Unresponsive, Distant, and In the End, Unhelpful - Representation for Redlight Traffic Camera Violation
This is the only negative review I've ever written about service I received (Bullets below). I hired Al Provinziano's firm to represent me in a red light traffic camera violation I received in Beverly Hills. During our first call, Al was super friendly, informative, supportive, and helpful, detaili...ng a 95% success rate with either having the fine reduced and no points on the driver's license, or dismissal of the case in circumstances like mine. Honestly, the fact that he couldn't meet these lofty expectations isn't why I'm giving a poor review, but for the reasons below:
- Case extended multiple times, stretching 10 months past date of offense.
Maybe this is normal, but being on the hook for 10 months with my first offense like this and a fine as as big as the city of Los Angeles was willing to give is tough when....
- He and his office were nearly completely unresponsive during this time.
At this point, per procedures of his office, I had paid the $300 retainer fee for his services, which were to be detailed and agreed upon in a contract. I reached out continuously by email and phone for months and months after paying the fee but neither he or his office would provide the contract to me. Emails were always disregarded, and so I would call in and speak to his receptionist (very cordially), who would promise I could expect the contract within the week but I never received it. It wasn't until a 5 weeks before the trial that I finally received the contract. I guess making your client wait 9 months is normal..
- I didn't even know they were going to show up until 5 minutes before the trial began.
I was told 3 days before the trial I needed to be there in person. I was originally under the impression that "representation" will represent you in your physical absence. I was then told the court changed the rules and I needed to attend - fair enough. So I showed up, 20 minutes early, and couldn't find Al anywhere (nor was I told where I could find him). I emailed him, and eventually called his office asking when/if he was coming, and was told that it would be one of his associates. I finally found the guy 5 min before trial. I was kind of nervous big time given this was my first ever appearing in court, so from a personal/comfort side of things, this really didn't make me feel like I hired support that cared much about making me feel protected.
- Finally, I basically got myself off the hook.
We got in there, basically I was guilty (again I'm ok with that and knew it, but was hoping/expecting the possibility of a reduction in the fine or potential dismissal), but the lawyer while up in front representing me just turned around and looked at me and shrugged... Like "I dunno, sorry bro!". The whole time I was in the court room, everyone in attendance also on trial for red light traffic violations were trying to collude and come up with a strategy to fight the judge and everyone could be victorious and get off the hook. Truthfully, this wasn't going to happen. We were guilty. So this entire time, I sat quietly, was wearing a suit while the others were in casual wear or pajamas, and when my time came to speak, the judge commended me attitude and behavior, and offered me traffic school to have the points removed from my license and community service to avoid the fine. Long story short, being well dressed and polite and courteous that day is what provided the ruling I received.
Final point, Al's team can be trusted to show up, they're experienced with these cases, but they can't do more than you can in the court room. Most of all, you can't expect responsiveness or that they will comfort you if you're nervous during the process. I don't recommend them and believe you're better off well dressed and well mannered. What could've been over in month lasted 10 and cost $300 more than it should