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.

Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners
633 W 5th St
26th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071

At Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners, our skilled Attorneys are prepared and ready to fight for you. With over 70 years of combined experience, our Attorneys provide strong cases that result in a favorable outcome. We practice exclusively in the field of Criminal Defense and have an aggressive approach when it comes to fighting for the rights of our clients.

5.0
10 Verified Reviews

Phone(213) 481-6811

Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners
633 W 5th St
26th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071

At Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners, our skilled Attorneys are prepared and ready to fight for you. With over 70 years of combined experience, our Attorneys provide strong cases that result in a favorable outcome. We practice exclusively in the field of Criminal Defense and have an aggressive approach when it comes to fighting for the rights of our clients.

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,…

Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP
770 County Square Drive
Suite 103
Ventura, CA 93003

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!

5.0
7 Verified Reviews

Phone(800) 295-1054

Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP
770 County Square Drive
Suite 103
Ventura, CA 93003

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!

Appel & Morse
1129 State Street
Suite 25
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

The attorneys at Appel & Morse offer over 30 years of combined experience in criminal defense around the Santa Barbara area. Their service is tailored to what is best for their clients, by offering flexible and convenient scheduling, flat fees, and payment plan options. Their attorneys pride themselves on keeping their clients informed about their options and aggressively pursuing the…

4.6
10 Verified Reviews

Phone(805) 467-6060

Appel & Morse
1129 State Street
Suite 25
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

The attorneys at Appel & Morse offer over 30 years of combined experience in criminal defense around the Santa Barbara area. Their service is tailored to what is best for their clients, by offering flexible and convenient scheduling, flat fees, and payment plan options. Their attorneys pride themselves on keeping their clients informed about their options and aggressively pursuing the…

Griffin Law Office, APC
180 Broadway
Suite 1810
San Diego, CA 92101

Griffin Law Office, APC located at San Diego, CA. Our attorney Mr. Griffin has represented over 900 clients as a lawyer and successfully defended nearly every type of criminal case, from first-degree murder to driving under the influence. Our San Diego defense lawyers will provide you with a consultation that provides advice that can help minimize charges and either eliminate… Unclaimed: Claim this business

5.0
10 Verified Reviews

Phone(619) 269-2131

Griffin Law Office, APC
180 Broadway
Suite 1810
San Diego, CA 92101

Griffin Law Office, APC located at San Diego, CA. Our attorney Mr. Griffin has represented over 900 clients as a lawyer and successfully defended nearly every type of criminal case, from first-degree murder to driving under the influence. Our San Diego defense lawyers will provide you with a consultation that provides advice that can help minimize charges and either eliminate… Unclaimed: Claim this business

Law Offices of Scott Henry
17581 Irvine Blvd
STE 100
Tustin, CA 92780

The Law Offices of Scott Henry is a criminal defense law firm in Tustin, California. Our office has worked cases involving DUI, domestic violence, drug offenses, and other areas of criminal defense. Scott Henry is dedicated to fighting on the behalf of those accused of a criminal charge. If you have been arrested, please contact our Tustin office today for…

4.7
39 Verified Reviews

Phone(714) 386-7786

Law Offices of Scott Henry
17581 Irvine Blvd
STE 100
Tustin, CA 92780

The Law Offices of Scott Henry is a criminal defense law firm in Tustin, California. Our office has worked cases involving DUI, domestic violence, drug offenses, and other areas of criminal defense. Scott Henry is dedicated to fighting on the behalf of those accused of a criminal charge. If you have been arrested, please contact our Tustin office today for…

El Bufete De Defensa Criminal
3500 Fifth Avenue
Suite 308
San Diego, CA 92103

En El Bufete De Defensa Criminal, nuestro excepcional equipo de abogados cuenta con amplia experiencia y el conocimiento necesario para atender sus necesidades en materia legal. El alto nivel de compromiso y profesionalismo en la representacin de cada uno de nuestros clientes; la atencin al detalle al evaluar minuciosamente las circunstancias de cada caso en concreto, y por supuesto; la… Unclaimed: Claim this business

5.0
7 Verified Reviews

Phone(619) 722-5858

El Bufete De Defensa Criminal
3500 Fifth Avenue
Suite 308
San Diego, CA 92103

En El Bufete De Defensa Criminal, nuestro excepcional equipo de abogados cuenta con amplia experiencia y el conocimiento necesario para atender sus necesidades en materia legal. El alto nivel de compromiso y profesionalismo en la representacin de cada uno de nuestros clientes; la atencin al detalle al evaluar minuciosamente las circunstancias de cada caso en concreto, y por supuesto; la… Unclaimed: Claim this business

Morris Law, A Criminal Defense Firm
825 Page Street
Suite 102
Berkeley, CA 94710

Morris Law, A Criminal Defense Firm is a criminal defense law firm in Berkeley, CA. Led by defense attorney Seth Morris, our law firm assists clients who have been charged with serious felonies, such as assault, murder, drug crimes, sex crimes, and other serious crimes. We also assist clients with misdemeanor charges, DUIs, theft crimes, and all criminal matters. Unclaimed: Claim this business

