Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Imhoff & Associates, a Professional Corporation's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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  Imhoff & Associates, a Professional Corporation

  12424 Wilshire Blvd Ste 700 Los Angeles, CA 90025-1035

• 

  Imhoff & Associates, a Professional Corporation

  808 Wilshire Blvd Ste 200 Santa Monica, CA 90401-1889

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/25/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  December 17th 2024 $5,000 was charged from my bank account and the remaining $10,000 was received in the form of a loan recommended by the business to equal $15,000 requested to represent my daughter. I was lured in with the promise of getting my daughter a lesser charge and out of juvenile detention center and home on home arrest with a ankle monitor. The loan was predatory with an interest rate of *****%. The lawyer that was tasked with representing my daughter didn't show up or warn me that she would not be present for 2 court dates and showed up to two 45+ minutes late. The lawyer and law firm did not hold up their promises and stopped communicating with me in the middle of obtaining a court order. I attempted to resolve concerns on January 2nd, only to be 3-way phoned by the case manager and the lawyer arguing that everything was my fault. I was never properly counseled by their lawyer ****** ****** or given a refund.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/05/2025

  Our office has been in touch with Ms. ********* regarding her complaint and are working with her on finding an amicable resolution. We will update the BBB with more information once we work out an agreement with Ms. *********.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/17/2025

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  In 11/2022 two of my homes were raided by the ***, resulting in over $7,000 of damage and over $20,000 of seized property. The search warrant referenced my web site that is related to a military base known as Area 51.I hired ******************************************* to represent me in case I would be charged with a crime and paid a retainer of $6,375 on 12/12/22. Imhoff referred my case to attorney ***** ******* in ****, **. As far as I know Mr. ********* representation was limited to writing a couple of letters on my behalf to the ***. No charges were filed and neither I not Mr. ******* even heard back from the ****The investigation is ongoing and I believe that I will soon be called in for a deposition. The statute of limitation is 5 years.On Jan 27, 2025 Mr. ******* informed me that he would discontinue representing me because there have been no developments in the case. In subsequent email exchange he stated that Imhoff did not pay him enough to justify his continued representation.I then spoke and exchanged emails with ***** ***** from Imhoff, asking to be assigned a new attorney to fulfill their obligations. I stated that the case is not closed, the statute of limitations has not been reached, and I may have to give a deposition soon. Mr ***** refused to assign a new attorney. I then said that I did not feel that Imhoff had earned my retainer and asked for a partial refund. Mr. ***** declined and subsequently ignored my attempts to contact him at Imhoff.The contract states: "prefile representation is complete and the total attorneys' fees are earned when any of the following occurs: (1) Client is arrested or charged with a crime; (2) Client or Law Firm receives notice that no charges will be filed; (3) there appears to be nothing further that can be done; however, the Law Firm will reactivate such a file if future circumstances warrant."None of the conditions are met and I feel that Imhoff did not fulfill their obligation and that I am entitled to a 50% refund.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/25/2025

  Mr. **** retained our firm on December 12, 2022, to represent him during a possible criminal investigation. During our representation of Mr. **** we were in contact with the investigative agency and the **** (Assistant United States Attorney). Sometime around the end of February, 2025, our attorney handling Mr. ****s case determined that the investigation had been open for enough time without any movement from the investigative agency that the matter would be suitable to close. We informed Mr. **** that if something were to happen with the investigation that we would be more than happy to continue representing him in accordance with the scope of his retainer agreement. Furthermore, the scope of Mr. ****s retainer agreement does not include representation during a deposition. Depositions are usually civil in nature and we only practice in the area of criminal defense which is why it is not covered in our retainer agreement.
  
