Lawyer Referral Service
Criminal Defense LeagueFind BBB Accredited Businesses in Lawyer Referral Service.
Information and Alerts
Alert Details
This business has 2 alerts.
Pattern of Complaints
Based on BBB files Criminal Defense League has a pattern of consumer complaints. Specifically, complaints allege that clients pay an upfront legal fee (“retainer”) ranging between $1,000 & $7,500 and do not receive the legal representation they required for a family member or loved one. After complainants pay the company’s requested retainer fee, they reportedly cannot get an update on the status of their case, and in many instances ask for a refund which is not received. They often end up having to dispute charges with their credit card company.
On May 8, 2019, BBB sent correspondence to Criminal Defense League requesting their voluntary cooperation in resolving complaints on file with BBB and providing steps it will implement to eliminate the pattern of customer complaints. As of May 21, 2019 Criminal Defense League has not responded to BBB's correspondence.
Alert
It has come to BBB’s attention that Criminal Defense League has a non-disparagement clause in its contract that prohibits customers from filing complaints or negative customer reviews as a result of a marketplace interaction. BBB does not withdraw complaints under these circumstances. Consent to post the text of a complaint or review is solely at the discretion of the customer.
As of January 30, 2019 the business’ clause which is found in their retainer agreement states: "Client agrees that client will not publish, or cause or encourage to be published, any defamatory statements about Attorney, the company, its employees, or investigators. Any violation of the anti-defamation provisions of this Agreement will result in liquidated damages of Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000) per violation, per instance and per day that the defamatory material is published."
The Consumer Review Fairness Act (CRFA) protects people’s ability to share their honest opinions about a business’s products, services, or conduct, in any forum, including social media. Learn More HERE
Important Information
Additional Info
The Florida Bar Association provides a legal referral service that matches clients with experienced lawyers in over 100 areas of law. This service is free of charge to consumers. The Lawyer Referral Service can be contacted at (800) 342-8011 or via their website at https://www.floridabar.org/public/lrs/request/
On May 8, 2019, BBB sent correspondence to Criminal Defense League requesting the following information regarding their business practices:
It appears some consumers who secure your services believe an attorney that is part of the staff of Criminal Defense League will represent them in their legal matter. Is your business a referral service or do you have attorneys on staff in multiple states?
•Please provide BBB with a list of licensed attorneys that work for or are associated with your organization.
•Please provide BBB with the names of your firm’s principal officers, so that we can publish that information on your company’s Business Profile.
As of May 21, 2019 Criminal Defense League has not responded to BBB's request for information.
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