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18 Jul, 2022 by Bilal
17 Jul, 2022 by Roy jones
16 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Heather was excellent in handling complicated post-divorce issues and resolved them by keeping my costs to a minimum. She understood things quickly and was methodical in her thinking. Communication was always prompt and follow up was great. If anything, when I didn't get back to her on time with information, she managed to work around it without sacrificing the merits of the case. Very professional and pleasant experience with great results!
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28 Aug, 2015 by Joseph
Heather was very knowledgeable and very engaged throughout the process. Her legal assistant was excellent as well. Communication was easy and always available. Heather did not sell me on any unrealistic outcomes, and I was satisfied with terms that were ultimately agreed upon.
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09 Oct, 2023 by Jade
Lisa was great to work with. She was raw and also empathetic and showed great care and compassion. I felt supported in what I thought was best for me and my family and she advocated for me when so many others wanted to see the not so best outcome for all 3 of my children/case. I can never thank Lisa enough for the time she put into my families cases.
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07 Nov, 2019 by Nali
I met her at SCSU Student Legal Services. I have no words to thank her for your wonderful support. She was very empathetic and fair. She will go out of her way to help you. Amazing and very lucky to have had her consultation which helped me resolve my issues in a timely manner
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14 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
No one ever wants to be placed into a situation where they need representation for a divorce, which is exactly where I found myself. I reached out to Kolby towards the busy new year weekend, but she still made time for me quickly and explained the process. My situation was further complicated being out of state, however, Kolby was very thorough, making a difficult situation as painless as possible. If you find yourself in need of a divorce attorney, I will always strongly recommend Kolby.
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22 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
Kolby is kind, personable, and great to work with. She is responsive and sent updates regularly throughout our case.
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26 Oct, 2020 by Connie dougherty
A great big thank you to Otterson Law, especially Tiffany! She is fierce! As with any adoption there are so many things that come up, obstacles, hurdles and just general aggravations. Tiffany let none of these things slow her down at all. She knows exactly how to navigate every situation, she knows the law better than many lawyers and judges and the bottom line is that she gets results! From what I witnessed, she is the very heartbeat of Otterson Law, she is the one that keeps the wheels greased and things running smoothly. Our adoption is now complete and we couldn't be happier ! Thank you Otterson Law! God Bless You , Tiffany and tell your boss to give you a big fat raise!!! We love you!
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01 Oct, 2020 by Trevor brookwell
Otterson Law office handled the adoptions of my niece and nephew in Alaska. They did a great job addressing all of the concerns and making sure that things were handled well. I am glad to have my niece and nephew in our family thanks to them.
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19 Mar, 2018 by Trystan
It has been several years now since our adoption went through, but our memories of working with Elise are still as strong as ever. She worked tirelessly on our case, which was a complicated one. She somehow managed to sift through all of our emotional responses to family court and elaborate tracking systems to soothe us and find the details that would come to make the difference between winning our case or languishing in the probate system. She was truly dedicated and tireless in supporting our family through emergency guardianship, permanent guardianship, and finally-- permanent adoption. We are an LGBT family and she never showed any bias towards us whatsoever; on the contrary, she approached us with kindness, care, and compassion. We would recommend her to anyone needing assistance with their family law case!
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09 Jul, 2015 by Nereida ammari
I was referred to Ms. Greenberg by an attorney while cold calling because I needed an attorney the following day.Having just been served to appear the next day, I was frazzled, worn out and terrified. Ms. Greenberg walked me through the process, had an associate appear for me in court despite the last minute hiring, advised me as to how to appear, and was crucial to my winning. She turned my lost, defeated self into someone who looked confident, competent and together for court. She held my hand when I didn't believe I could get through it. I am grateful I was referred to her.
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03 Feb, 2023 by Larry s
Back when John Middleton helped me there wasn't anyway to write "reviews" and when I ran across this I decided to do so. Without going into details of how when & where John Middleton was a blessing. He did what he said he would do and it was a benefit to me forever. I had occasion to have a need for other attorneys - in fact approximately 7 - in various other matters and of them John Middleton & 1 other did as they represented and no games, no nonsense and above all he represented ME and never cut deals for his benefit with the opposing side regardless. That is a huge "plus" to look for in any attorney.
