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5.0
21 Reviews
4.9
290 Reviews
4.6
10 Reviews
16 Dec, 2024 by Dominique stephens
04 Dec, 2024 by Krynosis dreamer
Experience and expertise worth your time.
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25 Oct, 2024 by Rachel
I couldn’t be more grateful for the incredible representation and support provided by Cristine Beckwith. From the very beginning, her intelligence and deep understanding of the law shone through. She was thorough, strategic, and left no stone unturned in pursuing the best possible outcome for my case. Beyond her expertise, she demonstrated genuine empathy and was always communicative, keeping me informed and reassured at every step. Her commitment and determination were remarkable, and I truly believe we won because of her perseverance and dedication. I am so thankful for having her on my side and highly recommend her to anyone in need of a compassionate and skilled defense attorney. I cannot recommend her enough.
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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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5.0
21 Reviews
4.5
205 Reviews
29 Jan, 2025 by David castro
Muy agradecido con su ayuda Marissa fue muy atenta con su trabajo.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Stephanie n
Job well done, team! It's safe to say my case was far from ordinary. My insurance said I was at fault and I had no coverage for my medical. Marissa and crew fought back relentlessly! She was great at keeping me updated and almost predicted what moves insurance was going to take.
In the end, I am not liable, my bike and medical were covered and I got enough to get a new motorcycle....... once I'm healed. Thank you, Marissa and everybody behind the scenes, for all your hard work. You have exceeded my expectations and are much appreciated!
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13 Dec, 2024 by R k
Majors law group was very knowledgeable and thorough. They knew exactly what needed to be done and made a very hard time in life more manageable. I was kept well informed throughout the entire process.
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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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27 Jan, 2025 by Jon baer
I hired Garguile when I received a traffic ticket with special circumstances. Basically, I was behind a landscaping truck in the slow lane that started losing debris out of their uncovered trailer. I was afraid to get debris on my car for fear of something coming through the windshield. When it was safe to do so, I passed on the fast lane and exceeded the speed limit in doing so. I immediately went back to the slow lane only to get pulled over for speeding. While I admit I was speeding, I did so for the safety of my family, and it was for seconds to get around the trailer that was not covered as it should have been spilling debris all over the road.
Garguile was very responsive, communicated great, and ultimately got the ticket dismissed.
I could have paid the ticket, but the cost of increased insurance premiums over time would have far exceeded the cost of Garguile - not to mention the special circumstances that I thought was a reasonable exception and wanted to prove my point to WSP.
Insurance companies profit billions of dollars a year, I didn't want to give them another reason to add to their greedy profits!
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16 Jan, 2025 by Daniel rivas
Great job they had my case dismissed
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16 Jan, 2025 by Tim pinson
Received a speeding ticket in a “speed trap”. Garguile Law made the process very seam. They communicate very well throughout the process. Such a great service! Highly Recommend
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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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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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5.0
22 Reviews
4.5
206 Reviews
29 Jan, 2025 by David castro
Muy agradecido con su ayuda Marissa fue muy atenta con su trabajo.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Stephanie n
Job well done, team! It's safe to say my case was far from ordinary. My insurance said I was at fault and I had no coverage for my medical. Marissa and crew fought back relentlessly! She was great at keeping me updated and almost predicted what moves insurance was going to take.
In the end, I am not liable, my bike and medical were covered and I got enough to get a new motorcycle....... once I'm healed. Thank you, Marissa and everybody behind the scenes, for all your hard work. You have exceeded my expectations and are much appreciated!
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13 Dec, 2024 by R k
Majors law group was very knowledgeable and thorough. They knew exactly what needed to be done and made a very hard time in life more manageable. I was kept well informed throughout the entire process.
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15 Nov, 2024 by Don hareid
Eric is a great attorney.
I had a jobsite accident, that had very challenging legal complications. He worked hard, found all the necessary laws and witnesses. Kept me informed returned calls and Emails quickly. We settled out of court, and he got me my settlement money much sooner than I anticipated. In short if you need a good lawyer, one that will work hard for you and get you what you need..
This is the one....Call him!
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11 Nov, 2024 by Jennifer crawford
After another driver swerved into the side of my son's car, during his work related delivery, we waited for the check that would cover damages and lost wages. I followed up by phone with and sent emails asking for resolution. We'd tried for two months and felt ignored with excuses for all the delay. We turned to Ladenburg Law for help and in a week, Erik was able to get the first $2800 for the car repairs to my son. They subsequently got the $1300 lost wages as well. I felt like I was actually seen as a person, that my concern mattered. I am grateful to have had the support of Ladenburg Law - thank you for your responsiveness and great turnaround - it was a definite win for my son!
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09 Nov, 2024 by Matt sawyer
Mr. Ladenburg helped me with my sons not at fault accident where his car was totaled. I was pleased with how the case was handled. Great communication throughout the process and we ended up with a favorable settlement.
