Should I speak to police without a criminal defense attorney present?

You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney before and during questioning. Exercising those rights — and consulting a defense attorney before making any statement — is strongly advisable regardless of whether you believe you are guilty. Statements made to police can be used against you and are difficult to walk back.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

Generally, misdemeanors carry lesser penalties (typically up to one year in jail and fines), while felonies can result in state or federal prison sentences and long-term consequences such as loss of voting rights and professional licensing restrictions. The exact classification depends on the jurisdiction and the specific offense charged.

How does a criminal defense attorney help even if the evidence looks bad?

Defense attorneys examine how evidence was gathered (to identify constitutional violations), challenge witness credibility, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative sentencing, and ensure the legal process is followed correctly. A strong defense can affect whether charges are dismissed, reduced, or taken to trial, and what sentence is ultimately imposed.

Criminal Defense — Defense Attorney Directory

Criminal defense attorneys protecting clients accused of misdemeanors, felonies, and federal crimes.

2 profiles found across the directory.

Criminal Defense attorneys — Northeast

Connecticut (CT)Maine (ME)Massachusetts (MA)New Hampshire (NH)New Jersey (NJ)New York (NY)Pennsylvania (PA)Rhode Island (RI)Vermont (VT)

Criminal Defense attorneys — Midwest

Illinois (IL)Indiana (IN)Iowa (IA)Kansas (KS)Michigan (MI)Minnesota (MN)Missouri (MO)Nebraska (NE)North Dakota (ND)Ohio (OH)South Dakota (SD)Wisconsin (WI)

Criminal Defense attorneys — South

Alabama (AL)Arkansas (AR)Delaware (DE)District of Columbia (DC)Florida (FL)Georgia (GA)Kentucky (KY)Louisiana (LA)Maryland (MD)Mississippi (MS)North Carolina (NC)Oklahoma (OK)South Carolina (SC)Tennessee (TN)Texas (TX)Virginia (VA)West Virginia (WV)

Criminal Defense attorneys — West

Alaska (AK)Arizona (AZ)California (CA)Colorado (CO)Hawaii (HI)Idaho (ID)Montana (MT)Nevada (NV)New Mexico (NM)Oregon (OR)Utah (UT)Washington (WA)Wyoming (WY)

Quick summary

National listing of attorneys practicing Criminal Defense. Pick a state to see attorneys admitted to that state bar; bar admission is jurisdiction-specific in the U.S.

To narrow further, pick a state and then a city, or use the directory search.

The directory is informational. The professional relationship is established directly between user and attorney.

What does a Criminal Defense attorney do?

Criminal defense attorneys represent individuals charged with misdemeanors, felonies, and federal offenses. Their work spans every stage of the criminal process — from arrest and arraignment through plea negotiations, trial, sentencing, and appeals. A defense attorney's role is to protect your constitutional rights, challenge the prosecution's evidence, and pursue the best possible outcome for your case.

When do you need a Criminal Defense attorney?

→You have been arrested or are under investigation for a crime
→You received a target or subject letter from a grand jury
→You are facing DUI, drug, assault, theft, or white-collar charges
→You want to appeal a conviction or seek post-conviction relief

FreeVerified

Michael Chen, Esq.

· New York

Criminal defense attorney specializing in federal cases, white-collar crime, and DUI defense in Manhattan.

Criminal Defense

Professional profileFree plan

View profile Call Website

Demo profile created for platform showcase. Not a real attorney.

FreeVerified

Christopher Brown, Esq.

· New York

Federal criminal defense attorney representing clients in federal court, grand jury, and white-collar investigations.

Criminal Defense

Professional profileFree plan

View profile Call Website

Demo profile created for platform showcase. Not a real attorney.

Frequently asked questions

Should I speak to police without a criminal defense attorney present?: You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney before and during questioning. Exercising those rights — and consulting a defense attorney before making any statement — is strongly advisable regardless of whether you believe you are guilty. Statements made to police can be used against you and are difficult to walk back.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?: Generally, misdemeanors carry lesser penalties (typically up to one year in jail and fines), while felonies can result in state or federal prison sentences and long-term consequences such as loss of voting rights and professional licensing restrictions. The exact classification depends on the jurisdiction and the specific offense charged.
How does a criminal defense attorney help even if the evidence looks bad?: Defense attorneys examine how evidence was gathered (to identify constitutional violations), challenge witness credibility, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative sentencing, and ensure the legal process is followed correctly. A strong defense can affect whether charges are dismissed, reduced, or taken to trial, and what sentence is ultimately imposed.

Other practice areas

Explore attorneys in other practice areas across the national directory.

Bankruptcy Law attorneys Corporate Law attorneys Employment Law attorneys Estate Planning attorneys Family Law attorneys Immigration Law attorneys Personal Injury attorneys Real Estate Law attorneys Tax attorneys