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1 Reviews
18 Jun, 2024 by Karen
Brian is wonderful! Kind, knowledgeable and with you every step of the way. He made a very difficult situation a lot easier to deal with. Thanks Brian!
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19 Apr, 2024 by David
I reached out to Brian after receiving a traffic ticket on I84. Because I have a CDL, it is extremely important for me to keep a clean record, and because I live elsewhere, I was unable to be in court to defend myself. Thankfully, I reached out to Brian and he took care of my case. He had everything handled, and when court came was able to achieve the desired judgment! He took my case seriously, and used his good relationships to figure out the best course of action to have my ticket dismissed. I would absolutely recommend Brian Starns.
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27 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Brian was a great attorney. He was very upfront and honest with me and responded quickly to my questions and inquiries. He was also very knowledgeable and helpful in get my case resolved easily as possible.
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11 Dec, 2023 by T towers
20 Nov, 2022 by Pissupinya nstedacum
Miss Philpott is amazing and works her butt off for her clients.
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21 Dec, 2021 by Todd d
I had the pleasure to seek Mandi’s help during a stressful time. She was a godsend. After seeking help elsewhere with a horrible outcome Mandi changed everything to the absolute best. I highly recommend her services. Thank you so much Mandi and I can’t forget Mandi’s excellent team
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30 Jul, 2024 by Curt
Michael listened to me and what I wanted. I continued to push him on what I wanted. He did everything I asked. I wasn't sure what I wanted was achievable but Michael made it happen. I will use him in the future if needed. Best money I've ever spent.
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17 Jul, 2021 by Kim
He was professional and personable. He was upfront and honest. He fought for me with integrity. His staff is amazing and always there to listen and help. He won my case! I'm forever grateful.
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20 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
Mike managed to persuade the DA to not file charges on a matter. He promptly returned calls and was a pleasure to deal with in a difficult situation.
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13 Mar, 2016 by Daniel
Shannon was referred to me by a good friend. She did an amazing job through the seven months of trial preparations and trial! Shannon adds to the real human factor with compassion and professionalism that truly sets her apart. I could not be any happier with all she has done! Jury verdict "not guilty". GOD bless you Shannon!!!
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21 Jan, 2014 by Dani
I worked with Shannon on a sticky landlord issue in the last month. She coached me through it until the end, and helped to ensure that my rights were upheld--as well as going above and beyond to make sure that my issue was resolved.
Although I never wish a landlord issue on any friends or family, if something does happen, Shannon will be the first person that I would refer them to. I highly recommend her.
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24 Apr, 2012 by Matt and jan
Shannon helped us with a landlord tenant dispute. She was extremely knowledgeable and timely with her responses. During this sometimes stressful situation she was always professional. She gave accurate information and guided us through the process. We were very glad to have her on our side. She was referred to us by a fellow attorney who had worked with my mother. Thanks Shannon.
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07 Dec, 2018 by Diana
Meghan Bishop is an amazing Lawyer! Meeting her was a blessing, and reassuring that I was able to meet and be represented by a wonderful, strong and caring Lawyer like her, who I was able to to connect well with. I was able to work well with my L:awyer Meghan Bishop who save my case. By the end of this special court case, case closed in my favor and rescued my children returning my children's custody to me, mother. Meghan Bishop is one Lawyer I highly recommend to have on your side. I blessed she was on mine.
Sincerely,
Diana
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30 Aug, 2013 by Clayton
Meghan is a great attorney. She's highly knowledgeable in family law and she patiently explained the law until I was satisfied that all my questions had been answered. She provided a complete picture of my legal options so that I could make informed choices regarding my legal future which helped me make the best of a terrible legal situation. She also brought a lot of energy to the courtroom which helped me feel that my interests were being fully represented.
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23 May, 2012 by Jimmie
She is handling my child custody case and is doing a wonderful job. She has worked hard on my case , keeps me informed and updated and her response time in getting back to me is Excellent. :)
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05 Apr, 2024 by Josh
Shannon has been my attorney for over a year. He. Has worked tirelessly and gone out of his way to investigate accusations against me. During all of his hard work he has brought forth individuals, who at one point doubted my honesty, to advocate for me. He is one of a kind, honest, straight forward, and truly cares about his clients.
