Find the Best Criminal Defense Attorneys

  • Danielle Thompson

     149 James Comeaux Rd Suite A
    Lafayette, Louisiana 70508
    United States

    Attorney Danielle Thompson recognizes how frightening the process can be for parents and their children. She also understands how tense these cases can get, so she is ready to provide compassionate and aggressive representation to get you and your children the results you need so you can begin your post-divorce life on the right foot.

  • Kenney Legal Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers

     2900 Bristol Street, Suite C204
    Costa Mesa, California 92626
    United States

    Kenney Legal Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers provides strategic defense for business and criminal cases in Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. We handle federal cases nationwide. Call for a free 30-minute consultation. Website: https://www.kenneylegaldefense.us/

  • Michael McHale

     921 Ryan St # A
    Lake Charles, Louisiana 70601
    United States

    When you face a serious legal challenge, where can you turn for help? In Lake Charles and surrounding areas, the answer is McHale Law Firm. We are dedicated to helping people meet and overcome the challenges they face. Our firm will provides vigorous, results-driven representation for people dealing with family problems, criminal charges and life-changing accidents. You don’t have to do this alone. McHale Law Firm will help you.

  • Gemma & Karimi, LLP

     320 N Meridian St Suite 901
    Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
    United States

    Our Defense Team combines the best of both worlds. Since hanging his own shingle in 2013, Ron Gemma has been consistently defending the accused. After 5 years as a prosecutor, Kevin Karimi took his experiences and joined the Defense bar. And thus Gemma Karimi LLP was born. Combined, the firm has over 50 jury trials worth of experience, countless suppressions, bench trials, and other contested hearings. Criminal defense is what we do. Our law firm’s primary objective has always been to serve our

  • Hiltzheimer Law Office, PLLC | Chapel Hill DWI Lawyer

     605 W Main St #206e
    Carrboro, North Carolina 27510
    United States

    Carrboro/Chapel Hill criminal defense law firm representing individuals charged with DWI, underaged drinking violations, drug charges, traffic matters, and the full spectrum of misdemeanor and felony charges in Orange County and throughout the Triangle. Over 20 years of experience defending the accused. Founded: 2011

  • Austin Hagee Law Firm

     120 Austin Highway, #103
    San Antonio, Texas 78209
    United States

    Austin Hagee Law Firm is a trusted San Antonio criminal defense and DWI/DUI law firm led by former prosecutors who know how the system works. We represent clients facing DWI, DUI, assault, drug charges, and other criminal offenses across San Antonio and South Texas. Our firm is committed to providing aggressive legal defense, personalized attention, and clear communication throughout your case. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges, we’re here to fight for your rights and protect

  • Cullen M Burke Law Office

     6500 Coastal Hwy # E
    Ocean City, Maryland 21842
    United States

    “You deserve a great legal defense to ensure the best possible outcome. Introducing Cullen M Burke Law Office – your trusted ally in criminal law. Led by attorney Cullen M Burke, our firm specializes in expert criminal defense. With tailored strategies, clear communication, and unwavering advocacy, we’re committed to protecting your rights and securing favorable outcomes. When you’re facing criminal charges, count on us to stand by your side and fight for your future.”

  • Fowlks Law Firm

     18911 Hardy Oak Blvd Suite 265
    San Antonio, Texas 78258
    United States

    At Fowlks Law Firm, we understand that facing criminal charges is one of the most stressful and uncertain times in a person’s life. A conviction can lead to jail time, heavy fines, job loss, and a permanent criminal record that affects your future. With so much at stake, you need an experienced San Antonio criminal defense lawyer who will protect your rights. We handle a variety of cases, including DWI, domestic violence, drug charges, probation violations, assault and more.

  • Josh Johnson Law

     310 4th Ave S, #7000
    Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415
    United States

    If you are hurt, in trouble, or buried in debt, we want to help. Our law firm provides first-rate Minnesota legal representation at reasonable rates. We have extensive experience in the 12 counties in and around the Twin Cities Metro area, and have represented hundreds of clients in criminal defense, personal injury and bankruptcy cases. One client said recently: “Direct, honest, approachable, on point law firm with friendly and professional attorneys that actually care about what they do and wo

  • Law Office of Amanda Skillern, PLLC

     405 Main Street, Suite 910
    Houston, Texas 77002
    United States

    Amanda Skillern Law is a trusted family law attorney in Houston, Texas, specializing in divorce, child custody, and support modifications. With extensive experience in Texas family courts, Amanda provides compassionate, strategic legal guidance to protect your family and future. Serving Houston and surrounding areas, she delivers personalized solutions through negotiation, mediation, or litigation. Contact Amanda Skillern Law today to schedule a consultation.

