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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in New Haven, CT

Our Recommended Top 14

We did the research for you!

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored New Haven 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.

107Reviewed

69Curated

14Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

157 Church Street 19th Floor, Suite 2700, New Haven, CT 06510

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Grubaugh Law LLC represents New Haven residents dealing with criminal cases. It protects the rights of individuals and helps them resolve penalties for domestic assault, drug, and murder crimes. The firm's partner, Joshua Grubaugh, also serves as a private lawyer for the marines, navy, coast guard, air force, and army. He has handled various types of minor and major criminal misconduct, including rape, manslaughter, and domestic violence. He worked as a chief of legal assistance and a claims attorney for over three years.

  • DWI/DUI

934 Grand Ave, New Haven, CT 06511

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.4 (9)
Yelp
1.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Ruben Rodriguez is a full-service firm that caters to clients in New Haven. Since it opened in 2002, it has been taking on various legal disciplines, such as criminal defense, personal injury, workers' compensation, and family law. Its attorneys work with individuals facing criminal charges for assault, drug offenses, and driving under the influence. They communicate closely with defendants and represent them in court to obtain favorable results. Its associates can also provide their services in Spanish.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes

315 Front Street, New Haven, CT 06513

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (11)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of J.W. Messina LLC is a solo practice law firm in New Haven that represents individuals with criminal defense cases. Attorney Jason Messina investigates clients' cases to identify weaknesses in the evidence while developing a defensive strategy to get their drug- and weapon-related charges dropped. He also handles cases involving domestic violence, as well as sexual and white-collar offenses. The firm provides legal counsel for DUI and traffic violation matters. Mr. Messina is a member of the Connecticut Bar Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Jason Messina - PrincipalActive9 yrs

350 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06511

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (7)
Google
5.0 (4)
Facebook
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Frost | Bussert LLC is a general litigation law firm working with the residents of New Haven. The firm's team has over 45 years of combined legal experience, and it offers criminal defense services for those who have been accused of state and federal crimes, such as drug possession and trafficking, fraud, driving while intoxicated, and homicide. It also offers post-conviction relief services, such as appeal representation and record expungement.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Robert Frost - PartnerActive26 yrs

51 Elm St STE 409, New Haven, CT 06510

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (4)
FindLaw
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office Of Tina Sypek D'amato LLC defends individuals residing in New Haven who are facing criminal charges. Its attorneys represent clients charged with drug crimes, such as manufacturing, possession with intent to distribute, and trafficking. They also assist clients who have been accused of probation and parole violations avoid punishments such as jail time and community service. The Law Office Of Tina Sypek D'amato represents convicted individuals in court proceedings of habeas corpus appeals.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Tina Sypek D'Amato - PrincipalActive20 yrs

683 State St, New Haven, CT 06511

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (119)
Facebook
5.0 (18)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Jack O'Donnell LLC is a criminal defense and medical malpractice law firm that has been serving the New Haven community for over 40 years. The firm has experience defending its clients from allegations of drug possession and distribution, trespassing and vandalism, and probation violations. Its team has also taken cases involving traffic crimes, such as drunk driving and speeding. Founder Jack O'Donnell is a member of the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Jack O’donnell - PrincipalActive43 yrs
Jack O’donnell - PrincipalActive43 yrs

157 Church Street, New Haven, CT 06510

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (134)
Google
5.0 (38)
Facebook
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 2003, Field Law Office LLC is a criminal defense firm in New Haven that represents clients with criminal matters. Its founding attorney, Erin Field, defends the rights of individuals accused of perpetrating criminal mischief, domestic violence, drug possession and sale, and sexual assault. She also represents people facing weapons charges, including unlawful carrying of guns and illegal discharge of firearms, to help them retain their possession privileges. Ms. Field is a member of the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Erin Field - PrincipalActive32 yrs

59 Elm St Suite 207, New Haven, CT 06511

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (24)
FindLaw
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Alexander T. Taubes defends the rights of the criminally charged in the New Haven community. Taubes handles criminal defense processes, such as post-warrant issuance, arraignment and bond reduction hearings, state and federal court trials, and sentence reduction motions. He assists defendants in the different stages of the legal process and creates defense plans to help clients secure better outcomes, such as charge or prison time reduction. Taubes is a member of the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Arraignment

770 Chapel Street, Suite 4E, New Haven, CT 06510

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (8)
Avvo
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of David J. Cutillo, LLC, caters to clients in New Haven and nearby areas. It provides legal counsel and representation to individuals and entities who have been accused of a criminal offense. David Cutillo defends clients in a wide range of lawsuits, from DUI, domestic violence, and illegal possession of firearms to felonies and misdemeanor charges. He also handles personal injury and family law cases. Cutillo has been practicing law since 2014.

  • DWI/DUI

65 Trumbull St 2nd FL, New Haven, CT 06510

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (12)
Facebook
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Mirsky Defense is a criminal law firm that serves clients in New Haven and the surrounding areas. The firm represents clients accused of white-collar offenses as well as violent crimes, federal crimes, and incidents involving juveniles. Mirsky Defense also handles habeas corpus petitions. The team counsels clients post-conviction to have pardons granted and judgments sealed to minimize the damage to a client's reputation, credit rating, employment prospects, and custody arrangements.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Rachel Mirsky - PrincipalActive10 yrs

373 Humphrey St., New Haven, CT 06511

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (14)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Esposito & Annunziata protects the legal rights of those who stand accused or are under investigation for committing crimes in New Haven. Its attorneys assist injured clients in obtaining fair compensation from negligent parties, resolving family law issues, and representing them in probate proceedings. Partners John Esposito and Al Annunziata lead the firm with more than three decades of legal experience. It has a diverse staff, with the majority of them speaking Italian and Spanish.

