276 Client Reviews
Showing 56 - 60 of 276 reviews
Posted by anonymous | April 27, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Shark
He’s the best of the best no one like him number one incredible professional person everything!!!!!
Dear Anonymous, Thank you so very much, both for your kind words and for sharing them with the folks (in the form of #HaberPA's 221st Client Review on AVVO). My earnest gratitude established, you are so truly anonymous that even I have no idea of either who you are or of precisely how or what I did to merit your praise... still, I'll (humbly) take it, and I'll do so with the following observations. There are about 100,000 lawyers in FL, more than 10,000 of which are in the Miami area and of those many practice (albeit some far more effectively and ethically than others) criminal defense litigation. That observed, #HaberPA has made it a top priority for us to separate ourselves from all others by operating (not merely claiming to be but actually performing as) what we refer to as a "boutique" criminal defense law firm (in this instance "boutique" means "a small company that offers highly specialized services" - please refer to definition #2 of "boutique" @ http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boutique ). As a boutique criminal defense litigation practice #HaberPA strives to maintain the highest standards of excellence and to provide comprehensive and personalized care, and we do so from the very first consultation. Should we be retained then #HaberPA will employ our 30+ years of criminal defense litigation experience to relentlessly challenge all State's evidence and to pursue any relevant defense evidence. We will strategically wield the Rules of Evidence and the Rules of Criminal Procedure in an effort to find factual, legal, procedural or substantive means and mechanisms to beat or to mitigate the case, and we're not definitely above taking advantage of any available loophole or technicality in our relentless effort at achieving established goals and securing acquittals. We are adamant about being both available and accountable to our clients (in fact we both boast and then back-up our commitment to "having your 6:00, 24-7-365, 360°"), whom we make it a point to care more about than we do ourselves. With no history of professional discipline whatsoever, literally hundreds of 5-Star Client Reviews, being easily reachable by phone, email or on the internet, consistently engaging in open, honest, direct and frequent communication, coming to understand the Client and her/his situation, adopting the Client's interests as our own, identifying and securing realistic litigation objectives, quoting and honoring reasonable fees (in writing), rapidly investigating and preparing cases and not engaging in delay, groveling, kowtowing, stipulation or surrender we constantly effort at proving ourselves to be "boutique". With all of this said it seems to me that as far as you are concerned (whomever you may be and whenever it was that I apparently accomplished whatever it was on your behalf), apparently ours is another successfully accomplished mission. I hope that you have the opportunity to read this and that if you do then you will reach out and say "hi" so that I can thank you more personally, but in any event I reiterate my appreciation for your kind time and for sharing your words with the folks. Gratefully, MAH/Esq.
Posted by Don | April 13, 2022 | Hired Attorney
When you need a fighter
If you want someone who cuts through the BS, is professional but a bulldog defending you, honest through and through, Michael is your guy. He defended me for an attempted murder case, he told me what to realistically expect. He is very pragmatic, not an idealist, which is what you want in an attor...
Dear Don, Thank you for your succinct and sincere Client Review (#HaberPA's 220th on AVVO). Yours was an incredible and unique case and as you have not identified yourself I am going to share it with the folks. A third party called 911 and said he was with a stabbing victim who was bleeding badly. The police and Fire Rescue promptly arrived, the victim was transported to the hospital, the third party was debriefed, shortly thereafter you were located just a few blocks away and were taken into custody. Although the third party put you and the victim in the same location prior to the stabbing he did not witness the incident and accordingly he could not offer any explanation as to the "what, why or how" of it. Police responded to the hospital but could not speak to the victim as he was in surgery; meantime you wisely invoked and made no statements. Inexplicably, the police left, never returned to the hospital and therefore they never took a statement from the victim, even more insanely no one from the State Attorney's Office ever ("ever") spoke to the victim and, if it were not so serious then it'd be comical that 3 weeks later the State had the temerity to charge you with attempted murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. After his discharge from the hospital the victim left town to convalesce with family. We know that as my investigator located him in the Orlando area, reached out, with permission he drove up and secured a sworn statement which was exculpatory in nature. Again, astonishingly, this was not done by anyone from either the MDPD or the SAO; in fact the only correspondence / contact that the alleged victim ever had with the State was our filing of his affidavit, yet they continued to announce "ready" for trial, as did we, and why not? The State had no victim contact, they knew it, we knew it and even if they did locate him he had all but exonerated you, yet, again, an Assistant State Attorney stood in front of a Circuit Court Judge and announced "ready". Well we called their bluff and on the day of trial (after the Judge had finally tired of granting State continuances and finally opened his eyes and ears to the facts that I've stated herein and which were proffered to the Court on multiple occasions) the State dropped the charges. In 30+ years this was the worst example of prosecutorial malfeasance that I have ever seen. You were literally facing life in prison and the government literally had neither any evidence of your guilt (much less proof beyond a reasonable doubt) nor even a witness, much less a victim. This was simply atrocious. Yes it worked out, and yes we were on top of it but when something this outrageous happens the words "nolle pros" offer some but no where near enough comfort. Meantime, I can't even imagine being you through that, and to you, how you comported yourself, I tip my hat. You listened, you maintained your cool, you you followed instructions and you asked appropriate questions... in short (and particularly in light of the charges) you were a model client. I have no explanation for the unprecedented acts by the police and the prosecution in your case but I am glad that you took the leap of faith by literally entrusting me with your life. I also appreciate your having taken the time to share your experience with #HaberPA with the folks. Hopefully we won't meet again professionally, but, as is the case with most former clients you are now part of the #HaberPA family and as such my hope is that we'll enjoy an adult beverage together one day soon. With my fondest regards. MAH/Esq.
