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Criminal Defense Lawyers in Southbury, CT: 2026 rankings

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

The short answer

  1. 1

    Highest LFR Score in Southbury: Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys, LFR Score 71/100; 4.8★ from 607 Google reviews; open 24/7.

  2. 2

    Open 24 hours (per Google): The Kaloidis Law Firm LLC, posts 24/7 hours; ranked #2 of 133.

  3. 49

    Most-reviewed: Martocchio & Oliveira LLC, 392 Google reviews at 5.0★, the most of 133 ranked after Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys; ranked #49.

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

133 Southbury criminal defense lawyers are ranked here by LFR Score, from nine published factors. 33 are open 24/7, 45 open Saturdays and 38 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.8★ across 133 rated law firms.

Top 10 criminal defense lawyers in Southbury 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 Southbury at a glance
RankBusinessLFR ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursNotable for
1Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys714.8★ (607)Shelton, 15 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)Top score
2The Kaloidis Law Firm LLC704.8★ (248)Waterbury, 10 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)Open 24 hours
3Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys674.9★ (173)Bridgeport, 21 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
4Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys674.8★ (131)New Haven, 19 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
5Riley Law, LLC675.0★ (92)Bridgeport, 21 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
6Black's Law Group, PLLC665.0★ (44)Danbury, 14 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
7Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys664.8★ (204)New Britain, 26 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
8Law Office of Robert Berke665.0★ (75)Bridgeport, 21 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
9Law Office of Douglas D. Rudolph665.0★ (68)Wallingford, 21 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
10The Law Offices of Mark Sherman, LLC665.0★ (60)Wilton, 20 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—

All 133 criminal defense lawyers in Southbury, 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 Southbury

    #1 Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys

    Based in Shelton, 15 mi away

    71/100LFR Score

    Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 607 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 607 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    1 Enterprise Dr Ste 305, Shelton, CT 06484
    View profile for Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys(203) 925-9200

  2. #2 The Kaloidis Law Firm LLC

    Based in Waterbury, 10 mi away

    70/100LFR Score

    Ranked #2 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 248 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 248 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    580 Watertown Ave, Waterbury, CT 06708
    View profile for The Kaloidis Law Firm LLC(203) 597-0010

  5. #5 Riley Law, LLC

    Based in Bridgeport, 21 mi away

    67/100LFR Score

    Ranked #5 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 92 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 92 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    1087 Broad St, Bridgeport, CT 06604
    View profile for Riley Law, LLC(203) 818-1888

  6. #6 Black's Law Group, PLLC

    Based in Danbury, 14 mi away

    66/100LFR Score

    Ranked #6 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 44 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 44 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    7 National Pl, Danbury, CT 06810
    View profile for Black's Law Group, PLLC(203) 504-9517

  8. #8 Law Office of Robert Berke

    Based in Bridgeport, 21 mi away

    66/100LFR Score

    Ranked #8 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 75 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 75 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    640 Clinton Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605
    View profile for Law Office of Robert Berke(203) 521-1842

  12. #12 Carlson & Dumeer, LLC

    Based in Middletown, 30 mi away

    65/100LFR Score

    Ranked #12 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 91 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 91 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    85 Broad St, Middletown, CT 06457
    View profile for Carlson & Dumeer, LLC(877) 795-5594

  14. #14 The Law Office of Keith R. Murphy

    Based in Jefferson Valley-Yorktown, 24 mi away

    64/100LFR Score

    Ranked #14 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 57 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 57 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    73 Gleneida Ave, Carmel Hamlet, NY 10512
    View profile for The Law Office of Keith R. Murphy(845) 584-7033

  15. #15 Folchetti Law Offices, P.C.

    Based in Jefferson Valley-Yorktown, 22 mi away

    64/100LFR Score

    Ranked #15 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 37 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 37 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    50 Main St, Brewster, NY 10509
    View profile for Folchetti Law Offices, P.C.(914) 934-8792

  17. #17 Christopher York

    Based in Jefferson Valley-Yorktown, 19 mi away

    64/100LFR Score

    Ranked #17 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 67 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 6 of 9 factors; bar status, recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 67 Google reviews
    Address
    328 Clock Tower Commons Dr, Brewster, NY 10509
    View profile for Christopher York(845) 363-1994

  18. #18 Attorney Teresa DiNardi

    Based in New Britain, 26 mi away

    63/100LFR Score

    Ranked #18 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 36 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 36 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    35 Pearl St Ste 205, New Britain, CT 06051
    View profile for Attorney Teresa DiNardi(888) 523-9384

  21. #21 Law Office of Angel A. Lugo

    Based in New Haven, 20 mi away

    62/100LFR Score

    Ranked #21 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.

    • 4.8★ from 21 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    273 Grand Ave, New Haven, CT 06513
    View profile for Law Office of Angel A. Lugo(203) 500-3616

  22. #22 Kevin Smith, Attorney at Law LLC

    Based in New Haven, 19 mi away

    61/100LFR Score

    Ranked #22 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 60 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 60 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    928 Chapel St Ste 208, New Haven, CT 06510
    View profile for Kevin Smith, Attorney at Law LLC(855) 753-8435

  25. #25 Brian J. Glenn, Esq.

