Expertise.com
2024

Last updated:

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Hartford

Our Recommended Top 12

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Hartford Criminal Defense Attorneys on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

101

Reviewed

65

Curated

12

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
645 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105

Why choose this provider?

Sills Law Firm is a law firm of criminal justice attorneys in Hartford that counsels people charged with felonies and misdemeanors. With over 20 years of experience, the legal team represents clients facing criminal charges such as probation violations, DUI, property crimes, domestic violence, and sexual assault. Sills Law Firm also helps file expungement petitions and represents minors charged with juvenile crimes. Attorney Jonathan Sills is a member of the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Jonathan Sills - Partner18 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (26)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
50 Founders Plaza, East Hartford, CT 06108

Why choose this provider?

Woolf Law Firm LLC is a 5 Star Rated experienced criminal and DUI defense Firm near Hartford that has been operational for more than 20 years. Its lawyers advocate on behalf of its clients in all State and Federal Courts. The Firm represents individuals accused of all Felony and Misdemeanor crimes, including Murder and Manslaughter, Assault, Sexual Assault, Robbery, Drug offenses, Domestic Violence, Drug possession and trafficking, White Collar Crimes, and more. Brian J. Woolf, its Managing Attorney, is a member of the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and also serves as its liaison with the Connecticut Department of Correction

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Brian Woolf - Managing Attorney47 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
3.0
Yelp
3.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
36 Russ Street, Hartford, CT 06016
  • DWI/DUI
  • Arraignment

Why choose this provider?

Sexton & Sexton Attorneys at Law caters to clients across the Hartford metro and the surrounding areas. It defends the rights of individuals arrested for criminal charges, such as drug possession, felony, domestic violence, assault, and driving under the influence. It also serves clients needing legal assistance in recovering compensation for their injuries due to construction accidents, electrocution, medical malpractice, animal attacks, and sexual abuse. Founding attorney Terence Sexton brings two decades of experience in the legal field.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
255 Main Street, Suite 400, Hartford, CT 06106
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

The Dorman Law Firm, LLC is an immigrant-owned general practice serving clients in Hartford. It offers legal representation to individuals facing state and federal criminal charges, handling cases that involve DUI, drug offenses, property crimes, manslaughter, murder, and assault. It investigates the cases and creates defenses based on irregularities that may result in the charges being dropped or lowered. Its attorney, Tanya T. Dorman, is a Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association member and has been practicing law for over two decades.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.1
Google
4.1 / 5 (20)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2071 Park Street, 2nd Floor, Hartford, CT 06106
  • Federal Crime

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Kevin R. Joiner, LLC, helps clients deal with criminal defense matters in Hartford and the surrounding communities. Its team has nearly 10 years of experience in representing people accused of criminal charges, such as drug possession, assault, larceny, burglary, and white-collar crimes, in state and federal courts. It also handles other legal matters, including commercial and residential real estate, entertainment, sports, and business law. Kevin Joiner, the founding lawyer, has been a criminal defense litigator for nearly nine years.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.8 / 5 (5)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
90 Brainard Rd, Hartford, CT 06114
  • Probation Violation

Why choose this provider?

Slatt Legal, Attorney at Law, helps offers criminal defense to clients in Hartford and the surrounding areas. It represents the accused in arraignments, dismissals, pleas, or verdicts after trial. It provides legal counsel and consultation to individuals charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses and helps protect their rights. In addition to criminal defense, its practice areas include workers' compensation and personal injury law. Its team comprises legal assistants, lawyers, articling students, and international partners with decades of experience in the industry.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (9)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2 Congress St, Hartford, CT 06114

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Michael L. Chambers, Jr. provides client-centric criminal defense representation to clients in Hartford and the surrounding areas. With more than 15 years of legal experience, Chambers can handle a variety of criminal cases, including domestic violence, drug crimes, DUI/DWI, misdemeanor, and sex crimes. Other than criminal law, Chambers is also equally experienced in the areas of personal injury law and real estate law. Past clients commend Chambers's attention to detail, professionalism, and responsiveness.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Michael Chambers - Founder20 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.9 / 5 (32)
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (19)
Yelp
2.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
250 Main St., Hartford, CT 06106
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

Bayer, Odlum & Hyde is a multi-practice law firm serving throughout Hartford. It represents individuals accused of committing felonies and misdemeanors. Its attorneys also help clients reach mutual agreements on a variety of family law matters and facilitate asset and wealth transfers to decedents' lawful beneficiaries. They also help injured victims obtain the maximum compensation that they deserve. Partners Peter F. Odlum, John R. Hyde, and Teri E. Bayer are members of the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (9)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
84 Connecticut Blvd., East Hartford, CT 06108
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

David A Zipfel & Associates, LLC, caters to clients in the Hartford metro and the surrounding communities. It offers representation to individuals being investigated for various crimes, including assault and battery, domestic violence, drug trafficking, manslaughter, murder, and robbery. It also handles personal injury cases, such as car accidents, dog bites, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, and wrongful death. David A. Zipfel, the attorney, brings over more than 40 years of experience in the legal field.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Google
4.7 / 5 (19)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (2)
Yelp
1.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.5
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
242 Trumbull Street, Hartford, CT 06103
  • Federal Crime

Why choose this provider?

