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.

Bailey Criminal Defense, Inc.
450 S Melrose Dr #106
Vista, CA 92081

At Bailey Criminal Defense, Inc., we only practice criminal law. After 25 years, we are still the number one choice in Vista and North Country for defense attorneys. Don't put your freedom in jeopardy; get the representation you deserve today. Visit https://www.joelbailey.com/ to learn more.

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Phone(760) 643-4025

Bailey Criminal Defense, Inc.
450 S Melrose Dr #106
Vista, CA 92081

At Bailey Criminal Defense, Inc., we only practice criminal law. After 25 years, we are still the number one choice in Vista and North Country for defense attorneys. Don't put your freedom in jeopardy; get the representation you deserve today. Visit https://www.joelbailey.com/ to learn more.

Campbell Whitten, Criminal Defense

Campbell Whitten is an elite law firm focused exclusively on criminal defense. Our goal is to provide excellent representation to those who stand accused by their government of violating the law. We have been practicing criminal defense for over 10 years throughout Kern County. Our firm has someone on call 24 hours a day for providing legal counsel and protecting… Unclaimed: Claim this business

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Phone(661) 334-3000

Campbell Whitten, Criminal Defense

Campbell Whitten is an elite law firm focused exclusively on criminal defense. Our goal is to provide excellent representation to those who stand accused by their government of violating the law. We have been practicing criminal defense for over 10 years throughout Kern County. Our firm has someone on call 24 hours a day for providing legal counsel and protecting… Unclaimed: Claim this business

Chula Vista Criminal Attorney
2209 Highland Ave
Suite B
National City, CA 91950

Chula Vista Criminal Attorney is a California-based criminal defense law firm that works with defendants facing charges for a crime. We work with a team of well-educated and highly qualified attorneys who understand the law and understand different defense strategies and the impact these strategies have on your case. We are a proactive defense law firm that takes every opportunity…

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Phone(619) 877-6894

Chula Vista Criminal Attorney
2209 Highland Ave
Suite B
National City, CA 91950

Chula Vista Criminal Attorney is a California-based criminal defense law firm that works with defendants facing charges for a crime. We work with a team of well-educated and highly qualified attorneys who understand the law and understand different defense strategies and the impact these strategies have on your case. We are a proactive defense law firm that takes every opportunity…

Criminal Appeal Lawyers - Kenney Legal Defense
949 S Coast Dr
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

The Criminal Appeal Lawyers at Kenney Legal Defense provide appellate services for all types of criminal cases. Whether you need a Motion for New Trial, habeas corpus petition, plea withdrawal or to appeal your conviction after a jury trial, we can help. We offer a free phone consultation to assess your criminal appeal needs.

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Phone(855) 505-5588

Criminal Appeal Lawyers - Kenney Legal Defense
949 S Coast Dr
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

The Criminal Appeal Lawyers at Kenney Legal Defense provide appellate services for all types of criminal cases. Whether you need a Motion for New Trial, habeas corpus petition, plea withdrawal or to appeal your conviction after a jury trial, we can help. We offer a free phone consultation to assess your criminal appeal needs.

Criminal Defense Attorney - Law Offices of Kory Mathewson
9431 Haven Ave
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Criminal defense attorney Kory Mathewson has handled over 1,000 cases ranging from murder, drugs, juvenile, theft, violent crimes, domestic violence, and more.

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Phone(909) 990-1170

Criminal Defense Attorney - Law Offices of Kory Mathewson
9431 Haven Ave
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Criminal defense attorney Kory Mathewson has handled over 1,000 cases ranging from murder, drugs, juvenile, theft, violent crimes, domestic violence, and more.

Criminal Defense Law Ventura
45 S California St
Ste. 9
Ventura, CA 93001

Trusted Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney since 1984. Decades of experience and proven track record of case victory history. Get help now! Unclaimed: Claim this business

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Phone(805) 273-5611

Criminal Defense Law Ventura
45 S California St
Ste. 9
Ventura, CA 93001

Trusted Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney since 1984. Decades of experience and proven track record of case victory history. Get help now! Unclaimed: Claim this business

DRW Criminal Defense
1001 G St
Ste 207
Sacramento, CA 95814

DRW Criminal Defense is a criminal defense law firm in Sacramento, CA. Attorney David R. Wiksell uses his 10 years of legal experience to assist clients with DUIs, drug charges, assault charges, and other criminal matters. His experience as a former public defender has given attorney Wiksell the confidence and skills to take cases to trial if necessary. If you… Unclaimed: Claim this business

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Phone(916) 721-2132

DRW Criminal Defense
1001 G St
Ste 207
Sacramento, CA 95814

DRW Criminal Defense is a criminal defense law firm in Sacramento, CA. Attorney David R. Wiksell uses his 10 years of legal experience to assist clients with DUIs, drug charges, assault charges, and other criminal matters. His experience as a former public defender has given attorney Wiksell the confidence and skills to take cases to trial if necessary. If you… Unclaimed: Claim this business

