Best Criminal Defense lawyers in Massachusetts

2,793 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Massachusetts

>2.8k

experienced lawyers

John V. Siskopoulos

265 Franklin St Ste 1702 Pmb A9, Boston, MA

Appeals Business Consumer Protection +2 +5

3.0/5

3.0

2 Reviews

08 Oct, 2023 by John yu

Every year Boston magazine publishes the results for top attorneys in Boston from different legal specialties, from business and criminal law to family and employment law. If there are top 100 attorneys; Edward Wayland would be voted as the top 10 WORST attorneys in Boston. I'm very grateful I had made the right decision to terminate him for ineffectiveness of his counsel. About few years ago, To today's day, I never regretted (terminating) firing Edward Wayland. He almost ruined my life and my freedom. lack of communication, Failure to exercise diligence, ineffectiveness of his counsel, and Incompetence, Incompetence, and Incompetence. I'm in the process of filing a complaint against him to the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseer; Attorney and Consumer Assistance Program (ACAP), I think he should get his license suspended or revoked. (everything I stated here is true except for the top 10 worst attorneys).

01 Nov, 2022 by Cindy allen

I would like to share with everyone the extremely positive experience we had with Attorney Edward Wayland. We were "in the weeds" and getting "bullied" by opposing counsel. Edward just calmly and rationally cut through "the sideshow" intended to distract and turned the situation around 180 degrees. Most importantly Edward held to his integrity and achieved a "just" outcome. I am happy to speak with anyone directly as this is a real experience. You can contact Edward for my details.

Michaela Erin Bradley

265 Franklin St, Boston, MA

Criminal Defense Personal Injury +2

3.0/5

3.0

2 Reviews

08 Oct, 2023 by John yu

01 Nov, 2022 by Cindy allen

Eric James Robbie

265 Franklin St., 6th Floor, Boston, MA

Appeals Criminal Defense Litigation +2 +5

3.0/5

3.0

2 Reviews

08 Oct, 2023 by John yu

01 Nov, 2022 by Cindy allen

John Joseph Bonistalli

265 Franklin St Fl 12, Boston, MA

Appeals Criminal Defense Litigation +3

3.0/5

3.0

2 Reviews

08 Oct, 2023 by John yu

01 Nov, 2022 by Cindy allen

Keith G Langer

255 Harvard Lane, Wrentham, MA

Business Criminal Defense Debt Collection +3

3.0/5

3.0

1 Reviews

15 Aug, 2024 by Danielle

I’m trying to give you the benefit of the doubt that sometimes reading a message sounds a lot more crass or rude than it was intended to be. I sent like a 2 paragraph message asking for advice. The answer you sent me didn’t make any sense to me and just really was not helpful. I’m crying out for a morsel of help in anyway I can get it. I’m really trying not to get defeated with everything that’s going on. None of it makes any sense to me. I don’t understand why!! Maybe next time you reply, try and answer a question. Not by answering a question with a question.

Eliot T. Brais

Po Box 3077, North Attleboro, MA

Business Consumer Protection Criminal Defense +5 +8

2.9/5

1.0

2 Reviews

4.9

10 Reviews

19 Apr, 2023 by Michelle michienzi

I cannot speak highly enough of Tasha Buzzell and Associates LLC and the exceptional legal representation that they provided. From the beginning of my contempt hearing, Tasha demonstrated a deep understanding of the law and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for me. She listened to me, understood my situation, and worked tirelessly to ensure that my interests were protected. Throughout the entire process, Tasha provided me with sound legal advice and guidance, and was always available to answer my questions and address any concerns that I had. Thanks to Tasha’s expertise, I was able to achieve a favorable outcome. Her dedication, professionalism, and exceptional legal skills were instrumental in achieving this result. I would highly recommend Tasha Buzzell and Associates LLC to anyone in need of legal representation in a family law matter. Their knowledge of the law, commitment to their clients, and exceptional legal skills are unmatched. Michelle M.

