Criminal Defense Marketing That Actually Brings in Clients
Let’s cut to it: most people don’t think about hiring a criminal defense attorney until they’re already in deep. They’ve been arrested, they’re freaking out, and they’re scrambling to find someone who can get them out of a mess—fast.
If they don’t find you, they’re going to find the next guy who showed up on Google first. That’s the game.
So, yeah—marketing isn’t optional. It’s the one thing working around the clock while you’re in court, at lunch, or sleeping. Let’s talk about what it really takes to get your name in front of the right people when it matters.
Step 1: Your Website Has One Job—Don’t Let It Blow It
Here’s the truth: your website is your first impression. If it’s slow, outdated, or just plain confusing, you’re losing potential clients before they even think about calling.
Fix the basics:
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Be clear about the types of cases you handle.
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Make your phone number impossible to miss.
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Use real testimonials and case results (people want proof you know your stuff).
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Make it mobile-friendly—because that’s where most searches happen.
PSM is an extremely professional and effective marketing firm that will go above and beyond your expectations. Guaranteed. Businesses looking to open a new door of opportunities and increase cash flow NEED PSM Marketing. I was looking everywhere for an effective marketing firm but also within my budget. PSM hit every mark and I was impressed with the presentation of their services. They explained in detail how they would to draw in more business through SEO, community engagement, name recognition and all of the above. My business is now on the right track. Highly recommended!!!!
—Nate Bernard, Criminal Defense Attorney in Chicago, IL
Step 2: Google Is Your Best Sales Rep—If You Show Up
Let’s be real: if you’re not on page one of Google, you’re invisible.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is what gets you there. That means dialing in your site so you show up when someone searches stuff like:
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“DUI lawyer in [your city]”
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“What to do after getting arrested”
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“Best criminal defense attorney near me”
It’s not rocket science, but it takes work—and yes, it makes a difference.
Step 3: Want Cases Fast? Run Some Damn Ads
SEO’s the long game, but if you need leads now, paid ads are where it’s at.
Google Ads, Facebook Ads, Local Services Ads—they all work if you know what you’re doing. The key is targeting people who are actively looking for a defense attorney. Not random browsers.
Step 4: Content Builds Trust Before They Call
People are searching for answers before they’re searching for an attorney. So meet them halfway.
Write short blog posts, record a few simple videos—nothing fancy. Just answer the questions you hear from clients all the time.
Try things like:
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“What to do if you’re arrested”
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“DUI vs. DWI—What’s the difference?”
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“How bail works and what to expect”
It builds credibility before you even speak to them.
Step 5: Reviews Make a Bigger Difference Than You Think
Let’s say someone finds you and another lawyer. One of you has a pile of 5-star reviews. The other has none. Who’s getting the call?
Exactly.
Ask your happy clients to leave reviews—on Google, Avvo, wherever they found you. A quick follow-up email or text after a good outcome goes a long way.
I have spent years looking for the right team to help me take my Firm to the next level. When I first sat down with Terrie and Michelle, I knew that they were something special. They didn’t just listen and give me a standard boiler plate response I’ve seen again and again. Rather, they started digging and challenged me to come up with answers as to not only what I was trying to say but also what I was trying to accomplish. I know that they are standing beside me shoulder to shoulder and are as interested in my success as I am. I can’t say enough about the experience. If you are looking for true marketing partners, look no further than PSM Marketing.
—Jack Rice, Criminal Defense Lawyer in St. Paul, MN
Step 6: Don’t Sleep on Social Media
Most lawyers ignore it. That’s a mistake. Social media isn’t just cat videos and food pics—it’s where people go to scope out who they’re about to trust with their future.
So show up:
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Share legal tips.
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Post client success stories (keep it anonymous).
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Let people see that you’re an actual human and not just a suit.
Why You Shouldn’t Do This Alone
You’ve got enough going on—cases to prep, court to show up for, clients to manage. You shouldn’t have to figure out marketing on top of all that.
Let pros handle it. That’s literally our job.
At PSM Marketing, we’ve worked with criminal defense lawyers for years. We help with:
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Websites that get people to call you
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SEO that moves the needle
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Paid ads that bring in actual leads
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Online reviews and reputation building
Ready to Stop Guessing and Start Growing?
Let’s cut the fluff—if your phone isn’t ringing, your marketing needs a serious overhaul.
