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108 Client Reviews

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Showing 16 - 20 of 20 reviews | Trustworthiness

Posted by LB | June 05, 2015

DWI Plus Refusal, Dismissed

Being involved in a traffic stop is a very intimidating and stressful situation. Unfortunately, this routine stop resulted in a DWI as well as a Breathalyzer denial for me. Knowing what I know now the denial is a way worse offense than the DWI itself. Being in this predicament and searching for legal... representation, I came across the Kugel Law Firm in my research. One of the first things that stood out about Kugel Law Firm was their tagline, "I don't judge you, I defend you." From the initial consultation with Linda, Rachel Kugel's assistant, I felt comfortable in trusting this firm with my case. Linda was very informative and upfront throughout this very stressful and unfortunate time in my life. She set clear expectations of how my case potentially could have turned out. Although, I did not speak to or meet Rachel until my first scheduled appearance at court, Linda answered and responded to my emails and calls within a timely manner throughout the process. Once I did get the opportunity to officially meet Rachel she was upfront and forthcoming of the best and worst case scenarios. She explained that the likelihood of a dismissal was slim to none for both offenses. Fortunately, the odds worked out in my favor in this situation and despite preparing for the worst, the result was far more favorable than I could have hoped for. I appreciate all of the information, patience, and expertise throughout this ordeal and would gladly recommend the Kugel law firm to anyone that may find themselves in a similar predicament.

Posted by Fedler | February 05, 2015

She's the BEST!!!

My court appointed attorney lied and said just cop out to a plea deal and just get it over with, because there no way I can beat my DWI . Made me feel like crap !! until I met Rachel it was a Whole different ball game !!! She sits down and pin pointed all the flaws in my case & She doesn't sugar coat... @&$# . To make a long story short ! Case DISSMISSED!!! It felt so good to hear those words , we both smiled & walked out. If you want to stay out of jail Rachel is the Best!!

Posted by Diego | June 20, 2014

DUI dismissed

my friends said it was near impossible to beat a DUI in new jersey , specially since it was my 2nd time The penalties for DUI are very severe and unfair for cases where you didn't caused any harm to others. I knew I was not guilty and i needed a lawyer that believe in me and would do everything pos...sible to fight for me . At first, I did not think there was a chance of me beating this case. But once I met Rachel , her expression of confidence gave me hope. Rachel and her team kept in touch with me through out the entire case , answered all my questions and explained the best options to fight my case. also if your going to be stuck going to court for next 5 months might as well have a pretty face in that court room next to you ... nah but in all seriousness I'm still in shock and so happy , feels good to get my life back. I will recommend Rachel to all my friends and family. Every case is different , but if you want to get your moneys worth Rachel Kugel is the one. Special thanks to Linda as well.

Posted by Jeff | May 02, 2014

The best DUI attorney period

Rachel Kugel is the best DUI attorney in NY and NJ. I should know since I just walked out of court after my 4th DUI. She petitioned to reduce my DUI offense to a 3rd, and sentencing reduced to a 2nd. This is so significant. So instead of 180 days "mandatory" jail, (with successful petition), she was ...able to plea bargain to reduce my sentence to inpatient treatment which will count toward time served of only 30 days. For me, this DUI was very stressful, but Rachel was always professional and never mislead me or gave me false hope. She was able to drag out the process 6 months so I can gather my business affairs before going to treatment/jail. One flat rate charge and she appeared 4 times at court for me. Great...Great ...and Greatful

Posted by anonymous | October 01, 2016 | Hired Attorney

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.

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