Find the Best Criminal Defense Attorneys

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    Law Offices of Beles & Beles

    Superlawyers Recipient?: Yes

     Ordway Building
    Oakland, California 94612
    United States

    Practice Overview:

    CA State Bar Certified Specialists in Criminal Law, Appellate Law and Appellate Law since 1980.

    Review:

    "First I would like to thank the beles family which includes their entire law firm. They treat you with respect and you get your money's worth they are very understanding,and easy to talk to."

    Criminal Defense and Immigration Attorneys in Oakland, Pleasanton, Hayward and the San Francisco Bay Area.

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    Law Offices of James Dunn

     620 Jefferson Ave
    Redwood City, California 94063
    United States

    Practice Overview:

    DUI and Criminal Defense Attorneys with offices in Redwood City, San Jose, Palo Alto and Dublin.

    Review:

    "I wanted to give James Dunn the credit he deserves. I’m a free man—no legal issues thanks to James Dunn. I’ll be forever indebted to you. Thank you for your legal service and advice your expertise and your genius. Thank you for getting me free of the entanglements I was having with the legal system."

    "If you want to WIN, this is the guy. Jim never gave up on my case and kept fighting for me even after I was ready to give up."

  • J. Reid Yoder

     209 S Main St
    Akron, Ohio 44308
    United States

    J. Reid Yoder, a lifelong resident of Akron, Ohio, has been practicing law in Ohio for twenty years. Attorney Yoder earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Akron School of Law, and also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Miami.

  • Law Offices of Julie Rendelman, LLC

     535 5th Avenue, 2525
    New York, New York 10017
    United States

    The Law Offices of Julie Rendelman, LLC, is a Top NYC Criminal Defense firm specializing in New York State and Federal Practice. Julie Rendelman has extensive experience as both a former New York prosecutor and as a seasoned NYC criminal defense attorney. Her unparalleled trial skills along with her tenacity both in and outside the courtroom provides clients with the confidence they need to guarantee a strong defense.

  • Law Office of Boyd & Squitieri

     550 Kinderkamack Rd Suite 151
    Oradell, New Jersey 07649
    United States

    The Law Office of Boyd & Squitieri comprises of experienced lawyers that provide all of New Jersey with quality legal services regarding criminal defense and bankruptcy. If you need a New Jersey sex crimes attorney or a zealous bankruptcy lawyer, we can help. Our firm offers individualized attention to each client. We are compassionate and dedicated, lending you a kind and helpful hand through tough times. Facing a criminal matter or the prospect of bankruptcy can be overwhelming. The Law Office

  • Randall, McClenney, Daniels & Dunn, P.C.

     408 S Main St
    Emporia, Virginia 23847
    United States

    A Trusted Team Of Experienced, Local Attorneys – At Randall, McClenney, Daniels & Dunn, PC, we are proud to have earned a strong reputation in Hampton Roads and Southeastern Virginia. Our solid qualifications as individual legal professionals, well-oiled teamwork and dedication to our clients’ best interests are hallmarks of our law practice.

  • Esfandi Law Group

     750 E Green St #310
    Pasadena, California 91101
    United States

    At Esfandi Law Group, we specialize in providing top-tier legal defense for individuals facing severe criminal accusations in Pasadena. Our mission is to ensure that every client’s rights are not only protected but fully understood throughout the legal process. Guided by our core values of integrity, dedication, and expertise, we approach each case with care and precision.

  • Trey Porter Law

     901 S MoPac Expy, Building 1, Suite 300
    Austin, Texas 78746
    United States

    Trey Porter Law is a trusted criminal defense firm in Austin, Texas, with a strong focus on DWI and Public Intoxication cases. The firm also handles expunctions and nondisclosures for clients looking to clear or seal their records. Backed by over 40 years of combined experience, the team has built a reputation for delivering results throughout the Austin area.

  • Amy B.Levenson Jones

     6105 Spirit St Apt 447
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15206
    United States

    Amy B. Levenson Jones, Esq. has decades of litigation experience, both criminal and complex commercial. Having practiced for over a decade in New York and Washington, DC before returning to her hometown of Pittsburgh, PA, Amy has represented clients across the nation, before federal and state courts as well as arbitration and administrative tribunals. She is a tenacious and skilled advocate for clients accused of serious criminal offenses.

  • Gunter, Bennett & Anthes, PC

     600 W 9th St
    Austin, texas 78701
    United States

    Phone: 5124762494

    For over 30 years, we at Gunter, Bennett, and Anthes have pursued one mission: providing outstanding criminal defense to clients who entrust us with their representation. Our passion is exclusively advocating for people accused of crimes, offering legal representation for both misdemeanor and felony cases of all sizes, including assault, drug crimes, domestic violence, murder, identity fraud. Website: https://gbafirm.com/

  • The Hartley Law Firm

     908 Baltimore Avenue, Suite #304
    Kansas City, Missouri 64106
    United States

    A client centered and results driven criminal defense law firm serving Kansas City, Missouri and the surrounding areas. No matter the charge, no matter the circumstances, we will defend your rights and your liberties and help you achieve the best result possible.

  • The Maine Criminal Defense Group

     14 Main Street Suite 212
    Brunswick, Maine 04011
    United States

    At The Maine Criminal Defense Group in Brunswick, we have 80+ years of experience defending OUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, and more. Our team offers aggressive, personalized legal strategies to protect your rights, reputation, and future. We’re ready to stand by your side. Website: https://www.notguiltyattorneys.com/brunswick-maine-oui-attorney/

  • Michael Rosas

     1 Tower Center Blvd Suite 1510 PMB 12
    East Brunswick, New Jersey 08816
    United States

    Being arrested for a crime is a traumatic over 15 years experience that can have a long-term impact on your life. I understand the severity of a criminal charge, and at Michael Rosas Law PC, I can make a difference in the outcome of your case. I have over 15 years of experience fighting for the rights and freedom of clients throughout the state. I urge you to take advantage of my hard-hitting reputation as an effective criminal law attorney to help you get the justice you need and deserve.

  • Daniel DeMaria

     15 Cottage Ave
    Quincy, Massachusetts 02169
    United States

    Daniel DeMaria is an experienced criminal lawyer who has helped countless clients obtain successful outcomes. Mr. DeMaria handles a range of federal and state criminal cases, including appeals. Being charged with a crime, or being suspected of a crime, are undoubtedly life’s most stressful experiences. Innocent people get convicted of crimes. It can happen to you, your family member, or your friend.

  • Maronick Law LLC

     21 North Hanson Street, Suite 110
    Easton, Maryland 21601
    United States

    At Maronick Law LLC, our legal professionals are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of our clients, regardless of the complexity of their situation. We devote our practice to matters that can have a profound impact on individuals and their families, including criminal law, DUI defense, personal injury, family law, estate planning, wills and trusts and bankruptcy matters. The issues you are facing can be emotionally complex and financially draining. We use our awareness of

  • Maronick Law, LLC

     7418 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd
    Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061
    United States

    At Maronick Law LLC, our Glen Burnie criminal defense and car accident lawyers are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to those affected by car, truck, motorcycle, and rideshare (Uber or Lyft) accidents in Glen Burnie. We understand the challenges you face with a serious injury and are committed to helping you navigate the legal process to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for your free consultation.

Showing Criminal Defense Attorneys 1-20 of 1134

What does a Criminal Defense Attorney do?

So what does a criminal defense attorney actually do? Many people’s conceptions about the job of a defense attorney come from what they see in movies, TV and what they read in fiction-based novels.

How much of popular media’s depiction of criminal defense work is accurate? Well that all depends. Some media outlets do a good job of replicating some of the aspects of the profession, but what you often don’t see are the more “boring” or mundane aspects of the job. Do defense attorneys make brilliant speeches at the ends of trials during their closing arguments? Yes, some attorneys adopt a more bombastic style, but that’s a rarer occurrence than movies like to let on. The truth usually is that there is no closing statement because the case settles way before a trial comes close to occurring.

Criminal defense attorneys deal mostly with the prosecutor that will be trying a case. When a person is arrested by police, it is the area’s prosecutor that decides what charges will be filed against the criminal defendant, or whether that defendant will be charged at all in the first place.  Most cases begin with some form an investigation of an allegation against criminal defendant wherein the authorities speak to witnesses and gather evidence. There are multiple directions a case can go after this preliminary investigation. The authorities can decide they need more time and continue to search for evidence or they can seek an indictment.

The initial step in a criminal investigation is often the most crucial. Most cases are made and broken at this stage. It is imperative to have adequate representation from the beginning. That’s where a criminal defense attorney’s duties kick in. Usually, a criminal defendant won’t know that they are under investigation until they are spoken to by police or actually indicted unless there was an arrest made shortly after a crime was alleged.

