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13 Sep, 2017 by Jill
We worked with Stacy on a contested adoption. She was extremely knowledgeable and communicated well every step of the way. She built a great rapport with us and made us feel that she truly cared about our case. Ultimately, we got the outcome we had hoped for. If I ever find myself in need of an attorney in the future, I will look no further than Stacy Jewell.
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20 Apr, 2016 by Kenny
Stacy was very professional and took care of my case very fast. Always called with updates. Even though we didn't get any info from prosecutor she never gave up. I highly recommend her for any case!
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01 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
She did a great job on my case. Not only did I get excellent results, but she always called me back and made sure to keep me updated regarding my case.
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21 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
Jeff is a wonderful attorney. We were in a situation where due to false accusations we were facing the possibility of loosing our children and/or dealing with the possibility of criminal charges. Jeff is very well known and well respected. Most importantly, after a year of dealing with the court system and uncertainty, our case is resolved and we never did loose our kids. We will be forever grateful to Jeff for everything he did to preserve our family and to fight for justice. Thank you!!!
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15 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
I came to Jeff to figure out and clean up a custody mess that I was involved in. Jeff worked through over a year's worth of junk in a timely and professional way then delivered a workable solution. Along the way he counseled me and really took the time to listen to my concerns while also answering a lot of my previously unanswered questions that I had accrued throughout my custody action. In the end Jeff helped me understand the system better. Ultimately Jeff helped me change my mindset so that I was able to move forward with the process for my daughter's sake. Jeff is also not one to waste your money.
I gave Jeff a five-star rating because he is a game changer. Thank you Jeff!
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12 Apr, 2016 by Rebecca
Mr. Liston came highly recommended to us when our teenage son needed some serious legal help. Thanks to him our son ended up with no charges at all now on his record. It gave our kid a chance to grow up and become the person he was meant to be. I couldn't be more grateful for his help and advice. It changed our lives (especially our sons) for the better. If you need help, I would definitely recommend him.
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04 Jan, 2024 by Michael
I hired Mr. Cook to handle my bankruptcy.
He was very professional and thorough.
He made the whole process easy and made sure that I understood exactly what was happening and what would happen.
His communication through the whole process was just as great.
I highly recommend Mr. Cook!
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01 Jun, 2020 by Michelle
I had the privilege of having Mr. Cook represent me while going through a Bankruptcy last year. He made the process appear seamless, explaining what’s to expect during each phase. Mr. Cook possesses great communication skills and orally articulate. He was reasonable, professional and I would highly recommend him!
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23 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
He was very detailed professional and knowledgeable. He made sure that all of my questions and concerns were answered in a timely manner as well as email correspondence. He was very in tune with his clients.
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07 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Was professional and honest.
Definitely going to keep the number if I ever need it for the future.
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17 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Clay came highly recommended and I am glad I hired him. He is thorough, dedicated, skilled, and worked hard to get my case dismissed. He is easy to get in touch with and I appreciated all of his attention to detail in order to get my case dismissed. Would recommend him to anyone in need of a Criminal Defense attorney in the Defiance, OH area.
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07 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Crates was very professional and got my case settled out of court in my favor. He was available for questions and concerns throughout the process and put me at ease with handling my case. Mr. Crates is very hard working and was able to get my case settled much faster than I expected. Would highly recommend to anyone needing a Criminal Defense attorney!
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13 Oct, 2015 by Stephanie
Patricia Lynn Seifert is truly one of the best lawyers. She is very professional and caring. Divorce is hard and I don't think I would of survived without her support. She went out of her way many times to explain and let me know step by step what was coming next. she is tough when she needs to be in the courtroom, but still has that personal touch for you. I highly recommend her!
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07 Oct, 2015 by Janet
thorough and knowledgeable -compassionate and respectful. reports completed in a timely manner. I would certainly hire her again and would recommend her to others.
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30 Sep, 2015 by Marcella
Attorney Seifert has a very calming personality. She was able to guide me and help me through my divorce process with as little added stress as possible. I feel she looked after me and and kept my best interest at heart. I highly recommend her.
