Joyce Marie Heritage's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.7 /5.0

82 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | 1 star

Posted by anonymous | October 29, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Lazy

I hired Heritage Law (attorney Liz Gagley) expecting real representation and communication. Instead, the experience was disappointing from start to finish. I was never contacted before my court date, never told what the plan or strategy was. The only real communication I received was an email sayi...ng I lost my case — maybe four sentences long. No explanation, no breakdown, just a quick message and a reference to the “representation agreement” to justify it. Every reply after that felt copy-pasted and dismissive. I understand not every case can be won, but what bothered me most was the complete lack of communication and care. I never once spoke directly with the attorney. It felt like my case was just another file in a stack, not something anyone actually worked on. In my opinion, this firm treats clients like numbers instead of people. I paid expecting effort and guidance but was left in the dark the entire time. I wouldn’t recommend this experience to anyone who expects real communication or professionalism.

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Posted by anonymous | October 26, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Traffic ticket

I don't know what to say ... I am overwhelmed with how incompetent Heritage Law is in handling a simple traffic infraction. They charge $325, and then do nothing to defend. The ticket has to be paid, goes on record, and reported to the insurance. They're not even competent enough to request the judge... to turn the ticket into a non-moving violation. I would have been better off in directly requesting a deferral, or I could have just paid the original ticket and saved the $325 that I paid to this incompetent, uncaring law office. The only reason that I hired these people is because I live out of state and even flying into Seattle, would still have to drive to the lower Kittitas court in Cle Elum. RUN AWAY. DO NOT HIRE THESE PEOPLE. YOU'VE BEEN WARNED.

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Joyce Heritage

Replied last October 26, 2020

I apologize that we were no able to have your case dismissed. Kittitas County does not have the option for non-moving violations as many other courts do, which is why we provide this information in our current representation agreement. We always do our best to have a favorable outcome so that we can receive good reviews, we cannot win every case. Fee free to give us a call so that we can discuss your case in detail.

Posted by anonymous | February 16, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Joyce makes claims of absolute certainty of what to expect and is very often completely wrong. She does not instill confidence or even seem well prepared. The outcomes of my cases were not awful but I feel that had nothing to do with her skill or competence as a lawyer. As is typical of lawyers she w...as very active about messaging me to get payment but was a poor communicator otherwise. I would have chosen another attorney but she was unfortunately the only one available locally.

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Joyce Heritage

Replied last February 16, 2016

Unfortunately, I am not told who this comment is from. I would be happy to discuss this and would be interested in receiving additional feedback with specifics on how we can improve. It is difficult to determine what went wrong because this person does not disclose anything specific and even says that the result was not awful. Please contact my office. I would encourage any readers of this review to read the many other reviews posted herein and contact us with questions.

Posted by Matthew | July 21, 2014 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Poor communication & follow through, ineffective counsel

Hired Joyce to assist with removing a speeding ticket. She entered into an agreement with me knowing I was a minor & did not consult my parents. I paid her $250 & the only thing she did is file for continual continuances with the court. I still ended up having to pay for the ticket & was not notif...ied by her on the amount so an additional charge of $52.00 was added & since she didn't notify me, DOL ended up suspending my license. Would not & could not recommend her!!!

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Joyce Heritage

Replied last July 21, 2014

Sad situation when someone pays only $150 out of $250 owed. This client was 17 years and 10 months of age when he hired me. He is advised in a contract and via emails that there are no guarantees to a dismissal. He clearly understood. He confirms the contract after he turned 18 years old. I work on case for over a year, and write motions, only to have a judge that rules badly, so bad that I suggest he appeal the case-- offering he only pay the costs associated with the appeal. He is 19 years old now. The motions were written without any additional charges-- not even asked of the client. Client WAS notified of the result of the case, including how much to pay and where to pay it, but he chose not to pay the fine as required, which then resulted in added fees. I offered to do the work on the appeal for free-- he just needed to pay the filing fee for the appeal. I tell him I will pay his ticket fine if we lose on appeal. I know the appeal will result favorably because there were 11 other cases that I won on appeal as a result of this same judge's bad rulings-- exactly the same. Won 11 other appeals in a row. His ticket would have been dismissed on appeal. I have tried to explain in lengthy emails to the client that an attorney cannot be held responsible when the appropriate motions are made but the judge rules against them-- even though they were motions that by law should have been granted and the case dismissed. There are no guarantees, but I went over and above what I was required to do or expected to do in these circumstances. I know of very few attorneys who work on appeals without being paid. As stated, it is a sad day when you do more than what would be expected and am then treated to nasty emails, threats from him and his parents, and then to get negative comments like what was written above. It takes all kinds. I hope my future clients know I will work as hard for them as I did for this client.

