Top Best Criminal Defense Lawyers | 14570 Available

Former elected Commonwealth's Attorney with over 24 years experience successfully and tenaciously prosecuting and defending cases. Call now for a free consultation!

I am a Virginia trial lawyer who provides a diverse range of legal services, including criminal jury trials, in several counties, including Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, Prince William, Spotsylvania, Culpeper, and Fredericksburg. Please refer to the AVVO Q&A section to read some of my 15,500 legal answers.. The main reason I became a lawyer was that I didn’t see much diversity in the legal profession, and I thought the lawyers I hired for my life events, did not understand the context or cultural background. Though I tried to find other lawyers, my searches were futile.. I am an immigrant from India who became a US citizen a long time ago. My father, grandfathers, and great grandfathers were farmers owning huge parcels of farmland in the Indian State of Tamil Nadu, and accordingly, I studied Agriculture all through PhD and became an Assistant Professor at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, India. Later I pursued computer programming in the United States - MS in Information Systems and worked in Siebel CRM at Accenture and SAP FICO at the Customs and Border Protection. Later, I switched to Federal Govt employee status and worked as an Inspector at the Office of Inspector General (OIG) at the Dept of Homeland Security (DHS) in Washington, D.C. My team did audits of the detention centers in Texas. As a DHS OIG inspector, I was also trained in criminal investigations by NCIS' FLETA at Glynco, Georgia.. My first entry in the United States was as a graduate research fellow with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in Washington, D.C. DEI is a gift and IFPRI is a non-profit institute gifting diverse opportunities to the international PhD students (like me) around the World. I started my career as an Agricultural Economist (India), as a teaching Professor (TNAU), a graduate research fellow (IFPRI) and a DAAD fellow (JLU, PhD) in Germany. Later after publishing a book and marriage, a new married last name and a career in computer coding, and a beautiful daughter, I pursued law school. That means I bring multi-continental, multi-area, and multicultural lawyering to the practice of law.. I received a Rosa Parks Scholarship and studied law at the only public and affordable law school in Washington, D.C., the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law. My team won the ABA Client Counseling Competition Championship in Region 3. My team also won the second place at the Nelson Mandela Int'l Negotiations Competition. Some small law schools like mine produce great defenders and change agents.. I encourage people to donate to UDC David A. Clarke School of Law which shapes many African American students, immigrant women and men into fierce defenders and champions. Please check out the free legal clinics offered by UDC law. Contact the Rising for Justice Criminal Defense Clinic in Washington DC.

Tracey G. Kagan. Orlando Attorney At Law. Upon completing her tenure at the New York Public Defender’s office, Attorney Kagan relocated to the State of Florida where she joined the Seminole County Prosecutor’s office, expanding her scope of experience to include both sides of the law.  Shortly thereafter Attorney Kagan started her own practice where she has been aggressively fighting for and defending the rights of her clients.. While Attorney Kagan still practices Florida Criminal Law, including Drug charges, Trafficking, Burglary, Domestic Violence, DUIs, Juvenile charges, Violations of Probation, and Bond Hearings, her practice has grown over the years to include Traffic Ticket Defense, Orlando Personal Injury Law, and Divorce.. Attorney Kagan’s main office is located in downtown Orlando, just minutes from the courthouse, but she accepts new clients from all over the Central Florida area including Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Brevard, Lake, Polk, and Volusia Counties.. Attorney Kagan’s mission is to work hard to preserve her clients rights, protect their interests, and successfully navigate them through the entire legal process while keeping them informed every step of the way.

Dedicated to aggressive representation and attentive personal service. An experienced criminal defense attorney in Orlando, Florida. He handles all felony and misdemeanor cases, with a special emphasis on the field of domestic violence who researches the facts and connects with judges and juries.

