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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys - May 2025

0 reviews

Nikole Elise Hecklinger

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Kent - Washington

401 4th Avenue North Suite 2D, Washington, 98032
  • Criminal Defense, Family, Judicial Officer and Juvenile
  • Kent, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 30 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 477-8171

Nikole Elise.Hecklinger

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Kent - Washington

401 4th Avenue North Suite 2D, Washington, 98032
Free Consultation (206) 477-8171

0 reviews

Karl Robert Kleppe

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

1200 5th Ave Ste 1850, Washington, 98101-0043
  • Criminal Defense and Litigation
  • Seattle, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 3 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 593-5701

Karl Robert.Kleppe

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

1200 5th Ave Ste 1850, Washington, 98101-0043
Free Consultation (206) 593-5701

0 reviews

Jeanne E. Tweten

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

311 33rd Ave E, Washington, 98112-4911
  • Criminal Defense and Lobbying
  • Seattle, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 41 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 909-1213

Jeanne E..Tweten

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

311 33rd Ave E, Washington, 98112-4911
Free Consultation (206) 909-1213

0 reviews

Timothy Allen Jenkins

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Federal Way - Washington

30706 19th Ave S, Washington, 98003-5103
  • Criminal Defense
  • Federal Way, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 39 years of experience
Free Consultation (253) 315-1107

Timothy Allen.Jenkins

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Federal Way - Washington

30706 19th Ave S, Washington, 98003-5103
Free Consultation (253) 315-1107

0 reviews

Nancy R McAllister

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Ilwaco - Washington

PO Box 805, Washington, 98624-0805
  • Criminal Defense, Family and Guardianship
  • Ilwaco, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 38 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 214-2097

Nancy R.McAllister

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Ilwaco - Washington

PO Box 805, Washington, 98624-0805
Free Consultation (360) 214-2097

0 reviews

Mariko Kathryn Doerner

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Mount Vernon - Washington

PO Box 2818, Washington, 98273-7818
  • Criminal Defense, Family and Guardianship
  • Mount Vernon, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 17 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 336-1622

Mariko Kathryn.Doerner

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Mount Vernon - Washington

PO Box 2818, Washington, 98273-7818
Free Consultation (360) 336-1622

0 reviews

Jessica Erin Smith

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Vancouver - Washington

1013 Franklin St, Washington, 98660-3039
  • Criminal Defense
  • Vancouver, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 19 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 397-6002

Jessica Erin.Smith

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Vancouver - Washington

1013 Franklin St, Washington, 98660-3039
Free Consultation (360) 397-6002

0 reviews

Patrick David Murphy

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Port Angeles - Washington

223 E 4th St Ste 11, Washington, 98362-3000
  • Criminal Defense
  • Port Angeles, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 10 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 477-1120

Patrick David.Murphy

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Port Angeles - Washington

223 E 4th St Ste 11, Washington, 98362-3000
Free Consultation (360) 477-1120

0 reviews

Jason Howard Laurine

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Kelso - Washington

312 SW 1st Ave, Washington, 98626-1739
  • Criminal Defense, Government and Litigation
  • Kelso, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 20 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 577-3080

Jason Howard.Laurine

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Kelso - Washington

312 SW 1st Ave, Washington, 98626-1739
Free Consultation (360) 577-3080

0 reviews

Blakeley A Warbinton

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Kirkland - Washington

12040 98th Ave NE Ste 101, Washington, 98034-4217
  • Criminal Defense
  • Kirkland, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 20 years of experience
Free Consultation (425) 284-2362

Blakeley A.Warbinton

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Kirkland - Washington

12040 98th Ave NE Ste 101, Washington, 98034-4217
Free Consultation (425) 284-2362

Introduction to Criminal Defense Law

Being an expert in criminal defense law involves representing individuals accused of committing crimes ranging from minor offenses to serious felonies. Attorneys in this field strive to ensure a fair trial for the accused, challenging evidence and advocating for their clients' legal rights.

Common Areas Handled by Criminal Defense Attorneys

  • Felony Cases – Defending clients charged with serious crimes, including violent offenses, drug trafficking, and major thefts.
  • Misdemeanor Offenses – Representing individuals accused of lesser crimes, such as petty theft, simple assault, and DUI.
  • White-Collar Crime Defense – Specializing in non-violent financial crimes like fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering.
  • Juvenile Delinquency Cases – Advocating for minors facing criminal charges, focusing on rehabilitation and protecting their future.
  • Appeals and Post-Conviction Relief – Handling appeals and seeking post-conviction remedies for clients who have been wrongfully convicted or excessively sentenced.

