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07 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
I highly recommend this guy, he will care about your case until the end. He got my case dismissed and reduced my charge down to a misdemeanor.
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04 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
Last month we had good experience with Mr Trejo in getting my wife case dismissed. We got to know about him through a flyer ad in mail.
He went through details of the case, help us go through different options, including best case and worst case scenario, and got pre-trial dismissal.
He also discussed case with our other attorney without additional consultation charges to make sure that was best option.
His service charge was fair in my opinion. He was fine with easy installment plan.
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14 Jan, 2013 by Leo
He is kind and has a big heart, and is dedicated to justice. He is the only lawyer I go to.
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02 Feb, 2011 by Luis
Honest Knowledgeable with years of experience and sincere.
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12 Oct, 2017 by Laura
I have worked with him when he was just my court pointed lawyer .Is when i meet him he fought for me on a personal level that i was very pleased he got cases dismissed & i never had to come back to court. I was so impressed with him .That when my brother got in trouble i came to Jesus & he had a aggravated assault with a weapon & Jesus got it dismissed no probation no time .Jesus is one of the best attorney's i ever worked with .I like the the personal effect that he gives to a case .Jesus truly gets the best results.
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09 Sep, 2014 by E. c.
Mr. Salinas has represented me on a few occasions and I have always been very pleased with the results. He knows the law and put it to work in my favor. I will only go to him if I ever need a lawyer again.
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11 Mar, 2022 by Capth
Ashley and her team set a very high bar for service to her clients. It was my first time engaging with the justice system and Ashley was THE BEST person to guide me through a scary and unknown process. She never doubted my innocence and fought diligently to ensure that was communicated to the court and I was not negatively impacted by an overloaded court system.
She was always very responsive, patient with my many questions, kept me informed as to what was happening and when. Overall, very personable and quite easy to work with. She is a person of her word, as when she commits to doing something, she does it and does it with excellence. She has been a blessing to me and I’m sure to many others. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND HER and am comfortable in saying that you can put your full trust in her. Thanks again to her and the team.
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16 Feb, 2022 by Brandon
Ashley went above and beyond for my fiancée and the legal issues she had! Ashley was easy to reach and stayed in contact with us throughout the process! Ashley was very knowledgeable in her field. I would Highly recommend her to anyone needing legal counsel!!!
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24 Oct, 2017 by Taylor hammett
I spoke with Mr. Phillips about a friend of mines case and he explain to me what my friend was most likely facing due to his charges. He seemed like a good man who honestly cares about his clients!! I would definitely recommend him to other people!!
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19 Aug, 2015 by Cheryl
Mr. Phillips was courteous and treated me with dignity and respect. He provided a solution to my situation that was above and beyond my expectations. He took the time to explain all of my options and assist me in making an informed decision. I would definitely retain him again for any legal assistance in the future.
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17 Nov, 2020 by Joe
Marty took my daughters case when no one else would. Fought it all the way to the full 5th circuit. Along the way he was consistently:
1. attentive and sensitive to the legal needs of the case, including all deadlines, court timelines, and our own numerous requests to understand what was going on and why it matters
2. detailed and correct in all legal filings; something that matters a lot when you go on appeal and you may not realize how important it is
3. upfront and honest about expenses to litigate, and our chances of winning a case when the law favors schools so heavily (they can basically do whatever they want to your kid and have few legal consequences)
In the end, AISD misled the court (some might say they lied) and got the case dismissed due to the structural problems in our legal system related to protecting kids from predators and school officials being protected by law when they hurt kids. However, Marty fought for our daughter when no one else would, including her school district.
Our experience was eye-opening about how the courts protect school administrators and predators. When all was said and done, I showed our court briefings to a friend who is a former deputy Solicitor General of the United States and after looking at Marty's work told me that it was some of the best he'd seen for a hopeless case like ours.
Bottom line, if your kid is harassed at school and they don't care, Marty will care. The law and courts may be stacked against you because of our screwed up system. You may not win, but AISD knows he's a pit bull for your kids, and he'll do everything possible to make them pay attention and solve the problem.
Marty is the lawyer you need.
