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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys - June 2025

0 reviews

Allen R. Bentley

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

1000 2nd Ave Ste 3140, Washington, 98104-1046
  • Appeals and Appellate, Criminal Defense and Litigation
  • Seattle, Washington Appeals and Appellate Lawyer with 43 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 343-9391

Allen R..Bentley

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

1000 2nd Ave Ste 3140, Washington, 98104-1046
Free Consultation (206) 343-9391

0 reviews

William Allen White

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

705 S 9th St Ste 204, Washington, 98405-4622
  • Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Personal Injury and Speeding and Traffic Ticket
  • Tacoma, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 47 years of experience
Free Consultation (253) 383-3328

William Allen.White

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

705 S 9th St Ste 204, Washington, 98405-4622
Free Consultation (253) 383-3328

0 reviews

Gideon S Newmark

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Olympia - Washington

PO Box 40957, Washington, 98504-0957
  • Appeals and Appellate, Contracts and Agreements, Criminal Defense and Government
  • Olympia, Washington Appeals and Appellate Lawyer with 14 years of experience
Free Consultation (360)  586-3164

Gideon S.Newmark

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Olympia - Washington

PO Box 40957, Washington, 98504-0957
Free Consultation (360)  586-3164

0 reviews

Timothy A. Drury

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Port Orchard - Washington

PO Box 1836, Washington, 98366-0639
  • Criminal Defense and Speeding and Traffic Ticket
  • Port Orchard, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 35 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 271-8246

Timothy A..Drury

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Port Orchard - Washington

PO Box 1836, Washington, 98366-0639
Free Consultation (360) 271-8246

0 reviews

Michael K Dorcy

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Shelton - Washington

PO Box 639, Washington, 98584-0639
  • Criminal Defense, Government and State, Local And Municipal Law
  • Shelton, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 24 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 427-9670 EXT 417

Michael K.Dorcy

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Shelton - Washington

PO Box 639, Washington, 98584-0639
Free Consultation (360) 427-9670 EXT 417

0 reviews

Jamie Lynn O'Brien

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Bellevue - Washington

2700 Richards Rd Ste 202, Washington, 98005-4200
  • Criminal Defense, Personal Injury and Real Estate
  • Bellevue, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 11 years of experience
Free Consultation (425) 657-0794

Jamie Lynn.O'Brien

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Bellevue - Washington

2700 Richards Rd Ste 202, Washington, 98005-4200
Free Consultation (425) 657-0794

0 reviews

Heather Dawn Kintzley

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Richland - Washington

625 Swift Blvd, Washington, 99352-3500
  • Criminal Defense, Employment and Labor and State, Local And Municipal Law
  • Richland, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 21 years of experience
Free Consultation (509)  942-7385

Heather Dawn.Kintzley

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Richland - Washington

625 Swift Blvd, Washington, 99352-3500
Free Consultation (509)  942-7385

0 reviews

David Ray Hearrean

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Wilbur - Washington

PO Box 55, Washington, 99185-0055
  • Criminal Defense and Government
  • Wilbur, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 37 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 324-7840

David Ray.Hearrean

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Wilbur - Washington

PO Box 55, Washington, 99185-0055
Free Consultation (509) 324-7840

0 reviews

Lyliane S Couture

Aviation Lawyer Serving at Moses Lake - Washington

821 E Broadway Ave Ste 8, Washington, 98837-5934
  • Aviation, Criminal Defense, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Forfeiture
  • Moses Lake, Washington Aviation Lawyer with 23 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 765-6700

Lyliane S.Couture

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Moses Lake - Washington

821 E Broadway Ave Ste 8, Washington, 98837-5934
Free Consultation (509) 765-6700

0 reviews

John Cashion

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Anchorage - Alaska

Cashion Gilmore, LLC, Alaska, 99559
  • Criminal Defense, Appeals and Appellate, Drug Crime, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Law, Internet, Sex Crime, Violent Crime, ...
  • Anchorage, Alaska Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (907) 222-7932

John Cashion

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Anchorage - Alaska

Cashion Gilmore, LLC, Alaska, 99559
Free Consultation (907) 222-7932

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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