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  1. United States
  2. Best Criminal Lawyers
  3. Criminal Lawyers in West Virginia
  4. Charleston

Best Criminal Lawyers in Charleston

Charleston Criminal Lawyers stats: Key insights from this page’s listings Updated
Businesses listed
7
Average rating
4.7 516 reviews
Typical service price
$500 – $2,500 Median of 35 priced services
Most-offered services
Mediation ServicesChild CustodyDivorce AttorneyLegal RepresentationDivorce Representation
What customers praise
recommend×141highly recommend×84very professional×25recommended×18
Criminal law attorneyCharleston, WV

1

Hilliard & Swartz Law Offices

Hilliard & Swartz Law Offices focus on family law, particularly divorce cases, offering thorough and attentive representation throughout challenging proceedings. Clients appreciate the team’s clear communication, dedication, and ability to navigate complex situations, though some note the process itself remains difficult despite strong support.

Services & Prices
Full-Service Representation $2500 - $5000
Contested Divorce $5000 - $10000
Divorce Filing $300 - $500
Separation Agreement $400 - $800
View Profile
(304) 729-9000
Open 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
124 Capitol St, Charleston, WV 25301
General Services
Divorce Representation
2

Lyne Ranson Law Offices, PLLC

Lyne Ranson Law Offices, PLLC focuses on family law matters including divorce, custody, and child support issues. The team is known for clear communication, strategic planning, and responsiveness throughout often difficult cases. Clients appreciate their professionalism and the supportive, informed guidance they provide during challenging times.

Services & Prices
Contested Divorce $1500 - $3000
Uncontested Divorce $500 - $1500
Divorce Mediation $1000 - $2000
Custody Agreement Negotiation $1000 - $2000
View Profile
(304) 932-0591
Open 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
1528 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV 25311
General Services
Divorce Services
3

Zerbe & Pence

Known for handling a range of criminal cases with professionalism and clear communication, Zerbe & Pence offers support through every step of the legal process. Clients appreciate the team’s patience and thorough guidance, noting their responsiveness and ability to ease concerns during difficult situations. Some find the process lengthy, but the staff remains attentive throughout.

Services & Prices
Criminal Defense $1500 - $3000
Driving Violations $200 - $500
Disability Claims $1000 - $2000
Contract Review $250 - $500
View Profile
(304) 345-2728
Open 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
10 Hale St Suite 300, Charleston, WV 25301
General Services
Legal Representation
4

The Law Offices of Claude S. Smith, III

The Law Offices of Claude S. Smith, III offers legal guidance with a focus on estate planning and family trust matters, often noted for a patient and compassionate approach. The team provides clear explanations and thoughtful support, though some clients have expressed concerns about handling cases involving vulnerable adults.

Services & Prices
Will Preparation $150 - $300
Trust Formation $500 - $1500
Power of Attorney $100 - $200
Property Settlement $400 - $800
View Profile
(304) 346-1155
Open 9AM - 5PM
805 Bigley Ave, Charleston, WV 25302
General Services
EstatePlanning
5

Law Office of John R. Mitchell, Jr.

Known for providing attentive and affordable criminal defense, this law office handles a range of cases while keeping clients informed throughout the process. The team is often described as caring and approachable, with many clients appreciating their willingness to fight hard even on limited budgets. Some have noted occasional challenges when conflicts of interest arise.

View Profile
(304) 346-9999
Open 9AM - 5PM
28 Ohio Ave, Charleston, WV 25302
Where they are 7 on the map Click a pin for the profile and directions
6

Carrico Law Offices, LC

Specializing in criminal law, Carrico Law Offices, LC offers focused legal support with attention to detail and clear communication. The team also handles divorce, custody, and adoption cases, with clients appreciating their responsiveness and thorough explanations. Those facing high-conflict divorces might find the firm less suited to their needs.

Services & Prices
Uncontested Divorce $500 - $1500
Contested Divorce $2000 - $5000
Divorce Mediation $1000 - $3000
Child Custody Agreement $1000 - $2500
View Profile
(304) 881-0632
Open 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
1554 Kanawha Blvd E Suite 100, Charleston, WV 25311
General Services
Divorce Attorney
7

Forbes Law Offices

Known for handling a range of cases from criminal defense to domestic and civil matters, Forbes Law Offices has built a solid reputation in the Charleston area. The team is praised for achieving favorable outcomes, including dismissals of traffic violations. Clients appreciate the friendly approach, though some note the firm’s busy schedule.

