If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, your entire future is at stake - you need the best criminal defense attorney available, to ensure that your rights are protected. Find a criminal defense lawyer in your state, specializing in your type of case, here at the State Bar Attorneys Directory, powered by Best of the Web. We list thousands of the best criminal defense firms in the United States; all of our listings have been screened and verified for your peace of mind. So whatever criminal charges you are facing, you can be confident in choosing a criminal defense attorney from our listings.

Amicus Legal Group
3900 Jermantown Rd
Suite 300-1
Fairfax, VA 22030

Amicus Legal Group is a personal injury and criminal defense law firm based in Ontario, California. Attorney John-Paul Serrao is a detailed-oriented and passionate lawyer who fights for the underdog. Our firm believes that justice only has meaning if it serves people, which is why our attorneys are dedicated to fighting on behalf of our clients.

5.0
10 Verified Reviews

Phone(703) 940-1577

Amicus Legal Group
3900 Jermantown Rd
Suite 300-1
Fairfax, VA 22030

Amicus Legal Group is a personal injury and criminal defense law firm based in Ontario, California. Attorney John-Paul Serrao is a detailed-oriented and passionate lawyer who fights for the underdog. Our firm believes that justice only has meaning if it serves people, which is why our attorneys are dedicated to fighting on behalf of our clients.

Dodd & Kuendig
750 Kearns Blvd
Suite 280
Park City, UT 84060

Park City Personal Injury Lawyer

4.0
4 Verified Reviews

Phone(435) 296-7434

Dodd & Kuendig
750 Kearns Blvd
Suite 280
Park City, UT 84060

Park City Personal Injury Lawyer

Federal Attorney Rammy Barbari
409 7th St Nw
#267
Washington, DC 20004

Our law firm is led by experienced, devoted, and highly respected criminal defense attorneys. We are highly referred due to the great legal service we provide. We can get the best results from your unique case and we will stand by you throughout the entire process. If you want to know about federal crimes or you are under investigation, call…

5.0
35 Verified Reviews

Phone(202) 517-1610

Federal Attorney Rammy Barbari
409 7th St Nw
#267
Washington, DC 20004

Our law firm is led by experienced, devoted, and highly respected criminal defense attorneys. We are highly referred due to the great legal service we provide. We can get the best results from your unique case and we will stand by you throughout the entire process. If you want to know about federal crimes or you are under investigation, call…

Fleener Petersen Law
506 S 8th St
Laramie, WY 82070

If You Have One Shot, Make It Your Best.

4.2
5 Verified Reviews

Phone(307) 460-4333

Fleener Petersen Law
506 S 8th St
Laramie, WY 82070

If You Have One Shot, Make It Your Best.

Kopfler & Hermann, Attorneys at Law
7910 Main St
Houma, LA 70360

As personal injury attorneys in Houma, LA, we undertake to fight for your right to compensation if you have been injured in the workplace, through negligence or abuse, or in an accident through no fault of your own. From accidents in the offshore and oil industry to car or vehicle accidents, our attorneys focus relentlessly on your case, ensuring that…

5.0
44 Verified Reviews

Phone(985) 851-3311

Kopfler & Hermann, Attorneys at Law
7910 Main St
Houma, LA 70360

As personal injury attorneys in Houma, LA, we undertake to fight for your right to compensation if you have been injured in the workplace, through negligence or abuse, or in an accident through no fault of your own. From accidents in the offshore and oil industry to car or vehicle accidents, our attorneys focus relentlessly on your case, ensuring that…

Leifert & Leifert
2101 Vista Pkwy
Suite 1006
West Palm Beach, FL 33411

Leifert & Leifert is a criminal defense firm located in West Palm Beach, with numerous other offices in South Florida to best serve their clients. The attorneys at the firm are a dedicated, professional, and aggressive team with years of experience as defense lawyers. They also bring their experience as former prosecutors to the table.

