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17 Sep, 2024 by Greyson olson
In September 2023, my brother (25, from Arizona) got arrested (in San Francisco, California) after attempting to enter a conference within a community both of us grew up in and have been apart of since 2008. His car keys were knocked out of his suit pants during a tackle incident at the security clearance after he had trouble leaving when asked. According to my brother there was a misunderstanding of an email conflicting with him not being invited to the conference. After being tackled and handcuffed, he told the officers he had a concealed firearm in his vehicle, 5 minutes away, as he felt it was a danger for his keys to be off of his person. I was at this conference, and saw some of this happen live. My peers in our place of work were laughing, and making memes about this for months. There are many videos and pictures of the whole ordeal.
They put 6 charges on him that night, including "possession of armor piercing ammunition" and "high capacity magazines"
The SF media created a narrative off of the charges and the prosecution ran with it moving to deny bail within the first week, just as my family was even beginning to cope with this new reality. Public consensus of the incident caused a rift in the community between those who knew him for years prior and know he would never do what was being inferred by the media, and those who didn't know him and were led to believe it. Our family used this as fuel to ensure we stuck with this case mentally and financially, no matter how hard it felt and how much of an uphill battle it was at times.
We went through two public defenders, and another private attorney before landing on Nechay Law in late March 2024. Nechay tried many angles of defense for this non violent gun storage charge. All previous charges except "having a concealed firearm in a vehicle" were wiped, and the remaining was moved to a misdemeanor which a change of plea got him out of jail after 1 year, 4 days.
The prosecution was going for conviction on the felony level to get him 6 years, based upon the narrative they shaped up. Nechay (even after 7 months of other attorneys handling the case) was able to reverse and put to rest the previously life ruining, retribution hungry narrative.
The best scenario out of all of this is he will be getting more familial attention and help to deal with previous traumas such as a car crash that totaled his very expensive car, two home break-ins, and his business faltering. Rebuilding for him will be a hard but rewarding journey, and Nechay has allowed that second chance of the sanctity of life to happen through her expertise. I cannot recommend enough. Our family is eternally grateful for Valery and her firm's service.
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05 Sep, 2024 by I.a. huxley
Adam was recommended to me through another lawyer and I'm so thankful that that happened. We corresponded via text before hoping on a phone call. I still can't believe how kind and empathetic and knowledgable he was. He's exactly the kind of person and lawyer that you want in your corner.
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09 Jul, 2024 by Kristina delevi
I can't recommend Valery Nechay enough as an attorney. Her knowledge in so many areas of the law is truly impressive. She went above and beyond to make sure every detail was covered, and I always felt supported and informed throughout the whole legal process. Even with her busy schedule, Valery always found time to answer my questions, no matter how small. She made me feel like I was in the hands of someone who genuinely cares and knows her stuff. Valery is not just knowledgeable and dedicated, but also incredibly compassionate. I'm so grateful for everything she did for me.
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10 May, 2024 by Kitana 89 (kitana89)
GJEL boasts a 99% success rate. They have various attorneys that have graduated from prestigious universities and are here to help you. They offer free consultations so you can decide for yourself if they are the right personal injury law firm for you. They also advertise that they take their cases on a contingency basis (pay only if they win)!
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08 May, 2024 by Sheks gabby
After my car accident, I didn't know where to turn. GJEL Accident Attorneys made the whole legal process so much easier. Their personal injury team was amazing – knowledgeable, always kept me informed, and really fought for me. I'm so glad I chose them, and I'd recommend them to anyone needing help after an injury.
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06 Mar, 2024 by Shane boulds
Very happy with the advise I got from Gjel - They're top notch-very trustworthy. I would hire them again in an instant.
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19 May, 2024 by David
My wife and I needed Marc's help with a sensitive identity theft issue that he took the time to help us navigate because of the serious financial and legal implications.
