Laura A McDermott

I was charged with a petty marijuana possession the late summer of 2013. The statute of limitation for a marijuana possession in AZ is 12 months. Much to my dismay (and thinking I had gotten away with it), they filed the charges after 11 months and about 15 days. Naturally, I wanted to do anything I could to prevent this bad boy from becoming a felony (AZ law states a marijuana possession is a felony, charming for a state with medical marijuana). So I hired Laura McDermott, of McDermott Law Firm, PLLC. First of all, I really liked that I was working with the lawyer who owned the firm. Second, I liked that she was a woman. Maybe that's sexist against men, but female lawyers simply work harder, in my opinion, and Ms. McDermott was definitely not an exception to that trend.
Laura (first name basis, which I also liked), was very personable, helpful, and most of all, available. I never imagined that in the world of professional law, that my lawyer would not only answer all of my calls (and give me her cell phone number), but also told me that I could text message her with any questions I had about the case! That, right there, was such a nice option, I literally never once felt like I was even somewhat uninformed about my case. When she needed something from me, she would just call me, even if it was like 11 p.m. Some people may not like that, but for me, I literally couldn't have asked for anything more in the communication department.
Next, the case itself. So I was given 2 charges, possession of marijuana and paraphernalia (joint-rolling papers). I live more than 1000 miles from where this happened, so I was really freaking out, and thinking that I was going to have to go back to AZ, miss a bunch of stuff, have it be really embarrassing and all that, but Laura went to my pre-trial hearing for me, which was to be expected, but still very nice because I didn't have to miss work. She applied for a "diversion" agreement for me, which means that I could get the charges dismissed if I did "some things". That freaked me out too, because there was no telling what the prosecutor could have made me do, but I was willing to do anything to get is dismissed. Large consequences if not. This is getting pretty long so I'll wrap up. Due to both Laura's personal relationship with the prosecutor, and my academic and worldliness (college, cool job, some volunteering), the case was dismissed, my only reprimands being a $100 fine, and I can't break any laws for 12 months. Laura says that I can get that down to 6 months too. If I had to hold my breath while I tried to think of something that could have gone better with Laura McDermott and my case, I surely would suffocate. If you want a lawyer that actually cares, about you, as a person, who made a mistake, and will actually help you get through some hard times, choose Laura McDermott.

Laura McDermott was able to negotiate a plea deal for me that reduced the complaint from criminal to civil in a unique case that the prosecutor seemed determined to hold out for a guilty plea. She was very determined and confident in her representation. I am very grateful and pleased with my association with Laura McDermott.