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26 Apr, 2013 by Evelyn
Atty Martin Cirkiel Represented us recently in a case with PISD School Dist for my Grandson Isaiah who is a child with Dissibilities....We are very satisfied with the Professional Stratagies he used to help resolve our case at Mediation....Our family would highly recommend him to anyone who needs an Honest Lawyer on their side for Legal Purposes and the Advocates who work closely with him in his office they are all awsome and helped us get the best results at Mediation and all is good now...We are Blessed to have found these guys and would retain him again if ever needed.......
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10 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
Definitely not one of the cheapest in Corpus, but definitely one of the best. Handled every aspect of my case like the pro he is. Never even saw the court room / case dismissed
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21 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Very dedicated highly recommend
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30 Dec, 2022 by Michael favata
Great 👍
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28 Dec, 2021 by Joe gomez
Jerry Batek, and Todd Robison are top grade, top shelf attorneys. These two guys are professional, knowledgeable, and make themselves available.
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05 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Shannon is one of a kind! The first time I met her she made it clear that she wasn’t working for anybody else but me and said that if she didn’t think I deserved it she won’t even offer it. She’s very professional very understanding and full of experience. I’d recommend her to anybody
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25 May, 2017 by Cheryl
Excellent skills, knows her craft, confident and knowledgeable
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13 Jun, 2018 by Michael
Katherine and David is the very best Attorneys I've ever seen in action. No BS Attorneys here. They shoot straight from the hip and dead ringer EVERYTIME. All the Attorneys of this office and Para-Legals and Office Staff are TOP notch great and professional and most of all! -( EFFECTIVE) and worth every penny for representation !!! Cant ask for more . Thank you guy's for your dedication and Awesome work.
* Everyone reading this please UNDERSTAND that your Attorney is only as good as the COMPLETE truth you give them ...
TY MSH and family. Love yall !
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16 Dec, 2017 by Patty
This attorney is no nonsense and will get the job done. I have referred her to many friends and family.
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24 May, 2022 by Amelia
Ive been complying to the terms of being able to drive after my dwi, this man i found googling and searching attorneys. I called and stuck with him hes very very knowledgeable and super confident in his work super smart man. I so recommend!!! He offered the opportunity to go to trial but i dont wanna risk if i lose i get dwi charge so i stuck to obstruction which is better then dwi . Im content… thank you rick!!!
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13 Feb, 2016 by Ben benavidez
I received my first DUI in July. I had previously never done anything wrong in my entire life. I was terrified. I was having trouble eating and sleeping. I slipped into depression. Mr. Huffman helped bring me out of all of that. He was present at all of my court hearings and was a generally nice person. He made me feel respected and helped me to receive a Pretrial Diversion. This is an excellent lawyer! I'm glad I worked with Mr. Huffman and if you hire him, you will be too!
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24 Nov, 2014 by Zachary
I have had the pleasure of knowing Matt for the past fifteen years. We attended the same high school and law school where Matt excelled due to his hard-work, thorough preparation and unparalleled ability to critically analyze a problem and arrive at the best solution with the greatest efficiency. Matt has carried over to his criminal practice those same traits and characteristics that have made him so successful at such a young age. In addition to his outstanding academic and practical resume, Matt is extremely personable and caring. Matt truly values his clients' interests allowing him to provide the best representation possible. Matt's compassion for both the law and his clients, coupled with his critical thinking and systematic preparation, morph him into a true advocate. I recommend Matt Buckalew.
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17 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Buckalew is a very Trustworthy, Knowledgeable attorney. He kept me up to date on my case and was able to answer all of my questions. He was very patient with it being my first time in trouble with the law and having lots of questions and not knowing what the next step would be. He was able to take my call at any time. I would recommend him to anyone I know with Legal issues! Thank you!
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16 Sep, 2012 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Shane after i was denied for Social Security. His friendly staff always had the answers to my questions, and Mr. Shane was a pleasure to deal with. I thank his staff for working hard and diligently on my case. Highly recommend.
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02 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
Mr. Shane is an honest man who was up front and caring. Gave me what I deserved!
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19 Oct, 2022 by Maylene
Mr. Overstreet helped my Fiancé fight a possession charge, with 2 priors. Montgomery county is one of the harshest counties on drug offenses. They were going to charge him as a habitual offender (facing 99), but Mr. Overstreet got it DISMISSED!! He was Very Professional, Accessible, and Confident about the case! He walked in the court room ready to get the case resolved, even when the prosecution tried to push back. I’m still in shock, but so very grateful! Highly Recommended for all Vets!
