Are you looking for the best criminal defense attorney to represent you? Compare law firms here
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.
Full-service law firm focusing on criminal defense and personal injury litigation to obtain reduced charges, decreased fines, and more on clients' behalf.
Criminal defense law office servicing Raleigh, North Carolina and surrounding areas. Offering tenacious, experienced defense representation for individuals charged with crimes ranging from DWIs and drug charges to serious felonies including sex crimes and first degree murder. Free consultations are provided. Also offering protester defense and pro bono services. Highlights case results and client testimonials and offers a FAQ section…
Joshi Law Firm, PA is a highly skilled and decorated criminal law firm, serving our community with the highest integrity and honor! We pride ourselves on hard-hitting, passionate representation, fighting for our clients to preserve their rights, their fam From the Joshi Law Firm, PA website: Orlando criminal defense lawyers at Joshi Law Firm, PA defend people charged with Florida…
Full-service criminal defense and civil litigation law firm dedicated to making sure that all Texans are given a fair shake before the law. Founding attorney Keith B. French spent years representing Fortune 500 companies as well as the federal government before founding his own firm. Handling all manner of criminal defense cases, including DWI/DUI, as well as personal injury, employment…
With over 39 years of legal experience, Mickey Kicklighter brings his unique perspective to represent clients in all types of cases. Mickey is a lawyer that knows the profession from both sides having worked in the public and private sector. He has tried From the Kicklighter Law website: Kicklighter Law is a legal practice located in Springfield, GA. Our attorneys…
We are Ohio's Nationally Organized Defense and DUI Firm. If you have been arrested and are looking for high-quality legal defense, you need not look any further. Give us a call if you are looking for a knowledgeable Columbus criminal defense lawyer. Our firm is open 24/7 to serve and provide your needs that best suited to take on your…
Seasoned New Orleans criminal lawyer Robert S. Toale has more than 30 years of experience representing a wide range of clients across all types of criminal defense matters.
Attorney in Pittsburgh and throughout Western Pennsylvania, offering experienced representation that will protect clients' freedom, finances, and future. From the Law Offices of Gary E. Gerson website: Pittsburgh criminal lawyer Gary E. Gerson knows the ins and outs of the criminal justice system with 25+ years experience handling Pennsylvania criminal cases.
Being charged with a serious crime is terrifying. It's essential that you get expert legal representation immediately - our New York law firm is respected throughout the criminal justice system and has a standout reputation for handling difficult criminal cases. We are tenacious advocates for your rights and we prepare meticulously detailed trial cases. Contact us today if you need…
Leifert & Leifert is a criminal defense team of former prosecutors. The attorneys exhibit professionalism and dedication to the practice of criminal defens. Their many years of experience as defense lawyers, as well as their experience as former South Florida prosecutors, make Leifert & Leifert the ideal team for those facing criminal, DUI and traffic charges.
The legal team at Lessem & Newstat, Attorneys at Law, LLP has been recognized by Super Lawyers, Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and the BBB. Their experience and high-quality legal representation is what you need to move past your arrest and have a better life. Call the firm now and schedule a free legal consultation!
Lowery, Lowery & Cherry, PLLC assists our clients with a range of legal matters from auto accident and personal injury claims to DUI and criminal defense cases. We provide the services you need, with attorneys you can trust. Contact us today to schedule a meeting.
Top-rated federal and complaince law attorney in Detroit, Nick Oberheiden, Ph.D represents and advises businesses of all sizes and all industries when a federal regulator or prosecutor seeks to investigate or prosecute their businesses for violations.
The attorneys at the Maryland Criminal Defense Group have devoted their careers to defending individuals who have been charged with alcohol-related traffic offenses in the state of Maryland. Our firm has the knowledge and experience necessary to defend you from your DUI charge. By analyzing the facts and circumstances of your DUI stop, we can help you develop the strongest…
Patrick Woolley Attorney at Law focuses on representing clients who have been accused of felony, serious traffic offenses, and misdemeanor in Virginia. He has 11 years of career experience and has gained extensive courtroom experience during this time. Our law firm will provide you a just and fair legal process and work to get the most favorable result in your…
The Law Office of Seth R. Okin was founded with the purpose of providing a uniquely personal and individualized experience to every client in need of legal representation. The firm aims to provide the best legal representation to individuals in Maryland who seek help and justice. Facing a criminal charge is daunting and stressful for those involved. Seth Okin has…
Do you need legal representation in Maine? The lawyers at Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. offer a full range of legal services, including personal injury, criminal defense, family law, business and corporate law, and many others. Their attorneys are highly experienced and can assist you with the most complex cases. Call now to schedule a consultation today!
Learn about your legal rights with Tarnow Criminal Law. Providing high-quality legal representation in Metro Vancouver, we are a full-service criminal defence law firm.
If you are charged with a crime, you have rights and it is important to defend them. The Law Office of Thomas C. Thomasian devotes its energies to addressing the legal concerns of criminally accused persons. Through negotiation and litigation, they have been able to successfully obtain a number of positive settlements and verdicts. The firm's commitment to client service…
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.