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Based on 16 reviews
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Posted by Terry, a DUI client, Flag
Bob represented me on a DUI charge in 2012. I was working with another lawyer and was not satisfied . I met with Bob and was very happy I made the change. He is .not cheap but he is good. He explored everything possible.He knows the law and is respected in the courts. Bob and my counselor met with court and arresting Officer. They were able to negotiate down to reckless driving and restricted down to 6 months. I was very happy with outcome. Bob will tell you like it is from the beginning and he will keep you informed. He will work for you and your rights under the law.
Posted by Andrew, a DUI client, Flag
I have used Bob Battle two times over the past 4 years and he "battled" to have the case dismissed in one instance, and the other reduced to Reckless Driving from a DUI- He is very seasoned in his profession and knows how the laws work- I would recommend Bob Battle to anyone who is facing DUI/DWI charges, as the penalties can not only be stiff, but expensive. Best money I ever spent being able to put away the legal issues after Bob Battle made them surrender!
Posted by Adam I., a DUI client, Flag
Excellent representation with outstanding results. Battle saved my career and flawlessly performed in the courtroom. I would definitely recommend Bob to anybody.
Posted by Terry, a DUI client, Flag
Bob is an outstanding negotiator. He performed in an excellent way in every area that he said he would and that I expected. He is impressive in working with prosecutors and in court. He has a friendly and straightforward professional approach and without a doubt represents his clients in the best possible manner. It is my goal to never require his services again, but, if for some reason I did, or if someone asked me for a recommendation, I would call or refer them to Bob instantly! I was extremely glad to have Bob Battle on my side. He helped me so much.
Posted by a DUI client, Flag
Mr. Battle did nothing more than a $150 an hour lawyer would do. Basically just go to counseling prior to the trial, obey what the court tells you to and you will save $5,000 and get the same results. I wish I would have represented myself looking back.
And I agree with the other person that posted, if you ask him about "what in the world and I paying for and what am I getting" He gets very defensive and is not professional.
Lawyer’s Comment:
Bob Battle on Ethics and Expectations
I do want to comment on the person saying I get “defensive” when asked what they are paying for and what they are getting when they hire me and that this is not “professional.” First any such conversations take place before the person has hired me and it is completely normal for a client to ask these types of questions. However, lawyers are one of the most highly regulated professions and the responses that I always give and I give multiple times in writing are completely professional and the only answers that any lawyer can honestly and ethically give to potential clients. On my website, www.BobBattleLaw.com, and in any advertising that I do to potential clients, I tell people that before they call me or any lawyer they should get a copy of my free consumer guide titled "How to Choose a DUI Lawyer in Virginia." I tell them it is critically important to look at the portion titled "10 questions you must ask any lawyer." Here is Question 10 with my response as written in the book:
“10) “What will be the final outcome of my case?”
A good attorney will not promise you a specific result, because it is always impossible to be certain how a case will turn out. Any other answer is dishonest and unethical. A good attorney can only promise to do his or her best job in defending you. No lawyer wins all their cases but it is a certainty that you can’t win an issue your lawyer fails to recognize and raise at trial.”
Further, my Fee Agreement, which all my DUI clients review with me and sign states the following:
“No Guarantee of Result
You understand that while we will expend our best efforts on your behalf, that no lawyers, including those of this firm, can guarantee or promise any particular result in your case.
You understand that we have an ethical duty to relay any plea offer from the prosecution and that we may recommend that you accept this plea. However, you understand that the ultimate decision to accept or reject any plea offer is your decision.”
Not only is this the only ethical response, it reflects the great uncertainty of trial work. I tell people all the time that if I knew exactly what would happen at trial, then we wouldn’t need judges. Look at some of the Testimonials on my website some of which were describing the results obtained on appeal to Circuit Court. The only way a case winds up in Circuit Court is if a lower court judge has found the client guilty on what is usually the exact same evidence and testimony.
So, sorry to this poster that the prosecution could prove his guilt and there were no “miracles” to be found. I did my best, all the while knowing that, as a DUI defendant in Virginia, we were competing on a very “uneven playing field.” Virginia is the state where you can be convicted under the drunken driving statute without the necessity of the government having to prove that you were either drunk or driving. Virginia is the state where it is legally “irrelevant” that your car is not even on, operable or whether you had zero intention of driving. The State where a sitting judge was quoted in the newspaper that fellow judges had approached him and told him they were unwilling to follow their sworn duty to uphold the Constitution if it would lead to the dismissal of a DUI charge. So to a happy reviewer on this website (i.e. I won his case) “Mr. Battle's no-nonsense attitude is remarkable. He gives it straight and does not sugar coat his thoughts or advice.” However, to this individual my honest, ethical statements are unprofessional! And I voluntarily choose and enjoy this gig?! I wonder if the Brooklyn Nets are looking for another new coach yet? Yo, Jay Z, give me a call.