27 Jul, 2022 by Kristina raposo

Tasha is awesome! She gets the job done. Very down to earth and makes you feel comfortable. Always very responsive to questions/concerns throughout the process. I was anxious about a lot through my divorce and custody case but Tasha kept me focused and calm. She is highly knowledgeable and experienced in family law. It was evident by the way she communicated with other attorneys, court staff and judge…She knows the law and is well respected. I was extremely impressed with her! I cannot give Tasha enough praise. If you are looking for a strong family law attorney…Tasha is the woman for the job. Hire her!!! You won’t regret it.

02 Jun, 2022 by James ostendorf

Susan M. Poswistilo

1 Courthouse Way Ste 9200, Boston, MA

Appeals Consumer Protection Criminal Defense +1 +4

2.5/5

2.5

8 Reviews

10 Aug, 2022 by The original mrjguill

01 Sep, 2021 by Mark pine

09 Jul, 2021 by Cantputmy name

John Charles Fraser

23 Main St, Andover, MA

Criminal Defense Personal Injury Real Estate +3

2.3/5

2.3

3 Reviews

24 Feb, 2024 by Bruce smith

Plead them out Paul..public defender at best..dont pay him to plead you guilty.. He works withs the DA..he always gets his guilty plea.. He make district attorney day...!! I lost 14 thosand dollars..i could have plead guilty with public defender for free... Be warned..

21 Mar, 2020 by Steve gran

Paul completely lied to my mother, with 4 kids. He made us homeless !!! He lied about moving my mom into a house to sell a house we were living in That paul, owned , paul made her sign papers ,saying we will be out for a week or so and he will move us in to another house. He had no plans of doing so !!! I wouldn’t trust him at all !!! such a fake person He plays a good game be careful untrustworthy!!! I wouldn’t trust him with anything !!! Especially Specially anything legal!!

10 Jan, 2020 by Todd scioli

William Howe Oldach

18 Dunbar Pl, Athol, MA

Civil Rights Criminal Defense Family Law +3

2.0/5

2.0

3 Reviews

27 May, 2023 by Amber caserta

22 Oct, 2021 by Lotus provincetown

Waited 6 weeks for him to transcribe a lease. Would have appreciated had he told me he did'n't have time to do it instead of making me wait.

28 Sep, 2020 by Deborah l.

Robert W. Nolan

PO Box 783, Falmouth, MA

Criminal Defense +1

2.0/5

2.0

1 Reviews

12 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous

No follow up from them what-so-ever!!!!! If Atty.Nolan tells you he or his secretary will call you with an update, it is a lie - it happened to me at least twice! I had a time sensitive issue that I stressed needed to be addressed quickly... Almost 2 weeks after bringing it to his attention, I receive an invoice in the mail requesting payment upfront BEFORE ACTION WILL BE TAKEN. I called the office to try and expedite the situation but the secretary informed me they don't take credit cards. Why didn't anyone think to inform me of this need for payment earlier???? Because I could easily have put a check in the mail the day of the invoice rather than 2 weeks after the invoice was written bc it was sitting in the mail!!!!! (I live out of state so it's not like I could just drive a check over.) Not only was I now already delayed for 2 weeks, but then after the case I was told I would get a call to let me know when it was complete, and they just never bothered calling to tell me!!! I finally gave up on waiting (1 month after I was told they would call) and called the office myself to check in. When I found out they just didn't call me I told the secretary I was disappointed in their unprofessional service, and she started making excuses and giving me a hard time. These people got over $1000 from me for very little work and I really wish I could have given that money to someone else who would have actually cared about providing their clients with the service they deserve! 2 stars because at least the job was completed successfully.

Andrew Thomas Apjohn

350 Granite St Ste 2204, Braintree, MA

Appeals Business Consumer Protection +4 +7

1.5/5

1.5

4 Reviews

08 Nov, 2021 by Sean king

Under construction. Awful signage. Had to ask 3 people where to park.

16 Nov, 2017 by Chris

04 Sep, 2017 by Alex nee

Typical lawyers. Won't call you back no matter how often you contact them. Well tell you one thing, but never get around to it.

Joseph A. Marino IV

350 Granite St Ste 2204, Braintree, MA

Business Consumer Protection Criminal Defense +2 +5

1.5/5

1.5

4 Reviews

08 Nov, 2021 by Sean king

Under construction. Awful signage. Had to ask 3 people where to park.