Posted by anonymous | April 04, 2014 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Useless and Not Professional

Joyce just took my money and I never heard from her. Not even after the case. Not one word. Oh, and I am not not only out the money I paid her, my ticket was confirmed as "committed" and I have the fine and the points. The last speeding ticket I got was 20 years ago, at least she could have gotten me... a deferral. Never again!

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Joyce Heritage

Replied last April 04, 2014

When a client hires me, they are given a two page agreement explaining the process and advising them that they may not hear from me until after the hearing. They are also advised that we are not guaranteeing a dismissal. If I do not believe that I can get a dismissal, I rely upon the agreement that they sign and the information they provide to me. One of the questions I ask is whether or not they want me to request a deferral if a dismissal is not possible. Since I did not get this client a deferral, I can only assume his or her instructions were not to request a deferral. It may also be that the person did not qualify for one-- perhaps because of the type of ticket it was or because the person had a commercial driver's license. I wish the person would have contacted me so we could have this conversation, as I always encourage my clients to contact me if they have questions following the results of a case.

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Joyce Marie Heritage's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Joyce

Antone Weber

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer | Jul 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Ms. Heritage as a traffic attorney for a considerable time. In court she is always extremely well prepared, knowledgeable of the law and her arguments are very well thought out and presented. I do also refer cases to her when they fall in a court outside my practice area, so I do not make this endorsement lightly."

Shane McKinnie

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer | Apr 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Joyce has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to traffic ticket defense. She is someone I go to for advice and is always available to help others. She is also incredibly intelligent, hardworking, and known for getting great results for her clients. I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer."

Daniel Polage

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer | Jul 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Joyce is one of the very best in the state. She works every angle of a traffic infraction to get the best possible outcome - which quite often is a finding of not committed or dismissal in her cases."

Antonio Garguile

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer | Jun 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Joyce is an excellent attorney, who is very is very knowledgable on the law! I have referred her clients on more than one occasion in the past and will continue to do so! I endorse this attorney!"

Elizabeth Powell

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer | Feb 25

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I've known Joyce since 1996; she has really come into her own with her traffic / DUI / speeding practice, it is wonderful to watch her in action! She travels over most of the State and appears in various courts on a regular basis, sort of like judges used to ride circuit. She is well regarded, knows her stuff and is genuinely helpful! I refer people with confidence and I have always heard good things back. I am happy to give Joyce a ringing endorsement!"

Lisa Donaldson

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Joyce is a wonderful colleague. I appreciate her talent, drive and professionalism. I gladly recommend my friends and clients to her."

Kenlynn Gallinger

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer | Jan 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Joyce has a proven track record of outstanding representation. I have consulted with her on traffic matters, and referred her clients that were out of my geographic area with the knowledge that they are getting a top notch attorney. I highly recommend her."

W Phipps

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer | Jan 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Joyce fights zealously for her clients, and achieves incredible results from many courts in Washington State. I would highly recommend Joyce for legal services!"

Ken Tsiprin

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer | Jan 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Joyce is a quality lawyer with an excellent reputation in the courthouse. See is well-respected by judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys for her legal skills. I strongly recommend her. If you want to win call Joyce."

Michael Sheehan

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer | Jan 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've referred numerous clients to Joyce in the past two years. In each case, Joyce worked extremely hard to satisfy the client and to secure the best possible result. Joyce takes her job seriously, every day. I endorse this lawyer wholeheartedly."

Reed Yurchak

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer | Jan 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"It has been a pleasure to know Joyce. From her charitable activities in the community, to her diligence, professionalism, and competence in the court room - I fully endorse this lawyer."

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W Phipps

Criminal defense lawyer