Lawyers map
>1,297k
experienced lawyers
Thank you for your service. You are the best lawyer I have ever hired.
Different
review sites
review sites
>7
Filter by
03 Sep, 2024 by Melissa benson
I came to Carrie and her Lawfirm two years ago they were referred along with another Attorney.. an incredible TEAM, extremely knowledgeable straightforward answered any questions very educational. I am so very glad that they were recommended. I would highly highly recommend Carrie and her TEAM !!!
Read more
19 Jul, 2024 by Fusion 1 communications
Carrie is everything as advertised. She actually puts in time and effort to get to know you and shows true sympathy toward her clients. Great people skills and even better knowledge of the law. Highly recommended!
Read more
20 Feb, 2024 by Xavier roldan
Carrie is the best and go above and beyond. Thank you for helping me. Very professional and take care of business. I rest easy because Carrie is a great lawyer.🙏🏼
Read more
02 Oct, 2024 by Andrea
Peter is an amazing lawyer! Not only is he highly skilled and knowledgeable, but he is also incredibly kind and understanding. His guidance and expertise made a huge difference, and hiring him was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Peter truly is a blessing, and I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of legal representation.
Read more
14 Aug, 2024 by Erick
Peter got a child endangerment charge completely dropped and a past DUI warrant and 2 other charges. He’s great and easy to talk to and work with. I recommend 100% to anyone
Read more
19 Feb, 2025 by Alberto benítez
Dana Grimes is the best!
Read more
03 Feb, 2025 by Lauren marie
Do NOT Use this firm theyve scammed me upwards of $10,000 by collecting the money and have not done a single thing and they don’t communicate for months upon months read the other reviews as well. They do the same thing to others I was promised so much and they have not done a single thing. My lawyer didn’t even show up to my court date and said he sent somebody else. I have my life endangered and he was supposed to help me get a restraining order. It has been two months since he has gotten back to me. I have had Sean as my lawyer for a year and he has only lost me everything with no communication.
Read more
16 Dec, 2024 by Morad fareed
25 Jan, 2025 by Dori vanderlaan
Give us incorrect information told my husband he could get up to a 1/3 good time if he took the deal but it was only 10% good time which is a big difference And we asked to make sure he could see our girls when he was in and never told us that regardless of whether that’s put in the J and S DOC gets to do whatever they want and so now he has not got to see our girls at all… Should’ve went with a public defender
Read more
28 Oct, 2024 by Austa
Wonderful people. I called to ask a few questions about a DWLS, and the lady I spoke to was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. I made my partner save the phone number in case she decides to continue her bad driving streak. They will have our money if we need them.
- edit, I think her name was Heather. Thank you!!
Read more
13 Aug, 2024 by Jeffrey aldan
I couldn’t be more pleased with the way Michael Clark and his incredible team handled my case. From start to finish, he made the process smooth and stress-free, allowing me to place full trust in his expertise. He was meticulous in detailing every step of the procedure, ensuring I was well-informed and comfortable with the direction we were taking. His commitment to my well-being extended beyond the legal aspects—he helped me find the right answers to my physical concerns and guided me toward appropriate medical treatment for my injuries. His promptness in returning my calls and addressing any questions I had was truly reassuring. I’m extremely satisfied with the outcome and highly recommend his services to anyone seeking a dedicated, kind hearted and knowledgeable attorney.
Read more
10 Jan, 2025 by Sacci
Mr. Cross you did a fantastic job you were very clear on the entire process and what needed to get where we wanted the deal to get to. A great negotiator and honestly a stand up gentleman with knowledge that's impressive with case law and the process of court proceedings. Mr. Cross was very patient however very informative on how to navigate this case. He keeps in contact on a regular basis and will even give some encouragement on your well being, sobriety and goals you may have set. In court he shows no signs of nervousness and pays attention to detail. If I could recommend any lawyer I have personally dealt with in my past I would recommend Mr. Cross before even some of the ridiculously priced lawyers. Mr. Cross can get the same results as a high priced lawyer for half the cost. When it comes to your life and freedom, picking and attorney can be stressful. Mr. Cross will help you and he will be 100% honest on what needs to be done to reach an outcome you are comfortable with. Thank you Mr. Cross it has been a pleasure working with you and I am very proud of the effort you put into my case. Means a lot
J
Read more
19 Aug, 2024 by Erin jones
Extremely professional and effective law firm. Christina was constantly talking to me about the case and any updates that she had. She was able to reduce my case from an original deal of 3 months incarcerated to 45 days of house arrest due to the research she did on me and her ability to show the court the ways in which I have vastly changed since the beginning of my case. Would recommend to anyone that is going through something similar.
