What is a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Have you ever wondered what a criminal defense lawyer actually does? While tax attorneys, commercial lawyers, bankruptcy lawyers all have pretty self-explanatory roles, a criminal defense lawyer can cover a wide variety of cases.
A criminal defense lawyer is also known as a public defender or defense attorney. They are lawyers that primarily focus on the defense of individuals or companies that are charged with criminal conduct. Criminal defense lawyers can work in a variety of ways including as a consultant, in a firm, for a non-profit organization, for corporations, or for the government. A criminal lawyer can have a wide array of expertise including domestic violence, sex crimes, drug and DUI crimes, identity theft, child abuse, arson, and fraud. Just like any lawyer, a criminal defense lawyer needs to graduate from an accredited law school and pass the bar examination before they can legally practice law in the state.
Why should you get a criminal defense lawyer?
You may be a Law and Order addict, but that does not make you qualified to represent yourself in court. Hiring an experienced lawyer will help you:
• Navigate the complex legal and judicial system • Interview witnesses and compile evidence in your defense • Research past precedence concerning cases like yours, including case law, statutes, crimes, and procedural law. • Negotiate a plea bargain to lessen charges against you, if necessary. • Help you monitor and deal with the emotions of the trial • Find expert witnesses to help in your defense • Draft and submit appeals on the clients behalf • Advocate for the defendant at trialDo I need a criminal defense lawyer?
Yes. If you’re charged with a crime, it is important that you have an experienced legal consultant with you. Having a lawyer will help resolve your case and protect you from being charged or convicted of a crime that you didn’t commit. While reading books about law is beneficial, having a seasoned lawyer there is more beneficial. They are experienced in the legal process and can help in case any surprise changes happen in the case.
Even if you did commit the crime, it is the job of the prosecutor to prove without a reasonable doubt that you are guilty. Your defense lawyer cannot lie to the judge or jury, but he can question the prosecutor’s evidence and credibility of their witnesses. You’re innocent until proven guilty, not the other way around. Your lawyer is ethically contracted to advocate your case fervently. Whether you’re guilty or innocent your lawyer should defend you rigorously until the verdict. Photo by walknboston / CC BY
