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Criminal Defense Lawyer · Orlando, FL/Updated June 13, 2026

The 10 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Orlando, FL

Choosing the right criminal defense lawyer can make all the difference in your case. Here are the top-rated options in Orlando for your legal needs.

Editorially independent10 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceThe Law Office of Corey I. Cohen & Associates
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 10 Orlando-metro criminal defense lawyer businesses evaluated, top 10 ranked by Vetted Score.

Facing criminal charges in Orlando can be overwhelming. The right criminal defense lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of your case, navigating the complexities of the legal system and advocating for your rights.

To compile our list of the best criminal defense lawyers in Orlando, we evaluated ten local firms based on their ratings and reviews from actual clients. We considered their track records, client satisfaction, and overall reputation in the community, ensuring a reliable selection for anyone in need of legal representation.

10criminal defense lawyers evaluated in Orlando
4.91average rating across the field
5.0Kcustomer reviews analyzed

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

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

Our top picks

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

The Law Office of Corey I. Cohen & Associates

★★★★★5.0(1,344 reviews)

With a perfect rating of 5 stars from 1,344 reviews, The Law Office of Corey I.

Read full review
Best Value
95Score

Florida DUI Lawyer

★★★★★5.0(297 reviews)

Florida DUI Lawyer holds a 5-star rating with 297 reviews, making it a strong contender for those facing DUI charges.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
92Score

Leppard Law has earned a 4.9-star rating from 414 reviews.

Read full review

All 10, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
96Score
5.0★★★★★
1,344Serious criminal charges requiring expert defense
2
95Score
5.0★★★★★
297Individuals charged with DUI offenses
3
92Score
4.9★★★★★
414Personalized legal representation in DUI and criminal cases
4
91Score
4.9★★★★★
353Aggressive representation in various criminal cases
5
90Score
5.0★★★★★
132Domestic violence cases and related criminal defense
6
89Score
4.8★★★★★
1,368Clients needing both criminal defense and personal injury representation
7
88Score
4.8★★★★★
595Clients seeking straightforward representation in criminal cases
8
87Score
4.8★★★★★
406Clients needing strategic representation in criminal defense
9
86Score
4.9★★★★★
106Smaller criminal cases needing personal attention
10
82Score
5.0★★★★★
13Clients looking for a new firm with a focus on education and justice
Methodology

How we evaluated all 10 criminal defense lawyers.

We assessed each firm based on a detailed analysis of their online ratings and the volume of client reviews. Our evaluation process is transparent and consistent, ensuring that no business pays for placement in our rankings.

This list is refreshed monthly to reflect the most current information, allowing potential clients to make informed decisions based on the latest client feedback and performance metrics.

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

The Law Office of Corey I. Cohen & Associates

★★★★★5.0(1,344 reviews)
96Score

With a perfect rating of 5 stars from 1,344 reviews, The Law Office of Corey I. Cohen & Associates is celebrated for its dedicated representation and successful outcomes. Clients commend the team's expertise in navigating complex legal situations, particularly in criminal defense. However, some clients mention higher fees compared to other firms.

Pros

  • Extensive experience
  • High success rate
  • Strong client support

Cons

  • Potentially higher costs
Best forSerious criminal charges requiring expert defense
Service areaOrlando, FL
Typical pricing$200 to $600 per hour
2
Best Value

Florida DUI Lawyer

★★★★★5.0(297 reviews)
95Score

Florida DUI Lawyer holds a 5-star rating with 297 reviews, making it a strong contender for those facing DUI charges. Clients appreciate the firm’s thorough approach and effective communication. While the focus is primarily on DUI cases, some clients have noted limited services for other criminal matters. 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 charged with DUI offenses. It serves Orlando, FL, with $150 to $500 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited non-DUI services.

Pros

  • Specialized in DUI defense
  • Responsive communication
  • Competitive pricing

Cons

  • Limited non-DUI services
Best forIndividuals charged with DUI offenses
Service areaOrlando, FL
Typical pricing$150 to $500 per hour
3
Most Reviewed

Leppard Law: DUI Lawyers & Criminal Defense Attorneys Orlando

★★★★★4.9(414 reviews)
92Score

Leppard Law has earned a 4.9-star rating from 414 reviews. Clients rave about the firm’s commitment to personalized service and deep knowledge of criminal law. They excel in both DUI and general criminal defense cases. However, some clients feel that the firm could improve response times during busy periods. 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 personalized legal representation in DUI and criminal cases. It serves Orlando, FL, with $200 to $550 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are response times can vary.

Pros

  • Personalized service
  • Comprehensive knowledge
  • Strong defense strategies

Cons

  • Response times can vary
Best forPersonalized legal representation in DUI and criminal cases
Service areaOrlando, FL
Typical pricing$200 to $550 per hour
4

Moses & Rooth Criminal Defense Lawyers

★★★★★4.9(353 reviews)
91Score

Moses & Rooth Criminal Defense Lawyers have a solid rating of 4.9 stars from 353 reviews. Clients appreciate their aggressive defense tactics and in-depth legal knowledge. They are known for handling a variety of criminal cases. Some clients feel that the initial consultation could be more thorough. 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 aggressive representation in various criminal cases. It serves Orlando, FL, with $150 to $500 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are initial consultations can lack depth.

Pros

  • Aggressive defense tactics
  • Wide range of case types
  • Knowledgeable attorneys

Cons

  • Initial consultations can lack depth
Best forAggressive representation in various criminal cases
Service areaOrlando, FL
Typical pricing$150 to $500 per hour

The AM Lawyer P.A. holds a 5-star rating with 132 reviews. This firm is particularly noted for its work in domestic violence and criminal defense. Clients commend the attentive service and thorough case preparation. However, some have mentioned that the firm may not have as much experience with non-domestic criminal cases.

