Job Description for a Criminal Lawyer

Criminal lawyers act as representatives for clients who are charged with committing a crime. The crime can be a simple ticket for speeding or as serious as murder. The main job description for a criminal lawyer is to be an advocate for their clients and defend them in a court of law from criminal charges. In order to this, a lot of research and preparation is required. 

To become a criminal lawyer, students must spend a total of seven years in college. The first three years are completed with undergraduate courses. Students must then apply to law school and take the law school admission test. After passing the test, they spend three years specializing in criminal defense law education for a Juris Doctor degree.

After law school, a criminal lawyer may choose to work for an established law firm, open up their own practice or work for the government as a public defender. Public defenders are assigned to defend those who cannot afford to hire their own attorney.

A criminal lawyer spends part of the time in the office talking to clients or potential clients. They also travel to courtrooms to make appearances in court on behalf of their clients, for matters such as bail hearings.

To get ready for an upcoming trial, a criminal lawyer must perform research to prepare their case. This may include examining evidence, hiring investigators, expert witnesses and taking depositions from those who will testify in court. They may also have to conduct legal research, such as examining case laws and statutes. Once all of the research is collected, a criminal lawyer must create an effective strategy for the courtroom, in order to win the case for their client.