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26 Sep, 2022 by Jenny
Mr. Overstreet was able to get my case dismissed in Houston, TX. I am an Army veteran, teacher, and professional. The last thing I needed was a charge looming over me which could have destroyed my career and everything I have worked for. I am so grateful to Mr. Overstreet and his diligent work to see this case through the end and out the door with a dismissal.
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02 Sep, 2017 by Joshua
Mr. Bennett really came to bat for me. The first day Mr. Bennett was assigned to my case he was able to get me a P.R. bond. Then he dug into my case and was able to quickly get my case DISMISSED the second time we went to court. Mr Bennett was easy to talk to and always available when needed. Thank you Mr. Bennett for all of your help your the best.
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15 Jun, 2017 by Angie
Joel Bennett is absolutely amazing!! When I first found out Mr. Bennett was assigned to my son’s case I immediately called the number I found on my paperwork, I thought it was pretty unique I was able to call his personal cell phone. I left Mr. Bennett a voicemail and not even an hour later he was returning my call. Anytime I would call or text Mr. Bennett he was always quick to respond back. I must say, I was extremely impressed with Mr. Bennett professionalism and never once did I feel lost or confused on what the next step would be during this stressful situation. Thank you Joel Bennett for your time and effort on my son case.
Sincerely,
A concerned mom
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07 Jul, 2022 by Kiara
Mrs. Brown is awesome, she works her cases greatly. She makes sure her client is satisfied and she strives to ensure the cases are resolved the proper way. I totally recommend her. Thanks Mrs.Brown for such fantastic effort you’ve done for me for over the past years.
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27 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Treats her clients like human beings unlike other lawyers I’ve had. She went out of her way to help me with my addiction and depression. I was quite fortunate she cares about her clients.
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28 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Shawna represented me in an auto-accident case. She was prompt, responsive, and fair. I didn't know if I needed a lawyer, but I'm so glad I called!
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08 Nov, 2012 by Jen
Shawana Roscom represented me in a case about a year ago. She did an amazing job and was super cooperative. I received regular correspondence and visits from her while incarcerated as well as after release. Shawana cares about her clients and does everything in her power to get whatever justice is needed for the situation. I would recommend her to anyone needing assistance and will return myself if the situation arises. Thanks for everything you did for me, and continue to do for others.
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23 Dec, 2019 by Michelle
Back in 2004 while still in the Houston DA's office, Mr. Musick won a felony on a first time attempted murder case after my boyfriend attacked me with a sword. He is intelligent, driven and eloquent.
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17 Dec, 2010 by Woody
I was charged with a class 2 misdemeanor which I did not commit and Earl not only believed in me but fought diligently for my cause. Although the courts incompetency caused us to make four different trips Earl passionately stated my case each time until he wore them down and gained a dismissal of the charge against me. Earl gave me a cost up front and stuck to it with none of those so called incidental charges. If you need someone to plead your case this is the man!
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26 Mar, 2022 by David
When I found myself embroiled in the criminal justice system, I call Robin McCarty. I was afraid and facing a very uncertain future. Robin expertly and honestly evaluated my situation. He did not make any empty promises; instead, he promised only that he would do his best. And that is exactly what he did. Ultimately, I obtained a result that I neither expected nor deserved. If anyone finds themselves dealing with a criminal case, Robin McCarty is the one to call. He delivers results!
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07 Jun, 2017 by Jason
The first thing Robin McCarty did was lay out my case, the possibilities - both good and bad - with straight forward, even if brutal, honesty. Many people have ended up with dire consequences because their case was sugar coated and made to look like no problem. Robin sits with you and tells you the truth.
Robin then carefully, patiently, guided me through the process for almost two years - the end result was a full dismissal of charges.
One unique thing about Robin, he was a former peace officer and previous prosecutor - so he understood both sides of the system. This was tremendously helpful.
I call him Robin because he is a really great guy and it didn't take long before I realized he truly cares about his clients and is just as concerned about their future as any loved one would be.
Overall, I would highly recommend Robin McCarty.
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28 Oct, 2015 by Randy
Went to Texas to deal with a family emergency. Left with a possession charge. When I got home I researched attorneys in tarrent county. I found Mr. Newman on Google, after MANY calls to different attorneys. Brian was very professional and patient,assured me that this would pass. He handled the situation like he said he would. Thanks for help and protecting my future! Randy
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26 Sep, 2013 by Philip
Mr. Newman was an excellent help to my case. I had a possesion of marijuana case and was extremely pleased with the outcome of my case. I will recommend him in the future to anyone I know that has a need for a criminal justice attorney, and should I ever need his services again I will gladly contact him. He is a very straight forward and no nonsense individual and it was a pleasure being assisted by him.
