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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys - May 2025

0 reviews

Stephen J. Schwartz

Personal Injury Lawyer Serving at Portland - Maine

482 Congress St, Portland, Maine,
  • Personal Injury and Criminal Defense
  • Portland, Maine Personal Injury Lawyer with 39 years of experience
Free Consultation  (207) 275-6342
View Website

Stephen J..Schwartz

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Portland - Maine

482 Congress St, Portland, Maine,
Free Consultation  (207) 275-6342
View Website

0 reviews

Christopher E Yeazell

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Clearwater - Florida

The Law Offices Of Yeazell And Sweet2861 Executive Drive, Suite 200, Clearwater, FL , Florida,
  • Criminal Defense
  • Clearwater, Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer with 1 years of experience
Free Consultation (813) 638-0467
View Website

Christopher E.Yeazell

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Clearwater - Florida

The Law Offices Of Yeazell And Sweet2861 Executive Drive, Suite 200, Clearwater, FL , Florida,
Free Consultation (813) 638-0467
View Website

0 reviews

Stephen Patrick Johnson

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Atlanta - Georgia

101 Marietta Street NW Suite 1500, Georgia, 30303
  • Criminal Defense
  • Atlanta, Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer with 16 years of experience
Free Consultation (404) 688-7530

Stephen Patrick.Johnson

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Atlanta - Georgia

101 Marietta Street NW Suite 1500, Georgia, 30303
Free Consultation (404) 688-7530

0 reviews

Joseph Allen Mcdonald Mcdonald

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Atlanta - Georgia

600 Peachtree Street NE Suite 3710, Georgia, 30308
  • Criminal Defense, Entertainment and Insurance
  • Atlanta, Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer with 7 years of experience
Free Consultation

Joseph Allen Mcdonald.Mcdonald

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Atlanta - Georgia

600 Peachtree Street NE Suite 3710, Georgia, 30308
Free Consultation

0 reviews

Landon Scott Brown

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Boise - Idaho

877 W. Main Street, Ste. 200, Idaho, 83702
  • Appeals and Appellate, Criminal Defense and Litigation
  • Boise, Idaho Appeals and Appellate Lawyer with 13 years of experience
Free Consultation (208) 388-4966
View Website

Landon Scott.Brown

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Boise - Idaho

877 W. Main Street, Ste. 200, Idaho, 83702
Free Consultation (208) 388-4966
View Website

0 reviews

James G. Boulos Boulos

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Saco - Maine

PO Box 856, Maine, 04072-0856
  • University of Maine
  • Criminal Defense and DUI and DWI
  • Saco, Maine Criminal Defense Lawyer with 49 years of experience
Free Consultation (207) 282-1564

James G. Boulos.Boulos

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Saco - Maine

PO Box 856, Maine, 04072-0856
Free Consultation (207) 282-1564

0 reviews

Joseph E. Richotte

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Troy - Michigan

201 W Big Beaver Rd Ste 1200, Michigan, 48084-4120
  • Appeals and Appellate, Attorney Discipline, Criminal Defense, Federal Regulation, Freedom of Information Act, Libel and Slander, Litigation, Communications and Media and Government
  • Troy, Michigan Appeals and Appellate Lawyer
Free Consultation (248) 258-1407

Joseph E..Richotte

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Troy - Michigan

201 W Big Beaver Rd Ste 1200, Michigan, 48084-4120
Free Consultation (248) 258-1407

0 reviews

David Leonard Campbell

Civil Rights Lawyer Serving at Flint - Michigan

630 S Saginaw St., Michigan, 48502-1525
  • Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, Family and Probate
  • Flint, Michigan Civil Rights Lawyer
Free Consultation (810) 257-3387

David Leonard.Campbell

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Flint - Michigan

630 S Saginaw St., Michigan, 48502-1525
Free Consultation (810) 257-3387

0 reviews

Karri A. Russell

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Muskegon - Michigan

794 Pine St Ste 210-4, Michigan, 49442-1020
  • Western Michigan Cooley Law School
  • Criminal Defense, Family, Guardianship and Juvenile
  • Muskegon, Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (231) 571-3838
View Website

Karri A..Russell

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Muskegon - Michigan

794 Pine St Ste 210-4, Michigan, 49442-1020
Free Consultation (231) 571-3838
View Website

0 reviews

John J. Conlon

Collections Lawyer Serving at Portage - Michigan

PO Box 100, Michigan, 49081-0100
  • University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
  • Collections, Commercial, Contracts and Agreements, Criminal Defense, Divorce and Separation, Family, General Practice, Negligence Law and Wills and Living Wills
  • Portage, Michigan Collections Lawyer
Free Consultation (269) 327-2200

John J..Conlon

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Portage - Michigan

PO Box 100, Michigan, 49081-0100
Free Consultation (269) 327-2200

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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