Read more
16 Aug, 2024 by Linda gallegos
Thay updated me every part of the way and made sure I was aware of every out come that could of came from the care I wood go with them over most
Read more
06 Feb, 2025 by Frandy aguiar
Scott took my case and brought it to a fair resolution. At all times he was available and patient with my questions and concerns. I definitely recommend him!
Read more
31 Jan, 2025 by Skye cleans
I can’t say enough great things about Scott! From start to finish, he fought for me every step of the way and never left my side throughout the entire process. His dedication, knowledge, and commitment made a stressful situation so much easier to navigate. He truly cares about his clients and goes above and beyond to ensure the best possible outcome. If you’re looking for a workers’ comp attorney who will stand by you and fight for your rights, Scott is the one to call. Highly recommend!
Read more
19 Aug, 2024 by Laurie
Mr Gordon was hired for a traffic violation. With his knowledge, he has been able to lessen my charge. He made it easy for me. thank you so much for your guidance.
Read more
03 Jan, 2025 by Jisela robles
Mr. Morris worked with me since day one!
Explained everything step by step and let’s not forget to mention everything was done in about 2 months!
Forever grateful to have had Mr Morris!
Will definitely be contacting him in the future!
110% Recommend!
Read more
19 Dec, 2024 by John i
Mac Morris is the real deal. Earlier this year, I was dealing with a misdemeanor case here in Collin County. After researching many attorneys, I found Mac Morris, and decided to go with him. I'm very glad I did. He was very professional, thorough, and it was apparent from the very beginning that he cares about his clients. On my birthday, I got an email that my charge had been dismissed.
Aside from just court proceedings, Mr. Morris went above and beyond for me. He helped me make the right decisions in my life to become a better person and grow from this experience.
God bless you, Attorney Mac! Thank you for everything you've done to help me. The world needs more like you!
Read more
09 Dec, 2024 by Derrick bethune
Great representation! They kept me informed on all developments.
Read more
31 Jan, 2025 by Reverend dr. anthony kladitis
17 Jan, 2025 by Tyler fleetion
When you're In a pinch need help go here
Read more
10 Dec, 2024 by Corey taylor flowers
Rhys is a down to earth and well informed lawyer. He helped me to win my custody case appeal after losing the initial trial. I have recommended Rhys to handle situations to friends because I know he will handle them with precision and tenacity. Thank you, Rhys. Winning that appeal makes everything right with my world... that cloud that was over my head is finally gone.
Read more
17 Jun, 2024 by Jessica steele
I interviewed 13 lawyers before choosing Neal Simon to handle my divorce, and I'm very glad I did. He is very experienced, knowledgeable, respectful, and honest. He knows how to effectively de-escalate a situation, or bring down the hammer if needed. He would answer my questions thoroughly, and made sure I understood his recommendations at every step. I felt confident he was always looking out for my best interests, and would quickly take care of difficult issues as they arose. I would highly recommend him to anyone.
Read more
04 Jun, 2024 by Kyle caulfield
Neal was my second lawyer in my divorce. The different between Neal and my first lawyer was night and day. Instantly my case got back on track, negotiations with my ex happened and were agreed to. On top of this, Neal was there for me personally as I asked many, many questions. I felt secure in a time of my life where I was at my lowest. He is a very honest lawyer and will tell you what you need to hear; no over promises, no grand statements. In fact, he has told me a few times that something wasn't worth going after.
Later in life I was remarried and Neal helped me with those nuptial agreements. He handled them professionally and with haste.
I am thankful and lucky to find Neal. If you need help navigating the tricky divorce path Neal will be there for you.
Read more
19 May, 2024 by Daphne quigley
Brilliant guy and Lawyer. Very honest and works hard for his clients.
