Find & Compare Criminal Lawyers in Your Area!

Criminal defense lawyers represent people who have been arrested, charged or under investigation — from DUI and drug possession to assault, theft and serious felonies — and some also help clear old records where the law allows it. Visitors to this page are often under time pressure, with a court date set or a family member in custody.

Nothing here is legal advice, only questions that help you choose. Ask how often the lawyer appears in the court where your case is filed. Criminal fees are usually flat but staged, with one fee through pretrial and another if the case goes to trial, so ask what each stage covers. Ask whether the lawyer you meet will appear at hearings or hand the file to an associate. Check the lawyer’s standing and any public discipline with the state bar where they are licensed. If private counsel is out of reach, ask the court about a public defender. Other practice areas are listed under legal services.

Every defense practice listed below submitted its own profile, and a person reviewed it before publication. If you practice criminal defense, apply to get listed — free, and the form takes a few minutes.