It took 2 lawyers I didn't trust before I found John...
I was arrested for a DWI in Dec. 2011. After bail, I went on the search for a lawyer who would want to take my case to trial. I knew I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I never set for trial. I wanted a lawyer who had experience, professionalism, and the tenacity of a bull! I met with 2 lawyers...: 1st lawyer was recommended to me by a friend who had her DWI dismissed with him. I didn't get a great impression with him. His office was a little corner space and he just seemed adamant about payment after 1 appointment and few email exchanges with him. 2nd lawyer is a family lawyer my parents have used for miscellaneous things. He had a nice private office but I didn't get the sense that he took cases to trial that often. He seemed to lean more towards a plea bargain than trial even though he said my chances are about 50/50 with my dash video. I didn't understand this because if my chances are 50/50, why keep talking to me about a plea bargain when to me, those are fair chances?
So, I met John after I found him on Google and looked at his website. Impressive website and reviews, I was intrigued. I called to set up the next consultation available. When I walked in, I noticed he had a lot of office staff and everyone was hard at work. You can tell they get a lot of business. At the appointment, John asked me a lot of questions about my case, what I'm expecting, what I want to do, etc. I told him I feel like I may lose but I wanted to take my chances with a trial with jury. After reviewing my tape, he didn't think I had good chances of winning (33%) but he'll take it to trial because you never know what may happen if you set for trial. So I hired him. Him and his office went right to work. They kept me updated with letters and was always available by phone. You have to keep in mind that although they are working on your case, you are not their sole client. They will not call you to update you about every step regarding your process. Yes, I had a lot of questions and was worried that I'd be lost amongst their clients but I really took it upon myself to let them do their jobs and wait for them to notify me with any updates. I trusted my lawyer and believed he had all the qualities I was looking for. He is extremely busy but when it's YOUR day in court, John is there for YOU.
Fast forward to Jan 2013, my case is finally set for trial. The trial took 2 days. John was extremely impressive all 2 days but I was the most impressed by his jury selection skills. He is intuitive and knows how to read people. We didn't get the jury we wanted but he did a great job at using his allotted time to convey the responsibility of the jury to make the right decision if there's "reasonable doubt." He really weeded out some bad ones! John definitely has a way with words and his confidence in the courtroom was greatly appreciated since I was just a nervous wreck inside. Also, during the two days, we'd walk around the courthouse since he had other cases that day and he'd run into other lawyers and colleagues. John seems very popular with other lawyers and a lot of lawyers expressed to me that I got a good one. Other lawyers are admiring MY lawyer. The reviews you see on this website by other attorneys are not fake! He really is a lawyer's lawyer.
Anyways, after a second viewing of my tape, the jury found me NOT guilty 6-0 within 5 mins of deliberating! We were both surprised because we were waiting for bad news! The jury was hard to read! There's a part of me that feels like I got lucky but I have to say that it was all John's doing. I can't thank him enough! THANK YOU JOHN!!!... Now, just an expungement to do and this will all have been just a memory.
**Disclaimer: I didn't include my arrest story because I don't think my story should have any effect on whether you choose John. Truth is, if you want to go to trial no matter what your chances are, go with a guy who has experience. FYI: John has 27 years.