Mr. Guidry has been a practicing attorney since October 1980 as a trial lawyer in both civil and criminal cases. He has practiced criminal law as both a defense attorney and a prosecutor. His experience includes over 80 jury trials in Federal courts, State courts, and hundreds of judge presided trials in almost every jurisdiction in the State of Louisiana. He is also admitted to practice in all United States Courts in Louisiana and U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit.. Over the course of 30-plus years of practice, Mr. Guidry has attained a diverse knowledge of various legal fields. He has been on both sides of the courtroom for criminal cases, as a public defender and as a city and state prosecutor. Through his work with the Attorney General's office he gained experience in land matters and further criminal training. In his early career he gained invaluable knowledge representing the oil and gas industry, as well as pursuing personal injury cases. Crawdaddy can handle it all.. Mr. Guidry has an undergraduate degree in politics from LSU, a law degree from Loyola, and a masters degree in the school of hard knocks. He is a french speaking Cajun who is not afraid to take on any issue in any forum.  His motto is: “Have Law -Will Travel, Have Injustice-Will Travel Swiftly!”

Nicholas J. Muscarello, Jr. was born and raised in Hammond, Louisiana.  A graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Catholic High School and Southeastern Louisiana University.  He received his juris doctorate from Southern University Law Center.. Nicholas wanted to seek out the place where he could get the most trial experience and he was immediately hired by the Indigent Defender Board for the Twenty First Judicial District which encompasses Tangipahoa Parish, Livingston Parish and St. Helena Parish.  At that time he defended hundreds of cases and tried multiple jury trials to their conclusion.  Upon leaving the Indigent Defender Board he went into private practice, where his practice areas include Criminal Defense Law, Personal Injury Law and Family Law.  In addition to his private practice he currently represents the Village of Tickfaw as a prosecutor.. Mr. Muscarello's expertise at the trial level has aided him greatly in his civil practice.  His goal is to keep the client informed at every step of their case, and even take the matter to trial in order to achieve the best result for the client.

Ed Tarpley is a criminal defense attorney in Alexandria, Louisiana, who served as district attorney for the 35th Judicial District, Grant Parish, from 1991 to 1997. Ed graduated from LSU Law School in 1979. He is a member of the House of Delegates for the LSBA, the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Crossroads American Inn of Court of Alexandria-Pineville. He also is a member of the Alexandria Rotary Club and was a Delegate to the 2016 Republican National Convention.. Ed is a defender of the cause of liberty and a frequent speaker on the Constitution and Bill of Rights. He is the author of a resolution adopted by the LSBA in June of 2016, calling for the legislature to restore unanimous criminal jury verdicts in Louisiana.

