
Criminal Defense Resources
& Best Criminal Defense Attorneys
Find a Top-Ranked Criminal Defense Attorney Near You
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 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 [2023]
- 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.
Find a Top-Ranked Criminal Defense Attorney Near You
We did the research for you!
- Licensing
- User Reviews
- Mystery Shopping Calls
Learn about our selection process.
Top Criminal Defense Attorneys
= Featured Provider
Racine, WI
Arena Law Offices, LLC
1110 N Old World 3rd St Ste 210 Milwaukee, WI 53203, Milwaukee, WI 53203Hart Powell, S.C.
735 North Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202Law Office of Odalo J. Ohiku
740 North Plankinton Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203
North Las Vegas, NV
Spartacus Law Firm
400 S 7th St Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89101Expertise.com Concierge Service
North Las Vegas, NVAdras & Altig, Attorneys at Law
601 S. 7th Street, 1st Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Boise, ID
Tatum McBride Law, P.C
1755 North Westgate Drive, Suite 230, Boise, ID 83704Expertise.com Concierge Service
Boise, IDAtkinson Law Office, PLLC
1087 W River St Ste 290, Boise, ID 83702
Arlington, TX
Brandy Austin Law Firm
2404 Roosevelt Dr, Arlington, TX 76016Bruce Ashworth, Attorney at Law
2214 Park Springs Blvd, Arlington, TX 76013Cox Law Firm, PLLC
1300 Norwood Dr Ste 100, Bedford, TX 76022
Peoria, IL
Borsberry Law Offices PC
203 NE Jefferson St, Peoria, IL 61602Brave Law Center, P.C.
330 Northeast Perry Avenue, Peoria, IL 61603Dale Thomas Attorney
337 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554
Lafayette, LA
Barry Sallinger Defense Attorney
820 E St Mary Blvd, Lafayette, LA 70503Boustany Law Firm
421 West Vermilion Street, Lafayette, LA 70501Donald D. Cleveland, APLC
819 Saint John Street, Lafayette, LA 70501
Riverside, CA
The Law Offices of Kirk Tarman & Associates
3600 Lime Street, Suite 216 – 230, Riverside, CA 92501Southwest Legal
422 E Ramsey St, Suite 101-B, Banning, CA 92220Law Offices of Shaffer Cormell
402 W Broadway #400, San Diego, CA 92101
Davie, FL
Edward Lopez Attorney at Law
3440 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, FL 33021Magilligan Law
3900 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, FL 33021Medgebow Law, P.A.
4171 West Hillsboro Boulevard, Coconut Creek, FL 33073
Gilbert, AZ
Canyon State Law Firm
1013 S Stapley Dr, Mesa, AZ 85204Grand Canyon Law Group
1090 South Gilbert Road, Gilbert, AZ 85296Law Office of Jonathan L. Warshaw
1760 E Pecos Rd Ste 332, Gilbert, AZ 85295
Silver Spring, MD
Butler & Simmons, P.A.
12932 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20906Joshua Moses, LLC
8605 Cameron Street Suite 316, Silver Spring, MD 20910Sanabria & Associates
8630 Fenton Street, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Top Criminal Defense Attorneys in other locations
- Criminal Defense Attorneys in Sunnyvale, CA
- Criminal Defense Attorneys in Temple, TX
- Criminal Defense Attorneys in Costa Mesa, CA
- Criminal Defense Attorneys in Nashua, NH
- Criminal Defense Attorneys in Citrus Heights, CA
- Criminal Defense Attorneys in Anchorage, AK
- Criminal Defense Attorneys in Newton, MA
- Criminal Defense Attorneys in New Haven, CT
- Criminal Defense Attorneys in Broken Arrow, OK
- Criminal Defense Attorneys in Silver Spring, MD
Find a Top-Ranked Criminal Defense Attorney Near You
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.
Find a Top-Ranked Criminal Defense Attorney Near You
Other Top Picks
- Arbitrators & Mediators
- Bail Bonds
- Bankruptcy Attorneys
- Bicycle Accident Attorney
- Birth Injury Attorney
- Brain Injury Attorney
- Business Lawyer
- Car Accident Lawyers
- Child Support Attorneys
- Divorce Attorneys
- Dog Bite Attorney
- DUI Attorneys
- Employment Lawyers
- Estate Planning
- Family Lawyer
- Immigration Attorneys
- Litigation Attorneys
- Long Term Disability Lawyer
- Medical Malpractice Attorneys
- Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
- Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
- Personal Injury Attorneys
- Probate Attorneys
- Real Estate Attorneys
- Slip And Fall Lawyer
- Tax Attorney
- Truck Accident Lawyer
- Workers Compensation Attorney