  Finally, as Mr. **** correctly points out, our agreement continues until one of the following events:  (1) Client is arrested or charged with a crime; (2) Client or Law Firm receives notice that no charges will be filed and (3) there appears to be nothing further that can be done; however, the Law Firm will reactivate such a file if future circumstances warrant." In this case, after almost 3 years, the attorney determined that nothing further can be done but we are ready and willing to reactivate the matter if future circumstances are warranted. If Mr. **** would like to discuss the matter with our firm, he is welcome to contact either of the two directors, **** ***** or *** **** at ************.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/28/2025

   
  Complaint: 23214069
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  

  Mr. ******* in **** is the one familiar with the case. He told me verbatim that he was not paid enough by Imhoff to continue representing or assisting me. I have a number of legal questions related to my case, but no one to answer them now. If Imhoff would like to assign me a new attorney who is intimately familiar with my case and ready to represent me in the very real possible case that I will be raided again or that I will be arrested, that will be an acceptable solution. But I need to have an attorney ready to act on my behalf, with a direct line of communication. If Imhoff decides to assign a new attorney to my case who is willing and ready to assist me with a number of questions I have I can be reached by that attorney at ************. Otherwise I maintain my claim that Imhoff did not fulfill the contract and that I am eligible for a partial refund.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** ****

  Business Response

  Date: 05/09/2025

  Although we have already addressed the fact that by Mr. ****** own admission we have fulfilled our contract with him, and have assured him that if there was any further movement on his case we would reopen it, we have contacted Mr. **** to offer assigning him new counsel but have not heard back. Mr. **** is welcome to contact me at ************ to move forward with a new attorney.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/12/2025

   
  Complaint: 23214069
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  

  I received a voice mail from Mr. **** at Imhoff & Associates on Friday (5/9) night at 6:58pm. I called him back at the number given in the voice mail the next business day, Monday 5/12 at 12:39pm. The receptionist at Imhoff told me that Mr. **** was not available and that he would call me back. As of right now (5/12 2:33pm) I have not received a return call. I would like to discuss assigning a different attorney to my case. Please call me at the number on file. Thank you.

  Sincerely,
  
  ***** ****

  Business Response

  Date: 05/20/2025

  On or about May 16, 2025, we spoke with Mr. **** and have agreed to reassign his case to another attorney to which he accepted. We informed him it would take a few days and that he is free to contact me anytime for updates. We always strive to be fair and empathetic to our clients' expectations and requests. I believe that this matter should be considered resolved.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/29/2025

   
  Complaint: 23214069
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  I am still waiting to be assigned a new attorney. Per phone conversation with Mr. **** of Imhoff & Associates I am keeping the complaint active until Imhoff has assigned a new attorney to my case and I had a chance to ask the new attorney a number of rather urgent questions regarding my case.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** ****

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/29/2025

  I have NOT been re-assigned a new attorney. Despite numerous calls to Imhoff in which I stated the urgency I am still waiting to be assigned a new attorney.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/17/2025

  Our firm has formerly reopened (we would have reopened the case anyway if there was movement on the case) Mr. ****** case and have spoken to his attorney to ensure his file stays open until the statute of limitations expires or the government's investigation, if still pending, is closed.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/24/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On October 4, 2023 a 1500. 00 was taken from my mothers checking account at ************ to pay for my arrest record to be expunged. After research was done to determine if expungement was necessary it was not necessary. 400 was charged for the work that was done and I have been trying to get my refund. My moms account was closed so when the first attempt to return the funds the bank sent them back. I had asked the accountant at Imhoffs to send the funds to me directly but the refused. Now I am not able to speak with anyone about this issue. I call and leave messages but they dont return my call. Can you help me with this? Thank you for your response.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/31/2024

  As stated in her letter, the Firm attempted to refund the money directly to her mother's account.  The refund request from the client came several months after her initial payment when it was clear no charges would be filed and the matter was resolved favor in of our client.  However, the account was closed so the bank rejected the attempted refund payment.  The client did request payment be sent to her instead of her mother, but we were unable to do so as her mother was the Payor and we are obligated to refund the person who paid.   We have communicated with the client and let her know a check was mailed to her mother and should be arriving any day.  The necessary re-processing due to the rejection from the bank due to the closed account led to the unfortunate delay in returning the funds to the Payor, but hopefully we have fully addressed the client's concerns and she considers this matter resolved.  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/07/2023

