dedicated, hard-working, compassionate group of people. I highly recommend Michael Bartish; knowledgeable, educated, communicative, kind-hearted and down-to-earth. I knew I was in great hands from our first meeting.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Bonnie
In June I found myself in a situation that required me to find legal counsel. My husband got physical with me following an argument. I ran to our bedroom and called 911 as he put his hand through our door. The Ottawa County Sheriff’s office showed up after what seemed like an eternity. When they attired, my husband met them outside. To date I cannot comprehend what the the deputies were thinking because I was arrested after calling for help. Apparently my husband’s lies convinced her that I assaulted him and my daughter. He even added that I racked a 9mm and “almost” pointed it at him… I was arrested and in jail for the night. I started to panic and was terrified about potentially losing my job and/or licensing through the state in addition to losing my CPL & 2nd amendment rights. I was initially charged with felony felonious assault and a few other things that I do not recall. I started looking & researching who to hire to sort this mess out. Attorneys need to be convincing. I had talked to a dozen of them & all I heard were the same lines- like a salesman working for commission. A few of them sat ok in my stomach. But that was the problem… they were ok. When there is so much on the line mediocre is not what I was willing to accept. I reached out to a trusted attorney that I had worked with previously on a civil matter from Warner Norcross + Judd. He referred me to Michael Bartish. I began digging into reviews & searching for articles about him. I reached out to SBBL Law. It didn’t take long for Michael to return my call. After speaking with Michael over the phone I knew he was the guy. He was direct yet empathetic. He listened to what was important to me and the fears I had. He was reassuring without over promising any sort of result. He never said any of the lines I’d heard from the previous attorneys who seemed to not be genuine. Over the course of about 2 months Michael walked me through the process, explained everything so that I understood. I could feel he was vested in this fight with me from our first court appearance. His presence and confident demeanor brought me peace at some of the most emotional times I had faced in a long time. Michael included me in every aspect of the case and looked to me to make the decisions on plea deals that were offered. He supported my decision to go to trial. He still never promised a winning result but his confidence gave me the confidence to fight this. I had never watched a jury selection. The jurors likely never were jurors before. Watching Michael educate the jurors while assessing their ability to be impartial for the anticipated trial was nothing short of impressive. He has power in his voice & not the sort that’s disrespectful or arrogant. At hearings Michael made clear arguments backed by law. He crushed every move the prosecution attempted. He has passion and speaks with a dominance you only see with true experience. The prosecution ended up dismissing the case because any headway they attempted was shattered by Michael. This was a huge win for us!!! Michael and I joked that it was a bit disappointing not going to trial. Watching him in the courtroom and knowing his abilities I felt it would be a sure win and that it would put the prosecutor in his place even more. If I ever need a defense attorney he 100% will be my guy without hesitation! I would recommend him to anyone needing help with a case.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Amanda s
Heath and this firm failed on every level. Heath failed to prepare his client to speak with the Judge as written in his contract. Heath failed to keep his clients informed of the cost as stated in his contract. I would strongly urge you to find a different firm.
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15 Mar, 2024 by Taylor jones
Jennifer M. Anton is the best litigation attorney I've worked with! She's young, smart, super responsive, and knows her stuff. Highly recommend working with Jennifer!
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05 Mar, 2024 by David cadarette
Ron David and his team have helped MANY of our clients over the years to create Wills, Trusts and POAs. They do a world class job! Highly recommend them!!
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11 Jan, 2024 by Kay major
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03 Jul, 2024 by Holly marie
Rick Conklin was great and very informative for myself and my elderly mother. He was punctual, efficient, and accommodating. My mom was in rehab after a major surgery and he met us there after work hours. He was honest about services he thought we needed and I would recommend him to anyone looking for an attorney!
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06 Jun, 2024 by David goron
Very Experienced and helpful. Everything went very smoothly and the communication was excellent. A pleasant experience.
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05 Jun, 2024 by Justfacts
Do Not Hire this attorney. Read carefully the negative reviews. He will take your money and if the judge is his buddy will do whatever the judge tells him to do on your case even if it means "throwing" your case just like others have commented. He told me what he would do in court and then did not do it. Then he met with the judge in chambers and refused to present my case. He refused to continue representing me and then demanded more money.
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09 Sep, 2024 by John jablonski
A total hack. Overcharged me and STILL forgot to even show up for my court date. I spent a year on probation for a crime I didn’t commit. I hope this man gets disbarred like he deserves.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Katie lebioda
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28 Aug, 2024 by Annemarie lebioda
Renee was incredibly professional and communicative with our family and it made the whole experience much easier. So Appreciative of her great work!
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07 Nov, 2022 by Eva nnn
Marygray is a great lawyer! Would use over and over again
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11 Aug, 2022 by Janeane st. john
Not very ethical. We had problems with them too.
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16 Jul, 2022 by Colin white
Todd is a great guy- salt of the Earth so to speak. Deal with confidence, you're in good hands.
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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:

  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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