72/100LFR Score
Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 130 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Criminal Defense Lawyers in Fort Walton Beach, FL: 2026 rankings
37 criminal defense lawyers ranked by LFR ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Highest LFR Score in Fort Walton Beach: Lupella & Rehr, LFR Score 72/100; 4.9★ from 130 Google reviews; open 24/7.
- 2
Open 24 hours (per Google): Flaherty & Merrifield, Fort Walton Beach Criminal Defense Attorney, posts 24/7 hours; ranked #2 of 37.
- 8
Most-reviewed: Browning Law Firm, P.A., 417 Google reviews at 5.0★, the most of 37 ranked; ranked #8.
Rankings can't be bought. Lawyers can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
37 Fort Walton Beach criminal defense lawyers are ranked here by LFR Score, from nine published factors. 16 are open 24/7, 17 open Saturdays and 17 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.7★ across 37 rated law firms.
Top 10 criminal defense lawyers in Fort Walton Beach 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 | Lupella & Rehr | 72 | 4.9★ (130) | Fort Walton Beach | Open 24 hrs (Google) | Top score |
| 2 | Flaherty & Merrifield, Fort Walton Beach Criminal Defense Attorney | 71 | 4.9★ (120) | Fort Walton Beach | Open 24 hrs (Google) | Open 24 hours |
| 3 | Cobb Criminal Defense Law Firm | 70 | 4.9★ (69) | Fort Walton Beach | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
| 4 | Campbell & Madden, PLLC | 67 | 4.3★ (43) | Fort Walton Beach | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
| 5 | Lupella & Rehr | 66 | 5.0★ (29) | Destin, 10 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
| 6 | Vanover Law Firm P.A. | 66 | 4.8★ (127) | Fort Walton Beach | — | — |
| 7 | Flaherty & Merrifield, Crestview Criminal Defense Attorney | 66 | 5.0★ (73) | Crestview, 24 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
| 8 | Browning Law Firm, P.A. | 65 | 5.0★ (417) | Fort Walton Beach | Open 24 hrs (Google) | Most reviews |
| 9 | Flaherty & Merrifield | 65 | 4.7★ (31) | Destin, 14 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
| 10 | Cobb Criminal Defense Law Firm | 65 | 4.8★ (21) | Destin, 12 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
All 37 criminal defense lawyers in Fort Walton Beach, 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.
Scores below: based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected. Hatched segments mark factors we don't have yet.
Based in Fort Walton Beach
71/100LFR ScoreRanked #2 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 120 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based in Fort Walton Beach
70/100LFR ScoreRanked #3 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 69 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based in Fort Walton Beach
67/100LFR ScoreRanked #4 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.3★ from 43 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based in Destin, 10 mi away
66/100LFR ScoreRanked #5 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 29 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based in Fort Walton Beach
66/100LFR ScoreRanked #6 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 127 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based in Crestview, 24 mi away
66/100LFR ScoreRanked #7 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 73 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based in Fort Walton Beach
65/100LFR ScoreRanked #8 because of its Google rating and review volume: 5.0★ from 417 Google reviews, the most in Fort Walton Beach.
Based in Destin, 14 mi away
65/100LFR ScoreRanked #9 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 31 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based in Destin, 12 mi away
65/100LFR ScoreRanked #10 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 21 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based in Fort Walton Beach
64/100LFR ScoreRanked #11 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based in Fort Walton Beach
63/100LFR ScoreRanked #12 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.6★ from 44 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
#13 T. Martin Knopes
Based in Crestview, 24 mi away
62/100LFR ScoreRanked #13 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.3★ from 40 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based in Crestview, 24 mi away
62/100LFR ScoreRanked #14 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 17 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
#15 Dewrell & Dudley
Based in Fort Walton Beach
62/100LFR ScoreRanked #15 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.6★ from 28 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
#16 Lupella & Rehr
Based in Crestview, 23 mi away
61/100LFR ScoreRanked #16 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
#17 Timothy W. Shaw
Based in Fort Walton Beach
60/100LFR ScoreRanked #17 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.6★ from 9 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based in Niceville, 10 mi away
60/100LFR ScoreRanked #18 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 15 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based in East Milton, 29 mi away
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #19 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 74 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
#20 Stewart Law Firm
Based in Crestview, 24 mi away
57/100LFR ScoreRanked #20 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.4★ from 38 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based in Destin, 13 mi away
57/100LFR ScoreRanked #21 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 54 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based in Destin, 12 mi away
56/100LFR ScoreRanked #22 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.5★ from 52 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Attorney”.
Based in Crestview, 24 mi away
56/100LFR ScoreRanked #23 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 61 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Personal injury attorney”.
Based in East Milton, 29 mi away
56/100LFR ScoreRanked #24 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.1★ from 56 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based in Navarre, 17 mi away
56/100LFR ScoreRanked #25 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 34 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Personal injury attorney”.