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On Oct. 5th, 2023 I paid Imhoff and associates $3,000 in order to have a diversion plea for domestic abuse dropped and go to court to face my accusers. After a discussion with *****, he felt that my main defense should be that I couldnt physically do what I was being charged with. I am disabled and on Social Security Disability.He put me in contact with *******************, in **********, ******* for a case review. Although the plaintiffs filed 2 written reports that can can be proven false based on their own contradictory verbal testimony given on police cam and hidden camera testimony given by plaintiff that he blacked out and attacked me, ******************* unrecommended taking it to court. Saying it was taking too much of a chance with any jury, regardless of the evidence . Her firm denied to represent me on these grounds. I was always aware of the risk I was taking. Talking to ***** afterwards, he now thought it unethical for any lawyer to take on the case because of the risk, whereas the diversion was a sure thing. I fully wanted to forgo the diversion and pay another $7000+ to have my day in court but now ***** had made the decision that he couldnt ethically allow me to do that . When I expressed my dissatisfaction for paying $3000 and having only one case review by one firm and then ****** final decision that it would be unethical for any lawyer to take on the ******************** blew up and said that he spent 2 hours with me already but for another $50,000 we could move forward. I immediately told him that was extortion and he was being recorded. Before joining legal shield, I had already being told by several lawyers in free consultations that the diversion was the sure thing and they couldnt advise me to go to court. After encouraging me that I had a ******************** made sure to collect his $3000 first before telling me the same. I want refunded $3,000 due to ***** never having any intent to provide the services I hired him for. He just went through the motions.

  Business Response

  Date: 11/30/2023

  We are reviewing the client's request for a refund and ask that the BBB keep this matter open and confidential until we have the opportunity to review it.   Although the client's case is closed and work due under the fee agreement was completed, we are always willing to review the matter to ensure the client was charged an appropriate fee.   I should have an answer shortly.   Thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/26/2023

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On June 30, 2023. I paid ******* to Imhoff and Associates to represent my daughter in her legal problem. The case was dropped on or about 7/6/23. On August 30th after numerous phone calls to inquire on the status of my refund. I reached out to my bank to have the transaction reversed. They did and I paid **** for an expungement in a separate transaction. Thats what they say was the reason for the delay. However, on 10/23/23 the submitted the papers for the original case (that was dropped and never set on a court calendar so no work was done on it), to extract ******* from my account. I want it back ASAP.

  Business Response

  Date: 11/06/2023

  We are in receipt of the complaint regarding a reversal of charges on a credit card and resolved the matter directly with the Payor.   There was some confusion as the initial fee agreement was changed due to criminal charges being rejected.  The nature of services needed changed so there was an agreed upon refund and a new fee for services due.   Before that refund could be processed, the credit card holder disputed the charges with card issuer leaving everything in a state of flux as the initial credit card charges were approved by the card holder.  We are agreed to take our fees for the new services on a separate card, and once the credit company declined to remove the charges and did not approve a charge back, we were able to reverse the credit card charges back onto the Payor's account.  Due to confusion created by requesting a chargeback before we could reverse charges, we are requesting this complaint be closed and NOT published.  The complainant can verify resolution of this matter.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/08/2022

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  October 31 the charge was posted on my Discover card for $4500 for a flat fee agreement for this business. I was told by the attorney hours matched up with that they were not filing charges but according to her manager, she told the manager that she talked him out of filing charges, which is not a story she told me on the phone I feel like I should not be responsible to pay if services were not rendered.

  Business Response

  Date: 11/28/2022

  This client demanded a refund only after we successfully fulfilled our part of the contract. He became verbally abusive to our staff and our attorney once we pointed out his signed fee agreement. His chargeback is theft of services and he is trying to use this complaint to force us not to dispute the chargeback.
  
