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A criminal defense law firm is a law office staffed by criminal defense attorneys who help people and companies facing criminal charges. Read on to learn more about criminal defense law firms, what they do, who hires them, and the benefits of working with one.
A criminal defense law firm is a law practice that specializes in helping people and companies accused of crimes. These firms employ criminal defense attorneys and support staff like legal assistants and paralegals who focus on criminal defense law.
Depending on the state and the attorneys’ preferences, law firms can be structured as sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, limited liability corporations (LLCs), or professional limited liability companies (PLLCs).
Criminal defense law firms often specialize in certain practice areas, including:
When looking for a criminal defense law firm, it may be beneficial to look for one that specializes in the practice area you need.
Criminal defense law firms provide personalized legal representation to their clients.
Specifically, a criminal defense law firm can:
A federal criminal defense law firm can defend clients facing federal charges and represent them in federal court.
Sometimes criminal defense law firms handle cases outside of criminal law like personal injury and family law.
Most people and companies facing criminal charges should consider hiring a criminal defense firm.
However, in general, people facing minor legal issues such as parking tickets, seat belt tickets, and jaywalking citations do not need the services of a criminal defense law firm.
Criminal defense law firms in the U.S. usually charge between $100 to $400 an hour.
Law firm fees often depend on these 3 factors:
Criminal defense law firms provide several key advantages, including expertise in criminal defense cases, knowledge of crime laws, and law firm resources.
Criminal defense law firms have extensive experience navigating the criminal legal system.
These firms know about:
Criminal defense law offices have a comprehensive grasp of local, state, and federal crime laws. They are also knowledgeable in the latest criminal law developments and appellate court precedents.
This knowledge empowers criminal defense lawyers to:
Top criminal defense law firms also have access to a wide range of resources for building strong defenses.
These resources include:
All of these resources can result in positive outcomes, such as reduced jail time or no jail time at all.
Criminal defense law firms can be costly, especially in major cities like New York City, Philadelphia, Houston, San Francisco, and Miami.
The less costly alternative to hiring a criminal defense law firm is working with a public defender.
A public defender is a lawyer who represents criminal defendants who can’t afford a criminal lawyer or law firm. Public defenders are appointed by the court and receive payment from the county, state, or federal government.
There are pros and cons to working with a public defender versus a criminal defense law firm. While a public defender will defend you for free, you can’t choose your lawyer, which may lead to a strained attorney-client relationship if they aren’t a good fit for you.
Public defenders may also have fewer resources than private law firms — for instance, they may not have access to industry-leading courtroom technology. They may also have a smaller network of third-party experts or witnesses.
In civil law cases, you have the right to represent yourself. However, in criminal law, the court will appoint a public defender for you if you don’t have the funds to hire a private lawyer.
You can only refuse counsel and represent yourself if a judge determines you are competent to do so. This is because the criminal justice system considers a trial with an incompetent self-represented defendant unfair.
Judges look at the following factors when determining whether someone is able to represent themselves in criminal proceedings:
Finding a criminal defense law firm can be challenging, regardless of your criminal record or the charges that you are facing.
If you are interested in hiring a criminal defense law firm, here are some traits to look for.
The best criminal defense law firm for your case should have a successful track record handling cases similar to your own. This maximizes the likelihood of getting the best possible outcome.
Additionally, the best criminal defense law firms Your criminal defense law firm should have excellent client reviews and testimonials. Read the testimonials on the law firm’s website to get a sense of how satisfied clients have been. The reviews can also show how knowledgeable and helpful the lawyers are.
Most reputable criminal defense law firms provide free case reviews during the initial consultation. This allows potential clients to ask questions and see if the law firm is a good fit.
Finally, you should look at whether the criminal defense law firm has a national presence. Law firms with offices throughout the nation have more resources and staff than local law firms, making it easier for them to build a strong defense on your behalf. They can also take cases in all 50 states.
Yes, hiring a criminal defense law firm can help you win your case, although it doesn’t guarantee a victory. These firms are staffed with experienced criminal defense attorneys who are experts in the area of criminal law. They can help build a strong case and fight to protect your legal rights.
Yes, it’s possible to get your criminal charges dismissed by hiring a law firm to represent you. However, your odds of success are greater when you work with a law firm experienced in handling criminal cases similar to yours.
Yes, you can switch law firms during your criminal case by filing a motion with the court to substitute counsel.
You can search the internet for top-rated criminal law firms or ask family and friends for recommendations. Be sure to read the firm’s reviews and testimonials.
Most criminal defense law firms provide free consultations, during which you can ask questions and see if the firm is a good fit. Make sure to ask how much the firm charges for different legal services.
Fact-Checked and Legally Reviewed by: Rae Theodore
Rae Theodore is a writer and editor with more than 30 years of experience in legal publishing. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Pennsylvania State University.
