Michael Donn Hooper, experienced Criminal Defense attorney in Atlantic, IA with 3 reviews
Lawyer credibility
rating system
LCRS
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
Average 35,09
Is this your profile? Claim it for free in just a few minutes!

Michael Donn Hooper

5 W 7th St, Atlantic, IA

Practices

star star star star star
5.0 / 5
Avvo
5.0
info
Avvo rating
3 Reviews
Data reflects the status as of the latest update. Updates are typically done monthly.

License

License ID number: -

Licensed in: -

Year admitted: -

Last reviews

See All Reviews
Overall rating
star
star star star star star
5.0 3 reviews
Avvo 5.0

Tiffany

star star star star star
09 Feb, 2021
Best possible outcome. Id recommend him. Trustworthy and fights for his clients.
Read more Avvo

Steph

star star star star star
10 Feb, 2020
He was amazing! He was honest with possible outcomes and put his whole heart into it! I love him, his passion, his drive and his foundation and ethics in life. Priorities are top of the line and honestly nobody better!
Read more Avvo

Michael green

star star star star star
04 Jul, 2014
I hired michael to help a friend he did a very good job got them a good deal and got alot of things dropped if my friend had been a better client he could of got them off completely I would give him a call he is a very friendly guy easy to talk to and he knows what he is doing dont go to court with out a lawyer if your freedom is at stake.not only does he know the law but he usally knows what they are going to give you for fines or jail time
Read more Avvo

Best lawyers in Atlantic, IA

See more
Robert James Engler, experienced Criminal Defense, Family Law attorney in Atlantic, IA with 3 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
16,44
star star star star star
3.6/5
Avvo
3.6
3 Reviews
star star star star star
31 Dec, 2020 by C young
I contacted Robert for representation on an unemployment case. Throughout the entire process I found him to be knowledgeable of unemployment law, and able to answer all my questions and concerns. I would recommend him to anyone going through the process and in need of help.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
27 Jun, 2018 by Liz
I contacted Robert in 2016 to help me appeal my SSD claim. He came recommended from a neighbor and sounded like he would care at first. I have been following up with him for the past two years, to no avail. He is super slow to return my messages, if he does at all ,whether they be emails or calls. When he finally called me the other day, after three weeks had gone by, he blatently lied to me. I took it upon myself to "double check" Robert's claims that he was "working on it" - and called SSD and found out that after his name was added to my "file"" at SSA admin. That not a thing had been done on his part to help me. SSA said that NO activity had been done on his part!! None! So basically I've spent the last two years trusting his word that he was "ON It", what a bunch of BS. My faith in attorneys is blown, this man needs to be disbarred if this is his "way" of helping people such as myself. Now, I'm told that I need to start all over again.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
21 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
I have had difficulty getting representation on my social security disability matter for years. Mr. Engler agreed to represent me and was very nice to work with. He fought hard to help me. I finally was able to get my benefits. He has an awesome staff and I was able to talk to him anytime I had questions.
Read more Avvo
See more
Andrew J. Knuth, experienced Litigation attorney in Atlantic, IA with 2 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
13,69
star star star star star
3.0/5
Avvo
3.0
2 Reviews
star star star star star
21 Jun, 2019 by Greg
The above review is invalid as the reviewer was not the person who hired Andrew Knuth in the case it is referring to as I, the petitioner, hired him. Andrew Knuth was hired to cover a very difficult and complicated custody case almost a year and a half ago after firing a different lawyer who did not fight for my child when the respondent lost our child to DHS and I was given primary custody. Andrew Knuth was very open about what would be expected during the court hearings and was prompt at letting me know what was going on. We were granted Concurrent Jurisdiction. Heartbreakingly, during the district hearing the courts believed the respondent despite the truth, facts, and medical evidence provided by Andrew and myself. Andrew worked hard and did his absolute best in my case even though the outcome was not what was desired. I wish this part of the state of Iowa were more father friendly. I would recommend him to others.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
19 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
We came across Mr Knuth awhile back when my cases were first fresh. Mr Knuth knew that one of the professionals involved in the investigation was represented at an earlier date by Mr Knuth. Normally this would be a conflict of interest, however Mr Knuth decided to try and use this to his advantage. During the course of the case, Mr Knuth would file motion after motion, nothing with any weight behind it, just opinion. During the trial Mr Knuth really seemed like he was overwhelmed and not ready, despite pushing for an earlier trial date. He had only 3 witnesses called, and 2 pieces of evidence, on a case that had been open for more than 2 years. The witnesses were not credible in the fact that they were either related to the petitioner or represented by Mr Knuth at one time or another. In the final order, the judge even called it out and said he still had yet to file 3 pieces of evidence he said he would file. After which he did. I believe he went into the case under prepared and over confident and not only ended up losing but also having the judge go In favor of the respondent.
Read more Avvo
See more
Theodore Robert Wonio, experienced  attorney in Atlantic, IA with 3 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,61
star star star star star
1.0/5
Avvo
1.0
3 Reviews
star star star star star
31 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
In my experience Theodore, on almost every court appearance for my case he would either wait until the day before, or even hours before on the day of the appearance to prepare for court. He has on more than one occasion misplaced documents, emails, and faxes blaming his secretary. He would make eccentric statements about evidence he would present in court during my meetings with him, and then sit silent in court, and not follow up with any evidence he had previously claimed would be so important. He would make appointments to meet with me and either would be excessively late, or not show at all blaming his children, daycare, or school.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
19 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Wonio is a very unprofessional lawyer when I first met with him I was in jail and I sat there nearly a month before he even came to see me then when I got released and set up a meeting at his office I walk in and his shoes are kicked off and his feet kicked up on the desk Theodore has no respect forhis clients or his staff me and Wonio discussed that he needed to request for my text messages to be pulled off my phone back in November of 2018 it is now almost November 2019 and he still has not done any thing to get those text to prove I'm innocent he also tell his clients incompetent his secretaries are and how they don't know to do there job I would never recommend this man for any serious case seems to me he's just in it for a check and not to help his clients WORST LAWYER I HAVE EVER HAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
19 Dec, 2017 by Zachary
This lawayer was hired to handle my father's estate. During first meeting with him he informed us of a client he was representing and played a message he received from that client. At that moment I knew that his ethics, character, and honesty were very low. As we neared the closing of the estate, hehad made a mistake, it's honesty questioned, that ended with both my brother and I left each with an $ 11,000 tax liability with the IRS which he himself did not correct. My brother and I were left to clear his mistake on our own. I have paid in around 4000$ since 2011. I have had my tax returns taken, my privilege to register a vehicle, my wages garnished, my bank account levied, not to mention all the time and money it took for me to clear up Theodore wonios mistake. It took 6 years to resolve this matter that he caused and refused to correct. My life has been put on hold for 6 years because of this lawyer. I lost my home, my vehicle, and almost everything I owned trying to just barely survive. It has only been two weeks of December 2017 that I have had the chance to make a life for myself. He has yet to be held accountable for this.
Read more Avvo
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers

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 Atlantic, Iowa?

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.
Scroll to top