All 37 criminal defense lawyers
#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #37, in LFR Score order; each links to its profile.
| Rank | Business | LFR Score | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | Glenn M Swiatek | 55 | 5.0★ (8) | 24 mi |
| 27 | RISEN & RYAN, P.A. | 53 | 4.5★ (38) | In Fort Walton Beach |
| 28 | Ted A Stokes Attorney | 52 | 3.0★ (27) | 30 mi |
| 29 | Anchors Smith Grimsley, PLC (ASG Legal) | 52 | 4.2★ (30) | In Fort Walton Beach |
| 30 | Wood Law Firm | 51 | 4.5★ (31) | 9 mi |
| 31 | Weaver, Weaver & Collins, P.A | 51 | 4.6★ (50) | 16 mi |
| 32 | Heath Law Firm, PA | 50 | 4.4★ (33) | 12 mi |
| 33 | Beau Powell, P.A. Attorney At Law | 50 | 4.7★ (148) | 29 mi |
| 34 | Winter Spires & Associates, P.A. | 48 | 3.6★ (25) | 12 mi |
| 35 | Chesser & Barr, P.A. | 46 | 4.4★ (17) | 24 mi |
| 36 | The Law Office of Stanley K. Luke | 44 | 3.6★ (11) | 25 mi |
| 37 | James Turner Law Firm, LLC | 43 | 3.4★ (5) | 29 mi |
Also serving Fort Walton Beach
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Arrowood Law Firm | 4.3★ (40) | In Fort Walton Beach |
| Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers | 4.9★ (171) | In Fort Walton Beach |
| Bruce A. Miller, Public Defender | 3.4★ (37) | In Fort Walton Beach |
| Chesser & Barr, P.A. | 4.5★ (32) | In Fort Walton Beach |
| Fisher & Fisher, Attorneys at Law | 4.4★ (26) | In Fort Walton Beach |
| Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers Mary Esther | 5.0★ (41) | In Fort Walton Beach |
| Henderson Law Firm, P.A. | 4.4★ (69) | In Fort Walton Beach |
| Jay Patel - Attorney at Law | 4.8★ (33) | In Fort Walton Beach |
| Law Office of Cameron D. Simpson, PA | 4.8★ (105) | In Fort Walton Beach |
| Mead Law & Title, PLLC | 4.1★ (34) | In Fort Walton Beach |
| Michael T Webster PA | 3.5★ (22) | In Fort Walton Beach |
| Michles & Booth, P.A. Fort Walton Beach Personal Injury Lawyers | 4.8★ (161) | In Fort Walton Beach |
| Simpson Law Firm - Personal Injury Lawyers | 4.9★ (151) | In Fort Walton Beach |
| The Bruner Law Firm | 5.0★ (426) | In Fort Walton Beach |
| The Virga Law Firm, P.A. | 4.2★ (160) | In Fort Walton Beach |
| Tonya C Peterman, PA | 3.1★ (31) | In Fort Walton Beach |
| Tonya Holman Law Firm | 3.8★ (35) | In Fort Walton Beach |
| Waterhouse Law Firm, P.A. | 4.2★ (23) | In Fort Walton Beach |
| Wentz & Simon | 4.4★ (133) | In Fort Walton Beach |
| Wesley, McGrail & Wesley PLLC | 4.8★ (58) | In Fort Walton Beach |
How we ranked Fort Walton Beach criminal defense lawyers
We scored 37 Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach: frequently asked questions
Which criminal defense lawyer has the highest LFR Score in Fort Walton Beach?
By LFR Score, the highest-ranked criminal defense lawyer in Fort Walton Beach, FL is Lupella & Rehr with an LFR Score of 72/100. It has 4.9★ from 130 Google reviews. It is open 24/7. Flaherty & Merrifield, Fort Walton Beach Criminal Defense Attorney (#2) and Cobb Criminal Defense Law Firm (#3) follow. We ranked 37 criminal defense lawyers on nine factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many criminal defense lawyers are there in Fort Walton Beach?
LawFirmsRanked ranks 37 criminal defense lawyers serving Fort Walton Beach, FL. 12 of them are based in Fort Walton Beach; 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 Fort Walton Beach are open 24/7?
16 ranked criminal defense lawyers in Fort Walton Beach post 24/7 hours. The highest-ranked are Lupella & Rehr (#1), Flaherty & Merrifield, Fort Walton Beach Criminal Defense Attorney (#2) and Cobb Criminal Defense Law Firm (#3). Hours come from each law firm's Google listing as of November 2026, so call to confirm.
Which criminal defense lawyers in Fort Walton Beach work on weekends?
17 of 37 ranked criminal defense lawyers post Saturday hours and 17 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Lupella & Rehr (#1), Flaherty & Merrifield, Fort Walton Beach Criminal Defense Attorney (#2) and Cobb Criminal Defense Law Firm (#3). Posted hours are office hours; many firms meet clients by appointment outside them.
What Google rating do Fort Walton Beach criminal defense lawyers have?
The median Google rating among 37 rated criminal defense lawyers in Fort Walton Beach is 4.7★, with a median of 34 reviews. Browning Law Firm, P.A. has the most, 417 reviews, and ranks #8. 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 Fort Walton Beach count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 30 mi of the Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach, FL 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 Fort Walton Beach, FL 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 Fort Walton Beach?
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 Fort Walton Beach
- November 2026: LFR Scores recalculated for 37 criminal defense lawyers serving Fort Walton Beach.
More criminal defense lawyers and Fort Walton Beach pages
Criminal defense lawyers near Fort Walton Beach
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