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31 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
Shannon helped me with my expungement and I cannot sing his praises enough! He is knowledgeable, honest, compassionate, and incredibly easy to communicate with. He took control of my situation and guided me through every step of the process. Money very well spent! I highly recommend his services.
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30 Jul, 2020 by Tracy
I Contacted Mr. Mortimer to start proceeding, to set aside a felony conviction, from 16 years ago. He did an excellent job from the beginning to the end going out of his way through the covid-19 pandemic situation. He proceed with my case , of setting aside the felony conviction. The felony has now been lifted from the State of Oregon database. Mr Mortimer went out of his way, and even brought me the final paperwork, from the judge, to my home. I would recommend his services to anyone, that I know , in their time of need. He has been our family attorney for many years and I would like to sincerely thank him for what he has done for me. Thank you to the law office of Shannon Mortimer
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23 Mar, 2021 by Walt c
Kevin, did an excellent job with a multi year very difficult case. It took teamwork, persistence , patience ,and expertise to get us over the finish line. He even recovered some of the legal fees.
One year later, Kevin was still there for us. There are many bumps in the road after a divorce settlement. It has been great to have Kevin’s continued support and advise. First class!
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08 Aug, 2020 by Kevin cook
I hired Kevin Kelly In 2011 while I was enlisted in the military, stationed overseas, hadn’t seen my son in person for the better part of 2 years, and I was a single male at the time. Kevin always steered me in the right direction and warned me of all possible outcomes with my case. He always was straight forward and honest with me with everything, never leading me down a bad path once. I remember always getting off the phone with Kevin feeling a thousand times better knowing he was working his hardest for me. He always had my sons best interest in mind as well as mine. When it was all said and done I left the courthouse in absolute shock, Kevin had won me my case and more importantly got my son in my hands with custody in a stable home where I knew he was safe. I will forever be grateful for Kevin and the hours of hard work he put in for me.
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06 Jun, 2014 by Michelle
I have hired Kevin multiple times for legal separation, divorce etc. He plans, executes and follows through exactly what he promises. More than that, he always went above and beyond to help guide me through the emotional, financial and psychological roller coaster that these cases bring with them. His advice and contacts (brokers, agents, finance) beat my expectations. He always was there for my smart, dumb and repeated questions I had in a world that quite frankly confuses me. We have worked together for 9 years and he is not only my attorney, he is my friend.
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18 Oct, 2021 by Josh
I hired Yvana to represent me in various family law matters and wholeheartedly recommend her services to anyone looking for an excellent Oregon attorney, in a very difficult practice area. As a lawyer myself, I have high standards for my representatives, and Yvana always met or exceeded my expectations. She is intelligent, thoughtful, responsive, client-oriented, and navigates the Oregon court system with aplomb.
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28 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
When faced with a difficult out of state family law issue that needed resolution, I was fortunate to find Yvana Mols. Yvana explained procedures, gathered information, assessed the situation, and went to work. She was compassionate, prompt, reliable, and professional in every way. Her knowledge of the law, diligence, and effective communication with opposing counsel resulted in a timely and favorable outcome for my grandson and for me. If you need a dedicated and fair attorney you can trust, Yvana Mols fits the description.
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25 Mar, 2020 by Rick
I was represented by Yvana Mols in 2019 in my divorce proceedings, which culminated with a very reasonable Judgement on Jan, 9, 2020. Yvana was very efficient, knowledgeable, and always available to answer my questions. She established an effective working relationship with opposing counsel that helped to resolve any issues that came up, and showed great patience with his "style". It took several months to work out the resolution and I was pleasantly surprised by a considerable refund from my retainer, having seen other men in my situation have to pay far more to complete the process. I would highly recommend Yvana and her staff for anyone who is looking for references for a competent and friendly divorce/family attorney, who has a great sense of fairness and is willing to help guide someone along. Thank you for all your help, Yvana!
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06 Oct, 2023 by Jean
Our case was complicated due to key parties being difficult to reach. The dedication of Caitlin and the McLain Legal Services Team was exactly what was needed and ultimately our goal of becoming Third Party Custodians of our Grandson was achieved in 6 months. One of the terms on the website that caught our attention was "trauma informed". Managing emotions in a complicated case such as ours is not easy and we felt 100% comfortable with being transparent during this process and felt nothing but support. Nothing better than working with knowledgable, professional and truly good people in a difficult situation.
