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Criminal Defense Lawyers in Fuquay-Varina, NC: 2026 rankings

153 criminal defense lawyers ranked by LFR ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Highest LFR Score in Fuquay-Varina: Cotten Law Firm, PLLC, LFR Score 72/100; 4.9★ from 2,664 Google reviews; open 24/7.

  2. 2

    Open 24 hours (per Google): Cotten Law Firm, PLLC, posts 24/7 hours; ranked #2 of 153.

  3. 2

    Most-reviewed: Cotten Law Firm, PLLC, 3,962 Google reviews at 5.0★, the most of 153 ranked; ranked #2.

Rankings can't be bought. Lawyers can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

153 Fuquay-Varina criminal defense lawyers are ranked here by LFR Score, from nine published factors. 19 are open 24/7, 30 open Saturdays and 20 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.8★ across 153 rated law firms.

Most of this list also appears on the Criminal defense lawyers in Raleigh ranking. See Criminal defense lawyers in Raleigh

Top 10 criminal defense lawyers in Fuquay-Varina 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.

Top 10 criminal defense lawyers in Fuquay-Varina at a glance
RankBusinessLFR ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursNotable for
1Cotten Law Firm, PLLC724.9★ (2,664)Fuquay-VarinaOpen 24 hrs (Google)Top score
2Cotten Law Firm, PLLC705.0★ (3,962)Raleigh, 16 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)Open 24 hours, Most reviews
3Hiltzheimer Law Office, PLLC | Raleigh DWI Lawyer655.0★ (117)Raleigh, 16 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
4The Law Office of Christopher R. Detwiler, PLLC655.0★ (120)Raleigh, 16 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
5DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall, LLP654.8★ (187)Raleigh, 16 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
6Marcilliat & Mills PLLC644.9★ (83)Raleigh, 16 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
7Saad Law644.9★ (229)Raleigh, 16 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
8Gabriel Diaz Criminal Defense Law Firm645.0★ (28)Cary, 14 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
9Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney at Law Manisha Devasthali634.9★ (82)Sanford, 20 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
10Law Offices of J. M. Kotzker, P.C. (NCLAWTALK)634.8★ (296)Raleigh, 20 mi awaySat · Sun—

All 153 criminal defense lawyers in Fuquay-Varina, 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.

  1. Ranked #1 in Fuquay-Varina

    #1 Cotten Law Firm, PLLC

    Based in Fuquay-Varina

    72/100LFR Score

    Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 2,664 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    • 4.9★ from 2,664 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    105 Raleigh St, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
    View profile for Cotten Law Firm, PLLC(984) 253-4337

  2. #2 Cotten Law Firm, PLLC

    Based in Raleigh, 16 mi away

    70/100LFR Score

    Ranked #2 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 3,962 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    • 5.0★ from 3,962 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    421 Fayetteville St #1101, Raleigh, NC 27601
    View profile for Cotten Law Firm, PLLC(984) 253-4337

  7. #7 Saad Law

    Based in Raleigh, 16 mi away

    64/100LFR Score

    Ranked #7 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 229 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    • 4.9★ from 229 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 6 AM–8 PM
    Address
    555 Fayetteville St #300, Raleigh, NC 27601
    View profile for Saad Law(919) 263-2500

  11. #11 Percy Law Office, PLLC

    Based in Raleigh, 13 mi away

    62/100LFR Score

    Ranked #11 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 340 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    • 5.0★ from 340 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    5540 Centerview Dr Ste 200, Raleigh, NC 27606
    View profile for Percy Law Office, PLLC(919) 238-9153

  12. #12 Sparrow Law Firm

    Based in Raleigh, 16 mi away

    62/100LFR Score

    Ranked #12 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.4★ from 35 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    • 4.4★ from 35 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    317 W Morgan St APT 111, Raleigh, NC 27601
    View profile for Sparrow Law Firm(919) 829-3500

  13. #13 The Chetson Firm

    Based in Raleigh, 16 mi away

    62/100LFR Score

    Ranked #13 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 82 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    • 4.7★ from 82 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 8 AM–8 PM
    Address
    19 W Hargett St Suite 400, Raleigh, NC 27601
    View profile for The Chetson Firm(919) 352-9411

  15. #15 Roberts Law Office, PA

    Based in Raleigh, 16 mi away

    61/100LFR Score

    Ranked #15 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 103 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    • 4.9★ from 103 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:30 PM · Sat 8:30 AM–3:30 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    5 W Hargett St Suite 1100, Raleigh, NC 27601
    View profile for Roberts Law Office, PA(919) 782-8115

  16. #16 Kissling Law

    Based in Raleigh, 21 mi away

    61/100LFR Score

    Ranked #16 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 794 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    • 4.9★ from 794 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    5660 Six Forks Rd Ste 202, Raleigh, NC 27609
    View profile for Kissling Law(919) 346-7927

  18. #18 Ryan Willis

    Based in Raleigh, 16 mi away

    61/100LFR Score

    Ranked #18 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    150 Fayetteville St Suit 300, Raleigh, NC 27601
    View profile for Ryan Willis(919) 341-6294

  19. #19 Hirsch Law Group

    Based in Raleigh, 20 mi away

    61/100LFR Score

    Ranked #19 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    • 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    4030 Wake Forest Rd #300, Raleigh, NC 27609
    View profile for Hirsch Law Group(919) 899-4892

  20. #20 Reece & Reece, Attorneys

    Based in Smithfield, 26 mi away

    60/100LFR Score

    Ranked #20 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 676 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    • 5.0★ from 676 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    121 S 3rd St, Smithfield, NC 27577
    View profile for Reece & Reece, Attorneys(919) 300-1249

