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02 Mar, 2021 by Anthony
My attorney was extremely helpful and considerate. She was flexible with her times to be able to contact me after work. And then did the impossible for me and got my case dismissed! Nothing but good things from these people ! :)
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18 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
Consult with Angela Horwath! Angela was able to redirect my anxiety into action to deal with DUI issues both criminal and administrative (DOL).
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25 Jan, 2020 by Destiny
Extremely happy with my experience with Horwath Law. They were so helpful in guiding me through a hard and trying time. My lawyer Kelsey was amazing and the office staff were always available to answer questions. They got my DUI reduced. Definitely recommended.
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25 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
I was charged with two counts of a gross misdemeanor in 2020 by a Lakewood police officer. Prior to the incident, 2020 was a big mess for me. However this incident was mind numbingly bad and surreal. It all basically stems from me (I do regret drinking at the park) drinking at a park, taking pictures and talking on the phone… Cops who patrol the park every 30 minutes approach me. This is where things turns messy, though I complied with the cop orders, I was triggered by him accusing me of saying “inappropriate things to underage girls” even though he did inform me to leave before saying that, however my mindset was “if you felt that was true you should have never gave me the option to leave” needless to say we got into a hostile like argument, the cop visibly angry and frustrated grab my wrist and arrested me… later found out through Kurt that he wrote a false, disgusting,gross,humiliating police report about that incident with hopes of a conviction. Basically it was a classic crooked cop tactic, but then again, I gave him fuel since I was drinking, and I did argue with him, but you live and learn, 2020 was a year we all want to forget, and of course learn from….. *conclusion* Kurt Stender was the perfect attorney for this case, the man was perfect. Calm,cool, and collective. Very logical, he has a keen sense of common sense, very understandable, he has an instinct that detects whose truly innocent and most importantly, a very honest and sincere attorney throughout this whole ordeal. My case was ultimately dismissed, I asked Kurt about an expungement, he said I wouldn’t need one after the dismissal. What more can you say about this man?
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15 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
I was charged with a Felony >1-year after I called the Sheriff's Office to report an attack upon myself, family, and pets; during which our house-cat had been mauled to death on our front porch by a pack of marauding dogs. I was knocked to the ground of my front porch during the attack with vicious dogs atop. Said large black guard dogs were cited under RCW 16.08.100 repeatedly over the year prior/after to the attack(s) upon my household, even cited for trespass for the attack that night. Sadly, over the years involved, even more livestock/pets were attacked, even a few other humans.
The Sheriff's Office has stated repeatedly that I did what I had to do to protect myself and others from even greater harm. 11-months of court circus later, the Prosecutor's Office finally Dismissed the Felony Charge. Self-Defense does include defending self, others, and property from attack by a trespassing, marauding pack of known-dangerous dogs; especially includes being on your back on your front porch while attacked.
Kurt defended my family from the circus of court proceedings. He helped me navigate the emotional roller-coaster of being wrongfully charged when in fact I was the wholly innocent victim of a violent crime. Kurt went above and beyond to ensure that my professional career and my family were shielded and protected.
Self-Defense is under attack. Kurt was my Legal Defense in Criminal Court. Through Kurt's intricate and extensive knowledge of the Legal System, the Case was Dismissed just prior to Jury Trial.
Kurt is my defense attorney referral for all my family and friends.
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09 Nov, 2021 by Tony
Went to trial lost no deal was offered so no choice to take it trial have 8 DUI looking at least a year in jail. Kurt got me no jail time awesome
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17 Sep, 2022 by Amy
I was facing some real serious charges & she took what I had n did the rest pro bono Thank God because my stuff went on for over a year. I went from having no hope to actually having a release date 15yrs BEFORE what I thought I was getting. I was young & dumb but she made sure I could still be someone as long as I was willing to do the work. I'm so GRATEFUL for this woman (.)
