I first spoke to an attorney from another firm who assured me I had no chance for early release from probation and "I would be wasting your time and money taking your case. You simply do not stand a chance." People that now me, including my probation officer, all urged me to continue looking for a better attorney! So I hired one, however, he was hung up on many details to bring into court in an effort to convince the judge I was worthy of early termination of probation. In my opinion, that attorney was far too tedious, and spent a considerable amount of time beating the preparation to death for a simple motion and ignored the fact I spent 8 years on probation without one negative incident. He felt that offered no merit on its own to go into court with, that I needed more, some story to tell about what I'll do with my freedom if I'm granted it, and he chose my secular work as his focus. Trying to work with his criteria, I spent months filling in the blanks and finally he filed a motion when I completed all the tasks. But before the date arrived for that motion, one of the conditions (securing work in another state) fell through due to COVID. He then terminated the motion and told me he would file again in a few months. I realized my attorney wasn't working for me, I was working for him. He also slipped and let me know how he felt about "you people with these charges" so I fired him and got back some of my retainer, and started over once again. I spoke to other probationers this time for referrals. They're not as disciplined as I was I gather since they kept violating probation and repeatedly found themselves in court, so I asked them "Who do you recommend?" I continued to ask other probationers this question and it was unanimous, all referred me here, saying he was highly effective in court, their sentences were more than fair or better than they had anticipated, again and again, so I was hopeful my case would be in good hands. When I made the call, I noticed immediately there was a positive difference compared to ALL the other attorney's I had spoken to in the past. He's more than sharp, he was more confident in the manner in which he spoke, but not arrogant. He captured your attention and quickly understood the record of my case as it was without going into a lengthy discussion. He stuck to the facts and also recognized the weaknesses immediately left behind by the prosecution. If I had only met this attorney going into trial! He didn't care about all the nonsense the previous attorney put me through, he was concise. I felt relieved that I found "the one." Goes without saying my day in court was a success. I had no idea it would be an emotional moment for it me suddenly feel the release and remember how freedom is once again in my life. He was fully prepared, spoke in a logical way, covered the main points, didn't get lost into details and going off in tangents. Everyone in the courtroom listened intently to Attorney Cook when he spoke. It's an understatement to say he was extremely effective. He cared about me as an individual too and without question, it was genuine. I entered the court confident as well. I was able to speak with a clear mind when the judge asked me questions, and that was possible by standing next to Attorney Cook who always had a vision of success and reinforced that with me. No doom and gloom ever came from his lips, as many attorney's take the wind out of your sails. Attorney Cook certainly had other clients with bigger cases, yet he responded to my questions and took every call in the days preceding my hearing, and followed up with me after while making the adjustment to my new found freedom. He gave me his very best. Even if we did not prevail, it wouldn't have been because of ineffective counsel being a factor. I am grateful. I highly recommend Attorney Cook as the only choice.