5.0
6 Verified Reviews

Phone(510) 225-9955

Morris Law, A Criminal Defense Firm
825 Page Street
Suite 102
Berkeley, CA 94710

Morris Law, A Criminal Defense Firm is a criminal defense law firm in Berkeley, CA. Led by defense attorney Seth Morris, our law firm assists clients who have been charged with serious felonies, such as assault, murder, drug crimes, sex crimes, and other serious crimes. We also assist clients with misdemeanor charges, DUIs, theft crimes, and all criminal matters. Unclaimed: Claim this business

Central Coast Criminal Defense
1301 Chorro St
Suite A
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Central Coast Criminal Defense is a small team of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County criminal defense and DUI attorneys. Our team of criminal defense attorneys have many years of experience successfully defending various types of criminal cases including: DUI, domestic violence, theft charges, disorderly conduct and public intoxication cases, sex crimes, weapons charges, violent crimes, violations of probation…

No Reviews Yet

Phone(805) 621-7181

Central Coast Criminal Defense
1301 Chorro St
Suite A
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Central Coast Criminal Defense is a small team of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County criminal defense and DUI attorneys. Our team of criminal defense attorneys have many years of experience successfully defending various types of criminal cases including: DUI, domestic violence, theft charges, disorderly conduct and public intoxication cases, sex crimes, weapons charges, violent crimes, violations of probation…

Herbert Weston & Tanya Weston, Criminal Lawyers
378 Vista Village Dr
Vista, CA 92083

Based in San Diego County, we are available to vigorously defend you against all types of criminal charges. We have more than 50 years of combined legal experience. This includes numerous murder trials and other high-profile cases. Our lawyers have handled more than 4,000 cases and more than 500 jury trials.

No Reviews Yet

Phone(760) 945-5535

Herbert Weston & Tanya Weston, Criminal Lawyers
378 Vista Village Dr
Vista, CA 92083

Based in San Diego County, we are available to vigorously defend you against all types of criminal charges. We have more than 50 years of combined legal experience. This includes numerous murder trials and other high-profile cases. Our lawyers have handled more than 4,000 cases and more than 500 jury trials.

Johnson Criminal Law Group
19200 Von Karman Avenue
Suite 400
Irvine, CA 92612

Lauren K Johnson is an attorney with an unconventional approach and a specialized practice. Ms. Johnson is a criminal defense attorney who represents adults and juveniles in adult criminal and juvenile delinquency court. She also represents parents in juvenile dependency trial court and on appeal. Ms. Johnson frequently consults with other attorneys as an expert in child abuse cases.

No Reviews Yet

Phone(949) 622-5522

Johnson Criminal Law Group
19200 Von Karman Avenue
Suite 400
Irvine, CA 92612

Lauren K Johnson is an attorney with an unconventional approach and a specialized practice. Ms. Johnson is a criminal defense attorney who represents adults and juveniles in adult criminal and juvenile delinquency court. She also represents parents in juvenile dependency trial court and on appeal. Ms. Johnson frequently consults with other attorneys as an expert in child abuse cases.

Lamano Law Office
1101 Marina Village Parkway
Suite 201,
Alameda, CA 94501

Lamano Law Office is a woman owned and operated criminal defense firm in Alameda, CA. Our skilled attorneys will fight to get your charges reduced or dropped. Contact us today to get started. Lamano Law Office 1101 Marina Village Parkway Suite 201 Alameda, CA 94501 415 617 9375 https://www.lamanolaw.com/alameda-criminal-attorney/ https://goo.gl/maps/dx6DqUfu8Jf1GhYe6 https://www.google.com/maps?cid=18006070302405053048

No Reviews Yet

Phone(415) 617-9375

Lamano Law Office
1101 Marina Village Parkway
Suite 201,
Alameda, CA 94501

Lamano Law Office is a woman owned and operated criminal defense firm in Alameda, CA. Our skilled attorneys will fight to get your charges reduced or dropped. Contact us today to get started. Lamano Law Office 1101 Marina Village Parkway Suite 201 Alameda, CA 94501 415 617 9375 https://www.lamanolaw.com/alameda-criminal-attorney/ https://goo.gl/maps/dx6DqUfu8Jf1GhYe6 https://www.google.com/maps?cid=18006070302405053048

Law Office Of Vikas Bajaj, APC
1230 Columbia St
Suite 565
San Diego, CA 92101

Vikas Bajaj is an established San Diego criminal attorney with a proven record of results. Our criminal defense law firm is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients. We handle all criminal law matters including domestic violence, DUI, theft crimes, sex crimes, and white collar crimes. Call today for a free consultation.

No Reviews Yet

Phone(619) 525-7005

Law Office Of Vikas Bajaj, APC
1230 Columbia St
Suite 565
San Diego, CA 92101

Vikas Bajaj is an established San Diego criminal attorney with a proven record of results. Our criminal defense law firm is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients. We handle all criminal law matters including domestic violence, DUI, theft crimes, sex crimes, and white collar crimes. Call today for a free consultation.