Read more
5.0
2 Reviews
4.6
42 Reviews
03 Jun, 2024 by Fhallon ware-gilmore
During my tenure as a graduate student, I found myself navigating various life priorities when I encountered a major car injury. Amidst juggling academic commitments and personal responsibilities, the injuries sustained required extensive follow-up, further complicating an already challenging situation. Neither I nor the individual who collided with me were residents of Pennsylvania, adding layers of complexity to the case.
I had the pleasure of working closely with Oliva and Kimberely at the time, but the entire staff has been helpful. The attorneys at this firm demonstrated exceptional prowess in securing resources from other states to support my case. Their efforts resulted in a higher insurance payout for my car, which was pivotal given the gravity of the incident. Throughout this tumultuous period, their approachable demeanor and clear communication were indispensable. They understood the urgency of my situation and made every effort to expedite the case.
Navigating through the aftermath of the accident, including managing injuries, finding a new car, and handling legal proceedings, felt overwhelming at times. However, the attorneys provided unwavering support, guiding me through each step with professionalism and empathy.
While the timeline extended beyond expectations, their steadfast commitment never faltered. I am profoundly grateful for their assistance during one of the most challenging periods of my life and wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone facing similar circumstances.
My heartfelt thanks to the entire team for their exceptional work and unwavering support.
Read more
15 Dec, 2023 by Rebecca kiehl
Our experience with Adam Wolfe and his staff at Shollenberger, Januzzi, and Wolfe was phenomenal. My husband's motorcycle accident was just one of many issues our family has been dealing with these past several years. Knowing that Adam and his team were handling our case gave us peace of mind in an otherwise turbulent period. Their knowledge, professionalism, and communication are top notch!
Read more
03 Oct, 2023 by Ivan robinson
The staff at the firm was professional, courteous, and knowledgeable. Adam gave time and attention to every detail surrounding my case. I would strongly recommend this firm.
Read more
5.0
19 Reviews
4.1
14 Reviews
15 Sep, 2024 by Christina
I was indicted on 1st degree murder. Adam had previously been my lawyer for a separate charge. I called him and he took the case. He fought for a year on my behalf, and kept me and my family updated along the way. He did not buckle under the pressure the prosecution was applying, even when they told him that if I didn't accept their deal they would pick up all 4 charges and take me to trial on them . (3 1st dg. Felonies, 1 misdemeanor) He got the 1st dg. Murder charge dropped, the other charges were let go, and I did not have to go to prison for life. He is a life saver.
Read more
12 Sep, 2024 by Antonio
I don't know you guys, I called you about someone threw your address sign in my grass at my apartment. If you don't want it please let me know. I've already called your office and spoke to a woman and that's as far as it went. Let me know.
Read more
20 May, 2024 by Lacey glover
They literally never answer their phones or sms. law must be a hobby and not a career. They represented my fiance and rarely responded to me, and then i attempted to rehire them, because they are already familiar with the case, and we need paperwork handled to lower his sentence, Ive been calling for 3 days, and still no response. Just lazy. I think ill stick to New York lawyers. I wouldn’t recommend.
Read more
08 Jun, 2023 by Karen
This attorney did all and more of what he was meant to do. Grateful to him!
He got him time served. Thank you greatly. Very kind man.
Read more
30 Aug, 2018 by Hector
I hired Mr. Dedecker for a dependency court case and the odds were really stacked against me. He fought really hard and secured my innocence despite the county counsel being against me. He took my case and he was optimistic about it from the start. He really cares and it shows. First he was incredibly knowledgeable. From the first conversation I had with him until the last he was able to successfully explain to me the process of my legal problem and what he was going to do to help me. He was very responsive to all my calls and questions and enthusiastic each time I spoke with him. I was shocked that he answered his phone on a weekend and was willing to talk to me! I definitely needed a lot of support during my difficult time and he was able to put me at ease. If you want an attorney that cares to listen to your concerns and helps you understand the system. I would recommend you hire Mr. Dedecker.