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08 Dec, 2024 by Karolina seda
Blake and his team are amazing! Helped me so much and I seriously can’t thank them enough! They collaborated with me to make a great parenting plan and I definitely felt safer after the help they gave me with the services they provided!
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23 Nov, 2024 by Sheila carrico
Mr. Harris helped my friend through a very difficult time. I would definitely recommend his services!
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22 Nov, 2024 by Hector alcala
En mi experiencia muy buen servicio muy amables el abogado y sus secretarias todo muy bien 👍👍👍👍
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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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16 Apr, 2018 by Jo scozzafava
13 Jan, 2025 by Dominick andrezze
Katrina, Ashley, and Nancy are top-notch lawyers who undertook my case and won all aspects due to their attention to detail. Highly recommend law firm.
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04 Nov, 2024 by Lauren sands
I used Bliss Law Group, specifically Riley Moos, to represent me in an especially contentious protection order against my husband (and father of my only child) after calling the police on him for the third time in 2 years. The night that I left was the final straw when he tried to break down the bedroom door to get to me. My ex was extremely upset when I filed for the protection order, vowing that by the time the hearing was finished, he would have full custody of our daughter....As you can imagine, I was quite scared!!!! A lot of people say that protection orders are easy to get but ours was much more complex. When I left my husband, the only place I could go, was back to him, or to a homeless/abused women's shelter. I would not allow my daughter to suffer either one of those situations and decided to take her out of state, to my hometown, where we could stay with family while we could pick up the pieces of our broken lives. The decision to leave the state was best for my daughter but it added greatly to the potential repercussions of leaving my husband. My attorney, Riley Moos, swooped in and saved the day. It's hard to describe, but from the moment I started talking to her, I knew we would win that protection order; I could tell when I talked to her that she had read all of the 25 page protection order I'd written recounting the treatment I'd endured over the years, and I knew that she was 100% invested in protecting myself and my daughter. She believed in my cause and she pursued it like a mother bear protecting her cubs. In the final protection order hearing, the Commissioner stated that there was a preponderance of evidence of coercive control. He ordered my husband undergo a substance abuse evaluation and domestic abuse evaluation. And here, I must applaud my ex-husband, because he allowed this feedback to change him. He's been going to AA 5x a week for the past year, has gotten sober, and has turned his life around. None of this would have been possible without Riley. I had previously talked to a pro-bono attorney and could tell that she had no interest in *fighting* for me, or even in reading the lengthy protection order I had written. If it hadn't been for my attorney, Riley Moos, my daughter and I wouldn't be safe in our new home, and my ex-husband wouldn't have turned his life around!!!
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30 Oct, 2024 by Nick wilson
Riley and Karissa are awesome to work with, I've been fortunate enough to work with Bliss Law for the past 9 years and each time has been professional and impressive. Highly recommend.
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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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05 Dec, 2024 by West coast auto group info
Starting from the kind staff and moving into a kind attorney, you don’t find that very often. Lance is professional, savvy and reliable. There is nowhere else you should look for counsel, we couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. Thank you Lance!!!!
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05 Dec, 2024 by Tyler bell
One of the best law firms I have ever been represented by. I have used Hester Law Group for multiple situations dating back over a decade and they've never let me down. There were times the outlook was grim, the prosecution was adamant and these guys postured themselves and defended justice with ease. I have never been disappointed with our final resolution and more times than not have received an outcome far greater than one would think possible. When looking for a solid attorney look no further, Lance Hester is a solid man and outstanding attorney.
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02 Jul, 2024 by Luca villalba
05 Dec, 2024 by West coast auto group info
Starting from the kind staff and moving into a kind attorney, you don’t find that very often. Lance is professional, savvy and reliable. There is nowhere else you should look for counsel, we couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. Thank you Lance!!!!
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05 Dec, 2024 by Tyler bell
One of the best law firms I have ever been represented by. I have used Hester Law Group for multiple situations dating back over a decade and they've never let me down. There were times the outlook was grim, the prosecution was adamant and these guys postured themselves and defended justice with ease. I have never been disappointed with our final resolution and more times than not have received an outcome far greater than one would think possible. When looking for a solid attorney look no further, Lance Hester is a solid man and outstanding attorney.
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02 Jul, 2024 by Luca villalba
20 Jul, 2022 by Jill kimberlin
Excellent lawyer! My case was not an easy one Daryl stood by me all the way
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26 Jun, 2021 by Wayne sandy
A Fantastic Attorney! He Gets Results!!
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09 Jun, 2020 by Jae doyle
I had a pleasant experience with Graves,He gets real personal about his clients and makes you feel like a caring uncle or friend is representing you. Lots of heartache and prison time was avoided thanks to him. Its been about 4 years but I just wanted to extend my appreciation Daryl! My life has done a 180 since my case was dismissed,it was a long stressful road but you never gave up and stayed true to your word. "If you hire me,I'll get you out" well...im out,alive AND well. Stay blessed.
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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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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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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:
-
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.
