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Criminal Defense Lawyer · Memphis, TN/Updated June 13, 2026

The 9 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Memphis, TN

Finding the right criminal defense attorney can make or break your case. Avoid common pitfalls and choose wisely with our expert rankings.

Editorially independent9 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceFrancavilla Law Firm
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 9 Memphis-metro criminal defense lawyer businesses evaluated, top 9 ranked by Vetted Score.

In Memphis, having a skilled criminal defense lawyer is essential. The stakes are high, and the outcomes can significantly impact your life. With nine providers evaluated in the metro area, we focused on those who consistently deliver results and client satisfaction.

Our rankings are based on a thorough analysis of each firm’s ratings and reviews, which total 1,577 across the board. We do not accept payments for placement, ensuring that our list reflects genuine performance and client feedback.

9criminal defense lawyers evaluated in Memphis
4.81average rating across the field
1.6Kcustomer reviews analyzed

Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.

How much does criminal defense lawyer cost in Memphis? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories
★ Editor's Choice
96Score

Francavilla Law Firm

★★★★★5.0(243 reviews)

With a perfect rating of 5 stars from 243 reviews, Francavilla Law Firm is highly praised for its personalized attention and aggressive representation.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
94Score

The McDaniel Law Firm

★★★★★4.9(415 reviews)

The McDaniel Law Firm holds an impressive rating of 4.9 stars from 415 reviews.

Read full review
Best for Personalized Attention
94Score

Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers

★★★★★5.0(98 reviews)

Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers boasts a 5-star rating from 98 reviews, highlighting its strong client advocacy and tailored legal strategies.

Read full review

All 9, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
Francavilla Law Firm
Francavilla Law Firm
Editor's Choice
96Score
5.0★★★★★
243Individuals seeking dedicated legal representation
2
94Score
4.9★★★★★
415Clients needing comprehensive legal support
3
Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers
Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers
Best for Personalized Attention
94Score
5.0★★★★★
98Clients seeking personalized legal guidance
4
89Score
4.8★★★★★
429Individuals needing comprehensive legal advice
5
88Score
4.9★★★★★
128Clients wanting a strong advocate in court
6
87Score
4.9★★★★★
73Clients needing compassionate legal support
7
86Score
4.8★★★★★
64Clients looking for strategic legal counsel
8
82Score
4.5★★★★★
72Clients desiring a reliable legal partner
9
80Score
4.5★★★★★
55Clients preferring practical legal guidance
Methodology

How we evaluated all 9 criminal defense lawyers.

To compile our rankings, we evaluated each criminal defense lawyer based on their overall rating and the volume of reviews. The top firms emerged as leaders due to their strong client endorsements and proven track records in handling cases similar to yours.

Our evaluation process is updated monthly, allowing us to reflect the most current client experiences. This ensures that you have access to the best information when making your decision.

The Vetted Score: six weighted factors

Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%

Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
1
★ Editor's Choice

Francavilla Law Firm

★★★★★5.0(243 reviews)
96Score

With a perfect rating of 5 stars from 243 reviews, Francavilla Law Firm is highly praised for its personalized attention and aggressive representation. Clients appreciate the firm's commitment to understanding their unique situations. However, the firm may be less accessible due to its smaller team size, which could affect response times during busy periods.

Pros

  • Personalized service
  • Aggressive representation
  • Strong client relationships

Cons

  • Limited team size
  • Potentially slower response times
Best forIndividuals seeking dedicated legal representation
Service areaMemphis and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$200 to $500 per hour
2
Most Reviewed

The McDaniel Law Firm

★★★★★4.9(415 reviews)
94Score

The McDaniel Law Firm holds an impressive rating of 4.9 stars from 415 reviews. Clients commend the firm for its thoroughness and expertise in navigating complex legal issues. This firm is particularly well-regarded for its extensive experience in criminal defense. One drawback is that the high volume of cases may lead to less individualized attention.

Pros

  • Extensive experience
  • Thorough case handling
  • Highly rated by clients

Cons

  • Less individualized attention
  • Busy schedule
Best forClients needing comprehensive legal support
Service areaMemphis and nearby regions
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
3
Best for Personalized Attention

Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers

★★★★★5.0(98 reviews)
94Score

Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers boasts a 5-star rating from 98 reviews, highlighting its strong client advocacy and tailored legal strategies. Clients appreciate the firm’s approachable nature and ability to simplify complex legal jargon. However, its smaller review base may leave some potential clients wanting more evidence of its success. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clients seeking personalized legal guidance. It serves Memphis and surrounding areas, with $200 to $450 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are smaller review base and limited case history.

Pros

  • Strong client advocacy
  • Tailored legal strategies
  • Approachable lawyers

Cons

  • Smaller review base
  • Limited case history
Best forClients seeking personalized legal guidance
Service areaMemphis and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$200 to $450 per hour
4

Jack P. Sherman, Attorney At Law

★★★★★4.8(429 reviews)
89Score

Rated 4.8 stars from 429 reviews, Jack P. Sherman, Attorney At Law is known for its thorough legal consultations and effective trial strategies. Clients appreciate the firm’s detailed approach to cases. However, availability may be limited due to high demand, which could affect timely communication. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is individuals needing comprehensive legal advice. It serves Memphis area, with $150 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited availability and high demand may slow responses.

