75/100LFR Score
Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 801 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Criminal Defense Lawyers in Fayetteville, AR: 2026 rankings
62 criminal defense lawyers ranked by LFR ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Highest LFR Score in Fayetteville: Payne Law Firm, DWI Defense, LFR Score 75/100; 5.0★ from 801 Google reviews; open 24/7.
- 2
Open 24 hours (per Google): Norwood & Norwood, P.A., posts 24/7 hours; ranked #2 of 62.
- 5
Most-reviewed: Norwood & Norwood, P.A., 397 Google reviews at 4.8★, the most of 62 ranked after Payne Law Firm, DWI Defense; ranked #5.
Rankings can't be bought. Lawyers can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
62 Fayetteville criminal defense lawyers are ranked here by LFR Score, from nine published factors. 12 are open 24/7, 10 open Saturdays and 10 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.8★ across 62 rated law firms.
Top 10 criminal defense lawyers in Fayetteville at a glance
Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.
| Rank | Business | LFR Score | Google rating | Based in | Hours | Notable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Payne Law Firm, DWI Defense | 75 | 5.0★ (801) | Fayetteville | Open 24 hrs (Google) | Top score |
| 2 | Norwood & Norwood, P.A. | 72 | 4.9★ (223) | Fayetteville | Open 24 hrs (Google) | Open 24 hours |
| 3 | Austin Lucas Law | 71 | 5.0★ (101) | Fayetteville | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
| 4 | Norwood & Norwood, P.A. | 70 | 4.9★ (241) | Springdale, 9 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
| 5 | Norwood & Norwood, P.A. | 69 | 4.8★ (397) | Rogers, 17 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | Most reviews |
| 6 | Rise Criminal Defense - Criminal Defense Attorneys & DWI Lawyer | 68 | 4.8★ (163) | Springdale, 11 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
| 7 | Cody W. Dowden, Attorney at Law - Dowden Law Office | 67 | 4.9★ (217) | Bentonville, 21 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
| 8 | Norwood & Norwood, P.A. | 67 | 4.9★ (166) | Bentonville, 21 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
| 9 | Joyce Law Firm | 66 | 4.8★ (178) | Fayetteville | — | — |
| 10 | Dearmore Law Firm | 65 | 4.8★ (24) | Fayetteville | — | — |
All 62 criminal defense lawyers in Fayetteville, in rank order
Ordered by LFR Score, a 0–100 score from nine published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.
Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.
Based in Fayetteville
72/100LFR ScoreRanked #2 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 223 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Fayetteville
71/100LFR ScoreRanked #3 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 101 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Springdale, 9 mi away
70/100LFR ScoreRanked #4 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 241 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Rogers, 17 mi away
69/100LFR ScoreRanked #5 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 397 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Springdale, 11 mi away
68/100LFR ScoreRanked #6 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 163 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Bentonville, 21 mi away
67/100LFR ScoreRanked #7 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 217 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Bentonville, 21 mi away
67/100LFR ScoreRanked #8 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 166 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Fayetteville
66/100LFR ScoreRanked #9 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 178 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Fayetteville
65/100LFR ScoreRanked #10 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 24 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 6 of 9 factors; bar status, recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Fayetteville
64/100LFR ScoreRanked #11 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 81 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Fayetteville
64/100LFR ScoreRanked #12 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 64 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#13 Jim Shaw Law
Based in Fayetteville
62/100LFR ScoreRanked #13 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 21 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Fayetteville
61/100LFR ScoreRanked #14 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 17 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Rogers, 19 mi away
61/100LFR ScoreRanked #15 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.9★ from 15 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Bentonville, 22 mi away
61/100LFR ScoreRanked #16 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 110 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Fayetteville
61/100LFR ScoreRanked #17 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.5★ from 15 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Rogers, 13 mi away
60/100LFR ScoreRanked #18 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.3★ from 110 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#19 Rose Knows Law
Based in Fayetteville
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #19 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#20 King Law Group
Based in Fayetteville
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #20 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Springdale, 8 mi away
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #21 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 55 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Personal injury attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Bentonville, 21 mi away
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #22 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 26 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Bentonville, 21 mi away
57/100LFR ScoreRanked #23 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Fayetteville
57/100LFR ScoreRanked #24 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.8★ from 193 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#25 Horton Law Firm
Based in Fayetteville
55/100LFR ScoreRanked #25 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 28 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Personal injury attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Criminal defense lawyers ranked #26 to #50
#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #50, in LFR Score order; each links to its profile. We publish the top 50 of 62 ranked criminal defense lawyers here; the rest are on their profiles.