At this initial stage, not much information other than basic allegations will be made available to the accused which is to say that the criminal defendant may not know how much evidence there is or what witnesses may be saying. This is not to say all criminal defendants need to worry about what a witness might say or that there would be any wrongdoing or guilt assumed, just that a criminal defendant needs to be in the position to understand what is happening as they are unlikely to be the subject of a criminal investigation for no reason.

At this initial stage and throughout the criminal justice process, a criminal defendant needs guidance to know what they should and should not do. Going back to an earlier concept, most people’s knowledge of the criminal justice system is based on what they see on TV. After all, most people are aware that they should not be very talkative at any stage of this process. You may ask yourself why that is?

The simple answer is that everything you say will be scrutinized and if you happen to slightly alter your account of events in any way it may look like you are being misleading or dishonest. It could totally not be the case, people misspeak all the time and say things they do not intend or really mean, so how are you supposed to know what should be said versus what should not be? That’s were having a good attorney comes into play. The attorney is likely to tell you not to talk about the situation and all and will help you fully understand what needs to be said and done if and when you need to speak about the matter.

When would l need a Criminal Defense Attorney?

You will almost definitely know when you need a criminal defense attorney. If you have been arrested or charged with a crime you need an attorney. If police would like to speak to you about some incident, you most likely should speak to an attorney before answering any questions they may have.

The requirement of a criminal defense attorney does not stop at simple crimes. Do you have a business that is heavily regulated by the local or national government such as waste management or chemicals? If you are in a position of authority and have run afoul of certain regulations you may need to seek out a criminal attorney. Do you own a bar or establishment that serves alcohol? Are you keeping up with licensing requirements? If you are not sure, you likely need to speak with an attorney

Even if you haven’t been accused or arrested, be vigilant and discuss borderline situations with an attorney as soon as you possibly can. Whether it be a legal services clinic, the public defender, help hotline or a private criminal defense attorney, feel free to reach out to a criminal defense attorney if the need arises.

Signs you need to speak to a Criminal Defense Attorney

  • You have been arrested
  • Police are requesting to speak with you about a criminal incident
  • You had a criminal record at an early age and what to see if the conviction record is eligible for expungement (record clearing).

How do you choose a Criminal Defense Attorney?

The first thing you need to do is understand the process and determine your means. Often people ask a very crucial question about the ability to pay large amounts for an attorney. People wonder if they need to do this in order to secure successful results. Does the money you spend matter?

This is a complicated matter and depends on many factors including the severity of the charges and your ability to pay. After all, every person’s budget is not the same and all attorneys do not charge the same amounts for their services. However, the stakes of criminal charges often warrant the expense. If you have a major felony allegation on your hands it would only make sense to find the most experienced criminal defense attorney you can find. On the other hand, if you’re dealing with a parking ticket, you may have more options available.

Determine Your Needs

As mentioned above you need to determine what the stakes are. Felony charges come with possibly significant jail time. Misdemeanor charges can also result in jail time , so keep that in mind.  Moreover, you will want to find a criminal defense attorney that has dealt with your type of situation before. You need to know what cases the attorney has taken and what the results they have obtained.

Research Online

Start researching a few local attorneys to see which ones have the most experience in criminal defense.  You should also takes steps to see what local criminal defense attorneys think about your selected attorney. Sites like martindale.com and avvo.com provide peer review resources as well as lawyer directories to help narrow your search.

Check the State Bar Association’s Website for any Disciplinary History

Every state bar association has a disciplinary board that keeps track of all disciplinary actions taken against an attorney in their jurisdiction. These disciplinary actions stem from unethical acts taken by attorney such as misappropriating client funds or unethical practices during their practice of law. While it’s true that there are some attorneys that run afoul of the rules, most do not. You should free to look up the names of any attorneys that you are considering consulting with to see if and what disciplinary actions have been taken against them.

Schedule an Appointment with a Criminal Defense Attorney

Finally, the easiest step, you need to make an appointment to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. If you have already been arrested you may need assistance in a search. You will get appointed a public defender in the meantime, which is not a problem. They will handle your case appropriately and can later be replaced by one of your choosing.

If you are free to search for an attorney or anticipate an imminent criminal issue, you need to conduct your search quickly. As was discussed earlier, the earlier you can have an attorney with you the better. The defense attorney will be able to explain the process and help you understand what can be a frightening and tense situation.