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12 Jan, 2025 by Donaimee r
Would NEVER EVER recommend. Being our first time every needing a attorney and referred to her. Yea she in fact made our situation worse for our loved one and now have a reputable attorney who is saying she in fact screwed our loved one over by having them agree to certain things they never should have cause NO PROOF!! DO NOT USE UNLESS want worse case scenario for your loved one.
It won't let me leave 0 stars as she isn't even a one star in our families eyes.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Littlestar3311
Received advice, and I'm very grateful. Honest and trustworthy legal team here. Thank you for hearing me out and giving me an avenue when I called concerning my car. Appreciate the time you took to help me.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Jordan austin
I've been with denny for over 15 years he is honest and his loyalty is with you and will stand up for you when no one else will stand next to you 5 star lawyer's he built a generation of dedicated lawyer's I trust his sons just as I trust him... real lawyer's for real life problems Thank you to Sawan & Sawan
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09 Jan, 2025 by Anonymous
I thought from the beginning that my case was just to complicated . My son passed away a few yes ago .. I went from having custody to a botched court hearing with another attorney, which caused me to end up with visitation. Over the
following year things went well, that is until the moms boyfriend interfered and I ended up missing Months of seeing my sons children (my gkids whom I practically raised since they were born) .. So I went to look for Another Attorney. I found Michael Bryant and he put me at ease and promised that he’d get this taken care of .. which HE DID!!!
Michael understood everything from the start ! Was Bery knowledgeable , honest , trustworthy from the start . If you want an attorney with the Best Outcome I’d definitely hire him !! His whole staff is also great to work with .,
If I Ever need his services again I Definitely will give him a shout :)
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19 Dec, 2024 by Matthew
Michael was fantastic. Whenever I had questions, he was always sure to give me an answer. Whenever something new would come up, he had a way to navigate it. I never felt pressured in any scenario and he got me everything I needed or asked for.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Gina
Michael was my second attorney with a custody case my case lasted almost 2 years and was probably one of the worst experiences of my life. I did a lot of research to look for an attorney when my current one was not representing me And my daughter, the way I sold an attorney should. I consulted with Michael after reading reviews and hired him after the initial consultation. I will say Michael is very straightforward. He will tell you exactly how it is with no sugarcoating. He will probably make you mad because he pissed me off many many times but it was because he knows what he is talking about and he either, wanted to prepare me for what was coming or he knew the direction that I was going to was going to lead to a fail in my case. I was facing pretty much my daughters dad getting 50-50 custody with me and everything split down the middle that was looking at the best outcome and to me and my daughter that would be devastating. My daughters, dad and his attorney made me look like a monster, a dramatic, crazy monster. It was a horrible two years of him, badgering me, and trying to gaslight me in word, twisting and threats but somehow I look like the reasonable one and really thought that it was a possibility I could lose custody of my daughter ended up going to a trial that lasted a day and a half and end up I got full custody. I got full medical he does have visitations not 50% but not the one day week every other weekend. I am very happy with the outcome, my daughter‘s dad and his attorney whole case was how horrible , I am or Michael focused his whole case on what was best for my daughter what would be the best for her? Michael put my daughters interest, happiness, well-being and we won the case. I am very great full for Micheal and his staff for not only helping me through this difficult time and working hard to get me a good outcome, but for putting up with me for two years, I am not the easiest person to deal with I can be very dramatic, especially when it comes to my child. I really wouldn’t say that I had a downside to my experience with Michael and his team except maybe sometimes his staff would not respond to emails or phone calls as quickly as I would have liked them too, but I’m not the only client I Know that. For the trial, I feel like Michael prepared me very well. I thought he argued his case extremely well and the outcome shows that so if you were looking for custody divorce, any kind of family law I highly recommend Michael
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16 May, 2024 by Andrew price
Food was really good, good service and a clean place.
