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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys - April 2025

0 reviews

Robin Li-Yang Tu

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

PO Box 33835, Washington, 98133-0835
  • Criminal Defense, Litigation and Speeding and Traffic Ticket
  • Seattle, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 5 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 446-2934

Robin Li-Yang.Tu

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

PO Box 33835, Washington, 98133-0835
Free Consultation (206) 446-2934

0 reviews

Mary Swift

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

2200 6th Ave Ste 1250, Washington, 98121-1820
  • Appeals and Appellate, Constitutional, Criminal Defense and Juvenile
  • Seattle, Washington Appeals and Appellate Lawyer
Free Consultation (206) 623-2373

Mary Swift

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

2200 6th Ave Ste 1250, Washington, 98121-1820
Free Consultation (206) 623-2373

0 reviews

Anna Katarina Phillips

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Port Townsend - Washington

1820 Jefferson St, Washington, 98368-6951
  • Criminal Defense
  • Port Townsend, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 12 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 385-9180

Anna Katarina.Phillips

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Port Townsend - Washington

1820 Jefferson St, Washington, 98368-6951
Free Consultation (360) 385-9180

0 reviews

Pamela Darlene Lindquist

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Port Angeles - Washington

315 E 8th St, Washington, 98362-6217
  • Criminal Defense, Lawsuits and Disputes, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Family, Real Estate and Land Use and Zoning
  • Port Angeles, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 23 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 457-6406

Pamela Darlene.Lindquist

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Port Angeles - Washington

315 E 8th St, Washington, 98362-6217
Free Consultation (360) 457-6406

0 reviews

Matthew Philbrook

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Vancouver - Washington

300 W 39th St, Washington, 98660-1960
  • Criminal Defense and Personal Injury
  • Vancouver, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (360) 609-8384

Matthew Philbrook

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Vancouver - Washington

300 W 39th St, Washington, 98660-1960
Free Consultation (360) 609-8384

0 reviews

Carolyn Miller Bixel

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Kirkland - Washington

PO Box 117, Washington, 98083-0117
  • Criminal Defense, Native Peoples Law and Litigation
  • Kirkland, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 24 years of experience
Free Consultation (425) 269-5120

Carolyn Miller.Bixel

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Kirkland - Washington

PO Box 117, Washington, 98083-0117
Free Consultation (425) 269-5120

0 reviews

Shannon Alison Llenza

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Duvall - Washington

28907 NE 155th St, Washington, 98019-8023
  • Appeals and Appellate, Criminal Defense, Litigation and Military Law
  • Duvall, Washington Appeals and Appellate Lawyer with 9 years of experience
Free Consultation (425) 705-1520

Shannon Alison.Llenza

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Duvall - Washington

28907 NE 155th St, Washington, 98019-8023
Free Consultation (425) 705-1520

0 reviews

Jacob Keenan Smith

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

901 N Adams St, Washington, 99201-2050
  • Appeals and Appellate, Criminal Defense, Litigation and Speeding and Traffic Ticket
  • Spokane, Washington Appeals and Appellate Lawyer with 4 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 328-8800

Jacob Keenan.Smith

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

901 N Adams St, Washington, 99201-2050
Free Consultation (509) 328-8800

0 reviews

Matthew William Antush

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

601 W Main Ave Ste 1100, Washington, 99201-0666
  • Criminal Defense, Family, Immigration and Judicial Officer
  • Spokane, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 33 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 624-1380

Matthew William.Antush

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

601 W Main Ave Ste 1100, Washington, 99201-0666
Free Consultation (509) 624-1380

0 reviews

Larry Donald Murrell

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at West Palm Beach - Florida

L. D. Murrell, P.A.400 Executive Center Dr Ste 201, West Palm Beach, FL , Florida,
  • Criminal Defense, Federal Crime and Sex Crime
  • West Palm Beach, Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer with 1 years of experience
Free Consultation (561) 623-3668
View Website

Larry Donald.Murrell

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at West Palm Beach - Florida

L. D. Murrell, P.A.400 Executive Center Dr Ste 201, West Palm Beach, FL , Florida,
Free Consultation (561) 623-3668
View Website

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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