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24 Aug, 2024 by Paa ph
Team was very thorough and prompt. Even when unexpected issues arose (not their fault) they quickly informed us of the situation and acted promptly to provide guidance how to properly resolve them.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Judith
29 Jul, 2024 by Summerstar g
Okay so let me start off by saying first and foremost Scott Bentley is truly truly the Bentley of all lawyers. From the very very beginning when I caught my case over 3 years ago Scott has been there the entire time. He truly cares about his clients and actually takes the time to make sure he's prepared for all the court dates. He also has a great rapport in the courts and with the judges etc and is very well respected. He truly goes that extra mile. And like I said we fought this case for 3 years and then after the outcome I was arrested and he came to see me in jail and was at all the court days and appeared on a 977 multiple times. My case was extremely extremely complicated and very in-depth. I really don't know what I would have done without him. He is not only a great person in general but he's also very encouraging and positive. I really can't think him enough and I'm here to tell you that if you need a lawyer Scott is the best and you won't be disappointed. So please don't make the mistake of hiring somebody else because I don't think there's any other lawyer like Scott Bentley.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Marcelino basilio
Estoy agradecido con Ridley Defense y el apoyo de Tal koyman por averme ayudado en mi defensa por un DUI fueron muy atentos y presenciales entodas las áreas respecto a información de como y van solucionado mi caso yo los recomiendo mucho por que gracias al trabajo que asen son muy responsables en solucionar absolutamente todo y puedo decir que gracias a todo su apoyo solucione mi caso .
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10 Sep, 2024 by Romel
05 Sep, 2024 by Qsergio123
805 legal team helped me out getting my license thanks for the helping hand
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19 Sep, 2024 by A lee
Look no further! David Lehr's Law team is THE ONE you've been looking for! It is a breeze talking with anyone from the office at any time. I spoke with Tanner many times whom was very knowledgeable and always available. I did speak with Mr. Lehr which I realized immediately he CARES and is here for all the right reasons! All these other reviews here don't lie. I will keep David Lehr's Law group saved on my phone for a lifetime. Thanks Again Tanner & David.
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13 Apr, 2024 by Juan alvarez
Had something troubling me so called and spoke to someone who said they would return my call when an attorney was available. Since it was the weekend I was expecting to receive a call Monday or after but not even 5 minutes later my call was returned. Spoke about my situation and agreed to meet me in less than 30 minutes. Went above and beyond to address all my concerns. If I were to ever get into any legal issues they would be my first call.
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02 Jan, 2024 by Eddie lopez
16 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Ricky helped liaise with local law enforcement over a child custody dispute matter. He was clear in explaining possible legal outcomes in our initial intake call, and expedited queries to law enforcement once I retained his services. In particular, I found that there was a need outside of traditional family law services in my custody issue that Ricky and his team helped address; addressing law enforcement’s response to child custody hand-offs, disputes with a co-parent that could involve municipal services…there was not a lot of clarity from our local jurisdiction when I tried to personally find out case status and outcome, and eliciting responses from my city and law enforcement was much easier (and faster) using Ricky and his team. Ricky and his legal team were transparent on cost, and he sought to make himself available to me even after working hours. I would absolutely turn to Ricky again.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Kenny a
My husband and I recently updated our Living Trust and Iva was professional and knowledgeable. She answered all our questions promptly, made excellent suggestions, and shared her wisdom throughout this experience.
We encourage everyone to prepare for the future with the guidance of a professional like Iva.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Ricky did everything possible to help me clear errors in my criminal record, after I won my case in court but inaccurate information remained on background checks. He did everything from correcting local court information, to having the DOJ correct an inaccurate conviction on my Live Scan, to sealing my arrest record. I went to him to help clear my background check, and he succeeded in doing everything I hoped he would be able to do. I highly recommend him!