Ernest L. Eady
600 W Santa Ana Blvd
Ste 1130
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Being accused of a crime is serious and can result in devastating consequences for you and your family. At Ernest Eady in Santa Ana, I represent clients throughout the area in a range of federal and state criminal defense matters. With over 50 years of experience, I can accurately anticipate the prosecution's tactics and know the best strategies to combat… Unclaimed: Claim this business

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Phone(714) 558-2702

Ernest L. Eady
600 W Santa Ana Blvd
Ste 1130
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Being accused of a crime is serious and can result in devastating consequences for you and your family. At Ernest Eady in Santa Ana, I represent clients throughout the area in a range of federal and state criminal defense matters. With over 50 years of experience, I can accurately anticipate the prosecution's tactics and know the best strategies to combat… Unclaimed: Claim this business

Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers
3500 5th Ave
Suite 203
San Diego, CA 92103

Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers is a nationally recognized federal defense law firm that handles cases throughout the United States. Our accomplished attorneys have more than 40 years of combined experience defending the rights of clients charged with drug-related offenses, white-collar crimes, fraud offenses, violent crimes, sex crimes and more, and we treat our clients with the respect and individualized attention… Unclaimed: Claim this business

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Phone(855) 569-7300

Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers
3500 5th Ave
Suite 203
San Diego, CA 92103

Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers is a nationally recognized federal defense law firm that handles cases throughout the United States. Our accomplished attorneys have more than 40 years of combined experience defending the rights of clients charged with drug-related offenses, white-collar crimes, fraud offenses, violent crimes, sex crimes and more, and we treat our clients with the respect and individualized attention… Unclaimed: Claim this business

Javier Rios, San Jose Criminal Defense Attorney
1010 W Taylor St
San Jose, CA 95126

Javier Rios is an award winning lawyer from San Jose, California. He graduated from UC Berkeley and one of the most prestigious law schools in the country, the University of Michigan Law School. He has dedicated more than 25 years to defending people accused of crime. He is a seasoned trial attorney, not a paper shuffler. He has successfully represented…

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Phone(408) 478-4444

Javier Rios, San Jose Criminal Defense Attorney
1010 W Taylor St
San Jose, CA 95126

Javier Rios is an award winning lawyer from San Jose, California. He graduated from UC Berkeley and one of the most prestigious law schools in the country, the University of Michigan Law School. He has dedicated more than 25 years to defending people accused of crime. He is a seasoned trial attorney, not a paper shuffler. He has successfully represented…

John Hillenbrand Criminal Defense
520 13th Street
Modesto, CA 95354

John Hillenbrand has the experience of both a Deputy District Attorney prosecuting criminals and a Defense Attorney defending the accused. With his unique experience, attorney John Hillenbrand is in a great position to defend those facing criminal charges. Unclaimed: Claim this business

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Phone(209) 577-1190

John Hillenbrand Criminal Defense
520 13th Street
Modesto, CA 95354

John Hillenbrand has the experience of both a Deputy District Attorney prosecuting criminals and a Defense Attorney defending the accused. With his unique experience, attorney John Hillenbrand is in a great position to defend those facing criminal charges. Unclaimed: Claim this business

Kenney Legal Defense - Criminal Defense Firm
5000 Birch St
Newport Beach, CA 92660

Orange County's premiere criminal and federal defense firm representing clients in California state courts and nationwide federal courts.

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Phone(855) 505-5588

Kenney Legal Defense - Criminal Defense Firm
5000 Birch St
Newport Beach, CA 92660

Orange County's premiere criminal and federal defense firm representing clients in California state courts and nationwide federal courts.

Law Offices Of Justin E. Sterling
15760 Ventura Blvd
Suite 700
Los Angeles, CA 91436

Were you accused of a crime in the Los Angeles area? The criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling will fight to have your charges reduced or dropped. Our attorneys are experienced in felonies, violent crimes, sex crimes, domestic violence, gun charges, drug crimes, and more. Contact us today. Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling 15760…

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Phone(818) 995-9452

Law Offices Of Justin E. Sterling
15760 Ventura Blvd
Suite 700
Los Angeles, CA 91436

Were you accused of a crime in the Los Angeles area? The criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling will fight to have your charges reduced or dropped. Our attorneys are experienced in felonies, violent crimes, sex crimes, domestic violence, gun charges, drug crimes, and more. Contact us today. Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling 15760…

Leah Legal Criminal Defense
1020 E 59th St
Los Angeles, CA 90001

Leah Naparstek practices exclusively in the area of criminal defense throughout California. She is an aggressive and talented attorney who represents individuals accused of crimes ranging from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. She is highly knowledgeable in the area of DUI defense and obtains outstanding results in this specialized area of law.

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Phone(213) 444-7818

Leah Legal Criminal Defense
1020 E 59th St
Los Angeles, CA 90001

Leah Naparstek practices exclusively in the area of criminal defense throughout California. She is an aggressive and talented attorney who represents individuals accused of crimes ranging from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. She is highly knowledgeable in the area of DUI defense and obtains outstanding results in this specialized area of law.