16 Nov, 2017 by Chris

04 Sep, 2017 by Alex nee

Typical lawyers. Won't call you back no matter how often you contact them. Well tell you one thing, but never get around to it.

Ludovino Perez Gardini

24 Dane St, Somerville, MA

Criminal Defense Family Law Immigration +1 +4

1.0/5

1.0

2 Reviews

18 Jul, 2023 by Roberto

Passei uma semana tentando falar com alguém da equipe.. descaso e falta de profissionalismo.. no início me cobraram 12k quando perceberam que estava disposto a fechar, cobraram 24k.. cuidado brasileiro que se passa de bonzinho..

14 Mar, 2018 by Marcelo

I paid for a couple cases review the amount of $100 for the consult, the amount will be deductible in case I hired him. The service that I decided to hire was $300, and maybe because the amount was too low, nobody never returned my phone calls. I left three messages with the secretary and one straight at his voicemail. At my consult he was very rude, he have this "rude personality" well know at the Brazilian community.

Terence G. McGinty

Po Box 2014, Warren, MA

Criminal Defense +1

1.0/5

1.0

2 Reviews

18 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous

Mr. McGinty does not care about his clients. He did almost nothing to defend me in court. I would not recommend him to anyone. He wouldn't even make eye contact with me after court. He caused me to be homeless. He caused my life to become worse than it was. I didn't do anything to deserve this. I was honest with him and he used it against me. Also, he acted as if he wanted to hook up with my 65 year old mother. So disgusting. He should be ashamed of himself for acting in the way he did. Very unprofessional. Yuck!

31 Dec, 2012 by Anonymous

I hired Terence McGinty to defend me and I am really sorry I did. Mr McGinty did little or no work on my case in a seven month period of time and ended up withdrawing from my case when I started asking him questions about his work. I paid Mr McGinty under a flat fee agreement and he still has my money and I have not resolved my case yet in the courts. He really left me holding the bag and I do not want this to happen to anyone else. I was forced to seek a refund with the Board of Bar Overseers Fee Disposition Resolution because Mr McGinty refused to speak with me to discuss a refund. (still pending) I hope that if you are considering hiring Mr MGinty that my review will be helpful to you. In my opinion Mr McGinty is a terrible business man with no follow up skills whatsoever. I believe that MrMcGinty is reasonably intelligent however he is extremely unresponsive and ends up confusing important details out of laziness. I really think that he wants to get paid for doing nothing.

David A. LaPointe

518 Central Street, Winchendon, MA

Criminal Defense Estate Planning Family Law +2 +5

1.0/5

1.0

2 Reviews

09 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous

hired David to help me with a divorce and he didn't show up to the court hearing. send another lawyer from another law office instead. fails to respond to calls and tests for weeks at a time. Has done nothing to help me so far and is overcharging for services that he has not rendered. do not use this guy

28 Jun, 2018 by Joseph caron

Attorney LaPointe was often late and even failed to show up once I had to call him to find out where he was. He never gave us specific facts and the direction of my case and where it was headed, just gave me the next date and never called me once during my entire case. On my court dates when I talked with him I often left confused after a conversation with him and really didn't fully understand what was going on. He often seemed overwhelmed and I didn't feel he was prepared for court or my case. I hired a him instead of going with a public attorney because I felt we had a case that I could possibly win at trial, he boasted about only loosing one case, but in the end he suggested that we settled on the plea bargain the DA was suggesting because it would cost another $3000 to go to trial and you may not win. After 9 months of going to court and not really wanting to pay more money but also not having the confidence in his ability to go to trial, or not wanting to start the process over again by hiring another attorney I took the plea deal. I am disappointed that I spent $2000 when I probably would have gotten the same result if I went with the public defender.

