A criminal defense lawyer is an attorney who specializes in defending people or organizations charged with criminal offenses. They represent clients in court and in various other legal settings to protect their rights and ensure fair treatment under the law.
Criminal defense lawyers may handle small cases, such as misdemeanors, or major cases with serious implications, such as capital murder. Their goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for their client, whether by winning the case or through negotiations.
If you are accused of a crime, a Burbank criminal defense lawyer can help you get the justice you deserve. Contact us for a case evaluation to learn how we can help.
What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?
Hollywood has created countless movies and television shows that illustrate the high drama of a courtroom trial. Some criminal defense lawyers indeed thrive in such high-pressure environments, but this is only a small portion of their job.
Investigate the Case
A criminal defense lawyer must understand the case inside and out to assemble their best defense strategy. They will review the charges, refer to applicable laws, and research similar cases that may establish precedence.
Gather Evidence
While it is typically up to the prosecution to show evidence that a crime was committed, a criminal defense attorney may uncover evidence as well. This can happen when their research leads them to something that helps their client’s case or derails the prosecution.
Offer Legal Advice
Once your attorney understands the charges you are facing and what really happened, they can offer advice on how to handle the case. The ultimate decision is up to you, but the guidance of an experienced legal professional is valuable when making difficult choices.
Negotiate Deals
A criminal defense lawyer can negotiate for lesser charges or plea bargain for a more lenient sentence. This typically happens when evidence against a defendant is so strong that it does not seem likely to win in court.
Courtroom Representation
The duty most people associate with criminal defense attorneys involves representing clients in court during trials, motions, and hearings. Charisma and strategy are valuable skills for lawyers in these situations where they need to convince a judge and jury of their client’s innocence.
Challenge Evidence
A defense attorney will thoroughly examine the evidence presented by the prosecution and challenge whether it should be allowed in court. During a trial, they will attempt to counter the prosecution’s claims that the evidence points to their client’s guilt.
Choose the Jury
Attorneys for both the prosecution and defense play important roles in jury selection. The defense attorney must ensure that the jury is composed of members who will hear the case without bias and do their duty appropriately.
Assemble and Question Witnesses
A defense lawyer will research and choose a list of witnesses to question during a trial or deposition who will help prove points that will show their client’s innocence. They will cross-examine witnesses for the prosecution and attempt to reduce the impact of their testimony.
Handle the Media
Some trials have local, national, or even worldwide popular interest. A defense attorney may need to interact with the media during press conferences. They will also advise their client on how to handle the attention to ensure a fair trial.
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What’s the Difference Between a Criminal Prosecutor and a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
If you are wondering what a criminal defense lawyer is compared to a criminal prosecutor, there is no difference in education and official credentials. Both are lawyers who attended law school and passed the bar exam.
The prosecutor’s job is to assemble a case against people who have been accused of crimes and prove they are guilty. Defense attorneys defend those same people. Prosecutors are typically employed by an entity such as the local, state, or federal government.
Many lawyers have successfully transitioned from prosecutors to defense attorneys and vice versa. Sometimes, which job is the best fit for a specific attorney is a matter of personality and professional goals.
Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Defend Guilty People?
Yes, they do. When an attorney agrees to represent someone, they are ethically bound to defend their client to the best of their ability. That includes cases where the defense attorney believes or knows their client is guilty.
In the United States, a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven guilty. The prosecution must prove that the person committed the crime.
A lawyer may not lie to the court, but a defense attorney who can interject reasonable doubt can win a case even if their client is guilty.
How Do You Become a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
To become a criminal defense lawyer, you must first become an attorney. That means:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree: Many people choose pre-law, but fields such as political science or criminal justice are also valuable.
- Take the LSAT: The LSAT is a test required for law school admissions.
- Attend law school: It will take three additional years to earn your Juris Doctor degree.
- Pass the bar exam: Take and pass the bar exam in the state where you intend to practice.
Once you have completed the requirements to call yourself an attorney, you can look for a job with an established criminal defense firm. After a few years and some experience under your belt, you may start a firm of your own.
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Talk to a Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are thinking about what a criminal defense lawyer is, you may be in a position where you believe you need help. If you have been accused of a crime in California, it is important to contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
At Simmrin Law Group, we have decades of experience advocating for the rights of people accused of breaking the law. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form