Hope C. Lefeber

In 2018 I was made aware that I was under IRS-CI investigation for unreported cryptocurrency (Bitcoin) income I earned in 2013-2015. At the time, I originally obtained legal representation from a very expensive large firm based in New York and spent quite literally a small fortune over 3 years workin...g with them and their forensic accountants. Ultimately, I didn’t have enough cash on hand to continue with that firm to get to a plea deal and ultimately sentencing But this is when I found Hope Lefeber. She immediately listened and understood the complexities in my case and worked with me on my short-term financial obstacles. Throughout our engagement, Hope was upfront and honest with me regarding what I could be facing, and never once instilled fear in me like the previous lawyers. Eventually, with her commitment, Hope was able to secure a non-custodial sentence for me, which was the best-case scenario for me and my family. Hope literally altered my perception of lawyers, my only regret was not finding her sooner.

I first would like to Thank Hope from the bottom of my heart, diving into an extremely complex case. I was facing 5-7 years for Health Care Fraud. She went above and beyond expectations! I highly recommend this incredible woman with genuine integrity, morale, and empathetic. Not only did I receive pr...oper representation but my outcome was more than I had hoped for. I was kept well informed about what to expect, what usually happens and our defense approach. Well done and I recommend 100%.

The Department of Justice is a force not to be reckoned with! You need a seasoned expert in your corner to navigate you through the many twists and turns that your case will take. Hope Lefeber's extensive experience with the criminal Justice system and her established relationships with the people ...that want to hold you accountable allow her to telegraph you effectively through the long, hazardous and emotional wrenching process. Hope’s network of professional resources as well as her ability and willingness to consult with other legal professionals is an invaluable resource during your time of legal jeopardy. From the time I was contacted by the Department of Justice until I pled guilty for a tax offense and subsequently had to face a judge at sentencing there were many complex decisions that had to be made in order to manage to the best outcome. Thankfully, the punishment was a probationary sentence for which I am most grateful. My freedom was at stake and Hope’s insight into the process allowed for this type of outcome to present itself as an option when in the beginning stages there was no clear path to it. If you find yourself as a target of an investigation, contact Hope, thankfully I did.

In 2018, I was notified that I was the subject of an IRS investigation. I promptly hired an attorney from a big Philadelphia law firm whom I worked with for 8 months. Emotions and fear run high and clear thinking is often obscured, therefore I went with a recommendation instead of having time to re...search attorneys. As the investigation continued, I began noticing signs that indicated my attorney at the time was fearful of the government. I began to question the quality of my representation, and having my liberty and family to think about, was not going to sit idle. I began to research legal representation in depth and found Hope, figuratively and literally. From our initial consult, and through the remainder of my legal journey Hope demonstrated resiliency and courage in facing a very onerous and cantankerous prosecutor. Hope is not only an experienced defense attorney, but she collaborates extensively with her clients. She listens to concerns and responds candidly to questions, sparking engaging conversations centered around defining the best strategy. Hope is not afraid to think outside the box and step out of a comfort zone if it is in the best interest of her client. She did this for my case, and it led to a favorable outcome. Through my journey, I have learned many lessons. If I can offer a piece of advice to whomever is reading this and is seeking legal counsel, the outcome of your case relies heavy on the quality of your representation. It is a relationship of intellectual intimacy and one must fully trust and feel comfortable with their attorney to achieve the best possible outcome. I would not hesitate to say to you that you can put that trust and faith, in Hope.

Up until recently, I was a successful attorney with more than 30 years of experience. Last year, upon learning of the federal mail fraud charges that had been filed against me, one of the first things I needed to do was to hire a lawyer to defend me. Since I didn't personally know of any criminal def...ense attorneys with experience in handling federal white-collar crime matters, I needed to research and interview several lawyers for the job. From our very first conversation, I knew that Hope was the right person to handle my case. Not only was she extremely caring and compassionate in understanding what I was going through, she immediately exhibited a thorough and knowledgeable understanding of the legal issues that were involved. Throughout her representation, Hope spent as much time with me as was necessary to fully develop a strategy for handling my particular case. Since I had decided to plead guilty to the charges, there would be no trial, only a sentencing. Nonetheless, there was a tremendous amount of work to be done in preparing not only for the sentencing hearing, but for all procedural hearings leading up to that point. At every step of the way Hope was there for me, not once disappointing me in her amazing skills as a skilled negotiator (with the U.S. Attorney prosecuting my case) and courtroom litigator. She was well worth every penny I paid her and I never once regretted my decision to hire her. My case involved complex issues having to do with insurance claims and mail fraud. Hope quickly got up to speed on the details of what I had done, and by the time we went to the sentencing hearing, she had become as knowledgeable about insurance claims as anyone. Her experience as a former federal prosecutor helped significantly in my case, not only because of her legal knowledge and skills in dealing with such matters, but also because of her many close relationships with people in the U.S. Attorney's office. I am convinced that both of these things helped in me getting as good a result as possible in my case. Throughout the past year, Hope was always there for me, never once making me feel like she was too busy to talk (even though I knew she probably was) or that I was bothering her. She had to endure listening to me complain and vent about one thing or another, all the while handling the situation with grace and professionalism. I was a difficult client at times, but Hope was always the consummate professional in dealing with me. Her rates were reasonable (especially for what she offers) and not once did I ever feel as though I was being over-charged for anything. In fact, I am quite confident that Hope didn't charge me for many things that were properly billable; all a testament to the truly exceptional person she is. During the course of my case, Hope never "sugar-coated" things for me. As an attorney myself, I know how tempting it is for an attorney to try and say whatever they think the client wants to hear. Hope never fell into that routine, and I can't thank her enough for that. From the beginning, my expectations were always reasonable and realistic. This was due entirely to Hope's "No BS" approach. I can't thank her enough for that. Due to the extensive preparation we did, my sentencing hearing went as good as could be expected. I was extremely pleased with the job Hope did and will forever be in her debt for what she was able to accomplish. There is still more that needs to be done with my case, including helping me to get reassigned to a prison that is closer to my home and in dealing with my ongoing restitution issues. I have no doubt that Hope will handle these things with the skill and professionalism she has demonstrated thus far. I have, of course, made several bad decisions over the past couple years. I am happy to say, however, that my selection of an attorney was not one of them. Hiring Hope was clearly one of the best decisions I have ever made. Call her. You won't regret it.