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05 Nov, 2019 by Phyllis lucca
he gave me back my life i was wrongly charged with animal abuse with out mr middleton i could have lost my business ,witch i love working with animals , not to mention going to jail. he made the court see i was not guilty
i will always be grateful to him. THANK YOU
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20 Feb, 2019 by Bryant
I hired Ryan McEachern and his partner Navid Noorparvar 2 years ago for a difficult custody issue. They were honest with me about the difficulty in winning our case but still had a strategy for maximizing my chances. They were responsive, intelligent, prepared, knowledgeable, and the advocates I needed to protect my rights.
They helped me achieve the positive result I desired despite the odds against me. I have worked with them multiple times now and EVERY time we’ve been to court they have achieved positive results and will continue to utilize their services again should the situation arise. They truly care about their clients and their cases. I am truly grateful for their expertise as they have enabled me to protect the most important person in my life, my son.
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08 Jun, 2012 by Rubi
After 3 years of being left in the dark by other attorneys, I finally found a trustworthy one. Ryan kept me informed and up to date on everything regarding my case and was able to provide me with the peace of mind I needed. Completely professional and thorough, I would definitely recommend Ryan and his staff to anyone in need of a good lawyer.
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23 Jan, 2016 by Sheila bonbright
So nice to find a lawyer who works hard, doesn't over charge and wins your case flawlessly above and beyond your expectations. He isn't just my lawyer he is now a friend I am blessed to have. He is always reachable and always supportive no matter what the time.
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21 Dec, 2013 by Robert prevett
Just before the turn of the century Mr. LemMon represented me on a couple of cases I would have sworn there was no chance of me winning. Mr. LemMon came through with both wins. One was a traffic case and one a criminal. But both could have landed me in the gray-bar hotel for sometime. He believed in me, came up with a couple out of the box defenses that were winning ones. I would recommend him to anyone, for anything. If the case can be won he will win.
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22 Jan, 2015 by Cami
I cannot say enough positive things. Lynda made sure that the appropriate expectations were always set; I was given realistic options so that I could make an informed decision. I was so grateful for the consistent communication. I always knew what was happening and where I stood. For me, that was very empowering, it genuinely alleviated any of my stress and anxiety.
It was an absolute pleasure to work with Vescio Law Firm. What a privilege to know that Lynda Vescio had my back during this process; what an amazing feeling of trust she brought to me.
What Lynda gave to me was the emotional strength and empowerment knowing that I can move forward with confidence. It's the best compliment I can give.
Simply put, if you want a great attorney, then you want Lynda Vescio.
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19 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
I cannot describe how grateful I am that I found Lynda! Facing a truly daunting court case, I knew I needed a truly competent attorney. I interviewed several attorneys in the Phoenix area, and after only a few minutes I knew Lynda Vescio was the representation I needed. Due to Lynda's ability, the legal case was settled months ahead of what I was told to expect by the other attorneys, and in my favor! Not only that, but she traveled to meet us for the original consult, unlike the others, and in the end the fees for the entire case ended up being very nearly what she predicted. The billing was succinct and very fair. When we spoke with other attorneys about who we chose for representation, they were unanimous in praising her, and assuring us we chose well indeed.
My husband and I find it strange singing the praises of an attorney, but if this will help someone else gain competent representation, so much the better!
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16 Jan, 2013 by Robert
Bridget is the best in the business! Recently she handled my grandmothers will and trust. my grandmother is 91 years old, so it was not an easy case. Bridget came to the house, assess the situation, and was very straightforward honest and knowledgeable. Best of all her heart is bigger than her house! And after it was all said and done, The follow-up was amazing. Stayed in constant contact with me and my grandmother throughout the whole process.
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01 Nov, 2010 by Mary jane
Bridget Walsh Hutchen has represented my family and me several times, always with a positive outcome. She evidences skill, empathy, knowledge, and perseverance. I was cited for speeding in a school zone, an offense that could have resulted in the loss of my license for six months. Bridget was effective in getting my offense reduced to just speeding so that I could receive court supervision. She seemed to be well known to court officials who treated her with great respect. On another occasion Bridget represented my family after painters contaminated our home with lead dust forcing us to vacate our home for two months and incur huge cleaning expenses. She helped us to deal with the painters' insurance company who initially seemed sympathetic. When they started to ignore us, she kept at them. Finally, she helped us decide when it was time to file suit. They paid us the thousands we deserved immediately. If Bridget had not effectively represented us, I don't think we would have seen a nickel. My husband is also a lawyer, and he joins me in highly recommending Bridget Walsh Hutchen.
