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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys - May 2025

0 reviews

Barbara Frances Harris

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Olympia - Washington

711 Capitol Way S Ste 106 PO Box 40957, Washington, 98504-0957
  • Criminal Defense
  • Olympia, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 33 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 586-3164 EXT 115

Barbara Frances.Harris

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Olympia - Washington

711 Capitol Way S Ste 106 PO Box 40957, Washington, 98504-0957
Free Consultation (360) 586-3164 EXT 115

0 reviews

Linda Hang Nguyen

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Longview - Washington

530 19th Ave, Washington, 98632-1514
  • Criminal Defense
  • Longview, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 6 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 747-2423

Linda Hang.Nguyen

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Longview - Washington

530 19th Ave, Washington, 98632-1514
Free Consultation (360) 747-2423

0 reviews

Nathaniel Lauren Needham

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Long Beach - Washington

12305 Sandridge Rd, Washington, 98631-5701
  • Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Personal Injury
  • Long Beach, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 25 years of experience
Free Consultation (360)642-2332

Nathaniel Lauren.Needham

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Long Beach - Washington

12305 Sandridge Rd, Washington, 98631-5701
Free Consultation (360)642-2332

0 reviews

Eugene Edward Piculell

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Bellevue - Washington

10900 NE 4th St Ste 2300, Washington, 98004-5882
  • Criminal Defense
  • Bellevue, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 35 years of experience
Free Consultation (425) 453-9436

Eugene Edward.Piculell

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Bellevue - Washington

10900 NE 4th St Ste 2300, Washington, 98004-5882
Free Consultation (425) 453-9436

0 reviews

Aaron Everett

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Everett - Washington

3232 Oakes Ave, Washington, 98201-4408
  • Criminal Defense
  • Everett, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (425) 512-9731

Aaron Everett

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Everett - Washington

3232 Oakes Ave, Washington, 98201-4408
Free Consultation (425) 512-9731

0 reviews

David Christopher Mason

Administrative Law Lawyer Serving at Bellevue - Washington

2200 112th Ave NE Ste 200, Washington, 98004-2951
  • Administrative Law, Government, Constitutional, Criminal Defense, Legal Writing and Speeding and Traffic Ticket
  • Bellevue, Washington Administrative Law Lawyer with 34 years of experience
Free Consultation (425) 646-2926

David Christopher.Mason

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Bellevue - Washington

2200 112th Ave NE Ste 200, Washington, 98004-2951
Free Consultation (425) 646-2926

0 reviews

Sunshine Marie Poliquin

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Wenatchee - Washington

115 S Chelan Ave, Washington, 98801-2901
  • Criminal Defense and Juvenile
  • Wenatchee, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 20 years of experience
Free Consultation (509)  663-2444

Sunshine Marie.Poliquin

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Wenatchee - Washington

115 S Chelan Ave, Washington, 98801-2901
Free Consultation (509)  663-2444

0 reviews

Holly Pederson Duffy

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Wenatchee - Washington

15 Palouse St Ste 101, Washington, 98801-3902
  • Criminal Defense, Juvenile, Litigation and Speeding and Traffic Ticket
  • Wenatchee, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 11 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 750-0850

Holly Pederson.Duffy

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Wenatchee - Washington

15 Palouse St Ste 101, Washington, 98801-3902
Free Consultation (509) 750-0850

0 reviews

Cara Lynn Anderson

Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer Serving at Pasco - Washington

2600 N 20th Ave, Washington, 99301-4108
  • Bankruptcy and debt, Business, Commercial, Collections, Contracts and Agreements, Criminal Defense, Debt and Lending Agreements, Estate Planning, Probate, ...
  • Pasco, Washington Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer with 20 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 845-1602

Cara Lynn.Anderson

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Pasco - Washington

2600 N 20th Ave, Washington, 99301-4108
Free Consultation (509) 845-1602

0 reviews

Charles L. Barnum

Car Accidents Lawyer Serving at Rock Springs - Wyoming

Charles L. Barnum, P.C. 409 Broadway, Suite A, Wyoming, 82901
  • Car Accidents, Criminal Defense, Defective and Dangerous Products, Mesothelioma and Asbestos and Personal Injury
  • Rock Springs, Wyoming Car Accidents Lawyer with 29 years of experience
Free Consultation (307) 382-7500

Charles L..Barnum

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Rock Springs - Wyoming

Charles L. Barnum, P.C. 409 Broadway, Suite A, Wyoming, 82901
Free Consultation (307) 382-7500

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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