Pros

  • Attentive service
  • Thorough case preparation
  • Specialized in domestic violence

Cons

  • Less experience with non-domestic cases
Best forDomestic violence cases and related criminal defense
Service areaOrlando, FL
Typical pricing$200 to $600 per hour
6
89Score

The Umansky Law Firm has a solid 4.8-star rating from 1,368 reviews. Clients highlight their expertise in both criminal defense and personal injury cases, making them a versatile choice. While they have a strong reputation, some clients express concerns about the firm being too busy to give individual cases ample attention.

Pros

  • Versatile legal expertise
  • Strong reputation
  • High volume of positive reviews

Cons

  • May lack personal attention due to high volume
Best forClients needing both criminal defense and personal injury representation
Service areaOrlando, FL
Typical pricing$200 to $550 per hour
7

Richard E. Hornsby, P.A.

★★★★★4.8(595 reviews)
88Score

Richard E. Hornsby, P.A. has a 4.8-star rating from 595 reviews. Clients appreciate the firm’s straightforward approach and dedication to client outcomes. They are known for their work in various criminal matters. However, some clients mention the need for more proactive communication during the case. 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 clients seeking straightforward representation in criminal cases. It serves Orlando, FL, with $150 to $500 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are proactive communication could improve.

Pros

  • Straightforward communication
  • Dedicated representation
  • Experienced in various criminal cases

Cons

  • Proactive communication could improve
Best forClients seeking straightforward representation in criminal cases
Service areaOrlando, FL
Typical pricing$150 to $500 per hour
8

Ali & Blankner

★★★★★4.8(406 reviews)
87Score

Ali & Blankner have a 4.8-star rating from 406 reviews. Clients praise their strategic approach and thorough understanding of the law. They handle a range of criminal cases effectively. However, a few clients feel that legal fees can be on the higher side compared to other firms. 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 clients needing strategic representation in criminal defense. It serves Orlando, FL, with $200 to $600 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are legal fees may be higher.

Pros

  • Strategic legal approach
  • Thorough understanding of law
  • Effective in various cases

Cons

  • Legal fees may be higher
Best forClients needing strategic representation in criminal defense
Service areaOrlando, FL
Typical pricing$200 to $600 per hour
9

Seth Hyman Law

★★★★★4.9(106 reviews)
86Score

Seth Hyman Law has a rating of 4.9 stars from 106 reviews. Clients appreciate the personalized attention and thorough explanations of legal processes. They are particularly effective in smaller, less complex cases. However, some clients note that the firm may lack resources for larger cases. 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 smaller criminal cases needing personal attention. It serves Orlando, FL, with $150 to $500 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited resources for larger cases.

Pros

  • Personalized attention
  • Thorough explanations
  • Effective for smaller cases

Cons

  • Limited resources for larger cases
Best forSmaller criminal cases needing personal attention
Service areaOrlando, FL
Typical pricing$150 to $500 per hour
10

Central Florida Justice

★★★★★5.0(13 reviews)
82Score

Central Florida Justice holds a perfect 5-star rating but has only 13 reviews. This firm is praised for its commitment to justice and client education. They are a promising option for those needing criminal defense. However, the thin review base makes it hard to gauge their overall effectiveness. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clients looking for a new firm with a focus on education and justice. It serves Orlando, FL, with $150 to $500 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are thin review base makes them unproven.

Pros

  • Commitment to justice
  • Client education focus
  • High rating

Cons

  • Thin review base makes them unproven
Best forClients looking for a new firm with a focus on education and justice
Service areaOrlando, FL
Typical pricing$150 to $500 per hour
Before you book

How to choose a criminal defense lawyer in Orlando

Selecting a criminal defense lawyer is a critical decision that can affect your future. Here are key questions to ask potential lawyers to ensure you find the best fit for your needs.

What is your experience with cases like mine?

You want a lawyer who understands the specifics of your charges and has successfully handled similar cases.

How do you communicate with clients?

Understanding how often you will receive updates and how accessible your lawyer will be can set the tone for your working relationship.

What are your fees and payment structures?

Clarifying costs upfront prevents surprises later. Ask about retainer fees, hourly rates, and any additional expenses.

What it costs

What criminal defense lawyers cost in Orlando

The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Orlando can vary widely based on various factors including the complexity of the case and the lawyer's experience. Here’s a breakdown of typical pricing.

Consultation FeesInitial consultations typically range from $100 to $300, depending on the lawyer.
Hourly RatesHourly rates for criminal defense lawyers in Orlando can range from $150 to $500.
Flat FeesFor certain cases, lawyers may charge flat fees, ranging from $1,500 to $10,000, depending on the case complexity.
Retainer FeesSome lawyers require a retainer fee upfront, which can range from $2,000 to $10,000.

Frequently asked questions

How much does hiring a criminal defense lawyer cost in Orlando?

In Orlando, fees for criminal defense lawyers typically range from $150 to $500 per hour, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer's experience.

What should I consider when choosing a criminal defense lawyer?

You should look at their experience with cases similar to yours, their client reviews, and their success rate in court.

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 Orlando residents: <Editor's Choice name>

For the best overall option, choose The Law Office of Corey I. Cohen & Associates. With a perfect 5-star rating from 1,344 reviews, they are well-equipped to handle a variety of criminal cases. If you are specifically facing DUI charges, consider Florida DUI Lawyer, who specializes in this area with 5 stars from 297 reviews. For those who need experienced representation but have a less extensive review base, Leppard Law: DUI Lawyers & Criminal Defense Attorneys Orlando is a strong contender with a 4.9 rating from 414 reviews.