James Russell Loraas

I am writing to express my extreme dissatisfaction with the legal representation my wife received from James Russell Loraas. His actions resulted in my wife being unnecessarily confined for an additional three months and nearly led to her being unjustly sentenced to a far longer prison term than lega...lly permissible. Specifically, Mr. Loraas: * Filed a competency request that led to my wife's extended confinement: Despite my wife's clear competency, Mr. Loraas filed a request for a competency evaluation, causing her to be held in confinement for an additional three months while awaiting the evaluation. This caused unnecessary hardship and distress for my wife and our family. * Demonstrated a lack of knowledge regarding applicable sentencing guidelines: Mr. Loraas proceeded with my wife's probation violation hearing under the mistaken belief that she was subject to sentencing guidelines for the original felony charge. He was seemingly unaware that she had pled and been sentenced to a misdemeanor. This error nearly resulted in my wife being sentenced to five years in prison. Only the last-minute intervention of the procurers, who correctly informed the judge of the applicable sentencing guidelines in effect at the time of her plea, prevented this grave miscarriage of justice. It is deeply concerning that Mr. Loraas, as her defense attorney, was not aware of this crucial information. Mr. Loraas's lack of preparedness, failure to accurately apply the law in my wife's case, and the unnecessary hardship he caused through the competency request are unacceptable. His actions demonstrate a level of incompetence that nearly had severe and lasting consequences for my wife. I would strongly caution anyone against retaining his services.

When I requested to see video evidence from the state he said “we don’t want to upset the state.” For 6 months I asked him to meet and discuss the case, once he finally agreed to a date, he cancelled the day before saying “things are very fluid around here. It’s difficult for me to be at a specific ...place at a certain time.” I said “you mean like here tomorrow at the time we agreed on?” He said “yes, I’m glad you understand.” Then hung up. He will lie and tell you anything to get you off his back. Every day in court begins with someone firing him. I took an open plea to avoid him dragging my case out any longer.

If I could give zero stars I would. This guy doesn’t even deserve any!!! Does not deserve to defend justice. He is there for a check!! Call and ask for a different lawyers. This man is set up for you to fail!! Doesn’t care about his clients! Never returns calls, doesn’t send discovery! Doesn’t discus...s your case nothing and if your lucky to speak with him he genuinely doesn’t care.