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28 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
We hired Tim for completing our will and other legal documents. He was very clear in his explanation of the legal terms and answered all our questions/concerns. His recommendations were helpful in making our final decision. We will definitely consult him for any future legal needs. Thank you Tim!
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22 Apr, 2010 by Mr & mrs.ladak
I had hired Timothy Straus in Dec 2009 as my Immigration attorney, He was very helpful and always kept us inform regarding our case. My family member recommended him to my husband & I and we are glad we went to the right lawyer.
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26 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
All I can say is she was a blessing! I thank God that I got a referral to Ms. Brown. She was wonderful!
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01 Jun, 2012 by Anonymous
Very professional and very knowledgeable and she made me feel very a little at ease during a very bad time.
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21 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
amazing, she was so professional and even though the other attorney was unprofessional she never stooped to their level. She was factual and won my case for me even when it got complicated she stood by my side and I will always be so grateful for her.
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17 Dec, 2012 by Shannon
wonderful, i was a domestic violence case she was great compashionate caring and always on point the best divorce and custody attn ive ever had
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18 Mar, 2019 by Jackie
I had walked into court with no lawyer for my divorce. I had consulted with the lawyer of the day and luckily Will was in office too. He got me true the day and then I hired him for my divorce. He made everything so easy. He helped with all my paper work step-by -step and explained everything I needed to know. We made it without having to go to trial. I was very happy with the outcome of my divorce.
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15 Mar, 2019 by Jacqueline
I consulted with William Marmion on a number of education and school issues. He is a helpful, informed and skilled lawyer and he is a powerhouse of an educator and professional.
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04 Aug, 2016 by Joshua pedrick
After dealing with a nightmare situation from my previous lawyer Nick took on my case. He was professional, responsive and my case was resolved quickly once he was on it.
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25 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Nick was very attentive in all matters related to my interests and thoroughly analyzed each decision, explaining the pros and cons and always recommended the best course of action. I appreciated his consideration for my time while "on the clock" and was always efficient in completing case work and then detailing the steps ahead, as I was always well prepared and never had any bad surprises along the way. The staff is friendly and very helpful.
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28 Mar, 2015 by Danielle g
Mr. Rodriguez's belief in the constitution gives him the motivation to work diligently for his clients. He not only loves the law he loves the fight.
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27 Mar, 2015 by Jonathan rooker
Adam has been a superstar of criminal defense since he started. A real hard worker with excellent abilities and skills.
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25 Sep, 2019 by Raphael lopez
I’m a truck driver and she represented me on a traffic ticket in CLANTON AL and she did a great job! Super happy! Goddess everyone
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11 Feb, 2018 by Faith
Mrs Adkins is a very good attorney. She represented for a legal matter. She was very thorough and very professional. Eventhough it was alot of evidence she presented she never got deterred. She interview various witness w my case. I would highly recommend her. I assume prices may vary based on certain criteria. But overall she is very meticulous.
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18 Aug, 2014 by Huey
I got in to a fight with a man and I beat the xsit out of him. The DA wants to send me to prison for 11 years ridiculous. Through Matt's help, I was only stayed in Jail for 2 days. So you understand the difference. Matt is always on time and prepared. He is strong in front of Judge and he makes his points and the judge had to agree with. He really get along with everyone involved with the case and all my friends likes him. I communicate with Matt during court sessions and we successfully caught the fake evidences the witness brought to court and the judge loved what we did we could tell.
Before the last court session, Matt wrote a 9 pages long description of my life to the judge and that really helped too. He is definitely a great professional lawyer and he deserves what he got paid for!
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23 Apr, 2008 by Anonymous
In my experience with attorneys, Matt has been the best I've ever encountered. His experience combined with strategical genius was extremely impressive. He was very dedicated to my case and worked tremendously hard to be the most well prepared lawyer at every meeting and appearance. Without a doubt he is amongst the best available and worth his rate.
