California Criminal Lawyers

Compare top-rated criminal law attorneys across California.

Facing criminal charges in California can be an overwhelming and life-altering experience. Individuals accused of offenses ranging from assault and theft to drug crimes and other misdemeanors or felonies often encounter significant challenges including potential jail time, substantial fines, and the lasting impact of a permanent criminal record. The emotional stress of navigating the complex California legal system while facing prosecution can affect every aspect of a person's life, from employment opportunities to personal relationships and future prospects.

The best criminal lawyers in California provide essential legal guidance throughout every stage of the criminal justice process. Experienced California criminal lawyers thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding charges, analyze evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and develop strategic defense approaches tailored to each client's unique situation. These legal professionals negotiate with prosecutors, protect their clients' constitutional rights, and work diligently to achieve favorable outcomes whether through case dismissal, reduced charges, or trial representation. Those facing criminal allegations are encouraged to connect with a qualified criminal defense attorney to discuss their case and explore available legal options.

R. Christian Scott
R. Christian Scott Verified Attorney
Family Law Salinas, California
Car Accident Criminal Law DUI Lawyer Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury Slip and Fall Truck Accident Workers Compensation Wrongful Death Divorce Law Child Custody Child Support Property Division Sex Crime Domestic Violence Brain Injury Dog Bite Uber Accident Hit and Run Accident Bus Accident Bicycle Accident Train Accident Pedestrian Accident Boat Accident Construction Accident Nursing Home Abuse Lyft Accident Spinal Cord Injury +25 more

R. Christian Scott carries forward a distinguished legal legacy as a fourth-generation attorney serving Monterey County.

Tsion Chudnovsky
Tsion Chudnovsky Verified Attorney
Criminal Law Los Angeles, California
DUI Lawyer Traffic Ticket Sex Crime Domestic Violence Federal Crimes White Collar Crimes +3 more

Chudnovsky Law is an elite California defense firm founded by Managing Attorney Tsion Chudnovsky, a nationally recognized legal authority with over 22 years of battle-tested courtroom experience. Regularly featured in major media outlets like The Washington Post and U.

Jeremy E. Karpel
Jeremy E. Karpel Verified Attorney
Criminal Law Encino, California
DUI Lawyer Traffic Ticket Sex Crime Domestic Violence Federal Crimes +2 more

Jeremy E. Karpel is a dedicated California criminal defense attorney who has built his reputation on protecting the rights, freedom, and future of individuals facing criminal charges.

Richard S. Sterger
Richard S. Sterger Verified Attorney
Criminal Law Escondido, California
Domestic Violence DUI Lawyer Hit and Run Accident Immigration Law Juvenile Law Robbery Sex Crime Theft Crime Violent Crime White Collar Crimes +7 more

I founded Sterger Law Group on a simple belief: that the people who need a lawyer the most deserve one who actually shows up for them — in the courtroom and throughout every step of the process. I am a trial attorney.

Free consultation
William S Kroger
William S Kroger Verified Attorney
Criminal Law Beverly Hills, California
DUI Lawyer Sex Crime Domestic Violence Federal Crimes White Collar Crimes +2 more

William S. Kroger is a distinguished Los Angeles criminal defense attorney who has spent nearly three decades exclusively defending individuals accused of crimes throughout California.

Jonathan Reza
Jonathan Reza Verified Attorney
Criminal Law Anaheim, California
Domestic Violence DUI Lawyer Hit and Run Accident Sex Crime White Collar Crimes +2 more

Jonathan is a dedicated California criminal defense attorney with extensive experience representing clients facing a wide range of criminal charges, from minor infractions to serious felony offenses. His legal education began at Hastings College of the Law, where he earned recognition as Best Oral Advocate in the school's Moot Court competition before continuing his studies at the University of California, Irvine School of Law.

Free consultation Multilingual support
Nafiz M Ahmed
Nafiz M Ahmed Verified Attorney
Criminal Law San Jose, California
DUI Lawyer Traffic Ticket Sex Crime Domestic Violence Federal Crimes White Collar Crimes +3 more

Nafiz M. Ahmed was born in Mills Memorial Hospital in San Mateo, California.

Free consultation
Peter Blair
Peter Blair Verified Attorney
Criminal Law San Diego, California
Domestic Violence DUI Lawyer Federal Crimes Sex Crime Traffic Ticket White Collar Crimes +3 more

Attorney Peter Blair is the lead and founding attorney of Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers. He has worked solely in criminal defense in San Diego as well as the neighboring counties throughout Southern California.

Free consultation Multilingual support
Steven Harold Haney
Steven Harold Haney Verified Attorney
Business Law Los Angeles, California
Criminal Law Employment Law Estate Planning Intellectual Property Motorcycle Accident Real Estate Law Civil Law White Collar Crimes Pedestrian Accident Premises Liability +7 more

Steven H. Haney is an aggressive litigator and successful trial attorney.

Free consultation
Bobby Shamuilian
Bobby Shamuilian Verified Attorney
Criminal Law Rancho Cucamonga, California
DUI Lawyer Family Law Personal Injury Traffic Ticket Workers Compensation Sex Crime Domestic Violence White Collar Crimes Hit and Run Accident Drunk Driving Accident +7 more

Bobby Shamuilian is a diligent and aggressive advocate for his clients. His passion is applied to every single case, and he works tirelessly to meet the legal objectives of his clients.

Free consultation
Silva Laura Megerditchian
Silva Laura Megerditchian Verified Attorney
Criminal Law Beverly Hills, California
DUI Lawyer Traffic Ticket Sex Crime Domestic Violence White Collar Crimes +2 more

Silva L. Megerditchian is an experienced and skilled criminal defense attorney.

Free consultation
Vikas Bajaj
Vikas Bajaj Verified Attorney
Criminal Law San Diego, California
DUI Lawyer Traffic Ticket Sex Crime Domestic Violence Federal Crimes White Collar Crimes Hit and Run Accident +4 more

After being charged with a crime, all that matters is hiring an experienced criminal lawyer to protect your freedom. Attorney Vikas Bajaj is widely considered to be the best San Diego criminal defense lawyer and is regularly featured in local and national news.

Free consultation Multilingual support

Frequently Asked Questions


You can find a criminal defense lawyer in California by comparing attorneys who handle charges, investigations, court appearances, plea discussions, and criminal defense matters in state or local courts.
Contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you are arrested, charged, questioned by police, served with court papers, or believe you are under investigation.
Criminal defense lawyers may handle misdemeanors, felonies, DUI, drug charges, assault, theft, domestic violence allegations, probation issues, and other criminal law matters.
Anyone accused of a crime, contacted by investigators, facing charges, or needing help with court procedures may need a criminal defense lawyer in California.
Important evidence may include police reports, body camera footage, witness statements, text messages, photos, court documents, surveillance video, phone records, and communication with law enforcement.
Yes. FindTheLawyers can help you compare criminal defense lawyers in California by reviewing attorney profiles, practice areas, and location details in one directory.
Ask about criminal defense experience, similar cases, possible defense strategies, communication, court timelines, fees, and what documents or details you should bring.
FindTheLawyers helps users search for California criminal defense lawyers, compare attorney profiles, and find legal professionals who may handle criminal law matters.