Posted about 1 month ago. Flag
Posted by a DUI client, Flag
If this happened to me again, and in retrospect, I would not use Mr. Battle again. He was not responsive to phone calls and did not provide anything special in his representation that any other lawyer could. The difference is he charges more than most. If I responded to my customers the way he does, I would be out of business in a short period of time. I was expecting excellence and received average, at best.
Lawyer’s Comment:
Many lawyers have criticized websites like this for allowing anonymous negative reviews. I would like to see websites like this one state that if a person wishes to post a negative review, that they not only prove that they were an actual client but also agree to waive the lawyer's duty of confidentiality to explain the specifics. It is all a matter of basic fairness. I am all for transparency and if the purpose of allowing reviews on a website is to help other individuals with a pending case to make an educated decision, then requiring a person to waive confidentiality would allow visitors to this website to hear actual facts of the case. Such as, what was this person's BAC? Was it .15 (which kicks in mandatory jail time)? Higher than .15? Was it a first offense or second or subsequent offense? What was this person’s entire criminal history? Did the driving behavior involve an accident? What was the officer going to testify to at trial? Was there a videotape of the client and what did that show? Did the client plead guilty or did the case go to trial? What was the actual disposition? Were there other charges (such as Refusal) that were dropped or prior convictions or enhancements to the charge that were charged or could have been charged?
Only if the actual facts are known can an objective assessment be made by someone else. I have achieved results that clients are not thrilled with that any knowledgeable DUI lawyer would say was a very good outcome given the facts and the judge sitting on that particular day.
I do want to respond to the person stating that I was not responsive to phone calls. When a client hires me, I give them my mobile phone number! I tell them to feel free to call me during normal business hours. It is so common that it is almost a cliché about all those business people who, if asked, would say they place their families first, yet they work ridiculous hours and weekends and can be seen at their children’s sporting events with their cell phones plastered to their ears. I am proud of the fact that I spend nights and weekends with my family. Not doing legal work on weekends is easy. I even gave up being the Washington Redskins’ Press Box Announcer and performing as a professional comedian at comedy clubs on weekends. I do not regret this decision one bit. The only complaint that I have received about not getting back to a client was someone who called AFTER his case was already over about a motion that they were not eligible to file for another 30 days AND that my Fee Agreement explicitly says is not covered in the representation.
Posted about 1 month ago. Flag
Posted by Rose, Flag
As a Maryland driver, I was an absolute wreck over the fact that I had been charged with a "reckless speeding ticket" and that the officer mislead me into thinking that the consequences were not as severe by merely paying the ticket as a pre-payment. A local law firm recommended Bob Battle and despite the 20 advertisement letters I received from lawyers I decided to go with the recommendation for Battle. Take my advice and consider this a referral from a dedicated teacher, wife, and mother who made one careless mistake: Bob Battle delivers what he promises. Professional and trustworthy! My results were beyond my expectations: no conviction and no points. Exactly what I hoped for...Exactly what was delivered!
Posted by a Speeding Ticket client, Flag
I live out-of-state and Bob was very helpful in handling a speeding ticket I received while traveling through Richmond. Bob told me exactly what I needed to do as far as obtaining a copy of my driving record and presented my case in court without me having to attend. He was very professional and I was thrilled with the result. I couldn't recommend him more highly.
Posted by a Speeding Ticket client, Flag
A year ago I had thought I was going to lose everything due to a reckless driving charge. I had totaled my SL500 after veering off a windy road due to speeding. I was facing the possibility of losing both my top secret clearance and my job. I was nervous and overly anxious right before my court case was about to start. Mr. Battle was so calm and collected, he showed no signs of worry. He reviewed my case information and asked me more questions before he talked to the prosecutors before the hearing started. To my surprise he came back to the courtroom after 20 minutes and informed me that he had negotiated the charges to be downgraded to 'improper driving'. A big sigh of relief came right after. Ever since that incident I had vowed never to repeat that mistake ever again but I'm ever so thankful that Mr. Battle was there to represent me as my lawyer.
Posted by Bill, a Speeding Ticket client, Flag
Mr. Battle did an excellent job keeping me informed of the legal process associated with my charge as well as provding me with realistic expecations for the desired outcome. He worked very hard to lift an incredibly large burden off my back, and I can’t thank him enough. He is at the top of my list for any referral related to the legal areas in which he specializes.
