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Criminal Defense Lawyers in Palm Desert, CA: 2026 rankings

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

The short answer

  1. 1

    Highest LFR Score in Palm Desert: Law Offices of Shaffer Cormell, LFR Score 71/100; 5.0★ from 104 Google reviews; open 24/7.

  2. 2

    Open 24 hours (per Google): The Mulligan Defense, posts 24/7 hours; ranked #2 of 26.

  3. 6

    Most-reviewed: Law Offices of Anastacio De La Cruz, 171 Google reviews at 4.9★, the most of 26 ranked; ranked #6.

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

26 Palm Desert criminal defense lawyers are ranked here by LFR Score, from nine published factors. 11 are open 24/7, 14 open Saturdays and 14 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.9★ across 26 rated law firms.

Top 10 criminal defense lawyers in Palm Desert 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 Palm Desert at a glance
RankBusinessLFR ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursNotable for
1Law Offices of Shaffer Cormell715.0★ (104)Palm Springs, 10 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)Top score
2The Mulligan Defense714.9★ (72)La Quinta, 5 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)Open 24 hours
3Law Offices of Shaffer Cormell715.0★ (81)Indio, 9 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
4Desert Defense Lawyers695.0★ (47)Palm DesertSat · Sun—
5Law Office of Joseph T. Rhea695.0★ (56)Palm Springs, 12 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
6Law Offices of Anastacio De La Cruz674.9★ (171)Indio, 9 mi away—Most reviews
7Law Offices of Soda & Greenberg664.8★ (70)Palm Desert——
8The Sullivan Defense, APC664.7★ (14)Coachella, 6 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
9Law Offices of David Chesley665.0★ (7)Palm DesertOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
10Moran Law Firm665.0★ (17)Palm Springs, 12 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—

All 26 criminal defense lawyers in Palm Desert, 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.

  2. #2 The Mulligan Defense

    Based in La Quinta, 5 mi away

    71/100LFR Score

    Ranked #2 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 72 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    • 4.9★ from 72 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    78-060 Cll Estado #21, La Quinta, CA 92253
    View profile for The Mulligan Defense(760) 777-4322

  10. #10 Moran Law Firm

    Based in Palm Springs, 12 mi away

    66/100LFR Score

    Ranked #10 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 17 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    • 5.0★ from 17 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    777 E Tahquitz Canyon Way Suite 200, Palm Springs, CA 92262
    View profile for Moran Law Firm(760) 778-7777

  12. #12 Michael B. Goldstein

    Based in Palm Desert

    63/100LFR Score

    Ranked #12 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.5★ from 26 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    • 4.5★ from 26 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    77564A Country Club Dr #118, Palm Desert, CA 92211
    View profile for Michael B. Goldstein(442) 282-1101

  13. #13 Tanner Law Firm, PC

    Based in Palm Desert

    62/100LFR Score

    Ranked #13 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    • 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–12 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    42-305 Washington St Ste 240, Palm Desert, CA 92211
    View profile for Tanner Law Firm, PC(760) 989-4529

  14. #14 Jimenez Law Offices

    Based in Palm Desert

    61/100LFR Score

    Ranked #14 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 43 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Attorney”.

    • 4.9★ from 43 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    77760 Country Club Dr Ste h, Palm Desert, CA 92211
    View profile for Jimenez Law Offices(760) 345-4777

  15. #15 Shouse Law Group

    Based in Palm Springs, 12 mi away

    60/100LFR Score

    Ranked #15 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    • 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 7 AM–11 PM
    Address
    777 E Tahquitz Canyon Way Ste 200-074, Palm Springs, CA 92262
    View profile for Shouse Law Group(760) 430-0400

  22. #22 Aimee Larsen Mendoza

    Based in La Quinta, 5 mi away

    55/100LFR Score

    Ranked #22 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    78-365 CA-111 Suite 392, La Quinta, CA 92253
    View profile for Aimee Larsen Mendoza(760) 993-3481

  23. #23 Sobero Law Office

    Based in Palm Desert

    53/100LFR Score

    Ranked #23 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.3★ from 23 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Attorney”.

