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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys - June 2025

0 reviews

Dale A Nagy

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

1100 W Mallon Ave, Washington, 99260-2043
  • Criminal Defense, Government, Intellectual Property, Patent Application, Trademark Application and Copyright Application
  • Spokane, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 22 years of experience
Free Consultation (509)477-2838

Dale A.Nagy

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

1100 W Mallon Ave, Washington, 99260-2043
Free Consultation (509)477-2838

0 reviews

David Casey

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Saint Louis - Missouri

Casey Law Office, L.L.C., Missouri, 63109
  • Criminal Defense, Appeals and Appellate, Drug Crime, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Law, Internet, Sex Crime and Violent Crime
  • Saint Louis, Missouri Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (636) 339-3903

David Casey

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Saint Louis - Missouri

Casey Law Office, L.L.C., Missouri, 63109
Free Consultation (636) 339-3903

0 reviews

Robert V. Bolinske

Personal Injury Lawyer Serving at Bismarck - North Dakota

201 Slate Ave Suite 2, Bismarck, North Dakota,
  • Personal Injury, Criminal Defense and Medical Malpractice
  • Bismarck, North Dakota Personal Injury Lawyer with 24 years of experience
Free Consultation  (701) 354-2962
View Website

Robert V..Bolinske

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Bismarck - North Dakota

201 Slate Ave Suite 2, Bismarck, North Dakota,
Free Consultation  (701) 354-2962
View Website

0 reviews

Sarah Johnston Ellenberg

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Los Angeles - California

PO Box 291820, California, 90029-8820
  • Criminal Defense
  • Los Angeles, California Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (213) 444-0105

Sarah Johnston.Ellenberg

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Los Angeles - California

PO Box 291820, California, 90029-8820
Free Consultation (213) 444-0105

0 reviews

Richard Earl Hopkins Hopkins

Bike Law Lawyer Serving at Clayton - Georgia

42 Maple Street, Georgia, 30525
  • Bike Law, Criminal Defense, Family and General Practice
  • Clayton, Georgia Bike Law Lawyer with 20 years of experience
Free Consultation (706) 212-0311

Richard Earl Hopkins.Hopkins

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Clayton - Georgia

42 Maple Street, Georgia, 30525
Free Consultation (706) 212-0311

0 reviews

Chase Glenn Queen

Criminal Defense

  • Criminal Defense
  • with 10 years of experience
Free Consultation

Chase Glenn.Queen

0 reviews

Free Consultation

0 reviews

Lydia Jackson Sartain

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Gainesville - Georgia

303 Jesse Jewell Parkway Suite 200, Georgia, 30501
  • Criminal Defense, Lawsuits and Disputes, Family and Fiduciary Law
  • Gainesville, Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer with 41 years of experience
Free Consultation (470) 252-5001

Lydia Jackson.Sartain

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Gainesville - Georgia

303 Jesse Jewell Parkway Suite 200, Georgia, 30501
Free Consultation (470) 252-5001

0 reviews

Brandon William Gardner

Arbitration Lawyer Serving at Grand Rapids - Michigan

600 Monroe Ave NW Ste 104, Michigan, 49503-1470
  • Arbitration, Criminal Defense and Family
  • Grand Rapids, Michigan Arbitration Lawyer
Free Consultation (616) 278-0960

Brandon William.Gardner

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Grand Rapids - Michigan

600 Monroe Ave NW Ste 104, Michigan, 49503-1470
Free Consultation (616) 278-0960

0 reviews

Hon. Jennifer Edwards Deegan

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Petoskey - Michigan

200 Division St Ste 100, Michigan, 49770-2465
  • University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
  • Criminal Defense, Family, General Practice, Guardianship and Juvenile
  • Petoskey, Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (231) 348-1748

Hon. Jennifer Edwards.Deegan

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Petoskey - Michigan

200 Division St Ste 100, Michigan, 49770-2465
Free Consultation (231) 348-1748

0 reviews

Joshua Charles Castmore

Administrative Law Lawyer Serving at Wyandotte - Michigan

2475 8th St, Michigan, 48192-4349
  • Administrative Law, Adoption, Appeals and Appellate, Business, Commercial, Real Estate, Contracts and Agreements, Criminal Defense, Debt and Lending Agreements, ...
  • Wyandotte, Michigan Administrative Law Lawyer
Free Consultation (313) 608-4511

Joshua Charles.Castmore

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Wyandotte - Michigan

2475 8th St, Michigan, 48192-4349
Free Consultation (313) 608-4511

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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