Expertise.com Homepage

2024

Last updated:

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Burlington, VT

Our Recommended Top 7

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 Burlington 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.

37Reviewed

25Curated

7Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

77 College Street, Burlington, VT 05401

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (24)
Facebook
5.0 (20)
Avvo
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Burke Law provides zealous and compassionate legal services to individuals who have been charged or arrested for criminal defense violations. Its team takes on non-violent and violent offenses, representing defendants in Burlington and across Vermont. It addresses the legal concerns of those facing charges for financial crimes, drug possession or distribution, fish and game violations, and domestic violence. It also handles robbery, homicide, and sex crime cases. Burke Law received the Client Champion Silver Award from Martindale-Hubbell in 2021.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Jessica Burke - Founding AttorneyActive14 yrs

95 Saint Paul Street, Burlington, VT 05401

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (24)
Yelp
4.5 (2)
Avvo
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

One of Kaplan and Kaplan's notable victories includes successfully dismissing a DUI case and reducing the client's license suspension from six months to three months. Its team provides legal support and representation to individuals in Burlington and across Vermont who have been arrested or investigated due to different types of criminal defense violations. It takes on matters involving fraud and embezzlement, DUI, aggravated assault, domestic violence, and drug distribution or possession. The firm has battled banks, governments, and insurance companies to protect the liberty, basic rights, and property interests of its clients.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Mark Kaplan - Founding PartnerActive53 yrs
Robert Kaplan - PartnerActive25 yrs

239 South Union Street, Burlington, VT 05401

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.0 (9)
Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Serving Burlington and across Vermont, the Law Offices of John B. St. Francis offers compassionate legal representation to people dealing with criminal defense cases. It fights for the rights of those who have been arrested or accused of DUI and drug possession or distribution. The firm provides detailed guidance, helping clients understand the charges against them. It assists defendants in creating strategies to prevent the negative effects of their case on their jobs and relationships with their families. The practice has been delivering services since 1998.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
John St. francis - PrincipalActive27 yrs
John St. Francis - MemberActive27 yrs

110 Main Street, Suite 3A, Burlington, VT 05401

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (9)
Yelp
4.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Jason J. Sawyer, Attorney and Counselor at Law, has won numerous trials for individuals accused of crimes and arrested in Burlington and across Vermont, including the dismissal of the DUI case and suspension of civil license for one of its clients. The firm provides legal defenses against a variety of crimes, such as money laundering, violence, sexual assault, property crimes, and drug offenses. It protects its clients' legal interests inside and outside the courts, assisting them in obtaining the best possible settlement to their situations.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Jason Sawyer - Principal / OwnerActive22 yrs

131 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05401

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.3 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Bothfeld & Volk, P.C. is a general service law firm that provides criminal defense services to those who are arrested and accused of doing criminal acts in Burlington and around Vermont. It guides defendants in navigating the judicial system, advising them on their legal rights and options throughout the process. It also defends its client's legal interests in state and federal courts to help them acquire fair resolutions for their situations. Richard Bothfeld, one of the firm's lawyers, has been practicing criminal law for more than three decades.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Richard Bothfeld - PartnerActive41 yrs

126 College Street, Burlington, VT 05401

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
3.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Montroll, Backus & Oettinger, P.C., deals with criminal defense cases in Burlington and throughout Vermont. Its team of attorneys offers compassionate representation to individuals facing charges for different types of criminal violations. It takes on matters related to DUI, domestic violence, battery and assault, and drug possession or distribution. It also handles misdemeanor and felony cases. Its legal team assists defendants in developing strategies to reduce or drop mandatory penalties. The firm has been operating for over a decade.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Andrew Montroll - Founding PartnerActive35 yrs

148 College Street, Burlington, VT 05401

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (90)
Yelp
3.0 (2)
Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Since 2013, Handy Law has provided legal assistance to defendants in criminal cases in Burlington and the surrounding areas of Vermont. It examines every piece of evidence in each case and helps clients avoid inappropriate words and actions during court proceedings. It protects its clients' interests inside and outside of court, allowing them to have charges dropped, penalties reduced, and other positive outcomes for their cases. Handy Law also defends defendants' rights against restricted and controlling refrain from abuse orders.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Charles Handy - PrincipalActive12 yrs

Compare our Top Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Burke Law
77 College Street, Burlington, VT 05401
Kaplan and Kaplan
95 Saint Paul Street, Burlington, VT 05401
Law Offices of John B. St. Francis
239 South Union Street, Burlington, VT 05401
Jason J. Sawyer, Attorney and Counselor at Law
110 Main Street, Suite 3A, Burlington, VT 05401
Bothfeld & Volk, P.C.
131 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05401
Montroll, Backus & Oettinger, P.C.
126 College Street, Burlington, VT 05401
Handy Law
148 College Street, Burlington, VT 05401

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.

Burlington, VT Criminal Defense FAQs

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

    Burlington residents in need of non-emergency assistance from the police can call (802) 658-2704.

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

    In order for you to obtain a copy of your police report, fill out the online records request form on the City of Burlington website at https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/Police/Records-Request.

  • When questioned for a criminal case in Burlington, do you need to contact an attorney before saying anything to the police?

    It is advisable to seek legal guidance in Burlington before saying anything to the police. Criminal defense lawyers can guide you on how to handle police questioning and what information to provide. While you may be tempted to give your "side of the story," it is essential to remember that even innocent statements can be twisted and used to build a case against you.

  • Can you get a restricted driver's license in Burlington if your driver's license is suspended because of a DUI charge?

    Individuals under DUI suspension in Burlington are not provided with the option of a restricted driver's license. A restricted driver's license enables drivers with a suspended license to drive a vehicle under specific conditions. Many states in the US do not provide restricted driver's licenses, including Vermont. Thus, consulting with an experienced DUI lawyer who can provide you with other suitable legal options is highly recommended.

  • In Burlington, is drug possession a felony or misdemeanor?

    Drug possession crimes in Burlington can result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on factors like the type and amount of drugs involved. Possession of 1-2 oz (first offense) is a misdemeanor with up to six months in jail and a $500 fine, while 2 oz-1 lb can lead to a felony charge with a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

  • Can you use affirmative defenses for DUI cases in Burlington?

    In Burlington, individuals facing DUI charges can utilize affirmative defenses to assert that their actions were justified or not illegal. An affirmative defense serves as a counterargument to the claims presented by the plaintiff or prosecutor in court. Self-defense is one of the common examples of affirmative defenses that can be used to prove the defendant's innocence or reduce the severity of their charges.

  • How long can someone be on probation in Burlington?

    The maximum probation duration set by the city of Burlington for misdemeanors is two years and four years for nonviolent felonies. The length of the probation period depends on various factors, such as the individual's background and the gravity of their offense. Additionally, courts in Burlington can implement a prolonged probation period if necessary.