5.0
10 Verified Reviews

Phone(561) 833-4300

Leifert & Leifert
2101 Vista Pkwy
Suite 1006
West Palm Beach, FL 33411

Leifert & Leifert is a criminal defense firm located in West Palm Beach, with numerous other offices in South Florida to best serve their clients. The attorneys at the firm are a dedicated, professional, and aggressive team with years of experience as defense lawyers. They also bring their experience as former prosecutors to the table.

Nichols & Tucker
1250 Forest Ave
#10
Portland, ME 4103

Portland Maine Lawyers That Are Here to Protect You

4.4
10 Verified Reviews

Phone(207) 879-4000

Nichols & Tucker
1250 Forest Ave
#10
Portland, ME 4103

Portland Maine Lawyers That Are Here to Protect You

Steve Duckett, Attorney at Law
9119 Church St
Suite 12
Manassas, VA 20110

Steve Duckett, Attorney at Law provides legal services and offers scholarship for students in Manassas, Virginia. If you have been charged with a criminal violation, give us a call as soon as possible. Our firm will provide you with aggressive, proactive defense against the charge you face. There is no reason to slack today, because each time you waste will…

5.0
110 Verified Reviews

Phone(703) 940-1570

Steve Duckett, Attorney at Law
9119 Church St
Suite 12
Manassas, VA 20110

Steve Duckett, Attorney at Law provides legal services and offers scholarship for students in Manassas, Virginia. If you have been charged with a criminal violation, give us a call as soon as possible. Our firm will provide you with aggressive, proactive defense against the charge you face. There is no reason to slack today, because each time you waste will…

The Nieves Law Firm, APC
505 14th St
Ste. 900
Oakland, CA 94612

Everyone can make a mistake. At our Oakland criminal defense law firm, we work energetically and aggressively to defend your case and to help you get your life back on track. We pride ourselves on offering a positive, proactive service and we understand completely how stressful this process is for you. If you've been charged with a crime in Alameda,…

5.0
10 Verified Reviews

Phone(510) 588-8580

The Nieves Law Firm, APC
505 14th St
Ste. 900
Oakland, CA 94612

Everyone can make a mistake. At our Oakland criminal defense law firm, we work energetically and aggressively to defend your case and to help you get your life back on track. We pride ourselves on offering a positive, proactive service and we understand completely how stressful this process is for you. If you've been charged with a crime in Alameda,…

AZ Sex Crimes Attorney
1425 S Higley Rd #101 Unit 2
Gilbert, AZ 85296

Criminal defense attorney at Villanueva Skura Attorneys at Law, call us if you’ve been charged with a criminal offense and require legal representation.

No Reviews Yet

Phone(480) 676-1919

AZ Sex Crimes Attorney
1425 S Higley Rd #101 Unit 2
Gilbert, AZ 85296

Criminal defense attorney at Villanueva Skura Attorneys at Law, call us if you’ve been charged with a criminal offense and require legal representation.

Berry Law
2650 N 48th St
Lincoln, NE 68504

Whatever kind of crisis you're facing, our experienced attorneys can help. From criminal defense representation to personal injury claims, military law, elder law and civil litigation, we have answers to your problems. Conscientious and aggressive in defense of your rights, we have a strong reputation in Nebraska law. Contact us today to find out how we can help. We have… Unclaimed: Claim this business

4.8
18 Verified Reviews

Phone(402) 466-8444

Berry Law
2650 N 48th St
Lincoln, NE 68504

Whatever kind of crisis you're facing, our experienced attorneys can help. From criminal defense representation to personal injury claims, military law, elder law and civil litigation, we have answers to your problems. Conscientious and aggressive in defense of your rights, we have a strong reputation in Nebraska law. Contact us today to find out how we can help. We have… Unclaimed: Claim this business

Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A.
10 S 5th St
Suite 525
Minneapolis, MN 55402

The Caplan Law Firm is one of the largest, most experienced criminal defense firms in the Midwest. Founded in 1983, our lawyers have 90 years of combined experience, handling over 20,000 criminal and DWI cases. Serving the Twin Cities and surrounding counties, Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm devotes their energies to advocating on behalf of criminally accused persons. Their team…