If you find yourself or your family faced with allegations by social services, YOU MUST HIRE A GOOD ATTORNEY! Do not make the mistake of thinking that just because you are innocent things will “sort itself out”. I would whole heartily recommend Mr. Dedecker to anyone facing a dependency case involving a minor. He was an integral part in helping us get my son back and my wife. We will always be forever grateful. I wouldn't hesitate to hire Mr. Dedecker
Read more
07 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Barney and his staff were amazing. They always return calls and/or emails and their knowledge made me very confident in the outcome of my matter which leads me to the outcome, I was more than pleased!!
Read more
17 Apr, 2017 by Hank
I had Mr. Bettencourt assist me responding to a demand letter and my rights as a citizen to be heard on an issue of public concern. He truly impressed me with his intellect, legal knowledge, and timely action. His written response was succinct, fact based, firm, and professional. His actions left me feeling the matter was in the best of hands. He carefully read through my supporting documentation; accurately assessed the situation and then some; and appreciated my point of view and concerns. Mr. Bettencourt went further and guided me to on-line reference materials that helped me understand what was happening. Mr. Bettencourt is a cut-above attorney.
Read more
10 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
I was involved in a traffic accident and Les was the lawyer who won my case. He was attentive and knowledgeable about what our possibilities were with the law. This was my first time ever dealing with the legal system and he went above and beyond to help me understand everything about the legal process as well. Thank you for your help Les!
Read more
18 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
I Highly recommend, Dean N. White. He did an outstanding job representing me, He put a lot of time and effort into my case. I was very happy with the outcome. There's very few lawyers you can trust and he is one of them.
Read more
30 Apr, 2014 by Eric
This recommendation and review is a over a year past due. I hired Donny and his partner Karen for my criminal assault case. I could have not been more pleased. They took the time to gather all the information from me, the police, doctors, and any other applicable sources to build a strong case.
At no time in the process did they ever set an unrealistic expectations. Donny and Karen were always there for me and very responsive to any question I had. They carefully explained the risks and rewards of taking a plea deal vs. going to trial. When the time came to make a decision of whether we take a plea deal or go to trial, I felt confindent with they would represent me will in trial. And the did just that. They made sure the jury was not swayed by testimony or evidence the DA felt would win them they case. They used facts and presented a clear picture and timeline for my case. This resulted in a Not Guilty verdict. I will be forever pleased with the work they did for me.
Read more
16 Aug, 2024 by Sam
James and Jody treat you like family and I can’t say enough great things about them. They took care of my case and I was cleared of all charges.
Read more
06 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
I found him on the internet, and I decided to give him a call. During our first conversation on the phone, he told me what he would do for me. After my first visit at his office, he guided me through. Afterwards, he kept me updated regularly up until the day of the court hearing.
Read more
06 Oct, 2024 by Todd l
I found myself in an unforeseen and upsetting situation that was very foreign to me, and I needed legal help quickly. I did some reviews with assistance from my brother who is an attorney, and reached out to David Golden. He was highly recommended having been in the community practicing for years. David made it a priority to see me right away. He was empathetic, extremely professional and knowledgeable and made me feel better immediately. He was also a straight shooter and did not set any false expectations. During the process, David's wonderful assistant, Jessica, kept me updated every step of the way. They are truly very special with what they do! Thankfully, we had a positive outcome. I would highly recommend David to anyone who needs expert legal professional advice and representation.
Read more
12 Jan, 2023 by Tim murphy
01 Oct, 2022 by Arthur krevitz
20 Jun, 2021 by John armon
David is extremely unethical, malicious and vindictive. He cannot be trusted due to his unethical behavior. Because of his lack of legal ethics, he has destroyed my sister's life. Be very wary and cautious of Dave Zellis. I have paperwork and evidence to back this up.
I recommend avoiding Zellis Law.
Read more
14 Apr, 2024 by Korey taylor
10 Feb, 2024 by Michael lamm
Great family attorneys
Read more
10 Dec, 2023 by Belinda johnson
16 Jan, 2025 by Annie andrews
Jessica Baldwin is a seasoned trial attorney who I would trust with any complex litigation. She has a long career trying cases to verdict and achieves excellent results for her clients. Jessica is well respected by her colleagues which helps in negotiations, and she is also a salt of the Earth human being so clients love her as well. You can trust Jessica to advocate for you and explore every creative option to amicably resolve your charge(s).
