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Criminal Defense Lawyers in Lexington, NC: 2026 rankings

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

The short answer

  1. 1

    Highest LFR Score in Lexington: Stowe Law Firm, PLLC, LFR Score 66/100; 5.0★ from 1,248 Google reviews.

  2. 3

    Open 24 hours (per Google): Clint Dorman, posts 24/7 hours; ranked #3 of 69.

  3. 29

    Most-reviewed: Davis & Davis Attorneys At Law, 1,021 Google reviews at 4.9★, the most of 69 ranked after Stowe Law Firm, PLLC; ranked #29.

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

69 Lexington criminal defense lawyers are ranked here by LFR Score, from nine published factors. 4 are open 24/7, 7 open Saturdays and 4 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.7★ across 69 rated law firms.

Top 10 criminal defense lawyers in Lexington 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 Lexington at a glance
RankBusinessLFR ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursNotable for
1Stowe Law Firm, PLLC665.0★ (1,248)Salisbury, 16 mi away—Top score
2McMinn, Fradin, Gray & Logan654.9★ (785)Winston-Salem, 19 mi away——
3Clint Dorman645.0★ (58)Clemmons, 16 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)Open 24 hours
4Grace, Tisdale & Clifton P.A.634.4★ (47)Winston-Salem, 19 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
5McElwee Law Firm634.9★ (308)Winston-Salem, 19 mi away——
6Kreider Attorneys at Law625.0★ (82)Thomasville, 11 mi awayEvenings—
7Jon Welborn - Attorney - Welborn Law - Lexington NC625.0★ (5)Lexington——
8Harkey Law Firm, PLLC.614.9★ (140)Winston-Salem, 19 mi away——
9Jack Mariann Green Jr- Attorney at Law615.0★ (22)High Point, 17 mi away——
10Nixon Law Offices, PA614.7★ (138)High Point, 17 mi away——

All 69 criminal defense lawyers in Lexington, 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.

  1. Ranked #1 in Lexington

    Based in Salisbury, 16 mi away

    66/100LFR Score

    Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 1,248 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 1,248 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–3 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    129 N Main St, Salisbury, NC 28144
  2. Based in Winston-Salem, 19 mi away

    65/100LFR Score

    Ranked #2 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 785 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 785 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1133 W 1st St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
  3. Based in Clemmons, 16 mi away

    64/100LFR Score

    Ranked #3 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 58 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 58 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    4235 Gardenspring Dr, Clemmons, NC 27012
  4. Based in Winston-Salem, 19 mi away

    63/100LFR Score

    Ranked #4 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.4★ from 47 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.4★ from 47 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    200 W 1st St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
  5. Based in Winston-Salem, 19 mi away

    63/100LFR Score

    Ranked #5 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 308 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 308 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    500 W 5th St Ste 800 PMB 8, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
  6. Based in Thomasville, 11 mi away

    62/100LFR Score

    Ranked #6 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 82 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 82 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8:30 AM–5 PM · Wed–Thu 8:30 AM–8 PM · Fri 8:30 AM–1 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    550 Old Raleigh Rd, Thomasville, NC 27360
  7. Based in Winston-Salem, 19 mi away

    61/100LFR Score

    Ranked #8 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 140 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 140 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    380 Knollwood St #305, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
  8. Based in High Point, 17 mi away

    61/100LFR Score

    Ranked #10 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 138 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.7★ from 138 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    210 E Lexington Ave Suite 100, High Point, NC 27262
  9. Based in Winston-Salem, 19 mi away

    61/100LFR Score

    Ranked #11 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 170 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.7★ from 170 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    111 N Chestnut St Suite 107, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
  10. Based in Winston-Salem, 19 mi away

    61/100LFR Score

    Ranked #12 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 152 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.7★ from 152 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    119 Brookstown Ave #300, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
  11. Based in Winston-Salem, 19 mi away

    61/100LFR Score

    Ranked #13 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 123 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.8★ from 123 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    301 S Liberty St Ste B, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
  12. Based in Winston-Salem, 19 mi away

    60/100LFR Score

    Ranked #14 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 70 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 70 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    380 Knollwood St #305, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
  13. Based in Winston-Salem, 19 mi away

    60/100LFR Score

    Ranked #15 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 89 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.7★ from 89 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    301 N Main St Suite 2010, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
  14. Based in Kernersville, 23 mi away

    59/100LFR Score

    Ranked #17 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 54 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 54 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    118 W Mountain St Ste b, Kernersville, NC 27284
  15. Based in Salisbury, 16 mi away

    58/100LFR Score

    Ranked #18 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 30 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.8★ from 30 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–5 PM · Wed closed · Thu–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    113 E Council St A, Salisbury, NC 28144
  16. Based in Winston-Salem, 17 mi away

    58/100LFR Score

    Ranked #19 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.4★ from 65 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.4★ from 65 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8:30 AM–5 PM · Wed closed · Thu–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1605 Westbrook Plaza Dr #303, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
  17. Based in High Point, 22 mi away

    57/100LFR Score

    Ranked #20 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 23 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 23 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–6 PM · Fri 8 AM–2 PM · Sat–Sun closed
  18. Based in High Point, 18 mi away

    57/100LFR Score

    Ranked #22 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.6★ from 16 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.6★ from 16 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–6:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1207 Brentwood St, High Point, NC 27260
  19. Based in Winston-Salem, 19 mi away

    57/100LFR Score

    Ranked #23 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.1★ from 64 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.1★ from 64 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    224 Cherry St A, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
  20. Based in High Point, 17 mi away