Day Pitney LLP Hartford serves the legal needs of residents of the metro and nearby locations. One of its practice areas focuses on the defense of persons charged with white-collar crimes. It protects the interests of clients whenever they are confronted by a government or regulatory investigation, whether at the regional, national or international level. Its team has represented private companies, Fortune 100 corporations, and universities. The firm has been in operation since 2007 and has nearly 300 attorneys in its 13 offices.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
45 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon, CT 6066

Why choose this provider?

Kahan, Kerensky, Capossela LLP is a firm of criminal lawyers near Hartford. It has been serving the local community for 55 years and handles a variety of legal matters including felonies, misdemeanors, DUIs, sexual assault, domestic violence, and drug charges. It can also provide legal counsel in areas outside criminal law. The law office's team is certified on the Connecticut Bar, the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. District Court, and the District of Connecticut.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
William Dakin - Partner45 yrs
Solomon Kerensky - Partner61 yrs
Michael Bars - Managing Partner44 yrs
Christopher Bowen - Partner15 yrs
Matthew Willis - Partner23 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Avvo
4.9 / 5 (38)
Facebook
4.6 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
93 Oak St., Hartford, CT 06106
  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence
  • Theft & Burglary

Why choose this provider?

Budlong & Budlong LLC, Attorneys at Law, counsels and represents clients in the Hartford metro and the surrounding communities. It assists individuals facing criminal charges, including aggravated assault, battery, domestic violence, DUI, marijuana possession, and theft. It helps them seek favorable outcomes before the courts, such as dropped or reduced charges, no jail time, and probation instead of a conviction. C. Michael Budlong, a senior partner, has been practicing law since 1969. He is also licensed to practice before the US Supreme Court.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Google
4.4 / 5 (9)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (9)
Yelp
1.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services withExpertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Hartford, Connecticut?

    860-757-4000 is the non-emergency line of the Hartford Police Department.

  • Can your conviction record be erased in Hartford?

    Yes, it is possible to have a conviction erased in Hartford by obtaining a pardon from the Board of Pardons and Paroles. Requesting an absolute pardon can result in the individual's criminal record being expunged and not appearing on background checks. Certain licenses and jobs may also be eligible for a certificate of employability. On the other hand, a commutation can only reduce a sentence and does not restore any rights.

  • Can one avoid a trial or jail through a diversionary program in Hartford?

    Yes. In Connecticut, there are diversionary programs that are accessible to certain individuals charged with criminal offenses, depending on factors such as their prior records and the nature of the charges. Successful completion of the program's terms can lead to the dismissal of the charges. In Hartford, these terms often involve attending substance abuse or educational programs and avoiding further legal trouble. The emphasis of these programs is on treatment rather than punishment.

  • Are grand jury proceedings secret in Hartford?

    Connecticut, including Hartford, does not have a regular grand jury system for the most part. However, in rare instances where grand jury proceedings do occur, rules are usually in place to prevent government attorneys, grand jury members, and court personnel from disclosing the proceedings. If these rules are violated, the offender may be held in contempt of court if proven guilty. Nonetheless, identifying the person who made the prohibited disclosure can often be challenging.

  • How does a state or district attorney decide which criminals to charge in Hartford?

    Typically, after the police have investigated a crime, they send a report to the district attorney or prosecutor, who evaluates the case to ensure it is legally sound and doesn't have obvious flaws that could lead to its dismissal. The prosecutor then decides whether there is sufficient and trustworthy evidence to prove the person's guilt and if offering a plea bargain is appropriate. Other considerations that impact the prosecutor's decision include the defendant's level of responsibility, the availability of resources in the prosecutor's office, and the importance of the case.

  • What are the potential consequences of a misdemeanor conviction in Hartford?

    If someone is convicted of a misdemeanor offense in Hartford, they may face fines, jail time, and restitution. Although misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, certain high-level misdemeanors can result in penalties similar to those of felony convictions. Examples of misdemeanor cases are shoplifting or theft, minor drug charges, and some serious traffic violations.