Stephen Rue is Voted "BEST ATTORNEY" and is 5 STAR RATED.  RUE LAW FIRM is voted 2025 BEST PERSONAL INJURY LAW FIRM. 2025 BEST CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAW FIRM. And Silver 2025 BEST FAMILY LAW FIRM in Best of St. Tammany. Certified by HARVARD LAW SCHOOL, Rue excels in his client represenation and litigation skills. Stephen Rue is selected as a 2025 SUPER LAWYER and in 2025 BEST LAWYERS. In 2025 -2020, in 2025 nd 2024 Rue has been voted an ELITE LAWYER by Inside NewOrleans Magazine. Rue was voted by local attorneys as a "TOP LAWYER" in New Orleans Magazine.  Stephen Rue is the powerful legal advocate for you.  Rue has been voted "BEST ATTORNEY' in Gambit Weekly's Best of New Orleans Poll 2012.  Rated as a 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017 SUPER LAWYER.  Numerous 5 STAR YELP RATINGS and Testimonials.  Stephen Rue is very well known as an extremely experienced attorney who is highly respected and highly recommended by former clients and members of the community.  In fact, lawyers and judges have recommended Stephen Rue for firneds and family members in need of a great attorney.  Clients say that Stephen Rue is simply OUSTANDING.  VOTED BEST Divorce Lawyer each and every time awarded by Best of New Orleans. Stephen Rue is the author of 4 family law books. Rue serves on the Family Law committee for the Louisiana State Bar Association. He has represented thousands of Rue is the Recipient of the 2025 - 2020 AVVO Client Choice Award.  Rue's certification from Harvard Law School is through his studies at Harvard in Negotiation and Leadership.. Stephen Rue is the Senior Attorney at the law firm of Stephen Rue & Associates which has three law offices in the Greater New Orleans area, including offices in New Olreans, Gretna and Kenner, Louisiana.. Stephen Rue and his team of attorneys can represent clients in three main areas of law:. PERSONAL INJURY - Stephen Rue & Associates has represented thousands of clients having settlements and judgments in the millions of dollars. (Individual results of course vary). Whether in a car accident, a medical malpractice suit or slip and fall case, Stephen Rue is ready to help you today.. CRIMINAL DEFENSE - Stephen Rue's team of lawyers include a former Assistant District Attorney for Jefferson Parish and other experienced lawyers, including Stephen Rue, with extensive criminal defense representation experience.  Whether one has a drug charge, theft charge, domestic violence charge, revocation of probation, DUI/DWI, traffic offenses, speeding, major felony cases and minor misdemeanors, and expungements, Stephen Rue will be able to assist you.. FAMILY LAW - Stephen Rue has been Voted Best Divorce Lawyer in New Orleans for two consecutive years by Gambit Weekly Readers Poll.  Additionally, Stephen Rue is the best selling author of four books on the subject of Louisiana Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, Spousal Support, Domestic Abuse, Community Property and all other family law topics. His most recent book can be found on and is entitled Louisiana Divorce Handbook.  Rue has represented over 2,000 clients in divorce, custody, support and property matters throughout Louisiana.  He is ready to assist you today.. Stephen Rue and his experienced team of attorneys primarilly assists clients in Courts in the following areas: St. Amannay Parish, New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, St. Charles Parish, St. John the Baptist Parish, St. Bernard Parish and Plaquemines Parish.  Rue represents individuals with leagal problems in New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Gretna, Harahan, Westwego, Covington, Slidell, Hahnville, Destrehan, Boutte, LaPlace, Reserve, the Entire Northshore, Westbank, Eastbank, and surrrounding parishes and cities throughout Louisiana.. Contact Attorney Stephen Rue today!

Attorney Barry S. Ranshi is from New Orleans, Louisiana. Mr. Ranshi graduated from the University of New Orleans (B.A.) and Loyola University New Orleans College of Law (J.D.). Mr. Ranshi focuses exclusively on criminal defense, providing representation for felony and misdemeanor charges.. As a student practitioner at Loyola, he assisted in the representation of several indigent defendants in Orleans Parish, which including writing several preliminary motions and helping attain the release of a defendant wrongfully charged with first degree murder. During his final summer in law school, he interned for Judge Robert Pitre, of Jefferson Parish. There, he prepared memorandums of law regarding Post-Conviction Relief Applications.. Mr. Ranshi began his legal career as a staff attorney to Orleans Parish Criminal Court Judge Darryl A. Derbigny, where he reviewed all criminal pleadings, while advising the Court on substantive criminal law, evidence, and procedure. One of his most memorable highlights inlcude assisting the Court in reversing a defendant's wrongful Second Degree Murder Conviction. The Louisiana Supreme Court affirmed the Court's ruling. Mr. Ranshi also drafted the Court's jury instructions and rulings, while assuring compliance with the Courts of Appeal and Supreme Court. In collaboration with his counterparts, he took part in rewriting Orleans Criminal Court's expungement procedure. Mr. Ranshi observed countless criminal jury trials and hearings, preparing him to be an effective trial lawyer.. Mr. Ranshi then worked for the Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office gaining invaluable experience investigating and trying cases. There, he served as first and second chair trial prosecutor for numerous felony cases in juvenile court.. One of the largest criminal defense firms in New Orlean recruited Mr. Ranshi to join its team as a trial and appeals attorney. While there, he won several writs in the appeals courts and in the Louisiana Supreme Court. He negotiated numerous plea deals, which spared his clients lengthy prison sentences. Additionally, he filed several expungements that were successfully granted.. Barry S. Ranshi has the experience you need in a criminal defense attorney; He understands the perspective as a prosecutor, judicial attorney, and now as a defense attorney. He has trial experience, with a specific understanding of the jury selection process, examining witnesses, and introducing evidence. Mr. Ranshi handles cases in St. Tammany, Jefferson, Orleans, Lafourche, Terrebonne, Tangipahoa, St. Charles, and St. Bernard Parishes.

