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Criminal Defense Lawyers in Tuscaloosa, AL: 2026 rankings

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

The short answer

  1. 1

    Highest LFR Score in Tuscaloosa: Michael J. Upton, Attorney at Law, LFR Score 74/100; 4.9★ from 124 Google reviews; open 24/7.

  2. 3

    Open 24 hours (per Google): Truth & Grace Law, posts 24/7 hours; ranked #3 of 18.

  3. 3

    Most-reviewed: Truth & Grace Law, 113 Google reviews at 4.9★, the most of 18 ranked after Michael J. Upton, Attorney at Law; ranked #3.

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

18 Tuscaloosa criminal defense lawyers are ranked here by LFR Score, from nine published factors. 3 are open 24/7, 3 open Saturdays and 3 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.5★ across 18 rated law firms.

Top 10 criminal defense lawyers in Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa at a glance
RankBusinessLFR ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursNotable for
1Michael J. Upton, Attorney at Law744.9★ (124)TuscaloosaOpen 24 hrs (Google)Top score
2Barnett Law Firm674.7★ (67)Tuscaloosa——
3Truth & Grace Law654.9★ (113)TuscaloosaOpen 24 hrs (Google)Open 24 hours, Most reviews
4Ford Firm645.0★ (82)TuscaloosaOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
5Joshua J. Swords, Attorney At Law, LLC644.3★ (36)Tuscaloosa——
6Joel L. Sogol, Attorney at Law644.2★ (31)Tuscaloosa——
7The Glasscox Law Firm LLC644.5★ (22)Tuscaloosa——
8John F Brasfield Attorney At Law634.2★ (15)Tuscaloosa——
9Blume & Blume, Attorneys at Law, PC623.5★ (29)Northport, 2 mi away——
10The Tingle Law Firm595.0★ (111)Tuscaloosa——

All 18 criminal defense lawyers in Tuscaloosa, 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.

  2. #2 Barnett Law Firm

    Based in Tuscaloosa

    67/100LFR Score

    Ranked #2 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 67 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 67 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2621 7th St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
    View profile for Barnett Law Firm(205) 657-5663

  3. #3 Truth & Grace Law

    Based in Tuscaloosa

    65/100LFR Score

    Ranked #3 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.9★ from 113 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.9★ from 113 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    600 Lurleen B Wallace S Blvd Ste 250, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
    View profile for Truth & Grace Law(205) 394-1006

  4. #4 Ford Firm

    Based in Tuscaloosa

    64/100LFR Score

    Ranked #4 because of its Google rating and review volume: 5.0★ from 82 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 82 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    705 27th Ave Ste A, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
    View profile for Ford Firm(205) 454-7500

  5. #5 Joshua J. Swords, Attorney At Law, LLC

    Based in Tuscaloosa

    64/100LFR Score

    Ranked #5 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.3★ from 36 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

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

    • 4.3★ from 36 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    600 Lurleen B Wallace S Blvd Ste 120, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
    View profile for Joshua J. Swords, Attorney At Law, LLC(205) 409-0673

  6. #6 Joel L. Sogol, Attorney at Law

    Based in Tuscaloosa

    64/100LFR Score

    Ranked #6 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.2★ from 31 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

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

    • 4.2★ from 31 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    811 Almon Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
    View profile for Joel L. Sogol, Attorney at Law(205) 345-0966

  7. #7 The Glasscox Law Firm LLC

    Based in Tuscaloosa

    64/100LFR Score

    Ranked #7 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.5★ from 22 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

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

    • 4.5★ from 22 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–5 PM · Wed closed · Thu–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    600 Lurleen B Wallace S Blvd Ste 180, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
    View profile for The Glasscox Law Firm LLC(205) 345-9537

  10. #10 The Tingle Law Firm

    Based in Tuscaloosa

    59/100LFR Score

    Ranked #10 because of its Google rating and review volume: 5.0★ from 111 Google reviews.

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

    • 5.0★ from 111 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–3 PM · Fri–Sun closed
    Address
    600 Lurleen B Wallace S Blvd Ste 240, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
    View profile for The Tingle Law Firm(205) 750-8188

  12. #12 Turner Law Group

    Based in Tuscaloosa

    56/100LFR Score

    Ranked #12 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.4★ from 46 Google reviews.

