The 5 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Ireland to Defend Your Rights!
Getting charged and being driven to garda station is not a walk in the park—it’s stressful, intimidating, and petrifying. And when you’re just a common man, it’s even more unnerving because who will have your back?
The Irish legal system is complex, and you need someone who knows how to navigate it, especially if you’re new here. You need someone who knows the law, because regardless of the complexity of the case, everyone has a legal right to counsel.
If you’re in trouble, here are our most trusted criminal defence lawyers in Ireland, who specialise in a wide array of areas, from summary to indictable offences.
How We Chose the Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Ireland
1. Phelim O’Neill – Harringtons Solicitors
Address: 17-22 Parkgate St, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7
Contact: 086 838 6296, +353 0 15394747
Hours: 24/7
You’re in good hands with Phelim O’Neill, a highly experienced criminal defence lawyer in Dublin who specialises in serious cases. He’s been practicing for over 15 years and is a partner at Harrington Solicitors.
He’s a solicitor we trust, as his expertise includes being qualified to practice in England and Wales. In addition, he also attends interviews at the garda station, which we understand can be terrifying and intimidating.
O’Neill’s expertise includes cases for private and commercial clients. Plus, his track record is impressive, as he’s represented individuals in high-profile cases, including those who were charged with serious crimes, such as sexual offences and murder.
His office’s fee structure is brilliantly helpful, as he offers free legal aid for those who need advice at the garda station, as well as fixed fees. In cases where fixed structures won’t work, his team’s fairly flexible.
He’s also one of the most accessible criminal defence lawyers in Ireland, which will do you good in times of emergencies, although office visits will need appointments. Nevertheless, he’s available 24/7, and you’ll receive a response in no time.
Stuck by me against all odds
“I am so thankful to Phelim and his team, they stuck by me against all odds and came out in the end not guilty on multiple sex charges. Can’t recommend him enough if you are in a position facing criminal charges and want to prove your innocence. Call him, you won’t regret it!”
-Sean Y, Google Review
His commitment to justice and clients’ well-being is exceptional
“Thanks to Phelim’s hard work and dedication, his commitment to justice and his clients’ well-being is truly exceptional. If you are in need of a solicitor who will fight tirelessly for you and provide expert guidance, look no further than Phelim O’Neill.”
-Paul Nealon, Google Review
2. Colleen Gildernew – KOD Lyons LLP
Address: Usher’s Quay, Dublin 8
Contact: +353 1 679 0780, +353 86 085 9800
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 am – 5:30 pm
Experience in court is highly crucial, which is exactly where Colleen Gildernew shines. She’s a partner at KOD Lyons LLP, where she’s well-established in working on complex and high-profile cases.
That was expected, given her wide area of expertise in criminal law, from robbery to murder. She has also represented defendants in prominent cases in Ireland, including the supergrass trial.
Furthermore, her specialisation includes extradition cases, such as those slapped with European Arrest Warrants. She’s clearly busy, and yet, she manages to find time to respond promptly to her clients, even after regular business hours.
That’s the thing, though—her office is closed on weekends, unfortunately. Her staff still accommodates urgent matters after hours, but sometimes, their responses arrive a wee bit later than usual.
She’s still easy to reach, as the firm represents clients under Ireland’s free legal aid scheme, should you need advice, and if you require a better understanding of your rights.
Demonstrated professionalism and strong understanding of legal issues
“had a very positive experience with KOD Solicitors. From the first consultation, they demonstrated professionalism and a strong understanding of the legal issues involved. Communication was excellent—they always responded promptly and kept me updated at every stage. They took the time to explain complex matters in simple terms, which gave me confidence and peace of mind. I’m grateful for their hard work and would gladly use their services again in the future.”
-Donna Marie Maughan, Google Review
Exceptional service and professionalism
“Exceptional service and professionalism! They managed my case smoothly, always kept me updated, and provided constant support. Their follow-up is remarkable, and I felt confident every step of the way. Highly recommended — the best solicitors you can trust.”
-Ajmal Nasri, Google Review
3. Michael J. Staines – Michael J. Staines & Company Solicitors
Address: Lincoln House, Lincoln Ln, Smithfield, Dublin 7
Contact: +353 0 1873 1366, +353 0 86 254 0442
Hours: 24/7
Located in Central Dublin, Michael J. Staines is a criminal defence lawyer in Dublin who established his own firm back in 1985. His over 40 years in the legal industry bring in a tonne of expertise, mostly in white collar cases.
It’s safe to say that he has mastered the ins and outs of Ireland’s legal system, as he has received the prestigious title of Senior Counsel, highlighting his high level of expertise.