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27 Aug, 2015 by George
I came to Mr. Gentry after having been referred to him by some of his peers. Mr. Gentry is a very wise older man, with a great deal of experience. I was charged with a misdemeanor crime, and through his contacts and negotiation, he got me a deal with the DA that was just as good as a dismissal. I would recommend him to anyone.
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04 Mar, 2011 by Tort reform advocate
Its hard to find a good lawyer, I have wasted thousands over the years. Let me tell you why I believe Mr Gentry is the best in town. I had a warrant filed against me for renting a piece of equipment they said i never returned. I called 9 lawyers and they all told me the same thing. That my ONLY OPTION was to go turn myself in at the jail and pay bail($600) and then they could help me once it goes to court. I had a perfectly clean record and couldn't believe it so I kept calling. Mr. Gentry took care of the problem over the phone with minimal effort. Not to mention all the taxpayers dollars he saved by not sending me to court.
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23 Jun, 2015 by Shasha
This lawyer helped to resolve a case that was a burden on me for a long time. He handled & disposed of a complicated matter that was a burden for literally years in a matter of approximately a month. Not only that, but he was focused thorough & precise. This lawyer gave me my peace of mind back again & I was content with his results.
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14 Aug, 2012 by Melissa
I had an employment issue that Attorney Ward handled promptly and with an excellent result, negotiating a severance package that exceeded my expectations.
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01 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
I had the privilege of working with Colon Rosa Law. I cannot express my gratitude enough for the outstanding service and support I received during this challenging time. After a disheartening experience with my previous attorney, I am incredibly grateful to have found Colon Rosa Law, who has completely restored my faith in the legal profession. This law firm is a true gem, and I cannot recommend their services highly enough.
In stark contrast to my prior experience, where communication was sporadic and I was left in the dark, Colon Rosa Law established a seamless and transparent line of communication. Colon promptly returned my calls and emails, keeping me informed about the progress of my case and patiently explaining the complex legal jargon.
From the initial consultation until the final settlement, Colon displayed an exceptional level of professionalism, expertise, and empathy. Colon’s extensive knowledge of family law was evident throughout the entire process. Colon Rosa Law provided clear and concise explanations of the legal aspects, ensuring I understood every step along the way.
One of the most remarkable qualities of Iliana Colon is her ability to listen attentively. She genuinely cared about my concerns, fears, and objectives, allowing them to tailor her approach specifically to my needs. Colon’s compassionate nature and ability to provide emotional support during such a difficult period were truly invaluable.
Iliana Colon’s meticulous preparation, exceptional legal skills, and unwavering dedication truly made a difference. I wholeheartedly recommend Colon Rosa Law to anyone seeking a competent, compassionate, and results-oriented Family lawyer.
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03 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Colon is great and promising lawyer. She keeps things straight and clear and most importantly doesn't lie to the clients. She was very honest with me. She kept great communication during the DV case. She was very well informed about the case unlike the opposition attorney who was unfamiliar and was just shooting arrows in dark, wasting time. I strongly recommend her to anyone in need of a best and affordable attorney. Thanks again Colon! for being so supportive.
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30 Dec, 2019 by Rebecca
They are good lawyer they are helping me with everything in my case i would referral him to anyone who needs a lawyer..thank you so very much
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15 Sep, 2013 by Andrew
Richard has handled 4-6 legal matters for me, one of a serious and protracted nature. He certainly cares for his clients and ethically pursues the best possible outcome, but is unafraid to throw down the gloves and fight when necessary. He kept me well-informed, I understood all may options and he received my input thoughtfully. His background as a professional engineer and a long-time businessman with an MBA, gives him a well-roundedness that is not always seen among lawyers. Finally, having learned the specifics of his so-called "disciplinary record," what Richard did was 100% commendable because he gave a voice to a juvenile client who was counting on him and whom no one else would help. He was the only one in "the system" to reach this young man and he put his client's rights above a judge's bogus order. Well done, Richard!
