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 - November 2024

0 reviews

Joe Edd Boaz

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Anson - Texas

P O Box 507 1100 12th Street, Texas, 79501
  • Criminal Defense
  • Anson, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer with 50 years of experience
Free Consultation 325-823-2742

Joe Edd.Boaz

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Anson - Texas

P O Box 507 1100 12th Street, Texas, 79501
Free Consultation 325-823-2742

0 reviews

Nathan Parker Parker Fugate

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Kingsville - Texas

PO Box 1265, Texas, 78364-1265
  • Criminal Defense, Family, Wills and Living Wills and Juvenile
  • Kingsville, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer with 17 years of experience
Free Consultation 361-592-2412

Nathan Parker Parker.Fugate

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Kingsville - Texas

PO Box 1265, Texas, 78364-1265
Free Consultation 361-592-2412

0 reviews

B. Renee Alsept

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Vancouver - Washington

PO Box 61712, Washington, 98666-1712
  • Appeals and Appellate, Criminal Defense and Juvenile
  • Vancouver, Washington Appeals and Appellate Lawyer with 33 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 240-9392

B. Renee.Alsept

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Vancouver - Washington

PO Box 61712, Washington, 98666-1712
Free Consultation (206) 240-9392

0 reviews

Jeffrey Cannon McNamara

Business Lawyer Serving at Edmonds - Washington

51 W Dayton St Ste 305, Washington, 98020-4111
  • Business, Commercial, Corporate and Incorporation, Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Government, Litigation, ...
  • Edmonds, Washington Business Lawyer with 35 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 442-8800

Jeffrey Cannon.McNamara

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Edmonds - Washington

51 W Dayton St Ste 305, Washington, 98020-4111
Free Consultation (206) 442-8800

0 reviews

LaKeysha Nicole Washington

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Kent - Washington

401 4th Ave N RM 2A, Washington, 98032-4429
  • Criminal Defense
  • Kent, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 14 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 477-1218

LaKeysha Nicole.Washington

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Kent - Washington

401 4th Ave N RM 2A, Washington, 98032-4429
Free Consultation (206) 477-1218

0 reviews

Mark Zebelman

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

949 Market St Ste 334, Washington, 98402-3696
  • Criminal Defense and Juvenile
  • Tacoma, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (253)  798-6993

Mark Zebelman

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

949 Market St Ste 334, Washington, 98402-3696
Free Consultation (253)  798-6993

0 reviews

Lindsay Rae Serbousek

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Port Orchard - Washington

1963 Bethel Rd SE, Washington, 98366-3108
  • Criminal Defense
  • Port Orchard, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 12 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 602-3943

Lindsay Rae.Serbousek

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Port Orchard - Washington

1963 Bethel Rd SE, Washington, 98366-3108
Free Consultation (360) 602-3943

0 reviews

Christine Marie Olson

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Everett - Washington

2722 Colby Ave Ste 200, Washington, 98201-3527
  • Criminal Defense
  • Everett, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 11 years of experience
Free Consultation (425) 339-6370

Christine Marie.Olson

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Everett - Washington

2722 Colby Ave Ste 200, Washington, 98201-3527
Free Consultation (425) 339-6370

0 reviews

Chad Wesley Krepps

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Lynnwood - Washington

19041 40th Ave W Suite 205, Washington, 98036
  • Criminal Defense
  • Lynnwood, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 12 years of experience
Free Consultation (425) 778-2429

Chad Wesley.Krepps

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Lynnwood - Washington

19041 40th Ave W Suite 205, Washington, 98036
Free Consultation (425) 778-2429

0 reviews

Linda Kay Gouge Esq

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Goldendale - Washington

122 East Main Street Suite B, Washington, 98620
  • Criminal Defense, Family, Government and Guardianship
  • Goldendale, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 10 years of experience
Free Consultation (541) 296-8222

Linda Kay Gouge.Esq

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Goldendale - Washington

122 East Main Street Suite B, Washington, 98620
Free Consultation (541) 296-8222

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.

© 1995-2024 Legal.com