    • 4.3★ from 23 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    78000 Fred Waring Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92211
    View profile for Sobero Law Office(760) 200-1222

  24. #24 Valente Law Offices

    Based in Indio, 9 mi away

    52/100LFR Score

    Ranked #24 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.3★ from 43 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.

    • 4.3★ from 43 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    82850 CA-111 Ste A, Indio, CA 92201
    View profile for Valente Law Offices(760) 863-2161

All 26 criminal defense lawyers

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #26, in LFR Score order; each links to its profile.

criminal defense lawyers in Palm Desert, ranks 26 to 26
RankBusinessLFR ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Harrington Law Center491.6★ (7)In Palm Desert

Also serving Palm Desert

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 Palm Desert
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
AFSAR Law Group, APC4.9★ (49)In Palm Desert
Bochnewich Law Offices5.0★ (41)In Palm Desert
Frederic S Wieder3.9★ (27)In Palm Desert
i Accident Lawyer4.8★ (60)In Palm Desert
J Doling Law, PC4.2★ (45)In Palm Desert
Juliene Lee Ash Attorney At Law4.2★ (5)In Palm Desert
Law Office of Joel W. Baruch, PC4.1★ (9)In Palm Desert
Law Office of Paul M Stoddard4.0★ (8)In Palm Desert
Law Offices of Edward H. Cross & Associates, PC5.0★ (5)In Palm Desert
Law Offices Of J Alan Plott APC3.3★ (12)In Palm Desert
Law Offices of James A. Jackson4.0★ (12)In Palm Desert
Law Offices of Larry R. Hoddick, P.C.4.2★ (14)In Palm Desert
Law Offices of Tecla M. Lunak, APC3.8★ (17)In Palm Desert
Mark J McGowan Law Offices PC4.8★ (263)In Palm Desert
Palm Desert Law, A Professional Corporation5.0★ (198)In Palm Desert
Reel Fathers Rights4.8★ (111)In Palm Desert
Shaw & Hanover, PC5.0★ (5)In Palm Desert
Sloat Law Group, APC4.3★ (29)In Palm Desert
The Mack Law Offices4.0★ (16)In Palm Desert
Victoria L. Penley, Attorney at Law4.0★ (40)In Palm Desert

How we ranked Palm Desert criminal defense lawyers

We scored 26 Palm Desert 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 Palm Desert 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 Palm Desert: frequently asked questions

Which criminal defense lawyer has the highest LFR Score in Palm Desert?

By LFR Score, the highest-ranked criminal defense lawyer in Palm Desert, CA is Law Offices of Shaffer Cormell with an LFR Score of 71/100. It has 5.0★ from 104 Google reviews. It is open 24/7. The Mulligan Defense (#2) and Law Offices of Shaffer Cormell (#3) follow. We ranked 26 criminal defense lawyers on nine factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many criminal defense lawyers are there in Palm Desert?

LawFirmsRanked ranks 26 criminal defense lawyers serving Palm Desert, CA. 11 of them are based in Palm Desert; 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 Palm Desert are open 24/7?

11 ranked criminal defense lawyers in Palm Desert post 24/7 hours. The highest-ranked are Law Offices of Shaffer Cormell (#1), The Mulligan Defense (#2) and Law Offices of Shaffer Cormell (#3). Hours come from each law firm's Google listing as of November 2026, so call to confirm.

Which criminal defense lawyers in Palm Desert work on weekends?

14 of 26 ranked criminal defense lawyers post Saturday hours and 14 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Law Offices of Shaffer Cormell (#1), The Mulligan Defense (#2) and Law Offices of Shaffer Cormell (#3). Posted hours are office hours; many firms meet clients by appointment outside them.

What Google rating do Palm Desert criminal defense lawyers have?

The median Google rating among 26 rated criminal defense lawyers in Palm Desert is 4.9★, with a median of 25 reviews. Law Offices of Anastacio De La Cruz has the most, 171 reviews, and ranks #6. 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 Palm Desert count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 30 mi of the Palm Desert 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 Palm Desert, CA 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 Palm Desert, CA 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 Palm Desert?

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 Palm Desert

  1. November 2026: LFR Scores recalculated for 26 criminal defense lawyers serving Palm Desert.

More criminal defense lawyers and Palm Desert pages