  In addition to the fee agreement, this language was copied from the fee agreement and individually emailed to him for his review prior to signing the fee agreement or running his credit card.
  
  
  
  "5. EARNED FEES: Of the total advance flat fee paid, Client (and Payor) agree that 50% (fifty percent) is earned by Law Firm upon assignment to an attorney and the remaining 50% (fifty percent) is earned upon contacting authorities regardless of outcome. If the representation is terminated between the completion of increments described above, Law Firm shall earn a portion of the remaining unearned fees based on a reasonable hourly rate for work completed between increments."
  
  The client has acknowledged the agreement, the attorney was assigned and that our attorney spoke with the authorities. This work had the desired outcome of no charges being filed so the entire fee was earned.
  
  Despite that, the client acted in bad faith and filed this BBB complaint whilst also requesting a chargeback from Discover.

  Business Response

  Date: 11/28/2022

  The client in question retained our firm after he was accused of a very serious crime. We were retained to attempt to prevent these charges from moving forward in hopes of preventing an arrest and full, public criminal charges. Despite a vocal victim and committed police department, our assigned attorney was able to successfully head off charges by strongly advocating in her representation of the client. Our attorney dealt with both the police and prosecution to keep the client out of handcuffs and out of a jail cell so he could continue to enjoy his freedom. Despite eagerly accepting our services and expressing gratitude to our attorney and our Firm upon our success, the client demanded a refund. Or, as it is said, is trying to have his cake and eat it too.
  
  The client went over the fee agreement prior to signing it and asked specifically about how and when fees were earned. In addition to the fee agreement, that earned fees section of the fee agreement was copied and sent via email to the client who reviewed and approved it. The client has acknowledged that he knowingly and willingly signed a flat fee agreement. With his permission, we charged his fees to his credit card. With a signed contract in place, we acted in good faith and assigned an attorney to the client.
  
  Since we were successful and avoided charges, the client has decided to use his newfound freedom to file this complaint and do a full chargeback of his fees on his credit card. At this point, he is trying to engage in theft of services and is using the good name of the BBB as an accomplice.
  
  The client is well aware of the services rendered. He willingly accepted them and is now enjoying the freedom from serious crime charges he would have otherwise faced. Once it became clear we were successful, the client became verbally abusive to our staff and demanded a refund acknowledging the fee was fully earned per the terms of the fee agreement.
  
  Client service is paramount to our firm, so we tried to reach out to the client and resolve his concerns. His aggressive response was to file this complaint and request a chargeback of the fees he paid.
  
  We are requesting this complaint be dismissed and remain off the website as it is a disingenuous attempt to benefit from our work without paying the agreed upon fees.
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/05/2022

  (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
  The problem is the lawyer that had contacted me send you her know charges that were being filed so I am OK which states that there was nothing there is nothing there when asked about the language of the contract I got a beat around the **** answer, instead of telling me how it was

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/08/2022

  (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
  I think I have pleaded my case enough I can't keep dealing with back and forth I do not have the time for someone who's talked to me on the phone for all of 2 seconds take my money and disappear I don't **************** were rendered and this customer service from this company just isn't good at all

  Business Response

  Date: 12/15/2022

  This client signed a fee agreement and got the desired result after accepting our services rendered under that fee agreement. Only after getting a good result, he filed both a BBB complaint and reversed the charges on his credit card. He performed a credit card chargeback AND is demanding a refund AND accepted our successful representation. It seems he is demanding to be paid 3 times over in addition to walking away from serious felony charges after being verbally abusive to our attorney and staff.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/15/2022

  (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
  I highly doubt I was verbally abusive. I've only spoken to the attorney twice on the phone. After that she couldn't make the time of day for me. For any questions regarding the case. I'm not sure how long this has to be dragged out for in order for someone to make a final decision.