Reach out today. We’ll build you a plan that brings in real clients—not just clicks.
Smart Marketing for Criminal Defense Lawyers
Let’s be real: clients don’t just wander into your office out of nowhere. If someone’s looking for a defense attorney, they’re usually in deep—they’ve been arrested, charged, or hit with something big, and they need help now. They’re not wasting time. They’re searching online, scanning results, and calling whoever shows up first and feels trustworthy.
If you’re not showing up, you’re not getting the call. Period.
That’s why marketing isn’t a nice little extra—it’s what keeps your phone ringing and your caseload steady. At PSM Marketing, we work with criminal defense lawyers who are ready to stop guessing and start actually growing.
Branding: Why You?
You know what makes you good at what you do—do your potential clients? If your website, ads, or Google listing don’t tell the full story, they’re going to keep scrolling.
Whether you’re the bulldog in court, the cool-headed negotiator, or the attorney who gets results without the drama, your brand should scream that loud and clear. Not just through your logo—but through the way you talk about what you do, the way your site looks, and the way people talk about you.
We help criminal defense lawyers build brands that stick. Messaging that lands. Websites that don’t look like they were made in 2009. And a presence that makes people say, “Yeah, that’s who I’m calling.”
Marketing Coaching That Doesn’t Waste Your Time
Most lawyers don’t know where to start when it comes to marketing. That’s fine. What’s not fine is blowing thousands on ad campaigns that don’t bring in a single decent lead—or worse, doing nothing at all and hoping referrals keep rolling in.
That’s where our coaching comes in. We walk you through what actually matters—like how to write content that builds trust, how to get real reviews, and how to turn casual website visitors into clients. And we tailor it to your practice, not some generic marketing checklist.
Your Website Is Probably Costing You Clients
Here’s the test: go to your site right now. Would you hire you?
If it’s outdated, hard to navigate, slow to load, or vague about what you actually do—you’re losing cases. A good site should tell someone in five seconds what kinds of cases you handle, why you’re qualified, and how to get in touch.
It should load fast on a phone. It should have proof that you win. And it should have one job: make them hit that call button.
SEO: You Can’t Get Hired If No One Can Find You
No one’s flipping through directories anymore. They’re Googling, and they’re clicking the top few results. If your site isn’t on page one, you’re not in the running.
SEO gets you there. It’s not just about keywords—it’s about content, Google reviews, backlinks, and making sure your site answers the questions people are searching for. It’s the long game, but it’s worth every second of it when your leads start coming from “found you on Google” instead of “someone said you were good.”
Paid Ads: Because Waiting Around Doesn’t Pay the Bills
Want results faster than SEO? Ads are your shortcut. Google Ads and Local Services Ads put you right at the top of search results for high-intent searches like “criminal lawyer near me.”
Run a smart ad campaign and suddenly you’re fielding calls from people ready to hire. It’s not cheap, but when it’s done right, it pays for itself in one solid case.
Online Reviews: Your Reputation Is Already Online—Manage It
It’s simple: the attorney with the most five-star reviews usually wins the lead. People trust reviews more than they trust your years of experience, sad as that may be.
Don’t overthink it. Just ask. A short email or text after a good outcome works wonders. And yes, they make a huge difference for your visibility on Google, too.
Social Media: No, It’s Not Just for Teenagers and TikTok Lawyers
Social media works—if you use it to show people who you are and why they can trust you. Think legal tips, case insights, even behind-the-scenes posts. It’s not about going viral. It’s about staying visible.
And if you’re already doing great work in court, why not make it easier for people to see that?
Why Hire a Marketing Agency?
Because doing it yourself sucks up your time, and hiring your cousin’s friend who “does websites” usually backfires.
We work with defense attorneys who are busy actually practicing law and want their marketing handled by someone who gets it. We build your website, manage your SEO, write content that makes you sound like a pro, run ad campaigns that bring in leads—and we do it all without the fluff.
If you’re tired of winging it, we’re here to build a plan that works. The criminal defense world is packed. If you’re not putting yourself out there the right way, someone else is eating your lunch. You’ve got the skills—make sure people can actually find you.
Let’s talk. No pressure. Just real strategy and straight answers.
Ready to talk?
Helping Criminal Defense Lawyers Get the Damn Phone to Ring
Here’s the truth: when someone’s looking for a criminal defense attorney, they’re not casually browsing. They’re in a jam. Scared. Stressed. Looking for someone who looks like they know what the hell they’re doing. Fast.