5.0
10 Verified Reviews

Phone(612) 444-5020

Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A.
10 S 5th St
Suite 525
Minneapolis, MN 55402

The Caplan Law Firm is one of the largest, most experienced criminal defense firms in the Midwest. Founded in 1983, our lawyers have 90 years of combined experience, handling over 20,000 criminal and DWI cases. Serving the Twin Cities and surrounding counties, Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm devotes their energies to advocating on behalf of criminally accused persons. Their team…

Cessna & George Law Firm
818 S Main St
London, KY 40741

When you need an attorney, there are a few things you should be looking for. You need someone who is skilled and knowledgeable about your particular legal matter, you need someone you can relate to, and you need someone you can trust to deal with you hone From the Cessna & George Law Firm website: London personal injury attorneys Cessna…

5.0
10 Verified Reviews

Phone(606) 770-5400

Cessna & George Law Firm
818 S Main St
London, KY 40741

When you need an attorney, there are a few things you should be looking for. You need someone who is skilled and knowledgeable about your particular legal matter, you need someone you can relate to, and you need someone you can trust to deal with you hone From the Cessna & George Law Firm website: London personal injury attorneys Cessna…

Dayne Phillips Attorney at Law
1614 Taylor St
Suite D
Columbia, SC 29201

Attorney Dayne Phillips is highly respected by colleagues in South Carolinas, and he offers experienced and aggressive criminal defense representation across the state. Whether you're charged with DUI, gun crime, solicitation or theft, your defense should not be left to chance. Skilled representation makes the difference between acquittal and conviction. Call us today and find out how we can help…

4.9
110 Verified Reviews

Phone(803) 272-4503

Dayne Phillips Attorney at Law
1614 Taylor St
Suite D
Columbia, SC 29201

Attorney Dayne Phillips is highly respected by colleagues in South Carolinas, and he offers experienced and aggressive criminal defense representation across the state. Whether you're charged with DUI, gun crime, solicitation or theft, your defense should not be left to chance. Skilled representation makes the difference between acquittal and conviction. Call us today and find out how we can help…

Hager & Schwartz, P.A.
12 SE 7th Street
Suite 611
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Providing representation for a wide variety of criminal law related charges including DUI and theft related crimes. From the Hager & Schwartz, P.A. website: Our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorneys from Hager & Schwartz provide strategic defense for individuals facing misdemeanor or felony charges. Contact us for a FREE case review. We are available 24//7.

5.0
10 Verified Reviews

Phone(954) 840-8713

Hager & Schwartz, P.A.
12 SE 7th Street
Suite 611
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Providing representation for a wide variety of criminal law related charges including DUI and theft related crimes. From the Hager & Schwartz, P.A. website: Our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorneys from Hager & Schwartz provide strategic defense for individuals facing misdemeanor or felony charges. Contact us for a FREE case review. We are available 24//7.

Hager & Schwartz, P.A.
140 South Beach Street
Suite 401
Daytona Beach, FL 32114

Offers aggressive criminal defense from an attorney in Daytona Beach, FL. From the Hager & Schwartz, P.A. website: Former state prosecutors with over 40 years' combined experience, you can trust in the Daytona Beach criminal lawyers at Hager & Schwartz.

5.0
10 Verified Reviews

Phone(386) 693-1637

Hager & Schwartz, P.A.
140 South Beach Street
Suite 401
Daytona Beach, FL 32114

Offers aggressive criminal defense from an attorney in Daytona Beach, FL. From the Hager & Schwartz, P.A. website: Former state prosecutors with over 40 years' combined experience, you can trust in the Daytona Beach criminal lawyers at Hager & Schwartz.

Hammad S. Matin, P.A. 
204 Washington Ave,
Suite 300
La Plata, MD 20646

Local La Plata criminal defense and personal injury law firm representing clients throughout Charles County. From the Hammad S. Matin, P.A.  website: La Plata & Waldorf criminal defense lawyers at Hammad S. Matin help in DUI, DWI, misdemeanors, felonies & auto accidents in Charles County, Maryland.

