DRE, A.P.C. Introduce
For individuals in Santa Ana and the surrounding areas seeking legal representation, the "Nearby Lawyers" platform offers a directory of local law firms. Among these is DRE, A.P.C., situated at 206 W 4th St Suite 330 in Santa Ana, California. This firm can be contacted at (213) 516-6536 or via mobile phone at +1 213-516-6536. While the firm's full name is DRE, A.P.C., one of the customer reviews identifies a key individual as Darren, suggesting he plays a significant role within the practice.
The specific areas of law handled by DRE, A.P.C. are not explicitly detailed in the provided information. However, one of the customer reviews mentions the firm presenting themselves as the "#1 CPS attorney in the state," which implies a potential focus on Child Protective Services (CPS) cases and dependency court matters. Another review references a "long and complex" case that ascended to the Supreme Court of California, indicating experience in handling significant litigation. These contrasting accounts suggest that the firm may handle a diverse range of legal issues, potentially including family law given the nature of CPS cases and broader litigation.
When considering a law firm, understanding the experiences of past clients can be invaluable. The available reviews for DRE, A.P.C. present starkly different perspectives, highlighting the importance of careful consideration and due diligence. One reviewer offers a glowing testimonial, expressing sincere gratitude to Darren and his team for their "hard work and professionalism" in a long and complex case that ultimately reached the Supreme Court of California. This client, bound by a non-disclosure agreement preventing specific details, emphasizes the successful outcome and the precedent-setting nature of the decision. They express confidence that not all law firms could have achieved the same results and recommend DRE to those considering their services.
In stark contrast, another reviewer shares a deeply negative experience with DRE, A.P.C., strongly advising against hiring them for any case. This reviewer recounts an initial meeting that occurred outside a supposed "Ontario office," where a $10,000 cash retainer was paid to an individual named Joey. The reviewer claims they were assured of a team of experienced attorneys in dependency cases, which they allege was a misrepresentation. According to this account, the assigned attorney had no prior experience with CPS cases or the local county's dependency court. The reviewer describes the attorney's lack of familiarity with court procedures as "humiliating" and "heartbreaking," stating they felt they "never stood a chance." They accuse the firm of providing minimal effort, merely "pretending to fight" for parental rights, while ignoring communication attempts and continuing to send bills after the case was lost. This reviewer expresses feeling taken advantage of as a vulnerable widow and warns others against entrusting DRE Law with their legal matters.
Considering these conflicting reviews, it is challenging to form a definitive assessment of the environment and standard practices of DRE, A.P.C. The positive review suggests a firm capable of handling complex litigation at the highest levels, achieving significant legal victories. The negative review, however, paints a picture of alleged misrepresentation, inexperience, and inadequate client service, particularly in the sensitive area of CPS cases.
Potential clients considering DRE, A.P.C. should be aware of these divergent experiences and exercise caution in their decision-making process. It is crucial to conduct thorough due diligence, which may include the following steps:
- Direct Consultation: Schedule an in-person consultation at their Santa Ana office to discuss your specific legal needs and assess the firm's environment, professionalism, and the experience of the attorneys who would handle your case. Pay close attention to where the meeting takes place and the overall impression of the office setting.
- Attorney Background Checks: Inquire about the specific attorneys who would be assigned to your case and research their professional backgrounds, including their experience in the relevant area of law and any disciplinary records with the California State Bar.
- Detailed Fee Agreement: Obtain a clear and comprehensive written fee agreement outlining all costs, billing practices, and retainer requirements. Be wary of any unusual payment requests, such as large cash retainers paid outside of a formal office setting.
- References and Additional Testimonials: If possible, request references from past clients who have handled similar cases to yours. Look for additional online reviews from reputable sources to gain a broader understanding of the firm's reputation.
- Specific Expertise: If your case involves a specialized area of law, such as CPS or complex litigation, directly inquire about the firm's proven track record and the specific experience of the attorneys in that field. Do not rely solely on claims of being "#1" without verifiable evidence.
Given the serious allegations raised in the negative review, it is imperative for potential clients involved in sensitive matters like CPS cases to be particularly vigilant in their evaluation of DRE, A.P.C. Ensuring that the assigned attorney has substantial and relevant experience in the specific court and area of law is paramount to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome.
While the positive review highlights the potential for success in complex litigation, the negative review serves as a significant warning about potential pitfalls. Without further information or a larger pool of reviews, it is difficult to ascertain which experience is more representative of the firm's overall practices. Therefore, local users in Santa Ana considering DRE, A.P.C. for their legal needs should approach with caution, conduct thorough independent research, and prioritize direct communication with the firm to make an informed decision.
In conclusion, DRE, A.P.C., located in Santa Ana, offers legal services that may encompass areas such as CPS law and complex litigation. However, the limited and conflicting customer reviews necessitate careful consideration by potential clients. While one review praises the firm's success in a high-stakes case, another details serious allegations of misrepresentation and inadequate service in a sensitive family law matter. Local users seeking legal representation in the "Nearby Lawyers" category are advised to conduct thorough due diligence before engaging the services of DRE, A.P.C., utilizing the provided contact information – phone: (213) 516-6536, mobile: +1 213-516-6536, address: 206 W 4th St Suite 330, Santa Ana, CA 92701 – to gather more information and make an informed decision.