The real question is—are they finding you first, or are they calling your competition?
That’s where we come in. At PSM Marketing, we don’t do gimmicks or generic fluff. We help defense attorneys actually get found by the people who need them—not eventually, not someday, but now.
Think of it like this: if your website’s outdated, your Google presence is weak, or you’re invisible on social media, you’re handing business to someone else. That’s not a maybe—it’s happening right now.
The fix? A sharp website that earns trust. SEO that gets you on page one. A social presence that shows people you’re legit. And a plan that doesn’t waste your time or your money.
If you’re tired of throwing stuff at the wall to see what sticks, let’s fix it. We’ll build a real strategy that fits your firm and your goals—so you can stop guessing and get back to doing what you do best: defending people when it counts.
Ready to stop blending in? Let’s talk.
What Our Clients Say
FAQs About Marketing for Criminal Defense Law Firms
Why is marketing important for criminal defense lawyers?
Marketing is crucial for criminal defense lawyers as it helps them reach potential clients in need, establishes their expertise and credibility in the field, and differentiates them in a highly competitive market.
What digital marketing strategies are most effective for criminal defense attorneys?
Effective digital marketing strategies for criminal defense attorneys include search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing focused on legal advice and information, targeted pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, and active social media engagement.
How can criminal defense lawyers use social media for marketing?
Criminal defense lawyers can use social media to share informative content, engage with their community, highlight client testimonials, and provide insights into the criminal justice system, thus building trust and authority in their field.
Is it ethical for criminal defense lawyers to market their services?
Yes, it is ethical for criminal defense lawyers to market their services as long as they adhere to the specific advertising rules and ethics guidelines set by their state bar associations, which often include truthfulness, non-deceptiveness, and respect for client confidentiality.
How important are client testimonials and reviews for criminal defense lawyers?
Client testimonials and reviews are extremely important as they provide social proof of the lawyer’s expertise and success, help build trust with potential clients, and can positively influence their decision to seek representation.
What role does content marketing play in attracting clients for a criminal defense law firm?
Content marketing plays a significant role in attracting clients for a criminal defense law firm by showcasing the firm's knowledge and expertise, addressing common legal questions, and helping improve the firm's search engine rankings, thereby increasing visibility.
Can criminal defense lawyers benefit from local SEO?
Yes, criminal defense lawyers can greatly benefit from local SEO, as it optimizes their online presence to appear in local search results, making it easier for people in their geographic area to find their services.
How can a criminal defense lawyer measure the success of their marketing efforts?
A criminal defense lawyer can measure the success of their marketing efforts through various metrics such as website traffic, lead generation, conversion rates, client acquisition costs, and overall return on investment (ROI) from different marketing channels.
Why Criminal Defense Marketing Actually Matters
Here’s how it really works: nobody’s thinking about a defense lawyer until their life just blew up. Then they’re scrambling. They’re online, on their phone, looking for someone who knows what the hell they’re doing—and fast.
So the question is: when they search, do they see your name—or your competitor’s? Because if it’s not you, guess who’s getting the call?
This isn’t about some fancy logo or “long-term brand awareness.” It’s about being right there, front and center, when someone types “criminal defense lawyer near me” into Google at 11pm with a court date hanging over their head.
If your competitors are investing in marketing and you’re not, they’re eating your lunch. Simple as that.
Standing Out in a Crowded Field
Let’s not sugarcoat it—criminal defense is one of the most crowded practice areas out there. There are too many lawyers all chasing the same pool of clients. Unless you’ve got referrals pouring in every day, you need a way to stand out.
Your brand isn’t just your logo. It’s how people describe you before they even meet you.
Are you the guy who goes to war in the courtroom?
The one who keeps clients out of jail without a trial?
Do you specialize in DUIs, federal charges, white-collar stuff?
Define it—or someone else will. And they’ll probably get the client too.
Your Website: First Impressions Matter (A Lot)
Most people don’t want to browse five legal sites. They’re clicking the top result, giving it maybe 10 seconds, and deciding if you’re the one.
If your site is slow, clunky, vague, or just plain old—they’re out.
Your website should:
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Make it brutally clear what you do and who you help
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Show why you’re good (testimonials, wins, press, whatever)
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Make it easy as hell to get in touch
One clean call-to-action. One obvious phone number. That’s it.
