Joseph A. Bugni

This is a true and accurate review of attorney Joe Bugni's work ethic and or performance since representing me in my federal case. Each subject/area is rated on a number scale of 0-10. Fidelity: 10 Diligence: 9 Filings: 9 Informing: 10 Relationship (attorney/client): 10 advice: 10 ... Brief Summary of review: In the history of my stint of alleged crimes/convictions in which I am not proud, I've come across some good lawyers whether paid or state appointed. However, there is a huge difference between "good" and "great". Joe Bugni is a "great" attorney. His ability to analyze things from an unbiased stance, both subjective & objective is invaluable. His first hand knowledge of how life is for underprivileged people gives him an edge that is unmatched by most lawyers. He's well versed, studied, and researched when it comes to matters of law. I've actually witnessed a federal magistrate (judge) "shush" an AUSA just to get Joe's sound counsel on a legal matter that the Magistrate was struggling to decide. This alone speaks volumes. In a nutshell, I know that if a defendant is represented by Joe Bugni, he or she will receive the best outcome possible in their situation. I cannot with confidence say the same about 90% of the lawyers that I've dealt with.

When I first met Joe, it was just after my arrest inside a small non-contact communication booth. My world had just been turned upside down and my life as I knew it had began to disappear. The federal court system was new to me and I was completely lost in more ways than one. I did not know it at the... time but Joe had left his office Christmas party that evening to come speak with me and represent me in court that night. Overall, our contacts were brief that day but Joe did a great job comforting me and providing me with key information to help me better understand the federal court system and make educated decisions for myself from the beginning to the end. I can tell you that Joe is one of the most caring people I know and will go out of his way to comfort his clients. Joe came to my house the next morning after my arrest to speak with me and my wife. We had a million questions. Joe had a million answers. Additionally, Joe has the experience of a veteran lawyer. Coupled with his confidence, creativeness, tenaciousness, and hard work Joe is a beast in the court room. I had met with a handful of other top lawyers in the area, all who are great lawyers, but there was something about Joe’s bedside manner that set him apart from the others. I also realized that Joe was of their same caliber and I felt I couldn’t go wrong. In the end, I chose Joe. I was facing up to 20 years, Joe got me 2 years probation. Last week was my sentencing date anniversary. I called Joe because of a personal problem and I just needed to talk to him. Again, he gave me advice but this was a friend talking to another friend. Then he told me that since my birthday had just past, he was going to get me off probation a year early for my birthday present. As of 3 days ago, he delivered as promise. Joe exceeded my expectations as well as my families expectations month after month. I always felt better after our meetings and never felt that he didn’t give my case 110%. I recommend Joseph Bugni as a former client and as his friend.

Attorney Bugni (Joe) was assigned to represent a dear friend of mine facing serious charges. From the very beginning, Joe went above and beyond in his representation of my friend and his communication, commitment to, and respect for my friend and his loved ones. From bringing my friend books to read ...in jail (and challenging him to really read them!) to keeping my friend's family and close friends updated throughout the federal proceedings, Joe was exemplary. He's warm, considerate, patient in answering non-lawyers' many questions, and passionate in his defense of his clients. I recommend him wholeheartedly; everyone facing serious charges would be so lucky as to have a fierce, smart, compassionate attorney like Joe Bugni.

Wanted on a grand jury indictment for fraud against the US Treasury Department in the amount of $450,000, Mr. Bugni took me on. I was sitting in a U.S. Marshals holding facility six months pregnant and scared to death when they told me my lawyer was there. From behind the glass in a visiting booth, I... told him my story. The first words I remember him saying were "Let's get you out of here and home where you belong". No more than a few hours later I was released. From day one Mr. Bugni was not only interested in my case but also in my well-being and that of my pregnancy. He called me on a regular basis, gave me numbers and addresses of organizations that help with diapers, carseats and clothes and he gave me tips on things I should do in order to get a better outcome in court. He genuinely wanted me to walk away a free woman from my trial. He maintained contact with me during the six months of pre-trial, he kept me informed of things he was doing on my behalf. I never wondered if he was working on my case because he always had updates for me on who he had talked to and what was said. He forms strong relationships with co-workers where trust, compassion and understanding is formed giving a strong upper hand when presenting suggestions and opinions in your case. When introducing me to the prosecutor over my case he humanized me. I never felt beneath him, or belittled, he always made me feel understood. After my second conversation with Mr. Bugni me I knew I would not serve jail time, I was that confident in his defense strategy. I was facing 19 months minimum to 25-year maximum and Mr. Bugni me got me 3 years probation. Mr. Bugni even remembered when my probation was supposed to end and initiated early release five years months before my end date. Mr. Bugni is, by far, the best lawyer I have ever had the privilege of knowing and he would be my first reference to anyone who needs a lawyer. Even if it is not his specialty he will place you in the best hand out there (aside from his).

United States Federal Public Defender Joseph Bugni is the single most KICKASS LAWYER I’ve ever had!!! Trust me, I’m the guy who knows court appointed lawyers better than most! I read about the website; AVVO and instantly knew that I had to write a brief letter about the most impressive man and lawye...r I’ve ever met! Most lawyers, (especially court appointed ones) totally suck!!! How do I know? I’ve (sadly) been incarcerated for over 27 years and, in turn, I have been appointed lawyers at least ten times and accordingly, I’ve come to realize the difference between good, average, or bad lawyers… Over time my time, those lawyers easily found their way(s) into the following rating system: 4 = were completely incompetent. 3 = were below-average and just went through the (bare minimum) motions. 2 = were actually good. And 1 = Joe Bugni was unconditionally FANTASTIC on every possible level! Granted, I’m a screw up and a man who will never get out of prison … BUT, I’m also far from obtuse and in turn, from my first ever meeting with Joe, I was made to know, (not just ‘feel’) that I had been appointed one of the most sincere, direct, honest and competent human beings within the system. And, throughout my entire legal proceedings (and beyond) Joe proved to not only be extremely thorough, but also surprisingly thoughtful, in what we both knew was a no-win legal predicament that I was facing. You see, with most of us who are in county jails, (especially those of us who cannot afford bail) and who are essentially ‘stuck’ for many months within one of the most aggravating, frustrating, confusing, depressing, and worrisome real life situation(s) imaginable, it’s the court appointed attorney who ends up being an all-important lifeline to answers, the free world, and help … but most fail to realize that! Not Joe! At my very first meeting with him, he started off our relationship with the words, “What can I do to help you??” “Is there anyone I can call for you??” “How do you want me to go about your defense??” And, over an entire spring, summer, and fall and to present date, Joe has never veered away from being THAT person I first met. (We’ve known each other for just under a year now … My legal stuff is long over … and still, to date, he continually asks if he can do anything to help me!) … And in turn, beyond being an exceptional lawyer, he’s a hell of a human being! Bottom line, Joe Bugni rocks!!! – And if your organization/website has an extra trophy, or award, laying around somewhere, you need to award, or at least recognize, this man … He’s that exceptional of a public defender, lawyer, father, man, friend and human being!!