The highest salaries for defense lawyers can vary significantly based on factors such as experience, location, and the complexity of cases handled. According to data from ZipRecruiter, some criminal defense lawyers in California can earn as much as $134,712 annually, which represents the top end of the salary spectrum. Most defense lawyers, however, tend to earn between $76,500 and $102,100, covering the 25th to 75th percentiles. The top 10% of earners in this field can make up to approximately $118,428 per year. These figures highlight that experienced and highly specialized defense attorneys working in high-cost regions or prestigious firms tend to command the highest salaries in the legal profession.