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.

  •  

    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."

  • The Foxx Firm

     407 E Woodbury Rd
    Alameda, California 91001
    United States

    Welcome to The Foxx Firm, your foremost destination for expert legal representation in Southern California. We are a full-service criminal defense law firm in Altadena, CA. Founded over a decade ago by the esteemed Attorney F. Freddy Sayegh and Justin Rodriguez, our firm has established itself as a beacon of hope and excellence in criminal defense. Based in Altadena, CA, we pride ourselves on serving clients across various counties, including Los Angeles, Riverside, and Orange County.

  • The Rodriguez Law Group

     626 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 460
    Los Angeles, California 90017
    United States

    https://www.aerlawgroup.com/ • Contact The Rodriguez Law Group today for a free consultation. Our team handles all criminal law matters including Los Angeles domestic violence cases, drug crimes, federal crimes, homicide cases in Los Angeles, sex crimes, DUI, assault, and more.

  • Law Office of Cherish Om

     1050 S Green Valley Rd
    Watsonville, California 95076
    United States

    Attorney Cherish Om is a Santa Cruz native who has gained invaluable experience with the justice system to guarantee that she will zealously advocate for you whether you are criminally charged or find yourself facing family law issues. Ms. Om’s priority is her clients. She is compassionate, honest, and dedicated. She will work with you to achieve your goals. The Law Office of Cherish Om is ccepting criminal defense cases and cases involving family law where many issues overlap. Cherish provid

  • Fedalei & Reid Law, LLC

     600 E North St Suite 103
    Greenville, South Carolina 29601
    United States

    https://www.frlawgreenville.com/ • If you are facing criminal charges in South Carolina, having a skilled and experienced Greenville criminal defense lawyer by your side is crucial. At Fedalei & Reid Law, LLC, we are dedicated to protecting your rights, providing specialized legal representation, and guiding you through the complexities of the criminal justice system.

  • Carlos Navarrete

     103 W Grangeville Blvd, Hanford, CA 93230
    handford, California 93230
    United States

    Phone: 5593875505

    Whether you are accused, arrested, or being investigated for a crime, trust the Carlos Navarrete Law Firm to advocate for your rights and best interests. From misdemeanor cases and DUIs to drug-related charges and violent crimes of all types, our attorneys can help. As your Hanford criminal defense lawyer, you get the representation of attorneys who have handled thousands of cases. HOURS OPERATION: Monday-Friday 08:00am to 06:00pm, Saturday & Sunday Closed

  • Elite Criminal Defense

     3111 Camino Del Rio N #350
    San Diego, California 92108
    United States

    As a criminal attorney in the San Diego area, Elite Criminal Defense handles all misdemeanor and felony charges. Elite Criminal Defense is well known for the aggressive representation of clients for misdemeanor and felony DUI cases. We also handle white-collar crimes, theft-related crimes, expungements, drug offenses, domestic violence, lewd conduct, and all other criminal defense cases throughout San Diego County. We are dedicated to providing you with the most honest yet most aggressive repres

  • Marcilliat & Mills PLLC

     112 S Tryon St suite 720
    Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
    United States

    Marcilliat & Mills PLLC in Charlotte serves clients and successfully represented individuals just like you throughout North Carolina and has the experience that you need after being charged with a criminal offense. We are committed to helping you protect your rights and your future. Our goal as your chosen criminal defense lawyer is to obtain the best possible outcome for your case. Visit Us: https://www.robertslawteam.com/charlotte-criminal-defense-attorney/

  • Kevin A. Raudt

     2108 Sawgrass Village Drive
    Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida 32082
    United States

    Mr. Raudt, broadly speaking, is a lawyer who practices criminal law and related cases such as domestic violence and drug crimes throughout the State of Florida. He is based in the Jacksonville, Florida area.

  • Glozman Law

     53 W Jackson Blvd STE 1522
    Chicago, Illinois 60604
    United States

    Glozman Law is a full-service criminal defense law firm in Chicago, Illinois. As a white collar and criminal defense firm dedicated to achieving optimal results for our clients, Glozman Law makes it a priority to provide individualized evaluations, conduct meticulous investigations, and be relentless in our preparation of each case. We have developed strategic and innovative defenses that have been successful for our clients — including those charged with serious federal and state crimes. We app

  • Rainka Law, LLC Criminal Defense Attorney

     301 W Bay St 14th Floor
    Jacksonville, Florida 32202
    United States

    Phone: 9043297245

    Rainka Law, LLC Criminal Defense Attorney is a full-service criminal defense law firm in Jacksonville, FL, USA. Michael is an experienced criminal lawyer in Jacksonville FL. Michael is a Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyer, DUI Attorney, and criminal attorney who handles every case with the utmost skill and effort. Since founding Rainka Law, LLC, Michael has focused solely on criminal defense and personal injury, specifically DUI defense and criminal traffic matters.

  • Best And Brock

     1257 Market St
    Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402
    United States

    Don’t face criminal charges or handle a personal injury case on your own. The experienced trial lawyers at Best And Brock are here to fight for you in Tennessee and North Georgia. We understand the complexities of the legal system and are committed to vigorously advocating for your rights and interests, ensuring that you receive the best possible outcome in your case. With our experience by your side, you can confidently navigate the challenges ahead.

  • Wallin & Klarich, A Law Corporation

     17592 Irvine Blvd
    Tustin, California 92780
    United States

    Wallin & Klarich is a Tustin-based criminal defense law firm that provides legal counsel to individuals charged with or under investigation for criminal offenses. The firm has a focus on sexual offenses, and cases it handles include indecent exposure, solicitation, and statutory rape. In addition to defending clients in court, firm advises on sex offender registration matters, and it works with prosecuting teams to reduce felony charges to misdemeanors when legally possible.

  • Grabel & Associates

     124 W Allegan St suite 636
    Lansing, Michigan 48933
    United States

    Grabel & Associates has the experience needed to produce excellent results. Our premier law firm has been protecting clients statewide for over a decade. We provide our clients with comprehensive, individualized legal defense services. Grabel & Associates is recognized as one of Michigan’s best criminal defense law firms, and we understand how stressful and unpredictable a criminal trial can be. Fortunately, by working with a skilled attorney, you can outline your legal goals and determine your

  • Grabel & Associates

     2922 Fuller Ave NE #211
    Grand Rapids, Michigan 49505
    United States

    Grabel & Associates has the experience needed to produce excellent results. Our premier law firm has been protecting clients statewide for over a decade. We provide our clients with comprehensive, individualized legal defense services. Grabel & Associates is recognized as one of Michigan’s best criminal defense law firms, and we understand how stressful and unpredictable a criminal trial can be.

  • Shane Phelps Law

     400 N Washington Ave
    Bryan, Texas 77803
    United States

    Where expertise meets commitment in the realm of criminal law. Led by Shane Phelps, a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist since 1992 by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, our firm stands as a beacon of hope and strength for those facing criminal charges. Criminal Defense Lawyer

Showing Criminal Defense Attorneys 1-20 of 830

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.