Charles Hartwell Shivers Jr

I called out of state looking for advice for a family friend in Salinas, CA. Charles stayed on the phone with me answering all the possible scenarios. When he wasn't sure about a question, as the original case is on the East Coast, with different laws, he would be honest and say I don't know. I... found him to be knowledgeable, respectful and helpful. If we decide we need an attorney in Salinas, he will definitely call him.

My family was facing devastating criminal charges against my daughter. After consulting with Mr. Shivers, it was clear that he understood the law and how the courts worked. He also truly cared about his clients and their families. My daughter was facing years in jail, felony charges, and a dead-end f...uture. After Mr. Shivers did his work, my daughter was allowed to go to rehab and have her charges reduced to misdemeanors. This was all due to the work Mr. Shivers did working with the DA and the court. Just a few years later -- My daughter has completed her first year in college majoring in biology with a 4.0, and a Honors Society Scholarship. She now has goals and dreams of her future again. I tried to give Mr. Shivers accolades after his initial work for our family and he humbly brushed them off, stating it was just his job. This man, Mr Charles Shivers is capable, professional, caring, and profoundly aware of the law and how it works in our courts. We can never thank him enough for his efforts on our behalf. If you are in need of an attorney, Mr. Shivers is the very best you can get. I am submitting this review anonymously only to protect my daughter's identity.

I was referred to Charles for a consult on a matter that I wasn't sure how to proceed with. Since it was my first attorney consult, Charles explained the legalities of my case in a way that was clear to me. He let me know what my options were. I had an upcoming arraignment that was postponed a couple... weeks since I wanted to seek counsel. Charles reached out and collaborated with the District Attorney on my behalf to come up with an option for me that I was satisfied with. After sitting with him for 2 hours, he said he would contact me tomorrow just to follow up. I was a bit skeptical since I didn't hire him, I thought he wasn't going to call but he did. He called me the next day at work and helped me confirm what my next step was going to be in the legal process. Not once did he make me feel that he was trying to sell his services. He gave me so much more information than I expected. In the end, my matter didn't require hiring an attorney but if I ever find myself in a criminal matter, I would definitely hire Charles. I'd highly recommend his services to others. If you're looking for a compassionate, knowledgeable, experienced attorney, Charles is the one to hire. My family and I are very grateful for him.

Charles was very determined to fight for the rights of his clients. He is very thorough and he seems to take his cases as more than just a job. He goes above and beyond and exceeds the general stereotype of "public defender". He was the best attorney I've worked with and when he does go into a privat...e practice, he will be the first person I call and the first I will refer.

Full disclosure: biased. He did not communicate at all (I mean ZERO) with someone who is very close to me during her proceedings. Even went as far as to to say, "Try to get a hold of me on weekends." I get that he's a public defender, in a county with a large caseload, and is paid by the same en...tity that pays the DA, so he has face to save. That is no excuse. Find a new career, if you cannot communicate with your clients.