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23 May, 2016 by Brandon
I Had the Pleasure of using Mrs. Jardine as a mediator to create a parenting plan. She was very helpful, creative,and realistic in what will and will not work. she was by far one of the more knowledgeable attorneys i had come across in my travels . also a genuinely good person . I could only assume she is equally effective and most all areas of the law that she handles . Do your self a favor and at least meet with her .... I highly doubt you will regret it ..
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09 Jul, 2015 by Stan
Extremely grateful to have hired her. She is aggressive and sharp. She has represented me in several traffic cases over the years with great success and she represented my daughter as a minor in a criminal case and was able to bring it to a deferment. She is one of the good ones!
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02 May, 2018 by Svetlana
Paul, was really helpful for my son's questions about the education rights. Highly recommend for any questions
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11 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
I called looking for assistance and got so much more. Paul was patient and answered all the questions he could given the situation. He gave me valuable information so I could make an informed decision on what I needed. TeamChild has some great resources that really helped put my mind at ease and helped me focus my efforts where is was needed most.
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11 Dec, 2014 by Arlene
Paul Alig has shaped TeamChild in Tacoma to its highest quality. He engages a community of attorneys and services in a way that expands the work that's needed for our at-risk youth. Working with Paul has taught me so much about this unique population. I'm proud to be included with the good work that he and his staff provide.
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22 Jun, 2021 by Starcia ague
She is an amazing advocate and lawyer! She works with one of the best organizations for young people in Washington State. #TeamChild Thanks for all your amazing work! It is always a pleasure to work with you.
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19 Nov, 2015 by Stephanie
Dennis recently defended my adult son and found his attention to detail remarkable. Very open to ideas and thoughts and able to work as a "team" with us. His HUGE heart and feelings helped us deal with the monstrous mission of defending our son. Mr. Burns went out of his way to be available for any and all questions/concerns we had. Although my son did not get the full not guilty verdicts we were striving for, he did get a reduced sentence.
I would hire him again if the need arose. (praying that it does not though)
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18 Sep, 2024 by Dropthemic
Got 2 tickets and Garguile Law got both ticket thrown out! And I didn’t even have to go to court. Saving me my insurance rates, will definitely use them again in the future if needed.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Kellye monahan
Best money ever spent! EZPZ process. My Thurston County speeding ticket was dismissed and my record remains clean. I signed the contract, paid the fee and didn’t even have to go to court. Tony and team took care of every single detail. I hope to never have another ticket, but if I do, I will not hesitate to reach out to Garguile Law.
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07 Sep, 2024 by Alania miranda
My experience has always been amazing with this law office. This is the 2nd time in 4 years I have had to reach out to Garguile dui & traffic lawyers. They have been on top of it with open communication the whole time.
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15 Sep, 2024 by Ray blumhoff
We are extremely satisfied with the work our attorney, John Ladenburg,Jr. did in recovering damages for us from a national insurance company. He was highly recommended to us and we, in turn, recommend him to anyone having difficulty with big insurance companies. Great job! Excellent outcome!!
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14 Sep, 2024 by Sarah stalnaker
Blake Harris was able to help my family out of a pretty scary situation where my family was being sued because of something that wasn’t our fault. It was such a stressful time and Blake was always calm walking us through each step and able to answer any questions we had right away. It didn’t take long before Blake was able to get the case dropped!
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07 Sep, 2024 by Ana perez
Blake me representó en un divorcio acordado. Estoy muy agradecido con Blake y con la manera en que me guió a través del proceso.
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15 Sep, 2024 by Ray blumhoff
We are extremely satisfied with the work our attorney, John Ladenburg,Jr. did in recovering damages for us from a national insurance company. He was highly recommended to us and we, in turn, recommend him to anyone having difficulty with big insurance companies. Great job! Excellent outcome!!
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04 Sep, 2024 by Victoria hill
Ladenburg law helped me solve my auto claim quickly and professionally. They took great care to ensure my needs were met, and that I was getting the proper care for my injuries. For responsive, caring and thoughtful service, Ladenburg Law is the way to go!