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27 Jan, 2023 by Charles
I just want to take a minute to write a review for this excellent attorney that works with another excellent group of people at McLain Legal. All too often in todays society we seem to lose sight of the people behind the scenes, people who day in and day out work their tail end off to get the job done and done well. Ms Easter is one of those people who just sit back quietly, often behind the scenes and rocks it every single time. This attorney had to jump in and actually go to court for an ex parte matter when my actual attorney was out on vacation. The matter required immediate attention and representation and Ms Easter did that without hesitation. In the end, we lost the argument/that battle, but the war continues. It should be noted that despite losing that motion, I still feel compelled to write this review and let everyone in Portland know how great of an attorney Ms Easter is. She is very knowledgeable, very firm, understanding, compassionate, and she is an advocate for McLain Legal clients without fail. Simply put, she is “The Very Best” at what she does. I wouldn’t want anyone else on my legal team. If you ever find yourself needing great legal advice or help representation, this is your lady. 5 out of 5 stars doesn’t even do it justice. She is that good. Don’t let her quiet, behind the scene demeanor fool you, because it will fool the other side. You definitely want Ms Easter on your team.
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29 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
When my years-long battle in family court was over, there was a huge mess to clean up. An appeal was filed by opposition; a totally specious contempt was filed by opposition, several rounds of negotiation and filings and frustration and hair pulling and the kids there in the middle of it. My very capable but very pugilistic trial attorney recommended that I use someone who had the ability to reach compromise more readily with the opposing legal team, who were understandably tired of dealing with him. Fortunately, he had someone in mind.
Enter Caitlin Easter.
Caitlin is a delightful person, which could distract you from what a fantastic lawyer she is. She is thorough, she is detail oriented, and she's a fantastic communicator with an excellent command of the law. She manages to maintain a healthy skepticism without being cynical, which is hugely refreshing, especially as legal fatigue starts to set in. She is a fighter with a gentle disposition, and she cares about the kids involved above everything else.
I could not be happier with the outcome of her services. We are now at about the year mark after our last major interaction and it's a whole new world. My kids are happy and see both parents regularly; both parents have laid down their swords and are moving on with their lives. It's night and day. If things change though... she's my first call.
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30 Aug, 2024 by John s
Hello Annette, I am writing list to ask if you know anything about the fellow residence that went stay at Butte Montana Acadia treatment center that drugged the Oregon girl they are still lying. They claim they were injecting children with Benadryl, but that’s all that big lie they were injected Children as young as five years old with clotpromazine hydrochloride Anyways, this place was so so terrible and they still have a corporation going, but this place is so terrible. Can we please get them closing that place was enough? There’s people here now that are dealing with the trauma that this facility has caused and it’s no joke
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29 May, 2024 by Harold
I couldn't have asked for a better attorney than Annette Smith. Her deep understanding of child custody law and her strategic approach were invaluable in reuniting me with my son. Annette's genuine care and dedication gave me immense comfort throughout this emotional ordeal.
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06 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Mrs. Smith provided invaluable assistance and guidance during an incredibly stressful time. She is very knowledgable and thoughtful. I highly recommend her as a defense attorney,
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20 May, 2013 by Gary
Philip was a straight shooter from the start and very professional all around. He delivered exactly what was expected of him without hesitation in a timely manner. He takes his time explaining all the options and makes sure you understand those options. Philip was responsive to my needs at all times... Who could ask for more??? Thank you Philip, it's been a pleasure working with you.
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22 Sep, 2010 by Clarence
He is excellent. He won Two child custody cases for me. I
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21 Feb, 2012 by Antoinette
When I was in foster care she was my voice and she was there for me when she didn't have to be. She took me to restaurants to have coffee and see how I was doing. I could call her to ask legal questions. She is just a great person.
