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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Hartford, CT

Our Recommended Top 12

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

101Reviewed

65Curated

12Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

50 Founders Plaza, East Hartford, CT 06108

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
3.0 (2)

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 NameBar StatusExperience
Brian Woolf - Managing AttorneyActive48 yrs

645 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (26)

Why choose this provider?

Sills Law Firm handles criminal defense cases in Hartford and the rest of Connecticut. It aggressively fights for the rights of individuals facing criminal charges, such as sex and drug crimes, DUI, and white-collar offenses. It also works on appeals and expungements. Its team assists clients throughout the process, from initial consultation to plea negotiation to trial. The firm has been featured by various media entities, including The Bulletin, Hartford Courant, The Today Show, and Connecticut Law Tribune. Its attorneys have over two decades of combined legal experience.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Jonathan Sills - Attorney at LawActive19 yrs

84 Connecticut Blvd., East Hartford, CT 06108

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (19)
Avvo
5.0 (2)
Yelp
1.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

With more than 40 years of legal experience, David A Zipfel & Associates, LLC, handles criminal defense law in the Hartford metro. Its legal team represents defendants accused of various charges in Connecticut, helping them avoid penalties, fines, and other future repercussions. The firm deals with a wide range of cases, from misdemeanors like traffic offenses, retail theft, and marijuana possession to serious felonies such as drug trafficking, manslaughter, white-collar crimes, and murder. The team also conducts home and hospital visits for those who cannot personally come to the office.

  • DWI/DUI

2071 Park Street, 2nd Floor, Hartford, CT 06106

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (5)
Avvo
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

For more than a decade, the Law Office of Kevin R. Joiner, LLC has been standing up for individuals accused or arrested for criminal offenses in Hartford and the adjoining regions of Connecticut. It gathers evidence to help criminal defense clients bolster their assertions. It also defends them in court so they can seek acquittal, sentence reduction, and other fair judgments. The firm provides diversionary programs to first-time offenders, such as the Alternative Incarceration Program, Pre-trial Alcohol Education Program, and Community Service Labor Program.

  • Federal Crime

250 Main St., Hartford, CT 06106

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (9)
Yelp
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Bayer, Odlum & Hyde extends legal assistance to Spanish-speaking people in Hartford and the rest of Connecticut in need of criminal defense. Its team aggressively represents those dealing with criminal-related cases, helping them protect their rights and reputation. The firm works with clients facing charges for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. It guides defendants during DMV hearings and assists them in developing strategies to prevent penalties like fines, license suspension, and imprisonment. It also takes on personal injury, probate, and real estate law.

  • DWI/DUI

242 Trumbull Street, Hartford, CT 06103

Expertise.com Rating

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.

  • Federal Crime

255 Main Street, Suite 400, Hartford, CT 06106

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.1 (20)

Why choose this provider?

The Dorman Law Firm, LLC, facilitates criminal defense proceedings for clients in Hartford, Connecticut. It aggressively fights for the rights of accused citizens, working closely with the clients to achieve the best possible outcome for their case. The firm deals with allegations involving drug offenses, property crimes, driving under the influence, and property crimes. Its approach involves looking for relevant evidence that would strengthen the defense and ultimately prevent a trial. The law firm has been serving the community for nearly two decades.

  • DWI/DUI

2 Congress St, Hartford, CT 06114

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (32)
Facebook
4.8 (19)
Yelp
2.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

For over 20 years, the Law Office of Michael L. Chambers Jr. has been upholding the rights of people in Hartford, Connecticut who need criminal defense assistance. Its team has years of experience working with clients of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds. It represents those facing criminal charges for domestic violence, DUI or DWI, sex crimes, and drug possession. The practice guides defendants during pre-trial conferences, hearings, trials, arraignments, and appeals, helping them navigate federal processes of prosecution.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Michael Chambers - FounderActive21 yrs

90 Brainard Rd, Hartford, CT 06114

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (9)

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.

  • Probation Violation

36 Russ Street, Hartford, CT 06016

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Sexton & Sexton Attorneys at Law has a criminal defense practitioner who advocates for clients across Hartford and the rest of Connecticut. Its legal team offers counsel and representation to clients accused of or charged with various types of crimes, from first-time DUI offenses to complex white-collar crimes such as bribery, computer and internet fraud, and antitrust violations. When necessary, they also offer home and hospital visits to meet clients' needs. Terence P. Sexton's experience handling personal injury cases involving assaults provides him with valuable insight in defending his clients.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Arraignment

45 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon, CT 6066

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.9 (38)
Facebook
4.6 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Since its inception in 1964, KKC Law has been providing legal support and representation to families and individuals in Hartford and the rest of Connecticut. Its attorneys handle criminal defense cases, helping clients understand their rights by explaining available defenses and any possibilities for a plea bargain. They create comprehensive strategies to prevent arrest and prosecution. They take on matters involving domestic violence, harassment, assault, internet and computer crimes, and probation violations. The firm also caters to those facing negligent homicide and drug abuse charges.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Christopher Bowen - PartnerActive16 yrs
William Dakin - PartnerActive46 yrs
Solomon Kerensky - PartnerActive62 yrs
Matthew Willis - PartnerActive24 yrs
Michael Bars - Managing PartnerActive45 yrs

93 Oak St., Hartford, CT 06106

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.4 (9)
Yelp
4.3 (6)
Facebook
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Budlong & Budlong LLC Attorneys at Law provides legal representation to criminal defendants in Hartford and adjacent counties in Connecticut. It evaluates the evidence to determine each case's advantages and disadvantages and create defense plans. It advocates for its clients' interests in court proceedings, including arraignments, bail hearings, and trials, to help them win favorable judgments in their criminal defense cases. Additionally, it bargains with prosecutors to look for alternatives to jail time or a plea deal. The firm has operated in the legal sector since 1975.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence

Compare our Top Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Woolf Law Firm, LLC
50 Founders Plaza, East Hartford, CT 06108
Sills Law Firm
645 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105
David A Zipfel & Associates, LLC
84 Connecticut Blvd., East Hartford, CT 06108
The Law Office of Kevin R. Joiner, LLC
2071 Park Street, 2nd Floor, Hartford, CT 06106
Bayer, Odlum & Hyde
250 Main St., Hartford, CT 06106
Day Pitney LLP Hartford
242 Trumbull Street, Hartford, CT 06103
The Dorman Law Firm, LLC
255 Main Street, Suite 400, Hartford, CT 06106
Law Office of Michael L. Chambers, Jr.
2 Congress St, Hartford, CT 06114
Slatt Legal Attorney at Law
90 Brainard Rd, Hartford, CT 06114
Sexton & Sexton Attorneys at Law
36 Russ Street, Hartford, CT 06016
Kahan Kerensky Capossela, LLP
45 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon, CT 6066
Budlong & Budlong LLC Attorneys at Law
93 Oak St., Hartford, CT 06106

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 with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Hartford, CT Criminal Defense FAQs

  • 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.

  • Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Hartford, Connecticut?

    To obtain police reports, you can contact the Records Division at (860) 757-4150 and provide the relevant Incident Report Number. The Records Division will inform you of the number of pages required for your report.

  • 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.