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21 Aug, 2024 by Marianne b.
If you’ve ever had the frustrating experience of trying to deal with an insurance company that refused to negotiate, you’ll know what a relief it was to turn everything over to John Ladenburg at Ladenburg Law Offices. Mr. Landenburg did an awesome job of winning a very satisfactory settlement from a company that had ignored our concerns. Mr. Ladenburg’s experience, expertise, and determination to win a fair settlement was evident. We are so grateful to him and his very supportive staff for such a positive outcome.
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13 Aug, 2024 by Jeffrey aldan
I couldn’t be more pleased with the way Michael Clark and his incredible team handled my case. From start to finish, he made the process smooth and stress-free, allowing me to place full trust in his expertise. He was meticulous in detailing every step of the procedure, ensuring I was well-informed and comfortable with the direction we were taking. His commitment to my well-being extended beyond the legal aspects—he helped me find the right answers to my physical concerns and guided me toward appropriate medical treatment for my injuries. His promptness in returning my calls and addressing any questions I had was truly reassuring. I’m extremely satisfied with the outcome and highly recommend his services to anyone seeking a dedicated, kind hearted and knowledgeable attorney.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Matthew hagerty
I had a great experience with Michael Clark and his entire team regarding my personal injury case. Communication was thorough and in a timely manner. I felt like they had my best interest every step of the way. Thank you!
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02 Aug, 2024 by Mary martin
Michael Clark and Kristen were lifesavers after I was severely injured in a hit and run auto accident. Mr. Clark came highly recommended by more than one person who worked within the legal system and he did not disappoint. I was in a care center for seventy two days with a broken shoulder, ribs and two broken ankles. I wasn’t allowed to bear weight in order to start my rehab journey to walk again for the first 6 weeks. During this challenging time, I never worried about medical bills or dealing with auto insurance etc. Mr. Clark and his staff took care of all the negotiations with the insurance companies so I could focus on healing. I felt very comfortable contacting Michael’s office for any questions I had. They were prompt, caring and compassionate. I would highly recommend the Law Office of Michael Clark Injury Attorney.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Jon robles
I had an exceptional experience working with Kelsey Ault as my lawyer. From the very first consultation, she demonstrated a deep understanding of the law and a genuine commitment to my case. Kelsey was incredibly attentive, always taking the time to listen to my concerns and answer all of my questions thoroughly.
What truly sets Kelsey apart is her professionalism and dedication. She was proactive in keeping me updated on the progress of my case and always made sure I understood the next steps. Her strategic approach and attention to detail were evident throughout the entire process, and she worked tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome.
Kelsey is not only a skilled attorney but also a compassionate person who genuinely cares about her clients. I felt supported and confident knowing she was in my corner. I highly recommend Kelsey Ault to anyone in need of legal representation. Her expertise, integrity, and personalized approach make her an outstanding lawyer!
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16 Aug, 2024 by T r
Great firm! Brandi is awesome!
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15 Aug, 2024 by Jamie thompson
At a very low moment of my life and in need of an attorney, I was fortunate to find Kelsey at Pacific Point Defense. Kelsey was so helpful, informative, non judge mental and tenacious in really working on getting the best possible outcome for my case. She never gave up and it was amazing. Highly Recommend!
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5.0
21 Reviews
4.5
164 Reviews
19 Sep, 2024 by Paul peterhans
When I think of my time with Cindy Wysocki, Esq., tears of deep gratitude literally come to my eyes as I recall her strength and gentleness, her humor and sharp critical thinking, her willingness to get into the ultimate fighting cage we call the judicial system and her reluctance to throw a punch, and her commitment to fairness and open-hearted compassion. To the lawyer or firm across the virtual table, Cindy must seem formidable and relentless. To me as her client-friend, she was comforting, encouraging, and grounding. I never had to yield my voice or stuff down my questions. AND, Cindy held my concerns and fears, my heightened emotions and (sometimes) clear intuitive insights respectfully while guiding them in positive, productive ways. And best of all, Cindy knew me well enough at the end of a grueling process to be able to then assist and guide me in my needs to safeguard my estate and financial assets to be sure to leave them secure for the ones I love the most. Above all, I am forever grateful to Cindy for accompanying me as a caring fellow human being during one of the most devastating times of my personal life journey. She stayed by my side through unprecedented conditions, with unconditional care and concern, as one of the few who did in my life. Cindy is a legal Bodhisattva!!