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09 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
This is for sure the BEST lawyer...I have delt with a previous and was not satisfiel. She put up a huge fight I had three charges which included two misdemeaners and one criminal. She managed to dismiss all three charges for a very low cost I am so HAPPY with her service!!!!
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24 Aug, 2010 by Happy client....
Attorney kept me informed of all options i had. She put up a fight and held her ground. She has shown me that she has a back bone. She is honest and trustworthy. She helpped me to get information for my son and faught for me and my son. She is helping me to undo the other attorneys doings. She is one attorney I will recommend to anyone that is struggling with child custody or visitation. never thought i'd say this but I love my attorney...
*** Estela Keep up the amazing job you are doing and you have one faithful client here...
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08 Nov, 2012 by J
Mr. Dexter helped me settle a bad family siutation and I thank him for his patience, understanding and knowledge of how the justice system works. He kept me up to date on what was going on and everything is fine now. Thank you.
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17 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
A good bargain for good, solid work. Mr. Dexter took the time to listen and understand my family situation and explain my options. The matter was settled quickly and he put me at ease during the process. He is a new attorney, but he was eager to help me and he seemed to know what he was doing.
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31 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr Delk was professional, caring, easy to talk to and followed through in timely manner, even with an interstate problem we had. I would recommend him 100%. He makes the world a better place by helping others at the most challenging times of their lives.
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06 Aug, 2010 by John
I have never forgotten this laywers name! I was a stupid 18 year old kid caught with brass knuckles. It was the first time I'd been arrested. He told me that would not be something I want on my record (AND HELL YEAH HE WAS RIGHT). He told me not to worry, he can help me out. And true to his word he beat the case! But the biggest thing I remember is his willingness to work with me. I was a broke 18 yr old but with a job. He gave me a MORE THAN fair price and I paid him in payments. I stayed true to my word and EVERY week sent him a payment. I havent screwed up since then and everytime a record check comes out clean I thank Mr. Delk in my head! NO LIE! If you have been arrested in Hondo, YOU NEED TO HIRE THIS GUY!!
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13 Sep, 2019 by Saul
He was my court appointed lawyer and he did an excellent job in my federal case. I appreciate his service and professionalism. I would recommend him. Thank you for helping me with my case.
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16 Dec, 2011 by Ramiro
Mr. Almaguer is very trustworthy and he is there to help your needs. I've hired him for several cases and I have been satisfied with the results. I would recommend Mr. Almaguer to represent any one who is looking for a honest hard working lawyer that is going to work for the cleint's interest.
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26 May, 2023 by Teresa orr
14 Apr, 2021 by Jeremy jones
Curtis is a very good man and a great attorney
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21 Oct, 2022 by Jamie sosa
Mr. Wlidman more than exceeded expectations and satisfaction. He was the only lawyer I could find that would take a parole case and he works with parole personally and the courts as well. He is very experienced and not out to just take you for what you are willing to pay in a desperate time in your life. A lot of lawyers are not honest with what they can and will do for you but he was. It really was a blessing to have found this guy because we were treated like people and not a case to trade out for another in the court system to get lost in. Thank you so much !!!
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30 Apr, 2022 by Samuel
this guy is by far the most honest person I have ever met in the judicial system all together highly recommend him and he's helped me out twice and I've been more than satisfied thank you Mr, Wildman
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29 Jun, 2015 by Deborah
We retained Mr. Braddy to represent my son on a MTR after waiting nearly 6 months for another attorney we hired to represent him. We got absolutly no representation from the other attorney , fired him and spoke with Martin about representing him. He only had a little less than 2 weeks to gather information and prepare but he did an excellent job and got the best possible outcome for my son. After getting the maximum time credited to his sentence my son was eligible for parole when the judge sentenced him. Martin was meticulous and he took all the time needed to fully discuss the case with my son and with the family and did it in terms that we all could understand. He answered any and all concerns from all of us so we all were equally informed and clear on all points, which sometimes does not hapen with attorneys. I highly recommend Mr. Braddy, He was a fierce prosecutor and even more so as a defense attorney. His experience and knowledge gained in the prosecutorial role is a valuable asset in defending you in court. We are forever grateful to him for defending our son and should anyone in our family ever need a defense attorney, he will absolutely be our choice!
