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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys - May 2025

0 reviews

Joshua Alan Poisel

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

710 2nd Ave Ste 1050, Washington, 98104-1766
  • Criminal Defense and Family
  • Seattle, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 21 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 477-9257

Joshua Alan.Poisel

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

710 2nd Ave Ste 1050, Washington, 98104-1766
Free Consultation (206) 477-9257

0 reviews

Jehiel Baer

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

700 Stewart St Ste 5220, Washington, 98101-4438
  • Criminal Defense, Forfeiture, Government and Litigation
  • Seattle, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (206) 553-4169

Jehiel Baer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

700 Stewart St Ste 5220, Washington, 98101-4438
Free Consultation (206) 553-4169

0 reviews

George Jay Jensen Jr

Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer Serving at SEATTLE - Washington

5418 20TH AVE NW, Suite 3, Washington, 98107
  • Bankruptcy and debt, Criminal Defense, Family and Personal Injury
  • SEATTLE, Washington Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer with 24 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 782-2111

George Jay Jensen.Jr

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at SEATTLE - Washington

5418 20TH AVE NW, Suite 3, Washington, 98107
Free Consultation (206) 782-2111

0 reviews

Theodore Michael Cropley

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

930 Tacoma Ave S Rm 946, Washington, 98402-2171
  • Appeals and Appellate, Criminal Defense and Government
  • Tacoma, Washington Appeals and Appellate Lawyer with 28 years of experience
Free Consultation (253) 355-5585

Theodore Michael.Cropley

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

930 Tacoma Ave S Rm 946, Washington, 98402-2171
Free Consultation (253) 355-5585

0 reviews

Jacqueline Shopbell

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

930 Tacoma Ave S, Washington, 98402
  • Criminal Defense
  • Tacoma, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (253) 798-6590

Jacqueline Shopbell

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

930 Tacoma Ave S, Washington, 98402
Free Consultation (253) 798-6590

0 reviews

Jodi R. Backlund

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Olympia - Washington

PO Box 6490, Washington, 98507-6490
  • Appeals and Appellate and Criminal Defense
  • Olympia, Washington Appeals and Appellate Lawyer with 32 years of experience
Free Consultation (360)  339-4870

Jodi R..Backlund

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Olympia - Washington

PO Box 6490, Washington, 98507-6490
Free Consultation (360)  339-4870

0 reviews

Jessy Ray Nations

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Montesano - Washington

102 W Broadway Ave Rm 101, Washington, 98563-3621
  • Criminal Defense, Landlord and Tenant and Legal Writing
  • Montesano, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 8 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 249-3951 EXT 1809

Jessy Ray.Nations

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Montesano - Washington

102 W Broadway Ave Rm 101, Washington, 98563-3621
Free Consultation (360) 249-3951 EXT 1809

0 reviews

Kevin R. Vibbert

Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer Serving at Winlock - Washington

PO Box 298, Washington, 98596-0298
  • Bankruptcy and debt, Criminal Defense and Debt and Lending Agreements
  • Winlock, Washington Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer with 30 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 423-0242

Kevin R..Vibbert

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Winlock - Washington

PO Box 298, Washington, 98596-0298
Free Consultation (360) 423-0242

0 reviews

Caitlin Earnest

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Longview - Washington

871 11th Ave Suite 2, Washington, 98632-3701
  • Criminal Defense, Family and Landlord and Tenant
  • Longview, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (360) 501-8092

Caitlin Earnest

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Longview - Washington

871 11th Ave Suite 2, Washington, 98632-3701
Free Consultation (360) 501-8092

0 reviews

Patrick M Trivett

Business Lawyer Serving at Marysville - Washington

1031 State Ave Ste 103, Washington, 98270-4277
  • Business, Commercial, Contracts and Agreements, Criminal Defense, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Government, ...
  • Marysville, Washington Business Lawyer with 18 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 659-8282

Patrick M.Trivett

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Marysville - Washington

1031 State Ave Ste 103, Washington, 98270-4277
Free Consultation (360) 659-8282

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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