What does a criminal lawyer do?

What is a Criminal Lawyer?

Criminal lawyers specialize in criminal law, representing individuals, organizations, or the government in cases involving criminal charges. They defend clients accused of crimes, such as theft, assault, or fraud, by building defense strategies, presenting evidence, and advocating in court to ensure their clients’ rights are protected. Conversely, some criminal lawyers work as prosecutors, aiming to prove the accused's guilt on behalf of the state.

What does a Criminal Lawyer do?

Duties and Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the criminal lawyer require strong analytical, research, negotiation, and advocacy skills to ensure fair legal outcomes. Their work centers around:

• Legal Consultation and Advice – Provide clients with an understanding of the charges and potential consequences; advise on legal rights and options, including plea deals or trial strategies.
• Case Preparation – Investigate the facts of the case thoroughly; gather, review, and analyze evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and forensic reports; research legal precedents and statutes relevant to the case.
• Drafting Legal Documents – Prepare legal motions, such as motions to dismiss or suppress evidence; draft court documents, including briefs, petitions, and appeals.
• Representation in Court – Represent clients during arraignments, bail hearings, and pre-trial conferences; present evidence, argue motions, and cross-examine witnesses during trial; deliver compelling opening and closing statements.
• Negotiating Plea Deals – Work with prosecutors to negotiate plea agreements that may reduce charges or sentencing.
• Advocacy – Defend clients against criminal accusations while protecting their constitutional rights; advocate for sentencing alternatives, such as rehabilitation or probation, when appropriate.
• Post-Trial Responsibilities – Handle appeals and post-conviction motions for clients seeking to overturn or modify convictions or sentences.
• Client Support – Maintain regular communication with clients to keep them informed about the case’s progress; provide emotional support and guidance through the legal process.
• Collaboration – Work with private investigators, expert witnesses, and specialists like forensic analysts to build a strong case; coordinate with law enforcement or legal teams as required.
• Adhering to Ethical Standards – Uphold client confidentiality and the legal profession's ethical code; maintain impartiality and integrity while representing clients.

Types of Criminal Lawyers
Now that we have a sense of the criminal lawyer’s work, let’s look at some different types of these lawyers, each specializing in various aspects of criminal law or focusing on distinct roles within the justice system:

Defense Lawyers

• Represent individuals or entities accused of crimes
• Work to protect their clients' rights, build a defense strategy, and aim for acquittal, reduced charges, or lighter sentencing
• Examples: DUI defense lawyers, white-collar crime lawyers, or juvenile defense attorneys

Prosecutors

• Represent the government or state in criminal cases
• Present evidence to prove the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt
• Types of prosecutors include district attorneys (DAs), state attorneys, or federal prosecutors

Public Defenders

• Appointed by the court to represent defendants who cannot afford a private lawyer
• Work under significant caseloads to ensure fair representation for financially disadvantaged individuals

Specialized Criminal Lawyers

• White-Collar Crime Lawyers – Handle cases involving fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, money laundering, or corporate misconduct
• Violent Crime Lawyers – Deal with cases involving assault, robbery, manslaughter, homicide, or domestic violence
• Drug Crime Lawyers – Focus on offenses related to drug possession, trafficking, distribution, or manufacturing of illegal drugs
• Cybercrime Lawyers – Specialize in internet-related crimes like hacking, identity theft, online fraud, or cyberstalking
• Juvenile Defense Lawyers – Represent minors accused of criminal offenses, often emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment
• Sexual Assault Lawyers – Specialize in cases involving sexual assault, harassment, child exploitation, or related crimes
• DUI / DWI and Traffic Violation Lawyers – Focus on defending clients charged with driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated (DWI), or other serious traffic offenses
• Domestic Violence Lawyers – Deal with cases involving abuse or violence within domestic relationships, such as spousal or child abuse
• Military Criminal Lawyers – Specialize in defending or prosecuting members of the armed forces accused of crimes under military law, often in courts-martial
• Criminal Appeals Lawyers – Focus on challenging convictions or sentences through appeals, writs of habeas corpus, or other post-conviction legal remedies
• Immigration Lawyers – Handle cases involving immigration fraud, illegal entry, or criminal charges that affect immigration status
• Hate Crimes / Civil Rights Lawyers – Specialize in cases involving crimes motivated by bias or violation of constitutional rights

What is the workplace of a Criminal Lawyer like?

Criminal lawyers can be work for various entities, depending on their role and area of expertise. These are among their most common employers:

• Government Agencies – Prosecutors work for government entities such as District Attorney’s (DA) Office, State Attorney General’s Office, US Attorney’s Office (federal level in the United States). Public defenders are employed by public defender offices.
• Law Firms – Private law firms employ criminal defense lawyers who represent individuals or organizations accused of crimes.
• Corporations – Larger corporations may hire criminal lawyers as part of their in-house legal team to handle cases involving regulatory violations, fraud, or other criminal issues.
• Non-Profit Organizations – Organizations like legal aid societies or advocacy groups hire criminal lawyers to provide free or low-cost representation to underserved communities.
• Military – Criminal lawyers can work within military legal systems.
• Self-Employment –Many criminal lawyers work as solo practitioners, managing their own practices and taking on private clients.
• International Organizations – Criminal lawyers may work for international bodies like the International Criminal Court (ICC) or United Nations tribunals, handling cases involving war crimes or crimes against humanity.

Here’s a look at some of the common environments where criminal lawyers work:

• Law Offices – Criminal lawyers typically spend significant time in their offices, preparing cases, meeting clients, and reviewing documents. The office setting is usually equipped with legal resources, case files, and tools for research and communication.
• Courtrooms – A substantial part of a criminal lawyer's work occurs in courtrooms, where they represent clients during hearings, trials, and other legal proceedings. This environment is formal and requires adherence to strict procedures and etiquette.
• Government Buildings – Prosecutors and public defenders often work in government offices located near courthouses. These offices are structured to facilitate collaboration with law enforcement, other attorneys, and administrative staff.
• Field Work – Criminal lawyers may conduct investigations outside the office, including visiting crime scenes, interviewing witnesses, or gathering evidence.
• Jails and Detention Centers – Defense attorneys often visit incarcerated clients to discuss cases, prepare strategies, or provide legal advice. These visits occur in secure and controlled environments.
• Libraries and Research Spaces – Legal research is a critical part of a criminal lawyer's job, and they may spend time in law libraries or using digital legal research tools.
• Remote and Digital Workspace – Many criminal lawyers work remotely for tasks like legal research, drafting documents, or communicating with clients via video calls.
• Work Atmosphere – The nature of criminal cases often requires lawyers to work under tight deadlines and manage high-pressure situations. The work, involving high stakes and dealing with clients facing serious accusations or life-altering consequences, is also emotionally demanding.