Posted by RG, a Speeding Ticket client, Flag
I am a young professional (mid 20s) working in the aerospace and defense industry. Am also in the modst of getting my US citizenship. Obviously, when I was charged with going 95 on 65 mph in Hanover county, a reckless driving conviction (Class 1 Misdemeanor) would have seriously affected my personal and professional life.
Mr. Battle's no-nonsense attitude is remarkable. He gives it straight and does not sugar coat his thoughts or advice.
My driving record was horrible (-11 points) and the General District Court convicted me of Reckless Driving. However, Mr. Battle represented me free of charge on my appeal in the Circuit Court and the charge was reduced to a Speeding Ticket !!
I am very thrilled with the outcome and would recommend Mr. Battle especially because of his "guarantee" of free representation in the Circuit Court if you want to appeal the General District Court verdict!
Thanks Mr. Battle!
Posted by Roger, a Speeding Ticket client, Flag
I'm a business owner so the fact that I didn't have to travel from Maryland to appear in Virginia court was very appreciated. Mr. Battle was highly recommended to me by another lawyer who knew him well, and in turn feel confident recommending his services to anyone.
Posted by Steve, a DUI client, Flag
My wife was arrested for DUI after confessing to having a glass of wine 4 hours prior to being stopped on a police DUI road block on July 4th of 2010. As I asked for assistance from the police officer and requested that he give my wife a breath test, I was arrested for obstruction. Bob gave us the facts and came prepared. He promised to be with us through the appeal process and he was. He caught the police officer reversing himself twice and called him on it. You think that all police officers are reasonable? Not when you're the target of their case. Don't expect judges to listen to you either, they think that police are always right. YOU better have Bob in their with you in order to have a fighting chance. He keeps up to date on every piece of new case law being handed down and uses his experience and knowledge as a former prosecutor to help win your case.
Posted by a DUI client, Flag
Bob Battle made several promises to me about what he was going to do to defend me when we first met but none of these promises were kept.
I'm sure I could have gotten the same result (me keeping my DUI) from a 500$ lawyer.
Lawyer’s Comment:
Being a DUI trial lawyer is a very tough profession and I accept that fact. The vast majority of my clients start out with a BAC above the legal limit and far too often their opinion of my services is based solely on the result. This is very analogous to the situation that most coaches in professional sports face. If you win you are the greatest, if you lose you're a bum.
I guess I should pretend when I see such a review that my attitude is “Oh well, the client got drunk and the Commonwealth can prove it and he is ticked off at me because I couldn't pull off a miracle in this case." However, seeing these comments upsets me greatly. Let me tell you why. First this website and other lawyer review websites have been criticized for allowing anonymous negative reviews like this one. I have heard no such complaints from any actual clients. I do not even know if this person was an actual client. I would like to see websites like this one state that if a person wishes to post a negative review, that they not only prove that they were an actual client but also agree to waive the lawyer's duty of confidentiality to explain the specifics. It is all a matter of basic fairness. I have heard a non-lawyer talk about the ability to post anonymous criticism on websites state that "The Internet has legitimatized graffiti!”
If the purpose of allowing reviews on a website is to help other individuals with a pending case to make an educated decision, then requiring a person to waive confidentiality would allow visitors to this website to hear actual facts of the case. Such as, what was this person's BAC? What was the officer going to testify to at trial? Was there a videotape of the client and what did that show? Did the client plead guilty or did the case go to trial? What was the actual disposition? Were there other charges (such as Refusal) that were dropped or prior convictions or enhancements to the charge that were charged or could have been charged? For many of my clients, their alcohol issue is just the tip of the iceberg for a number of mental health issues. People with mental health issues such as depression often process what happens to them in an extremely negative manner. I have had depressed clients complain about their disposition when any knowledgeable DUI lawyer would know that they got a very good result.
After being hired, a DUI lawyer is often the messenger who delivers bad news to the client. For example, a number of times this year I have had to inform clients that they had in fact been videotaped and the tape shows them to be drunk. I have also had to inform clients that their blood test results came back way above the legal limit.
Even though I have no idea who posted this review, if they were in fact a DUI client of mine, I can tell you with absolute certainty that they signed the same Fee Agreement that all my DUI clients sign. I hate legalese and my Fee Agreement is written in plain English and includes the following paragraph with the heading in bold which shows the "promises" I make to every client:
"No Guarantee of Result
You understand that while we will expend our best efforts on your behalf, that no lawyers, including those of this firm, can guarantee or promise any particular result in your case.
You understand that we have an ethical duty to relay any plea offer from the prosecution and that we may recommend that you accept this plea. However, you understand that the ultimate decision to accept or reject any plea offer is your decision."