| Rank | Business | LFR Score | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | Bogart, Small + Duell | 55 | 4.6★ (156) | In Fayetteville |
| 27 | Mike Armstrong | 55 | 3.9★ (7) | 17 mi |
| 28 | The Law Office of Paul D. Reynolds - DWI Attorney | 55 | 5.0★ (18) | In Fayetteville |
| 29 | Wilmoth Law Firm | 54 | 4.9★ (58) | In Fayetteville |
| 30 | DeWitt and Daniels Law Firm | 53 | 4.9★ (128) | 13 mi |
| 31 | Paul V. Waddell, P.A. | 53 | 5.0★ (68) | 9 mi |
| 32 | Chad L. Atwell | 52 | 4.5★ (33) | In Fayetteville |
| 33 | Horton Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers | 52 | 4.9★ (89) | 17 mi |
| 34 | Swindle Law Firm, Attorney at Law, Abogado | 52 | 4.7★ (54) | 19 mi |
| 35 | Sexton Bailey Attorneys, PA | 52 | 4.7★ (19) | In Fayetteville |
| 36 | Hall Estill | 51 | 5.0★ (10) | In Fayetteville |
| 37 | Nailling & Terrell PLLC | 51 | 4.5★ (42) | 8 mi |
| 38 | Story Law Firm, PLLC | 51 | 3.9★ (24) | In Fayetteville |
| 39 | General Practice Law Firm | 51 | 4.6★ (36) | 9 mi |
| 40 | Osborne Law Firm | 51 | 4.2★ (29) | In Fayetteville |
| 41 | Wilkinson Law Firm | 51 | 4.9★ (74) | 21 mi |
| 42 | Teague Law Firm | 51 | 4.6★ (90) | 17 mi |
| 43 | Vernetti Law Group, PLLC | 50 | 4.6★ (99) | 22 mi |
| 44 | Carl W. Hopkins, PA | 50 | 4.3★ (6) | 9 mi |
| 45 | Herrera Law Group | 50 | 4.2★ (131) | 17 mi |
| 46 | Carithers Johnson Devenport, PLLC -- Immigration Law Office | 49 | 4.5★ (23) | 9 mi |
| 47 | Bob Estes | Attorney At Law | 49 | 5.0★ (3) | In Fayetteville |
| 48 | Howerton Law Firm | 49 | 5.0★ (3) | In Fayetteville |
| 49 | John Barry Baker Law Firm | 49 | 4.7★ (3) | In Fayetteville |
| 50 | Jeff H. Watson | 49 | 4.4★ (9) | 7 mi |
Also serving Fayetteville
20 more criminal defense lawyers within 30 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a practice area we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.
| Business | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| AR Family Law | 4.6★ (85) | In Fayetteville |
| ARlaw Partners | 4.6★ (87) | In Fayetteville |
| Caddell Reynolds Law Firm | 4.9★ (97) | In Fayetteville |
| Craig L. Cook Law | 4.8★ (55) | In Fayetteville |
| Daniels Law Firm-Personal Injury Firm | 4.9★ (47) | In Fayetteville |
| Elliott & Smith Accident Law Firm | 4.8★ (75) | In Fayetteville |
| Hatfield Harris, PLLC | 4.4★ (51) | 18 mi |
| Leslie Copeland Law | 4.7★ (145) | In Fayetteville |
| LeVar Law Injury & Accident Lawyers | 5.0★ (147) | In Fayetteville |
| Mark Freeman Attorney | 4.1★ (55) | In Fayetteville |
| McKinnon Law Firm | 4.7★ (225) | In Fayetteville |
| MGW Law Partners, Lawyers Fayetteville, AR | 4.9★ (64) | In Fayetteville |
| Mostyn Prettyman, PLLC - Northwest Arkansas Lawyers | 4.3★ (108) | 24 mi |
| Niblock Law Firm | 4.5★ (75) | In Fayetteville |
| NWA Car Accident Attorney | 5.0★ (118) | In Fayetteville |
| Odom Law Firm | 4.8★ (114) | In Fayetteville |
| Steven H. Kay & Associates | 3.7★ (43) | In Fayetteville |
| Taylor Law Partners | 4.0★ (102) | In Fayetteville |
| WH Law | 4.7★ (111) | In Fayetteville |
| Williamson Law Firm, PLLC | 4.8★ (116) | In Fayetteville |
How we ranked Fayetteville criminal defense lawyers
We scored 62 Fayetteville criminal defense lawyers on nine factors, weighted as shown. A law firm is ranked when its practice area is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.
Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Attorney advertising businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.
| Factor | Weight | Computed from | In Fayetteville data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reputation | 25% | Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back it | Measured |
| Bar status | 10% | An active bar or law society record matched to a lawyer at the firm (not measured until a record source is loaded) | Not yet collected |
| Review volume | 10% | Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed firm on the list | Measured |
| Recency | 10% | Share of reviews from the last 12 months | Not yet collected |
| Availability | 5% | Weekly office hours, Saturday, Sunday, and phones answered 24/7 | Measured |
| Practice focus | 15% | How clearly the firm practises this area (its Google category and name) | Measured |
| Proximity | 5% | An office in the city scores highest, less the farther away it is | Measured |
| Claimed profile | 10% | The firm has claimed its Law Firms Ranked profile (free and paid earn the same) | Measured |
| Law Firms Ranked reviews | 10% | Verified client reviews collected by Law Firms Ranked: their rating and how many there are | Measured |
How to choose a criminal defense lawyer
- Check the lawyer’s status and any public discipline in the state bar or law society directory.
- Ask how many criminal defense matters the lawyer handles each year, and who at the firm will do the work.
- Get the fee arrangement in writing: hourly, flat or contingency, and which costs are charged on top.
- Ask how and how often the firm will update you, and how fast it answers calls and emails.
- Read recent reviews for how the firm communicated and billed, not only for outcomes.
- Ask whether the lawyer regularly appears in the court where your case is filed.
- Meet more than one firm; many offer a short first consultation, sometimes free.
Questions to ask a criminal defense lawyer
- How would you approach a matter like mine, and what are the realistic options?
- How do you charge, and what will the total likely cost?
- Who will be my main contact, and how quickly do you reply?
- What does the flat fee cover, and what costs extra if the case goes to trial?
- Who will appear with me at each hearing?
- Is there any conflict of interest that would stop you representing me?
Terms explained
- Contingency fee
- A fee that is a share of the money recovered, paid only if there is a recovery. Common in injury cases; not allowed for criminal defense or for securing a divorce.
- Retainer
- Money paid up front and held in a trust account, which the lawyer draws on as fees are earned.
- Flat fee
- One set price for a defined piece of work, such as a will or an uncontested matter.
- Limited-scope representation
- Paying a lawyer for part of a matter only, such as reviewing documents or coaching for one hearing (also called unbundled services).
- Statute of limitations
- The deadline to file a lawsuit or charge. It differs by state or province and by type of claim.
- Good standing
- A lawyer’s status as active and eligible to practise with a state bar or law society.
- Law society
- The body that licenses and disciplines lawyers in a Canadian province or territory.
- Board certification
- Recognition in a field of law by a state program or an organisation accredited for that purpose. Lawyers may only claim it when they hold it, naming the certifying body.
- Attorney–client privilege
- The rule that keeps confidential communications between a client and lawyer, made for legal advice, out of court.
- Conflict check
- The search a firm runs before taking a matter to make sure it does not represent someone on the other side.
- Pro bono
- Legal work done for free, usually for people who cannot afford a lawyer.
- Legal aid
- Publicly funded legal help for people with low incomes, through legal aid offices, public defenders or provincial legal aid plans.
Criminal defense lawyers in Fayetteville: frequently asked questions
Which criminal defense lawyer has the highest LFR Score in Fayetteville?
By LFR Score, the highest-ranked criminal defense lawyer in Fayetteville, AR is Payne Law Firm, DWI Defense with an LFR Score of 75/100. It has 5.0★ from 801 Google reviews. It is open 24/7. Norwood & Norwood, P.A. (#2) and Austin Lucas Law (#3) follow. We ranked 62 criminal defense lawyers on nine factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many criminal defense lawyers are there in Fayetteville?
