The Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in the United States
& Best Criminal Defense Attorneys
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Helpful Resources and Articles
The criminal trial process in the United States is a complex and multifaceted system that involves numerous steps and procedures. From the initial investigation to the final verdict, each stage of the process is critical to ensuring justice. Along the way, individuals accused of a crime may hire a criminal defense lawyer to represent them in court. These lawyers are essential to protecting the rights of the accused and ensuring a fair trial. These resources have been carefully curated to help you make the best decisions possible for you or your loved one.
I Need a Lawyer
The average cost of a criminal defense case can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. However, having a criminal defense lawyer can provide invaluable benefits, such as a better understanding of the legal system, protection of one's legal rights, and potentially a better outcome.
What Is Considered a Crime?
In the United States, crimes against people, property, animals, society, and crimes involving substances land folks in criminal court every day. These resources have been curated to help people gain a better understanding of crime statutes and what is considered a crime in the United States. In most cases, a criminal defense attorney is the best resource for those accused of crimes.
Criminal Trials
The criminal trial process in the United States is a complex and multifaceted system that involves numerous steps and procedures. From the initial investigation to the final verdict, each stage of the process is critical to ensuring justice. Along the way, individuals accused of a crime may hire a criminal defense lawyer to represent them in court. These lawyers are essential to protecting the rights of the accused and ensuring a fair trial.
- Steps in the Criminal Trial Process
- What Is the Standard of Proof in Criminal Cases?
- Criminal Trial Timelines and Outcomes: What to Expect [2024]
- Can I Represent Myself in a Criminal Trial?
- What to Expect at Arraignment
- What Your Lawyer Wants You to Know About Plea Bargains
- The Four Major Criminal Defenses
- What’s the Difference Between a Civil Trial and a Criminal Trial?
Criminal Records
More than 45,000 federal and state statutes prohibit people with criminal records from performing activities available to people without criminal records. These include employment, housing, education, and more. It is still possible to fall under this category even if you have never been convicted. Even if you are never convicted, an arrest for it can appear on your criminal record. This can cause a variety of problems for you in the future. Learn more about criminal records with these resources.
Interacting With Law Enforcement
Interacting with law enforcement can be frightening if you don't know your rights and protections under U.S. law. With these resources, know what to expect when it comes to search warrants, talking to police, Miranda rights, and more.
- Your Rights When Interacting With Law Enforcement
- Search Warrants: Everything Your Lawyer Wants You To Know
- Search and Seizure Law: Everything Your Lawyer Wants You To Know
- What Happens if Police Violate Miranda Rights?
- What Happens When Evidence Is Obtained Illegally?
- Bail 101: Getting Out of Law Enforcement Custody
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We did the research for you!
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Top Criminal Defense Attorneys
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Newport News, VA
Huff Law, PLC
11815 Fountain Way, Newport News, VA 23606Dorsk Law Office, PLC
409 Duke St., Suite 100, Norfolk, VA 23517Lawrence Law
7330-J George Washington Memorial Highway, Yorktown, VA 23692
Edinburg, TX
Guy L. Womack & Associates, P.C.
200 South 10th Street, McAllen, TX 78501Law Office of J.R. Ramirez,PLLC
1601 West Trenton Road, Edinburg, TX 78539Garcia & Garcia Attorneys at Law P.L.L.C.
2504 Buddy Owens, McAllen, TX 78504
Rochester, NY
Nave Law Firm
1400 Portland Avenue, Suite 44, Rochester, NY 14617Expertise.com Concierge Service
Rochester, NYSercu Law
31 N Main St, Pittsford, NY 14534
Nashua, NH
Annutto Law Office
369 Main Street, Nashua, NH 03060Wilson, Bush & Keefe, P.C.
378 Main Street, Nashua, NH 03060Joan M. Griffin Attorney at Law
Dublin, NH 03444
Brooklyn, NY
Neil S. Ruskin Attorney at Law
188 Montague St Ste 900, Brooklyn, NY 11201Expertise.com Concierge Service
Brooklyn, NYDusenberry & Dusenberry
107 Smith Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Hawthorne, CA
Andrew Lopez Law PC
13252 Hawthorne Blvd., Ste 103, Hawthorne, CA 90250Criminal Defense Hero
21515 Hawthorne Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90503Houlé Law APC
21515 Hawthorne Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90503
Sandy, UT
J. Peterson Law, PLLC
136 Heber Avenue, Park City, UT 84060Bangerter Law Firm
136 HEBER AVE., SUITE 204, Park City, UT 84060Nathan Evershed - Attorney
8941 700 East, Sandy, UT 84070
Montgomery, AL
Wadsworth Law Office, LLC.
472 South Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL 36104Barfoot & Schoettker
608 South Hull Street, Montgomery, AL 36104Strickland & Kendall, L.L.C.
2740 Zelda Rd 500, Montgomery, AL 36106-2694
New Haven, CT
Law Office of Jack O'Donnell, L.L.C.
683 State St, New Haven, CT 06511The Law Offices of Ruben Rodriguez
934 Grand Ave, New Haven, CT 06511Frost | Bussert LLC
350 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06511
Washington DC
Antonoplos & Associates Attorneys At Law
1725 Desales Street Northwest Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036Expertise.com Concierge Service
Washingto, DCOffit Kurman, Attorneys At Law
1325 G St NW Ste 500, Washington, DC 20005
Top Criminal Defense Attorneys in other locations
- Criminal Defense Attorneys in Folsom, CA
- Criminal Defense Attorneys in Parma, OH
- Criminal Defense Attorneys in Fresno, CA
- Criminal Defense Attorneys in Seattle, WA
- Criminal Defense Attorneys in Burbank, CA
- Criminal Defense Attorneys in Broken Arrow, OK
- Criminal Defense Attorneys in Toledo, OH
- Criminal Defense Attorneys in Pharr, TX
- Criminal Defense Attorneys in Lynwood, CA
- Criminal Defense Attorneys in Washington DC
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a criminal defense lawyer do?
Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.
How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?
Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:
Misdemeanors
- Petty theft
- Public intoxication
- Simple assault
- Disorderly conduct
- Vandalism
- Reckless driving
Felonies
- Murder
- Rape
- Kidnapping
- Aggravated assault
- Specific types of fraud
- Possession of certain types of drugs
What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?
The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.
What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?
All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.
Why hire a criminal defense attorney?
Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.
Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?
Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.
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