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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys - May 2025

0 reviews

Jamie M Foster

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Longview - Washington

1801 1st Ave Ste 1A, Washington, 98632-3271
  • Criminal Defense
  • Longview, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 14 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 578-7430 EXT 6815

Jamie M.Foster

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Longview - Washington

1801 1st Ave Ste 1A, Washington, 98632-3271
Free Consultation (360) 578-7430 EXT 6815

0 reviews

Dana L. Williams

Real Estate Lawyer Serving at Centralia - Washington

PO Box 59, Washington, 98531-0059
  • Real Estate, Contracts and Agreements, Corporate and Incorporation, Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Family, Government, ...
  • Centralia, Washington Real Estate Lawyer with 43 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 736-1108

Dana L..Williams

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Centralia - Washington

PO Box 59, Washington, 98531-0059
Free Consultation (360) 736-1108

0 reviews

Adam Nathaniel Kick

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Stevenson - Washington

PO Box 790, Washington, 98648-0790
  • Appeals and Appellate, Contracts and Agreements, Criminal Defense, Employment and Labor, Government, Land Use and Zoning, Landlord and Tenant, Litigation and Real Estate
  • Stevenson, Washington Appeals and Appellate Lawyer with 28 years of experience
Free Consultation (509)  427-3790

Adam Nathaniel.Kick

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Stevenson - Washington

PO Box 790, Washington, 98648-0790
Free Consultation (509)  427-3790

0 reviews

Callan Ely Martinez

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Waterville - Washington

PO Box 360, Washington, 98858-0360
  • Criminal Defense
  • Waterville, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 7 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 745-8535

Callan Ely.Martinez

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Waterville - Washington

PO Box 360, Washington, 98858-0360
Free Consultation (509) 745-8535

0 reviews

Bret nan Royle

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Phoenix - Arizona

2828 North Central Ave. Suite 1203, , Arizona, 85004
  • Criminal Defense, Appeals and Appellate, Drug Crime, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Law, Internet, Sex Crime, Violent Crime, ...
  • Phoenix, Arizona Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (602) 899-8000

Bret nan.Royle

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Phoenix - Arizona

2828 North Central Ave. Suite 1203, , Arizona, 85004
Free Consultation (602) 899-8000

0 reviews

Richard Tanasi

Car Accidents Lawyer Serving at Las Vegas - Nevada

8716 Spanish Ridge Ave, Suite 105, Nevada,
  • Car Accidents and Criminal Defense
  • Las Vegas, Nevada Car Accidents Lawyer with 19 years of experience
Free Consultation  (833) 910-2833
View Website

Richard Tanasi

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Las Vegas - Nevada

8716 Spanish Ridge Ave, Suite 105, Nevada,
Free Consultation  (833) 910-2833
View Website

0 reviews

Samantha Kay Sark

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Bakersfield - California

Kern County Public Defender, 1315 Truxtun Ave, California, 93301-4517
  • Criminal Defense
  • Bakersfield, California Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (661) 868-4799

Samantha Kay.Sark

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Bakersfield - California

Kern County Public Defender, 1315 Truxtun Ave, California, 93301-4517
Free Consultation (661) 868-4799

0 reviews

George F. Mccranie Iv

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Douglas - Georgia

301 East Jackson Street, Georgia, 31533
  • Criminal Defense, Immigration, Insurance and Workers Compensation Law
  • Douglas, Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer with 29 years of experience
Free Consultation (912) 383-7581

George F. Mccranie.Iv

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Douglas - Georgia

301 East Jackson Street, Georgia, 31533
Free Consultation (912) 383-7581

0 reviews

Kristian Richard Lee Mcpeek

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Cumming - Georgia

213 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Georgia, 30040-2645
  • Criminal Defense
  • Cumming, Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer with 14 years of experience
Free Consultation (404) 236-6060

Kristian Richard Lee.Mcpeek

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Cumming - Georgia

213 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Georgia, 30040-2645
Free Consultation (404) 236-6060

0 reviews

Randy L. Price

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Saginaw - Michigan

111 S Michigan Ave, Michigan, 48602-2019
  • Western Michigan University Thomas Cooley Law Sch
  • Appeals and Appellate, Criminal Defense and Family
  • Saginaw, Michigan Appeals and Appellate Lawyer
Free Consultation (989) 790-5527

Randy L..Price

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Saginaw - Michigan

111 S Michigan Ave, Michigan, 48602-2019
Free Consultation (989) 790-5527

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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