Posted by Susy | December 30, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Best lawyer I have ever worked with!
Several months ago my husband was arrested at our home. I was present before, during, and after the incident (which didn't involve me). Despite his asking the police wouldn't let my husband make any calls so, as they were taking him away, he asked me to call Michael Haber. I found the number, cal...
Dear Susy, Thank you very much for sharing your experience with #HaberPA with the folks. Yours is the second time in recent history that the spouse of a client has taken the time to author and submit a review (in your case #HaberPA's 219th Client Review) so I must be doing something exceptionally correct. That observed, I am well-aware of just how daunting the criminal justice system can be, especially for the uninitiated, and so it's an important part of my job to explain the mechanics to those who need to know, your husband's case being an excellent example. In those initial moments at your home, when your husband was first detained then "cuffed and stuffed", the hands-down most critical thing that you possibly could have done was to call me (a lawyer). You were able to provide me with real time information which I was able to parlay into both a greater understanding of the situation (not only for myself but also so as to be able to explain things to you) as well as into effective, persuasive argument for our impending bond hearing. Your husband had multiple issues. He had picked up a new violent domestic felony, which, on it's own is a significant problem, but, dovetailing it with the fact that he was serving felony probation at the time, the situation was dire. First, anyone on felony probation in FL who gets arrested for a new case is subject to a "No Bond" hold on the prior probation case. While Judges have the discretion to authorize bond for such folks (either at the prosecutor's request or sua sponte) they often deny the same for a variety of reasons (e.g. to sweat the probationer, to make a later plea more likely, to send a message to other probationers, etc.). Still, and although one can theoretically sit in jail for months on end while awaiting a PVH the Judge may, should s/he wish, grant a "Probation Bond". But, when, as was the case with your husband, one is designated as a "VFOSC" (a Violent Felony Offender of Special Concern - which happened in your husband's case simply because he was charged with a felony crime of violence while serving felony probation) then the Judge has no discretion, s/he is statutorily prohibited from granting a bond on the new case and that renders a probation bond meaningless. Fortunately you and I were able to speak and enjoyed free communication over the next 36 hours. My investigative team was able to secure surveillance footage of the actual incident (which was something that the cops either neglected to do or intentionally chose to avoid), you were able to provide me with significant historical context as well as incredible documentary evidence which plainly demonstrated malicious intent on behalf of the "alleged victim" and while your husband had to spend two (2) evenings in jail we were able to convince the Judge to deny VFOSC status and ROR (release on recognizance) your husband. After that the rest was relatively smooth sailing. Even though the prosecutor bought the complaining witness' BS story and filed the bogus new felony domestic charge we had an experienced Judge who gave us the courtesy of a quick "Stand Your Ground" Hearing and within about 6 weeks time your husband was granted statutory immunity, the new case was dismissed and your husband was reinstated to probation. Please believe me when I say to you that I could not possibly have accomplished my job without your generous effort and assistance. In truth your husband has you to thank every nit as much as myself, and I too must thank you (both for your generous client review and for helping me to help your family). Wising you and yours all the best this holiday season and beyond. Earnestly, MAH/Esq.
Posted by S. Rose | November 16, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Beyond grateful!
While at first, my case appeared to be a fairly straightforward process, I could not have done managed without Michael Haber. Having an extremely busy career that often requires work late into the evening, I knew that delays in communication on my end would likely result in delays or my expungement ...
