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08 Aug, 2024 by Rebecca hochhalter
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04 Jun, 2024 by Anastasia malysheva
I would like to thank Jessica McAfee for her great job!!! She is the most professional and knowledgeable attorney I’ve ever met (and I had to deal with a lot of them). She is a real fighter!!! She was always answering my emails, even on Sundays. She was always ready for the court hearings. Thank you so much for your help, Jessica!
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10 May, 2024 by Nicole sexton
Amazing attorney. Super easy to talk to. Really put’s you at ease. Great communication and in my case, actually got a much better deal than I expected. If I ever need an attorney again, I know who I’m calling.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Rebecca hochhalter
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04 Jun, 2024 by Anastasia malysheva
I would like to thank Jessica McAfee for her great job!!! She is the most professional and knowledgeable attorney I’ve ever met (and I had to deal with a lot of them). She is a real fighter!!! She was always answering my emails, even on Sundays. She was always ready for the court hearings. Thank you so much for your help, Jessica!
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10 May, 2024 by Nicole sexton
Amazing attorney. Super easy to talk to. Really put’s you at ease. Great communication and in my case, actually got a much better deal than I expected. If I ever need an attorney again, I know who I’m calling.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Rebecca hochhalter
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04 Jun, 2024 by Anastasia malysheva
I would like to thank Jessica McAfee for her great job!!! She is the most professional and knowledgeable attorney I’ve ever met (and I had to deal with a lot of them). She is a real fighter!!! She was always answering my emails, even on Sundays. She was always ready for the court hearings. Thank you so much for your help, Jessica!
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10 May, 2024 by Nicole sexton
Amazing attorney. Super easy to talk to. Really put’s you at ease. Great communication and in my case, actually got a much better deal than I expected. If I ever need an attorney again, I know who I’m calling.
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07 Jun, 2024 by Shanester
Alex is very knowledgeable and goes the extra mile when it counts What he thought would be resolved in 1 appearance drug out 9 months. Could always call him on personal cell phone if I had any questions or anything changed. Would definitely recommend ( but hopefully never need,)but wouldn't hesitate to retain
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03 May, 2024 by Steve massengill
Alex is the epitome of not only a professional and excellent lawyer but also more importantly he's a good and honest man. I feel blessed and privileged to call him a friend!
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01 May, 2024 by Michael lawrence
Best customer service ever! They made us feel comfortable and were very informative. Thanks, Chestnut Law.
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07 Dec, 2024 by Jeff kent
Dallas and his team worked tirelessly to ensure my needs were met in a timely manner and with best possible results . Highly recommend!!!
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21 Jun, 2023 by Stephanie hopson
Great advice and help.......
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15 Dec, 2022 by David sallee
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07 Sep, 2024 by Tiffany heddleson
I would absolutely recommend Crystal Jesse for any legal matter you may need but definitely for custody or family court. She is amazing at what she does and knows exactly how to help your case. I still can’t thank her and her team enough for helping my family! Every one of them was amazing from the office to Miss Jessee. Very satisfied with her and will be keeping her for any future cases.
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30 Apr, 2024 by Kayla keller
Does not return phone calls. Even if you had a scheduled appointment for a new client consultation. They'll say they will call you back but even after a week, they won't.
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18 Apr, 2024 by Carey tullock
My experience with Ms. Jessee was not the best. I didn’t get great communication, she wasn’t prepared for my case, and I didn’t feel she fought for me at all. I changed lawyers and have since got a lot of things undone that she could have prevented. I’m sure she is great in action when she is prepared, but during the time I needed her, she was running for Judge, and campaigning…. I was just a thought and I had to call the office several times and never got anywhere because the ladies there honestly couldn’t give me an answer to my questions or they never answered the phone. Best of luck, no hard feelings, I just would of appreciated if my case wasn’t going to be a priority to tell me upfront instead of costing me more legal feels and emotional pain during a delicate time in my life.
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23 Nov, 2024 by Calvin lawson
They have been very pleasant to deal with and although the case is still in motion , I feel they will proceed in a professional manner
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26 May, 2024 by Marina bogda
I’d like to share my sad experience with attorney Chase Alan Baker. I am a simple, uneducated woman without any assets. Even to pay Mr. Baker’s fee I had to borrow money from somebody else. So, below is my story. In the fall of last year I made an unfortunate decision to divorce my husband and approached Mr. Baker asked him to arrange it. Mr. Baker promptly charged me $7,000 non-refundable fee. I have had the simplest case of divorce w/o minores. For comparison my husband was charged by his attorney just $4,500 and at the end of the ordeal his attorney gave him a refund of $1,500 along with a timesheet of the hours he spent on the case. This is how things should be done. To make a long story short, a month after filing for divorce I reconciled with my husband and we are again a happy family. However, my $7,000 has gone. Mr. Baker keeps an entire amount, claiming that it is non-refundable. His firm didn’t spend much time with me. I had two telephone conferences; each one an hour long and that was all. This can’t cost $7,000! But Mr. Baker has a different opinion. In his reply to me he stated that “we spent numerous hours on your case.” I have these words in writing. Question comes up: ‘If divorce w/o children requires his law firm to spend “numerous hours” than what his customers should expect if the case is slightly more complex?’ At the end Mr. Baker never refunded me even partially, never produced a time sheet of hours he spent working on my case, he just wanted to talk to me on the phone. Talking about what? Mr. Baker never explained his motive. I can guess only what it could be about. Knowing his exuberant fee $450/hour, I opted to stay away. So, time is running out, Mr. Baker keeps my money, what should I do? Anybody know? Marina Bogda
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25 Apr, 2024 by Destiny jones
You’d be lucky if the office even picks up. No one communicates whatsoever. I sent emails, text and left voicemails. Spent over 7800$ for NOTHING. Still in the same position I was in before paying the retainer and other fees. Wish I didn’t waste my time and hard earned wages with this firm. After months of trying to get in touch with the lawyer the only email I got was that he was starting his own firm. When I call to see if there’s a policy to return funds that were not earned, cause the job was not done. NOTHING established, you can barely get someone to answer the office phone. Disgusting all the way around. Now I’m still fighting for what’s right with thousands wasted on someone who could care less.
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31 Mar, 2024 by Candace anna
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21 Aug, 2023 by Rashad gashimov
My experience with EK Law was deeply disappointing. The firm consistently overbilled, charging excessive fees for minimal services. Furthermore, they advocated for unrealistic immigration pathways, which only prolonged the process without offering any tangible results. It became apparent that their primary focus was financial gain rather than genuinely helping clients. I caution anyone seeking immigration assistance to look elsewhere for a lawyer who prioritizes transparency, reasonable fees, and realistic strategies. Elena at EK Law fell short in these essential aspects and failed to meet my expectations.
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27 Dec, 2022 by Sarah heister
Christina said that my son should stay with a woman that physically, emotionally and physically abused my son in front of me. Plus she killed my granddaughter and is not paying for it. She needs to stop getting involved in their relationship and just get my grandson back.
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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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