David Michael Klemm

6 Beacon Street, Suite 515, Boston, MA

Consumer Protection Criminal Defense Litigation +1 +4

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

12 Oct, 2012 by Ron

I had a simple matter which David Klemm got partially resolved in my favor. It was an easy dispute but I needed it handled professionally, as I did not know the process. He asked for $1500 retainer, in case there was future issues that he may have to handle, so I gave it to him. He responded to the IRS with a one page (1/2 front 1/2 back) and then sent me a bill for >$1711 stating I owed him the additional $211 !!! The bill was not detailed but included a lot of unsubstantiated charges. He charged me for reviewing unrelated paperwork - even though I asked him not to. He charged me for a 1 min call (who knows how much - again not itemized)- of which I simply called and asked for a copy of what was sent to IRS (I did not get it) , and phone call charges for what was suppose to be a "free consultation" by phone initially. I also asked to see of copy of the submit before he sends to IRS - he did not. Being an Executive myself - i would have liked to have input. When I argued the bill - he agreed to credit me back ~$400 (leaving a $200 credit on my retainer). When I later decided not to use him further, he refused to send me the balance. I am not sure if he does good work or not as I had a very easy case - but I would say be very careful with your retainer. It will likely get eaten regardless of effort. Needless to say, my accountant got an earful from me, for recommending him.

Thomas J. Gately II

1 Webb St, DANVERS, MA

Car Accident Criminal Defense Litigation +2 +5

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

14 Jan, 2020 by J

This lawyer took me on as a client and as I signed papers and became a client, I was fired almost immediately over being rear ended, as attorney Gately said the “state police report” stated I had passed a man (who hit me square in the middle of my rear bumper on the highway) and that my case “was complicated.” That was his excuse. That may have been a good excuse, MAYBE...except it’s entirely untrue. No police report exists, as I went to the state police and they were confused because no report with my name on that date or EVER is not in the computer? Why? Because the police never responded......he made up a bold faced lie thinking I was stupid. I was rear ended by a guy with a weapon, the police refused to respond l, this attorney took me on as a client and couldn’t a find simple insurance policy for the man that hit me. It took me two minutes with the same info I had that attorney Gately did and he, in at least a couple of weeks was unable to find that.....which made me question his ability as an attorney. If the fact that I was rear ended, dead center in the middle of my rear bumper......but he couldn’t handle my case? What gets me is how he told us “how hard it was for him to fire a client, which is extremely difficult.” Yet, he dropped me like a hot potato! I’d look elsewhere, but you come to your own decision.....I know what mine is.

Richard J. Malynn

Po Box 3015, Gloucester, MA

Criminal Defense Juvenile Law +2

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

30 Aug, 2022 by Ms

I picked up on some age related mental decline with this big boy. This clown will even deny in court being a defense attorney. Better call Saul

Reynold A. Ilg Jr.

54 Church Street, Lowell, MA

Business Criminal Defense Estate Planning +1 +4

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

01 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous

Never returned phone calls, never corresponded, did not know anything until the last minute. Our Fee Agreement specified a reimbursement of $1,500 if an expert was not hired. No expert, never received the $1,500.

Gerard Thomas Leone

1 Beacon St, Boston, MA

Criminal Defense +1

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

14 Dec, 2011 by Mitza

Mr. Leone has an impeccable resume. He is very intelligent, and he possesses a vast amount of experience in law. But when my family and I were in need, he and his office did not meet our expectations. I like him so much, and I try so hard to forget, but I can't help but feel let down by him and his office.

Jessica C. Studstill

75 Federal St Fl 6, Boston, MA

Criminal Defense Litigation +2

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

13 Sep, 2017 by Richard

Failed horrorably in representing my const. right to effective assistance of counsel in securing corroberating discovery for exhibits to be used at trial to negate defendants guilt along with not securing witnesses to do the same. Faith to petition the court to correct or redress error in not appointment the Massachusetts Valor Act for this complaining defendant at arraiment or pretrial. Denying this defendant due process., see Commonwealth v. Richard Allen Pina, continued.

Timothy J. Shugrue

7 North St, Pittsfield, MA

Criminal Defense +1

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

16 Aug, 2022 by Jennifer procopio

I would give a negative 10 if I could. I filed for divorce from a divorce attorney. As you can imagine, that was terrifying. Shugrue misrepresented a divorce agreement that should have never been put in front of me, although he was paid an $8k retainer to represent me. He bullied and berated me to sign over permanent custody of my children telling me it was temporary and routine and ordinary in a contentious divorce. Judge Saks oversaw this case and happened to be on a state committee with my ex. He never explained this meant I would never see my children again, or have access to school and medical records. Murderers and felons see their children. There was no trial. No witnesses. No concern for a 9yo and 12yo best interests. When I attempted to contact Shugrue over the next 30 days, he ghosted me. Buyer beware on this.