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07 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
I spoke with Amanda over the phone twice, once in 2020 and another time in 2021 for a consultation. During the first conversation, I didn't have any issues, it went how I would expect any consultation would go. The second time I spoke with her, she greatly discounted my situation and asked why I kept bringing up the issues I had with my wife, basically saying that since she wasn't a drug addict or alcoholic, I would get split custody with her and not to fight it. Fast forward two years and she was entirely wrong and I'm so glad that I didn't hire her. In my opinion she, didn't have the experience or understanding of the complicated situation I was in and thinks she's smarter than she really is. Hopefully she has the patience to take complicated cases like mine in the future and can learn from senior attorneys how to navigate through those cases as opposed to taking easier ones. In my opinion, there's plenty attorney's that can do just what she can do without charging you such high rates. Not impressed at all.
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24 May, 2023 by Diane russell
Margaret is so nice and very thorough. I have every confidence in her. She really knows how to get things done. I was very impressed by her and have referred multiple people to her.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Marcos ortiz
he is one of the best there in Toledo.....
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27 Aug, 2024 by John berry
Larry very helpful and great don't hesitate and call him great guy to work with
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01 Mar, 2024 by Chris
Gretchen was 100 percent on my side from the minute we met! I was wrongfully accused of 2 major felonies and could have been put in prison for a long time! Gretchen went above and beyond what a public defender would ever do! She stayed in contact with my family and friends to keep me updated while I was behind bars! She is awesome and when my charges were dismissed I felt the right of the world was off my shoulders she is excellent lawyer and I appreciate her hard work and I think she should get a medal for what she did for me!
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12 Jan, 2025 by Donaimee r
Would NEVER EVER recommend. Being our first time every needing a attorney and referred to her. Yea she in fact made our situation worse for our loved one and now have a reputable attorney who is saying she in fact screwed our loved one over by having them agree to certain things they never should have cause NO PROOF!! DO NOT USE UNLESS want worse case scenario for your loved one.
It won't let me leave 0 stars as she isn't even a one star in our families eyes.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Littlestar3311
Received advice, and I'm very grateful. Honest and trustworthy legal team here. Thank you for hearing me out and giving me an avenue when I called concerning my car. Appreciate the time you took to help me.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Jordan austin
I've been with denny for over 15 years he is honest and his loyalty is with you and will stand up for you when no one else will stand next to you 5 star lawyer's he built a generation of dedicated lawyer's I trust his sons just as I trust him... real lawyer's for real life problems Thank you to Sawan & Sawan
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12 Dec, 2024 by Martin hamernik
Yeah, I had some issues with my child support at one point in time and I had to use them. He gave me my retainer all the way back thank you, David.
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15 Oct, 2024 by De ke
09 Oct, 2024 by Walt s
Excellent communication and service! Very helpful and ready with the information I needed.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Karen is by far the best attorney in Toledo. She's extremely personable, knowledgeable. She isn't afraid to speak out on yout behalf and get things done. She did what 2 other attorneys told me was impossible to do. Don't ever second guess hiring her and she is worth every single penny.
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16 Aug, 2016 by Sandra beard
I had Karen settle my custody issues, she was professional and returned all my phone calls. Excellent lawyer. Its a difficult situation dealing with custody, but Karen reassured me that I had my rights and help me fight, won my case. Karen takes care of her clients and make sure they are prepared.
Thanks
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06 Jan, 2015 by Tara
I'm a colleague and former client of Karen. I'm a family law attorney who used her services in a custody matter. Of all the lawyers I work with daily, I chose Karen because of her reputation and from seeing her in action in the courtroom. She's given me a run for my money on more than one occasion! I was not disappointed in my choice. She settled the case quickly and was able to negotiate far more than what I expected. She's personable and very likable but will fight for you like no one else. HIGHLY recommended for your legal needs! A lawyer testimonial from another lawyer is quite uncommon so give this review extra merit. Thanks, Karen!
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22 Jan, 2010 by Margo
Attorney West -Estell was very helpful I live outside of Ohio and she confirmed her staus with IL so she could represent me. She has and still is very informative and professional, nothing she has done has failed, she honest, trust worthy and I would highly recommend her to anyone with family,forecloser, child support, or credit issues she's the BEST!