Craig Mordock is an experienced criminal defense attorney in New Orleans. He has handled several high profile cases including representing former AL Cy Young Award Winner Denny McClain on fraud charges that were eventually dismissed. Currently, he represents University of Arizona Assistant Basketball Coach Book Richardson on federal bribery charges. He regularly teaches CLEs on trial practice, DWI law, and expungements. He has appeared as a guest on Headline News and the Today Show and is frequently quoted as an expert in the local media on criminal law matters. In 2015, he was named one of top 100 criminal defense lawyers in Louisiana by the National Trial Lawyers Association. He is also listed as a Top Lawyer in the Global Directory of Who's Who. In 2015, Craig was named a "Top Lawyer" for criminal defense by New Orleans Magazine.

Dylan Utley, a New Orleans criminal lawyer, practices criminal defense at the highest level in both state and federal courts. Mr. Utley has practiced criminal law for over 22 years with significant trial experience. Mr. Utley is aggressive yet compassionate in his representation of clients. He represents clients who have been charged with white collar fraud, embezzlement, bribery, federal drug conspiracy crimes, criminal RICO violations, firearm and violent crimes. Mr. Utley represents clients charged with state felony and misdemeanor charges including: DWI/DUI, domestic violence matters, theft, battery, drug charges, public drunkenness, lewd conduct, disturbing the peace, expungements and all other state and municipal code violations. Mr. Utley represents those with Professional License issues, including Louisiana Nursing License Defense and violations of the Louisiana Nurse Practice Act.

