Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
Pros
1
Provides personalized and compassionate service, making clients feel like more than "just another client"
“I never felt like 'just another client' and really just had peace of mind I had during our case knowing that he was in my corner.”
2
Demonstrates strong legal expertise and a track record of successful case outcomes
“He is compassionate and truly cares about his clients. His ability to pair his vast knowledge of the law with incredible intuition makes him a master of his craft.”
3
Maintains excellent communication and responsiveness, keeping clients informed and addressing their concerns promptly
“I was scared and needy; calling or visiting with questions, requests, or to verify court dates and times(recommended), and always got help ASAP.”
4
Fights tirelessly for his clients, going above and beyond to achieve the best possible outcome
“He took me from facing a MINIMUM of 25 YEARS in PRISON to NO JAIL TIME!”
Cons
1
Can be expensive, with some clients feeling that the fees are not justified by the service provided
“Yes, expensive…”
2
May withhold certain information from clients in order to maintain a tactical advantage, which some clients find concerning
“Holds cards close to chest and doesn't show his hand. (This means he doesn't tell you everything in order avoid leaks of vital information)”

All reviews

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05 May, 2021 by Brian
Mr. Griffith represented me in an assault and obstruction case. He made me feel comfortable and listened to when I went in for my consultation, and his staff was very friendly and accommodating as well. I never felt like "just another client" and really just had peace of mind I had during our case knowing that he was in my corner. Ultimately the charges were dropped outside of court, and Mr. Griffith personally called me to deliver the good news. I very highly recommend Michael J. Griffith to anyone seeking knowledgeable and aggressive legal representation.
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09 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
This man works miracles. If you're looking for an honest, straight forward, professional attorney who does what he says, doesn't sugar coat the truth, calls you back personally and makes you genuinely feel like you're in the right hands; you need to spend the money to retain Michael. Michael came to see me to discuss my case personally less than 48 hours after he was called. He told me the honest truth about my situation and my case and he was 100% accurate. He and Cheryl updated me on my case every time there was a change and only involved me when it was absolutely necessary. He LISTENED to what I had to say and actually cared. Michael told me at our first meeting that he would do everything he could to make sure that in a few years, I would look back at this as just a tough year and he did EXACTLY that. ***He took me from facing a MINIMUM of 25 YEARS in PRISON to NO JAIL TIME!*** If you want to save a few dollars and retain an attorney to tell you everything will be okay when they have no idea what will happen, then Michael isn't for you. If you need real help, can handle hearing the truth and need nothing short of a miracle, CALL MICHAEL J GRIFFITH NOW.
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21 Nov, 2020 by Galen
We had an uphill battle we couldn't compromise on, and needed a lawyer with maximum experience, network, skill, persistence, and availability. We researched dozens of local criminal defense lawyers, choosing the most promising to talk with in person. Mr. Griffith was high on the list with an extremely high peer rating and awards, and when making a consult appointment with him on the phone, he said "I hope you hire me." In person, he was personable and polite, not arrogantly or foolishly optimistic nor cynically defeatist. He was confident about his knowledge and if he didn't know something he'd find out without faking it. I was scared and needy; calling or visiting with questions, requests, or to verify court dates and times(recommended), and always got help ASAP. My case was ugly; child porn. Not guilty, but the accusation destroys lives and defense usually gives up or loses. We didn't. Of dozens of lawyers we researched and the ten we saw, I'm very glad we chose Mr Griffith.
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07 Jan, 2018 by William h
He charged me $3500 to defend me in what turned out to be a bench warrant. He said, "Yes, there is a warrant out for your arrest," which scared me to death. He saw this and marketed on it. I'm a law abiding guy who was physically struck by a car, not my car, ME. This made me angry, so I hit the car's bumper with a hammer. I ended up being the one in trouble, not the person on their cell phone who hit my body with their car. Basically, and in afterthought, Micheal Griffith laughed at my innocence, took advantage of my trust and vulnerability and did NOTHING to help me in any regard, simply walking me through the process and lying to me and intimidating me every time I questioned him. I told him that I'm not a very good victim because I tend to take my hits and move on. He said, and this is a quote, "you are the perfect victim." (I'd already paid him $3500 in advance.) Three times he said to me, "I hate the legal profession." The third time was when he lied to me about the "deal" he made with the prosecutor regarding my misdemeanor "crime." "Just sign the papers and I'll take care of everything." If this is the type of "defense" you want, then, by all means, hire him and pay him up front. You, too, will get everything he has to offer.
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04 May, 2017 by Heather
Mr. Griffith, Cheryl, and their entire team stood by me and fought for me during the two most difficult years of my life. He is compassionate and truly cares about his clients. His ability to pair his vast knowledge of the law with incredible intuition makes him a master of his craft. I will never be able to thank him enough for giving me my life back. If you find yourself in need of someone to fight for you and winning is the only option, Mr. Griffith is the one to call. Trust him, be patient, and don't get discouraged. It is difficult but he can and will make it happen.
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23 May, 2023 by Gina
My experience with the Penton Law Center has been very positive. My initial meeting with the firm was informative and not "pushy" at all. Christy takes a personal approach in all of her dealings regarding the sensitive topic of estate planning. She always responds quickly to my questions.
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23 Sep, 2020 by Tierra
My experience with Mrs. Christy was nothing short of amazing. She was able to resolve my legal issues in no time. She is also a resource for multiple things. There is nothing that I have asked her that she did not know. I highly recommend her services to ALL. Thank you again Mrs. Christy for everything.
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15 Sep, 2020 by Rey
Excellent lawyer! Hired for a debt collection that went way better than I could've imagined. Hired again for other legal help and has been an overall wonderful experience. I even contact her with non-related legal questions and she immediately gets back to me with answers. I found my lawyer for life! Thank you Christy!
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25 Sep, 2024 by Joe
If you're looking for an attorney you can trust to represent you in a matter that also keeps YOUR best interests in mind, I highly suggest Ryan Barnett. Ryan Barnett and Rebecca Bolling recently handled a case for me and I cannot say enough about their EXCELLENT communication skills, brutal honesty in potential scenarios that could play out, and client-first attitude. I felt fully informed throughout every step of the case, and every piece of advice evidenced they had my best interests at heart. You can trust Ryan Barnett when you need legal advice or representation!
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31 Jul, 2024 by Lauren
Ryan provided prompt, invaluable advice during a time of need. His advice and counsel provided guidance regarding a difficult situation and brought immediate relief. Highly recommend working with Ryan and his firm!
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28 Nov, 2022 by Jason blackmarr
Called in with a question and Tami was lightning fast to respond. Not only did she answer my question but she also was able to provide me with essential documents from years ago. 5 and a half stars!!! Thank you.
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star star star star star
26 Jul, 2019 by Creig speed
Very efficient process with extremely competent people.
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FAQs
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What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer?

