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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys - June 2025

0 reviews

Benjamin J Sherman

Family Lawyer Serving at Cheyenne - Wyoming

Olsen Legal Group, LLC, Wyoming, 82001
  • Family, Adoption, Child Custody, Child Support, Paternity, Guardianship, Marriage and Prenuptials, Domestic Violence, LGBT+ Law, ...
  • Cheyenne, Wyoming Family Lawyer
Free Consultation (307) 414-8385

Benjamin J.Sherman

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Cheyenne - Wyoming

Olsen Legal Group, LLC, Wyoming, 82001
Free Consultation (307) 414-8385

0 reviews

John Eugene Kelly

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Phoenix - Arizona

Attorney, 1 E Washington St, Suite 500, Arizona, 85004
  • Criminal Defense, Appeals and Appellate, Drug Crime, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Law, Internet, Sex Crime, Violent Crime, ...
  • Phoenix, Arizona Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (602) 283-4122

John Eugene.Kelly

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Phoenix - Arizona

Attorney, 1 E Washington St, Suite 500, Arizona, 85004
Free Consultation (602) 283-4122

0 reviews

Matthew Wayne Kilgo

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Marietta - Georgia

278 North Marietta Parkway NE Suite 101, Georgia, 30060
  • Criminal Defense
  • Marietta, Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer with 26 years of experience
Free Consultation (678) 842-4331

Matthew Wayne.Kilgo

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Marietta - Georgia

278 North Marietta Parkway NE Suite 101, Georgia, 30060
Free Consultation (678) 842-4331

0 reviews

Barbara Mattes

Child Abuse Lawyer Serving at Athens - Georgia

3654 Atlanta Hwy Suite M-5952, Georgia, 30606-7013
  • Child Abuse and Criminal Defense
  • Athens, Georgia Child Abuse Lawyer with 13 years of experience
Free Consultation (706) 352-8731

Barbara Mattes

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Athens - Georgia

3654 Atlanta Hwy Suite M-5952, Georgia, 30606-7013
Free Consultation (706) 352-8731

0 reviews

Alex Mitchell

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Atlanta - Georgia

400 Galleria Parkway Suite 1500, Georgia, 30339
  • Criminal Defense, Entertainment, Tax and Insurance
  • Atlanta, Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer with 10 years of experience
Free Consultation (678) 385-5953

Alex Mitchell

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Atlanta - Georgia

400 Galleria Parkway Suite 1500, Georgia, 30339
Free Consultation (678) 385-5953

0 reviews

Robert Brian Pelon

Real Estate Lawyer Serving at Atlanta - Georgia

160 Pryor Street SW Suite J301, Georgia, 30303-3405
  • Real Estate, Criminal Defense, General Practice, Judicial, Business and Religious Liberty Law
  • Atlanta, Georgia Real Estate Lawyer with 3 years of experience
Free Consultation

Robert Brian.Pelon

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Atlanta - Georgia

160 Pryor Street SW Suite J301, Georgia, 30303-3405
Free Consultation

0 reviews

Kelly E. Vaclavek

Family Lawyer Serving at Crystal Lake - Illinois

Metz & Vaclavek, LLC. 101 North Virginia Street Suite 150, Illinois , 60014-3622
  • Family, Criminal Defense, Juvenile and Adoption
  • Crystal Lake, Illinois Family Lawyer with 18 years of experience
Free Consultation (815) 459-2844

Kelly E..Vaclavek

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Crystal Lake - Illinois

Metz & Vaclavek, LLC. 101 North Virginia Street Suite 150, Illinois , 60014-3622
Free Consultation (815) 459-2844

0 reviews

Darnell Thomas Barton

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Detroit - Michigan

220 W Congress St, Michigan, 48226-3289
  • Criminal Defense
  • Detroit, Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (313) 288-8010
View Website

Darnell Thomas.Barton

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Detroit - Michigan

220 W Congress St, Michigan, 48226-3289
Free Consultation (313) 288-8010
View Website

0 reviews

Joseph David Engerer

Car Accidents Lawyer Serving at Livonia - Michigan

19500 Victor Pkwy Ste 150, Michigan, 48152-7010
  • Michigan State University College of Law
  • Car Accidents, Criminal Defense, Insurance and Personal Injury
  • Livonia, Michigan Car Accidents Lawyer
Free Consultation (734) 591-3737

Joseph David.Engerer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Livonia - Michigan

19500 Victor Pkwy Ste 150, Michigan, 48152-7010
Free Consultation (734) 591-3737

0 reviews

Jared W. Gietzen

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Dickinson - North Dakota

117 First St. E. P.O. Box 1173, North Dakota, 58602-1173
  • Criminal Defense, Car Accidents, DUI and DWI and Personal Injury
  • Dickinson, North Dakota Criminal Defense Lawyer with 11 years of experience
Free Consultation (701) 225-9155

Jared W..Gietzen

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Dickinson - North Dakota

117 First St. E. P.O. Box 1173, North Dakota, 58602-1173
Free Consultation (701) 225-9155

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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