Impressively, his firm has received the Criminal Law Firm of the Year at the Irish Law Awards 2023. His track record sure is outstanding, and that’s on top of how well he treats the people he represents.
From what we’ve seen, Staines is a criminal defence lawyer who understands and hears out his clients, making sure that he can provide solid legal support, especially in high-profile criminal cases, such as representing public figures.
His firm is a busy one, however, so there were a couple of instances when communication was a smidge slow. Nonetheless, they still have an emergency contact for legal matters that require prompt attention.
The team was incredibly responsive and attentive to my needs
“I recently had the pleasure of utilizing the services provided by Michael J Staines & Company Solicitors, and I must say, I am thoroughly satisfied with my experience. From the moment I reached out for assistance, the team was incredibly responsive and attentive to my needs. They took the time to understand my requirements and offered tailored solutions that exceeded my expectations.”
-Ryan Benas, Google Review
Outstanding friendship and service
“What an outstanding friendship and service. I must say that from the beginning till Stains Solicitors drop my charges, it was absolutely fantastic. The knowledge, the presentation and the determination was always their way. I would recommend without doubt.”
-Mohammed Thiab, Google Review
4. Tony Collier – Ferrys Solicitors
Address: Inn Chambers, 15 Ormond Quay Upper, North City, Dublin 7
Contact: 01 677 9408, [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 am – 5:30 pm
One of our most trusted lawyers in Ireland for criminal defence is Tony Collier, a partner at Ferrys Solicitors, who has an outstanding profile. He has represented clients in headline-grabbing cases, including white collar crimes.
We particularly like his vast specialisation in representing defendants. This includes all areas of criminal law, including driving offences, professional misconducts, sexual crimes, murder and manslaughter, and extradition cases.
The thing is, his office is closed on weekends, so booking an appointment is a must. They aren’t perfect in communication either, since there were times when the staff responded a wee bit slower than usual, according to some clients.
Then again, that’s not a usual occurrence. Collier and his team are always on top of the game, even when emails are a dawdle when they’re swamped with cases. As a finishing touch, he shows compassion whilst being professional.
One of our most appreciated features is his transparency, especially regarding the fees, where he provides the details upfront to avoid surprise charges. For certain situations, payment plans are available as well.
Outstanding legal support
“I cannot thank Tony Collier enough for the outstanding legal support they provided to me on a pro bono basis. From the very beginning, they treated my case with professionalism, care, and dedication, as if I were a paying client. Communication was clear, advice was thorough, and I always felt supported throughout the process. Their integrity and commitment to justice truly set them apart. I would highly recommend Tony Collier of Ferry Solicitors to anyone in need of an exceptional solicitor.”
-Joyce Zvoushe, Google Review
Extremely professional and compassionate
“I recently was represented by tony in a case which was very distressing for me. Tony put my mind at ease and was extremely professional and compassionate. Would highly recommend him and his team. Thank you tony.”
-Susan, Google Review
5. Ken Cunningham – Newell Gillen & Cunningham Solicitors
Address: Parade House, S Parade, St Otteran Pl, Newtown, Waterford
Contact: 051 874352, [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 am – 5 pm
We were well impressed by Ken Cunningham once we saw his track record, which includes representing defendants in prominent cases in Ireland. Hardly surprising, given his expertise led him to become a partner in just four years of joining the firm.
You could say he’s an accomplished solicitor in criminal law, having successfully defended clients accused of various crimes. He specialises in criminal defence, making him accessible to individuals accused of all sorts of criminal acts, including murder.
It’s brilliant that, aside from criminal defence law, he’s also experienced in civil law. Specialising in both of these gives him a significant—and strategic—advantage in the Irish legal system.
We were taken by Cunningham’s straightforward approach—we found it necessary, especially in complex and major cases. Clients appreciated that he doesn’t sugarcoat things, which is a quality you’d want in a lawyer—honest and reliable, basically.
The sole downside is the firm’s operating hours, which are closed on weekends. Still, he and his team are responsive to clients, which is what we really want here.
Straightforward and honest with me from the get-go
“Ken represented me today in court in Waterford and I cannot recommend him highly enough, I found him to be straightforward and honest with me from the get go, very reassuring in his calm and efficient demeanour, this man is very knowledgeable in his field and also extremely experienced and he got me the best possible result, one I was happy to walk away with, given the circumstances. Thanks again Ken, Andrew.”
-AndyD298, Google Review
Couldn’t have met a nicer man
“I dealt with Ken for court, couldn’t of met a nicer man. I really advise you’s to go with this law firm. Absolutely thrilled with my results in court. Thank you very much Ken for everything”
-irishracer, Google Review