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09 Jan, 2014 by Sue
Easy to talk with, explained things clearly and fully. Made proactive suggestions and took actions to make sure that our bases are covered. She helped navigate an unfortunate situation with my teenage son. She spoke directly to him, was firm and clear, but also kind. She made sure he understood the consequences and what he needed to do in the future.
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18 Dec, 2012 by Toni
Mr. Anderson was very informed and able to get the answers I needed regarding my case in a timely manner. Throughout the case he was very professional and provided a strong supportive atmosphere especially concerning the nature of the business he was handling. I would strongly recommend him for services and will utilize him again if the need should arise.
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12 Jan, 2025 by Donaimee r
Would NEVER EVER recommend. Being our first time every needing a attorney and referred to her. Yea she in fact made our situation worse for our loved one and now have a reputable attorney who is saying she in fact screwed our loved one over by having them agree to certain things they never should have cause NO PROOF!! DO NOT USE UNLESS want worse case scenario for your loved one.
It won't let me leave 0 stars as she isn't even a one star in our families eyes.
Read more
09 Jan, 2025 by Littlestar3311
Received advice, and I'm very grateful. Honest and trustworthy legal team here. Thank you for hearing me out and giving me an avenue when I called concerning my car. Appreciate the time you took to help me.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Jordan austin
I've been with denny for over 15 years he is honest and his loyalty is with you and will stand up for you when no one else will stand next to you 5 star lawyer's he built a generation of dedicated lawyer's I trust his sons just as I trust him... real lawyer's for real life problems Thank you to Sawan & Sawan
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29 Dec, 2024 by Thundah
27 Dec, 2024 by Luna thornton
Incredible staff!!
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11 Dec, 2024 by Lynzie tansel
Great communication on updates and information and always staying on top of things really caring about the client
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21 Oct, 2024 by Jaclyn palmer
I chose the Kalniz firm, because my mother worked for one of its predecessor firms, decades ago. I met with attorney Epstein, last week, to review needed changes to my will, due to changes in my family circumstances, and I gave him written notes regarding the changes I wanted to make. The initial draft I received back from attorney Epstein had a section that was inconsistent with my notes and inconsistent with what I was trying to effectuate. I sent him a marked-up version of the draft, correcting that section, correcting one typo, and crossing out one word in another section that didn’t make sense to me, in context. I came in, today, to sign what I thought would be the final document. The problematic section had been partially revised, but it retained the word “neither,” where it should have said “either,” which was a meaningful difference. In addition, the one word I had crossed out in a different section had not been deleted. When I pointed those two items out to attorney Epstein, (which could have easily been addressed), he responded by telling me he was right and I was wrong, but that I should do whatever I wanted. When I asked him to explain, he told me the word I crossed out shouldn’t have been crossed out, because he meant for the reference to be there. When I tried to explain why I had crossed the word out, he reiterated that I was wrong, but should do whatever I wanted. I told him I was trying to understand and that it was unacceptable for him to just tell me that I’m wrong but to go ahead and do whatever I wanted. He told me he didn’t care what was unacceptable and that maybe I should take my will elsewhere to have it done. I told him I would. After today’s interaction, one thing I know, for certain, is that I came to the wrong place.
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11 Jan, 2023 by Roxanne collum-snider
I called and spoke with Mr. Kalnix. He was so nice and understanding. We will be picking up this week hopefully because of the holidays and my case is very odd so I understand how difficult it will be to start getting things going. I'm looking forward to working with him and his staff
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18 Sep, 2019 by Lisa blake
Strong advocate
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26 Sep, 2024 by Marcos ortiz
he is one of the best there in Toledo.....