LawFirmsRanked ranks 62 criminal defense lawyers serving Fayetteville, AR. 25 of them are based in Fayetteville; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 30 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.
Which criminal defense lawyers in Fayetteville are open 24/7?
12 ranked criminal defense lawyers in Fayetteville post 24/7 hours. The highest-ranked are Payne Law Firm, DWI Defense (#1), Norwood & Norwood, P.A. (#2) and Austin Lucas Law (#3). Hours come from each law firm's Google listing as of November 2026, so call to confirm.
Which criminal defense lawyers in Fayetteville work on weekends?
10 of 62 ranked criminal defense lawyers post Saturday hours and 10 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Payne Law Firm, DWI Defense (#1), Norwood & Norwood, P.A. (#2) and Austin Lucas Law (#3). Posted hours are office hours; many firms meet clients by appointment outside them.
What Google rating do Fayetteville criminal defense lawyers have?
The median Google rating among 62 rated criminal defense lawyers in Fayetteville is 4.8★, with a median of 35 reviews. Payne Law Firm, DWI Defense has the most, 801 reviews, and ranks #1. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.
How does LawFirmsRanked rank criminal defense lawyers?
Each criminal defense lawyer gets a 0–100 LFR Score from nine published factors, led by reputation (25%), practice focus (15%), review volume (10%) and recency (10%). A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only law firms with a confirmed practice area and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.
Do criminal defense lawyers outside Fayetteville count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 30 mi of the Fayetteville city center, our service radius for criminal defense lawyers. Each listing shows where the law firm is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 5% of the LFR Score, so a nearby law firm gets a small edge.
Can criminal defense lawyers pay to rank higher on LawFirmsRanked?
No. The LFR Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured law firms may appear above the list, labelled Attorney advertising and showing their honest rank.
How do criminal defense lawyers in Fayetteville, AR charge?
Criminal defense lawyers usually charge a flat fee per stage (for example, through a plea or through trial) or an hourly rate. Contingency fees are not allowed in criminal cases under ABA Model Rule 1.5(d). Lawyers using Clio billed an average of $219 an hour in this area (Clio Legal Trends data, October 2026; all areas $362). Ask for the fee arrangement in writing before you agree.
What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?
If a charge can lead to jail, the court must appoint a lawyer for you if you cannot afford one (Gideon v. Wainwright, 1963; Argersinger v. Hamlin, 1972). Ask about a public defender at your first court appearance. This is general information, not legal advice.
How is this list of criminal defense lawyers in Fayetteville, AR ranked?
By LFR Score only, from public data on reviews, practice focus, office location and hours. Firms labelled “Attorney advertising” paid for that placement; payment never changes a rank, and a rank is not an endorsement.
Does a lawyer need an office in Fayetteville?
No, but the lawyer must be licensed in your state (or, for federal matters such as immigration, in some state). A local office makes meetings and court appearances easier, so proximity is one of our factors.
Update log for Fayetteville
- November 2026: LFR Scores recalculated for 62 criminal defense lawyers serving Fayetteville.
More criminal defense lawyers and Fayetteville pages
Criminal defense lawyers near Fayetteville
- Criminal defense lawyers in Springdale, AR61 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in Rogers, AR61 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in Bentonville, AR61 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in Centerton, AR61 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in Siloam Springs, AR61 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in Bella Vista, AR59 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in Van Buren, AR26 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in Fort Smith, AR26 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in Harrison, AR7 ranked
Other practice areas in Fayetteville
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- Social Security disability lawyers in Fayetteville16 ranked
- Divorce and family lawyers in Fayetteville68 ranked
- Estate planning and probate lawyers in Fayetteville55 ranked
- Bankruptcy lawyers in Fayetteville22 ranked
- Immigration lawyers in Fayetteville18 ranked
- Employment lawyers in Fayetteville5 ranked
- Business lawyers in Fayetteville7 ranked
- Real estate lawyers in Fayetteville31 ranked
- Tax lawyers in Fayetteville7 ranked
- Insurance lawyers in Fayetteville14 ranked
- Mediators in Fayetteville7 ranked
- General practice lawyers in Fayetteville128 ranked
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