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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys - June 2025

0 reviews

Courtney J. Marshall

Car Accidents Lawyer Serving at Warren - Michigan

30500 Van Dyke, Michigan, 48093
  • University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
  • Car Accidents, Criminal Defense, Debt and Lending Agreements, Divorce and Separation, Domestic Violence, Family, Juvenile and Probate
  • Warren, Michigan Car Accidents Lawyer
Free Consultation (586) 510-1814
View Website

Courtney J..Marshall

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Warren - Michigan

30500 Van Dyke, Michigan, 48093
Free Consultation (586) 510-1814
View Website

0 reviews

Robert V Bolinske Bolinske

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Bismarck - North Dakota

201 Slate Dr., Ste. 2, North Dakota, 58503
  • Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice and Wrongful Death
  • Bismarck, North Dakota Criminal Defense Lawyer with 25 years of experience
Free Consultation (701) 255-3410

Robert V Bolinske.Bolinske

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Bismarck - North Dakota

201 Slate Dr., Ste. 2, North Dakota, 58503
Free Consultation (701) 255-3410

0 reviews

Ricardo R. Alvarado

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Midland - Texas

PO Box 53267, Texas, 79710-3267
  • Criminal Defense and Family
  • Midland, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer with 49 years of experience
Free Consultation 432-570-0056

Ricardo R..Alvarado

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Midland - Texas

PO Box 53267, Texas, 79710-3267
Free Consultation 432-570-0056

0 reviews

Charles R. Manning

Administrative and Public Lawyer Serving at Beeville - Texas

150 Bobwhite Trl, Texas, 78102-8104
  • Administrative and Public, Consumer Protection, Debt and Lending Agreements, Criminal Defense, Family, Real Estate, Wills and Living Wills and Social Security
  • Beeville, Texas Administrative and Public Lawyer with 48 years of experience
Free Consultation 361-358-7635

Charles R..Manning

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Beeville - Texas

150 Bobwhite Trl, Texas, 78102-8104
Free Consultation 361-358-7635

0 reviews

Carolyn Crofton Olson

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Columbus - Texas

400 Spring, Suite 204, Texas, 78934
  • Criminal Defense
  • Columbus, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer with 41 years of experience
Free Consultation 979-732-8203

Carolyn Crofton.Olson

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Columbus - Texas

400 Spring, Suite 204, Texas, 78934
Free Consultation 979-732-8203

0 reviews

John Carter Carter Winters

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Hamilton - Texas

502 E Main St, Texas, 76531-1416
  • Criminal Defense, Juvenile, Appeals and Appellate and Civil Rights
  • Hamilton, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer with 18 years of experience
Free Consultation 254-386-8941

John Carter Carter.Winters

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Hamilton - Texas

502 E Main St, Texas, 76531-1416
Free Consultation 254-386-8941

0 reviews

Jake L. L. Srp

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Edna - Texas

105 Ed Linn St, Texas, 77957-2721
  • Criminal Defense, Wills and Living Wills and Elder Law
  • Edna, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer with 14 years of experience
Free Consultation 361-782-9297

Jake L. L..Srp

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Edna - Texas

105 Ed Linn St, Texas, 77957-2721
Free Consultation 361-782-9297

0 reviews

Reagan Lynch

Business Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

6525 3rd Ave NW, Washington, 98117-5003
  • Business, Commercial, Criminal Defense and Litigation
  • Seattle, Washington Business Lawyer
Free Consultation (240) 997-5546

Reagan Lynch

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

6525 3rd Ave NW, Washington, 98117-5003
Free Consultation (240) 997-5546

0 reviews

Matthew Jeffrey Bellmer

Administrative Law Lawyer Serving at Tumwater - Washington

PO Box 15072, Washington, 98511-5072
  • Administrative Law, Government, Appeals and Appellate, Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, Employment and Labor, Family, Juvenile, Litigation, ...
  • Tumwater, Washington Administrative Law Lawyer with 35 years of experience
Free Consultation (253) 640-2208

Matthew Jeffrey.Bellmer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Tumwater - Washington

PO Box 15072, Washington, 98511-5072
Free Consultation (253) 640-2208

0 reviews

Lisa Wagner

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

930 Tacoma Ave S Rm 946, Washington, 98402-2102
  • Criminal Defense and Government
  • Tacoma, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (253) 798-7400

Lisa Wagner

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

930 Tacoma Ave S Rm 946, Washington, 98402-2102
Free Consultation (253) 798-7400

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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