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27 Aug, 2024 by John berry
Larry very helpful and great don't hesitate and call him great guy to work with
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01 Mar, 2024 by Chris
Gretchen was 100 percent on my side from the minute we met! I was wrongfully accused of 2 major felonies and could have been put in prison for a long time! Gretchen went above and beyond what a public defender would ever do! She stayed in contact with my family and friends to keep me updated while I was behind bars! She is awesome and when my charges were dismissed I felt the right of the world was off my shoulders she is excellent lawyer and I appreciate her hard work and I think she should get a medal for what she did for me!
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26 Sep, 2024 by Marcos ortiz
he is one of the best there in Toledo.....
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27 Aug, 2024 by John berry
Larry very helpful and great don't hesitate and call him great guy to work with
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01 Mar, 2024 by Chris
Gretchen was 100 percent on my side from the minute we met! I was wrongfully accused of 2 major felonies and could have been put in prison for a long time! Gretchen went above and beyond what a public defender would ever do! She stayed in contact with my family and friends to keep me updated while I was behind bars! She is awesome and when my charges were dismissed I felt the right of the world was off my shoulders she is excellent lawyer and I appreciate her hard work and I think she should get a medal for what she did for me!
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26 Sep, 2024 by Marcos ortiz
he is one of the best there in Toledo.....
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27 Aug, 2024 by John berry
Larry very helpful and great don't hesitate and call him great guy to work with
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01 Mar, 2024 by Chris
Gretchen was 100 percent on my side from the minute we met! I was wrongfully accused of 2 major felonies and could have been put in prison for a long time! Gretchen went above and beyond what a public defender would ever do! She stayed in contact with my family and friends to keep me updated while I was behind bars! She is awesome and when my charges were dismissed I felt the right of the world was off my shoulders she is excellent lawyer and I appreciate her hard work and I think she should get a medal for what she did for me!
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19 Dec, 2024 by Matt bowland
Michael was fantastic. Whenever I had questions, he was always sure to give me an answer. Whenever something new would come up, he had a way to navigate it. I never felt pressured in any scenario and he got me everything I needed or asked for.
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04 Nov, 2024 by Susan weaver
Everyone here was very helpful. Action taken was handles swiftly. I worked with Blanca Wheeler. She was great!! Took care of business and myself. I appreciate her kindness and business like manner. I had very good results because of her hard work.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Eddie tucker
Mr. Bruderly carries himself with such confidence and knowledge that it alone will help put you at ease. He’s honest and would never make something sound better than it is. I’ve dealt with many attorneys over the years, and one thing I can say for certain is that if I were ever to pursue such a profession, I would hope to be half as good as Kurt.
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26 Mar, 2024 by Shortleggs358
Great lawyer, listen to you, and get the job done. He is the best
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18 Mar, 2024 by Adam golday
18 Mar, 2024 by Aric salyers
A+++++
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03 May, 2024 by Drew hertzfeld
Chris is a nice guy and has always helped me out when I brought him tickets. I would recommend him to anyone.
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02 May, 2024 by Allyson alcorn
He was spot on with how the proceedings would go Everytime. Didn't charge an arm and leg and half my soul like all other attorneys I called. He really is the best.
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21 Feb, 2024 by Nate a
If Joe Biden was a lawyer. Public defender would have done more.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Curtis green
08 Jul, 2024 by Daniel gearing
I wouldn't use him again told me it would cost 5000$ to go to trial for full custody of my daughter . 2 court dates"1-2hr" and a hearing over phone"1 hr" settled for joint custody and all 5000$ is gone.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Jennifer eitniear
if your looking for the absolute best attorney , that is well renown in all courtrooms as well as highly favored by our judges and magistrates , you have found "The Best" in the area and arena...
remember though , you get what you pay for and really his retainers are on par with other attorneys with less experience, and not so favored in courtrooms.
do yourself a favor and retain this guy!
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10 Sep, 2023 by Amanda lancaster
Phil is my lawyer, and an amazing one. He always returns my calls and is very knowledgeable and patient with me in my lack of the law and dealing with the courts. Thank you again for all that you do for Ken and I
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03 Feb, 2022 by Kent diaz
You gonna get 100 years fw him
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28 Sep, 2021 by Zak elgamel
13 Jul, 2024 by Michael smith
Linda Jones is a very caring individual who won my disability case for me I'm extremely pleased with her services and I would highly recommend her.