Monder Criminal Lawyer Group
424 F St
San Diego, CA 92101

Vik Monder understands the criminal justice system is not perfect and things are not always as they appear. He chose this profession based on this premise alone. Before Vik Monder became the experienced criminal defense attorney he is today, he was a witness to the murder of his best friend... Unclaimed: Claim this business

No Reviews Yet

Phone(619) 405-0063

Monder Criminal Lawyer Group
424 F St
San Diego, CA 92101

Vik Monder understands the criminal justice system is not perfect and things are not always as they appear. He chose this profession based on this premise alone. Before Vik Monder became the experienced criminal defense attorney he is today, he was a witness to the murder of his best friend... Unclaimed: Claim this business

Premier Federal Criminal Defenders
11377 W Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064

Choose An Aggressive And Dedicated Team To Defend You. Representing The Accused In Complex Criminal Cases Involving Federal Crimes, Drug Charges, Fraud, or Corporate Cases. Protecting Your Rights With 35+ Years Of Experience. Call Today For A Free Consultation.

No Reviews Yet

Phone(310) 478-3100

Premier Federal Criminal Defenders
11377 W Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064

Choose An Aggressive And Dedicated Team To Defend You. Representing The Accused In Complex Criminal Cases Involving Federal Crimes, Drug Charges, Fraud, or Corporate Cases. Protecting Your Rights With 35+ Years Of Experience. Call Today For A Free Consultation.

Sacramento Criminal Defense Lawyer Mouzis
4825 J St
ste 222
Sacramento, CA 95819

Sacramento criminal defense lawyer Jennifer Mouzis is dedicated to providing her clients the best defense possible. If you have been charged with a crime you owe it to yourself including your future to reach out to her team and arrange a free case consultation. She has successfully defended clients from the most common charges including misdemeanors, DUI to murder defense.

No Reviews Yet

Phone(916) 822-8702

Sacramento Criminal Defense Lawyer Mouzis
4825 J St
ste 222
Sacramento, CA 95819

Sacramento criminal defense lawyer Jennifer Mouzis is dedicated to providing her clients the best defense possible. If you have been charged with a crime you owe it to yourself including your future to reach out to her team and arrange a free case consultation. She has successfully defended clients from the most common charges including misdemeanors, DUI to murder defense.

San Diego Criminal Attorney
750 B St
Suite #2510
San Diego, CA 92101

Here at SDCA, we understand the tremendous stress, confusion, and helplessness our clients feel. Indeed, facing criminal charges can be one of the most terrifying and unnerving experiences in your life. That is why we offer a free of charge, in-person consultation, 7 days a week. We will take the time to meet our clients, answer any questions, and make… Unclaimed: Claim this business

No Reviews Yet

Phone(619) 880-5474

San Diego Criminal Attorney
750 B St
Suite #2510
San Diego, CA 92101

Here at SDCA, we understand the tremendous stress, confusion, and helplessness our clients feel. Indeed, facing criminal charges can be one of the most terrifying and unnerving experiences in your life. That is why we offer a free of charge, in-person consultation, 7 days a week. We will take the time to meet our clients, answer any questions, and make… Unclaimed: Claim this business

The Law Office of Bradley Corbett
620 S Melrose Dr
Suite 101
Vista, CA 92081

San Diego criminal defense and DUI attorney.

No Reviews Yet

Phone(760) 201-9839

The Law Office of Bradley Corbett
620 S Melrose Dr
Suite 101
Vista, CA 92081

San Diego criminal defense and DUI attorney.

jD LAW
400 South Melrose Drive
Suite 109
Vista, CA 92081

Founding attorney, James Dicks, is a Certified Criminal Defense Specialist and personal injury attorney who can fight for your rights. The San Diego criminal defense and personal injury law firm handles a variety of criminal cases such as DUI, theft crimes, car accidents, and many more. Contact the firm today to get started on your case.

No Reviews Yet

Phone(760) 630-2000

jD LAW
400 South Melrose Drive
Suite 109
Vista, CA 92081

Founding attorney, James Dicks, is a Certified Criminal Defense Specialist and personal injury attorney who can fight for your rights. The San Diego criminal defense and personal injury law firm handles a variety of criminal cases such as DUI, theft crimes, car accidents, and many more. Contact the firm today to get started on your case.

Abrate & Olsen Criminal Defense
655 University Ave
Sacramento, CA 95825

If you need strong, effective criminal defense representation against allegations of embezzlement, money laundering, fraud or other federal charges, or quality representation for a drug crime charge or other criminal investigation, Sacramento Criminal Defense Attorney Daniel L. Olsen and Michael G. Abrate can aggressively protect your rights in state and federal courts. Olsen Law is committed to excellence and to… Unclaimed: Claim this business

No Reviews Yet

Phone(916) 550-2809

Abrate & Olsen Criminal Defense
655 University Ave
Sacramento, CA 95825

If you need strong, effective criminal defense representation against allegations of embezzlement, money laundering, fraud or other federal charges, or quality representation for a drug crime charge or other criminal investigation, Sacramento Criminal Defense Attorney Daniel L. Olsen and Michael G. Abrate can aggressively protect your rights in state and federal courts. Olsen Law is committed to excellence and to… Unclaimed: Claim this business

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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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