5.0
10 Verified Reviews

Phone(301) 259-3488

Hammad S. Matin, P.A. 
204 Washington Ave,
Suite 300
La Plata, MD 20646

Local La Plata criminal defense and personal injury law firm representing clients throughout Charles County. From the Hammad S. Matin, P.A.  website: La Plata & Waldorf criminal defense lawyers at Hammad S. Matin help in DUI, DWI, misdemeanors, felonies & auto accidents in Charles County, Maryland.

Hawkins Spizman
200 Ashford Center North
Suite 350
Atlanta, GA 30338

Trial lawyers serving injury victims and the criminally accused throughout the state of Georgia. Handing a wide variety of criminal law and personal injury cases, including DUI defense. Includes a showcase of recent results, plus information on the expertise of individual attorneys. Located in Atlanta, GA.

4.8
103 Verified Reviews

Phone(770) 685-6400

Hawkins Spizman
200 Ashford Center North
Suite 350
Atlanta, GA 30338

Trial lawyers serving injury victims and the criminally accused throughout the state of Georgia. Handing a wide variety of criminal law and personal injury cases, including DUI defense. Includes a showcase of recent results, plus information on the expertise of individual attorneys. Located in Atlanta, GA.

Hayes Law Office
101 West Ohio Street
Suite 2024
Indianapolis, IN 46204

At Hayes Law Office, we are train in litigation, offering aggressive and cost-effective legal representation. Led by trial attorney Philip Hayes, we are committed to securing the best possible result for every client. Whether your facing criminal charges or going through a divorce, we understand the difficulty of criminal defense and family law issues. We make it our sole purpose…

5.0
10 Verified Reviews

Phone(317) 759-1515

Hayes Law Office
101 West Ohio Street
Suite 2024
Indianapolis, IN 46204

At Hayes Law Office, we are train in litigation, offering aggressive and cost-effective legal representation. Led by trial attorney Philip Hayes, we are committed to securing the best possible result for every client. Whether your facing criminal charges or going through a divorce, we understand the difficulty of criminal defense and family law issues. We make it our sole purpose…

Herman Law PA
1601 Forum Place
Suite 505
West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Full-service law firm focusing on criminal defense and personal injury litigation to obtain reduced charges, decreased fines, and more on clients' behalf.

5.0
10 Verified Reviews

Phone(561) 720-2417

Herman Law PA
1601 Forum Place
Suite 505
West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Full-service law firm focusing on criminal defense and personal injury litigation to obtain reduced charges, decreased fines, and more on clients' behalf.

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Why State Bar Attorneys?

StateBarAttorneys is the best law firm directory curated by a team of editors that will help you find a trusted attorney with confidence in the legal area you require. Powered by Best of the Web, all lawyers listed in this legal directory provide testimonials and reviews to ensure their understanding of their state's laws have won cases and the best possible outcome for their clients in their field of expertise.

Talk To The Best Criminal Defense Attorney Now

Call Now: 1-877-771-1418

What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Do?

Criminal defense lawyers work with people who have been accused of a crime. Their role is to ensure the defendant’s rights are upheld and that any eventual trial is fair and lawful. A good criminal defense attorney will research the case against you, investigate and review procedures taken against you, examine witnesses, gather evidence, and attempt to negotiate with prosecutors. You can rely on your criminal defense lawyer to advise you on the potential consequences of your plea and to explain a likely sentence. If no plea deal can be reached, your defense counsel will ultimately represent you in your trial. 

What Types of Crime Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help With?

Criminal defense attorneys can work with any kind of criminal offense, from misdemeanors to murder.

In practice, however, many of the best criminal defense lawyers specialize in a particular area of crime. If you have been charged with DUI or DWI, for example, you will want to find the best DUI attorney near you.