Pros

  • Thorough consultations
  • Effective trial strategies
  • Experienced attorney

Cons

  • Limited availability
  • High demand may slow responses
Best forIndividuals needing comprehensive legal advice
Service areaMemphis area
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
5

Law Office of Brandon Hall

★★★★★4.9(128 reviews)
88Score

The Law Office of Brandon Hall has a solid 4.9-star rating from 128 reviews. Clients praise the firm’s responsiveness and dedication to fighting for their rights. It’s particularly well-suited for those looking for a strong advocate. On the downside, the firm’s smaller size may limit the range of services offered.

Pros

  • Responsive communication
  • Dedicated advocacy
  • Client-centered approach

Cons

  • Limited service range
  • Smaller team
Best forClients wanting a strong advocate in court
Service areaMemphis and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$200 to $450 per hour
6

The Law Offices of Carlissa A. Shaw, Esquire

★★★★★4.9(73 reviews)
87Score

With a rating of 4.9 stars from 73 reviews, The Law Offices of Carlissa A. Shaw is recognized for its compassionate approach and strong communication skills. Clients appreciate the firm’s ability to provide clear explanations of the legal process. However, with a smaller review base, some may find it difficult to gauge its overall effectiveness.

Pros

  • Compassionate service
  • Strong communication
  • Clear explanations

Cons

  • Smaller review base
  • Limited case history
Best forClients needing compassionate legal support
Service areaMemphis and nearby areas
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
7

Law Office of Joshua N. Corman

★★★★★4.8(64 reviews)
86Score

Law Office of Joshua N. Corman has a rating of 4.8 stars from 64 reviews. Clients appreciate the firm’s thorough preparation and honest advice. It is particularly praised for its strategic approach to legal challenges. However, the smaller number of reviews may leave some potential clients hesitant. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clients looking for strategic legal counsel. It serves Memphis and vicinity, with $150 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are smaller review base and less client feedback.

Pros

  • Thorough preparation
  • Honest advice
  • Strategic approach

Cons

  • Smaller review base
  • Less client feedback
Best forClients looking for strategic legal counsel
Service areaMemphis and vicinity
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
8

Ballin, Ballin & Fishman, P.C.

★★★★★4.5(72 reviews)
82Score

Ballin, Ballin & Fishman, P.C. has a 4.5-star rating from 72 reviews, with clients noting the firm’s professionalism and dedication. It is well-suited for individuals seeking a reliable legal partner. However, the reviews indicate a mix of experiences, suggesting that consistency might be an issue. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clients desiring a reliable legal partner. It serves Memphis and surrounding areas, with $150 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are mixed client experiences and inconsistent feedback.

Pros

  • Professional team
  • Reliable service
  • Dedicated lawyers

Cons

  • Mixed client experiences
  • Inconsistent feedback
Best forClients desiring a reliable legal partner
Service areaMemphis and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
9

The Law Office of Massey McClusky & Fuchs

★★★★★4.5(55 reviews)
80Score

With a 4.5-star rating from 55 reviews, The Law Office of Massey McClusky & Fuchs is recognized for its straightforward communication and practical advice. Clients appreciate the firm’s no-nonsense approach to legal issues. However, the limited number of reviews may not provide a full picture of its effectiveness. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clients preferring practical legal guidance. It serves Memphis and nearby areas, with $150 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited review base and potentially less visibility.

Pros

  • Straightforward communication
  • Practical legal advice
  • No-nonsense approach

Cons

  • Limited review base
  • Potentially less visibility
Best forClients preferring practical legal guidance
Service areaMemphis and nearby areas
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
Before you book

How to choose a criminal defense lawyer in Memphis

Selecting the right criminal defense attorney can be daunting. Here are key questions to ask potential lawyers to ensure you make an informed choice.

What is your experience with cases like mine?

Understanding their specific experience with similar cases can give you confidence in their ability to represent you effectively.

What is your strategy for my defense?

A clear strategy shows they have thought through your case and are prepared to take action.

What are your fees and payment structure?

Transparency in fees helps avoid surprises later and allows you to budget accordingly.

What it costs

What criminal defense lawyers cost in Memphis

The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Memphis can vary widely based on several factors, including the complexity of your case and the attorney's experience.

Basic Consultation Fees$100 to $300 for initial consultations, which can provide valuable insights into your case.
Hourly Rates$150 to $500 per hour, depending on the lawyer's experience and reputation.
Flat Fees for Specific Cases$1,500 to $5,000 for straightforward cases, such as misdemeanors or simple felonies.
Retainer Fees$2,500 to $10,000 for ongoing representation, which may cover multiple appearances and case management.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Memphis?

Criminal defense lawyer fees in Memphis typically range from $150 to $500 per hour, depending on the lawyer's experience and the complexity of your case.

What should I look for in a criminal defense lawyer?

Consider their experience, success rate, client reviews, and communication style. A good fit for your specific case is essential.

How often is this ranking updated?

We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.

Our verdict

For most Memphis residents: <strong>Francavilla Law Firm</strong>

Francavilla Law Firm is the best choice for criminal defense in Memphis, with a perfect 5-star rating from 243 reviews. If you want extensive experience and proven results, The McDaniel Law Firm is a close second, especially if you have a complex case that might require a larger firm. For those seeking a smaller firm feel, Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers offers personalized service with a perfect rating, ideal for clients who prefer a more intimate approach.