Leah Legal Criminal Defense
1450 S Robertson Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90035

Website: https://www.leahlegal.com Description: Leah Legal Criminal Defense Law Office has been serving the L.A. and Southern California Area for years with top-tier legal advice and representation across a wide range of practice areas. Attorney Leah Naparstek, who graduated law school with high honors, has accumulated deep hands-on experience in criminal, DUI, and immigration law over the last decade. She has…

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Phone(310) 492-7572

Leah Legal Criminal Defense
1450 S Robertson Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90035

Website: https://www.leahlegal.com Description: Leah Legal Criminal Defense Law Office has been serving the L.A. and Southern California Area for years with top-tier legal advice and representation across a wide range of practice areas. Attorney Leah Naparstek, who graduated law school with high honors, has accumulated deep hands-on experience in criminal, DUI, and immigration law over the last decade. She has…

Leah Legal Criminal Defense
14401 Sylvan St
Suite #201
Van Nuys, CA 91401

At our law firm we maintain a small caseload. We feel that it is crucial to work closely and directly with our clients and to be easily accessible to them in order to assure high quality representation. Personalized attention helps to ease much of the frustration and fear that are an inevitable part of being caught up in the criminal… Unclaimed: Claim this business

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Phone(818) 484-1100

Leah Legal Criminal Defense
14401 Sylvan St
Suite #201
Van Nuys, CA 91401

At our law firm we maintain a small caseload. We feel that it is crucial to work closely and directly with our clients and to be easily accessible to them in order to assure high quality representation. Personalized attention helps to ease much of the frustration and fear that are an inevitable part of being caught up in the criminal… Unclaimed: Claim this business

Los Angeles Criminal Attorney
516 N Larchmont Blvd
#1
Los Angeles, CA 90004

Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is the most important decision that you can make in regards to your case. This decision can be the difference between a draconian punishment versus a reduced sentence, an expeditious outcome versus a dragged-on and futile endeavor, or a guilty versus a not guilty verdict. Unclaimed: Claim this business

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Phone(424) 333-0943

Los Angeles Criminal Attorney
516 N Larchmont Blvd
#1
Los Angeles, CA 90004

Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is the most important decision that you can make in regards to your case. This decision can be the difference between a draconian punishment versus a reduced sentence, an expeditious outcome versus a dragged-on and futile endeavor, or a guilty versus a not guilty verdict. Unclaimed: Claim this business

Los Angeles Criminal Lawyer
925 N La Brea Ave
West Hollywood, CA 90038

At the Los Angeles Criminal Lawyer Law Firm, we are with you every step of the way from arrest to trial. Contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 310-502-1314. Our consultations are free. If you find yourself arrested and facing a DUI or another criminal charge in Los Angeles, or anywhere throughout Southern California, you cannot…

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Phone(310) 502-1314

Los Angeles Criminal Lawyer
925 N La Brea Ave
West Hollywood, CA 90038

At the Los Angeles Criminal Lawyer Law Firm, we are with you every step of the way from arrest to trial. Contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 310-502-1314. Our consultations are free. If you find yourself arrested and facing a DUI or another criminal charge in Los Angeles, or anywhere throughout Southern California, you cannot…

Matthew Cohen
355 S Grand Ave
#2450
Los Angeles, CA 90071

Perlman and Cohen are top rated criminal defense attorneys in Los Angeles, CA. With over 20 years of combined experience we can help you navigate your criminal defense case. We offer a risk free consultation and offer in person and virtual appointments. Call today to schedule your risk free consultation. Unclaimed: Claim this business

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Phone(310) 299-0062

Matthew Cohen
355 S Grand Ave
#2450
Los Angeles, CA 90071

Perlman and Cohen are top rated criminal defense attorneys in Los Angeles, CA. With over 20 years of combined experience we can help you navigate your criminal defense case. We offer a risk free consultation and offer in person and virtual appointments. Call today to schedule your risk free consultation. Unclaimed: Claim this business

Orange County Criminal Attorney
4000 Macarthur Blvd
Suite 621 East Tower
Newport Beach, CA 92660

A successful defense requires many, many parts. Skill, experience, dedication, passion, zeal... just to name a few. Here at Orange County Criminal Attorneys, we understand the multifaceted nature of a good defense, and we strive to offer you the very best. That is not all. Aside from our wealth of experience, we also understand the importance of personalized attention, which… Unclaimed: Claim this business

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Phone(714) 831-1858

Orange County Criminal Attorney
4000 Macarthur Blvd
Suite 621 East Tower
Newport Beach, CA 92660

A successful defense requires many, many parts. Skill, experience, dedication, passion, zeal... just to name a few. Here at Orange County Criminal Attorneys, we understand the multifaceted nature of a good defense, and we strive to offer you the very best. That is not all. Aside from our wealth of experience, we also understand the importance of personalized attention, which… 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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