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06 Nov, 2020 by Courtney
I don’t think I can put into words how forward yet compassionate Stacey is, I am so thankful for Stacey and everyone at her office! It took a bit to get in to see her as she was not available right away but I can see why. She is so thorough, responsive and made me feel as though I was her only client. Stacey really came as a beacon of hope to my family. Not only was she able to represent me in court with a powerful argument and statement (Like you see in the movies) but she also presented motions to strike things In the case that were untrue, and yes, the motions were without a doubt granted by the judge. This same person has a calm and empathetic demeanor. She offered emotional support to myself and those I care about most. My children and I will be forever grateful for the compassion and understanding we felt from Stacey. We wanted to feel heard and that’s exactly what we got!
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28 Feb, 2019 by Robert
Attorney Stacey Montgomery was a breath of fresh air. I hired her to help me with a family law issue that was going sideways. She took my calls and returned them promptly, answering all my questions honestly whether I wanted to hear it or not. She negotiated on my behalf and got me a result I never expected. I highly recommend our former DA as a private practice attorney. She is amazing. Thank you Stacey.
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27 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
I am delighted to provide a high recommendation for Attorney Lindsay Coleman. From our very first meeting, it was evident that Lindsay is a sheer professional with a deep understanding of the law and a genuine dedication to clients. She navigated my case with skill and precision, always keeping me informed and involved at every step of the process.
One of the standout qualities of working with Lindsay is her exceptional communication and honesty. She ensured I felt confident and well-prepared throughout. Her responsiveness and availability were also greatly appreciated; I never felt left in the dark or unsure about the direction of my case.
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07 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
In 2014, I drove from New York to visit Chicago, for my sons Navy recruit graduation. Well, to make a long story short, I got into a small vehicle accident in which I received from the police 3 moving violation tickets. Anyhow, the tickets required me to come back to Chicago for a court date. This would inconvenience me, in many ways. So, I found Linsay B. Coleman's name from a long list of attorneys and decided to give her a call. She honestly delivered what she promised. All 3 tickets
were cleared and my record was restored. Thank you Linsay B. Coleman ,for your help.
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29 Apr, 2022 by Eric empson
Answer my questions and referred me. Tried to help but actually talk to me in person
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09 Dec, 2018 by Krystyna
28 Oct, 2023 by Larry thompson
15 Jun, 2022 by Sabrina moreno
22 Mar, 2016 by Steve and janet
Our son was wrongfully arrested for an OUI while boating on Lake Havasu. After interviewing four other law firms that all told us it would be easily pleaded down we decided to hire Steve Eckhardt who told us the TRUTH that it is not easy in Arizona to get a DUI reduced, let alone dismissed. We were very concerned as our son was finishing his degree and if found guilty it would be devastating for his career. Steve took his time and was very thorough in reviewing all aspects of our case. He argued and proved in court that our son's 4th amendment rights were violated and there was no reasonable suspicion for the arrest and in fact the officers had violated their own departments guldelines. Watching Steve in court was very impressive. The judge agreed with his argument and the case was dismissed! We feel had we hired any other attorney this would not be the outcome.
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11 Mar, 2016 by Richard
Mr Eckart handled my case in a calm professional manner and was attentive to my personal well being in a time of significant stress. He laid out a strategy for my defense and kept me informed every step of the way. When the original settlement offer was made he asked the prosecutor to review the case paying close attention to specific details. The prosecutor did the review and then declined to proceed. The case was dismissed due to the personal and professional attention by Mr Eckhart
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21 Jan, 2021 by Alba
Amazing lawyer, super smart, knows what he is doing. He goes to the extent and beyond for his clients to have a fair and justifiable case. Always helping, specially the youth. Thanks to him I have no record.
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19 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
Jack worked dilligently to help my case be dismissed with the courts. After a few months of courts, he worked his magic and got me off with no charges at all. I would 10,000% recommend jack o donnell to any one.
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01 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Marc represented me in a complex appeals case. He knew the law, was able to quickly and thoroughly analyze the case. He did this on a pro bono basis. Unfortunately, because of the negligence, fraud, and deceit of the previous attorneys handling the appeal, he was not able to move forward due to time limits on filings.
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03 Dec, 2010 by Anonymous
Mr. Zilversmit got my conviction reversed, and after it went back to the trial court he got the case dismissed. Even though I was innocent, I lost faith in the justice system, but Mr. Zilversmit restored my faith. He reviewed my transcripts and found errors that the Judge made that my trial attorney didn't even know about. He is amazing.
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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:
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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.
