Criminal Defense Attorney - Detailed Job Description
Criminal defense attorneys, also called criminal defense lawyers, are professionals in the law field who represent defendants in a court of law. Generally, the suspects or offenders get accused of getting involved in or committing a particular crime. A criminal defense attorney conducts or initiates an appropriate analysis and research of the case to gain their client’s innocent status and freedom. They can do so via negotiations, settlements, or plea bargains. What Do the Responsibilities and Tasks of a Criminal Defense Attorney Entail? A criminal defense attorney performs multiple roles when handling a criminal case. They represent their clients or the defendants in federal, appellate, and state courts. The practice scope encompasses plea bargains, revocation hearings, bail bond proceedings, trials, post-conviction measures, and appeals. The best criminal defense attorney would perform the following roles: • •
Researching the case and analyzing the findings to determine a possible outcome Devising appropriate approaches and strategies to defend the client in court
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Negotiating punishments, settlements, and plea negotiations Representing the client in hearings, court trials, and arraignments Preparing and presenting required and relevant pieces of evidence before the judge or jury Interviewing witnesses and reviewing various aspects of the case Preparing legal documents such as appeals and briefs
In addition to that, a criminal defense attorney needs to undergo various training and upskilling programs frequently. It allows them to get updated about the recent trends, developments, and changes in the legal field. Furthermore, their job role includes conducting themselves professionally and ethically at all times. What are the Educational Requirements Necessary to Become a Criminal Defense Attorney? A person must have specific educational qualifications to become eligible as a criminal defense attorney. Let us discuss what they are. •
Education
An individual must complete a bachelor’s degree in any field related to the law and then get a Juris Doctor Law degree. They need to achieve the latter from a law school that has received accreditation from the American Bar Association. Conventionally, the two degrees require seven years for completion. It stands true for all types and categories of criminal lawyers, such as a stand your ground attorney. •
License
A criminal defense attorney must qualify for and pass their state, federal, or local bar examination. It is compulsory to determine where they intend to practice their profession. •
Certification
Some criminal defense attorneys can earn a board certification from the much-recognized National Board of Legal Specialty Certification (NBLSC). The organization is a non-profit body that the American Bar Association has accredited. It provides various certifications to lawyers. It serves as proof of their skills and expertise. •
Competencies
Besides hard skills, soft skills also form a requirement for any criminal defense attorney. It entails their research abilities, critical thinking, decision-making capabilities, teamwork, leadership, and legal knowledge. Their verbal and written communication skills also play a significant role. Furthermore, experience in the legal field and handling cases determine a lawyer’s competencies. How much is a Criminal Defense Attorney’s Salary? A criminal defense attorney’s salary depends on the scope and scale of their professional practice, geographic location, and client outreach. Furthermore, it would vary with the lawyer’s specializations and qualifications. For instance, a drug defense attorney may receive a salary differing from a personal injury claim lawyer. Generally, non-profit and public defense salaries range from $30,000 to $50,000. Lawyers employed or associated with notable and famous law firms earn the highest. Moreover, the more well-known the client, the more the attorney’s salary. The duration over which a case extends also determines the overall pay a criminal defense lawyer can get. Typically, the highest earnings can go well over six figures.