Verified criminal defense attorney directory
Find the Best Criminal Defense Lawyers
Compare 183,171 bar-verified criminal defense attorneys across the United States, cross-referenced with state bar records. Every profile shows license status, years in practice, and authentic client reviews. Contacting any attorney on LawyersListed is always free.
- State Bar verified
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- 183K
- Verified criminal defense attorneys
- 10
- States covered
- 9
- Related practice areas
- 23
- Criminal Defense Q&A
About this directory
Choose a criminal defense attorney with the same diligence you’d apply to any senior professional.
Every criminal defense attorney listed in our directory has been cross-checked against state bar records — license number, admission date, practice areas, and any disciplinary history are surfaced on the profile, never hidden. The state with the largest population of criminal defense attorneys is Texas, but you can drill into any U.S. jurisdiction below.
LawyersListed is editorially independent from the attorneys we list. Search rankings, ratings, and review screening are not influenced by advertising spend. Featured placements are clearly disclosed, and we never collect a referral fee out of your attorney's retainer.
Not sure if your matter is even a criminal defense matter? Post your situation to our free public Q&A — anonymously, no card required — and a bar-verified attorney will usually respond within a few hours.
About this area of law
What criminal defense lawyers do
Criminal defense attorneys protect the rights of people accused of a crime. From the first interrogation through arraignment, plea negotiation, suppression motions, trial, and appeal — they fight to keep clients out of jail, off the registry, and clear of a record that follows them for life.
Sponsored
Featured criminal defense attorneys
- Gold
Michael R. Stern
New York
0.0· 0 reviews
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Douglas MacMillan Borthwick
California
5.0· 118 reviews
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Sponsored placements are paid by the attorney. Inclusion here does not imply endorsement, and ratings on these listings are not influenced by payment.
Editorial ranking
Top-rated criminal defense attorneys

Tucker L. Watson
Virginia
5.0· 287 reviews
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T.L. Kearney IV
Pennsylvania
5.0· 231 reviews
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Zachary A. Cohen
North Carolina
5.0· 184 reviews
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Paul G. Tuths
New York
5.0· 160 reviews
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Philip L. Arnel
Massachusetts
5.0· 144 reviews
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Scott L. Anderson
Minnesota
5.0· 123 reviews
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Michael Maz Raheb
Florida
5.0· 121 reviews
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Jason B. Goldman
Florida
5.0· 116 reviews
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John H Schmidt
Kentucky
5.0· 103 reviews
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Brian Douglas Sloan
Arizona
5.0· 97 reviews
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George Leroy Powell
Texas
5.0· 91 reviews
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Mallory N. Hughes
Nebraska
5.0· 89 reviews
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David B. Law
Colorado
5.0· 87 reviews
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Jonathan Franklin
California
5.0· 76 reviews
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Julio Cesar Torrente, Esq.
Florida
5.0· 75 reviews
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Ranked by client rating, verified review count, and claim status — never by subscription tier or paid placement.
By jurisdiction
Criminal Defense attorneys by state
Free legal Q&A
Recent criminal defense questions
- Michigan 15d ago 1
How can I appeal a conviction for a DUI in Michigan?
I was convicted of a DUI in Detroit, MI, last year and am unhappy with the outcome. I feel like my attorney didn’t represent me well, and I’d like to know if there’s a way to appeal this decision. What are the steps I should take?
- Pennsylvania 16d ago 1
What can I do if I’m wrongfully accused of robbery in Pennsylvania?
I was wrongly accused of robbery in Philadelphia, PA, after an incident at a store where I was simply shopping. The security footage proves my innocence, but the police arrested me anyway. What steps can I take to fight these charges and prove my innocence?
- Hawaii 19d ago 1
What should I know about plea deals for misdemeanor charges in Hawaii?
I received a misdemeanor charge for disorderly conduct in Honolulu, HI, and the court suggested a plea deal. I’m unsure if I should accept it or fight the charge. What should I consider before making this decision?
- Colorado 20d ago 1
What are the penalties for a DUI in Colorado after a second offense?
I received my second DUI in Denver, CO, last month, and I'm worried about facing harsher penalties this time around. My first offense resulted in a fine and community service, but I’ve heard that consequences can be much worse for repeat offenders. What should
- Massachusetts 23d ago 1
What are the legal consequences of underage drinking in Massachusetts?
I’m a college student in Boston, MA, and I was caught with alcohol at a party. I’m concerned about the legal repercussions this may have on my record and my future job opportunities. What can I expect if I’m charged with this?
- Arizona 26d ago 1
How do I find a good criminal defense attorney in Arizona?
I’m facing drug possession charges in Phoenix, AZ, and I have no idea how to choose the right defense attorney. I need someone who understands the laws here and has a track record of winning cases. What criteria should I consider when searching for a good lawy
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about criminal defense lawyers
How do I find a verified criminal defense attorney?
Use the search above to filter criminal defense attorneys by state, city, language, and consultation fee. Every listing on LawyersListed is cross-referenced with the relevant state bar — license number, admission date, and disciplinary status are surfaced on the profile, not buried.
Is it free to contact a criminal defense lawyer here?
Yes. Browsing profiles, reading authentic reviews, sending a first message, and asking a public legal question are always free. You only pay if you choose to book a paid private consultation — and the fee is displayed up front before you confirm.
How is a criminal defense attorney usually paid?
It depends on the matter. Most criminal defense attorneys bill hourly, on a flat-fee basis for defined work, or on retainer for ongoing matters. Every LawyersListed profile lists the consultation fee up front; the long-term fee structure is something to ask about during that consultation.
How long does it take to book a criminal defense consultation?
Most active attorneys publish a live calendar with same-week openings; many show same-day availability for urgent matters. Payment is held in escrow until the consultation completes, so funds release only after you’ve met with counsel.
What should I bring to a criminal defense consultation?
A short written summary of what happened (dates, parties, dollar amounts), copies of every document you already have (contracts, letters, photographs, medical records — whatever applies), and three concrete questions: How have you handled a matter like mine? What is the realistic range of outcomes? What will this cost end to end?
Does LawyersListed take a referral fee from my criminal defense attorney?
No. We never collect a referral fee or a percentage of an attorney’s retainer. Attorneys pay LawyersListed a flat platform fee for premium features; that arrangement is fully separate from any fee you pay your attorney for legal services.
Ready to find a criminal defense attorney?
Compare 183,171 bar-verified profiles, or post your situation to our free Q&A and let counsel come to you.