A criminal charge — misdemeanor or felony — puts your freedom, record, job and immigration status at risk. A criminal defense lawyer stands between you and the prosecution: protecting your rights during the investigation, challenging the evidence, negotiating with prosecutors and, when needed, taking your case to trial.
What a criminal defense lawyer does
- Advises you before you speak to police or investigators
- Reviews the arrest, search and evidence for constitutional violations
- Negotiates dismissals, reduced charges, diversion or probation
- Represents you at arraignment, hearings, trial and sentencing
When you need a criminal defense lawyer
- You have been arrested, cited or told you are under investigation
- Police want to “ask a few questions” or search your phone, car or home
- You received a summons or learned a warrant was issued
- You are considering a plea offer and do not understand the consequences
Questions to ask before you hire a criminal defense lawyer
- How many cases like mine have you handled in this court?
- What are the realistic outcomes, including collateral consequences?
- Who will actually work on my case day to day?
- Is the fee flat or hourly, and what does it include if we go to trial?
Common questions
Should I talk to the police without a lawyer?
You have the right to remain silent and to have a lawyer present. Politely say you want a lawyer and stop answering questions. Anything you say can be used against you, even if you believe you are innocent.
What is the difference between a public defender and a private defense lawyer?
Both are licensed attorneys. A public defender is appointed if you cannot afford counsel and often carries a heavy caseload; a private lawyer is hired by you and chosen for experience with your charge and court.
Find a criminal defense lawyer near you
Choose your state to see listed firms and the official bar directory for verifying any lawyer’s license.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming