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 - April 2025

0 reviews

Corey Marika Endo

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

1601 5th Ave Ste 700, Washington, 98101-1642
  • Criminal Defense
  • Seattle, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 22 years of experience
Free Consultation (206)553-1100

Corey Marika.Endo

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

1601 5th Ave Ste 700, Washington, 98101-1642
Free Consultation (206)553-1100

0 reviews

Derek Michael Smith

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

717 Tacoma Ave S Ste C, Washington, 98402-2224
  • Criminal Defense and Judicial Officer
  • Tacoma, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 29 years of experience
Free Consultation (253) 203-1645

Derek Michael.Smith

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

717 Tacoma Ave S Ste C, Washington, 98402-2224
Free Consultation (253) 203-1645

0 reviews

Timothy W. Goss

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Kent - Washington

1314 Central Ave S Ste 101, Washington, 98032-7430
  • Criminal Defense
  • Kent, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 32 years of experience
Free Consultation (253) 852-7979

Timothy W..Goss

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Kent - Washington

1314 Central Ave S Ste 101, Washington, 98032-7430
Free Consultation (253) 852-7979

0 reviews

Leyna Harris

Contracts and Agreements Lawyer Serving at Silverdale - Washington

3212 NW Byron St Ste 106, Washington, 98383-9154
  • Contracts and Agreements, Criminal Defense, Family, Government, Guardianship, Juvenile, Landlord and Tenant, Personal Injury and Speeding and Traffic Ticket
  • Silverdale, Washington Contracts and Agreements Lawyer
Free Consultation (360) 206-8927

Leyna Harris

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Silverdale - Washington

3212 NW Byron St Ste 106, Washington, 98383-9154
Free Consultation (360) 206-8927

0 reviews

Melissa Vere Simonsen

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at LA Conner - Washington

11404 Moorage Way, Washington, 98257-9450
  • Criminal Defense and Native Peoples Law
  • LA Conner, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 18 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 466-7371

Melissa Vere.Simonsen

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at LA Conner - Washington

11404 Moorage Way, Washington, 98257-9450
Free Consultation (360) 466-7371

0 reviews

Jane Deborah Boman

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Bellingham - Washington

215 N Commercial St, Washington, 98225-4409
  • Criminal Defense
  • Bellingham, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 13 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 778-5673

Jane Deborah.Boman

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Bellingham - Washington

215 N Commercial St, Washington, 98225-4409
Free Consultation (360) 778-5673

0 reviews

Chuan-Yi Phillip Su

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Bellevue - Washington

14205 SE 36th St Ste 100, Washington, 98006-1553
  • Criminal Defense, Personal Injury and Speeding and Traffic Ticket
  • Bellevue, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 21 years of experience
Free Consultation (425) 227-7729

Chuan-Yi Phillip.Su

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Bellevue - Washington

14205 SE 36th St Ste 100, Washington, 98006-1553
Free Consultation (425) 227-7729

0 reviews

Corey Dakotah Kleer-Larson

Animal and Dog Bites Lawyer Serving at Pullman - Washington

1125 NW Nye St Ste A, Washington, 99163-3404
  • Animal and Dog Bites, Criminal Defense, Family, Government and Speeding and Traffic Ticket
  • Pullman, Washington Animal and Dog Bites Lawyer with 5 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 339-7102

Corey Dakotah.Kleer-Larson

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Pullman - Washington

1125 NW Nye St Ste A, Washington, 99163-3404
Free Consultation (509) 339-7102

0 reviews

April B King

Contracts and Agreements Lawyer Serving at Walla Walla - Washington

240 West Alder, Suite 201, Washington, 99362-2807
  • Contracts and Agreements, Criminal Defense, Employment and Labor and Juvenile
  • Walla Walla, Washington Contracts and Agreements Lawyer with 25 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 524-5445

April B.King

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Walla Walla - Washington

240 West Alder, Suite 201, Washington, 99362-2807
Free Consultation (509) 524-5445

0 reviews

Erika N Hartliep

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Richland - Washington

825 Jadwin Ave Ste 320, Washington, 99352-3589
  • Appeals and Appellate, Criminal Defense, Government, Judicial Officer and Legal Writing
  • Richland, Washington Appeals and Appellate Lawyer with 23 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 943-8190

Erika N.Hartliep

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Richland - Washington

825 Jadwin Ave Ste 320, Washington, 99352-3589
Free Consultation (509) 943-8190

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