What Are the Duties of a Defense Attorney?

Those who are arrested and accused of a crime usually turn to a defense attorney to prove their innocence and avoid serving time in jail. There are a certain set of duties and responsibilities that defense attorneys have regarding their client and the justice system in general.

• Defense attorneys have the duty to find out and understand all of the allegations presented against their client, the defendant. They are responsible for finding out why these charges were made.


• Lawyers working for a defendant must do diligent research for prior case laws regarding their client's case. In addition they must understand which legal procedures and tactics will best help them gain an acquittal for their client.


• Unless told not to by a defendant, they are required to accompany the defendant to all aspects of the trial. This includes but is not limited to interrogations, hearings, indictments, and depositions.


• Defense attorneys have the responsibility to negotiate with prosecutors and the judge to move criminal cases to different courts if necessary to ensure the client gets a fair trial. They are also required to negotiate a plea bargain if they see their client cannot get a total acquittal.


• They must develop the best case possible for the defendant that they are representing. They must show that their client is not guilty as convincingly as possible. Like a chess player, they must foresee the prosecution's arguments and prepare accordingly.


• Defense attorneys must gather witnesses and evidence that supports the defense of their client. They must discredit the prosecution and their witnesses as thoroughly as possible.