"COMPASSIONATE ASSISTANCE AND AGGRESSIVE REPRESENTATION". We are a New Orleans based law firm representing people in both criminal and civil litigation. Our firm was built on the values of respect, honesty, dedication and service. Our mission in every case that we accept is to listen to the clients’ needs, understand their objectives and exceed their expectations.. NEW ORLEANS LAW FIRM. Elizabeth Bagert Carpenter, started her law firm with a passion for criminal defense litigation. During the course of her career, she has successfully represented thousands of people from all parts of the United States and some parts of Europe and Asia. She has a long history of defending professionals such as, teachers, doctors, financial analysts, military personnel and many other high-achieving individuals who have found themselves in the harrowing position of facing criminal charges. Ms. Carpenter does not accept every case that comes her way. Her policy of selectively choosing the criminal cases that she defends ensures that she is committed to fully serving her clients from the beginning. Through the years, this approach has enabled her to obtain a number of dismissals and acquittals in difficult cases. These impressive achievements as well as her level of dedication demonstrate why she manages an award-winning New Orleans law firm.. CLIENT-CENTERED ADVOCACY. Ms. Carpenter knows that her clients have come to her during one of the most embarrassing, stressful times in their lives. Ms. Carpenter’s clients value her because she mitigates their stress through her responsiveness and direct involvement. She knows that one simple mistake, lapse in judgment, bad decision or false accusation can land someone in a courtroom pleading for mercy. She also understands that addiction, PTSD, depression and a number of other mental health issues often lead people to the criminal justice system. Ms. Carpenter believes that being a strong advocate for an individual is not just about knowing the law. It’s about knowing people, understanding their stories and their experiences. Attorney Carpenter is known for taking the time to get to know all of her clients because a rapport of trust and understanding is essential to building the kind of successful attorney-client relationship that leads to better outcomes.. ABOUT ATTORNEY CARPENTER. Ms. Carpenter received her Juris Doctorate from Loyola University Law School. As an undergraduate student, she studied French Language and Literature graduating from L'Université d'Orléans, France. After returning to the United States, she completed a Bachelors of Arts Magna Cum Laude in French Literature with a minor is Psychology. Ms. Carpenter later pursued graduate studies in Clinical Psychology Summa Cum Laude at the University of California at Los Angeles. In 2019, Ms. Carpenter elected to further her education at Tulane University Law School and enroll in the Title IX compliance and litigation program. Preceding her legal career, Ms. Carpenter worked in the fields of social work and mental health where she gained skills that have proven to be invaluable in her present role as a New Orleans criminal defense attorney. During that time she worked at a few hospitals where she witnessed the difficulties that nurses and other healthcare providers endure daily. This experience is one of the reasons she chose to pursue Professional License Defense and Nurse Advocacy work.. AWARD-WINNING ATTORNEY. Ms. Carpenter is an Award-Winning Attorney within the Louisiana legal community. She has been recognized as a Louisiana Super Lawyer, National Trial Lawyers Top 100, New Orleans Magazine Top Attorney, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys Top 40 under 40, Top 3 DWI Lawyers New Orleans by Three Best Rated and more.... COMMUNITY INVOLVMENT AND SUPPORT. Ms. Carpenter's advocacy extends beyond the courtroom through her extensive involvement in the community and support for positive change within the legal industry. She regularly supports or volunteers for the Justice and Accountability Center, Pro Bono Project and NAMI New Orleans (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill). Additionally, she has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in juvenile court.. Ms. Carpenter has held membership or leadership positions in a number of professional organizations, including the Louisiana State Bar Association, Louisiana Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers, National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers and Federal Bar Association. Recently, she has begun to associate herself with The American Association of Nurse Attorneys (TAANA) and American Nurse Association.. In her spare time, Ms. Carpenter enjoys exercising, reading, walking her dogs in Audubon Park and cheering for the New Orleans Saints.

Established in 2016, Oliver Hadley Law, L.L.C. is a boutique trial law firm located in the heart of the New Orleans Central Business District.. We don’t live in a 9 to 5 world, and we are not a 9 to 5 law firm. At Oliver Hadley Law, L.L.C we leverage legal expertise with years of business experience to provide dynamic solutions to meet our clients' needs - whatever they may be. We effectively communicate with clients and keep them informed in real time on all relevant matters.. If you would like to discuss your case or your needs with our firm, please contact us for a FREE consultation. We provide a range of services including criminal defense, civil law, and business strategy.. We are here to help you.

In 14 years, I've handled over 800 cases throughout Louisiana.  Whether it's a car accident, murder or traffic ticket, I dedicate the same level of attention to any case that comes across my desk. We want to make sure you're comfortable choosing an attorney. That's why we offer free consultations and encourage potential clients to talk to several attorneys before hiring one. That's right. No pressure consultations.  Our #1 goal is for our clients to feel comfortable and confident with their attorney.. I have the privilege of working with my wife and law partner, Sarah Phillips.  Together, we founded Phillips Law in 2009 focusing on criminal defense and personal injury.  In addition to our private practice, I'm a staff attorney for Eden House, a shelter for women who are vicitms of the sex trafficing industry.. In my spare time I volunteer as a mentor for the Son of a Saint, an organization dedicated to helping boys who've lost their fathers to death or incarceration.

**COVID-19 update: we are open for business**. Being accused of a crime can be a traumatic experience. If you find yourself accused of a crime, you need a criminal defense lawyer that will fight for your freedom. The criminal defense team at Michael Capdeboscq is committed to mounting our clients a defense that is designed to ensure they walk away with minimal fines and penalties.