William Korman

92 State Street, Boston, MA

Criminal Defense +1

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

29 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous

Called this Atty for consult. He did not provide any consult but instead asked for large legal fee without looking at the case.

J Lawrence Kelly

45 Bowdoin St Ste 1, Boston, MA

Criminal Defense +1

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

31 Mar, 2014 by Ryan

This lawyer was court appointed on a drug case I had. He told me for months that we would get the case dismissed based on an issue with the drug certification. Subsequently I was arrested on a different matter and once in coustody, Mr Kelly advised me that pleaing out would be in my best interest because he said it didn't look good now that I had been arrested!! These things should have NOTHING to do with each other! In fact, I couldn't plea out because I had a superior court probation violation pending with serious time to potentially serve. A guilty plea would have forced Superior Court to find me in violation. Thankfully, I know enough about how the system works that I didn't fall into this trap of making his job easy. I had to get into a heated argument with Mr Kelly before he finally agreed to make an oral argument of withdrawing as my counsel. Reluctantly the judge finally accepted his position, granted the motion, and I was appointed another lawyer. Within 2 weeks this new lawyer had me back in court and presented a well prepared motion to dismiss based on procedural violations and my case was dismissed. THANK GOD I DIDN'T LISTEN TO KELLY AND JUST PLEA OUT!! I SWEAR HE WORKS FOR THE PROSECUTION AND JUST DOES NOT CARE WHAT HAPPENS TO HIS CLIENTS. MY NEW LAWYER SAID THERE WASNT ONE SCRAP OF PAPER IN MY FOLDER THAT HE GAVE HIM. LUCKILY I GOT A NEW LAWYER WHO WAS ON THE BALL BUT IM NOT EXAGERATING WHEN I SAY I WAS HIS CLIENT FOR 9 PLUS MONTHS AND HE DIDNT DO AN OUNCE OF WORK. Additionally, he just has an overall bad attitude. Would NOT recommend!!

Waino Walker Kangas

9 Pond Lane - 5th Floor, Concord, MA

Criminal Defense Family Law +2

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

22 Mar, 2011 by Anonymous

This attorney handles my divorce. Too many issues were improperly handled. He was not prepared in court. As a result of this I have spent the last 3 years trying to get it all sorted out, all at great cost to me. Taxes, alimony, child support, division of the assets especially the marital home were handled poorly. O

Michele L. Rioux

628 Pleasant St Ste 405, New Bedford, MA

Criminal Defense Family Law +2

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

26 Jan, 2021 by Taylor

Michell is extremely rude and very difficult to get in touch with. She never has any information on cases unless it’s last minute. Client communication is extremely limited due to her “dentist” visits and other personal issues. I called to ask if she had other colleagues she could refer me to since she seems overworked. She very rudely asked if I thought she was playing games with my loved one and told me to find another attorney myself and to never call again and hung up on me. Do not waste your loved ones life on this unprofessional woman.

Isaac Mass

278 Main Street., Suite 411, Greenfield, MA

Criminal Defense Estate Planning Family Law +2 +5

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

13 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous

It took this attorney 3 years to get a court date and he kept telling me that you are not going to win !! He had all kinds of promises at the consultation and after that when he got paid up front he did absolutely nothing. There was no police report and I was the one who found the attorney on the false docket sheet , who said he never heard of me nor knows me or the court date of the hearing Isaac would give me a time and a date to contact him numerous times and he never answered the phone. This is a bad attorney ( if you want to call him that - an attorney ) to be trusted !

