Types Of Crimes A Criminal Defense Lawyer Handles
According to Zippia, as of 2025, there are over 252,159 criminal defense lawyers in the United States. And if you’re wondering what type of crimes criminal defense lawyers deal with, the answer ranges from misdemeanors to felonies, presenting broad categories with legal challenges evident in each.
Criminal defense lawyer David Stewart says it’s normal to feel scared and overwhelmed when you think about how a criminal charge could affect your life. There are specific skills necessary for proper handling of every category. These distinctions may really prove useful, especially if you or a known person happens to be dealing with one of these issues in court.
What are the major types of crimes that generally require an effective defense? Let’s find out.
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanor charges can be intimidating, but understanding them is basic for just about everyone. Misdemeanors are usually less serious and less severe in punishments, up to a fine and a one-year jail sentence.
Examples of such common offenses are petty theft, disorderly conduct, and simple assault. It may be a misdemeanor, but it has a huge impact on your life. They lead to a criminal record, which would bring difficulties when checking the criminal records when applying to jobs or housing. They take these issues really seriously and actively seek the lawyer’s advice.
According to Meadows Law Office, a criminal defense case requires careful handling, detailed investigation, and thorough research to effectively defend a client. The criminal defense lawyer can help you with the legal system by talking to each client and negotiating plea deals and fighting passionately for their rights in court. An experienced legal advocate working with you will enhance your situation.
Felonies
Misdemeanors may seem small in contrast to the far more serious consequences a felony carries, with the potential of severe penalties. Getting a felony charge will result in judicial consequences that can impact your life for a prolonged period.
Cases like robbery, physical assault, or felony murder are serious charges. They often result in severe penalties. This includes long prison sentences, huge fines, and a tarnish on an otherwise untarnished record.
Felony charges require an experienced criminal lawyer who will provide you with advice whenever handling such cases. The lawyer will help defend your case throughout the complicated prosecution process and may assist in reducing charges or mitigating penalties against you.
Drug Crimes
If you find yourself facing drug crime charges, understand the severity of these offenses.
Drug offenses have ranged from possession to massive trafficking. Each offense can result in heavy fines and potentially long imprisonment. Perhaps state law or federal law will be applied, depending on how a case turns out.
Other additions to the scenario may make it very complicated. For example, minor involvement, a history of drug use, and additional charges related to previous crimes could complicate the case further.
Consulting an experienced criminal defense attorney would mean discussing the very complicated drug statutes with you, providing you with access to some defenses, and, not least important, trying to figure out an optimum resolution for your case.
And never underestimate the importance of professional assistance in such matters.
White-Collar Crimes
White-collar crimes are generally characterized by the deception of dishonestly depriving a person or corporation of a possession or service.
When you’re charged with fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, or money laundering, it would be important to understand the consequences of what would be regarded as very serious offenses. Offenses involving any degree of manipulation of the financial system or violation of trust carry with them large fines or even imprisonment upon a finding of guilty.
You might think these were minor offenses leading to less punishment than some violent crime, but it is equally as harsh a sentence. A good criminal defense attorney will defend your rights and help reduce your sentence if you’re convicted.
Choosing any attorney to defend you against such charges would be a grave mistake. Your future hangs on it.
Violent Crimes
White-collar crimes are mostly fraud with money, while violent crimes are a completely different and far more serious type of offense. Assault, robbery, murder, and domestic violence are all serious criminal acts that are subject to strict penalties under the law.
If your crime is classified as violent, then you not only have to consider a certain time you will probably spend in prison but also the possible devastating effects on your personal life and reputation. An experienced criminal defense lawyer would be your guide throughout the complications of your case by examining evidence and preparing for a solid defense.
They will work to protect legal rights while fighting against charges and negotiating for a plea. An understanding of the laws surrounding violent crimes can be very beneficial or harmful to the outcome of the case. A competent lawyer can have a huge impact on the outcome of any case.