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01 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
I walked away from my consultation with Attorney Donald Malarcik, Jr. relieved and with peace of mind! Don graciously took the time to fully grasp the complexities of my case and guided me through every stage of the court process.
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20 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Don took my case, responded to me in county jail within hours and carried the details of my case after the verdict was finalized. He knew everyone in the system from the judge to the ADA and was able to advocate for me effectively. I have the highest respect for Don as a professional as well as a person. I consider him a friend and have referred several people to him. I can't imagine anyone better.
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31 May, 2017 by Nkck
Don malarcik jr. Has worked incredibly hard on my case. With it still pending I can't get into details but he is worth every penny and then some. He knows the ins and outs of law like no one I've ever seen. He's a gentleman and a scholar in the courtroom but it is very clear to see the other attorneys admire and respect him when he walks in the room. He approaches the case like a chess genius moving 10 moves ahead and out thinking everyone around him. I hope after this case I never have to use them again but he definitely will be on retainer because I can't think of another person I'd rather have walk me through the legal process. Not only does he teach trial School in Wyoming but he's six and oh at getting folks off of the death penalty. His views from what I understand that even though someone may be guilty and they deserve to spend their life in prison we as human beings do not have the power to dictate who lives and dies. They will be judged by God and properly sentenced per God's decision.
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14 Feb, 2019 by Mary
I am writing this letter as a recommendation regarding Marcus VanWay who was the attorney responsible for my son case. I had the pleasure of working with Mr VanWay for over a year. Mr. VanWay was very personable whenever I contact him. He would always explain in detail the next steps he didn't make us feel like we were less than. He has a very calm demeanor that was a blessing for clients in and out of the courtroom. Marcus strong sense of organization helped us stay on top of what was going on behind the case and the steps we had to take to move forward.
Marcus is an extremely talented attorney who cares a great deal about his clients and his firm.
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05 Nov, 2015 by Renee
Marcus Van Wey represented me in a domestic violence and assault charge plus four other charges. He was so wonderful with me and he kept in touch with me every time court was continued. He did not judge me about my charges and was very understanding and very compassionate. Mr Van Wey got 5 out of the 6 charges dropped. He was also very good at returning my calls every time I called him or text him. I would highly recommend Marcus or anyone in his Law Office to represent anybody.
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07 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Marcus Van Wey was amazing during the last few months. He kept me informed the entire time so I knew exactly what was going to happen at each step along the way. I put my faith in him 100% and he followed through! So glad I made the decision to proceed with Wolf Van Wey and Associates.
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29 Mar, 2018 by Pete
Jared was, great honest and easy to work with, told me what my options i had and did not make promises he could not keep.
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29 Mar, 2018 by Jennifer
Jared took the time to explain everything to me and answer all of my questions. I would highly recommend Jared!
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29 Mar, 2018 by Melissa
Jared has helped me over the last 3 years with some issues I had because of my son.. aaHe was kind and respectful and always explained everything to me and all my opinions! I'd recommend him to anyone!
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15 Oct, 2019 by Lakeya
This lawyer took time of his schedule just to consult me on my spouse's case. Mr. Gordan was very instrumental in helping me obtain the information I needed to move forward. I am very thankful for his guidance.
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06 Jul, 2016 by Sharon
Attorney Gordon represented my husband and I in an auto accident claim. He is an excellent attorney that helped us get through a difficult time. He was always available via phone and responded to our questions and concerns promptly. He really knows his stuff and helped us get the best settlement we could get. Above all, attorney Gordon is a great attorney who genuinely cares for his clients. If we are every in the need for an attorney in the future, we will definitely contact Attorney Clarence Thomas Gordon, II.
Thank you for a job well done!
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18 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
Attorney Gordon represented my in an auto accident claim. He was highly professional and I was happy with the settlement amount. He is also a snazzy dresser.
