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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys - June 2025

0 reviews

Shawn Carlton Carr

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

1033 W Gardner, Washington, 99260-0280
  • Appeals and Appellate, Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Government, Native Peoples Law, Juvenile, Litigation, ...
  • Spokane, Washington Appeals and Appellate Lawyer with 7 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 477-4816

Shawn Carlton.Carr

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

1033 W Gardner, Washington, 99260-0280
Free Consultation (509) 477-4816

0 reviews

Mitchell Kyle Crook

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Richland - Washington

1038 Jadwin Ave, Washington, 99352-3436
  • Criminal Defense
  • Richland, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 4 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 579-0080

Mitchell Kyle.Crook

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Richland - Washington

1038 Jadwin Ave, Washington, 99352-3436
Free Consultation (509) 579-0080

0 reviews

Shawn P. Hennessy

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Vashon - Washington

PO Box 2711, Washington, 98070-2711
  • Appeals and Appellate, Criminal Defense and Family
  • Vashon, Washington Appeals and Appellate Lawyer with 3 years of experience
Free Consultation (716) 430-5883

Shawn P..Hennessy

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Vashon - Washington

PO Box 2711, Washington, 98070-2711
Free Consultation (716) 430-5883

0 reviews

Daniel L. Holstein

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Madison - West Virginia

Boone County Prosecutor'S Office 200 State St , West Virginia, 25130
  • Criminal Defense, Family and Personal Injury
  • Madison, West Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer with 30 years of experience
Free Consultation (304) 369-7380

Daniel L..Holstein

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Madison - West Virginia

Boone County Prosecutor'S Office 200 State St , West Virginia, 25130
Free Consultation (304) 369-7380

0 reviews

Jose A. Ceja

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Houston - Texas

Ceja Law Firm PLLC, 2211 Norfolk St. #735, Texas, 77098
  • Criminal Defense, Appeals and Appellate, Drug Crime, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Law, Internet, Sex Crime, Violent Crime, ...
  • Houston, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation

Jose A..Ceja

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Houston - Texas

Ceja Law Firm PLLC, 2211 Norfolk St. #735, Texas, 77098
Free Consultation

0 reviews

Katie Alice Hingerty Borodin

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Atlanta - Georgia

2295 Parklake Drive Suite 525, Georgia, 30345
  • Appeals and Appellate, Criminal Defense and Insurance
  • Atlanta, Georgia Appeals and Appellate Lawyer with 21 years of experience
Free Consultation (770) 851-5257

Katie Alice Hingerty.Borodin

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Atlanta - Georgia

2295 Parklake Drive Suite 525, Georgia, 30345
Free Consultation (770) 851-5257

0 reviews

William J. Mckenney

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Marietta - Georgia

50 Polk Street NW, Georgia, 30064
  • Criminal Defense, Professional Liability and Insurance
  • Marietta, Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer with 46 years of experience
Free Consultation (678) 354-4700

William J..Mckenney

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Marietta - Georgia

50 Polk Street NW, Georgia, 30064
Free Consultation (678) 354-4700

0 reviews

Michael Derek Robinson

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Atlanta - Georgia

3355 Lenox Road NE Suite 750, Georgia, 30326
  • Criminal Defense and Insurance
  • Atlanta, Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer with 11 years of experience
Free Consultation (404) 250-3256

Michael Derek.Robinson

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Atlanta - Georgia

3355 Lenox Road NE Suite 750, Georgia, 30326
Free Consultation (404) 250-3256

0 reviews

Jennifer M. Galloway

Adoption Lawyer Serving at Mount Pleasant - Michigan

300 N Main St Ste 67-3, Michigan, 48858-2378
  • Adoption, Appeals and Appellate, Criminal Defense, Divorce and Separation, Domestic Violence, Family and Guardianship
  • Mount Pleasant, Michigan Adoption Lawyer
Free Consultation (989) 772-0911

Jennifer M..Galloway

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Mount Pleasant - Michigan

300 N Main St Ste 67-3, Michigan, 48858-2378
Free Consultation (989) 772-0911

0 reviews

Ryan Patrick Dobson

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Rochester Hills - Michigan

2731 S Adams Rd Ste 100, Michigan, 48309-5513
  • Appeals and Appellate, Car Accidents, Civil Rights, Class Action, Real Estate, Contracts and Agreements, Criminal Defense, Federal Regulation, Negligence Law, ...
  • Rochester Hills, Michigan Appeals and Appellate Lawyer
Free Consultation (248) 853-1003

Ryan Patrick.Dobson

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Rochester Hills - Michigan

2731 S Adams Rd Ste 100, Michigan, 48309-5513
Free Consultation (248) 853-1003

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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