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22 May, 2024 by Cheri fisher
04 May, 2024 by Jerry hackett
it was good 👍😊
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23 Oct, 2024 by J king
I called and left my number so someone could reach out. About 10 minutes ago someone called me back. She listened to 2 minutes of my situation and said we don't take employment cases very rudely and hung up. She wasn't willing to listen to my entire story. I guess that's what's available when you're broke.
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13 Sep, 2024 by T balla
THE WOMAN THAT AMSWER THE PHONE ARE COMPLETELY RUDE JUST KEPT TALKING OVER ME AND THE 1ST LADY HUNG THE PHONE UP ON ME I WILL GO THERE TO HANDLE MY BUSINESS YOU DONT LIKE YOUR JOB QUIT STOP BEING MISERABLE 💯
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14 Aug, 2024 by Tamela barringer
The legal aid lawyer ( Sarah) performance was unsatisfactory. She did not carefully examine the documentation and information shared with her via email. In court, she displayed inadequate preparation and initially seemed to represent me, but later switched allegiances. Had I known she would not provide adequate representation, I could have handled the matter personally, using the information at my disposal. The lawyer did not work in favor of my family's interests.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Morgan s
I was never married to my child's father, but pursuing a custody agreement through the courts proved to be the best approach. Working with Sarah was an exceptional experience. She is highly compassionate, knowledgeable, and genuinely dedicated to advocating for the rights and best interests of the child or children involved, while also providing tailored support based on individual circumstances.
Sarah communicates openly and provides constructive guidance, helping clients stay accountable when necessary. Her compassionate and non-judgmental approach is truly commendable.
Overall, my experience with her was outstanding, and I would not hesitate to use her again in the future.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Chuck hainy
Mr. Simpson is the best is not one of. He is clear concise and gets to the point. Definitely a no B S. kinda of atty and I'm glad he doesn't give off a feeling of him being better than his clients
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03 Jul, 2024 by Anthony c.
Mrs. Haberland went above and beyond to help me in a Child Support case. She was very honest and very professional and because of her expertise, everything came out fair and square the way it should have. I highly recommend her to anybody, especially your fathers out there who have struggled with an unbalanced system.
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12 Aug, 2021 by Desiree
This firm was a joke, started out with Attorny and was passed off to Patty. What was supposed to be a simple cut and dry average 10,000$ divorce turned into a circus show and 30,000$ dollars. When I try and negotiate a settlement that she said they would do, I am never given a settlement price option. Absolutely rediculous that I was even charged 30,000 dollars for a basic divorce to begin with!!
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07 Apr, 2020 by Sarah
I had a phone consultation with Patricia that was very helpful. I appreciated her knowledge of my situation, her sound guidance, and her timely reply to my call for advice.
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26 Mar, 2018 by Melyssa
Patricia Kurt is nothing less than a professional. She was very attentive to the uniqueness of my case. Would recommend her for any of your family court needs. She and her team did an excellent job keeping all things pertaining to my case organized and timely. Could not have asked for better representation!
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21 Feb, 2019 by Lisa
Top notch. I was in some serious trouble with a dui and Jonathan was awesome ! Highly recommend!
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28 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Recently hired Jonathan on a Criminal matter. He has excellent relationships with his peers and it showed in my case and in the courtroom. I was in real trouble and Jonathan negotiated a settlement above and beyond what I probably should have received. I would recommend him to everyone and would definitely use him again (although I hope I don’t have to!).
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15 Mar, 2018 by Ririthequeen_ ps4
19 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Hired Jerry for various cases. Bankruptcy was done, and very thorough. Other cases were handled well! He is down to earth and will tell you if you have a case or not. May not be what you want to hear, but he is honest and gives realistic expectations based on experience. Staff is very kind and will take time to answer your questions.