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13 Sep, 2024 by Meg gluckman
I love sending my clients to Cindy! I know she cares deeply about helping them navigate divorce in a way that will leave everyone feeling whole and hopeful about the future. Her focus on creating durable parenting plans that center kids, while appreciating the uniqueness of the each family, makes referring her to parents a no-brainer for me.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Jerald martin
They were very rude to me they and they didn't want me to call them and ask questions attorney is threatening very rude and has a temper so I canceled they owe me $2000 it's been 3 weeks still have not seen my refund.i called left message for Dominic majors not calling me back no response looks like I will have to report him to the bar association for theft and misconduct and /or take him to claims court to get my monet back that does not belong to majors it's my money
I would advised anybody to stay away from majors and gave me the wrong information about my house to the bank and I could of lost my house because of it I found out from my new attorney.stay away from these people there rude and possibly criminals it's been 3 weeks and they have not refunded my money.
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5.0
21 Reviews
4.5
163 Reviews
19 Sep, 2024 by Paul peterhans
When I think of my time with Cindy Wysocki, Esq., tears of deep gratitude literally come to my eyes as I recall her strength and gentleness, her humor and sharp critical thinking, her willingness to get into the ultimate fighting cage we call the judicial system and her reluctance to throw a punch, and her commitment to fairness and open-hearted compassion. To the lawyer or firm across the virtual table, Cindy must seem formidable and relentless. To me as her client-friend, she was comforting, encouraging, and grounding. I never had to yield my voice or stuff down my questions. AND, Cindy held my concerns and fears, my heightened emotions and (sometimes) clear intuitive insights respectfully while guiding them in positive, productive ways. And best of all, Cindy knew me well enough at the end of a grueling process to be able to then assist and guide me in my needs to safeguard my estate and financial assets to be sure to leave them secure for the ones I love the most. Above all, I am forever grateful to Cindy for accompanying me as a caring fellow human being during one of the most devastating times of my personal life journey. She stayed by my side through unprecedented conditions, with unconditional care and concern, as one of the few who did in my life. Cindy is a legal Bodhisattva!!
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13 Sep, 2024 by Meg gluckman
I love sending my clients to Cindy! I know she cares deeply about helping them navigate divorce in a way that will leave everyone feeling whole and hopeful about the future. Her focus on creating durable parenting plans that center kids, while appreciating the uniqueness of the each family, makes referring her to parents a no-brainer for me.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Jerald martin
They were very rude to me they and they didn't want me to call them and ask questions attorney is threatening very rude and has a temper so I canceled they owe me $2000 it's been 3 weeks still have not seen my refund.i called left message for Dominic majors not calling me back no response looks like I will have to report him to the bar association for theft and misconduct and /or take him to claims court to get my monet back that does not belong to majors it's my money
I would advised anybody to stay away from majors and gave me the wrong information about my house to the bank and I could of lost my house because of it I found out from my new attorney.stay away from these people there rude and possibly criminals it's been 3 weeks and they have not refunded my money.
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02 Apr, 2015 by John
Attorney Charles Freeby was immediately responsive to my needs and I would seek his help without hesitation in the future. It has been a couple of years since I obtained his services, but from what I can remember, I have only complimentary memories of his service.
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24 Mar, 2015 by Jon
Mr. Freeby had a plan from the start and really worked for me with a good outcome. He was mindful of my financial situation and kept the expense within what he quoted me. He helped me work through the legal issue I had so that I could move on with my life.