    57/100LFR Score

    Ranked #24 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.3★ from 21 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.3★ from 21 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1506 Johnson St, High Point, NC 27262
  21. Based in Salisbury, 16 mi away

    57/100LFR Score

    Ranked #25 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.1★ from 15 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.1★ from 15 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    113 W Council St #208, Salisbury, NC 28144

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 69 ranked criminal defense lawyers here; the rest are on their profiles.

criminal defense lawyers in Lexington, ranks 26 to 50
RankBusinessLFR ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Chelsie L. Embler Attorney At Law574.7★ (36)26 mi
27Gates Bryan563.7★ (3)19 mi
28Teeter Law Firm564.7★ (14)19 mi
29Davis & Davis Attorneys At Law564.9★ (1,021)16 mi
30Winston Law Group564.3★ (16)19 mi
31Morgan E. Bennett565.0★ (7)19 mi
32Teresa Stewart Law Office553.7★ (42)19 mi
33Leah Marie Shellberg, Attorney at Law554.7★ (7)17 mi
34Goins Law Office: Goins Jason G554.0★ (69)26 mi
35Combs Law Firm PLLC553.6★ (14)19 mi
36Gerber, Green & Principe, PLLC554.7★ (61)19 mi
37King Law554.7★ (45)17 mi
38LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC554.5★ (15)28 mi
39Moser, Schmidly & Roose544.4★ (8)26 mi
40Rowland & Yauger, Attorneys & Counselors At Law545.0★ (573)26 mi
41Metcalf & Beal532.3★ (3)19 mi
42Schoch & Schoch534.7★ (55)17 mi
43James Barrett Wilson & Associates - Attorneys at Law534.8★ (92)17 mi
44A.G. Linett & Associates, PA524.8★ (235)27 mi
45Kevin Altman, PLLC524.9★ (187)19 mi
46McGuire & McGuire PA524.4★ (50)10 mi
47McMinn, Logan & Gray PLLC524.9★ (139)19 mi
48Law Offices of Roderick T. McIver514.8★ (210)23 mi
49C. Roland Krueger Attorney at Law514.5★ (24)In Lexington
50The Law Office of Selena Lackey514.3★ (112)10 mi

Also serving Lexington

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.

Unranked criminal defense lawyers serving Lexington
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Advocate Family Law Group4.6★ (167)In Lexington
Barnes Grimes Bunce & Fraley4.3★ (63)In Lexington
Biesecker Tripp Sink & Fritts4.3★ (49)In Lexington
Brinkley Walser Stoner, PLLC4.5★ (60)In Lexington
Collins Price, PLLC4.9★ (21)In Lexington
Davis & Davis, Attorneys at Law, P.C. (Davidson County)4.9★ (68)In Lexington
Duff Michelle A5.0★ (13)In Lexington
Freeman Chad C4.3★ (47)In Lexington
Julie Boyer, Attorney At Law2.8★ (9)19 mi
Katie M Hall Attorney3.6★ (11)In Lexington
Law Office of Jeffrey J. Berg3.9★ (30)In Lexington
Lewis Scott B3.5★ (15)In Lexington
Mc Neill Ryan V4.7★ (3)In Lexington
Myers Jon Wade3.8★ (34)In Lexington
Penry and Mitchell, PLLC4.5★ (36)In Lexington
RayHayesLaw4.9★ (31)In Lexington
Rosalind Baker4.2★ (32)In Lexington
Scott Y. Curry, Attorney at Law4.4★ (25)In Lexington
Smothers Thomas W5.0★ (9)17 mi
The Law Offices of J. Calvin Cunningham3.9★ (7)In Lexington

How we ranked Lexington criminal defense lawyers

We scored 69 Lexington 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 Lexington 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 Lexington: frequently asked questions

Which criminal defense lawyer has the highest LFR Score in Lexington?

By LFR Score, the highest-ranked criminal defense lawyer in Lexington, NC is Stowe Law Firm, PLLC with an LFR Score of 66/100. It has 5.0★ from 1,248 Google reviews. McMinn, Fradin, Gray & Logan (#2) and Clint Dorman (#3) follow. We ranked 69 criminal defense lawyers on nine factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many criminal defense lawyers are there in Lexington?

LawFirmsRanked ranks 69 criminal defense lawyers serving Lexington, NC. 2 of them are based in Lexington; 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 Lexington are open 24/7?

4 ranked criminal defense lawyers in Lexington post 24/7 hours. The highest-ranked are Clint Dorman (#3) and Grace, Tisdale & Clifton P.A. (#4). Hours come from each law firm's Google listing as of November 2026, so call to confirm.

Which criminal defense lawyers in Lexington work on weekends?

7 of 69 ranked criminal defense lawyers post Saturday hours and 4 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Clint Dorman (#3) and Grace, Tisdale & Clifton P.A. (#4). Posted hours are office hours; many firms meet clients by appointment outside them.

What Google rating do Lexington criminal defense lawyers have?

The median Google rating among 69 rated criminal defense lawyers in Lexington is 4.7★, with a median of 54 reviews. Stowe Law Firm, PLLC has the most, 1,248 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 Lexington count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 30 mi of the Lexington 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 Lexington, 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 Lexington, 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 Lexington?

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 Lexington

  1. November 2026: LFR Scores recalculated for 69 criminal defense lawyers serving Lexington.
  2. November 2026: 1 duplicate listing merged.