I also state in writing in my Fee Agreement that if the client is unhappy in any way with the General District Court judge's ruling or sentence I will agree to represent them for free on an appeal for a new trial before a Circuit Court judge. Once again, am certain that if this post was written by a client of mine in 2010, then that client chose not to appeal their case to Circuit Court.
Bob Battle
Posted almost 3 years ago. Flag
Lawyer’s Comment:
Bob Battle is right, its far too easy for a disgruntled client OR a nutball OR another lawyer who is a competitor to post negative comments here.
I've worked with Bob for years (I am an attorney) and can tell you that he is diligent, smart, careful and works very hard for his clients. This "client" had the choice of who to hire and the choice of whether to plead guilty or go to trial. I am sure that Mr. Battle gave this "client" his best analysis, his best work and his best advice.
At the end of the day consumers make decisions on who to hire based on a host of criteria. I would highly recommend that anyone who is thinking of hiring ANY DUI attorney in Virginia contact Bob and get a hold of his great book. Its free and it clearly outlines the questions you need to ask, no matter who you are going to hire.
Ben Glass
BenGlassLaw
Fairfax, VA 22030
Posted almost 3 years ago. Flag
Posted by a Speeding Ticket client, Flag
Bob represented me in a DUI case 6 years ago. He was top-notch and got a great result for me, in a completely ethical and straight-up way. He knows the law, and even more importantly, he knows a lort of the players in the court system and his relationships with them pay dividends in the legal process. I deal with lawyers every day and he's one of the best I've ever worked with.
Posted by William, a DUI client, Flag
Bob carefully studied the details of my case. In court, he pled down my charge to reckless driving. I did not lose my license, have to attend driver's education re-training or serve time in jail.
Lawyer’s Comment:
Wow! Last week was one of the most successful and satisfying weeks I have had in my 28 year legal career. I had 4 trials including two very difficult and tricky DUI trials. After one of the DUI trials, in which my legal strategy resulted in saving my client from a mandatory 20 day jail sentence, I received an email from his mother stating “We got our miracle today!!! Many thanks for your expertise." My other DUI trial involved a client who was involved in a very serious single-car accident and was badly injured. There were issues with the blood test and ability of the prosecutor to relate any other observations of my client as being a result of any alcohol he had consumed prior to the accident. I even obtained the EMT records which showed, contrary to the State’s blood analysis, that my client had been administered a high dosage of narcotics at the scene. Prior to court, I thought that the prosecutor might try to amend the charge to a charge of Reckless Driving, and I came fully prepared with relevant case law to defend that charge as well. At trial, the prosecutor realized he wasn't going to win the DUI and offered to allow my client to plead to Reckless Driving. My client, after consulting with me, refused the offer of a plea to Reckless Driving with no jail time. We tried the case and the judge only convicted my client of the non-criminal, traffic infraction of Improper Driving with a $100 fine. After court, my client’s mom approached me and she was getting choked up as she thanked me and told me that now her son could now move on with his life with this matter behind him. My other two cases were Reckless Driving Speeding cases which were reduced to non-moving, non-points infractions. Both clients sent me nice emails expressing their happiness with the court results and that they would certainly refer anyone they know facing similar charges.
So, after this great week, I see that someone who says they were a client over 3 years ago decides to tell cyberspace how much I suck! I get that I have chosen to be a DUI lawyer and that it is very analogous to being a sports coach in that way too often the client’s opinion of your services is based solely on the result. You win, you are pulling off “miracles,” you lose, you are a “one star” lawyer. Now I know how the coach of the Brooklyn Nets felt when he was named NBA coach of the month for November, and got fired in December when the team lost a few games! Seriously, I have criticized websites like this for allowing anonymous negative reviews. I would like to see websites like this one state that if a person wishes to post a negative review, that they not only prove that they were an actual client but also agree to waive the lawyer's duty of confidentiality to explain the specifics. It is all a matter of basic fairness. I am all for transparency and if the purpose of allowing reviews on a website is to help other individuals with a pending case to make an educated decision, then requiring a person to waive confidentiality would allow visitors to this website to hear actual facts of the case. Such as, what was this person's BAC? What was the officer going to testify to at trial? Was there a videotape of the client and what did that show? Did the client plead guilty or did the case go to trial? What was the actual disposition? Were there other charges (such as Refusal) that were dropped or prior convictions or enhancements to the charge that were charged or could have been charged? I know a Virginia lawyer who had the same person post multiple negative reviews posing as different actual clients of the firm when it was in fact someone that the firm told they were not going to take their case. These reviews were about as real as Manti Te’o’s girlfriend.
Posted about 1 month ago. Flag