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05 May, 2024 by Anonymous
I was arrested for DUI in Alameda County. Marc was recommended to me by a family member. I did not know whether to hire him before the District Attorney would make a charging decision. Marc advised me to hire someone good to represent me asap because he said that based upon his former experience as a prosecutor, it was much better if I had a good lawyer plead my case before a charging decision was made. And also for the DMV hearing process. The DA decided to not file a DUI case against me!
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25 Apr, 2024 by Raul
I was facing a first DUI in SF with fines that would be a big burden on me. Marc basically got me a wet reckless which meant no fines, no jail, and I only had to do certain classes which is very doable for me. Marc also followed-up with me to ensure I would get my restricted license from the DMV.
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28 Jan, 2024 by Szq g
I spoke to a social worker in regards to the stability of their home life when they aren't with me. Being concerned about my daughter, and the inconsistency of her lifestyle which concerned me quite a bit whenever she would take the kids or present a different new boyfriend/place to stay.. (for the most part I have raised them/they lived w/me) I began to get concerned about how they were being affected by her irresponsibility as a parent. Later to find out that they were not attending school, and my oldest grandson taking on the babysitter role and would get in trouble for his little brother in which he became a totally different kid (quite angry about his whole environmen) he was told to lie to me if I asked him questions. My grandson started to call me when his mom would sleep/ or wasn't home and he would tell me things. I convinced my daughter to let me take them to live with me during the week so I can enroll them back in school and fix the inconsistency again time passed and they were safe with me; She started telling me things when she didn't get her way, trying to manipulate saying she was taking the kids from me (*if I talked to her about lying, and being irresponsible etc...) I got to the point that I needed to help these kids before she really screwed them upore and swore to look; nyo things and if she ever got into trouble shoplifting etc... I would use it to my advantage. The social worker referred me to Legal services for children and I started to work on getting guardianship and soon enough she went to jail. They were great, they helped me so much with everything including emergency paperwrk for serving her in jail for restraining order etc .. they came to my home to talk to the kids and I. They made it smooth like butter explaining everything!!! So glad she recommended this place. Perfect for kids who eed help!!!
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15 Jun, 2023 by Rob fordyce
Stebner,Gertler,Guadagni and Kawamato were so incredibly kind and helpful with my and my mother's case.
Deena Zacharin was my defense attorney.
She was compassionate with my case but really tough when it mattered during the deposition. I felt supported and was well informed.
Karman M. Guadagni was diligent with all of the details and correspondence concerning the case as well as a pleasure to work with. .
Kathryn Stebner is a gifted lawyer who really cares about people and standing up for cases that matter.
It was an honor to have her represent my family and we are grateful to her and her staff.
Sincerely,
Robert D. Fordyce
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27 Jun, 2022 by Maria rokas
Dealing with the death of a loved one is hard, dealing with an untimely death that necessitates litigation is beyond comprehension when you're grieving, but it's sometimes the choice you need to make.
Our family had no experience with lawsuits and that's daunting. Kathryn, Karman and their entire team gently guided us through every step of the process. Everything was explained in a thorough but easy to understand way, making us feel cared for and confident in their expertise. All decisions were ours to make; at no point did we feel pressured to do anything that made us uncomfortable.
We can't recommend Stebner, Gertler, Guadagni and Kawamoto highly enough, nor can we imagine where we would be if we had not been referred to them. In the end, their hard work led to what we felt was a just and fair settlement.
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03 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
John represented my husband in a case and was a fantastic resource to have. He was able to give us very good council, broke down the process and what needed to happen, and did it in very easy to digest terms. He is an excellent negotiator and I felt he was really going to bat for us both in and out of court. I can't recommend him enough.
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03 Jun, 2019 by Fred
I was looking at 30 years, maybe life in a criminal case. A friend of mine referred me to John and his team. They were all very attentive, passionate, and knowledgeable.
John's presence in the courtroom really leaves an impression. When government attorneys, police officers, and legal experts are conspiring against you; you must hire someone to be in your corner and to stand for you. John's the guy to do it.