Read more
06 Dec, 2024 by Lazaro diaz
Very professional did a great job always answered all my questions and got me great results in my case
Read more
06 Dec, 2024 by Gwen hudson-durham
He is a very great attorney. He listens and he goes over and beyond to make sure you get the best results when representing his clients.
Read more
16 Nov, 2024 by Adolf gibbs
Highly recommend. Compassion throughut the office which is important,when life brings in the un-expected .Had my case DISMISSED!
Read more
23 Oct, 2024 by Doug morrison
Her staff was attentive and quick with responding to any of my questions. Very nice and easy to work with. She got my charges dropped to a minimum.
Read more
01 Oct, 2024 by Carol lafollette
It starts with Ms Michelle and is always helping from start to finish. I am very happy with how they conduct business .
Read more
18 Jun, 2024 by Rafael hulme
Having no experience in this field at all, I was pretty terrified when I was shown to be at fault for a car accident. The entire team was excellent gave me a lot of information helped me to remain calm, and on the day of Katy in particular went way above and beyond the call of duty to help facilitate me reaching the courthouse on time. I was very impressed on every level with this operation.
Oh, and they significantly reduced the amount of trouble I was going to get into! Well worth the retainer.
Read more
24 Feb, 2024 by Kevin
Thank you for all of your help and support, you are all amazing. After what has been the toughest period of my life I feel fortunate to have found you. Carrie, you are great and I appreciate you so much. Not only did you help me through my case, but you saved me from bad representation; thank you. For anyone looking for help from a top notch legal team that can be trusted, I highly recommend Rodger Daley and Associates. They are skilled attorneys, and unlike some others out there, they will not bilk you.
Read more
23 Feb, 2024 by Lee
Kerry Lego was great through the whole process. She is very knowledgeable in everything divorce/court related. I will be recommending her to anyone I know needing this type of assistance. The whole staff has customer service in mind and always get back to you in a timely manner!
Read more
16 Jun, 2024 by Grantj
My issue didn't actually make it into the courtroom, I needed someone to advocate for me from a position of having experience with the law. And I needed someone to negotiate for me, who was not emotionally attached to a situation and would be much more capable than me maintaining a level head while speaking on my behalf. Which are definitely qualities that a good criminal defense attorney should have. Mr DeMarco has what could best be described as a bulldog attitude concerning litigation. Aggressive, determined, and possessive of a personality that is charismatic, but carries an air of menace. which is thankfully directed towards his opponents on your behalf. His partner at the time Jorma Cavaleri was also quite skilled. Very deep thinking, verbose, and jovial. They actually complimented each other quite well as a team. At least personality-wise as I've said my matter never made it into a courtroom. Just the same they did manage to secure victory for me. And if you are considering hiring him as an attorney, you could definitely do far worse. And considering the amount of potentially displayed when I met him 12 years ago I'm sure he's done nothing but improved tremendously since then.
You would do yourself a disservice by not at least contacting him about a consultation.
Read more
15 Aug, 2023 by Maggie
My husband was facing 7+ years in prison, Alex worked tremendously hard on his case. Alex advised us on resources to use like a phycological evaluation, classes, chemical dependency evaluations, etc. This was a very scary situation that we were in and with Alex's hard work and determination my husband went from 7+ years in prison to a plea deal with up to 7 years of probation. I cannot thank Alex enough for everything that he did for us. If you are looking for help and guidance you cannot go to a better person than Alex.
Read more
04 Apr, 2023 by Duncan ryan
Smart and to the point, plus not greedy, happy when found her.
Read more
08 Dec, 2024 by Troy turnipseed
They r the best 👌
Read more
05 Dec, 2024 by Artist evans
This man represented me in 2015 and did an awesome job. He kept his promise and kept me from going to jail. Mr Rodney, I’m forever grateful for you and your service.
Read more
04 Dec, 2024 by Anthony okoko
"I want to express my deepest gratitude to Jeremy Elderidge for his exceptional representation in my recent case. I was facing a charge of driving on a suspended license, but Jeremy's thorough preparation, keen legal insights, and persuasive arguments in court led to a not guilty verdict. His dedication, responsiveness, and compassion throughout the process made a difficult situation much more manageable. I wholeheartedly recommend Jeremy to anyone seeking top-notch legal representation."
