Charles Dawkins Jr.

Charles Dawkins Jr.

5.0
Rating: 9.8

Licensed for 26 years

Immigration Lawyer at Elizabeth, NJ
Practice Areas: Immigration, Criminal Defense, Appeals ... +2 more

1139 East Jersey St. Ste. 317, Elizabeth, NJ

About Charles

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Immigration 40%

The Attorney has extensive experience in Immigration Law. The Attorney has been successful in representing clients at Asylum Hearings, CAT Hearings, Cancellation of Removal Hearings, Reopening cases, and Board of Immigration Appeals

23 years

40%
Criminal Defense 30%

The Attorney has experience representing clients in Federal Court, State Court, Family Court, and Municipal Court. He represents clients in all criminal courts for all or any charge.

26 years

30%
Appeals 10%

The Attorney has successfully argued before NJ Supreme Court and successfully appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals. Moreover, the attorney has experience appealing to the Third Circuit Federal Court and United States Supreme Court.

23 years

10%
Federal Crime 10%

The Attorney has trial experience and Motion practice experience in Federal District Court.

18 years

10%
Personal Injury 10%

The attorney accepts personal injury cases. Attorney has experience in Federal Serious Personal Injury.

13 years

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in New Jersey for 26 years

State: New Jersey

Acquired: 2000

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Charles Dawkins Jr

1139 East Jersey St. Ste. 317, Elizabeth, NJ, 07201

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Charles Dawkins Jr.'s Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

16 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (16) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Alexander | July 19, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Naturalization case

My naturalization case was not a simple one. It was a complicated case that needed an experienced lawyer who is faithful to both his/her client and U.S. immigration laws. Before settling on Lawyer Dawkins Jr., I had spoken with other lawyers who recommended a strategy that meant lying on the N400 app...lication form. I understood the wisdom in the strategy they recommended; however, I wasn't comfortable with it. I kept searching the internet for a lawyer. I saw Mr. Dawkins' profile and I was intrigued by the fact that he appeared knowledgeable in both criminal and immigration laws. I called him to discuss my needs. Indeed, his honesty, comprehensive knowledge of the law and passion to help others made me comfortable to ask him to represent me. Above all, his charges were very reasonable. He charged me a fraction of what other lawyers who recommended a simple fix strategy quoted. The most remarkable thing is that he told me there is nothing like simple fix strategy for my case. His recommendation was tell the whole truth because that is the ONLY way to get through the process and be at peace with yourself forever. To quote him "Tell the truth on the N400 application form". We did exactly that. Mr Dawkins went with me for the naturalization interview. We spent approximately three times what an average applicant spends interviewing. He endured the long wait calmly without asking for extra pay. Unfortunately, my case was not approved at the interview. They requested for additional documentations and I was given a month to provide them. He worked with me to put all these required documents together. In sum, my case got approved upon receipt of the documents. Prior to approval, I met with Mr. Dawkins a couple of times to talk further about my case and to prepare for an appeal should the USCIS decide to issue denial notice. In each of my meetings with him, he had time to explain clearly the process of the appeal, all at no extra cost. He timely returned all my calls. In sum, I am so happy to have had him to represent me. Thank you very much, Mr. Dawkins Jr., for standing by me through this process and ensuring that I did the right thing each step of the way. I strongly recommend him to anyone who needs his services.

Charles Dawkins

Replied last July 19, 2018

Thank you. I did not know my prices were so low in comparison to other immigration lawyers. In hind sight the prices quoted by the other attorneys was more consistent with prudent business practices, considering time, legal expertise, and legal experience.

Posted by Iris | May 21, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Mrs

My husband was picked up by ICE on a warrant for his arrest due to not showing up to a court date at which point he was deported in absentia. I was left with no money since my husband had been our only financial support. I looked around for lawyers. At first they were all hesitant about the case and... also for asking for way too much money just to go and see him. I looked in the internet and i truly believe GOD led my finger to click on CHARLES’ website. From the moment we spoke he made me feel like we would be on the this unfortunate ride together. He charged me less than the others were asking for, and not even knowing or havent seen him ever, i trusted him and forwarded the money to him. The next day i got a phone call from the detention center, it was my husband thanking me for sending charles to go and speak to him.. That same night i got a second call, it was charles offering me different approches we could take to first get my husband and second set up strategy to legalize his status in this country. He was once again considerate about money issues, he offered me a good price. Once again i fully trusted him. He filed a STAY OF DEPORTATION, and as we had hoped and prayed my husband was the only one released out of all the detainees. Everyone else was either deported or kept there for longer time. Not only that, but Charles was also able to get him a work authorization card under order of supervision. My husband’s immigration status still in progress and due to location i had to go with another lawyer, which im in the middle of money dispute with her. And eventhough hes no longer working with us, i recently called him to ask him for advice with the problems im experiencing with the other attorney, and this man took his time not just to give me free legal advice but went out of his way to take a look at my husbands case deeper and gave me ideas on different routes to take moving forward. He told me what questions to ask, so i wouldnt be in the dark anymore regarding this issue. All i can say about Charles is he completes the job, he is very fair with price, and no matter what question you have he’ll be there to answer it and hell explain it in a way that you would understand. At the moment im trying to get my case back into his hands, a place i shouldve never left.

