Criminal attorneys, also referred to as criminal defense lawyers and public defenders, defend individuals, entities and organizations that have been charged with a crime. They handle a wide range of criminal cases ranging from driving under the influence (DUI), sex crimes, domestic violence crimes, theft, drug crimes, fraud, embezzlement and violent crimes. If you were the victim of any of the above and it results in an injury, see the personal injury page.
Education and experience
Like all other lawyers, a criminal lawyer must obtain a law degree and pass the bar examination in the state in which they intend to practice. So, for a criminal lawyer to practice in the state of Delaware, he or she has to pass the bar examination of our state. Some criminal lawyers are certified by the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification (NBLSC). This is a non-profit organization that is accredited by the American Bar Association to provide board certification for attorneys.
Job description
Criminal lawyers specialize in the defense of organizations and individuals facing criminal charges in federal, state and appellate courts. Their scope of legal practice includes plea bargains, bail bond hearings, revocation hearings (probation or parole), appeals and post-conviction remedies.
Part of a criminal lawyer's job may include functions such as researching case law, statues, crimes codes and procedure law, investigating cases and interviewing witnesses, building defenses and developing case strategy, advocate for the defendant at trial, negotiate with the prosecution to plea bargain to lesser charges and also draft, file and argue motions.
Skills
Criminal attorneys must have excellent written advocacy skills and oral skills in order to argue a client's case before a judge and persuade a jury. It is also important to possess research and investigative skills that are crucial in building a client's case and establishing a strong defense. Criminal defense attorneys are also expected to be strong creative thinkers with the right analytical skills to develop and analyze case law, develop a legal strategy and litigate complex cases.
An in-depth understanding of state, federal and local rules, evidentiary laws, court procedures and local judges to efficiently and competently navigate the criminal justice system are also important skills criminal lawyers need to possess. Excellent interpersonal skills are also essential for building strong client-attorney relationships. It is not uncommon for criminal defendants to go through many lawyers before settling for the one they like. Therefore, the ability to attract as well as retain clients is crucial to a thriving criminal defense practice.
Practice environment
Criminal attorneys work in different sectors. Most work in solo firms or private practice. Some work for the government as public defenders or non-profit organizations. They have rather irregular working hours and frequently meet with clients outside their offices at courthouses, prisons, hospitals and other venues. For criminal lawyers in national practice, frequent travel is usually required but most of them maintain local practice.
Breaking into criminal law
Many criminal lawyers kick start their careers as public defenders or prosecutors. Public defenders are attorneys appointed by the court to represent defendants who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Moot court trials in law school and mock trials are particularly helpful as they allow attorneys to develop oral advocacy and gain experience in a stimulated setting.
Salaries
Like any other profession, criminal lawyer salaries vary depending on the scope and size of practice, the geographical location of the firm not to mention the clientele the firm serves. Criminal lawyers employed in law firms generally earn high salaries with the highest paid lawyers often representing high-profile wealthy defendants in high stake cases.
Outlook
Criminal law is a growing practice. In recent years, U.S. lawmakers have significantly expanded not only the authority but also the reach of the justice system. As criminal law develops and crime rates spiral upwards, the number of people sentenced to prison for different kinds of crime has risen over the past 3 decades. Prisons are exploding as more offenders are put to book and convicted for their crimes.
As new criminal laws are codified and more offenders are charged under state and federal laws, the need for criminal attorneys continues to rise. Federal laws, in particular, are expanding making it easier for Americans to end up on the wrong side of the law. In fact, many of the new federal laws set a lower bar for conviction than in the past. Currently, the number of crimes in federal statues is estimated at 4500. This is in addition to the thousands of regulations that carry criminal penalties.
Education and experience
Like all other lawyers, a criminal lawyer must obtain a law degree and pass the bar examination in the state in which they intend to practice. So, for a criminal lawyer to practice in the state of Delaware, he or she has to pass the bar examination of our state. Some criminal lawyers are certified by the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification (NBLSC). This is a non-profit organization that is accredited by the American Bar Association to provide board certification for attorneys.
Job description
Criminal lawyers specialize in the defense of organizations and individuals facing criminal charges in federal, state and appellate courts. Their scope of legal practice includes plea bargains, bail bond hearings, revocation hearings (probation or parole), appeals and post-conviction remedies.
Part of a criminal lawyer's job may include functions such as researching case law, statues, crimes codes and procedure law, investigating cases and interviewing witnesses, building defenses and developing case strategy, advocate for the defendant at trial, negotiate with the prosecution to plea bargain to lesser charges and also draft, file and argue motions.
Skills
Criminal attorneys must have excellent written advocacy skills and oral skills in order to argue a client's case before a judge and persuade a jury. It is also important to possess research and investigative skills that are crucial in building a client's case and establishing a strong defense. Criminal defense attorneys are also expected to be strong creative thinkers with the right analytical skills to develop and analyze case law, develop a legal strategy and litigate complex cases.
An in-depth understanding of state, federal and local rules, evidentiary laws, court procedures and local judges to efficiently and competently navigate the criminal justice system are also important skills criminal lawyers need to possess. Excellent interpersonal skills are also essential for building strong client-attorney relationships. It is not uncommon for criminal defendants to go through many lawyers before settling for the one they like. Therefore, the ability to attract as well as retain clients is crucial to a thriving criminal defense practice.
Practice environment
Criminal attorneys work in different sectors. Most work in solo firms or private practice. Some work for the government as public defenders or non-profit organizations. They have rather irregular working hours and frequently meet with clients outside their offices at courthouses, prisons, hospitals and other venues. For criminal lawyers in national practice, frequent travel is usually required but most of them maintain local practice.
Breaking into criminal law
Many criminal lawyers kick start their careers as public defenders or prosecutors. Public defenders are attorneys appointed by the court to represent defendants who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Moot court trials in law school and mock trials are particularly helpful as they allow attorneys to develop oral advocacy and gain experience in a stimulated setting.
Salaries
Like any other profession, criminal lawyer salaries vary depending on the scope and size of practice, the geographical location of the firm not to mention the clientele the firm serves. Criminal lawyers employed in law firms generally earn high salaries with the highest paid lawyers often representing high-profile wealthy defendants in high stake cases.
Outlook
Criminal law is a growing practice. In recent years, U.S. lawmakers have significantly expanded not only the authority but also the reach of the justice system. As criminal law develops and crime rates spiral upwards, the number of people sentenced to prison for different kinds of crime has risen over the past 3 decades. Prisons are exploding as more offenders are put to book and convicted for their crimes.
As new criminal laws are codified and more offenders are charged under state and federal laws, the need for criminal attorneys continues to rise. Federal laws, in particular, are expanding making it easier for Americans to end up on the wrong side of the law. In fact, many of the new federal laws set a lower bar for conviction than in the past. Currently, the number of crimes in federal statues is estimated at 4500. This is in addition to the thousands of regulations that carry criminal penalties.