Best Criminal Defense Attorneys - November 2024

David James Foy

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Victorville - California

DA San Bernardino County, 14455 Civic Dr, California, 92392
  • Criminal Defense
  • Victorville, California Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (760) 243-8600

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Victorville - California

DA San Bernardino County, 14455 Civic Dr, California, 92392
Free Consultation (760) 243-8600

Justin Leveritt Jones

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Morrow - Georgia

3302 Stratford Circle, Georgia, 30260
  • Criminal Defense
  • Morrow, Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer with 7 years of experience
Free Consultation (404) 661-2565

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Morrow - Georgia

3302 Stratford Circle, Georgia, 30260
Free Consultation (404) 661-2565

Julia Winifred Newman

Cannabis Law Lawyer Serving at Atlanta - Georgia

4011 Tilly Mill Road, Georgia, 30360
  • Cannabis Law, Criminal Defense and School and College Law
  • Atlanta, Georgia Cannabis Law Lawyer with 15 years of experience
Free Consultation (678) 355-8535

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Atlanta - Georgia

4011 Tilly Mill Road, Georgia, 30360
Free Consultation (678) 355-8535

Dimitrie Bogdan Umbrarescu

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Northbrook - Illinois

Law Office of Dimitrie B. Umbrarescu 555 Skokie Blvd Ste 500, Illinois , 60062-2845
  • Criminal Defense, Family, Immigration, Litigation and Real Estate
  • Northbrook, Illinois Criminal Defense Lawyer with 22 years of experience
Free Consultation (847) 480-1020

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Northbrook - Illinois

Law Office of Dimitrie B. Umbrarescu 555 Skokie Blvd Ste 500, Illinois , 60062-2845
Free Consultation (847) 480-1020

Christopher K. Cooke

Admiralty and Maritime Lawyer Serving at Grand Rapids - Michigan

2025 E Beltline Ave SE Ste 600, Michigan, 49546-7673
  • Michigan State University College of Law
  • Admiralty and Maritime, Business, Civil Rights, Commercial, Real Estate, Contracts and Agreements, Criminal Defense, Divorce and Separation, Federal Regulation, ...
  • Grand Rapids, Michigan Admiralty and Maritime Lawyer
Free Consultation (616) 272-7974

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Grand Rapids - Michigan

2025 E Beltline Ave SE Ste 600, Michigan, 49546-7673
Free Consultation (616) 272-7974

Rick L. Russwurm

Consumer Protection Lawyer Serving at Dumas - Texas

PO Box 718, Texas, 79029-0718
  • Consumer Protection, Debt and Lending Agreements, Criminal Defense, Family, Litigation, Real Estate, Wills and Living Wills, Juvenile and Appeals and Appellate
  • Dumas, Texas Consumer Protection Lawyer with 46 years of experience
Free Consultation 806-935-9272

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Dumas - Texas

PO Box 718, Texas, 79029-0718
Free Consultation 806-935-9272

Rochelle Acevedo

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at San Antonio - Texas

1422 Buena Vista St, Texas, 78207-3908
  • Criminal Defense, Family, Wills and Living Wills and Juvenile
  • San Antonio, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer with 21 years of experience
Free Consultation 210-224-2600

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at San Antonio - Texas

1422 Buena Vista St, Texas, 78207-3908
Free Consultation 210-224-2600

Stephen O'Neal Crawford

Business Lawyer Serving at Graham - Texas

603 Elm St Ste 501, Texas, 76450-3080
  • Business, Consumer Protection, Debt and Lending Agreements, Criminal Defense, Family, Oil and Gas, Real Estate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Graham, Texas Business Lawyer with 42 years of experience
Free Consultation 940-521-9499

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Graham - Texas

603 Elm St Ste 501, Texas, 76450-3080
Free Consultation 940-521-9499

Claudia Valdez Valdez Balli

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Laredo - Texas

PO Box 1058, Texas, 78042-1058
  • Criminal Defense and Appeals and Appellate
  • Laredo, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer with 11 years of experience
Free Consultation 956-712-4999

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Laredo - Texas

PO Box 1058, Texas, 78042-1058
Free Consultation 956-712-4999

Corey Bankhead

Business Lawyer Serving at Carthage - Texas

300 W Sabine St, Texas, 75633-2519
  • Business, Criminal Defense, Family, Oil and Gas, Real Estate, Tax, Wills and Living Wills, Elder Law, Juvenile ...
  • Carthage, Texas Business Lawyer with 38 years of experience
Free Consultation 903-693-3886

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Carthage - Texas

300 W Sabine St, Texas, 75633-2519
Free Consultation 903-693-3886

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

When searching for a defense attorney, consider their expertise in criminal law, experience with similar cases, and their approach to client communication.
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.
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.
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.
Our list of the best criminal defense lawyers is updated monthly to ensure we provide access to the latest and most accurate information.
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.
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.