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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys - May 2025

0 reviews

Christen Lee Anton Peters

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Olympia - Washington

2000 Lakeridge Dr SW Bldg 2, Washington, 98502-6001
  • Criminal Defense, Employment and Labor and Government
  • Olympia, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 31 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 786-5540

Christen Lee Anton.Peters

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Olympia - Washington

2000 Lakeridge Dr SW Bldg 2, Washington, 98502-6001
Free Consultation (360) 786-5540

0 reviews

Craig Scott Matheson

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Everett - Washington

3000 Rockefeller Ave, Washington, 98201-4046
  • Criminal Defense
  • Everett, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 36 years of experience
Free Consultation (425) 388-3333

Craig Scott.Matheson

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Everett - Washington

3000 Rockefeller Ave, Washington, 98201-4046
Free Consultation (425) 388-3333

0 reviews

Stephen Michael Penner

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Bellevue - Washington

PO Box 90012, Washington, 98009-9012
  • Criminal Defense
  • Bellevue, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 30 years of experience
Free Consultation (425) 452-4084

Stephen Michael.Penner

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Bellevue - Washington

PO Box 90012, Washington, 98009-9012
Free Consultation (425) 452-4084

0 reviews

Eugene Michael Cruz

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

1100 W Mallon Ave, Washington, 99260-2043
  • Criminal Defense and Government
  • Spokane, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 28 years of experience
Free Consultation (509)  477-2876

Eugene Michael.Cruz

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

1100 W Mallon Ave, Washington, 99260-2043
Free Consultation (509)  477-2876

0 reviews

Lance Duncan Fitzjarrald

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at White Salmon - Washington

PO Box 2335, Washington, 98672-2335
  • Appeals and Appellate, Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Family, Government, Human Rights, ...
  • White Salmon, Washington Appeals and Appellate Lawyer with 24 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 637-0471

Lance Duncan.Fitzjarrald

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at White Salmon - Washington

PO Box 2335, Washington, 98672-2335
Free Consultation (509) 637-0471

0 reviews

Scott Thomas Moorey

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Fort Myers - Florida

Law Firm of Scott T. Moorey,1430 Royal Palm Square Boulevard. Suite 101, Fort Myers, FL , Florida,
  • Criminal Defense and Sex Crime
  • Fort Myers, Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer with 1 years of experience
Free Consultation (239) 330-2379
View Website

Scott Thomas.Moorey

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Fort Myers - Florida

Law Firm of Scott T. Moorey,1430 Royal Palm Square Boulevard. Suite 101, Fort Myers, FL , Florida,
Free Consultation (239) 330-2379
View Website

0 reviews

Sarah L. Lowell (Aka Sunny L. Lowell)

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Sacramento - California

California Department of State Hospitals, 1215 O St, California, 95814-5804
  • Criminal Defense
  • Sacramento, California Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (916) 651-9732

Sarah L. Lowell (Aka Sunny L..Lowell)

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Sacramento - California

California Department of State Hospitals, 1215 O St, California, 95814-5804
Free Consultation (916) 651-9732

0 reviews

Rudolph A. Serra

Administrative Law Lawyer Serving at Ferndale - Michigan

1705 Wordsworth St, Michigan, 48220-3511
  • Administrative Law, Business, Civil Rights, Communications and Media, Criminal Defense, Divorce and Separation, Domestic Violence, Family, General Practice, ...
  • Ferndale, Michigan Administrative Law Lawyer
Free Consultation (313) 331-7839

Rudolph A..Serra

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Ferndale - Michigan

1705 Wordsworth St, Michigan, 48220-3511
Free Consultation (313) 331-7839

0 reviews

Bruce nan Edge

DUI and DWI Lawyer Serving at Tulsa - Oklahoma

15 W 6th St Ste 2304 Sui, Oklahoma, 74119-5401
  • DUI and DWI, Criminal Defense and Speeding and Traffic Ticket
  • Tulsa, Oklahoma DUI and DWI Lawyer
Free Consultation (918)582-6333

Bruce nan.Edge

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Tulsa - Oklahoma

15 W 6th St Ste 2304 Sui, Oklahoma, 74119-5401
Free Consultation (918)582-6333

0 reviews

Ninfa Gallegos Carrillo

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Jourdanton - Texas

1212 Waltom Ave, Texas, 78026-2148
  • Criminal Defense and Juvenile
  • Jourdanton, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer with 24 years of experience
Free Consultation 830-570-6813

Ninfa Gallegos.Carrillo

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Jourdanton - Texas

1212 Waltom Ave, Texas, 78026-2148
Free Consultation 830-570-6813

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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