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

    • 4.4★ from 46 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2312 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
    View profile for Turner Law Group(205) 247-5011

  14. #14 Tartt Law

    Based in Tuscaloosa

    55/100LFR Score

    Ranked #14 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 17 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Attorney”.

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

    • 5.0★ from 17 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2314 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
    View profile for Tartt Law(205) 614-3994

Also serving Tuscaloosa

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 Tuscaloosa
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Brock & Stout Attorneys at Law5.0★ (439)In Tuscaloosa
Cartee & Lloyd Personal Injury Lawyers - Tuscaloosa Office4.9★ (150)In Tuscaloosa
Cross & Smith, LLC4.9★ (237)In Tuscaloosa
Dorroh & Mills, PC4.8★ (52)In Tuscaloosa
Eric Wilson Law, LLC5.0★ (841)In Tuscaloosa
Espy, Scogin, Cain and Hamby, P.C.4.4★ (13)In Tuscaloosa
Fleishman Law Firm4.2★ (36)In Tuscaloosa
Ford & Spree5.0★ (28)In Tuscaloosa
Hargett Law LLC4.7★ (15)In Tuscaloosa
Krebs Law Personal Injury Lawyers - Tuscaloosa AL Office4.9★ (112)In Tuscaloosa
Legal Services Alabama4.1★ (37)In Tuscaloosa
Mark Sterling Gober, LLC, Attorney at Law5.0★ (99)In Tuscaloosa
Nelson Law & Associates PC4.2★ (13)In Tuscaloosa
Prince Glover Hayes4.7★ (80)In Tuscaloosa
Smith Andrew A3.6★ (14)In Tuscaloosa
Stahl & Stahl Attorneys At Law Pc4.9★ (14)In Tuscaloosa
THE BROWNE HOUSE LAW GROUP, LLC4.5★ (30)In Tuscaloosa
The Law Firm of Marshall A. Entelisano4.9★ (326)In Tuscaloosa
Traditions Law Group4.8★ (33)In Tuscaloosa
Turner and Turner, P.C. - Attorneys at Law4.5★ (22)In Tuscaloosa

How we ranked Tuscaloosa criminal defense lawyers

We scored 18 Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa: frequently asked questions

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

By LFR Score, the highest-ranked criminal defense lawyer in Tuscaloosa, AL is Michael J. Upton, Attorney at Law with an LFR Score of 74/100. It has 4.9★ from 124 Google reviews. It is open 24/7. Barnett Law Firm (#2) and Truth & Grace Law (#3) follow. We ranked 18 criminal defense lawyers on nine factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many criminal defense lawyers are there in Tuscaloosa?

LawFirmsRanked ranks 18 criminal defense lawyers serving Tuscaloosa, AL. 16 of them are based in Tuscaloosa; 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 Tuscaloosa are open 24/7?

3 ranked criminal defense lawyers in Tuscaloosa post 24/7 hours. The highest-ranked are Michael J. Upton, Attorney at Law (#1), Truth & Grace Law (#3) and Ford Firm (#4). Hours come from each law firm's Google listing as of November 2026, so call to confirm.

Which criminal defense lawyers in Tuscaloosa work on weekends?

3 of 18 ranked criminal defense lawyers post Saturday hours and 3 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Michael J. Upton, Attorney at Law (#1), Truth & Grace Law (#3) and Ford Firm (#4). Posted hours are office hours; many firms meet clients by appointment outside them.

What Google rating do Tuscaloosa criminal defense lawyers have?

The median Google rating among 18 rated criminal defense lawyers in Tuscaloosa is 4.5★, with a median of 30 reviews. Michael J. Upton, Attorney at Law has the most, 124 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 Tuscaloosa count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 30 mi of the Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa, AL 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 Tuscaloosa, AL 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 Tuscaloosa?

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 Tuscaloosa

  1. November 2026: LFR Scores recalculated for 18 criminal defense lawyers serving Tuscaloosa.

More criminal defense lawyers and Tuscaloosa pages