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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys - May 2025

0 reviews

Zachary Charles Wagnild

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

705 2nd Ave Ste 1111, Washington, 98104-1720
  • Criminal Defense
  • Seattle, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 28 years of experience
Free Consultation (206)  623-5822

Zachary Charles.Wagnild

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

705 2nd Ave Ste 1111, Washington, 98104-1720
Free Consultation (206)  623-5822

0 reviews

Alice Degen

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

516 3rd Ave Ste W554, Washington, 98104-2362
  • Criminal Defense
  • Seattle, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (206) 205-7400

Alice Degen

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

516 3rd Ave Ste W554, Washington, 98104-2362
Free Consultation (206) 205-7400

0 reviews

David Ventura Montes

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

710 2nd Ave Ste 250, Washington, 98104-1765
  • Criminal Defense
  • Seattle, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 13 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 477-9151

David Ventura.Montes

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

710 2nd Ave Ste 250, Washington, 98104-1765
Free Consultation (206) 477-9151

0 reviews

Dane Andrew Westermeyer

Business Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

700 Stewart St Ste 5220, Washington, 98101-4438
  • Business, Commercial, Criminal Defense, Legal Writing, Patent Application, Trademark Application and Copyright Application
  • Seattle, Washington Business Lawyer with 10 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 553-2266

Dane Andrew.Westermeyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

700 Stewart St Ste 5220, Washington, 98101-4438
Free Consultation (206) 553-2266

0 reviews

Natalie R Walton-Anderson

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

701 5th Ave Ste 2500, Washington, 98104-7022
  • Criminal Defense
  • Seattle, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 18 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 684-7771

Natalie R.Walton-Anderson

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

701 5th Ave Ste 2500, Washington, 98104-7022
Free Consultation (206) 684-7771

0 reviews

Moses Ouma Okeyo

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

1511 3rd Ave Ste 610, Washington, 98101-1683
  • Appeals and Appellate, Business, Commercial, Contracts and Agreements, Criminal Defense, Lawsuits and Disputes, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, ...
  • Seattle, Washington Appeals and Appellate Lawyer with 4 years of experience
Free Consultation (208) 241-8194

Moses Ouma.Okeyo

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

1511 3rd Ave Ste 610, Washington, 98101-1683
Free Consultation (208) 241-8194

0 reviews

William Paul Erick Gunderson

Business Lawyer Serving at Puyallup - Washington

1008 21st St NW, Washington, 98371-3942
  • Business, Commercial, Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Puyallup, Washington Business Lawyer with 12 years of experience
Free Consultation (253) 234-4548

William Paul Erick.Gunderson

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Puyallup - Washington

1008 21st St NW, Washington, 98371-3942
Free Consultation (253) 234-4548

0 reviews

Thomas D Howe

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

930 Tacoma Ave S Rm 946, Washington, 98402-2171
  • Criminal Defense and Government
  • Tacoma, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 22 years of experience
Free Consultation (253) 625-3782

Thomas D.Howe

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

930 Tacoma Ave S Rm 946, Washington, 98402-2171
Free Consultation (253) 625-3782

0 reviews

David S. Hatch

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Montesano - Washington

105 N River St, Washington, 98563-3713
  • Criminal Defense and Speeding and Traffic Ticket
  • Montesano, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 34 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 249-2224

David S..Hatch

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Montesano - Washington

105 N River St, Washington, 98563-3713
Free Consultation (360) 249-2224

0 reviews

Steven Peter Johnson Jr

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 15 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 417-2301

Steven Peter Johnson.Jr

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Port Angeles - Washington

223 E 4th St Ste 11, Washington, 98362-3000
Free Consultation (360) 417-2301

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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