Top-rated criminal defense lawyers

What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

A criminal defense lawyer represents people investigated for or charged with a crime, from first appearance and bail through plea negotiations, trial and sentencing.

• DUI
• Drug charges
• Theft and burglary
• Assault, battery and domestic violence
• White-collar and fraud charges
• Sealing or expunging a record

When do you need a criminal defense lawyer?

Ask for a lawyer as soon as you are arrested or learn you are under investigation, and do not answer questions about the case without one.

• You were arrested or received a notice to appear
• Police want to interview you
• You face a license suspension after a DUI arrest
• You want to seal or expunge an old arrest

Who are the best criminal defense lawyers in Florida?

The statewide ranking lists the top 25 of the 93 criminal defense lawyers LexRanked tracks in Florida, in order of their LexRank score. See the best criminal defense lawyers in Florida.

Where can I find a criminal defense lawyer in Florida?

Criminal defense rankings cover 9 Florida cities; Orlando has the most lawyers compared (16).

How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Florida?

Criminal defense lawyers charge a flat fee or by the hour; Florida's rules bar contingency fees for defending a criminal case. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the court can appoint the public defender. Under The Florida Bar's rules, a lawyer who has not represented you before must explain the basis or rate of the fee and costs, preferably in writing, and no fee may be clearly excessive.

Florida criminal defense rules to know

Florida sets deadlines for charging a crime, and anyone who cannot afford a lawyer is entitled to a public defender.

What does Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law mean?

It is a credential from The Florida Bar for lawyers with substantial experience in the field who have passed peer review and a written exam. Florida Bar board certification requires at least five years of practice, substantial involvement in the field, peer review by other lawyers and judges, continuing legal education and a written exam, and it must be renewed every five years. About 4.9% of Florida lawyers hold a board certification in any field.

How to choose a criminal defense lawyer

Confirm the license in The Florida Bar's directory, then compare experience, certification and how often the lawyer handles cases like yours.

1. Look up the lawyer in The Florida Bar's directory: the license must show as eligible to practice, and public discipline is listed there.
2. Check for Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law, which requires peer review and an exam.
3. Ask for the fee agreement in writing before work starts.
4. Ask: How often do you handle this charge in this county?
5. Ask: What outcomes are realistic, including diversion or a reduced charge?
6. Ask: What does your fee cover if the case goes to trial?

How LexRanked ranks criminal defense lawyers

By the LexRank score: experience, practice-area relevance, awards on record such as board certification, professional credentials, data quality and location, using only facts with a cited source. Client reviews do not affect the LexRank score: neither star ratings nor the number of reviews is scored. Data checked November 2026 against each lawyer's Florida Bar profile. Payment never changes a position. See how we rank.

Guides

Read these before you hire a criminal defense lawyer:

• Florida DUI penalties: first, second and third offense
• What happens after an arrest in Florida

Sources

• Florida Statutes, section 775.15 (time limitations)
• Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, Rule 4-1.5 (fees and costs for legal services)
• The Florida Bar: Find a Lawyer directory