Services & Prices
Criminal Defense $1000 - $3000
Domestic Representation $500 - $1500
Civil Representation $800 - $2500
Traffic Violation Dismissal $300 - $700
View Profile
(304) 343-4050
Open 00:00 - 23:59
1118 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV 25301
General Services
Legal Representation

Charleston Crime Statistics

Crimes reported to the Charleston Police Department, 2025 (latest FBI data)

The Charleston Police Department recorded 274 violent crimes in 2025 — up 9% from 251 in 2024. That is 596 per 100,000 residents — compared with 266 across West Virginia and 329 nationally, according to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Police cleared (solved) 34% of violent crimes and 18% of property crimes.

Violent crimes
274▲ 9%251 in 2024
Property crimes
1,748▲ 20%1,456 in 2024
Violent crime rate
596per 100,000 · WV 266
Arrests
4,046▲ 76%2,295 in 2024
Property crime rate
3,803 per 100,000 (WV 1,094)
Most common arrests
Drug possession 515 · Simple assault 325 · Larceny 294
Murder arrests
1
Weapons arrests
21
Drug arrests
562
DUI arrests
87

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, 2025 data as reported by the Charleston Police Department, compiled by TrustAnalytica. Counts crimes reported to police; many crimes are never reported.

Charleston Criminal Lawyers stats: 7 businesses compared side by side · updated
# Business Rating Reviews Starting price Phone Website
1 Hilliard & Swartz Law Offices 5.0 161 $150 (304) 729-9000 Visit
2 Lyne Ranson Law Offices, PLLC 4.6 142 $500 (304) 932-0591 Visit
3 Zerbe & Pence 4.9 103 $100 (304) 345-2728 Visit
4 The Law Offices of Claude S. Smith, III 4.2 56 $100 (304) 346-1155 Visit
5 Law Office of John R. Mitchell, Jr. 4.7 28 — (304) 346-9999 —
6 Carrico Law Offices, LC 4.7 13 $150 (304) 881-0632 Visit
7 Forbes Law Offices 4.7 13 $200 (304) 343-4050 Visit

Frequently asked questions

8 questions
How do I choose the best criminal lawyer in Charleston?
Consider verified reviews, ratings, review volume, and if the business claimed its profile. TrustAnalytica ranks using these factors for transparency.
What do criminal lawyers in Charleston typically handle?
Criminal lawyers defend against charges like DUI, theft, assault, and drug offenses. They navigate the legal system, negotiate plea deals, and represent clients in court.
How much do criminal lawyers in Charleston charge?
Fees vary widely. Some charge hourly rates, others use flat fees or retainers. Free consultations are common to discuss costs and case specifics.
Do I need a criminal lawyer for a misdemeanor in West Virginia?
Hiring a lawyer can help navigate legal complexities, even for misdemeanors, to ensure rights are protected and to seek favorable outcomes.
What questions should I ask a criminal lawyer before hiring?
Ask about experience with similar cases, fee structure, potential outcomes, and how they plan to handle your defense.
Are free consultations common with Charleston criminal lawyers?
Yes, many criminal lawyers offer free consultations to discuss case details and potential strategies before formal engagement.
How long does a criminal case take in West Virginia?
Case duration varies based on complexity, court schedules, and plea negotiations. Simple cases may resolve quickly, while others take months or longer.
Can a criminal lawyer help reduce charges in Charleston?
Yes, lawyers often negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or secure plea deals, depending on case specifics and evidence strength.

General information, not legal advice — consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.

Our Methodology

Best 10 criminal law attorney list assembly and recognition by TrustAnalytica for Charleston is based on online reputation backed by review sources as google reviews, TrustAnalytica reviews and more.

We choose the best companies in the location and rank them based on rating, quantity of reviews and verification (Claimed or unclaimed profile).

Rankings are frequently updated to reflect the latest reviews from trusted sources.

Profile verification is free and may improve ranking, as we prioritize accurate, up-to-date profiles that are actively maintained and regularly reviewed.

TrustAnalytica's procedure for listing criminal law attorney companies involves manual research, review and placement. Please note that some companies are placed here through their registration with our services as every company gets not only access to our Saas services but also a profile that gets listed. We evaluate businesses based on their online reputation, accessibility, online resources such as website and their fit for best 10 criminal law attorney category.

The Process

1

Business Verification

Verified criminal law attorney listings in Charleston are based on robust online activity and Google reviews, ensuring credibility.

2

Business Details

Comprehensive criminal law attorney profiles offer vital details for informed decisions in Charleston.

3

Reviews And Ratings

Real-time customer ratings guide our criminal law attorney rankings in Charleston, reflecting genuine reputation.

4

SEO And Keywords

Our SEO strategy elevates the visibility of top criminal law attorney providers in Charleston.

5

AI Search Visibility

Every criminal law attorney listing in Charleston is published with structured data that AI search tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity and Google AI Overviews can read and cite.