Avvo Review Score

4.5 /5.0

24 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (24) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Drug Crime

Posted by Tyler | April 24, 2013

Very down to Earth

I was charged with possession of a controlled substance on federal property. The outcome was far better than I could have expected. My biggest concerns were losing my driver's license, ending up with a criminal record, and being put on probation (none of which happened). Thanks to Mr. West, I can p...ut everything that happened behind me and get on with my life. After a few unsatisfactory consultations with other law firms, I knew right away David West was the right choice. He didn't use any scare tactics, OR make any empty promises in an attempt to get my business like others have done. He and his associates were understanding and very personable. Mr. West has more experience with federal court than anyone else I found, which definitely shouldn't be underestimated. I feel very strongly that the outcome of my case had a lot to do with the rapport he's built over years of dealing with the prosecution we encountered. Someone was always available to talk to about any questions or concerns I had. Throughout the whole process I felt like I was in good hands. I slept like a log the night before court. To top it all off, his fee was substantially more reasonable than I expected, which was a pleasant surprise. All in all, I was completely satisfied. I absolutely recommend Mr. West's services to anyone looking for the best defense they can get.

Posted by anonymous | December 01, 2022

Overal very poor treatment of client.

I was arrested for possession of marijuana in GA. The police mislead me into believing that if I were to cooperate with their anti-drug evaluation class (for new officers) that they would simply let me go free. I cooperated and went to jail anyway. I explained all circumstances to Mr. West. He rea...ssured me that we could go to court and fight the charges because of my special circumstances and the misleading behavior of the police. He said that I would likely be looking at a small amount of community service, at worst, and at best, no repercussions at all. His ability to spout rhetoric convinced me that he would be the perfect lawyer for my case. After the first court date, I was given the option to plead guilty and receive 40 hours of community service, mandatory drug screens (that were to be paid by me), a drug/alcohol evaluation (another $300 charge), and over $300 in fines directly to the court. Mr. West strongly advised me to take the deal, adding that the judge would only get more strict as I turned down these plea offers. At the time I was semi-ignorant of the way the entire system worked and I stupidly took his advice. He told me what I wanted to hear in the beginning and then (after receiving payment) he pressured me to plea, presumably, because he he had "more important" cases to deal with.

David West

Replied last July 29, 2010

This client confessed to police and cooperated prior to being represented by me. I made no assurances that he would have his charges dismissed and the State was unwilling to dismiss the charges under the circumstances of the case. The sentence the client received was minimal for the offense, including the reduced fine which he received. My area of specialization is marijuana cases and I have had hundreds of such cases dismissed for my clients - usually where the client doesn't admit wrongdoing and doesn't cooperate with police. I never strongly push a client to take a deal and would have taken this client to trial if he had requested we go to trial. He chose to take an offer rather than risk a guilty verdict. Most interestingly, the client made no verbal complaint to me following conclusion of this case and it has been many months since his case was completed so I was unaware he was dissatisfied and surprised he waited until now to lodge a complaint. I am one of only nine lawyers in the State of Georgia recommended by the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws for the handling of these kinds of cases and I am a life member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. NO case in this office is less important to me because it is a misdemeanor or because of the facts of a case. I work to help my clients but make no guarantees of results in any individual case - I simply work hard to try to win and if we cannot win, I let my client know and let them make a decision. This client did that and apparently it is my fault. I hope that those of you considering my practice will look at other reviews, use google to search for cases in the news I have handled and do more research before relyin gon one dissatisfied person to make their decision. As other reviews are added, I also hope you will read those and consider the experiences of other clients who have been very happy with my work and the work of my staff.

Posted by Lisa | February 28, 2019 | Hired Attorney

Disappointed

I was charged with manufacturing marijuana and 2 others in my family were charged with felonies as well. David told me he was the best marijuana lawyer to handle our cases. Our case dragged on for 2 years because David and his associate attorney were never prepared. We asked to see the evidence ag...ainst us and he never showed it to us. David came out of the blue with a plea deal that we first excepted but then realized things he said to us didn't add up. We fired David and now have new representation and have seen all the evidence against me and my family and I am glad we have another chance to fight our case.

David West

Replied last February 26, 2019

This is the same reviewer as in the review from a few days earlier - see below. They are attempting to leave multiple negative reviews. Please read my response below and more importantly, read my other reviews. This one angry client most certainly does not share the opinion of dozens of others who let me finish their cases!

See All Client Reviews