    Based in Cromwell, 24 mi away

    60/100LFR Score

    Ranked #25 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 76 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 76 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–8 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    View profile for Brian J. Glenn, Esq.(617) 780-0669

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

criminal defense lawyers in Southbury, ranks 26 to 50
RankBusinessLFR ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Red Law Firm, LLC605.0★ (22)19 mi
27Guendelsberger Law Offices, LLP605.0★ (25)12 mi
28Law Offices of Joseph J. Tock604.9★ (109)27 mi
29CT Ticket Defenders604.6★ (10)15 mi
30Sills DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyers604.6★ (7)10 mi
31The Lebedevitch Law Firm, LLC604.7★ (81)24 mi
32Black's Law Group, PLLC605.0★ (6)27 mi
33Law Office of James A. Saraceni593.7★ (16)27 mi
34Jowdy & Jowdy594.7★ (24)14 mi
35CT Ticket Defenders594.9★ (13)23 mi
36Mr. Speeding Ticket594.7★ (241)15 mi
37Pattis & Paz LLC594.6★ (37)19 mi
38The Maddox Law Firm, LLC595.0★ (272)26 mi
39Law Office of Keith Murray584.8★ (24)19 mi
40Shalvoy Law, LLC582.6★ (5)In Southbury
41Papcsy Janosov Roche Trial Lawyers584.9★ (277)27 mi
42Law Offices of Carlos E. Candal, LLC585.0★ (100)19 mi
43Alexander T. Taubes574.8★ (132)19 mi
44Chiasson Roger E II573.7★ (3)20 mi
45The Law Office of Scott B. Chamberlain, P.C.573.0★ (8)10 mi
46Law Office of Matthew J. Gaidos, LLC565.0★ (10)22 mi
47Law Firm of Averum J. Sprecher565.0★ (3)30 mi
48Law Office of Paul V. Carty563.8★ (16)19 mi
49Martocchio & Oliveira LLC565.0★ (392)19 mi
50Mc Carty Paul E553.0★ (8)19 mi

Also serving Southbury

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 Southbury
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Aeton Law Partners5.0★ (4)19 mi
Attorney Gregory Klein5.0★ (1)In Southbury
Attorney James J. Flaherty, Jr. - Chipman Mazzucco Emerson LLC5.0★ (4)In Southbury
Chipman Mazzucco Emerson LLC3.0★ (2)In Southbury
Dean E. Popkin Law Offices3.4★ (5)28 mi
Dolan Divorce Lawyers, PLLC5.0★ (39)In Southbury
Dugo Law, LLC5.0★ (16)In Southbury
Fortuna & Cartelli PC4.9★ (77)30 mi
Heritage Law®4.9★ (36)In Southbury
LaRese Law5.0★ (11)In Southbury
Law Office of Carreira & Wojciechowski5.0★ (5)In Southbury
Law Office of Kevin P. Thornton – Attorney At Law5.0★ (2)In Southbury
Mark W. Dost5.0★ (1)In Southbury
Michael A Fasano Attorney at Law4.1★ (15)In Southbury
Quinn Law Firm, LLC5.0★ (1)In Southbury
Secor Cassidy & McPartland PC5.0★ (1)In Southbury
The Bernard Law Group5.0★ (30)In Southbury
The Law Office of Esmeralda Bardhollari, LLC5.0★ (12)In Southbury
The Maddox Law Firm, LLC5.0★ (13)21 mi
The Rotatori Law Firm5.0★ (3)In Southbury

How we ranked Southbury criminal defense lawyers

We scored 133 Southbury 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 Southbury 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 Southbury: frequently asked questions

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

By LFR Score, the highest-ranked criminal defense lawyer in Southbury, CT is Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys with an LFR Score of 71/100. It has 4.8★ from 607 Google reviews. It is open 24/7. The Kaloidis Law Firm LLC (#2) and Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys (#3) follow. We ranked 133 criminal defense lawyers on nine factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many criminal defense lawyers are there in Southbury?

LawFirmsRanked ranks 133 criminal defense lawyers serving Southbury, CT. 1 of them is based in Southbury; 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 Southbury are open 24/7?

33 ranked criminal defense lawyers in Southbury post 24/7 hours. The highest-ranked are Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys (#1), The Kaloidis Law Firm LLC (#2) and Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys (#3). Hours come from each law firm's Google listing as of November 2026, so call to confirm.

Which criminal defense lawyers in Southbury work on weekends?

45 of 133 ranked criminal defense lawyers post Saturday hours and 38 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys (#1), The Kaloidis Law Firm LLC (#2) and Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys (#3). Posted hours are office hours; many firms meet clients by appointment outside them.

What Google rating do Southbury criminal defense lawyers have?

The median Google rating among 133 rated criminal defense lawyers in Southbury is 4.8★, with a median of 21 reviews. Ruane DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys has the most, 607 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 Southbury count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 30 mi of the Southbury 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 Southbury, CT 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 Southbury, CT 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 Southbury?

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 Southbury

  1. November 2026: LFR Scores recalculated for 133 criminal defense lawyers serving Southbury.

More criminal defense lawyers and Southbury pages