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07 May, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired Jerry for a child support matter which he could seem to get past the requirements of Juvenile Court to even have a hearing.
Jerry’s secretary should be the Attorney she does all the work, answers all the questions and runs the office as well. All Jerry does is appear in court and from what I heard is clueless in the courtroom.
A do not hire!
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23 Oct, 2024 by J king
I called and left my number so someone could reach out. About 10 minutes ago someone called me back. She listened to 2 minutes of my situation and said we don't take employment cases very rudely and hung up. She wasn't willing to listen to my entire story. I guess that's what's available when you're broke.
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13 Sep, 2024 by T balla
THE WOMAN THAT AMSWER THE PHONE ARE COMPLETELY RUDE JUST KEPT TALKING OVER ME AND THE 1ST LADY HUNG THE PHONE UP ON ME I WILL GO THERE TO HANDLE MY BUSINESS YOU DONT LIKE YOUR JOB QUIT STOP BEING MISERABLE 💯
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14 Aug, 2024 by Tamela barringer
The legal aid lawyer ( Sarah) performance was unsatisfactory. She did not carefully examine the documentation and information shared with her via email. In court, she displayed inadequate preparation and initially seemed to represent me, but later switched allegiances. Had I known she would not provide adequate representation, I could have handled the matter personally, using the information at my disposal. The lawyer did not work in favor of my family's interests.
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23 Oct, 2024 by J king
I called and left my number so someone could reach out. About 10 minutes ago someone called me back. She listened to 2 minutes of my situation and said we don't take employment cases very rudely and hung up. She wasn't willing to listen to my entire story. I guess that's what's available when you're broke.
Read more
13 Sep, 2024 by T balla
THE WOMAN THAT AMSWER THE PHONE ARE COMPLETELY RUDE JUST KEPT TALKING OVER ME AND THE 1ST LADY HUNG THE PHONE UP ON ME I WILL GO THERE TO HANDLE MY BUSINESS YOU DONT LIKE YOUR JOB QUIT STOP BEING MISERABLE 💯
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14 Aug, 2024 by Tamela barringer
The legal aid lawyer ( Sarah) performance was unsatisfactory. She did not carefully examine the documentation and information shared with her via email. In court, she displayed inadequate preparation and initially seemed to represent me, but later switched allegiances. Had I known she would not provide adequate representation, I could have handled the matter personally, using the information at my disposal. The lawyer did not work in favor of my family's interests.
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02 Jan, 2024 by Jessica powers
Absolutely the worst attorney I have ever had the misfortune of dealing with. Gerbitz represented my husband on charges that were dismissed due to lack of evidence and my husband being innocent. Subsequently Gerbitz advised my husband to plead guilty to a failure to appear on the dropped charges and lied to me and my husband telling us that if he pled guilty he would be given time served, three months he had been incarcerated and that my husband would be released that day. In reality my husband was sentenced to 13 months in a maximum security facility North Central Correctional center with the worst of the worst. Gerbitz was verbal abusive to my husband and family he was impossible to get in touch with. He never provided my husband or family with the motion of discovery. He screamed at my husband at court when asked if anyone promised you anything to take this plea. My husband didn't have a criminal history and is a hard worker and my families main provider. He was also his mother's caregiver and responsible for making any and all major and financial decisions. Without him we are most likely going to lose everything we have and his mother's health has substantially declined. I believe he should lose his license to practice law in Ohio due to his misconduct and deliberately lying to his clients and withholding necessary information. I absolutely believe he is corrupt and violated my husband's rights. Meanwhile my husband sits in prison and my family struggles and day by day we lose more and more and sink lower in to financial ruin and despair. There are no records in online searches of my husband's charge or sentence only the docket and notes stating the case was dismissed and no jail sentence was given. Why is my husband in prison? Something very wrong is going on here. I will get to the bottom of it. Gerbitz will be held accountable for his actions. He might have gotten away with this with others but he won't go without some type of investigation and repercussion regarding this case. I intend to see to it.
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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:
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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.