Read more
4.7
15 Reviews
5.0
7 Reviews
25 Jan, 2025 by Marie torres
We love Mr Harris he was very professional and polite . Answer all my questions for my son case and told us the truth and broke down the process. He’s a very good lawyer highly recommended him
Read more
14 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
I Hired Chris Several Years ago before the Pandemic for $500 for a Violation of Probation Charge and He Told Me I would only have to do 2 days. What A LIAR He Was!!! I had to do 3 Days, Harris and Harris Doesn't even have an Office anymore!!! I Would Have Only Got 7 Days to do and Could have kept my money!!! Beware of Criminal Lawyers!!!!!!!
Read more
01 Mar, 2024 by Hector castellanos
Mr. Harris stepped up to the plate and won our case by working with the truth. His excellent discernment and striving with high efficacy to focus on the real issues pointed us into the right direction to work with him. The result was bringing someone flying under the radar get exposed to the extent the law will not allow him to continue. It has brought our peace and mental health back to normal levels, being happy, before the problem started. Well worth the money to say the least. Chris Harris will make this happen!
Read more
09 Jan, 2025 by Rich woods
I have had the privilege of dealing with Kirby twice. That should say enough. If you want someone genuine and very transparent look for Kirby at SEE YOU AT THE TOP Law firm.
Read more
23 Dec, 2024 by Yael osher martinez
Thank you so much for helping settle my case! I really appreciate it and just in time for Christmas!!
Read more
11 Dec, 2024 by Fernando moyron
Absolutely phenomenal people. Very knowledgeable. They really helped me out of a tough spot. 100% recommend.
Read more
Find by
State
- Texas
- Ohio
- Tennessee
- California
- Florida
- Arizona
- Washington
- Nebraska
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Georgia
- Maryland
- Pennsylvania
- North Carolina
- Michigan
- Massachusetts
- Missouri
- New York
- Alabama
- Virginia
- Iowa
- Minnesota
- Oregon
- Wisconsin
- New Jersey
- Connecticut
- Utah
- Indiana
- Kansas
- South Carolina
- Louisiana
- Arkansas
- Kentucky
- District of Columbia
- Nevada
- Oklahoma
- Mississippi
- Maine
- Rhode Island
- West Virginia
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Wyoming
- Alaska
- North Dakota
- New Hampshire
- Montana
- New Mexico
- South Dakota
- Hawaii
- Vermont
Find by
City
-
Houston
-
Columbus
-
Dallas
-
San Antonio
-
Phoenix
-
Austin
-
Omaha
-
Nashville
-
Cleveland
-
Cincinnati
-
Seattle
-
Knoxville
-
Denver
-
Tucson
-
Dayton
-
Fort Worth
-
Lincoln
-
Akron
-
Monterey Park
-
El Paso
-
Chicago
-
San Diego
-
Mesa
-
Memphis
-
Los Angeles
-
Toledo
-
Edinburg
-
Orlando
-
Tacoma
-
Baltimore
-
Tampa
-
Minneapolis
-
Portland
-
Sacramento
-
Washington
-
Olympia
-
Spokane
-
Hamilton
-
San Francisco
-
New York
-
Colorado Springs
-
Fort Lauderdale
-
Franklin
-
Murfreesboro
-
Salt Lake City
-
Philadelphia
-
Scottsdale
-
Jacksonville
-
Chattanooga
-
McKinney
-
Miami
-
Rockville
-
Clarksville
-
Conroe
-
Des Moines
-
San Jose
-
Denton
-
Las Vegas
-
Oakland
-
Richmond
-
Lubbock
-
Atlanta
-
Boston
-
Charlotte
-
Elyria
-
Indianapolis
-
Raleigh
-
Everett
-
Fairfax
-
Laredo
-
Amarillo
-
Canton
-
Saint Louis
-
Youngstown
-
Georgetown
-
McAllen
-
Plano
-
Vancouver
-
West Palm Beach
-
Bryan
-
Kansas City
-
Lima
-
Pittsburgh
-
Sugar Land
-
Tyler
-
Waco
-
Zanesville
-
Beaumont
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 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:
-
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.
