Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

CIUDAD AUTONOMA DE...

California

Colorado

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virgin Islands

Virginia

Washington

Washington DC

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Show More

Cannabis Law Cannabis Law

DUI and DWI DUI and DWI

Drug Crime Drug Crime

Expungement Expungement

Federal Crime Federal Crime

Juvenile Juvenile

Sex Crime Sex Crime

Speeding and... Speeding and...

Violent Crime Violent Crime

White Collar Crime White Collar...

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys - June 2025

0 reviews

Bobby Alonza Ficklin, Jr.

Business Lawyer Serving at Lansing - Michigan

2722 E Michigan Ave Ste 205, Michigan, 48912-4000
  • Michigan State University College of Law
  • Business, Contracts and Agreements, Criminal Defense and Entertainment
  • Lansing, Michigan Business Lawyer
Free Consultation (517) 798-6345

Bobby Alonza Ficklin,.Jr.

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Lansing - Michigan

2722 E Michigan Ave Ste 205, Michigan, 48912-4000
Free Consultation (517) 798-6345

0 reviews

Brittany Nicole Nicole Hannah

Debt and Lending Agreements Lawyer Serving at Dover Afb - Delaware

200 Eagle Way, Delaware, 19901
  • Debt and Lending Agreements, Criminal Defense, Environmental and Natural Resources, Family, Employment and Labor, Wills and Living Wills, Immigration, Military Law and Social Security
  • Dover Afb, Delaware Debt and Lending Agreements Lawyer with 12 years of experience
Free Consultation

Brittany Nicole Nicole.Hannah

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Dover Afb - Delaware

200 Eagle Way, Delaware, 19901
Free Consultation

0 reviews

Sana Abid

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Sugar Land - Texas

PO Box 33, Texas, 77487-0033
  • Criminal Defense, Family and Litigation
  • Sugar Land, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer with 11 years of experience
Free Consultation 832-403-5378

Sana Abid

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Sugar Land - Texas

PO Box 33, Texas, 77487-0033
Free Consultation 832-403-5378

0 reviews

Catherine Mary Ivers Nielsen

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Carthage - Texas

PO Box 681, Texas, 75633-0681
  • Criminal Defense, Family and Wills and Living Wills
  • Carthage, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer with 24 years of experience
Free Consultation 903-471-2882

Catherine Mary Ivers.Nielsen

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Carthage - Texas

PO Box 681, Texas, 75633-0681
Free Consultation 903-471-2882

0 reviews

Yessenia Hernandez Manzo

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

516 3rd Ave Rm W400, Washington, 98104-2388
  • Criminal Defense
  • Seattle, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 5 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 263-3745

Yessenia Hernandez.Manzo

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

516 3rd Ave Rm W400, Washington, 98104-2388
Free Consultation (206) 263-3745

0 reviews

Peter Angus Winn

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

PO Box 85810, Washington, 98145-1810
  • Appeals and Appellate, Constitutional, Criminal Defense, Government, Health Care, Legal Writing, Legislation and Personal Injury
  • Seattle, Washington Appeals and Appellate Lawyer with 21 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 351-1102

Peter Angus.Winn

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

PO Box 85810, Washington, 98145-1810
Free Consultation (206) 351-1102

0 reviews

Beverly Ann Brooks

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

2810 E Olive St, Washington, 98122-3148
  • Appeals and Appellate, Criminal Defense, Patent Application, Trademark Application and Copyright Application
  • Seattle, Washington Appeals and Appellate Lawyer with 5 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 437-9718

Beverly Ann.Brooks

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

2810 E Olive St, Washington, 98122-3148
Free Consultation (206) 437-9718

0 reviews

Staci R. Gossett

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Maple Valley - Washington

22443 SE 240th St Ste 101, Washington, 98038-5846
  • Criminal Defense
  • Maple Valley, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 22 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 724-6532

Staci R..Gossett

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Maple Valley - Washington

22443 SE 240th St Ste 101, Washington, 98038-5846
Free Consultation (206) 724-6532

0 reviews

Gerald T. Osborn

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Anacortes - Washington

1009 8th St, Washington, 98221-4120
  • Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Family, Real Estate and Land Use and Zoning
  • Anacortes, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 42 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 293-3030

Gerald T..Osborn

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Anacortes - Washington

1009 8th St, Washington, 98221-4120
Free Consultation (360) 293-3030

0 reviews

David Bustamante

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Ephrata - Washington

PO Box 623, Washington, 98823-0623
  • Appeals and Appellate, Civil Rights, Constitutional and Criminal Defense
  • Ephrata, Washington Appeals and Appellate Lawyer
Free Consultation (360) 362-0262

David Bustamante

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Ephrata - Washington

PO Box 623, Washington, 98823-0623
Free Consultation (360) 362-0262

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.

© 1995-2025 Legal.com