Criminal Attorney Job Description
Criminal defense attorneys are the legal experts that represent defendants who have been charged with crimes. Criminal attorneys are either sought out by defendants or assigned to represent defenseless individuals by the court. It is the fundamental right of every citizen to have a lawyer represent them in court, although some choose to make their own case.
Requirements to Become a Criminal Defense Attorney
Individuals who choose to become criminal defense attorneys must complete an extensive list of requirements before they can begin to practice their profession. All lawyers are required to complete a total of seven years of education; four years to earn a graduate degree and three years to complete law school. They are then required to pass a written legal bar examination that is administered by state governments. The lawyers can begin practice when they pass the exam and receive their license.
Responsibilities of a Criminal Defense Attorney
Criminal defense attorneys are responsible for several roles related to defending their clients, the following list describes the primary duties:
- Gather and examine the evidence provided by every source in the case.
- Determine how case law and legal precedents affect their client's case.
- Represent their clients in court.
- Advise their clients on legal decisions involved with the case, such as whether or not to plea innocent or guilty and when to accept plea bargains.
- Some lawyers are also required to manage other lawyers and paralegals.
Compensation
Lawyers typically earn upwards of $100,000 each year, with the current average being $110,000. However, the average lawyer tends to work more than 50 hours each week.