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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys - August 2025

0 reviews

Jacob Gates

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Des Moines - Washington

21630 11th Ave S, Washington, 98198-6317
  • Criminal Defense
  • Des Moines, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (206) 870-6553

Jacob Gates

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Des Moines - Washington

21630 11th Ave S, Washington, 98198-6317
Free Consultation (206) 870-6553

0 reviews

Robert Michael Scales

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Bainbridge Island - Washington

13197 N Madison Ave NE, Washington, 98110-1153
  • Criminal Defense, Government and State, Local And Municipal Law
  • Bainbridge Island, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 31 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 915-8683

Robert Michael.Scales

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Bainbridge Island - Washington

13197 N Madison Ave NE, Washington, 98110-1153
Free Consultation (206) 915-8683

0 reviews

Jason Johnson

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

901 N. Adams St. Ste. 101, Washington, 99201
  • Criminal Defense, Juvenile and Personal Injury
  • Spokane, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (208) 691-3512

Jason Johnson

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

901 N. Adams St. Ste. 101, Washington, 99201
Free Consultation (208) 691-3512

0 reviews

Herman C Brewer IV

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Federal Way - Washington

PO Box 26221, Washington, 98093-3221
  • Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Speeding and Traffic Ticket
  • Federal Way, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 24 years of experience
Free Consultation (253) 237-0740

Herman C Brewer.IV

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Federal Way - Washington

PO Box 26221, Washington, 98093-3221
Free Consultation (253) 237-0740

0 reviews

Becky A Lamont

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Puyallup - Washington

4227 S Meridian Ste 271, Washington, 98373-3603
  • Criminal Defense, Family and Government
  • Puyallup, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 25 years of experience
Free Consultation (253) 355-6317

Becky A.Lamont

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Puyallup - Washington

4227 S Meridian Ste 271, Washington, 98373-3603
Free Consultation (253) 355-6317

0 reviews

Morgan Benfield

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

1201 Pacific Ave Ste 600, Washington, 98402-4384
  • Criminal Defense
  • Tacoma, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (253) 518-3643

Morgan Benfield

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

1201 Pacific Ave Ste 600, Washington, 98402-4384
Free Consultation (253) 518-3643

0 reviews

Christa E Cushon

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

930 S Tacoma Ave, Washington, 98407
  • Criminal Defense and Personal Injury
  • Tacoma, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 4 years of experience
Free Consultation (253) 798-6633

Christa E.Cushon

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

930 S Tacoma Ave, Washington, 98407
Free Consultation (253) 798-6633

0 reviews

Kevin T. Nelson

Contracts and Agreements Lawyer Serving at Chehalis - Washington

299 NW Center St, Washington, 98532-2008
  • Contracts and Agreements, Criminal Defense, Foreclosure, Government, Juvenile, Real Estate, Land Use and Zoning and Speeding and Traffic Ticket
  • Chehalis, Washington Contracts and Agreements Lawyer with 13 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 748-3386

Kevin T..Nelson

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Chehalis - Washington

299 NW Center St, Washington, 98532-2008
Free Consultation (360) 748-3386

0 reviews

James Bible

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Bellevue - Washington

14205 SE 36th St Ste 100, Washington, 98006-1553
  • Criminal Defense, Litigation and Personal Injury
  • Bellevue, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (425) 519-3675

James Bible

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Bellevue - Washington

14205 SE 36th St Ste 100, Washington, 98006-1553
Free Consultation (425) 519-3675

0 reviews

Nanette K Blackburn

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Kennewick - Washington

5300 W 18th Ave, Washington, 99338-7555
  • Criminal Defense, Lawsuits and Disputes, Education, Government, Juvenile, Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Legal Writing
  • Kennewick, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 21 years of experience
Free Consultation (509)  713-2272

Nanette K.Blackburn

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Kennewick - Washington

5300 W 18th Ave, Washington, 99338-7555
Free Consultation (509)  713-2272

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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