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05 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
The circumstances of my case were such that they required a minor level of effort to approach the nuances of the situation. From my conversations with other Santa Barbara lawyers, in my first case he could have pushed for a better decision through increased communication and effort with the District Attorney. When I received a DUI, a more serious offense than my first charge, he was misleading in his role as an attorney. I did the required programs through Zona Seca and participated actively in all activities as dictated by the Santa Barbara Superior Court. After all of that, I was told by the DMV that I had to spend another 16 months at Zona Seca before I could get my license despite legal decisions surrounding my case. Pearlman was non-responsive on multiple occasions even after I had become aware of this information. When I finally got in contact with him, he informed me that I had no options other than to take the non-legally dictated decision of another 16 months at Zona Seca. In that same vein, he offered no legal advice nor action to approach or alter the decision, which was eventually determined to be a simple clerical error. Through other local Santa Barbara attorneys, I was luckily able to get the legal support I deserved. They were able to draft me a writ certiorari for a nominal price and worked to ensure I had my license back within a few months. The lack of Pearlman's willingness to help rectify my situation was remarkable. Had I not worked with other great attorneys in Santa Barbara, I would have been under the impression that I had no other options and was hopeless in responding the inadequacies of the DMV. If you have any nuances or complex components to your DUI, I would highly advise you continue to do your research and look elsewhere for consultation.
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28 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
I can't express how grateful I feel to have hired Mr. Pearlman. He is an extremely experienced and thoughtful attorney. Moreover, I believe his long experience and reputation with the DA's office was critical to my success.
I was arrested for suspected DUI and multiple substance related charges. I was expecting the worst as this wasn't my first offense. In the end he got the multiple counts down to one possession charge leading to an informal probation which is so much better than I was expecting. I paid him a single very reasonable fee (not going to trial) and I always felt that I was getting a service consistently worth every penny I paid. I can't say that of other lawyers that have represented me at all. In fact, he kept to our contract without charging more even though the case unexpectedly dragged on for more than a year (solely due to the red-tape of the county).
I could tell that he really cared about my case and his office gave me the personal attention and time that I needed. He answered all my questions very promptly and professionally. Moreover, his office and administrative staff were just as helpful, polite and kind. They always dealt with any issues, paper work, court dates or appearances in a quick, detailed and professional manner.
I thought my career, life, license and professional certification were all going to be over & ruined. Instead, because I followed his advice and instructions, I'm getting a second chance and learning a serious lesson. I would 100% recommend Mr. Pearlman first for any criminal defense needs.
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12 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
I contacted Mr. Pearlman due to being arrested after I was assaulted. I had no prior record and was the victim in this case looking at felony assault charges on myself and the other party. Mr. Pearlman assured the case would get dropped because of circumstances that I was the victim and assured me he knew people in D.A. Office to help expedite this matter. I gave him the retainer fee and signed paperwork. The day of my trial he was late and did not show on time before the judge to address my case. The case was dropped none of which was addressed by Mr. Pearlman to the courts. I emailed Mr. Pearlman that he did not represent me in court like he said, nor did he make any kind of reasonable attempt to discuss getting this arrest taken off my record like we discussed during consultation. Mr.Pearlman wanted more money to discuss helping me get the arrest taken off my record, which I found out fromD.A. Office I could do on my own without a lawyer or fee needed. Mr. Pearlman had poor communication with me following retainer fee received and contract signed. His office assistant was the only professional in this whole situation. She was lovely. Thanks to Mr. Pearlman I now feel like I was victimized twice. Please consider many other lawyers that hold true to their word that will show up to your court date. A phone call to someone he may or may not have known was never verified nor did it help my case. Mr. Pearlman knew it would get dismissed and took my money anyway without making much effort.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Sex Crime Lawyer Can Do for You
A sex crime lawyer specializes in defending individuals accused of sexual offenses, which can include charges such as sexual assault, rape, indecent exposure, child pornography, solicitation, and other related crimes. Being charged with a sex crime carries severe legal and social consequences, including potential imprisonment, mandatory registration as a sex offender, fines, and long-term stigma. A sex crime lawyer has the expertise to navigate the complex legal system, protect your rights, and develop a strategic defense to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
When Should I Hire a Sex Crime Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a sex crime lawyer immediately if:
- You are under investigation: If law enforcement contacts you for questioning or you become aware that you are a suspect in a sex crime investigation, it's crucial to seek legal representation before speaking with authorities.
- You have been arrested or charged: Promptly hiring a lawyer upon arrest or formal charges allows for early intervention in your case, which can be critical for your defense.
- Searches and seizures have occurred: If your property, such as your home or electronic devices, has been searched or seized in connection with a sex crime investigation, a lawyer can help protect your rights.
- You are facing related legal issues: If you're dealing with restraining orders, custody disputes, or other legal matters stemming from the allegations, a lawyer can provide comprehensive legal support.
What Does a Sex Crime Lawyer Do?