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16 Jun, 2015 by Michael
Stephen assisted our design business in dealing with a exit contract negotiation. By listening, evaluating and discussing our issues with a understanding of contracts, negotiations and small business, Stephen was able to assist and help direct us through an otherwise confusing and difficult process.
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03 Jun, 2015 by Anthony
steve defended myself and 3 family members in the last five years he has done a great job for myself , me daughter, my brother, and my grandson I can call on him any hour of the day and he responds quickly. I can get advise at anytime and I appteciate his efforts.he has done a great job for us. my grandson had 8 felonies mi brother had 3 felonies my daughter had 3 traffic cases and I had a traffic case
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23 Mar, 2016 by Stephen
Lisa was honest, fair and helped me tremendously with my case.. I felt she represented my very well with my felony case.. Would highly recommend her to anyone for representation.
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12 Nov, 2008 by Anonymous
Lisa is the best
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17 Jan, 2025 by Anonymous
I retained Mr. Crunkilton to represent me on a traffic citation. Mr. Crunkilton was immediately responsive, extremely knowledgeable (and very well connected to the local jurisdiction), highly professional, and practical in his advice. He answered all of my questions and explained the entire process of handling my citation. I could not be more grateful for finding Mr. Crunkilton and having him represent me.
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29 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
Very pleased with the time and effort put into our case. Felt heard and appreciated the honesty.
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24 Nov, 2023 by Justice
Billy represented me on multiple different occasions, he was my very first court appointed lawyer on a case I was facing multiple years on, this was 7 years ago & even back then I walked in with a f3, a m3, a m4 & left that courtroom with one m4 that was a lesser charge than the orignal misdemeanors & no jail time. I definitely recommend him if you're looking for a lawyer
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09 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Billy is an exceptional one of a kind attorney. Billy communicates effectively and often! Billy will advise you about court proceedings and how to present and conduct yourself. If you are looking for an honest, professional, and effective attorney then call Billy. We plan to request Billy's representation on several other preceedings.
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09 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr heekin was amazing he helped me so much i was facing 8 years in jail for a gun charge, ans he got my 3 years intense probation. He is so good i will definitely recommend him to anyone that needs help
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04 Aug, 2008 by Anonymous
Mr. Heekin listened and addressed my concerns. He was friendly and told me what to expect. My charges were dismissed with no fines or costs. If I need an attorney again, which I hope not, I will use him again and recommend him to my friends.
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05 Jul, 2019 by Hugh james
My wife and I have used Attorney Mark Sweeney many times. We hired him to draft a stock purchase agreement when when bought the shares of our family business from the original co-owners. After the purchase was complete, he amended the company's articles of organization on file with the Secretary of State. Finally, we hired him to prepare our wills. At all times Mr. Sweeney accommodated our busy schedules and was a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend Attorney Sweeney for small business matters.
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24 Oct, 2018 by Linda
I have been a client of Mark Sweeney since 2015 when I hired him to prepare an estate plan. During that time he offered on his own initiative to review my business income taxes, which a national chain had always prepared. Mark suggested strategies which we implemented in tax years 2016 and beyond that have reduced my total taxes by 40% per year.
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18 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Julie is an amazing attorney. After dealing with a not so great attorney, my husband and I turned to Julie for help, she swooped in and cleaned up the mess made by the old attorney and got us everything we wanted in court. She is extremely intelligent and thinks quickly on her feet, she ran circles around the defense and made them look like morons. I wouldn't hire anyone else, she is simply the best!
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07 Jul, 2011 by Leesa
I used Julie for my divorce in 2008/2009. I have nothing but HIGH praise for Julie and her assistant, Sandy!! I was kept informed on the status of my case. One of them always responded right away!
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04 Sep, 2019 by Russell
When I first spoke with Attorney Rini my wife and I were in a tough place. We did not understand what had just happened with our case and thought it was going to be possible to lose custody of a child we had raised for over 3 years.
Attorney Rini helped us understand the law as it applied to our situation, showed great patience with us and was tenacious for our case.
