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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys - June 2025

0 reviews

Mark R. Larson

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Snoqualmie - Washington

34432 SE Hall St, Washington, 98065-5134
  • Criminal Defense and Government
  • Snoqualmie, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 40 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 719-7111

Mark R..Larson

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Snoqualmie - Washington

34432 SE Hall St, Washington, 98065-5134
Free Consultation (206) 719-7111

0 reviews

Sean P. Wickens

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

602 Yakima Ave, Washington, 98405-4801
  • Criminal Defense, Immigration, Litigation, Personal Injury and Workers Compensation Law
  • Tacoma, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 30 years of experience
Free Consultation (253) 383-4200

Sean P..Wickens

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

602 Yakima Ave, Washington, 98405-4801
Free Consultation (253) 383-4200

0 reviews

Killian Conal Dunkeson

Business Lawyer Serving at Aberdeen - Washington

120 E 1st St, Washington, 98520-5246
  • Business, Commercial, Collections, Consumer Protection, Contracts and Agreements, Corporate and Incorporation, Criminal Defense, Debt and Lending Agreements, Employment and Labor, ...
  • Aberdeen, Washington Business Lawyer with 6 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 533-2865

Killian Conal.Dunkeson

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Aberdeen - Washington

120 E 1st St, Washington, 98520-5246
Free Consultation (360) 533-2865

0 reviews

Elizabeth Hallock

Administrative Law Lawyer Serving at Yakima - Washington

420 S 72nd Ave Ste 180, Washington, 98908-1604
  • Administrative Law, Government, Appeals and Appellate, Business, Commercial, Civil Rights and Criminal Defense
  • Yakima, Washington Administrative Law Lawyer
Free Consultation (360) 909-6327

Elizabeth Hallock

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Yakima - Washington

420 S 72nd Ave Ste 180, Washington, 98908-1604
Free Consultation (360) 909-6327

0 reviews

Lance Rodman Fryrear

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Lynnwood - Washington

19401 40th Ave W Ste 340, Washington, 98036-5600
  • Criminal Defense
  • Lynnwood, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 30 years of experience
Free Consultation (425) 670-9090

Lance Rodman.Fryrear

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Lynnwood - Washington

19401 40th Ave W Ste 340, Washington, 98036-5600
Free Consultation (425) 670-9090

0 reviews

Sarah Nikol Lowell

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Redmond - Washington

8201 164th Ave NE Ste 200, Washington, 98052-7615
  • Criminal Defense and Family
  • Redmond, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 12 years of experience
Free Consultation (425) 885-7500

Sarah Nikol.Lowell

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Redmond - Washington

8201 164th Ave NE Ste 200, Washington, 98052-7615
Free Consultation (425) 885-7500

0 reviews

Terry D Edwards

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Bothell - Washington

3230 171st Pl SE, Washington, 98012-6772
  • Criminal Defense and Education
  • Bothell, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 14 years of experience
Free Consultation (502) 594-9767

Terry D.Edwards

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Bothell - Washington

3230 171st Pl SE, Washington, 98012-6772
Free Consultation (502) 594-9767

0 reviews

Eric Michael Steven

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

1319 W Dean Ave, Washington, 99201-2014
  • Criminal Defense, Housing, Human Rights and Landlord and Tenant
  • Spokane, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 35 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 325-8777

Eric Michael.Steven

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

1319 W Dean Ave, Washington, 99201-2014
Free Consultation (509) 325-8777

0 reviews

Coleen D. St. Clair

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Okanogan - Washington

PO Box 1130, Washington, 98840-1130
  • Criminal Defense, Juvenile and Speeding and Traffic Ticket
  • Okanogan, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 37 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 422-7280

Coleen D. St..Clair

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Okanogan - Washington

PO Box 1130, Washington, 98840-1130
Free Consultation (509) 422-7280

0 reviews

Hannah Elizabeth Stearns

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

1100 W Mallon Ave, Washington, 99260-2043
  • Criminal Defense
  • Spokane, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 12 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 477-3662

Hannah Elizabeth.Stearns

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

1100 W Mallon Ave, Washington, 99260-2043
Free Consultation (509) 477-3662

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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