Rachel L. Kugel

PRO

Rachel L. Kugel

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 20 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Newark, NJ
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense

One Gateway Center, Suite 2600, Newark, NJ

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Rachel

Biography

I don't judge you, I don't lecture you, I defend you. Flat fees and payment plans available!

Aggressive DWI/DUI defense. Flat fees and payment plans available!

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

DUI and DWI 90%

21 years

90%
Criminal Defense 10%

21 years

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Licenses

Licensed in New York for 20 years

State: New York

Acquired: 2005

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Licensed in New Jersey for 20 years

State: New Jersey

Acquired: 2005

Active

No misconduct found

Location

The Kugel Law Firm

One Gateway Center, Suite 2600, Newark, NJ, 07102

www.thekugellawfirm.com

The Kugel Law Firm

Offices in NY and NJ, 111 E 125th St 2nd Fl, New York, NY, 10035

www.thekugellawfirm.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Rachel online.

Rachel L. Kugel's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

107 Client Reviews

Showing 41 - 45 of 45 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Margaret | November 25, 2013 | Violent Crime

Best High Profile DUI?DWI Attorney

I had the opportunity to work with Rachel Kugell on my nephew's high profile case of DUI/ DWI with charges including manslaughter in the 2nd degree for which I am grateful to Rachel Kugel expertise in reducing the charges to simply paying a fine. There were times I was doubtful of the outcome but... when I saw Rachel Kugel in action I felt hopeful. Rachel's broad knowledge and strong determination to win a case of this magnitude raise my confidence in her. What a smart attorney! She listens at the evidences and knows when to attack and present to the jury facts that resonate with them. This is a lawyer you must take to represent you in any disaster.Rachel works tirelessly with her clients providing information and some emotional support . She is the BEST!!. Thanks to you Rachel.

Posted by John | July 30, 2013 | Lawsuits & Disputes

If you need a great lawyer, call Rachel Kugel! She is the best in her field.

Rachel Kugel is a superb lawyer. She is very competent, honest, precise, creative, witty and highly intelligent. Furthermore, Rachel cares deeply about her clients; you can feel this in every interaction you have with her. I am very, very happy that I had Rachel as my defense attorney in my time o...f trouble. I would highly advise anyone who needs a great lawyer to defend them - call Rachel. She is the best!

Posted by Lopez | October 04, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Awesome Representation

Rachel was awesome! I was approached for a DUI in Jersey. I fell asleep behind the wheel. They took me into the precinct and administered a breathalyzer test then released me. Immediately, I looked for several lawyers for consultation. I diligently searched Aavo to find prospective lawyers. I calle...d Rachel's office and spoke to Linda who was so knowledgeable and patient. She provided me with all the info I needed. I was still undecided about a lawyer and a week prior to the court date, I called Linda and Rachel. They were so great to take my case at the last minute. Rachel attended every court date. Thank goodness I paid a flat fee. I believe it was about 3 court dates. One of the court dates, Rachel advocated and I didn't need to attend which was great because I couldn't afford to miss work. On the last court date, my case was dismissed. There was insufficient evidence that I was under the influence behind the wheel and my breathalyzer came back 0. The police department didnt administer a urinr test to prove intoxication. These were all points Rachel made in court. I realize everyone's case is different so I strongly suggest you do your research. I ultimately decided to go with Rachel because a) Linda was very knowledgeable re: consultation, b) there was a flate fee, c) Rachel has a substantial amount of experience in this field and has worked in the Jersey court room many times.

Posted by anonymous | September 16, 2015 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Disrespectful attorney and staff

I hired Ms. Kugel to represent me in a DUI case. She personally never called me and her assistant, Linda, was always rude on the phone. I felt like I was interrupting her day. Many times when I called I would have to leave a message and then wait two or three days for her to get back to me. Ms. Ku...gel and I met at the court house for the first time and she asked for a continuance because the dash cam DVD was not available yet and neither were the breathalyzer results. I told her I wanted to see the DVD and she said I could once she received it. When we met at the court the next time, she went in to talk to the prosecutor and came out saying she made a deal for the minimum because they lost the breathalyzer results. I asked about the DVD and she said I would have to call Linda about that. We went into the court and I received th eminimum penalty. I called Linda several times over the next month or two and when she finally called me back, she said the DVD had been destroyed because I never asked for it. She conveniently waited until after the time for keeping those items had passed before reaching out to me. I had requested it several times and she never acknowledged my requests until it was too late. I will never hire Rachel Kugel again, nor would I ever recommend her to anyone I know. she and her staff were rude and disrespectful.

Rachel Kugel

Replied last September 16, 2015

I'm sorry that you were unhappy. I pride myself in particular on the customer service my office provides. We make it a goal here to respond to calls as quickly as possible and most often the same day. I care deeply about my clients and my work and hope that comes through to the people I serve. Please call my office directly so that we can try and address your concerns. 973-854-0098.