142 Temple Street, New Haven, CT 06510

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (2)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

McNamara & Goodman, LLP, serves the legal needs of individuals in New Haven and nearby areas. It represents individuals facing criminal charges for misdemeanor and felony violations. The general practice provides counsel and assists clients in creating defense strategies to resolve mandatory penalties. It also handles personal injury lawsuits involving nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, premises liability, and auto and motorcycle accidents. The firm's partners, Thomas McNamara and Mark Goodman are members of the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association.

  • Juvenile Crimes

350 Orange Street Suite 101, New Haven, CT 06511

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Sheehan & Reeve caters to clients in New Haven and the neighboring areas. This law firm represents individuals facing criminal accusations. It represents those charged with various types of criminal offenses, such as white-collar crimes, misdemeanors, and serious felonies. It also represents clients investigated by a grand jury. Additionally, the firm handles cases involving drug and weapons possession, homicide, burglary, domestic assault, fraud, and probation violations. Michael O. Sheehan, a partner at the firm, is a member of the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.

  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Crimes
  • Theft & Burglary

129 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06510

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Dombroski Hillis LLC is a full-service legal practice that represents the interests of individuals and businesses in New Haven and the surrounding areas. It provides legal assistance to individuals who have been accused of committing crimes. The firm also handles civil and commercial litigation in both state and federal courts. Its attorneys employ alternative dispute resolution strategies, including mediation and arbitration. Partners Stan R. Dombroski and Michael Stanton Hillis are both members of the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association.

  • Federal Crime

Compare our Top Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Grubaugh Law LLC
157 Church Street 19th Floor, Suite 2700, New Haven, CT 06510
The Law Offices of Ruben Rodriguez
934 Grand Ave, New Haven, CT 06511
Law Office of J.W. Messina, LLC
315 Front Street, New Haven, CT 06513
Frost | Bussert LLC
350 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06511
The Law Office Of Tina Sypek D'amato, LLC
51 Elm St STE 409, New Haven, CT 06510
Law Office of Jack O'Donnell, L.L.C.
683 State St, New Haven, CT 06511
Field Law Office, LLC
157 Church Street, New Haven, CT 06510
Alexander T. Taubes
59 Elm St Suite 207, New Haven, CT 06511
The Law Office of David J. Cutillo, LLC
770 Chapel Street, Suite 4E, New Haven, CT 06510
Mirsky Defense
65 Trumbull St 2nd FL, New Haven, CT 06510
Law Offices of Esposito & Annunziata
373 Humphrey St., New Haven, CT 06511
McNamara & Goodman, LLP
142 Temple Street, New Haven, CT 06510
Sheehan & Reeve
350 Orange Street Suite 101, New Haven, CT 06511
Dombroski Hillis LLC
129 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06510

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.

New Haven, CT Criminal Defense FAQs

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

    203-946-6316 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in New Haven.

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

    To request a copy of a police report or body-worn camera footage in New Haven, CT, you can fill out a request form online, mail it to the New Haven Department of Police Service at 1 Union Avenue, New Haven, CT 06519, or present it to the front desk sergeant in person. You can also fax the form to 203-946-6274. Provide as much information as possible, including full names, date and time of the incident, location, and report number. Some incidents may not be releasable, and information may be redacted. For more information, call the Records Division at 203-946-6259.

  • What should you do if you're questioned by police while on foot in New Haven?

    When questioned by police while on foot in New Haven, it's important to remember that you have the right to remain silent and not answer any questions. If you're not under arrest, politely ask if you're free to leave. If police have a reason to believe you have a weapon, they may conduct a pat-down of your clothing. Don't resist, but make it clear you don't consent to any search. Without probable cause, police can't search you or your property.

  • What should you do if you're facing criminal charges in New Haven?

    When facing criminal charges in New Haven, it's wise to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you. They can guide you through the criminal justice system and help you build a strong defense strategy. A successful defense can lead to the dismissal of charges, which can have long-term benefits for your personal and professional life. Conversely, a criminal conviction can result in severe consequences such as imprisonment, probation, and fines.

  • How much do criminal defense attorneys cost in New Haven?

    Criminal defense attorneys in New Haven often charge upfront flat fees for their services, meaning that clients pay the full amount before the attorney begins representing them. The benefit of a flat fee is that clients know the total cost at the outset and will not receive periodic bills for the attorney's time. However, the fees for a criminal defense attorney in Connecticut can vary widely based on the seriousness and specifics of the case, with prices starting around $1,500–$2,500.

  • How do you complain about a defense lawyer in New Haven?

    To make a complaint about a defense lawyer in New Haven, try to resolve the issue with the lawyer or their firm. If the problem is related to fees, contact the Connecticut Bar Association's Arbitration of Legal Fee Disputes process. For serious complaints, fill out and sign a complaint form and mail it to the Statewide Bar Counsel at 100 Washington Street, First Floor, Hartford, CT 06106. The Bar Grievance Committee has the authority to investigate and discipline lawyers for misconduct or unethical behavior. Contact the Connecticut Bar Association at 860-223-4400 for more information.

  • Can you represent yourself in court in New Haven?

    Although it is possible to represent yourself in court, it is not advisable. Self-representation can be challenging and often results in unfavorable outcomes. It is recommended that you hire a criminal defense lawyer in New Haven who can assist you in building a strong case and increase your chances of success.