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16 Oct, 2014 by Stephen
Martin Braddy is such an amazing attorney who actually cares about his clients. Most attorney's only care about their bottom line, but Martin proved to be the best attorney I could have ever hoped to have. He demonstrated great care with the whole process by keeping me informed and up to date with the progress on a weekly basis. Martin Braddy is a fighter for the legal rights of his clients and if he agrees to take on your case you should feel honored! I could not thank Martin Braddy and his staff enough for the care and dedication he sought to bring my case to a close. Martin actually exceeded my expectations and in the end was able to get my case dismissed. Your situation may not be similar to what I faced, but if you were to hire any lawyer-you certainly should hire Martin Braddy to fight for you!
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26 May, 2021 by Ryan
Julia Hatcher is a fighter she stood up for my family and made it possible and successfully kept me and my family together. If I had a chance to hire a lawyer if the future I would call Julia Hatcher.
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30 Apr, 2015 by John
Miss Hatcher has represented myself in family cases and has done a great job in all areas. I plan on using her services in the future.
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03 Aug, 2015 by Miranda
Jan is an amazing lawyer. She treats your case as number one priority. She helped me get my case dropped and I was very pleased. The effort and understanding was amazing. She treats you like your family. I love that she cares for you and your family.
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17 Jul, 2015 by S.j.
Used this attorney team for probating an estate and was very pleased.
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25 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
My family was facing a felony criminal matter and we had no success in retaining previous lawyers. I was referred to Attorney Brown by a co-worker and she immediately met with us and handled the matter with professionalism and I would refer someone to her if they needed quality legal services and advice.
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24 Oct, 2010 by Anonymous
I was referred to this attorney by a friend who also used her service. I called her on her cell phone and within 24 hours she responded and scheduled a face-to-face consultation. I was suprised that she would meet with me and not have a secretary or paralegal perform the consultation. I was pleased with her service and would highly recommend her service to anyone who needs an intelligent, dependable and tough lawyer.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Juvenile Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A juvenile law lawyer specializes in legal issues involving minors, including those facing criminal charges, child welfare matters, or status offenses (like truancy or curfew violations). Juvenile law lawyers aim to protect the rights of minors and advocate for rehabilitation rather than punishment in criminal cases. They also help families navigate child custody, abuse, neglect cases, and other legal matters involving children.
If your child is facing criminal charges, or you are involved in a child welfare case, a juvenile law lawyer can help protect your child’s rights and work toward the most favorable outcome.
When Should I Hire a Juvenile Law Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a juvenile law lawyer in the following situations where minors are involved in legal matters:
- Juvenile criminal charges: If your child is accused of a crime, such as theft, assault, or drug offenses, a juvenile lawyer can represent them in juvenile court, advocating for leniency and alternatives to detention.
- Delinquency proceedings: A lawyer can help navigate delinquency charges, defending your child’s rights and seeking rehabilitative outcomes like counseling, probation, or diversion programs instead of incarceration.
- Status offenses: If your child has committed a status offense, such as truancy, running away, or underage drinking, a lawyer can help you resolve these issues in juvenile court, often focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
- School disciplinary issues: If your child is facing school suspensions, expulsions, or other disciplinary actions, a lawyer can help protect their educational rights and challenge any unfair or unlawful school policies.
- Child protective services (CPS) investigations: If your family is being investigated by CPS for alleged abuse, neglect, or dependency, a lawyer can represent you and protect your child’s rights throughout the investigation.
- Custody disputes: A lawyer can help in cases involving child custody or guardianship disputes, ensuring the child’s best interests are prioritized and advocating for the child’s rights.
- Emancipation: If your child seeks legal emancipation from their parents or guardians, a lawyer can assist in navigating the legal process and help the child understand their rights and responsibilities.
Hiring a lawyer early in the legal process ensures that your child’s rights are protected and that the best possible outcomes are pursued.
What Does a Juvenile Law Lawyer Do?
A juvenile law lawyer provides various services to help minors and their families navigate the legal system. Their responsibilities often include:
- Representing minors in court: A lawyer will represent your child in juvenile court, advocating for their rights and seeking rehabilitative outcomes rather than punitive measures.