  22. #22 Coolidge Law Firm

    Based in Raleigh, 16 mi away

    60/100LFR Score

    Ranked #22 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 264 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    • 4.8★ from 264 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    434 Fayetteville St #2030, Raleigh, NC 27601
    View profile for Coolidge Law Firm(919) 239-8448

  23. #23 Floyd Law Offices PLLC

    Based in Raleigh, 16 mi away

    60/100LFR Score

    Ranked #23 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 188 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    • 4.9★ from 188 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    434 Fayetteville St #1640, Raleigh, NC 27601
    View profile for Floyd Law Offices PLLC(919) 805-3663

  24. #24 Fay Grafton Nunez, PLLC

    Based in Raleigh, 19 mi away

    60/100LFR Score

    Ranked #24 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 328 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    • 4.9★ from 328 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2609 Atlantic Ave Unit 207, Raleigh, NC 27604
    View profile for Fay Grafton Nunez, PLLC(919) 828-5570

  25. #25 Frickey Law Firm PLLC

    Based in Raleigh, 16 mi away

    60/100LFR Score

    Ranked #25 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 157 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    • 5.0★ from 157 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 9 AM–5 PM · Wed 9 AM–10:30 AM · Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–6:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    5 W Hargett St Unit 711, Raleigh, NC 27601
    View profile for Frickey Law Firm PLLC(919) 780-5808

Criminal defense lawyers ranked #27 to #46

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #27 to #46, in LFR Score order; each links to its profile. We publish the top 46 of 153 ranked criminal defense lawyers here; the rest are on their profiles.

criminal defense lawyers in Fuquay-Varina, ranks 27 to 46
RankBusinessLFR ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
27Granados Law Group, PLLC604.8★ (257)15 mi
36Frasier & Griffin Durham594.8★ (175)29 mi
46Rojas Legal Services584.5★ (17)20 mi

Also serving Fuquay-Varina

6 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.

Unranked criminal defense lawyers serving Fuquay-Varina
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Alex Charns Law Office4.7★ (12)29 mi
Blue LLP4.6★ (19)16 mi
Faucette Law Firm4.1★ (33)16 mi
King Law4.8★ (63)27 mi
King Law4.2★ (49)19 mi
Leitner, Bragg & Griffin4.5★ (8)16 mi

How we ranked Fuquay-Varina criminal defense lawyers

We scored 153 Fuquay-Varina 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.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

LFR Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Fuquay-Varina data
Reputation25%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back itMeasured
Bar status10%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 volume10%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed firm on the listMeasured
Recency10%Share of reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Availability5%Weekly office hours, Saturday, Sunday, and phones answered 24/7Measured
Practice focus15%How clearly the firm practises this area (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity5%An office in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The firm has claimed its Law Firms Ranked profile (free and paid earn the same)Measured
Law Firms Ranked reviews10%Verified client reviews collected by Law Firms Ranked: their rating and how many there areMeasured

How to choose a criminal defense lawyer

  1. Check the lawyer’s status and any public discipline in the state bar or law society directory.
  2. Ask how many criminal defense matters the lawyer handles each year, and who at the firm will do the work.
  3. Get the fee arrangement in writing: hourly, flat or contingency, and which costs are charged on top.
  4. Ask how and how often the firm will update you, and how fast it answers calls and emails.
  5. Read recent reviews for how the firm communicated and billed, not only for outcomes.
  6. Ask whether the lawyer regularly appears in the court where your case is filed.
  7. 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 Fuquay-Varina: frequently asked questions

Which criminal defense lawyer has the highest LFR Score in Fuquay-Varina?

By LFR Score, the highest-ranked criminal defense lawyer in Fuquay-Varina, NC is Cotten Law Firm, PLLC with an LFR Score of 72/100. It has 4.9★ from 2,664 Google reviews. It is open 24/7. Cotten Law Firm, PLLC (#2) and Hiltzheimer Law Office, PLLC | Raleigh DWI Lawyer (#3) follow. We ranked 153 criminal defense lawyers on nine factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many criminal defense lawyers are there in Fuquay-Varina?

LawFirmsRanked ranks 153 criminal defense lawyers serving Fuquay-Varina, NC. 1 of them is based in Fuquay-Varina; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 6 within 30 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.

Which criminal defense lawyers in Fuquay-Varina are open 24/7?

19 ranked criminal defense lawyers in Fuquay-Varina post 24/7 hours. The highest-ranked are Cotten Law Firm, PLLC (#1), Cotten Law Firm, PLLC (#2) and Hiltzheimer Law Office, PLLC | Raleigh DWI Lawyer (#3). Hours come from each law firm's Google listing as of November 2026, so call to confirm.

Which criminal defense lawyers in Fuquay-Varina work on weekends?

30 of 153 ranked criminal defense lawyers post Saturday hours and 20 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Cotten Law Firm, PLLC (#1), Cotten Law Firm, PLLC (#2) and Hiltzheimer Law Office, PLLC | Raleigh DWI Lawyer (#3). Posted hours are office hours; many firms meet clients by appointment outside them.

What Google rating do Fuquay-Varina criminal defense lawyers have?

The median Google rating among 153 rated criminal defense lawyers in Fuquay-Varina is 4.8★, with a median of 41 reviews. Cotten Law Firm, PLLC has the most, 3,962 reviews, and ranks #2. 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 Fuquay-Varina count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 30 mi of the Fuquay-Varina 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 Fuquay-Varina, NC 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 Fuquay-Varina, NC 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 Fuquay-Varina?

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 Fuquay-Varina

  1. November 2026: LFR Scores recalculated for 153 criminal defense lawyers serving Fuquay-Varina.

More criminal defense lawyers and Fuquay-Varina pages