Criminal Defense Job Description
The main objective of a criminal defense attorney is to adequately represent a defendant that is facing criminal charges in order to obtain the best outcome possible. This can be accomplished by negotiating with prosecutors in order to arrive at an agreeable plea bargain or dropping the charges altogether. Additionally, a criminal defense attorney is knowledgeable about constitutional law and formulates legal theories that afford the best outcomes for the client.
Criminal defense attorneys must pass the bar in the particular state that they practice in. Before taking the state bar exam an attorney must have graduated from an accredited law school. In order to attend law school, one must possess a bachelor’s degree in any discipline as well as take Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). Passing the state bar exam is just the beginning of a criminal defense attorney’s legal career.
A criminal defense attorney can choose to open their own private practice where they may select to only represent clients facing specific charges like DUIs or drug possession. Alternatively, a criminal defense attorney can choose to join an established law firm that would defend a variety of different charges. Each option offers unique benefits as well as some deficits. For example, joining an established law firm provides immediate revenue because of established clientele and it does not require personal financial investments.
A criminal defense attorney can also choose to work for the government as a Public Defender. Public Defenders are court appointed attorneys that represent defendants who cannot afford to hire a private attorney. Communication skills, negotiation skills, adaptability, and endurance are some of the skills exhibited by successful criminal defense attorneys.
Criminal defense attorneys consult with the defendant initially in order to comprehend the facts of the case. They gather all information about the case and use it to acquit the charges against their defendant to the best of their ability.