A sex crime lawyer provides a range of legal services to defend and support you throughout the legal process:
- Legal consultation and advice: They will explain the charges against you, outline your rights, and advise you on the best course of action.
- Case investigation: The lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and identifying inconsistencies or weaknesses in the prosecution's case.
- Defense strategy development: They will develop a tailored defense strategy, which may include challenging the credibility of evidence, disputing the legality of how evidence was obtained, or presenting alternative explanations.
- Negotiating with prosecutors: Your lawyer can negotiate plea bargains or reduced charges when appropriate, aiming to minimize potential penalties.
- Court representation: They will represent you in all court proceedings, including hearings, trials, and sentencing, advocating on your behalf.
- Protecting your rights: The lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process, including protection against unlawful searches, coerced confessions, or violations of due process.
- Post-trial assistance: If necessary, they can assist with appeals, sentence modifications, or matters related to sex offender registration.
How Are Sex Crime Lawyers Paid?
Sex crime lawyers typically charge for their services in one of the following ways:
- Hourly rate: Charging an hourly fee for the time spent working on your case. Rates can vary widely based on the lawyer's experience and location.
- Flat fee: A set amount that covers specific services or the entirety of your case, which can provide cost predictability.
- Retainer fee: An upfront payment from which the lawyer deducts hourly fees and expenses as they work on your case. You may need to replenish the retainer if it is exhausted.
- Payment plans: Some lawyers offer payment arrangements to make their services more affordable over time.
It's important to discuss payment structures and fees during your initial consultation to understand the financial commitment involved.
How Much Does a Sex Crime Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a sex crime lawyer depends on various factors, including the complexity of the case, the severity of the charges, and the lawyer's experience. General cost estimates are:
- Hourly rates: Typically range from $200 to $500 or more per hour.
- Flat fees: For less complex cases, flat fees might range from $5,000 to $25,000.
- Total costs: Complex cases involving extensive investigation or a trial can cost $25,000 to $100,000 or more.
- Additional costs: May include expert witness fees, investigative expenses, and court fees.
Always request a detailed fee agreement and discuss potential additional costs to avoid unexpected expenses.
Top Questions to Ask a Sex Crime Lawyer
-
What experience do you have handling sex crime cases similar to mine?
Ensure the lawyer has a strong background in defending against the specific charges you are facing. -
How do you charge for your services, and what are the estimated costs?
Understand the fee structure and get an estimate of the total cost involved. -
What potential outcomes can I expect for my case?
Ask for an honest assessment, including best-case and worst-case scenarios. -
What is your approach to defending sex crime charges?
Learn about the strategies they might employ and how they plan to handle your defense. -
How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
Establish expectations for updates and availability. -
What are the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
Understand the challenges you may face and how the lawyer plans to address them. -
How long do you expect the legal process to take?
Get an estimated timeline based on the specifics of your case.
How to Check the Credibility of a Sex Crime Lawyer
- Verify their license: Ensure the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with your state's bar association.
- Experience and specialization: Look for a lawyer who specializes in criminal defense with a focus on sex crime cases.
- Client reviews and testimonials: Research online reviews or ask for references to learn about other clients' experiences.
- Professional memberships: Membership in organizations like the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) can indicate a commitment to the field.
- Disciplinary record: Check for any past disciplinary actions or complaints filed against the lawyer.
- Consultation feedback: Use the initial consultation to assess their communication style, professionalism, and confidence in handling your case.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most of your initial meeting with a sex crime lawyer, bring the following:
- Detailed account of events: Write down everything you remember about the incident, including dates, times, locations, and any conversations.
-
Legal documents: Bring all documents related to your case, such as:
- Arrest records
- Charging documents
- Bail paperwork
- Search warrants
- Any correspondence from law enforcement or the court
- Witness information: Provide names and contact information of any potential witnesses who can support your defense.
- Evidence: Bring any physical evidence or records that may be relevant, such as emails, text messages, or social media interactions.
- List of questions: Prepare questions about your case, the legal process, and the lawyer's experience.
- Honesty: Be prepared to discuss all details openly and honestly; attorney-client privilege ensures confidentiality.
- Goals and objectives: Be clear about what you hope to achieve, whether it's dismissing charges, reducing penalties, or addressing registration as a sex offender.
By being thoroughly prepared, you enable the lawyer to assess your situation effectively and provide the best possible legal advice tailored to your case.
