Criminal Law Lawyers

Criminal Law Attorneys Across the United States

A criminal charge can change your life in a matter of hours. Whether you're facing a misdemeanor or a serious felony, having a defense attorney on your side levels the playing field against prosecutors who handle hundreds of cases a year. The right lawyer can mean the difference between jail time and walking free.

What Criminal Law Covers

Criminal law deals with offenses against the state or federal government. This spans everything from DUI charges and drug possession to assault, theft, white-collar fraud, and homicide. Each charge carries its own set of penalties, ranging from fines and probation to decades in prison.

Federal crimes — like tax evasion, wire fraud, or drug trafficking across state lines — are prosecuted in federal court under a separate set of rules. State-level offenses make up the vast majority of criminal cases. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, state courts handle roughly 20 million criminal cases each year.

When to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer

• You've been arrested or learned that you're under investigation by law enforcement
• You've been charged with a felony offense that carries potential prison time
• Police want to question you about a crime, even as a witness
• You're facing a DUI or domestic violence charge that could affect your job or custody rights
• You need to respond to a grand jury subpoena or federal indictment

How the Criminal Defense Process Works

The process starts with an arrest or a summons to appear in court. At your arraignment, the judge reads the charges and you enter a plea. Your attorney then reviews the evidence through a process called discovery, looking for weaknesses in the prosecution's case.

Most criminal cases never reach trial. Approximately 90-95% of cases at both the state and federal level are resolved through plea agreements. If your case does go to trial, a jury must find you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt — the highest standard of proof in the American legal system.

How Sentencing Outcomes Are Determined

• Severity of the offense — Crimes are classified by degree, and each carries a statutory sentencing range set by law
• Prior criminal history — Repeat offenders face harsher penalties under sentencing guidelines
• Aggravating and mitigating factors — Things like use of a weapon increase sentences, while cooperation or mental health issues may reduce them
• Mandatory minimums — Certain drug and firearm offenses carry fixed minimum prison terms that judges cannot override
• Restitution — Courts may order defendants to compensate victims for financial losses, medical bills, or property damage resulting from the crime

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

A misdemeanor typically carries a maximum sentence of one year in a local jail. Felonies are more serious and can result in state prison time exceeding one year. The classification affects everything from your bail amount to your ability to own firearms or vote in some jurisdictions.

Can a criminal record be expunged?

Many states allow expungement or record sealing for certain offenses, particularly first-time misdemeanors. Eligibility depends on the type of crime, how much time has passed, and whether you've completed all terms of your sentence. A defense attorney can file the petition and represent you at the hearing.