Missouri Criminal Defense Lawyers | Best Criminal Attorneys Attorneys in MO

Lawyer Legion Criminal Defense Information Center of Missouri

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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Missouri
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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Missouri

Lawyer Legion created this list of the top picks in 2024 for the best criminal defense attorneys in Missouri. To rank the top criminal defense attorneys and other lawyers in Missouri, we used both objective and subjective criteria.

The top criminal defense attorneys were selected based on their career accomplishments, success in high-profile cases, professional involvement, community leadership, and board certifications.

This list represents some of the most highly accomplished criminal defense lawyers currently practicing in Missouri. 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 statewide list of attorneys who are actually “the best” at practicing criminal law (but our list comes close).

Daniel Allan Juengel
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Saint Louis, MO
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Steven F Groce
DUI / DWI and Criminal Defense Lawyer
Springfield, MO
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Joe Welch
Criminal Defense and Marijuana Lawyer
Kansas City, MO
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Daniel Dodson
Criminal Defense and Marijuana Lawyer
Jefferson City, MO
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John Clayton Schleiffarth
Criminal Defense and DUI / DWI Lawyer
Saint Louis, MO
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Jeffrey Goldfarb
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Clayton, MO
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Gary Wilson
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Springfield, MO
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David M. Lurie
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Lees Summit, MO
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Tyson Martin
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Springfield, MO
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Daniel L Viets
Criminal Defense and Marijuana Lawyer
Columbia, MO
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David Koonce
Criminal Defense Lawyer
St.Louis, MO
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Rick Farrow
Criminal Defense and Family Lawyer
West Plains, MO
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More Noteworthy Missouri Attorneys

Missouri Legal Resources

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

Criminal Defense Bar Associations and Legal Organizations

Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (MACDL) - Formed in 1978, the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (MACDL) is the leading statewide association exclusively serving the comprehensive needs of the criminal defense bar. Since its creation, MACDL has continued to promote excellence in the practice of criminal law and protect the rights of the accused. The MACDL provides education opportunities for members and an attorneys listings for criminal defense clients.

Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense

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.

Attorney General Office of Missouri

Attorney General Office of Missouri - The Attorney General's Office of Missouri, led by the Attorney General elected by the people, serves as the chief legal advisor and advocate for the state. This office is responsible for providing legal counsel to state agencies and officials, representing Missouri in legal matters, and overseeing law enforcement. The Attorney General plays a pivotal role in prosecuting and defending legal actions on behalf of the state, issuing legal opinions, and addressing a wide range of legal issues, including consumer protection, civil rights, and public safety.

Missouri Courts

Missouri Courts - The Missouri Courts are entrusted with the vital task of administering justice and upholding the rule of law in the state. Their duties include interpreting and applying the law, adjudicating civil and criminal cases, safeguarding individual rights, ensuring due process, and overseeing family law matters. The Missouri judiciary also addresses specific legal challenges relevant to the state, including matters related to its diverse communities and economic landscape.

Missouri Legislative Branch

Missouri Legislative Branch - The Missouri General Assembly, the state's legislative branch, operates under a bicameral system, comprising the Missouri Senate and the Missouri House of Representatives. The Senate has 34 members serving four-year terms, while the House comprises 163 members serving two-year terms. The General Assembly is responsible for proposing, debating, and passing laws that govern the state. Its duties include formulating the state budget, levying taxes, and addressing various policy issues such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Missouri Public Defender System

Missouri Public Defender System - The Missouri Public Defender System (MSPD) offers legal representation to indigent individuals accused or convicted of crimes. It comprises three divisions: Trial, Capital, and Appellate/Post-Conviction, operating statewide. District office attorneys provide direct representation, supported by hundreds of staff. Training is crucial, with in-house trial skills courses and efficient communication through IT. Expertise and resources are shared among offices regardless of size.

Supreme Court of Missouri

Supreme Court of Missouri - The Supreme Court of Missouri serves as the highest judicial authority in the state, responsible for interpreting and administering the law. Its primary function is to review appeals from lower courts to ensure the correct interpretation and application of state laws and the constitution. The court hears a wide range of cases, including civil, criminal, and constitutional matters, and establishes legal precedents that guide lower courts and legal practitioners statewide. Additionally, the Supreme Court of Missouri oversees the regulation of attorneys, managing attorney admissions, setting ethical standards, and ensuring the professionalism and ethical conduct of lawyers across the state.

Criminal Defense Lawyers in Missouri