  • LaVine Law Firm Criminal Defense Lawyers

     2500 E T.C. Jester Blvd, Suite 160
    Houston, TX 77008
    United States

    At LaVine Law Firm, we provide aggressive criminal defense across Texas, focusing on Houston. From DWI and drug charges to domestic violence and more, we investigate every detail and build personalized strategies to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome. https://www.lavinelawfirm.com/

  • Law Office of Dewey P. Brinkley

     130 S Salisbury St
    Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
    United States

    The Law Office of Dewey P. Brinkley in Raleigh, NC, provides skilled, aggressive criminal defense backed by over 250 trials and experience as a former Wake County Assistant District Attorney. Dewey Brinkley handles DWI, drug offenses, felonies, misdemeanors, domestic violence, sex crimes, white collar crimes, juvenile charges, traffic violations, and expungements. As a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Law, he delivers personalized legal strategies to fight for your rights and protect your

  • Seyb Law Group – DUI & Criminal Attorneys

     2130 N Arrowhead Ave #103c
    San Bernardino, California 92405
    United States

    Seyb Law Group – DUI and Criminal Attorneys is a team of skilled criminal defense and DUI lawyers based in San Bernardino, California. We provide top-notch legal representation for our clients throughout the state. Our San Bernardino law firm team is dedicated to protecting your legal rights and working hard to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Our San Bernardino criminal defense lawyer specializes in criminal defense and DUI representation and has extensive experience in both.

  • Altawil Law Group

     2600 Douglas Rd, Suite 502
    Coral Gables, Florida 33134
    United States

    Established in 2024, The Florida Divorce & Criminal Defense Lawyers are committed to providing exceptional legal representation in Coral Gables, Florida. Our dedicated team of criminal justice attorneys, trial attorneys, divorce lawyers, and family law attorneys possesses deep knowledge and experience in handling a wide range of legal matters. We specialize in helping clients navigate the complexities of divorce and criminal cases, advocating for their rights and interests every step of the way.

  • Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols

     121 N Main St
    Bloomington, Illinois 61701
    United States

    Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols has served clients since 1938, originally focusing on estate planning, real estate, and business law. Today, we offer a wide range of legal services, including family law, bankruptcy, criminal defense, and personal injury. With decades of trusted experience, our firm remains committed to delivering excellent legal representation while providing personalized service tailored to each client’s unique needs. We pride ourselves on building lasting relationships.

  • Spencer Robuck

     110 N Woodrow Ln #100
    Denton, texas 76205
    United States

    As a defense attorney, Spencer is committed to providing practical, persuasive, and effective representation to his clients. His previous experience as an Assistant District Attorney gives Spencer a unique perspective into the criminal justice process, which Spencer uses to analyze each case and optimally represent his clients. Spencer is proud to represent North Texans in Denton, Collin, and Dallas Counties.

  • Michael Uhl

     500 N Akard St
    Dallas, texas 75201
    United States

    Attorney Michael J. Uhl represents individuals and businesses in all matters of state and federal criminal defense. After more than 20 years as a federal and state prosecutor, Michael now puts his education and experience to work defending the criminally accused in cases ranging from white collar crimes to murder charges and federal drug crimes.

  • Tung & Associates

     790 E Colorado Blvd 9th fl
    Pasadena, California 91101
    United States

    Phone: 6264164668

    Criminal defense law firm led by former prosecutor Antony Tung, offering aggressive and strategic representation in Pasadena and throughout Los Angeles County. With deep courtroom insight and a client-centered approach, the firm handles misdemeanors, felonies, DUI, and high-stakes cases. Antony Tung personally oversees each matter, providing clear communication, compassionate support, and a relentless defense tailored to every client’s unique situation.

  • Byron Pugh Legal

     214 2nd Ave N #100
    Nashville, Tennessee 37201
    United States

    Byron Pugh is a top Nashville criminal defense attorney serving Middle Tennessee, dedicated to protecting your rights. Free consult: (615) 857-3318. Website: https://byronpughlegal.com/

Showing Criminal Defense Attorneys 61-80 of 1232

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.