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19 Feb, 2019 by Rama
John is a great lawyer. He was very professional, thorough and went the extra mile to help with my case. He was able to get my case dismissed!. I would without a doubt recommend him.
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28 Mar, 2023 by Donnam
Chrstina Clare North (a.k.a. Christina Campany) was my attorney for 6 months in a complex case that lasted my entire 15 year old's lifetime. During the time I was represented by Christina, she guided me, supported me as a parent, respected me and helped me win joint custody of my child which is exactly what I needed. My child relocated to the east coast without a hitch, and the judge listened to her recommendations regarding final placement with me. I loved Christina's winning approach, her honesty and her positivity. She made the process less stressful and was the VERY BEST attorney I've ever had in ANY legal matter. I strongly recommend Christina when you need legal advice, to navigate complex familial issues, or to reach mediation when dealing with two parents. She is a star and I am so lucky to have had business dealings with her. From a very satisfied client!
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06 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
A business colleague referred me to Ms. North and I'm thrilled that I chose her to represent me through my divorce. Ms. North is a consummate professional who has the gift of extreme tenacity. She was extremely prompt on all dealings and never backed down from the opposing counsel. Christina helped make the process as painless as possible, she was always prompt and took more off my plate than I could have asked for. I would not hesitate to recommend Ms. North to anyone going through a divorce or family matter.
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16 Jan, 2013 by Jim
If you want a honest attorney who will explain the law and not bill you your life savings, Christina will do what is right to achieve a fair judgement. Honest clients who have real concerns about their children can find a champion for such causes. Christina has and can explain our complicated and costly domestic legal system. Both men and woman will be represented fairly if the client is honest and she will listen to opposing council to confirm her clients statements. I wish I could say I received everything I requested but I did not. I would seek Christina again if I needed a professional attorney to represent me on child custody, divorce or child support.
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01 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Marc represented me in a complex appeals case. He knew the law, was able to quickly and thoroughly analyze the case. He did this on a pro bono basis. Unfortunately, because of the negligence, fraud, and deceit of the previous attorneys handling the appeal, he was not able to move forward due to time limits on filings.
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03 Dec, 2010 by Anonymous
Mr. Zilversmit got my conviction reversed, and after it went back to the trial court he got the case dismissed. Even though I was innocent, I lost faith in the justice system, but Mr. Zilversmit restored my faith. He reviewed my transcripts and found errors that the Judge made that my trial attorney didn't even know about. He is amazing.
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29 Mar, 2018 by Maie
Amanda is the best lawyer. She is a beast in court and judges listen and respect her opinion. She answer phones and emails right away, day or night. She is just an awesome person and all this was for free . She is my court appointed lawyer. I’ve never seen a court appointed lawyer who actually cares about their clients. SHE IS AN ANGEL!
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01 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Even though i didnt get the ending to this case i wanted .she did her job and helped me in other ways her words have stuck with me and i apply them in my life today.
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05 Jun, 2024 by Martinez martinez
Excelente abogado
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17 May, 2024 by Daniela silva
Highly recommend! Anderson was our attorney who helped me and my family on a settlement of a lawsuit. He continued to fight the case until satisfied with the results.
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17 May, 2024 by Kyle larson
I’ve known Anderson for several years now and he is one of the best attorneys I have worked with. He is prompt, responsive, incredibly knowledgeable, and caring. I give him 5 stars!!!
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02 Feb, 2015 by David
After being married for 14 1/2 years and having two teenage boys divorce is extremely complicated. I met with three attorneys, Ross Meltzer being the third. We got started by just talking for about 20 minutes and I appreciated his relaxed warm style. I was hesitant as he is young but I read some reviews which interested me, and sure enough I am thankful I did find and choose him.