At the time my wife and I had just moved out of the state and we're forced into a legal battle due to a previous negligent attorney. Attorney Rini came in and quickly cleaned up the mess that was left and began to turn the case in our favor. She wrote exceptional briefs that articulated sound arguments to the court.
During the process, she was always accessible. She responded to our questions, often within hours and kept us updated on the process. This was much different than what we were used to. I always felt that we were in great hands with her in our corner.
I cannot recommend Attorney Rini more highly! If I could give more than 5 stars I would. I also must emphasize how important it is to hire an attorney who actively practices within the area of law you need. We needed her expertise in Family Law, specifically a custody issue. She was able to navigate us through what we thought was murky waters while being aggressive towards our opponent.
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25 Mar, 2011 by Rory
I recommend this attorney. Denise is proficient in all areas of family and juvenile law, and she works hard to get the best results for all of her clients. I work directly under her on a daily basis, and I see the hard work she puts in to her work.
Denise understands all types of problems, and works well with all types of people. Her open-minded approach to her clients and her profession brings her much success as an attorney.
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23 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Karen was recommended to me by a friend. I found her to be very knowledgeable, caring, and responsive to every question I had. She made the process of a difficult divorce experience as smooth, painless and expedient as possible. Even when I requested a change two days prior to our hearing she somehow managed to get it done. I would recommend Karen highly!
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25 Nov, 2013 by Shannon baltosser
Karen always kept me informed and well educated on what was happening with the courts and my divorce, my division of assets, and is polite, friendly, and had my best intentions. She gave me 100% undevided attention, and always answered every question I had. She returns phone calls promptly. I appreciate everything she has done for me.
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28 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
The best lawyer anywhere around. I mean this quite literally. For her specialty she is in a whole other league.
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10 Aug, 2018 by Margarita
She was great at helping me step for step getting rid of my dept to have a fresh start and finally being able to get my drivers license back! Thank you!
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20 Jun, 2014 by Bill
I don't have firsthand knowledge of Mr. Greer .. So I'm not permitted to say what I really think. What I can say is that even though we have never met. He took an interest in giving me some excellent guidance in order to help me.. Taking time to answer my Posts. Heck I've had lawyers that never returned calls. If I needed to hire a Lawyer in Columbus.. This Guy seems like a can't miss..
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30 May, 2012 by J.
Mr. Greer was willing to take my case after I had many other lawyers that represented me with poor results. He had to review an extremely enormous amount of paperwork from legal documents to my own documents. He was able to review it and thoroughly understand the case in order for me to file an appeal. He represented me in the appellate court and the judges ruled in my favor 3-0. Mr. Greer has been very empathetic with my extremely long judicial journey to get justice. I truly appreciate all that he has done for me as well as my children.
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26 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
He was an amazing and kind attorney. He was vigilant and caring. He listened intently and was extremely knowledgeable. I recommend Mr. Monk to anyone looking for a divorce attorney. The divorce went great at the end and I feel x1000 better! Thank you!
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13 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Monk to be my attorney during my divorce proceeding and everything has been excellent so far. He is very kind and knowledgable. Mr. Monk is also very patient with me since I've never been thru a divorce before. He is very professional but also understanding and he listens to your questions and concerns. I recommend him to anyone seeking an attorney.
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22 Oct, 2015 by Diab
I was seeking legal help involving a large sum of money and a broken contract. I was referred to Carla by a friend. She was very professional and dedicated to helping me. She knew the laws relating to my situation very well and was able to clearly explain every step and every option throughout the entire process. She responded to all of my emails and phone calls in a timely fashion and got letters out quickly. I will definitely be using Carla's services for future legal needs.
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11 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Carla did a great job with my case. The case was complex and involved a baby and she did an excellent job meeting my needs and keeping my family together.