- Filing motions and legal paperwork: The lawyer handles all necessary legal filings, including petitions, responses, and motions to dismiss charges or suppress evidence.
- Negotiating with prosecutors: In some cases, a lawyer can negotiate plea deals or diversion programs that prevent the child from having a permanent criminal record or serving time in detention.
- Advising on rehabilitation programs: Juvenile law lawyers often focus on alternatives to incarceration, such as counseling, community service, or probation, helping minors avoid long-term legal consequences.
- Handling CPS and child welfare cases: If your family is involved in a CPS investigation or child welfare case, the lawyer can advocate for your child’s safety and well-being, ensuring that their rights are upheld.
- Defending minors against school discipline: A lawyer can help challenge unfair or excessive disciplinary actions taken by schools, ensuring that your child’s educational rights are protected.
- Advising families on legal options: A lawyer will explain the juvenile legal process to families, offering advice on the best legal strategies and what to expect during the case.
How Are Juvenile Law Lawyers Paid?
Juvenile law lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the time involved. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Many juvenile law lawyers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Flat fee: For simpler cases, such as status offenses or school disciplinary hearings, a lawyer may charge a flat fee that covers all legal services related to the case.
- Retainer: In more complex cases, such as defending against serious criminal charges or handling a long-term CPS investigation, a lawyer may require a retainer, which is an upfront payment billed against as they work on the case.
- Sliding scale or pro bono services: Some juvenile law lawyers offer sliding scale fees based on income or may provide pro bono (free) services for families who cannot afford to pay full legal fees, especially in cases involving child welfare or delinquency.
Discuss the lawyer’s fee structure during your consultation to understand the total cost and payment options.
How Much Does a Juvenile Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a juvenile law lawyer depends on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the time involved. General cost estimates include:
- Juvenile criminal cases: Legal fees for defending a minor in juvenile criminal cases can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the severity of the charges and whether the case goes to trial.
- Status offenses: For cases involving minor offenses such as truancy or underage drinking, legal fees typically range from $1,500 to $5,000.
- CPS or child welfare cases: Legal fees for representing families in CPS investigations or child welfare cases can range from $2,000 to $8,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case.
- School disciplinary hearings: Legal fees for representing students in school-related issues may range from $1,000 to $3,500, depending on the legal work required.
Make sure to get a clear estimate of costs during your initial consultation to ensure you understand the full scope of fees and services.
Top Questions to Ask a Juvenile Law Lawyer
Before hiring a juvenile law lawyer, it’s important to ask key questions to ensure they have the experience and expertise to handle your child’s case effectively. Key questions to ask include:
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What experience do you have with juvenile law cases?
Make sure the lawyer has handled cases similar to yours, whether it’s juvenile delinquency, child custody, or CPS investigations. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, offers flat fees, or requires a retainer. Ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost. -
What is the likelihood of success in my child’s case?
Ask the lawyer for an honest assessment of the case, including potential challenges and likely outcomes. -
How long will the process take?
Juvenile cases can vary in duration, so ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to last and what factors might affect the timeline. -
Will you personally handle my child’s case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle parts of the case. Make sure you know who will be managing the case and representing your child in court. -
What rights does my child have?
Ask the lawyer to explain your child’s legal rights, including their rights during police questioning, school disciplinary actions, and court proceedings.
How to Check the Credibility of a Juvenile Law Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable juvenile law lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice law and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for juvenile law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in juvenile law and have successfully handled cases similar to yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate in juvenile cases.
- Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on juvenile law matters.
- Check for certifications or memberships: Look for memberships in organizations like the National Juvenile Defender Center (NJDC) or certifications in juvenile law, which can indicate a lawyer’s dedication to representing minors.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a juvenile law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Court documents: Bring any legal documents related to your child’s case, such as summons, complaints, or court orders.
- School records: Provide any relevant school records, including disciplinary reports, attendance records, and communications from school officials.
- CPS or investigation reports: If your case involves child welfare, bring any reports or documentation from CPS or other investigating agencies.
- Timeline of events: Prepare a detailed timeline of events related to your child’s legal issue, including interactions with authorities or school officials.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions about the legal process, your child’s rights, and potential outcomes for the case.
Being well-prepared will help the lawyer assess your child’s situation more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice tailored to your needs.