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23 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Robert is as polite an attorney as you will find. He knows his stuff inside and out. He got my case thrown out in about 5 minutes. HIGHLY recommended!!
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10 Sep, 2024 by Matthew thompson
I very much appreciated the help from the attorneys, paralegals, and office staff at Bliss Law. I always felt like an important client without superficial pleasantries. They have a very professional and pragmatic approach to handling divorce. It can be extremely messy and emotionally taxing but I felt confident and comfortable knowing there was someone looking out for my best interests. Big thanks and much gratitude to Ashley Allen. Your communication is top notch. Katrina Otto is a very qualified, straight shooter, and consummate professional. Highly recommend this firm, without reservation, to anyone.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Donna coakley
01 Sep, 2024 by Rakel lee
I cannot recommend Paul Posada and Nacy Haull of Bliss Law Firm highly enough. During one of the most challenging periods of my life, they provided exceptional support and advocacy. From our very first meeting, I knew Paul was the right attorney for me. His expertise and dedication were evident, and he navigated my case with a fierce commitment to my needs. Paul and Nacy were incredibly receptive, patient, and kind throughout the entire process. Their unwavering support and genuine care provided me with the peace of mind I desperately needed. I felt confident knowing they had my best interests at heart and fully trusted their guidance. The professionalism and compassion demonstrated by Paul and Nacy made all the difference. Their ability to advocate effectively on my behalf ensured that I never felt alone, even amidst the complexities of my case. I am deeply grateful for their help and for the outstanding service provided by Bliss Law Firm. If you are looking for a legal team that you can trust completely to advocate for you with integrity and dedication, look no further than Paul Posada and Nacy Haull. They are truly the best.
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02 Jul, 2024 by Luca villalba
14 May, 2024 by Verified yelper
Emailed a few times, maybe 3 times, in regard to a refund on the remainder of a payment I made for services not received. I was not rude in any of them but firm on wanting the refund and inquiring when that would be.
Lance called me with reasons why I “disregarded” the agreement I signed. I said I want to know if I will be receiving a refund or not from the firm, otherwise, I would do my part on recovering the remainder of funds.
He then states, “I guess this ends our working relationship, idk who else you’ll complain to”
I’m not sure why Lance felt comfortable enough to speak to me in this manner but I don’t appreciate it and I would advise against hiring someone who is rude for no apparent reason.
Do better, be kinder.
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07 May, 2024 by Carrie mugrdechian
Just don't.
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02 Jul, 2024 by Luca villalba
14 May, 2024 by Verified yelper
Emailed a few times, maybe 3 times, in regard to a refund on the remainder of a payment I made for services not received. I was not rude in any of them but firm on wanting the refund and inquiring when that would be.
Lance called me with reasons why I “disregarded” the agreement I signed. I said I want to know if I will be receiving a refund or not from the firm, otherwise, I would do my part on recovering the remainder of funds.
He then states, “I guess this ends our working relationship, idk who else you’ll complain to”
I’m not sure why Lance felt comfortable enough to speak to me in this manner but I don’t appreciate it and I would advise against hiring someone who is rude for no apparent reason.
Do better, be kinder.
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07 May, 2024 by Carrie mugrdechian
Just don't.
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10 Apr, 2022 by John w griggs jr
Not only did he make a mockery of his service. His family made harassing phone calls to my phone on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
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15 Sep, 2019 by Josie
Mr Neuharth represented me in Domestic Violence proceedings. He went above and beyond expectations and was truly a godsend in very difficult times!!
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23 Dec, 2023 by Christopher
She charged me $5000 for some email exchanges and when we went to court she didn't fight for or even request any of the requests I had hired her to fight for in my custody case. Her facebook is very unprofessional and she bragged about drinking the night before my case. Bad lawyer bad person.