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18 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
I contacted Ms. Shartle to represent my wants, needs and concerns in a custody case in which I cannot have legal custody. The mother of my daughter passed away and my daughter was placed in the temporary custody of a family member who did not know my daughter. My sister stepped in and filed for custody to keep my daughter in my family. While Ms. Shartle did not represent my sister, she went out of her way to make sure she understood all of the nuances of the case law and what was able to be done to support my sister getting custody. She took the time to get to know my family and what we would like to see as the outcome. Even when I felt hope was lost and there was no way that anything could change, Ms. Shartle's compassion and care seemed to never waiver. She continued to find what she could file to express my desires in the fate of my daughter. After so many months of filings, status hearings and a DNA test proving I was the father, all of Ms. Shartle's hard work payed off. I received a call from the temporary custodian that she wanted to transfer my daughter into my sister's custody. It seemed as if she could no longer deal with the pressure and persistence from my attorney's determination to see this through. I cannot begin to explain how grateful I am for attorneys like Ms. Shartle who, to be honest, are a dying breed. She is not the in your face type of attorney. Ms. Shartle is the one who looks for the actual problems and does her best to understand and solve them.
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09 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Kaspar was extremely knowledgable, respectful and represented me well. He did an excellent job of reviewing every document with me, making sure I understood each step and helped me through the process. Since divorce is stressful enough as it is, and emotional, I appreciated Mr. Kaspar taking his time to make sure I was comfortable and understood each portion.
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24 Jan, 2012 by Dwin
The best lawyer I've seen and I have had several. Keeps his word and makes no errant promises. Unusually caring.
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21 Nov, 2014 by Lindsey
She is very quick to respond if not there as soon as you need anything. She is guiding us through every peice of our battle. She really is a big help and I don't know how we would be getting through this without her!
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19 Nov, 2018 by Cheryl karr
Angela LeForce helped my husband and me in a custody case. She did a fantastic, thorough job helping us get custody of our three granddaughters. I would recommend her to anyone if they are looking for a dependable, informative attorney.
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07 May, 2016 by Andy
To get divorced from a woman who is the poster child for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), I had to go through four attorneys, each of which were scarcely prepared for the incredibly hard task of dealing with BPD and overall insanity from the other side, even though I warned them going in. Having to change attorneys because they don't have the will to fight is wildly expensive, and eats months and years of your precious time. If you have a divorce or family law issue, especially if it's high conflict, and/or your ex has BPD, you absolutely need to have someone working for you that not only understands how to handle it, but will treat the other side with a no-nonsense, zero-tolerance approach. Chris is simply the best attorney I've ever had to deal with the craziness and instability of my ex and her attorney, that always enables her on every issue.
I hired Chris to help me free my 14 year-old daughter from her mother. Chris took my case and ran with it. She filed documents, stayed on top of every issue, and provided lightning fast return calls and emails. The level of service she provided caused me to ask her if I was her only client, that's the way it felt from the moment I brought her onboard.
If you've ever retained an attorney for any matter, you know that returning calls, and being proactive are the two biggest complaints people have with their attorneys. Again, I had to enlist four attorneys to go up against my crazy ex, and only the last one got me the coveted divorce, but he was a spent, shell of a man at the end. I cannot say enough about the quality of service, and her dogged determination to see my case through. If you're wondering, yes, we were successful in getting my daughter freed, and she will be living with me in a few weeks. I sincerely wish I had Chris from the very start. I could have saved tens of thousands of dollars, and not lost all that sleep. She did such a great job for me and my daughter, and there's no way I could be happier. Hire her, and you'll see what I mean.
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01 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Have use Mr. Holtsberry numerous times and always had excellent, praiseworthy results. From tax issues, to real estate transactions, to personal injury and auto collisions, he is the ONLY lawyer I will use!
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02 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
When Celia was working as a public defender, she was appointed to me in a custody case versus the state with my son. Throughout my case Celia was always compassionate, kind, and made things easy to understand. She gave me advice, but always told me ultimately the choices we made in the case were up to me. She was willing to speak with me for any length of time I needed to understand what would be happening at each hearing and what my options were. Even though I definitely was not her only client, she really made me feel like I was. Ultimately, I regained custody of my child, due in large part to her counsel and defense. I will ALWAYS recommend Celia to anyone who needs a defense lawyer.
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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:
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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.