SEO: If You’re Not on Page One, You Don’t Exist
Nobody clicks through three pages of search results. If you’re not showing up when people Google “DUI lawyer in [your city],” you’re invisible.
SEO’s not magic—it’s just strategy. Make your site useful, local, and visible.
Focus on:
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Google My Business
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Solid, helpful blog content
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Backlinks that tell Google you’re the real deal
The firm that owns search results owns the leads. End of story.
Content That Rocks
No one cares about “aggressive representation” and “fighting for your rights.” They care about what’s going to happen to them.
You want content that actually answers the shit people are freaking out about:
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“What happens if I get a second DUI?”
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“Should I talk to the cops or wait for my lawyer?”
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“Can I avoid jail time on a first offense?”
Write it, record it, post it. Real answers, plain English.
Reviews Are the Secret Weapon
Potential clients trust online reviews more than your resume. Harsh, but true.
If one lawyer has 45 five-star reviews and another has four (and one’s from an angry ex-client), who do you think gets the call?
Ask every happy client for a review. Every time. No excuses.
Social Media: Not Just for Influencers and Dance Videos
You don’t have to be flashy on social. You just have to show up.
Post tips, post wins, answer common questions, show your face. You’re not trying to go viral. You’re building trust in public.
People will check your Instagram or your LinkedIn before they ever call. Might as well give them something to see.
Google Ads: Leads. Fast.
SEO takes time. Ads don’t.
Google Ads and Local Services Ads can get you leads today. Show up at the top of the search page when someone’s ready to hire—right now.
It’s pay-to-play, but if your campaigns are set up right, you’ll more than make it back.
Legal Ethics Still Apply
You can’t promise results. You can’t lie about fees. You definitely can’t talk about a client’s case without their sign-off.
Your marketing has to follow the rules. If your agency doesn’t know that, they shouldn’t be touching your brand.
You Can’t Wing This Anymore
You’ve got two choices:
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Keep relying on random referrals and hope they don’t dry up.
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Build a real system that attracts the kind of clients you actually want.
If you’re sick of guessing and ready to grow, let’s talk. We’ll build a strategy that brings in business and makes you look like the pro you are.
No fluff. No BS. Just a plan that works. You in?
Criminal Defense Marketing That Actually Brings in Clients
Let’s be honest—you didn’t become a lawyer to mess with websites and Google Ads at midnight. You’re in court, building cases, fielding calls… you don’t have time for SEO tutorials.
But here’s the harsh truth: if people can’t find you online, they’re hiring someone else. Doesn’t matter how good you are. If you’re invisible, you’re out of the game.
That’s why handing your marketing off to someone who actually knows what they’re doing isn’t just a smart move—it’s survival.
Stop Spinning Your Wheels—Outsource!
Doing your own marketing? Total time suck. And if you’re winging it with zero strategy? You’re burning money and missing leads.
When you outsource, you get:
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More time to focus on cases—not on why your contact form’s broken again.
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A team that knows this space—SEO, ads, web builds, all of it.
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Real results, not “clicks.” We’re talking actual people calling and hiring you.
“Before I outsourced, I was trying to do it all. My site was trash, I wasn’t showing up on Google, and my ad budget was going nowhere. Now? My calendar’s full, and I don’t even think about it anymore.” – Jason R., Criminal Defense Lawyer
Marketing That Actually Fits Criminal Defense
Most agencies don’t get this industry. We do. Your clients aren’t casually shopping—they’re panicked, searching from their phone, and deciding fast. You need to show up, look legit, and make it damn easy to contact you.
We help you do that with:
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Websites that load fast, look clean, and convert clicks into calls
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SEO that ranks you for searches like “DUI lawyer in [your city]”
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Content that explains the stuff clients are freaking out about
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Social media that keeps you visible, without being cringey
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Paid ads that target people ready to hire—not just browse
“I used to think marketing was a waste. Then I invested in SEO and ads, and suddenly I had more cases than I could take.” – David P., Criminal Attorney
Stick to What You’re Great At—We’ll Handle the Rest
You’re good in court. You shouldn’t have to worry about bounce rates and click-throughs.
Let us handle the backend. We’ll build a plan that works, keeps your pipeline full, and doesn’t waste your time.
Ready to stop guessing and start getting real clients? Let’s talk.
Book a strategy call. We’ll do the heavy lifting.
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