Criminal Defense Lawyers in Sacramento County, CA

Lawyer Legion connects people with attorneys who are best-suited to solve their legal problems. We have curated a list of over 100 Criminal Defense lawyers currently practicing in Sacramento County, California. We scored each lawyer based on purely objective criteria such as: specialty certifications, distinguished fellowships, professional involvement, community leadership, speaking engagements, and other merit-based criteria.

If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a crime, consider using Lawyer Legion to discover and connect with criminal defense lawyers in Sacramento, California who are ready to help.

Directory of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Sacramento County, CA

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Sacramento
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Criminal Defense Lawyers by Cities in Sacramento County, CA
Criminal Defense Lawyers in Counties Near Sacramento County
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Sacramento County, CA Legal Resources
Criminal Defense Bar Associations and Legal Organizations
Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense
Sacramento County Government and Court Resources

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Sacramento

Lawyer Legion Top Picks for 2026

Lawyer Legion created this list of the top picks in 2026 for the best criminal defense attorneys in Sacramento, Sacramento County, California. To rank the top Criminal Defense attorneys, and other lawyers in Sacramento County we used both objective and subjective criteria.

The top criminal defense attorneys were selected based on their career accomplishments, professional involvement, community leadership, and board certification.

This list represents some of the most highly accomplished Criminal Defense lawyers currently practicing in Sacramento, Sacramento County, California. When reviewing this list, please be aware of each of the following:

Lawyers cannot pay to be included in this list.
Only lawyers who are active on Lawyer Legion were selected.
No online directory can accurately determine a countywide list of attorneys who are actually “the best" at practicing criminal law (but our list comes close).

Showing attorneys 1–10 out of 169

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Criminal Defense Lawyers by Cities in Sacramento County, CA

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Sacramento County, CA Criminal Defense Legal Resources

Criminal Defense Bar Associations and Legal Organizations
Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense
Sacramento County Government and Court Resources

Criminal Defense Bar Associations and Legal Organizations

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice (CACJ) - The California Attorneys for Criminal Justice (CACJ) was formed in 1973 and is the country's largest statewide organization of criminal defense lawyers . The CACJ works to defend the rights and due process of the accused while providing quality continuing legal education to its members. Since strengthening its presence in the California State Capitol, CACJ provides the criminal defense bar with a more unified voice on legislative matters.

California DUI Lawyers Association (CDLA) - The California DUI Lawyers Association (CDLA) was founded in 1989. Attorneys in the CDLA promote the rights of the accused to encourage a fair criminal justice system with a focus on DUI charges. The CDLA uses its influence to advocate for legislative changes in the criminal justice system. The California DUI Lawyers Association (CDLA) is an affiliate of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) and the DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA).

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) - Founded in 1958, NACDL is the largest organization for criminal defense lawyers fighting to preserve fairness within America's criminal justice system. The organization has more than 10,000 direct members including criminal defense attorneys in private practice, public defenders in state or federal court, U.S. military defense counsel, law professors and judges.

Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense

Criminal Law - In California, attorneys can become certified as a Criminal Law Specialist by the State Bar of California's Board of Legal Specialization (CBLS). Board-certified attorneys include criminal defense attorneys in private practice, public defenders, or prosecutors. These attorneys work within the criminal justice system at the local, state, or federal level.

Appellate Law - Attorneys who are board certified in Appellate Law by The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization have demonstrated significant knowledge and experience in the areas of civil and criminal appeals. Lawyers represent people throughout the appellate law process in both state and federal appellate courts, including the California Court of Appeals, the Federal Court of Appeals, the California Supreme Court, or the United States Supreme Court.

Criminal Trial Law - The specialty area of Criminal Trial Law is offered by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) to lawyers. To earn NBTA board certification, the criminal defense attorney must show substantial involvement in at least 45 days of trial, must have served as lead counsel in jury cases through verdict; conducted direct examinations and cross-examinations, and conducted a specified number of voir dire, opening statements and closing arguments.

DUI Defense Law - The National College for DUI Defense, Inc. (NCDD) is an organization that grants specialty or board certification for DUI Defense Law. The ABA has recognized the NCDD as an organization that is accredited to award certification in this specialty area of the law. The purpose of granting board certification in DUI Defense Law is to recognize DUI and DWI lawyers who focus their practice on representing men and women accused of drunk and impaired driving offenses. In order to qualify for board certification in "DUI Defense Law," the attorney must meet specific qualifications and apply for board certification with NCDD.

Sacramento County Government and Court Resources

Sacramento County Public Defender's Office
Sacramento County District Attorney's Office
Superior Court of California - County of Sacramento
Sacramento County Departments and Offices
California Office of the State Public Defender
Federal Courts in Sacramento County, CA

Sacramento County Public Defender's Office

Sacramento County Public Defender's Office - The Sacramento County Public Defender's Office in California offers legal representation to indigent defendants. The office handles criminal defense, juvenile cases, and mental health advocacy. It is committed to ensuring fair trials and upholding the rights of the accused. The office employs a dedicated team of attorneys and support staff who manage a broad range of cases each year. Their mission is to provide quality legal defense and promote justice within Sacramento County.

Sacramento County Public Defender's Office
700 H St Suite 0270
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-874-6411

Sacramento County District Attorney's Office

Sacramento County District Attorney's Office - The Sacramento County District Attorney's Office in California prosecutes criminal cases and supports crime victims. It includes divisions for Criminal, Juvenile, and Family Support matters. The office strives to ensure justice and community safety through effective legal prosecution. Handling numerous cases annually, it is committed to protecting public interests and upholding the law with a dedicated team of legal professionals.

Sacramento County District Attorney's Office
901 G St
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-874-6218

Superior Court of California - County of Sacramento

Superior Court of California - County of Sacramento - The Superior Court of California - County of Sacramento provides comprehensive judicial services, handling criminal, civil, family, and juvenile cases. The court is committed to ensuring fair and impartial justice, upholding the law, and maintaining public trust. With a dedicated team of judges and support staff, the court manages a high volume of cases each year. It aims to deliver efficient judicial services and foster a sense of justice within the community.

Superior Court of California - County of Sacramento
720 9th St
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-874-5522

Sacramento County Departments and Offices

Sacramento County Departments and Offices - Sacramento County government agencies oversee services like health, transportation, and law enforcement. They function under the supervision of the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, focusing on improving residents' quality of life through efficient service management. The county aims to foster a sustainable future through community engagement and resource stewardship.

California Office of the State Public Defender

California Office of the State Public Defender - The Office of the Public Defender in California is a pivotal force for justice, providing expert legal representation to underserved individuals. With a dedicated team of defense attorneys, it ensures equitable trials and upholds the principle that quality legal advocacy is a fundamental right for everyone, regardless of their circumstances. By championing fairness, the office contributes significantly to the integrity of the legal system and the protection of constitutional rights.

Federal Courts in Sacramento County, CA

United States District Court - Eastern District of California - The Eastern District of California was formed on September 18, 1966. It is part of the Ninth Federal Circuit, and it expands north to south from the Oregon border to the Tehachapis and from west to east from the Coastal Range to the Nevada border. The district's headquarters is at the Sacramento Courthouse Office. They strive to provide "public safety and the fair administration of justice through professional and progressive" actions.

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Criminal Defense Lawyers in Sacramento, California

Directory of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Sacramento County, CA

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Sacramento

Richard Thomas Dudek

Joseph Salvatore Farina

Blair Goss

Carlos Andres Ramos

Alan Joseph Donato

Chris Walsh

Liliana Gallelli

David Warren Dratman

Jason Patrick Hopper

Carl Henry Mandabach