Alfred J. Albano Jr

Po Box 377, Hadley, MA

Criminal Defense Estate Planning Family Law +2 +5

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

17 Nov, 2022 by Dawn

I hired Al Albano of Bacon Wilson for an equity complaint. I am completely unhappy with his representation. He told me that he doesn't have to listen to his client, but must do what he believes is best, even if that means reading discovery that is a rabbit hole of useless information. He said he did a cursory glance at the discovery, but I received a bill of $4800 for his “cursory glance” on Nov 2022 When I asked him after to file a motion to dismiss, when there was no evidence of any allegations, his response was, if you give me another $5K retainer, I will. He filed a request for interrogatories without asking me and when there was no proof of any allegations, he still would not file a motion to dismiss. He did not tell me why it would not get dismissed if he filed that motion. When I read the client file, he finally sent me, there are no notes for the discovery he "read", and when asked he told me that was his, so that means he kept part of my client file. He manipulated me to his benefit on several occasions as well, by telling me opposite information that other attorneys told me, such as “we don’t know what an attorney’s reputation is or what they might say,” but we know a lawyer is not going to say he did not do his due diligence. Do not hire this attorney. He even said, if he cowered at all of the people who threatened to file complaints, he wouldn't be working, and that taught me that he has several other disgruntled clients. I then fired him and asked for half of my retainer back. He refused, so I spoke to their executive director, who gave me the impression, she would be objective, but in the end, it was left up to him to refund me, and of course, he will not admit to any wrongdoing. When you hire an attorney, you are stuck, and I was stuck like buying a lemon of a car.

Linda A. Cristello

1 Liberty Sq Ste 230, Boston, MA

Criminal Defense Immigration +2

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

01 Feb, 2017 by Evans

Me and my mother, we went for a rather complex story involving immigration law, criminal law and a restraining order against my wife and the three very minor boys. Linda took a $200 check in order to hear our story. I told her she was recommended to me by another attorney. Her reply was: "Oh little Craig. Hmm OK he cant really say that we know each other well enough to recommend customers but ok he is an acceptable law practitioner. Not a very bad guy." From the beginning I felt like I was talking to a prosecutor and not to a representative of the defense. When she heard that I have already been represented by other attorney and I looked to a better option she replied: "I just had a dinner with Susan yesterday. She is a good friend of mine. You should go back to her." Yet she still kept listening to our story. Then when I tried to explain her I got court hearing for the restraining order on 11/12 and on 12/11 for the criminal case she got literally furious. She started yelling, shouting, mocking and talking with extreme aggression against me and my non English speaking mother. She said: "Are you mocking me! When is your court at November 12th or at December 11th?" Then when I replied "Both days I have court hearing. November 12th for the restraining order and on December 12th for the 'criminal' case." She erupted like a volcano swearing to me and my mother, took the paycheck and tore it apart in pieces in front of us saying I do not need your money, take your $200 back and get lost out of here and then she called her secretary-trainee guy to literally kick us out of the office. It was God's mercy that my mother did not have a heart attack at this moment. We went out to have a fresh air around the aquarium and we were lucky that the weather was good and sunny although it was November so that my mother could recover and did not end up in the hospital!

Coreen Goodwin

64 Donbray Rd, Springfield, MA

Criminal Defense Elder Law Family Law +3

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

17 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous

Took on my case saying she was going to help me she didn't do anything she didn't file the appeals never called me never did what she was supposed to do

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FAQs

Questions? We have answers

What a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Do for You

A criminal defense lawyer provides legal representation to individuals or organizations accused of criminal conduct. If you're facing criminal charges, a defense lawyer will work to protect your rights, build a defense strategy, and ensure you receive a fair trial. Their primary goal is to reduce or dismiss charges, secure an acquittal, or negotiate a favorable plea deal.

Criminal defense lawyers have extensive knowledge of criminal law and court procedures. They investigate your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence, and represent you in court, ensuring that you have the best possible defense.

