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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys - May 2025

0 reviews

Lin-Marie Nacht

Civil Rights Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

1401 E Jefferson St Ste 200, Washington, 98122-5570
  • Civil Rights, Constitutional, Criminal Defense, Family, Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Litigation
  • Seattle, Washington Civil Rights Lawyer
Free Consultation (206) 477-9244

Lin-Marie Nacht

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

1401 E Jefferson St Ste 200, Washington, 98122-5570
Free Consultation (206) 477-9244

0 reviews

Kimberly S. Traver

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Clarkston - Washington

744 5th St Ste G, Washington, 99403-2670
  • Criminal Defense and Juvenile
  • Clarkston, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 14 years of experience
Free Consultation (208) 503-2090

Kimberly S..Traver

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Clarkston - Washington

744 5th St Ste G, Washington, 99403-2670
Free Consultation (208) 503-2090

0 reviews

Michael Olufemi Ewetuga

Contracts and Agreements Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

15504 9th Ave E, Washington, 98445-1292
  • Contracts and Agreements, Criminal Defense, Debt and Lending Agreements, Immigration, Native Peoples Law, Insurance, Landlord and Tenant, Litigation, Personal Injury ...
  • Tacoma, Washington Contracts and Agreements Lawyer
Free Consultation (253) 235-9034

Michael Olufemi.Ewetuga

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

15504 9th Ave E, Washington, 98445-1292
Free Consultation (253) 235-9034

0 reviews

Joshua Allen Reich

Administrative Law Lawyer Serving at Auburn - Washington

39015 172nd Ave SE, Washington, 98092-2690
  • Administrative Law, Government, Business, Commercial, Criminal Defense, Native Peoples Law, Legislation, Litigation, Real Estate ...
  • Auburn, Washington Administrative Law Lawyer with 14 years of experience
Free Consultation (253) 876-3209

Joshua Allen.Reich

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Auburn - Washington

39015 172nd Ave SE, Washington, 98092-2690
Free Consultation (253) 876-3209

0 reviews

Georgia Ann Stearns

Collections Lawyer Serving at Montesano - Washington

Grays Harbor County Prosecutor 102 W Broadway Ave., Washington, 98563
  • Collections, Real Estate, Contracts and Agreements, Corporate and Incorporation, Criminal Defense, Employment and Labor, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, ...
  • Montesano, Washington Collections Lawyer with 6 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 249-3951 EXT 1609

Georgia Ann.Stearns

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Montesano - Washington

Grays Harbor County Prosecutor 102 W Broadway Ave., Washington, 98563
Free Consultation (360) 249-3951 EXT 1609

0 reviews

Charles Reed Arndt

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Clinton - Washington

PO Box 290, Washington, 98236-0290
  • Criminal Defense, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Personal Injury and Real Estate
  • Clinton, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 35 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 341-1515

Charles Reed.Arndt

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Clinton - Washington

PO Box 290, Washington, 98236-0290
Free Consultation (360) 341-1515

0 reviews

Brian Charles Ashbach

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Marysville - Washington

4025 80th St NE Ste B, Washington, 98270-6412
  • Criminal Defense, Insurance, Litigation, State, Local And Municipal Law, Personal Injury and Speeding and Traffic Ticket
  • Marysville, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 17 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 659-4950

Brian Charles.Ashbach

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Marysville - Washington

4025 80th St NE Ste B, Washington, 98270-6412
Free Consultation (360) 659-4950

0 reviews

Chang Liu

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Everett - Washington

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

Chang Liu

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Everett - Washington

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

0 reviews

Ceth Daniel Oriel Hickey

Real Estate Lawyer Serving at Lynnwood - Washington

4211 Alderwood Blvd Ste 204, Washington, 98036-6750
  • Real Estate, Contracts and Agreements, Criminal Defense, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Family, Landlord and Tenant, ...
  • Lynnwood, Washington Real Estate Lawyer with 6 years of experience
Free Consultation (425) 744-5658

Ceth Daniel Oriel.Hickey

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Lynnwood - Washington

4211 Alderwood Blvd Ste 204, Washington, 98036-6750
Free Consultation (425) 744-5658

0 reviews

Robert E. Schiffner

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Moses Lake - Washington

PO Box 776, Washington, 98837-0117
  • Criminal Defense
  • Moses Lake, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 35 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 750-2212

Robert E..Schiffner

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Moses Lake - Washington

PO Box 776, Washington, 98837-0117
Free Consultation (509) 750-2212

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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