What Does a Criminal Lawyer Do?

Criminal Lawyer

Criminal lawyers are responsible for defending people, organizations and entities charged with crimes. They can be private attorneys, or they can work for the government as public defenders. In either case, the job is demanding and rewarding. If you are a person who is interested in law and has a passion for standing up for the underdog, then this may be the right career for you.

The role of a criminal defense attorney is to help their client clear their name or get their sentence reduced if found guilty. Their duties include interviewing the defendant and witnesses, researching the case, preparing legal documents and arguing cases before judges and juries. They also help their clients understand and navigate the complex legal system. Criminal defense attorneys must have excellent critical thinking, interpersonal and written communication skills to be successful in this role.

Often, the best criminal defense attorneys have a background in law enforcement, investigative work or forensic science. This experience can give them a unique insight into the prosecution’s case against their client. It can also help them gather evidence and identify weaknesses in the prosecutor’s argument. They must be comfortable speaking in public, as they will need to address a judge, a jury and oftentimes the media.

What Does a Criminal Lawyer Do?

In addition to preparing legal documents, criminal defense attorneys spend a great deal of time researching case law and current legislation. They also review police reports and witness statements, which can be very complex and confusing. They need to be able to find gaps and inconsistencies in the case, as well as argue that evidence should be suppressed or excluded from court.

While television and movies show the criminal defense attorney going to court and passionately arguing their client’s case in front of a jury, this is only a small part of their responsibilities. Many criminal defense lawyers do a great deal of their work behind the scenes, and this includes working with their clients to try to come up with resolutions to their cases that don’t require a trial.

A criminal defense attorney must also be able to negotiate with their adversary, the district attorney. Trying to make deals before the trial date can reduce or eliminate charges against their client, as well as save the District Attorney and the Court time and resources.

If the trial does not go in their client’s favor, they must be able to prepare for appeals and other legal challenges. They must also be able to understand the psychological and emotional impact of a conviction and help their client come to terms with it. In some cases, the defendant may need to enter a treatment program or do community service as part of their sentence. The criminal lawyer must be able to help their client find the right resources for these situations.