When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

It’s crucial to hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible if you are facing any criminal charges. Some situations in which you should seek legal representation include:

Arrest or police questioning: If you've been arrested or are under investigation, hiring a lawyer early on can prevent self-incrimination and protect your rights during police questioning.
Felony charges: Crimes such as murder, assault, drug trafficking, or robbery carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences. A defense lawyer is essential in these cases.
Misdemeanor charges: Even for less serious offenses like DUI, theft, or simple assault, a lawyer can help reduce penalties, negotiate alternatives to jail, or get charges dismissed.
Plea negotiations: If you’re considering a plea bargain, a lawyer can evaluate the deal, advise you on its consequences, and negotiate for more favorable terms.
Probation or parole violations: If you’ve been accused of violating probation or parole, a lawyer can defend you against additional penalties or revocation.
Juvenile offenses: For minors charged with criminal acts, a criminal defense lawyer can protect their future by minimizing legal repercussions or keeping the case in juvenile court.

What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?

Criminal defense lawyers provide comprehensive legal services to protect their clients’ rights throughout the criminal justice process. Their duties include:

Case evaluation and investigation: Reviewing the evidence, interviewing witnesses, and investigating the facts to develop a strong defense strategy.
Legal advice: Advising you on your rights, the charges you’re facing, and potential defense strategies, including whether to take a plea deal or go to trial.
Negotiating plea bargains: Working with prosecutors to negotiate a plea deal that could reduce charges or minimize penalties.
Court representation: Representing you in all court hearings, including bail hearings, pretrial motions, trials, and sentencing hearings.
Filing motions: Filing motions to dismiss charges, suppress evidence, or reduce bail, depending on the specifics of your case.
Trial preparation and defense: Preparing a defense strategy and presenting arguments, evidence, and witnesses during trial to contest the prosecution's case.
Appeals: If you are convicted, a defense lawyer can appeal the conviction or sentence, arguing errors in the trial process or legal rulings.

How Are Criminal Defense Lawyers Paid?

Criminal defense lawyers generally charge clients in one of three ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Payment structures include:

Flat fee: For straightforward cases (e.g., minor misdemeanors), some lawyers charge a one-time flat fee that covers all aspects of the defense.
Hourly rate: For more complex or ongoing cases, lawyers may charge by the hour, with rates varying based on the lawyer’s experience and geographic location.
Retainer fee: In cases where extensive work is expected, the client may pay a retainer fee upfront. The lawyer then bills against that retainer for their work on the case.

The cost of criminal defense services can vary greatly, so it’s important to discuss fees during your initial consultation.

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer depends on several factors, including the severity of the charges, the complexity of the case, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost guidelines are:

Misdemeanor cases: For relatively minor offenses, such as a DUI or petty theft, a flat fee may range from $1,500 to $5,000.
Felony cases: More serious charges, such as assault or drug trafficking, can range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the complexity and duration of the case.
Hourly rates: For cases billed by the hour, lawyers may charge anywhere from $150 to $500 or more per hour, depending on their expertise and the case's location.
Additional expenses: You may also be responsible for other costs, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, or the cost of private investigators.

Be sure to clarify the lawyer’s fee structure and any potential additional costs during your consultation.

How to Check the Credibility of a Criminal Defense Lawyer

To verify the credibility of a criminal defense lawyer, take the following steps:

Check their standing with the state bar: Confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with your state’s bar association. Look for any past disciplinary actions or complaints.
Read online reviews and testimonials: Platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google can provide insights from previous clients about the lawyer’s communication, professionalism, and case outcomes.
Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should have past clients or other professionals who can speak to their competence and work ethic.
Review their case history: Look at the lawyer’s website or professional profile to see their experience with criminal cases, including high-profile or complex cases.
Look for trial experience: If your case might go to trial, make sure the lawyer has a strong history of courtroom advocacy and success.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most of your first consultation with a criminal defense lawyer, bring the following:

Details of your case: Be prepared to provide a detailed account of the charges against you, including any documents related to your arrest, police reports, and court dates.
Criminal history: If you have any prior criminal convictions, inform your lawyer so they can understand how that may affect your current case.
List of witnesses or evidence: If there are any potential witnesses or evidence that may support your defense, share this information during the consultation.
Questions for the lawyer: Prepare questions about their experience, legal strategy, and fees to ensure you understand how they will handle your case.
Bail or release documents: If you’ve been released on bail, bring any paperwork related to your release conditions or restrictions.

By being well-prepared, you can help your lawyer quickly assess your situation and begin building an effective defense strategy.

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