279 Client Reviews
Showing 36 - 40 of 276 reviews | 5 stars
Posted by Mardoche | June 15, 2024
Criminal citation
My experience with Mr.Haber was incredible definitely has the time and patience to deal with his clients if you want an attorney that will do things the Right way, Mr. Haber is the guy for that job the whole entire process went very smooth. I’m glad I chose Mr. Haber as my criminal attorney.
Hello Mardoche, Thank you for your kind Client Review (#HaberPA's 244th on AVVO). Although you used your first name your surname is unknown, per the SSA there were 13,260 babies given that name in the US in 2022 (I didn't dig deeper as that's anonymous enough for me) & so I'm comfortable in sharing some of the facts & circumstances of your case with the folks. Like many in today's America you tried to supplement your income by purchasing a vehicle from a friend (a used car dealer who had bought it from an auction), cleaning it up and flipping it for a profit. Having no clue about the rules you relied upon your pal for advise, &, unfortunately, that advise sucked as you wound up getting cited for driving an unregistered car with an improper tag & sans insurance (2 criminal traffic offenses and 1 infraction). As you reached out to me within 48 hours of your arrest I knew that it'd be approximately 30 days before your Arraignment (i.e. a hearing which marks the formal commencement - or dismissal - of the criminal process & where a Prosecutor either formally files charges or opts to dismiss / "No Action" the case). Given your charges we had a nice window within which to take proactive action. With that backdrop, & as you promptly provided me with your Arrest Affidavit, I was able to rapidly digest it, we spoke, you offered me your take & I then mapped out a pathway for you to earn a flat out dismissal (noting that this avenue required you to accomplish a series of tasks which I had outlined, none of which were particularly complicated but each of which took significant time & effort on your behalf). To your credit you followed my instructions both to the letter & in a timely fashion, allowing me to file a "Notice of Compliance" together with my Notice of Appearance, your Not Guilty Plea & our demands for Trial & Discovery. Shortly thereafter I appeared at your Arraignment (at my instruction you didn't have to attend), where I highlighted the previously filed proof of compliance & secured a Dismissal of all 3 citations. During the interim period (i.e. the time wherein I had tasked you with accomplishing a bevvy of chores) you had many questions &, accordingly, we had much communication. Over the course of about 2 weeks you & I spoke over the phone & texted, as well as exchanged multiple emails, all of which were either fielded in real time or in very short order (note that I'm quite comfortable in proffering to the folks that I never kept you waiting, that I consistently made myself available, was both prompt & precise &, perhaps more importantly to the the folks not to you - this is an integral ingredient of #HaberPA's proverbial mission statement, to wit: to be easily reachable by phone, email or the internet, to engage in open, honest, direct & frequent communication, to be readily accessible, to never leave the Client waiting in purgatory for her / his lawyer to field questions, to alleviate stress & to demonstrate that we've adopted our Clients' interests as our own) & in that regard I am proud. Again, given both the relatively uncomplicated nature of your case (but noting that 1 man's misdemeanor is another man's murder case) & your extraordinary cooperation with my instructions, I'm also proud of the net result, but I'd be remiss were I not to (for the 3rd time I believe) give you accolades & props for being a literal bellwether of a client (i.e. a premier example of a stellar client) without whom I could not have possible been successful & thus earned your kind words in the form of this Client Review. That said, I once again thank you, congratulate you, wish you the best moving forward & remind you that now that our business is concluded you are no longer a client; rather, & not unlike a caterpillar who transforms into a butterfly, you've now morphed into a friend who's most welcome into the #HaberPA family. Thank you again Mardoche. Wishing you the best! Fondly, MAH/Esq. #HaberPA (where "it's all about #ReasonableDoubt!")
Posted by anonymous | May 13, 2024 | Hired Attorney
A wonderful lawyer who gives the best service at the best price
was arrested for DUI and needed to find a lawyer. I found many lawyers on the internet and talked to some on the phone. Some of these conversations were short and some were long, but no one gave me the confidence I wanted until I found Michael Haber, the lawyer with the most reviews and the best thin...
Dear Anonymous, Yours (which is #HaberPA's 243rd Client Review on AVVO) is now one of my hands-down favorite explanations by a client as to why I was hired & how I performed as an "advisor, advocate, negotiator & evaluator" (those being the "roles" delineated by The Florida Bar as to "A Lawyer's Responsibilities" in the Preamble to Chapter 4 of the Rules of Professional Conduct) on your behalf. Noting that you've perhaps provided the folks with the best, most heartfelt explanation that I could've ever imagined, still I'll chime in, point by point, as best I can, although recognizing that I won't compare to your categorical & civilian, real-world analysis. When I answer a cold-call from a potential client I explain that before we discuss the case I need, at a minimum, to review the Probable Cause / Arrest Affidavit (that way I know the client's "worst case scenario" before I hear the accused's version of events). Once I've digested the Arresting Officer's justification then I eagerly listen to the potential client, asking relevant questions with a design to identify possibilities & probabilities, offer options & suggestions &, of course, to be able to quote a fair fee for anticipated services. I'm not the least bit surprised that other lawyers with whom you spoke didn't offer that sort of time, effort & analysis; in fact one could argue that I count on my colleagues being short, terse & "blowing sunshine" (as opposed to my approach, i.e. taking a "leap of faith", calculating that my taking the time & offering honest analysis is well worth the while). In fact I'm so certain that most - not all but the far larger percent - of my colleagues will be short, pithy & unrealistically rosy that I encourage potential clients to speak with other lawyers before making a hiring decision. That said, once I'm hired it's "game on", & in DUI cases (yours was an accident with both property damage & injuries, albeit minor injuries) that includes expediting services in light of the unavoidable & imminent DMV component. In fairness to me (& given the rare exception where I believe that intentional delay is a sage tactic), I don't dilly-dally in any aspect of any case, instead opting to operate with a "SOP" of preferring to work quickly so as to try to simultaneously catch the State off guard & to get the client closure sooner as opposed to later; but in your case (given the DL suspension, your need to drive & the brief window within which to act) a rapid response was absolutely necessary & so it pressingly came to pass. This mentality (of getting things done, stat) pervades all aspects of #HaberPA's representation, which is why I do my absolute best to field client's calls, texts & emails as close to immediately as is humanly possible. While I enjoy my life as best I can I also empathize with my clients, who themselves need answers, guidance, information & feedback in real time, & so I also do my best to be accessible, available & responsive. After 32+ years in this industry I've leaned many things but perhaps the most fundamental is that each case & each client is sentient, unique & must be addressed & treated accordingly. Having inquired about your legal status in the US I knew that immigration concerns existed & when you advised that you had an immigration lawyer I suggested a waiver of confidentiality such that I could bring her into the loop & thus ensure comprehensive action with regard to both criminal & immigration concerns, without compromising one at the other's expense. I won't presume to either consider myself to be "a legend" or to have written "the book on DUI law" (although anyone who follows #HaberPA's #PSAOfTheDay on Facebook, X, YouTube & MeWe might disagree, arguing that I author a "book du jour") but I will both gratefully accept your perception of me as such & defer to your impression as you explain it to others. Thank you again for your sincere & kind words; they truly mean the world to me. Most gratefully, MAH/Esq. #HaberPA
Posted by anonymous | May 09, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Outstanding legal representation
Can’t thank Michael enough in representing me and providing outstanding guidance and outcome on a minor but very serious matter. From the first call, Michael came up with a strategy to ease any further actions against me and ultimately fought strategically to get the case handled in a manner that bot...
Dear Anonymous, Thank you for your kind words (in the form of #HaberPA's 242nd Client Review on AVVO). Yours comes on the heels of your wife's review & as I prophesized when replying to her (to wit: that I'd wait until you chimed in, hopefully anonymously), I can now discuss the facts & circumstances so that the folks will understand the pitfalls we had to traverse, what we accomplished & how we got from Point A to Point B. That said it all started by your having "found" me via a referral from another lawyer who doesn't handle criminal cases. You called me soon after you had gotten notice that the Police were looking to arrest you on a series of Retail Theft charges. I promptly met you, vetted the situation & quoted you an initial fee to reach out to the Cops, make inquiry, confirm the status of their investigation, determine if an arrest was imminent & if so then to arrange for your convenient, safe surrender. Once I was certain that The PoPo were going to effect a Probable Cause Arrest, charging you with 1 Felony & 1 Misdemeanor, I prearranged for bond (i.e. I put a surety in place) & then appeared with you & your wife at the Police Station where I ensured that your rights were both invoked & respected. During what I can best describe as "congenial conversation" with your Arresting Officers during the surrender process (you had 2 separate albeit related cases) I managed to convince them to charge you with a series of Misdemeanors as opposed to the expected Felony & Misdemeanor charges. (They initially intended to "aggregate" 4 of your 5 Petit Thefts into 1 Felony Grand Theft, & they had even contemplated charging you with Organized Scheme to Defraud, a more serious felony which would've kept you in jail overnight for a mandatory appearance). Once bail was posted & you bonded out we regrouped to discuss the options & lock down legal fees (noting that I credited you for the pre-surrender fee which you had paid against a fee to handle the cases through disposition). I then engaged the State Attorney's Office in an effort at securing an agreement to "consolidate" your 2 cases into 1 case. There were several reasons for this but, projecting forward into the future, my primary concern was that Florida Law limits citizens to seek 1 Seal or Expunge in their lifetime. Noting that I'm mathematically challenged I need not be Pythagoras to calculate that were we to "beat" both cases we could only Seal or Expunge 1 & you'd be stuck with the other. Now anyone who knows anything about Criminal Defense Litigation is aware that the State generally doesn't concern itself with such matters (i.e. they don't care about you, your future, your record, etc. - all that matters, especially in Criminal County Court to many a young, inexperienced Prosecutor, is convictions) & so I was prepared to file a Motion asking the Court to consolidate if the State shut us down. Long story short this was so critical that I agreed to waive your Speedy Trial rights so as to delay Arraignment long enough for me to piece together a "mitigation packet" which would, hopefully persuade the State to do right by you (kinda like the Cops did when they abandoned Felony charges). It took several weeks & I had to climb up to the top rung of the ladder before the Chief of County Court Prosecution agreed that had the Cops arrested you for a Felony then the cases would've been consolidated in Circuit Court & you'd be Diversion eligible (which was a problem in County Court given your multiple cases). A Consolidated Information was filed, you wisely jumped on a Diversion offer, soon enough you'll complete & then we'll file a Petition to Expunge. This is not braggadocio; rather it is an excellent example of what a skilled & experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer can do, in this instance tactically manipulating the Rules of Criminal Procedure & making artful, persuasive argument which inures to the Client's benefit. I'm both proud of myself & happy for you. Fondly, MAH/Esq. #HaberPA
Posted by anonymous | May 08, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Outstanding Legal Advocacy: 5 Stars for Michael Haber!
Michael Haber is a true gem in the realm of criminal defense attorneys. From the moment my husband enlisted his services, Mr. Haber exhibited an unparalleled level of strategic prowess and dedication to our case. Throughout the entire legal process, Mr. Haber's responsible and reliable nature shon...
Dear Anonymous, Before I say anything further (including expressing my gratitude for your kind Client Review, #HaberPA's 241st on AVVO) I must recognize your exceptional writing skills (either that or thank Chat GPT as, while I appreciate each & every Client Review, this one was particularly delightful for me to have read). That said (& hoping that your Hubby will author his own review, to which I will reply & address the specifics of his case, but only if he also does so anonymously) I'm going to react to your observations by paragraph. "Michael Haber is a true gem in the realm of criminal defense attorneys. From the moment my husband enlisted his services, Mr. Haber exhibited an unparalleled level of strategic prowess and dedication to our case." Insert blushing face emoji here. At #HaberPA we strive to stand out by providing "boutique" (i.e. "a small company that offers highly specialized services or products") services. As such we effort at coming to know as much about our Client as we do about our profession (to wit: Criminal Defense Litigation). "Throughout the entire legal process, Mr. Haber's responsible and reliable nature shone brightly. He meticulously planned each step of our defense strategy, leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of justice. His attention to detail and unwavering commitment to our case instilled a sense of confidence and reassurance in us during what was undoubtedly a challenging time." This paragraph has much to unpack but my topline thoughts are that it's easy to be interested at the outset, but remaining equally concerned & attentive through a case's resolution is part of what makes #HaberPA a boutique law firm, differentiating us from many others who are all about "the pay day" & who become far less concerned after the Client's check has cleared. I'll also add that Lee Child's character Jack Reacher is spot-on each time that he says "details matter", as they do, especially in Criminal Cases. "What truly sets Mr. Haber apart is his ability to exceed all expectations. Not only did he deliver on his promises, but he also surpassed them with his exceptional courtroom performance and legal expertise. His strategic maneuvers and quick thinking were instrumental in securing a favorable outcome for my husband." I don't have ESP, a crystal ball, Tarot cards, an Ouija board or any other way to guarantee what will happen, but after 32+ years I can & do foresee the reasonable probabilities in each case, strategically wield & manipulate the Rules of Criminal Procedure & Evidence & am not above employing guile & taking advantage of loopholes & technicalities which inure to my client's benefit (as "we're in it to win it"). "Beyond his remarkable legal acumen, Mr. Haber demonstrated genuine care and empathy towards our family. He took the time to listen to our concerns, providing both legal counsel and emotional support throughout the entirety of our case. His genuine compassion and dedication to our well-being were truly commendable." Of this I am most proud. I recently replied in part to prior Client's kind review stating: "A large portion of #HaberPA's mantra is to "take a 'Global Approach' to the Client & the case & come to understand the Client & her/his situation", & we stand by that blueprint in each & every case." I care (admittedly in some cases & for some clients more than others), always have regard for & some degree of altruism for my clients, but when it's recognized by the Client (as here) it's heartwarming. "Thanks to Michael Haber's outstanding representation, my husband received the justice he deserved. I cannot recommend him highly enough to anyone in need of a skilled and compassionate criminal defense attorney. If you're searching for legal advocacy that goes above and beyond, look no further than Michael Haber. Five stars without hesitation!" All I will say to this is "thank you" once again, both for you kind words & exceptionally moving Client Review. Gratefully, MAH/Esq. #HaberPA
Posted by anonymous | May 07, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Client
You were referred to me by a trusted friend/lawyer who doesn't typically handle BUI cases. You promptly met with me at my convenience in my home; you explained in detail the process and protocol, as well as the possibilities and probabilities. You assessed my case, my interests, and then we establish...
Dear Client, Thank you for your very succinct, bullet-point styled Client Review (#HaberPA's 239th on AVVO) hitting many points of interest to prospective clients. As you've not identified yourself (& I know who you are) I'll share a something about the facts, circumstances & resolution of your case with the folks (so they'll understand "the why" of your praise). You were stopped at dusk for "planing" in a Manatee Zone (excessive speed) while captaining a vessel (your father's boat). After running you around the boat like a marionette (a tactic which Marine Police employ as de facto "Field Sobriety Tests" / FSTS), & not withstanding your appropriate compliance with most everything (the 2 things that you did "wrong" were not having any ID on the vessel & not having your FFWWC "Boating Safety Education Identification Card", both of which you should have had onboard) because they claimed to have smelled alcohol on your breath you were directed to board the FWC vessel to take marine sobriety exams. You agreed to take them (aside alert: be it on land or sea, in Florida FSTs are 100% voluntary, you do NOT have to take them &, unlike refusing a breath test your Driver License is NOT effected by your refusal to take FSTs - that said, & also unlike breath, where the Cops must advise you of the consequences of a refusal, they don't have to with FSTs & thus they almost never will) &, not surprisingly for anyone who's been boating all day, your performance was adjudged to have been "below standards", after which you were formally arrested for BUI (Boating Under the Influence / DUI on the water). When you arrived at the station you wisely refused breath & invoked Miranda. Without a BAC printout the State's theory of the case had to be "impairment of your normal faculties" & as a consequence of your refusal to blow (just like in a DUI) they'd be entitled to both a rebuttable presumption of impairment & to argue "consciousness of guilt" (i.e. the reason you didn't blow is as you knew that if you did then your BAC would've been >.08). That said I promptly met with you & your parents at your home, debriefed you, vetted your version of events against the Probable Cause Affidavit, explained the charge, the State's burden of proof, the protocol moving forward, the various options available to you & the most critical thing, to wit: That the BWC would tell the tale sans passion or prejudice, & what we see and hear should guide our trajectory. That proved true as within a few weeks we watched crystal clear video & audio which captured everything from FWC lighting you up to your "perp-walk" into the Jail, after which the toughest thing about your case was deciding what to do after analyzing the BWC footage as, while we couldn't refute the alleged odor of alcohol, if you were impaired then, not withstanding the FSTs (which I myself couldn't've aced on land & stone cold sober), it wasn't patent (i.e. you were responsive, respectful, appropriate & not visibly impaired), thus leaving us with a dilemma. With no viable Motion to Dismiss (the "stop" was lawful, the requisite "reasonable suspicion" for a BUI investigation existed & once you refused breath you were lawfully arrested) we had to decide whether to take our chances in a Trial or negotiate a plea. Fortunately we had a reasonable Prosecutor who agreed to offer you a "Deferred Prosecution" agreement (de facto "Diversion") & you chose to take that safe path, whereby in 9 months time & after jumping through a few proverbial hoops you'll earn a dismissal. The choice was yours to make & while it was torture for me (as your case screamed "Reasonable Doubt" & I'd've loved to have taken it to Trial) I expect that you made the right decision (for you - & that's what matters). I was honored to have been referred to you by another lawyer, for the trust placed in me by you & your family & I look forward to you case being dismissed in short order. Thank you again for your kind words. Fondly, MAH/Esq. #HaberPA