Posted by anonymous | October 01, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Good for negotiating a plea, poor communication with her client

Rachel has a style that I didn't find detailed in anybody else's reviews. Your case and luck with a specific prosecutor will be more relevant than any attorney you can hire but, there are still some traits to consider while making this critical decision. At this point, you are realizing how much a ...defense (any defense) will cost. Not a cheap mistake you've made! My initial conversation was with her assistant Linda. She was charming and convinced me of multiple unfair circumstances to my case (i.e. airbags make field sobriety difficult). Her timely communication with Rachel is confirmed when Rachel calls you right on schedule. My first conversation with Rachel was also comforting; painting a picture of hope and relief. My first court date was Rachel's opportunity to conference with the prosecutor. She offered a specialist report to the prosecutor to support a plea of lower BAC (there were legitimate process flaws). She recapped her meeting with him and detailed my possible options in front of the entire court waiting to enter the court room (small municipal building packed with 30 people). I took it that she was a no BS NYer. Regardless, I'd already hired her and she conveyed her knowledge of the DUI laws in NJ, which was meaningful to me. I don't depend on driving so much and wasn't overly interested in accepting a plea that included a .08 DUI and a reckless (there had been an accident). It's less drive time suspension but extra fines. Some time passed (two months) while we gathered more evidence for the specialist report. Linda didn't like to be bothered but did forward me the report upon my request (I paid $750 for it). Nobody offered me a conversation with Rachel and I assumed we'd talk before court. Although was on time, Rachel made a fashionably late appearance, waved to me and went straight to the prosecutor's office. No time to talk I guess. She made a deal without discussing my interests and was really upset that I didn't want to accept it. It was another confrontation in front of 30 people standing in line to pay their parking and speeding tickets. I hired her because I was convinced by she and Linda that I was innocent until proven guilty and likely had a good case for trial. I was forced to make a decision about a plea that seemed to 1) foster a positive relationship for her next plea with that prosecutor and 2) was easier for both of them than going to trial. I was even told that she was the only attorney to get a plea that day and I should "feel lucky". I'm not sure that she or the prosecutor ever read the details of the specialist report. Her defense and recommended report saved me a few months of driving time and the dismissal of a two but not three minor tickets (address change, minor and reckless). If you're reading this post, you know that DUI arrests come with a list of frivolous tickets which are designed to support the DUI plea process. She's expensive, her assistant is only nice in the beginning and she's ok at getting you a plea while convincing you to spend money on her specialist. I regret having hired her and she knew it because she lingered around after the fact to schmooze me while I paid the fine.

Rachel Kugel

Replied last October 01, 2016

I'm sorry you feel like you didn't have a good experience. I deal with the facts that I am given in any case and I always try to get the best possible outcome for my client. I never ever make the decision to go to trial or not. That decision is the client's ultimate choice and I only make my recommendations based on the specific case, court, and prosecutor. I charge flat fees specifically so you can make that choice based on risk/reward rather than money. It sounds like you actually achieved a good outcome. I encourage you to call the office and speak with me directly to address any of your concerns and let me make them right.

See All Client Reviews

Rachel L. Kugel's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Rachel
Leonard Roy Boyer headshot
Leonard Boyer

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Kugel is a very knowledgeable and effective advocate and has accomplished a great deal in two of the toughest areas to be successful in. Not just in her career as an attorney, but also prior to becoming an attorney."

Kaitlyn A Copi headshot
Kaitlyn Copi

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 15

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Deborah J. Blum headshot
Deborah Blum

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Rachel and her staff are committed to servicing their clients and trying to obtain favorable outcomes for them."

Neil Steven Ruskin headshot
Neil Ruskin

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer.I MET RACHEL IN BROOKLYN CRIMINAL COURT ABOUT A MONTH AGO .WE DISCUSS THE PRACTICE OF CRIMINAL LAW I WAS VERY IMPRESSED WITH RACHEL 'S COMMITMENT I WATCHED RACHEL HANDLE HER CASES AND I AM CONVINCED THAT RACHEL IS AN EXCELLENT LAWYER THAT GETS GREAT RESULTS"

Daniel L. Kron headshot
Daniel Kron

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Rachel is a stunning DUI lawyer. When I am not able to handle the case she is the best possible option I have in my mind to refer my clients to."

Somair Syed Alam headshot
Somair Alam

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I'm pleased to endorse Ms. Kugel. She is a top-notch criminal defense lawyer and a zealous advocate for her clients. A highly recommended attorney."

Ben H. Akbulut headshot
Ben Akbulut

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 07

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer. Rachel knows the law inside and out. A very reliable attorney, a rare gem in the profession."