Location
Customer Reviews
(70 reviews)
I want to sincerely thank Darren and his Team for their hard work and professionalism regarding my matter! I also want to share my experience with those who are considering his services. My case was long and complex. I'm binded by a non disclosure agreement so I cannot share any details but my case made its way up to the The Supreme Court of California. Not only was Darren and his Team successful with my matter, the decision set an important precedent. There were many critical points along the way and I am very confident to say that not just any law firm would have proven the same results. I hope this helps those who are considering DRE to represent them.
Said they were #1 CPS attorney in the state- this is a lie. I would NEVER RECOMMEND that anyone hire this firm for any case. When I first met them at their "Ontario office" to put $10,000 retainer in CASH, they didn't even bring me inside. The guy Joey I think his name was, had our meeting sitting on the planter outside of what was supposedly their office. He assured me that my "team of attorneys" would be very experienced in dependency cases. Lies. They gave me the new guy, very apparently. My attorney had NEVER done a CPS case, and it was very obvious to me, the judge and everyone present that my attorney was not in the least bit familiar with the dependency courts. He had absolutely no CPS experience whatsoever, and had never done a case in this county. The judge kept having to correct him and give him direction on how things work. He didn't know how to speak properly in court, or the proper procedures... It was absolutely humiliating, but mostly just so incredibly heartbreaking. I never stood a chance with this guy representing me. While being a earnest guy with a law degree, and probably trying his best, he was in no way qualified to take my case. The firm made no effort in actually trying to fight for my rights. They spent as few resources as possible- doing the ABSOLUTE BARE MINIMUM just to go through the motions of PRETENDING to fight for my parental rights. They took the $10,000 cash, send me a bill every month, but otherwise have always ignored or avoided my attempts at communication. I didn't deserve the outcome of my case and neither does my daughter. Dre Law is the worst kind of law firm there could be. Taking advantage of a widow trying to keep her only child, rightfully, and using people's vulnerability and my entire life savings as a way to put more money in their pocket. The father of my baby had recently died so I was an easy target, fighting my case alone. Dre Law took everything I had, $10k cash and then thousands more in bills, hardly even pretended to work my case, and still continue to send bills. Lost my case, and the only family I had left, my daughter. Don't let what happened to my daughter and I happen to your family. I'm alone now- with nothing, but Dre Law still wants more money...
If I could give a No star I would. Just want to warn other people to not hire this people. Way overpriced and they will just take your money. RUN. At the begging they make you feel comfortable. Make you believe they will help you out. Once they get your money you will never hear from them. You will have to constantly call to get an update. They ripped me off and charge me for something wasn’t done. I was the one calling and calling to get updates and following up. The attorney was supposed to have a phone meeting with me and never called or showed up until almost 10 hours after the meeting time to re schedule because he was feeling under the weather. Next appointment time I decided to terminate services because I was so frustrated of the service I was getting for all the dam money the charge. The attorney was upset of my decision. Because I could tell his tone of voice change quickly and told me someone was going g to contact me in regards of my refund a whole week pass and no one bother to call me back. I called and left messages for weeks. Until someone told me I was going to received a letter/email so they can refund me my money. Again weeks and weeks pass and nothing. Finally after all this back and forward I received my letter which stated the charges of more than $2,000 for nothing it was done. NOTHING. $1200 for a package that was done I never received a package. I was just told that someone will work on a package but never told me they started it or it was done. RUN. Go somewhere else. Or decent people that won’t ripped you off because they know you were in some need or desperate at the time.
Attorney Heather Biddle didn’t even show up for my court hearing and it cost me custody of my son. His attorney was recommending I get custody but because my DRE law attorney who was already paid in advance could not be bothered to show up and do het job, I lost, my child lost. DRE Law ruining lives! I pray they get disbarred after the State reviews my case.
Do not hire this firm they are shady and do not do anything to help you. I hire this firm to help with my case to get my child back the first attorney I had didn't even argue at the court in my favor a police report clearly states I was a victim and she couldn't argue against them trying to state that I was the aggressor. Since then they have pushed me off to a different attorney without my consent and now despite our contract that they are supposed to be representing me until the end of my case and despite as having paid them they are trying to withdraw from my case the new attorney they put on my case even filed motions incorrectly and had no knowledge of how to handle things. And instead of giving me some information regarding the situation and put me at ease a man named Vic called me and harassed me and told me they were no longer going to represent me despite our contract. I asked him to show me the work of hours that was put into it because I wanted my money back and he said he would have them for me within 2 days and that was 2 weeks ago. Believe me when I say that they are a scam and do not care about you. And if you don't believe me you can listen to the recordings of the conversations that I had with them every single time we spoke. They saw an easy target and they took it. I trusted them and they took advantage of that.
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