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27 Feb, 2009 by Anonymous
When i was a state kid in Portland Or from the age of three to eighteen I was told that Louise Palmer would be my lawyer. I first i was like anouther strange person in my life. Once i got to know her i found out that she was very jood at her job and was always showing me howo much she cared about my happyness. If you are looking for an honest person who takes each case to hear and will put her all in the court room. Than look no further you have found the lawyer that always puts her clients first. She is kind,respectful and knows the true meaning of integrity.
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26 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
Dan is an excellent attorney! His expertise, friendly demeanor and straight forward approach helps his clients feel more at ease. He cares about his clients and truly works hard to get them the best possible outcome. I would definitely recommend Dan to anyone who needs the advice of a criminal defense/traffic attorney.
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19 Apr, 2013 by Matt
I highly recommend Dan Cross for all criminal matters. He is ethical, experienced and very good in trial. If you have a problem, Dan is the lawyer to see. He knows the law, the courts and how to best handle criminal matters. If I am ever in a jam again, I will definitely go see Dan.
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25 Dec, 2021 by Waddah
I was very pleased with Mr. Alex. He was very kind and very helpful for my case. Very knowledgeable and very resourceful in his field of work. Still till today, when I ask him for law advise or s question, he doesn’t hesitate to help me out.
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25 Jun, 2021 by Zena
I am very grateful to this lawyer because he did a good job with my case. I recommend this lawyer for family or immigration issues because he has enough information about the USA rules
another culture rules so he can help so much. Also he I like when he answer for any email or phone call right away that makes easy connection with him.
Thank you so much Alexander.
Thank you so much Alexander
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09 Aug, 2022 by Mckinzie simonis
09 Dec, 2016 by Jamie
Ms. Browning was part of my legal team in 2015 in a criminal defense case. I've heard so many negative stories about attorneys, but her presence, professionalism, and knowledge extinguished any doubts I had about my own representation and attorneys in general. Ms. Browning always told me the truth, comforted me, kept me relaxed, and worked extremely hard on my case. Needless to say, we won. And I credit her with much of the reason. I'll never be able to thank her enough. She helped save my life. If you hire her, you'll have the hardest working lawyer in town. I've seen it myself.
Sincerely,
J.D.W.
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20 Jun, 2016 by Jeannie
Stacey is an amazing lawyer! Not only she could get her job done, she cared so much about my child's well being. She was available through evening hours, help our family very though time!! Thank you So much Stacey!!
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06 Feb, 2013 by Melissa
Stacey and her staff have been great. Went above and beyond with their effort and genorosity to help me through a difficult period and help me resolve my case.
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16 Sep, 2015 by Tashea
Mr. Redshaw is a very caring, competent, capable, and intelligent attorney. He works diligently for the needs and desires of his client. While his age and gentile demeanor may make a person skeptical, his voracity and knowledge will abate those concerns.
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03 May, 2017 by Jessica
I had hired Brian over a period of months. He was very responsive, answered any questions I had, and even explained legal jargon that I did not fully understand. He helped me get acquitted of all charges and even went above and beyond in helping me navigate the legal repercussions that presented on my background during the whole process. If you have to hire a lawyer, hire Brian. I would hire him again, but hopefully I won't need to!
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13 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous
Mr. Jarvis was very professional and knowledgeable about the law. He answered all my questions in depth and provided excellent advice that suited my situation. I would highly recommend.
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02 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
I've had quite a few lawyers defend me. And Tyler is the best. Hands down absolutely amazing!! I recommend him to every time. Ihave never had a lawyer that cares as much as he did. Explains everything every step of the way. He truly cares about his clients not just the paycheck.
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09 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
She is smart and fights for what is right. She won my case in about 10 minutes. She walked into the courtroom spoke the truth and everyone shut up and the judge dismissed the case and walked out. It was amazing! Talk about answered prayer. She was my angel,
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24 May, 2021 by Mike
Genuine and amazingly talented, he truly did the best he could to help me win in court. And we Did! Connor not only got me off of Federal Probation but he had the Judge lecturing the Prosecutor on ethics and verbally questioning their motives in front of the entire courtroom. He didn’t just do it to win he really believed in me and came up his own arguments and led me right out of court and 100% free. I owe him and Susan Moffatt and Allison”Tex” Clark a world of praise. They are rated the best Federal public defenders office in the country and the title is well deserved.
