Harold Mark Garfinkel

After discussing my case with three other attorneys, I interviewed Hal. I found that Hal was different. He asked not just about the case, but about my family and every part of my situation. Every other lawyer asked only about the offense and how much they would charge me. Two things are import...ant I learned in my case, having a bull dog that will fight for you as well as someone who is connected. That is more important then you would think. The system does not work so you better have an attorney that understands how to work the system and deal with prosecutors who want to win at any cost. Hal fought for me, my family and my future and I was lucky I had him and I only received probation instead of many years as the prosecutor wanted due Mr. Garfinkel's ability of being a great attorney.

Back in November I wrote a review (please see below) on how great of a job Mr. Hal Garfinkel did on helping rescind my summary of suspension to receive my drivers license back. Just when I thought I witnessed a defense attorney at his best, I did not. I recently had my DUI trial take place, when I ca...ught site of all the witnesses the state prosecutors were able to get to attend the trial, I thought I was done, did not think I had a chance to come out victorious on this case. I was wrong, Hal would not go down without a fight and I when say this I’m DEAD SERIOUS! His knowledge of the law is unbelievable; his cross examinations on the arresting officers and civilian witnesses is incredible. State prosecutors did not know what hit them; words can’t describe how aggressive Hal is when the doors close in a court room, because of Hal I am now able to return to my normal life and not have to worry about having a DUI on my record. As I mentioned in my previous review, Hal was the right attorney to hire. I called the individual that referenced Mr. Hal Garfinkel to me and thanked him for such a great recommendation. Hal is dependable, determined, and last but not least he is the best of THE BEST! To anyone in need of a criminal defense lawyer, please look no more, HAL GARFINKEL IS YOUR GUY!! Thank you for your dedication Hal!!

I was involved in a fairly serious domestic battery charge. He was highly recommended by a family member, who he provided was able to drop his charges. Mr Garfinkel was patient and understanding of the law well. I was at risk of losing my professional license and possibly my job. Hal spend valuable ...time working off hours with the state's attorney and legal department representing my professional license and was able to bring down the charges to a petty charge of disorderly conduct and keep my license. I cannot thank him enough for a excellent job well done. He is highly recommended to represent you at the best that can be done. thanks Hal !!!

This review had to be entered anonymously because my name can't be attached to a Criminal Defense Lawyer. In the world I live in, if someone saw this, they would immediately start a background check. I was arrested on a misdemeanor, not a serious one, Thank G-d, but, bad enough. This had to be han...dled very discreetly and quickly. I spoke with several attorneys, went thought secretaries, some lawyers took days to call back. When I spoke to the lawyers they were cold and distant, almost rough, didn't feel there was a human on the other end. After 4 days Hal was my last call, he answers the phone himself, I really liked that, the less people know the better off it is. My first, few contacts with him wasn't really that great, he is just different, didn't have a clear understanding of who he is, at first. Was very nervous about what I was getting myself into. So we chatted a bit, he was very patient with me, it took about 4 phone calls, he answered all my questions, so I agreed to meet. Upon meeting, he immediately put me at ease, he was the 1st lawyer whom made me feel like I did nothing wrong. It was like, I had a problem that needed to be solved and he had every solution there was. I went to the office nervous and left with almost no worries. He is an intense listener and a quick thinker. Very seldom in life do you meet a person whom is born to do their job, Hal definitely is, he is an extraordinary gifted lawyer. I know a lot of attorneys, just not criminal defense ones, most don't take a personal interest in their clients, this one truly does. Not only is he approachable, his results are FANTASTIC. You cannot put a price on the amount of connections this guy has, he even knew the arresting officer, a few calls were made & I had no more problems. Between the treatment and making the problem go away so quickly, Hal is worth every penny. If you need someone to bring peace into your world, give him a call, I would highly recommend him.

I was charged with a Class 2 felony burglary. Drunkenly, I stole a GPS out of a car one night. (SO DUMB) Because of the value of the property, a felony was the correct charge but still, come on. I retained Hal to defend me and I couldn't have been happier with the outcome. I was 26 years old, col...lege graduate, had my whole life ahead of me and was facing a felony charge that if convicted, would have ruined my life. Not only was my record going to be blemished for life, but I was looking at some serious jail time. I met Hal at his office to review my options. Right then and there, I could see how thorough he was. Asking me questions about the crime, my background, etc. Things I hadn't thought of in years but ultimately saw how they affected the case. My case went back and forth for quite some time, about a year and a half. Which wasn't Hal's fault, the wheels of justice grind slooooowwwlly. During that time, Hal fought hard and exhausted EVERY option to dispose of my case before trial. He filed countless motions, bargained with the SA office, I could go on and on.... Finally before my case was set to go to trial, Hal was able to obtain a plea bargain that included TASC probation. This type of deal is NOT given out for burglary charges. It is typically reserved for first time drug offenses. In case your not familiar with TASC, It's a type of probation in which a plea of guilt is entered, you meet the terms of probation (fines, court costs, treatment, etc) and once the probation has been competed successfully, you can have the judgment VACATED! Which means there is no longer a conviction for that crime. Then, if your record allows you can have it expunged!!!!! There is a good chance that had I gone to trial, I could have been convicted. Hal advised me to no take any other plea the SA was offering me. Also, not to go to trial and continue to fight. I followed along and did as I was told and Whala! Hal tirelessly fought for the BEST outcome for me and I will forever be grateful. A couple takeaways here: Hal works really hard on your case... evenings, weekends, takes phone calls all the time, etc. He is SO thorough, when he asks you questions or asks for information, it may seem nit-picky but trust me, just get it or give it to him. He doesn't talk to you like you're another lawyer. He explains your situation and the law in a way that non-lawyers understand. Finally, I hate to say it but with lawyers... It's often more about WHO than WHAT you know.... Hal has worked side by side with current judges, states attorneys, etc. His connections are INVALUABLE. Oh yeah, I don't have a Felony on my record! :)