Keys Considerations When Selecting a Criminal Defense Lawyer

  • Expertise in Criminal Law – Choosing attorneys with extensive knowledge and experience in this specific field of law can help you ensure they can handle your specific type of case.
  • Experience in Local Courts – Looking for lawyers familiar with the local court system and its procedures can be advantageous in navigating your case.
  • Reputation and Track Record – When selecting a criminal defense lawyer, you should look at their history in defending criminal cases, focusing on their ability to secure favorable outcomes.
  • Client Reviews – Feedback from previous clients can help you understand their effectiveness and service quality in criminal defense by providing insights into their reliability and approach.

Choosing a Criminal Defense Attorney

  • Initial Research – Legal.com offers a selection of professionals with diverse expertise, which you can use to find seasoned criminal defense lawyers.
  • Credentials Verification – Ensure the attorney’s proper licensing and reputation by confirming their qualifications and standing in the legal community.
  • Consultation – Understand their strategy and how they plan to defend you by discussing these aspects during a case evaluation,
  • Assessing Knowledge and Commitment – You should ultimately choose a lawyer who combines their legal expertise with a commitment to defending your rights and interests.
  • Initial Research – Legal.com offers a selection of professionals with diverse expertise, which you can use to find seasoned criminal defense lawyers.
  • Credentials Verification – Ensure the attorney’s proper licensing and reputation by confirming their qualifications and standing in the legal community.
  • Consultation – Understand their strategy and how they plan to defend you by discussing these aspects during a case evaluation, 
  • Assessing Knowledge and Commitment – You should ultimately choose a lawyer who combines their legal expertise with a commitment to defending your rights and interests.

The Criminal Defense Process

  • Initial Consultation – Essential for outlining your legal situation and the attorney's defense strategy, offering a clear view of what to expect.
  • Case Preparation – Building the actual defense, including evidence gathering, witness interviews, and strategy development.
  • Plea Negotiations – Handling plea bargain discussions, aiming for reduced charges or lesser penalties when appropriate.
  • Trial Representation – Providing skilled legal representation in court, presenting your defense, and challenging the prosecution's case.
  • Post-Trial Actions – Managing appeals or seeking other post-conviction remedies, if necessary, to protect your rights and interests.

Types of Cases That Defense Lawyers Typically Handle

  • Drug Offenses – Defending against charges related to drug possession, distribution, and manufacturing.
  • Assault and Battery – Representing clients accused of assaultive crimes, ensuring a fair trial and challenging the evidence against them.
  • Theft and Burglary – Advocating for individuals charged with theft, burglary, or related property crimes.
  • Sexual Offenses – Defending clients accused of sexual crimes by handling sensitive cases with discretion and rigor.
  • DUI and Traffic Violations – Representing clients in DUI cases and serious traffic offenses, focusing on minimizing penalties and preserving driving privileges.

Common Challenges in Criminal Defense

  • Navigating Legal Complexities – Managing the intricate legal aspects of criminal law and ensuring a thorough understanding of clients' rights.
  • Dealing With Prosecution Tactics – Handling aggressive prosecution strategies and ensuring clients receive a fair trial.
  • Evidence Analysis – Critically examining and challenging evidence presented by the prosecution, which is a key aspect of building a strong defense.
  • Maintaining Client Confidentiality – Ensuring all communications and strategies remain confidential, protecting clients' rights throughout the legal process.

Criminal Defense Lawyers FAQs

How Do I Find the Right Criminal Defense Lawyer?
When searching for a defense attorney, consider their expertise in criminal law, experience with similar cases, and their approach to client communication.
What Services Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Provide?
Criminal defense attorneys offer a variety of services between initial consultation and case resolution. These include case preparation, plea negotiations, trial representation, post-trial actions, and more.
What Should I Consider When Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney?
You should hire a lawyer who is knowledgeable and dedicated to your defense. To estimate this, consider their specialization in criminal law, case success rate, client testimonials, and overall approach to defending criminal cases.
Do Any Criminal Defense Lawyers Offer Free Consultations?
There are criminal defense lawyers who offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and explain their defense strategies. Considering this is not an industry standard, it's important to confirm the consultation fee structure of a lawyer you plan to hire beforehand.
How Often Does Legal.com Update Its List of Criminal Defense Lawyers?
Our list of the best criminal defense lawyers is updated monthly to ensure we provide access to the latest and most accurate information.
What Criteria Does Legal.com Consider When Listing Lawyers?
To make sure we only provide the best of the best, the lawyers featured in our directory are chosen based on their professional achievements, peer and client reviews, and our own independent research.
Is Legal.com Affiliated With Any Criminal Defense Law Firms It Lists?
Legal.com is an independent platform, unaffiliated with any criminal defense law firm. We are committed to maintaining our role as a trustworthy resource for legal support, even if we do accept sponsorships going forward.

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