Hiring the right lawyer is crucial for the success of your case. Here are some important questions to ask during your initial consultation:

  1. What experience do you have with cases similar to mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in the specific area of law pertaining to your case.
  2. How do you charge for your services, and what are the estimated costs?
    Understand the fee structure, including hourly rates, flat fees, retainer fees, and any additional expenses.
  3. Who will be handling my case?
    Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally or delegate tasks to other attorneys or paralegals.
  4. What is your approach to resolving cases like mine?
    Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
  5. What potential outcomes can I expect?
    While no lawyer can guarantee results, they can provide an assessment of possible scenarios based on their experience.
  6. How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
    Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times.
  7. What is the expected timeline for my case?
    Get an estimate of how long the process may take from start to finish.
  8. Do you have references from past clients?
    Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness.
  9. What challenges do you foresee in my case?
    Understanding potential obstacles helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations.
  10. Are there alternative ways to resolve my legal issue?
    Discuss options like mediation, arbitration, or settlement to resolve the issue efficiently.

Can a Lawyer Represent Me in Courts Outside of Pensacola, Florida?

Whether a lawyer can represent you in courts outside of your city or state depends on their licensure and the jurisdiction of the court:

  • Within the Same State:
    Lawyers licensed in a particular state can typically practice anywhere within that state, including all cities and counties. They can represent you in both state and federal courts located in that state.
  • Outside of Their Licensed State:
    If your case is in a different state, the lawyer must be licensed in that state to represent you. However, there are exceptions:
    • Pro Hac Vice Admission: An out-of-state lawyer can request special permission to represent a client in a specific case in another state. This requires filing a motion with the court and often working in conjunction with a local attorney.
    • Federal Courts: If your case is in federal court, a lawyer licensed in any state may be able to represent you, provided they are admitted to practice in that particular federal court.
  • International Representation:
    For cases outside the United States, different rules apply, and the lawyer may need to comply with the foreign country's legal requirements or collaborate with local counsel.

It's important to discuss your specific situation with the lawyer to determine if they can represent you in the desired jurisdiction and what steps may be necessary to do so.

How to Check the Credibility of a Lawyer

Before hiring a lawyer, it's crucial to verify their credibility and ensure they're qualified to handle your case:

  • Verify Their License:
    Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing. Most state bar websites have an online directory for this purpose.
  • Experience and Specialization:
    Ensure the lawyer specializes in the area of law relevant to your case. Review their website, professional profiles, and case history.
  • Disciplinary Record:
    Look up any history of disciplinary actions or complaints through the state bar association's records.
  • Client Reviews and Testimonials:
    Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, Google, or Yelp to gauge client satisfaction and experiences.
  • Professional Memberships:
    Membership in professional organizations or specialty bar associations can indicate a commitment to their field and adherence to high ethical standards.
  • Awards and Recognitions:
    Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation in the legal community.
  • Consultation Assessment:
    Use the initial consultation to evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and willingness to address your concerns.
  • Ask for References:
    A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients who can speak to their abilities and professionalism.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most of your initial meeting with a lawyer, come prepared with:

  • Relevant Documents:
    Bring all documents related to your case, such as:
    • Contracts or agreements
    • Correspondence (emails, letters, texts)
    • Legal notices or court papers
    • Financial records (if applicable)
    • Evidence (photos, videos, receipts)
  • Written Summary:
    Prepare a concise written summary of your situation, including key dates, events, and parties involved. This helps the lawyer quickly understand the context.
  • List of Questions:
    Write down any questions you have about your case, the legal process, fees, or the lawyer's experience.
  • Financial Information:
    If your case involves financial matters, bring relevant documents like pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, or invoices.
  • Contact Information:
    Provide details of any witnesses or other parties relevant to your case, including their names and contact information.
  • Personal Identification:
    Bring a valid photo ID for verification purposes.
  • Pen and Notebook:
    Take notes during the consultation to remember important points discussed.
  • Budget Constraints:
    Be ready to discuss your budget and any financial limitations so the lawyer can provide appropriate guidance on fees and payment options.
  • Openness and Honesty:
    Be prepared to discuss your case candidly. Full disclosure allows the lawyer to give accurate advice and anticipate potential challenges.
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