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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys - May 2025

0 reviews

Monyca White

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Auburn - Washington

39015 172nd Ave SE, Washington, 98092-2690
  • Criminal Defense and Native Peoples Law
  • Auburn, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (253) 876-2891

Monyca White

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Auburn - Washington

39015 172nd Ave SE, Washington, 98092-2690
Free Consultation (253) 876-2891

0 reviews

Scott Emmett Wonder

Administrative Law Lawyer Serving at Bellevue - Washington

2200 112th Ave NE Ste 140, Washington, 98004-2951
  • Administrative Law, Government, Appeals and Appellate, Constitutional, Criminal Defense, Litigation and Speeding and Traffic Ticket
  • Bellevue, Washington Administrative Law Lawyer with 41 years of experience
Free Consultation (425) 453-9200

Scott Emmett.Wonder

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Bellevue - Washington

2200 112th Ave NE Ste 140, Washington, 98004-2951
Free Consultation (425) 453-9200

0 reviews

Garth Best

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Chattanooga - Tennessee

Best Hayduk & Brock, PLLC, Tennessee, 37402
  • Criminal Defense, Appeals and Appellate, Drug Crime, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Law, Internet, Sex Crime, Violent Crime, ...
  • Chattanooga, Tennessee Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (423) 693-2378

Garth Best

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Chattanooga - Tennessee

Best Hayduk & Brock, PLLC, Tennessee, 37402
Free Consultation (423) 693-2378

0 reviews

John Tenn

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Manchester - New Hampshire

Tenn And Tenn, PA, New Hampshire, 03101
  • Criminal Defense, Appeals and Appellate, Drug Crime, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Law, Internet, Sex Crime, Violent Crime, ...
  • Manchester, New Hampshire Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (603) 624-3700
View Website

John Tenn

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Manchester - New Hampshire

Tenn And Tenn, PA, New Hampshire, 03101
Free Consultation (603) 624-3700
View Website

0 reviews

Matthew L. Lamountain

DUI and DWI Lawyer Serving at Warwick - Rhode Island

The Law Office of Matthew L. LaMountain, Rhode Island, 02886
  • DUI and DWI, Criminal Defense, Appeals and Appellate, Drug Crime, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Law, Internet, Sex Crime, ...
  • Warwick, Rhode Island DUI and DWI Lawyer
Free Consultation (401) 699-8601

Matthew L..Lamountain

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Warwick - Rhode Island

The Law Office of Matthew L. LaMountain, Rhode Island, 02886
Free Consultation (401) 699-8601

0 reviews

Mark C. Bullock

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Portland - Maine

254 Commercial Street, Maine, 04101
  • Phoenix Law School
  • Criminal Defense, Family, General Practice, Litigation and Mediation
  • Portland, Maine Criminal Defense Lawyer with 12 years of experience
Free Consultation (207) 743-4297

Mark C..Bullock

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Portland - Maine

254 Commercial Street, Maine, 04101
Free Consultation (207) 743-4297

0 reviews

Katharine H. Wetherington

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Detroit - Michigan

3030 W Grand Blvd, Michigan, 48202
  • Criminal Defense and Juvenile
  • Detroit, Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (313) 456-3019

Katharine H..Wetherington

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Detroit - Michigan

3030 W Grand Blvd, Michigan, 48202
Free Consultation (313) 456-3019

0 reviews

Trachelle Carrie Young

Civil Rights Lawyer Serving at Flint - Michigan

PO Box 975, Michigan, 48501-0975
  • Civil Rights and Criminal Defense
  • Flint, Michigan Civil Rights Lawyer
Free Consultation (810) 239-6302
View Website

Trachelle Carrie.Young

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Flint - Michigan

PO Box 975, Michigan, 48501-0975
Free Consultation (810) 239-6302
View Website

0 reviews

Lowell Bernstein

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Columbia - South Carolina

PO Box 583, South Carolina, 29202
  • University of South Carolina School of Law
  • Criminal Defense, Insurance, Litigation, Motor Carrier Law, Personal Injury and Workers Compensation Law
  • Columbia, South Carolina Criminal Defense Lawyer with 32 years of experience
Free Consultation (803) 799-7900
View Website

Lowell Bernstein

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Columbia - South Carolina

PO Box 583, South Carolina, 29202
Free Consultation (803) 799-7900
View Website

0 reviews

Cassandra Marie Marie Benoist

Administrative and Public Lawyer Serving at Lockhart - Texas

PO Box 5, Texas, 78644-0005
  • Administrative and Public, Criminal Defense and Government
  • Lockhart, Texas Administrative and Public Lawyer with 16 years of experience
Free Consultation 512-398-1811

Cassandra Marie Marie.Benoist

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Lockhart - Texas

PO Box 5, Texas, 78644-0005
Free Consultation 512-398-1811

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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