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

Elisha M. Oakes

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Mount Clemens - Michigan

16 Market St, Michigan, 48043-5640
  • Western Michigan University Thomas Cooley Law Sch
  • Criminal Defense and Family
  • Mount Clemens, Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (586) 466-8311

Elisha M..Oakes

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Mount Clemens - Michigan

16 Market St, Michigan, 48043-5640
Free Consultation (586) 466-8311

0 reviews

Charlie Condon

Administrative Law Lawyer Serving at Mount Pleasant - South Carolina

880 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Ste. 1, South Carolina, 29464-3141
  • Duke University
  • Administrative Law, Criminal Defense, Elder Law, Government, Juvenile, Litigation, Personal Injury and Workers Compensation Law
  • Mount Pleasant, South Carolina Administrative Law Lawyer with 47 years of experience
Free Consultation (843) 884-8146
View Website

Charlie Condon

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Mount Pleasant - South Carolina

880 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Ste. 1, South Carolina, 29464-3141
Free Consultation (843) 884-8146
View Website

0 reviews

Paul V. V. Anderson

Business Lawyer Serving at Nacogdoches - Texas

638A N University Dr PMB 193, Texas, 75961-4617
  • Business, Consumer Protection, Criminal Defense, Environmental and Natural Resources, Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Insurance, Litigation, Oil and Gas, Wills and Living Wills, ...
  • Nacogdoches, Texas Business Lawyer with 11 years of experience
Free Consultation 936-305-5600

Paul V. V..Anderson

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Nacogdoches - Texas

638A N University Dr PMB 193, Texas, 75961-4617
Free Consultation 936-305-5600

0 reviews

George Allen Maffett

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Wharton - Texas

100 S Fulton St Ste 105, Texas, 77488-2110
  • Criminal Defense, Government and Juvenile
  • Wharton, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer with 32 years of experience
Free Consultation 979-532-2591

George Allen.Maffett

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Wharton - Texas

100 S Fulton St Ste 105, Texas, 77488-2110
Free Consultation 979-532-2591

0 reviews

Jennifer Barrera

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Alice - Texas

101 N Cameron St, Texas, 78332-4840
  • Criminal Defense, Family, Litigation, Real Estate, Wills and Living Wills and Social Security
  • Alice, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer with 20 years of experience
Free Consultation 361-664-2224

Jennifer Barrera

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Alice - Texas

101 N Cameron St, Texas, 78332-4840
Free Consultation 361-664-2224

0 reviews

Sarah Louise Marble

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

710 2nd Ave Ste 200, Washington, 98104-1703
  • Criminal Defense
  • Seattle, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 3 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 263-5776

Sarah Louise.Marble

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

710 2nd Ave Ste 200, Washington, 98104-1703
Free Consultation (206) 263-5776

0 reviews

John Avrom Strait

Constitutional Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

901 12th Ave, Washington, 98122-4411
  • Constitutional, Criminal Defense, Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Medical Malpractice
  • Seattle, Washington Constitutional Lawyer with 53 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 398-4027

John Avrom.Strait

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

901 12th Ave, Washington, 98122-4411
Free Consultation (206) 398-4027

0 reviews

Kyle David Houston

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

516 3rd Ave, Washington, 98104-2385
  • Criminal Defense
  • Seattle, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 16 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 477-0024

Kyle David.Houston

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

516 3rd Ave, Washington, 98104-2385
Free Consultation (206) 477-0024

0 reviews

Jennifer Ellen Horwitz

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

PO Box 70859, Washington, 98127-1305
  • Criminal Defense
  • Seattle, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 31 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 799-2797

Jennifer Ellen.Horwitz

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

PO Box 70859, Washington, 98127-1305
Free Consultation (206) 799-2797

0 reviews

Robert Wayne Spellmeyer

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Puyallup - Washington

1310 15th Ave SW, Washington, 98371-8556
  • Criminal Defense
  • Puyallup, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 46 years of experience
Free Consultation (253) 973-5062

Robert Wayne.Spellmeyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Puyallup - Washington

1310 15th Ave SW, Washington, 98371-8556
Free Consultation (253) 973-5062

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