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20 Aug, 2023 by Kassi
Tarah was assigned to me for a contempt motion but I ended up hiring her to fight an unethical opposing lawyer. Without her I would have been railroaded by opposing council from a big name firm. Tarah knew all the laywer's tricks and fought for me and my kids. It's taken almost 2 years but there's an end in sight and Tarah has been worth EVERY penny!!
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07 Feb, 2023 by Jason
I have been around some bad people throughout my lifetime, but Tara Wagner is the most atrocious human we have ever associated with. She treated my wife like a dog and made her feel awful about herself. She would yell at her and degrade her for asking simple questions. It reminded my wife of the abusive relationship she was in prior to me with her daughters father. Tara has major anger issues and extreme bouts of rage when she doesn't get her way or you annoy her. I am not surprised at all by her negative reviews on here stating that she is a narcissist and that she is being investigated. I do find it astonishing that she has not had her license revoked yet, but I have no doubt in my mind especially with all of these horrendous reviews that she will. Narcissistic people make great attorneys. The one review states that she is a "master of deception". That's exactly why narcissists make great attorney's. Do yourself and your mental health a big favor by avoiding this very horrible human.
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28 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
Dolores WILL NOT protect your children. My experience with her was one of the worst situations because she refused to research extensively and my children, who were being abused by a family member, were re-victimized by them because she failed to protect them. I had a very similar experience to some of the other reviewers who were traumatized by Dolores and I wish she was never allowed to practise law again or be involved with family law.
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27 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
If this woman is assigned to your case......RUN! Her and her mouthy secretary, Michelle, were absolutely horrible to deal with. There is no communication at all. It would seem as if Ms. Sarandos is more interested in "padding her income" all the while having Ms. Nicks do the majority of the work. It does not matter how you try to contact, there will never be a response. The only time I received responses is when I went into a court and talked to a judge. Then like magic there was a response.
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09 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
If you get this woman assigned to your case run like H. Both her and her mouthy secretary were absolutely horrible to deal with. The only thing that she had to do was to request a psychological evaluation for my ex son in law whose family was molested my granddaughter while my ex son in law watched. The results from his psychological evaluation would have put him in supervised visitations and kept my granddaughter safe. Instead Dolores allowed the family that was molested her to have visitations with her where they molested her again. She told the court that this was just a family feud even when there were several third party professionals willing to go to court for my granddaughter. She had the power to make a difference but she basically said that she had already written her review and wasn't going to do anything else about it. Several people called her to let her know what they had heard out of my granddaughters mouth but she never called them back. I sent her an eight page email begging for help for my granddaughter but she actually complained about that in court. Just say NO, NO and No if you are ever forced to use her. She did an extremely bad job and never protected my granddaughter like a guardian at litem is supposed to do. I certainly hope nothing ever happens to one of her grand children.
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23 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
Jennifer Walker is very passive aggressive. She acts like she has your best interest in mind. But when she goes to court for you she folds and then makes excuses. If you question her she turns on you.
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28 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
She was assigned to me for dependency. Flat out told me she didn't have time for my case, never answered phone calls or emails, wouldn't sign over attorney rights to a different lawyer. She also treated me like I was 5, and not as an adult or client.
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05 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
This "attorney" is suppose to work for the state in the child custody/support division. So to be fair to both clients is critical. As it involves childrens well being. But Ms. Vincent is very lazy and will not review information pretaining to the case until the hearing dates. Then she arrives late, (after court has started) which makes it impossible to even discuss anything with her. She follows her opinions and feelings that she wants done, not by the law. So never, never make her mad. She will bad mouth and degrade you at court. No matter how it will affect the child. She plays "dumb" when the court asks her knowledge of facts that have been addressed. "What, I don't recall and not to my knowledge" are her favorites. I would ask to be reassigned to a different lawyer to handle your case, but the Proscuters office will NOT do this. So I'm sorry but you are at her mercy when going to child support hearings when she is assigned your case in Tacoma Washington.
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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.