Dear S. Rose, Thank you very much for sharing your experience with #HaberPA and for obviously and intentionally employing such incredibly kind words when publishing what is now our 218th Client Review on AVVO! I'm a firm believer in the idea that open, honest and frequent communication are essential elements to any functional and meaningful relationship, most definitely including attorney-client. That said I'm going to expound on your assessment just a little bit, as yours is a classic example which can benefit other folks. You reside on FL's central west coast and received notice of a criminal prosecution (for a criminal traffic offense) in the NE section of the State. Because you had no connection to that area you had a solid alibi and, because it was a patent error, the police officer requested and the State agreed to dismiss the case; however, you still had an unwarranted criminal record which you wanted to expunge. You found me on the internet. Even though I'm in SE Florida you reached out to and hired me to handle the matter remotely. (One of the few "CoVid Silver Linings" is the ability for lawyers to easily handle their cases in a remote fashion. While not functional for most litigation - and surely tapering off as restrictions are relaxes - when it comes to sealing and expungement, these days lawyers can accomplish the same throughout Florida's 65,758 square miles no matter where we happen to be physically located.) That observed, I was as forthright with you as I am with everyone, explaining that while expungement is not "rocket science" it is a technical process full of potential tripwires and boobytraps, and as it turned out your case is a textbook example of the application of Murphy's Law to "the law". I secured the necessary documents, prepared the mandatory paperwork, emailed it to you with detailed instructions and when I had everything compiled I started the process. The first blunder occurred when the State "misplaced" your application. The second came when the Assistant State Attorney mis-executed the replaced original. An Assistant State Attorney signed it, authorizing FDLE to process the expungement application without objection, but - giving them the benefit of the doubt - they negligently wrote in an incorrect identifier, causing FDLE to reject the application. This led to the third complication, in that the whole process needed a reboot with micromanagement. There's no reason for me to believe that you (or any other "civilian" for that matter) could not have maneuvered through these missteps, but I am absolutely confident in my ability to do so quicker, smoother and with a sum net of zero aggravation to your life, most especially for someone like you, who has "extremely busy career that often requires work late into the evening". Naturally I kept you in the loop, to your credit you were consistently understanding and helpful and, while it took longer than expected, your case was expunged. Apart from my gratitude for your Client review I want to thank you for your assistance and patience, and to wish you all the best in luck and success. Earnestly, MAH/Esq.
Posted by anonymous | November 08, 2021 | Hired Attorney
I have the best lawyer
A few years ago Mike Haber represented me in a case that I'm still on probation for and then 3 years later I got arrested for a fake domestic case against my step son with a knife. The cops believed his BS story and of course they arrested me the guy on probation and now I had a lot of problems ...
Dear Anonymous, Thank you for taking the time to share your second experience with #HaberPA with the folks. When it comes to repeat clients I always have mixed feelings, to wit: On the one hand I'm always honored and proud (kinda like being asked out on a second date) but, conversely, I never want to see someone who's been through the system have to repeat, and your case is an excellent abject lesson as to why. Without delving too far into the potential pitfalls of probation suffice it to say that the last thing a probationer wants or needs thrust upon her/him is a new arrest. (For more info on probation you can read #HaberPA's AVVO Legal Guide on Probation in Florida: "What it is and how to survive it?" @ http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/probation-in-florida--what-it-is-and-how-to-survive-it and you can watch my November 1, 2021 podcast, "At Your Service with Haber & Martinez", # 19, "Probation: Palpability, Practicality, Pitfalls & Pro-Tips" @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06ZzUwYJ_ao ) While any probationer who picks up a new substantive case while being supervised is subject to a possible "no Bond" hold (pending resolution of the VOP) in your particular case, because you were arrested for an enumerated violent offense while on felony probation you were automatically classified as a "VFOSC" (a Violent Felony Offender of Special Concern), which comes with a mandatory "No Bond" provision. But for the convergence of luck, skill and timing (plus a little extra luck and skill), and had the prosecutor gotten her way, then that's precisely where you would have been, e.g. in jail, held without bond, likely for several months. Luck: Fortunately for you the entire incident - audio and video - was caught on surveillance cameras. Skill: We knew enough to look for, locate and secure the footage. Timing: Because of the combination of luck and skill we were also able to introduce the footage in your defense at your bond hearing. More luck and skill: The footage showed that you stood in your doorway, using a kitchen knife to defend yourself, your family and your property from a known and unwelcomed trespassing would-be assailant, making a "conditional threat" (e.g. leave or else) to a complaining witness who was aggressive in both behavior and speech and who was on your property, threatening you not withstanding your brandishing a defensive weapon and demanding that he leave. This was a textbook case of Stand Your Ground (so much so that the cops even admitted that had they seen the video footage at the time then they would not have arrested), and that is why after an evidentiary hearing your Judge granted you statutory immunity, the case was dismissed and you were restored to probation. The last thing that I'll mention about your case is that, while the cops get a pass on this one (again, they were not privy to the digital footage at the time of your arrest) the State Attorney's Office does not... not in my book anyhow. When I provided the State with the video files and coupled it with my argument (which included 154 text messages from their alleged "victim" containing unequivocal threats of violence toward you) they doubled down like little prosecutorial robots, absolutely refusing to see anything beyond skewed tunnel-vision toward guilt, and that is inexcusable (and pathetic). That said, I am more than pleased at the outcome of your case, I am appreciative of your praise and I am hopeful that you will conclude the balance of you probationary sentence without incident. Thanking you again and wishing you all the best. Gratefully, MAH/Esq.