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12 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
I have retained Mrs. Bishop twice now for very difficult situations each time. Each time she supported me in a way that made me feel as tho I was her only client. Truly honest and direct communication. Would recommend to anyone needing a family law attorney.
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12 Jul, 2012 by Brenda
I think Rock Pizzo is the most wonderful man, He is Kind ,careing and most of all he is knowledgeable. He did a wonerful job for my son.
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07 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Robynne is knowledgable about how DHS works and was available for me during a very scary time.
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12 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Dale won a case for my Dad 30 some years ago. My Mom needed him this week and he came through with flying colors! He's the BEST!!
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28 Sep, 2024 by Jamie
This women is the most amazing lawyer and person ive ever met she is very professional and takes her work very seriously and she works very hard for her clients and will work side by side with you and she proved that to me when she got the judge to dismiss my case and she got me my son back theres not enough thanks in this world that i could give this women because of her i get to watch my son grow up and be with him every day
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21 Sep, 2024 by Katarina
Remarkable attorney, very thorough in investigating, . Interviewing everyone personally , handled my case with a loving heart and in the law for the best interest of child. We are reunited and home together.
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29 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
We had no idea what to expect when our 17 year-old was arrested for trespassing. One phone call with Shelby helped us understand the process and gave us peace of mind. We hired Shelby to help us navigate the juvenile judicial system, but she also came alongside us and our child. Not only did she help us legally, but she helped us communicate with our child in a way that we would not have been able to do on our own. We are impressed with how well Shelby worked and communicated with our teen!
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24 Jul, 2024 by Elizabeth
I retained Shelby for a very old case. This case was almost 25 years old! I had a felony warrant for a theft in the 1st degree . I am currently finishing up my last year of nursing school and also live out of state and was unable to appear in Oregon. Shelby was able to get this approved for me to appear remotely. She got a plea deal that dropped the charge down to a violation!!! I have had this charge hanging over my head ALL of these years! It's gone! I will expunge the violation in one year. I am beyond grateful for her help and would HIGHLY recommend Shelby if you are looking for a fantastic criminal defense lawyer!!! Thank you so much, Shelby!
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23 Jan, 2019 by Lane
I enjoyed the service.. it was " painless" did exactly what he said he was going to do..
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19 Jul, 2018 by Angelica
I went in to consult with Lindsay after a very difficult breakup with the father of my child. I was in need of his services in a short amount of time but Lindsay took his knowledge and found a way for it to work. He was caring enough to provide me with other options even if those options meant referring me to another attorney. Through out the time he worked on my case he was very easy to talk to and very quick to respond to all my questions. He was always very honest when answering my questions. I appreciated that because it allowed to me to feel confident and secure during the process. Lindsay, showed understanding and empathy to my specific situation. I can tell he has a heart for the job that he does. I would defiantly recommend him as a lawyer and would use him again if needed in the future.
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20 Mar, 2018 by Cookie
I hired Lindsay and he was more than helpful. Whenever I contacted him with concerns he was always quick to respond and reassuring. He helped me get custody of my nephew and I couldn't be more thankful for everything he has done.
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25 Oct, 2024 by Cheryle polte
Brittany and Stephanie were so good to work with. They are so professional and did the work fast. I will definitely recommend them. Am very happy.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Brett maverick
Just finished working with Ray Chaudary. Beyond impressed with his knowledge and helpfulness getting my case finished quickly and efficiently. He worked beyond my expectations and went above and beyond.
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21 Oct, 2024 by Bruce kepford
As a real estate broker with 30 years of experience, primarily working with attorneys and professional fiduciaries, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with Ryan Johnson and the team at Johnson and Taylor Law on multiple real estate transactions. I highly recommend them for anyone in need of legal assistance involving real estate, especially when facing challenging situations. They will never turn a client away just because a property is in disrepair or difficult to sell. For many, real estate represents their largest or only asset, and the team at Johnson and Taylor understands the importance of addressing these needs with compassion. Their technical expertise and organizational skills ensure that every detail is carefully managed, regardless of the property's condition. Working with Johnson and Taylor is always an honor, and I trust them to approach even the most complex cases with professionalism and respect. If you’re seeking a firm that combines legal expertise with genuine empathy and a commitment to helping, they are an excellent choice.
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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.