Edgar J. Reynoso headshot
Edgar Reynoso

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Marques S. Goetsch headshot
Marques Goetsch

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Thomas Jay Olsen headshot
Thomas Olsen

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 25

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael E. Cirigliano headshot
Michael Cirigliano

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 26

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Kugel was a worthy adversary when I was an ADA."

Timothy J. Vanderweert headshot
Timothy Vanderweert

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Rachel is an excellent DUI attorney and a zealous advocate for her clients. I recommend her without hesitation."

Stephen MJ Hugues headshot
Stephen Hugues

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 25

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Rachel and I have been working closely together since 2009. During these years, I got to know Rachel both professionally and on a personal level. Her dedication, passion and knowledge of the law is of the highest quality and integrity that it far surpasses the majority of attorneys out there today. Rachel’s tremendous expertise and experience in the legal field enables her to zealously represent her clients getting them the results they want. Rachel truly cares about her clients so much that she makes herself readily available day, night and even on weekends to answer or address any problems or concerns. She truly is an asset to the legal community and anybody looking for an attorney should strongly consider her. I strongly encourage you to do so. Her website speaks for itself!"

Carl S. Spector headshot
Carl Spector

Criminal defense lawyer | May 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"When I first meet Rachel Kugel I was a Municipal Prosecutor and she was representing a client. Ms. Kugel was very well prepared. Due to the nature of the case we had a trial in front of a Judge. Ms. Kugel really impressed me with her knowledge of the law and the facts of her case. She was able to achieve for her client the result that she wanted and expected. Based upon the experience that I had with Ms. Kugel I can say that she is a fine, experienced and compassionate attorney."

Jeffrey James Jowdy headshot
Jeffrey Jowdy

Criminal defense lawyer | May 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. She is professional and courteous. I have referred many cases to her and our clients have all been highly satisfied."

Greggory M Marootian headshot
Greggory Marootian

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Rachel for several years. We worked together (DWI Trial and Appeal). She has a great balance of intellect, trial skills and demeanor and she keeps her clients' interests paramount."

George A. Vomvolakis headshot
George Vomvolakis

Criminal defense lawyer | May 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Rachel is a phenomenal attorney and really knows her stuff!"

View All Endorsements
Deborah J. Blum headshot
Deborah Blum

Criminal defense lawyer

Neil Steven Ruskin headshot
Neil Ruskin

Criminal defense lawyer

Ben H. Akbulut headshot
Ben Akbulut

General practice lawyer

Joel F Shapiro headshot
Joel Shapiro

DUI and DWI lawyer

Scott Evan Agulnick headshot
Scott Agulnick

Criminal defense lawyer

Scott Michael Wilhelm headshot
Scott Wilhelm

Criminal defense lawyer

Greggory M Marootian headshot
Greggory Marootian

DUI and DWI lawyer

Carl S. Spector headshot
Carl Spector

Criminal defense lawyer

Todd Andrew Spodek headshot
Todd Spodek

Criminal defense lawyer

Stephen MJ Hugues headshot
Stephen Hugues

DUI and DWI lawyer

Evan M Levow headshot
Evan Levow

DUI and DWI lawyer

Jeffrey James Jowdy headshot
Jeffrey Jowdy

Criminal defense lawyer

George A. Vomvolakis headshot
George Vomvolakis

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2015

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2014

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2013

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

Work Experience

2005 - Present

Founder, The Kugel Law Firm

1999 - 2001

Criminal Defense Investigator, The Law Offices of Roberts and Wood

Associations

National College of DUI Defense

National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys

DUI Defense Lawyers Association

Sample of Legal Cases

Manhattan, N.Y. DWI

Case dismissed.

Newark, N.J. DWI

Case Dismissed

Brooklyn, N.Y. DWI

DWI Dismissed in favor of Following too closely.

Brooklyn, N.Y. DWI Homicide

Not guilty verdict on DWI and Homicide Charges.

Saddle Brook, N.J. DWI

Case dismissed

See More Legal Cases

Education

2004

Yeshiva University, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2001

American University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2020

DWI Update 2020 - Advanced DWI Practice & Challenges to the New DWI/Interlock Statute DWI Update 2020

2019

DWI Update 2019/2020 - Advanced DWI Practice & Challenges to the New DWI/Interlock Statute DWI Update 2019/2020

2012

Your World with Neil Cavuto Legal Analyst

2012

The Willis Report Legal Analyst

2012

The Fox Report Legal Analyst

2012

The Fox Report Legal Analyst

2011

Jane Valez Mitchell Legal Analyst

2011

HLN Special Report Legal Analyst

2011

Fox and Friends Legal Analyst

2009

CourtTV - The Best Defense Legal Analyst

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution