I was arrested and charged with 3 felonies during a traffic stop last year. Two days after I was bonded out of jail, I met with Paul Horning and Marc Plotnick, at Plotnick Law. The felony charges were very serious,and if convicted, I was looking at a mandatory minimum sentence, of a couple of decades... in prison, which would be a game ender for me. I was very nervous,scared, and uncertain, but Mr. Horning and Mr. Plotnick offered me some reassurance at our meeting. I gave all details to both attorneys, on the circumstances surrounding the arrest. They immediately started brainstorming possible defense maneuvers, but told me that they honestly couldn't predict an outcome, or form a solid defense, until they obtained evidence from the prosecutor (as any honest attorney should tell you).
Paul Horning agreed to take the lead in representing me in the legal action. He explained that would initially involve him communicating with the State Attorney’s Office, before they made a decision on whether or not to file formal charges.
I spent several hours talking on the phone with Mr. Horning, over the course of a couple of months’ worth of phone calls. He was always available to answer my questions, concerns, and offer feedback and advice. Due to the amount of truthful details I gave Mr. Horning, he was equipped, and able to effectively communicate with the State Attorney’s Office on several occasions, prior to them making a decision on whether or not to file formal charges. The SAO ultimately did not file any of the charges, and I credit Paul Horning's work for that.
Paul Horning is professional, and seemed knowledgeable in the areas that I needed him to be knowledgeable in. Also, on a personal level, he is just a great guy, easy to get along with, and very approachable. He made it easy for me to communicate with him, and I didn't feel like I was talking to someone who didn't care about me or my case. (I've used 1 other defense attorney in the past, for a misdemeanor traffic stop, and that particular attorney didn't seem interested in the details I gave him about the traffic stop, and circumstances surrounding the stop. It seemed like he was more interested in my wallet,instead of the facts.) I was also able to ask Mr. Horning some questions off topic, and he gladly answered those questions for me, and offered advice.
Communication is the most important factor when working with a Criminal Defense Attorney, or any attorney for that matter. Be honest, and tell them every detail, and all of your actions, whether you were right or wrong. This will give them a clearer picture of what "happened" (or "didn't happen"), and they will be able to start planning their strategy. If you do not give your attorney all relevant details, they won't be able to do their job that you are paying them for. Since you are paying the attorney to protect your freedom, you must be honest with your attorney.
Thanks again Paul Horning, and Marc Plotnick for saving my freedom!!! I am very impressed with this firm's experience, customer care, professionalism, accessibility, and genuine care about their clients. I highly recommend Paul Horning for Criminal Defense.