Criminal Defense Attorneys in Orange County, FL

Lawyer Legion connects people with attorneys who are best-suited to solve their legal problems. We have curated a list of over 400 Criminal Defense lawyers currently practicing in Orange County, Florida. 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 Orlando, Florida who are ready to help.

Law Firms Practicing Criminal Defense in Orange County, FL

The Cochran Firm

Directory of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Orange County, FL

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Orlando
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Orange County, FL Legal Resources
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Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense
Orange County Government and Court Resources

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Orlando

Lawyer Legion Top Picks for 2026

Lawyer Legion created this list of the top picks in 2026 for the best criminal defense attorneys in Orlando, Orange County, Florida. To rank the top Criminal Defense attorneys, and other lawyers in Orange 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 Orlando, Orange County, Florida. 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 1–12 out of 250

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Orange County, FL Criminal Defense Legal Resources

Criminal Defense Bar Associations and Legal Organizations
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Orange County Government and Court Resources

Criminal Defense Bar Associations and Legal Organizations

Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (CFACDL) - The Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers is a reputable organization committed to advancing the quality of criminal defense representation in the Central Florida region. By fostering education, collaboration, and advocacy among defense attorneys, the association plays a vital role in upholding justice and protecting the rights of individuals within the local criminal justice system.

Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL) - The Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL) was founded in 1988. Since its creation, FACDL has continued to promote excellence in the practice of criminal law and protect the rights of the accused. Its members includes public and private criminal justice attorneys serving the needs of the criminal defense bar in Florida. The FACDL offers attorneys listings for criminal defense attorneys on their website.

The Florida Bar Criminal Law Section - The Florida Bar Criminal Law Section is a division of The Florida Bar that focuses on improving the practice of criminal law in the state of Florida. This organization is dedicated to promoting high standards of professionalism, competence, and integrity among criminal law practitioners. It provides education, resources, and networking opportunities for its members, including attorneys, judges, and law students interested in criminal law. The section also works to enhance the administration of justice and support the development of sound public policy related to criminal law. Additionally, the section actively participates in legislative processes by reviewing and proposing changes to criminal law legislation.

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 Trial Law - The field of criminal law as a specialty practice area for certification was originally established in 1987. The Florida Board of Legal Specialization and Education (BLSE) of The Florida Bar governs the rules and policies for each of the certification areas. An attorney who is a member in good standing and has met the requirements for certification may be issued an appropriate certificate identifying the lawyer as either "Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law" or "Board Certified in Criminal Appellate Law."

Criminal Appellate Law - The standards for board certification in criminal appellate law can be found in Rule 6-8. The purpose of the standards is to identify those lawyers who practice criminal law and have the special knowledge, skills, and proficiency, as well as the character, ethics, and reputation for professionalism, to be properly identified to the public as a board-certified in appellate law. Also, the certification is awarded by the Florida Board of Legal Specialization and Education (BLSE).

Juvenile Law - Learn more about how attorneys can become Board Certification in Juvenile Law in Florida. The minimum standards for juvenile law certification are explained in Rule 6-29.3. Task requirements include handling of at least 10 fully adjudicated trials or appellate proceedings arising from petitions for dependency, termination of parental rights, or delinquency, of which occurred during the five years immediately preceding application.

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.

Orange County Government and Court Resources

Office of the Public Defender - 9th Judicial Circuit Orange and Osceola County
Office Of The State Attorney Ninth Judicial Circuit
Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida
Orange County Government, Florida
Federal Courts in Orange County, FL

Office of the Public Defender - 9th Judicial Circuit Orange and Osceola County

Office of the Public Defender - 9th Judicial Circuit Orange and Osceola County - The Office of the Public Defender for the 9th Judicial Circuit in Orange and Osceola County, Florida, was established following the landmark Gideon v. Wainwright case in 1963, which recognized the right to legal representation for those who cannot afford it. The agency ensures that indigent individuals receive fair trials in criminal cases, involuntary mental health commitments, and juvenile delinquency matters. In addition to legal defense, the office connects clients with programs addressing issues like substance abuse and anger management. The office also engages in community education and offers internships to students interested in law and social services.

Office of the Public Defender - 9th Judicial Circuit Orange and Osceola County
435 North Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: 407-836-4800

Office Of The State Attorney Ninth Judicial Circuit

Office Of The State Attorney Ninth Judicial Circuit - The Office of the State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit serves Orange and Osceola counties in Florida, with a mission to uphold and enforce the law while ensuring community safety. This office, led by elected officials, is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases, reviewing law enforcement investigations, and determining the necessity of criminal charges. Comprising over 155 prosecutors, the office handles approximately 100,000 cases annually, representing the State of Florida in criminal courts. They emphasize fairness, transparency, and victim support, aligning with the American Bar Association's standards for prosecutors. The office also prioritizes community collaboration to prevent crime and protect residents and visitors alike.

Office Of The State Attorney Ninth Judicial Circuit
415 North Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: 407-836-2400

Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida

Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida - The courts of the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida serve Orange and Osceola counties, overseeing a wide range of legal matters including criminal, civil, family, and juvenile cases. Their mission is to administer justice fairly and efficiently while upholding the rule of law. The circuit's judges and staff are committed to transparency, accountability, and maintaining the publics trust. They work closely with the State Attorney's Office to ensure that justice is served, balancing the need for prosecution with the protection of individual rights. The courts also focus on community outreach and education, emphasizing the importance of public understanding of the legal system.

Orange County Government, Florida

Orange County Government, Florida - The Orange County Government website in Florida serves as a comprehensive resource for residents, visitors, and businesses in the region. It offers easy access to information about county services, including public safety, environmental initiatives, and community programs. The site provides details on government operations, such as the Board of County Commissioners, and offers online services like permit applications and bill payments. Users can also find resources for community engagement, employment opportunities, and emergency preparedness. The website is designed to promote transparency, accessibility, and public involvement in county affairs.

Federal Courts in Orange County, FL

U.S. District Court - Middle District of Florida - The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, established in 1962, serves a broad swath of central Florida through its divisions in Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, and Ocala. This court handles a large volume of federal civil and criminal cases, including commercial litigation, immigration matters, drug and firearm offenses, and constitutional challenges. With a jurisdiction covering populous counties and a diverse legal landscape, it is one of the busiest federal courts in the country, supported by numerous Article III and magistrate judges.

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Criminal Defense Lawyers in Orlando, Orange County, Florida

Law Firms Practicing Criminal Defense in Orange County, FL

The Cochran Firm

Directory of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Orange County, FL

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Orlando

Richard Hornsby

Mark Matthew O'Mara

Mark Elias Nejame

Michael Howard Lafay

Jaya Balani

Michael E. Zmijewski

Thomas Bert Fighter

Whitney Stacel Boan

Joseph Charles Flynn III

Jeffrey Higgins

William D. Umansky

David S Katz