Other criminal attorneys may specialize in defending those accused of violent crimes, sex crimes, or domestic violence, while still others may specialize in fraud, financial crimes, drugs charges, tax offenses, or immigration issues - whatever the charges against you, a recommended criminal attorney can handle it.

 

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

There are two ways of getting a criminal defense attorney. If you can afford it, you can choose and hire your own, in which case you are fully responsible for paying the attorney’s fees. Alternatively, if you cannot afford or do not want to hire your own defense counsel, the court may appoint a criminal defense lawyer for you, if you meet certain conditions, and in this case, the costs will be paid by the government. Normally, if you face a potential jail or prison sentence, you will be eligible for court-appointed representation. If you are not facing incarceration, you may or may not be eligible for free defense counsel, depending on your financial situation and state law. Even if you are not eligible for free counsel, you may be eligible for partially funded representation if you can demonstrate that you cannot afford a private defense attorney. 

If you choose to hire your own defense counsel, the cost will depend heavily on the type and complexity of your criminal case. For a misdemeanor, you may be looking at around $5000 in legal fees. For a felony, it could be upwards of $25,000. Criminal defense attorneys are not allowed to operate on a contingency fee basis, and many will require all or a substantial proportion of the fee to be paid upfront.

 

Tips for Finding a Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been arrested, you will need to find a criminal defense attorney quickly, to secure your release and prepare for what lies ahead.

Having said that, don’t panic and pick the first criminal law firm you find in an internet search. Not only are you likely to be spending a great deal of money, but your future hinges on getting effective representation that you can trust. This could be one of the most important decisions of your life, so research is essential.

There are tens of thousands of criminal defense attorneys in the United States.

Start with people you know. If you know an attorney of any kind, they may be able to recommend a criminal defense attorney. If anyone you know has ever had to use one, you could also find a recommendation there.

Beyond personal recommendations, the best way to choose a criminal defense attorney is through our directory of screened and verified criminal defense lawyers across the US. Here you can easily narrow down your search to your state and to criminal defense firms that specialize in the relevant crime.

You can also read reviews right here in the directory, to get a feel for which are the most trusted criminal defense attorneys near you. 

 

FAQ On Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney

1 - Can I represent myself in a criminal case?

You can, but a better question is whether you should.

Around 2% of defendants do choose to represent themselves, and are referred to as pro se defendants, from the Latin for ‘on behalf of themselves’.

In theory, you always have the right to represent yourself. In practice, the more serious the crime you are charged with, the riskier this strategy becomes. Not only do you risk not understanding the law involved, you may also fail to understand the procedural issues. Even if you do have a full grasp of what’s involved, you would probably suffer from a lack of experience, especially at trial, where you most likely do not have the skills to question or cross-examine witnesses or to eloquently provide your own defense.

Ultimately the decision is yours, but you are very strongly advised to use a criminal defense attorney, especially if you are facing potential incarceration. 

 

2 - Can I change my criminal defense attorney if I’m not happy?

If you have hired your own criminal defense lawyer, then yes, you can usually change lawyers if you wish. However, doing so may prove expensive, as your new criminal defense attorney will need to start from scratch.

If your defense counsel is court-appointed, you would need to demonstrate either a serious breakdown in the relationship or incompetence on the part of your lawyer in order for the court to approve your request to change attorneys.

In either case, the court can intervene to prevent a change of attorney in some cases, for example, if they feel the defendant is just playing for time and trying to delay the trial by seeking a new attorney.

 

3 - Do I need a criminal defense attorney if I’m going to plead guilty?

It’s always advisable to seek representation from an experienced defense attorney, even if you wish to plead guilty. The best criminal defense lawyers may be able to help you in several ways - perhaps by getting the charges against you reduced or by getting your sentence reduced. If the case against you is weak or flawed, your criminal defense attorney may even be able to get the charges dismissed completely. The key is to remember that prosecutors do not have your best interests in mind - that’s not their job. The only professional who will protect your interests first and foremost is your criminal defense attorney - so even if you wish to plead guilty, it is still worth relying on a defense counsel to get you through the process as unscathed as possible.

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