He helped me navigate a very tricky situation and in the end I could not be more happy with the judgment ordered. I thought I knew what I was doing in handling it my self and quite frankly did not want to fork over a few thousand dollars to hire a lawyer. What I paid Ross is literally a small fraction of what I would have lost had I not had his insight. His fees are very reasonable and I never felt "on the clock". The amount he asked for up front was more than I expected, but he did not ever ask me for a dime more, nor did I ever feel that he favored getting paid over helping me and my children have the best outcome.
The future of my and my children lives is so much better off thanks to his insights, and expertise. I have completely regained the ability to take care of and raise my children in a safe, happy, and healthy environment.
I wholeheartedly recommend Ross Meltzer to provide you with exceptional services in the matters of divorce, custody, child support and alimony/ spousal support. I respect him, his knowledge and his work! Thank you again Ross!
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13 Aug, 2013 by Matt
Ross is an extremely good lawyer. His fees are reasonable and he knows what he is doing. He took care of a custody case that had been started by another attorney but the other attorney botched it up big time. I live out of state and Ross excelled at both keeping me informed as to what was going on and was always available to answer my questions, even after hours. He was 100% honest with me and was a complete professional. I highly recommend him and will use him again should the need arise.
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24 Jun, 2013 by Maureen
Ross's ability to communicate and address my issues was outstanding..He explained all of my options and gave me the best advise to achieve the outcome I had hoped for..His patience and compassion for his client's outcome is evident and admirable. He is prompt (always) to return calls and messages which was very reassuring to me. His knowledge of law and the courts made my case . I appreciate his work on this case and will be using him on a future matter..
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11 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
I do not know why his name is under Juvenile Law, Family, Personal Injury. We used him for Special Need Education Lawyer.
I got his name from PHP and attended one of his class held by PARCA. I liked him. When I was in need of a lawyer for due process, I talked with him beforehand and decided to hire him. He attained a lot of information for prior IEPs and CCS reports. He asked me what I wanted. I asked him the strategy how I proposed my requests as some parents were telling me to ask for more because district only gave a part what parents/lawyer proposed. He said if my requests were reasonable, he would get what I wanted. So I wrote my proposal and asked him if it's reasonable. He probably just copied and pasted. And then filed due process. He was contacted by the district lawyer. I forgot exactly how long, I think it was about one month after we filed due process. He asked me what to do about the case as it's law requirement we had to indicate what's our next step, drop the case or continue the case. I asked what is his suggestions. He said we could drop the case as the case has started. So I dropped case. Then the district gave me a counter offer which is about 60-70% what I want. He suggested me to accept the offer and see how it work. If it's not working, we would start another due process. He did not even counter offer once. I did not agree. He said he could not work for me if I do not accept his suggestion. So I fired him after that.
I agree with the previous reviewer said he retained his attorney fees on obtaining IEPs and other information. He asked me to get a Psychology report. I did and forwarded report to him. I was charged for all the time reviewing all the information. But when I had conversation with him, I am not sure how much he knew about the case. I have to repeat a few times where the law was broken in this case. I do not feel he knew much about the case nor he had much intention to fight for the case. He did not counter offer at all after the district's offer although I was charged a lot of money.
I would not get a lawyer if I was not frustrated enough by the school/disctrict. His act added salt to the injury. I felt so helpless and hopeless at the time.
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01 May, 2015 by James
Retained attorney for a due process hearing about our son's IEP. Had to pay the attorney an upfront retainer of about $3,400, I believe. Attorney gave the case to an associate who worked from home with a crying baby.
Attorney referred us to a specific pediatric development specialist for an evaluation (expert witness opinion). Had to get on a four-month waiting list for s for that. During the wait, attorney deducted $500 from the retainer each month for "reviewing the file."
We eventually get our son's evaluation. It did not support our case-- in fact, it supported the school district's position more than ours. Attorney was caught by surprise, case was dead. We spent $3,400 for about 1/2 hours of the attorney's time, and maybe 1.5 hours of the distracted associate attorney's time.
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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:
-
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.
