Spencer, Meyer & Koch, PLC - Fredericksburg, VA

Last May, I entered in a terrifying situation. A man at my complex stabbed my dog twice, nearly killing him. He complained to the leasing office while we were attending to our dog, and they kicked us out. Lived there for 6 years, didn't even want to hear our side of the story. He then came after me for 1st degree misdemeanor charge in courts, on top of me and my family being forced to move, and the medical for my dog. I was beyond scared, I only been to court twice, once to become a US citizen, and another to adopt my daughters. I was so scared of a worst case scenario where I went to jail and I missed my new daughters' childhood and leaving my wife on her own. I knew I needed help, and we got Dennis McCarthy... and thank god we did. He was very quick and consistent with calming my nerves, and assuring me he'd handle it. That I'd never enter a jail cell, and that this would one day be a bad memory. Even when the guys' firm started sending me letters in the mail to file a claim or else, Dennis explained it was a scare tactic and to simply not engage not matter what. I got out of this thanks to his advice. I was fueled by revenge for a time, and wanted to came back at him with a countersuit. Another lawyer I feel would have jumped on it and told me "Lets do it!" Not Dennis, who told me he understands how I feel but explained to me what I'd be looking at to pursue that, and how much it would cost us. Even with the dollar figure we had in mind and even if we'd won, the costs of the case would swallow what we were looking to win, assuming it went quick. In talking with him, I understood the way to win was to be able to get away from this guy, as much as I wanted to go after him. This conversation saved my family thousands of dollars, and again, I feel a large percentage of lawyers out there would wouldn't have had that conversation with me. I couldn't approach the guy who did this to my family, as my face often betrayed me, but Dennis was smooth talking with him. He got him from pursuing the charge to lowering it to a $2000 settlement to getting him to simply drop the charges and us not having to spend 1 cent. I am so lucky I got Dennis as my lawyer for the case. I never have to see that man again, and we are in a position to actually rebuild. If you get Dennis you are getting someone who knows what they're doing, and is actually looking out for you and those you care about. On top of that, he is capable of ending your problems with it getting too far. HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend.

I cannot speak highly enough of the incredible service and support Allen Bareford provided to a close family friend, and ultimately, to our entire community. He went above and beyond to help navigate a criminal matter that surfaced at a pivotal moment in my friend's life, occurring a week before he was scheduled to start his first professional job with a national employer. What truly sets Allen apart is not only his deep knowledge of the legal system and its processes, but his embodiment of restorative justice and compassionate advocacy. He took the time to understand not just the facts, but the person behind them, employing a whole-person approach that considered the long-term impact on my friend, his children, and the community. He advocated for a solution that preserved dignity, opportunity, and community well-being. Thanks to Allen’s respected standing in the judicial system and his ability to present the full picture with clarity, compassion, and thoughtfulness, my friend was granted probation instead of jail time. That opportunity allowed him to begin his new job, support his family, and helped restore his self-worth. Allen didn’t just provide legal support, he helped change a life. If you're looking for someone who blends legal expertise with humanity and heart, Allen Bareford is definitely that person. His impact reaches far beyond the courtroom, and we are deeply grateful for his compassionate and professional service.