Charles Dawkins

Replied last March 02, 2022

This person was my favorite client since I have been practicing law. Her family recently informed me that she passed away at a young age. She worked for my law office for a period of time.

See All Client Reviews

Charles Dawkins Jr.'s Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Charles
Gary Anthony Anderson headshot
Gary Anderson

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Charles Dawkins has demonstrated a high level of talent and devotion to his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend him."

Walter Rudolph Hnot, III headshot
Walter Hnot,

Appeals lawyer | Mar 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Charles is an excellent attorney committed to providing the highest quality representation to clients. I endorse this attorney without reservation."

Matthew Justin Vance headshot
Matthew Vance

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 23

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I met Charles Dawkins in 2002. It was in a Newark courtroom, as an adversary. I fought hard. But in his gentlemanly way, Attorney Dawkins recited law with perfection, made sustainable objections, and bored in on witnesses. He beat me. As much as I hate losing, I must acknowledge Attorney Dawkins' mixture of high intelligence, good judgment, and confident courtroom presence. On that day, he walked across courtroom, extended a handshake, and wished my client best of luck. I was so impressed that I've referred people to him for criminal defense and immigration matters. Indeed, for my own personal legal questions, I've sought out Attorney Dawkins. To sit in his office is to behold a busy professional. Despite that brisk docket, he always gives me his complete attention, looks me square in the eye, and tells me the truth. It is that one feature which so distinguishes Attorney Charles Dawkins. He has the smarts to see the truth, and integrity to speak it. I trust him. I endorse him."

Matthew Frank Medaglia headshot
Matthew Medaglia

Unknown lawyer | Feb 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Dawkins is a high quality and experienced Trial Attorney."

Kevin Scott Neiman headshot
Kevin Neiman

Unknown lawyer | Feb 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Dawkins Jr. displays genuine concern in every question he answers on Avvo. Attorney Dawkins Jr.'s answers reflect a solid understanding of the law and a quick grasp of the applicable law in every situation. He also gives practical solutions. I endorse this lawyer for criminal defense matters."

James T. Ponton headshot
James Ponton

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Charles has a well deserved reputation in the legal community and is a strong advocate for his clients."

Somair Syed Alam headshot
Somair Alam

Immigration lawyer | Feb 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Charles. He is a highly skilled immigration attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Tanya L. Freeman headshot
Tanya Freeman

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Kevin Scott Neiman headshot
Kevin Neiman

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Matthew Frank Medaglia headshot
Matthew Medaglia

Business lawyer

Thomas Edward Moseley headshot
Thomas Moseley

Immigration lawyer

James T. Ponton headshot
James Ponton

Car accident lawyer

Somair Syed Alam headshot
Somair Alam

Immigration lawyer

Tanya L. Freeman headshot
Tanya Freeman

Family lawyer

Matthew Justin Vance headshot
Matthew Vance

Employment and labor lawyer

Mitchell E Ignatoff headshot
Mitchell Ignatoff

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.8 (Superb)

Honors

2020

Top Attorney, Who's Who Directories

2018

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2017

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

Work Experience

2003 - Present

Attorney, Law Office of Charles Dawkins Jr.

2011 - 2017

Panel Attorney, Third Circuit Court Of Appeals

2005 - 2006

Pool Attorney, Essex County Public Defender's Office

2003 - 2005

Pool Attorney, Union County NJ Public Defenders Office

1993 - 1994

Clerk, Fort Myers Construction Company

1992 - 1992

Legal Intern, Securities & Exchange Commission

Associations

2018 - Present

National Trial Lawyers Association

Top 100 Trial Lawyers

2017 - Present

New Jersey Bar Association

Member

2016 - Present

National Trial Lawyers Association

Member

2012 - Present

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member

2017 - 2017

National Trial Lawyers Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

S.T. v. 1515 Broad Street, LLC (081916) New Jersey Supreme Court

The Court ruled on behalf of Plaintiff who was represented by instant counsel and remanded the case to the lower court.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1995

American University, Washington College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

Languages

English

Activity

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