Criminal defense lawyers represent the defendant in a criminal case.
Criminal defense lawyers represent the accused in a given criminal case. When a person is accused of a crime, he may hire such a lawyer to act in his behalf to best protect his rights and interests against the prosecution. Criminal defense lawyers require a high level of education as well as an array of skills to adequately conduct their practice. Their are many different employment opportunities for criminal defense lawyers that offer a range of salaries.
Education
To become a criminal defense lawyer, one must first earn a bachelor#xB4;s degree and pass the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) to be accepted into law school. Students must specialize in criminal law to take the bar exam to become a criminal defense lawyer. Following graduation, one must continue to study to pass the bar exam in whichever state or states he wishes to conduct his legal practice.
Skills
Criminal defense lawyers often have a large work load; therefore, they require heavy discipline and stamina, a good memory as well as high attention to detail. An extensive knowledge of constitutional law is required to properly understand and negotiate the terms behind a given charge. A criminal defense lawyer must be alert, with the ability to improvise and think quickly. He must be able to work well with people and possess a high verbal aptitude.
Primary Duties
The primary duties of a criminal defense lawyer involve providing the best representation possible for his client in the court of law. While working with a client, he must ensure that the defendant#xB4;s constitutional rights are protected, and he must provide a clear and thorough explanation of the defendant#xB4;s charges. A criminal defense lawyer is responsible for preparing his defendant#xB4;s case by gathering all possible information with regard to the evidence and legal circumstances of the crime. While court is in session, he is mainly responsible for examining and cross-examining witnesses as well as summarizing to the jury.
Additional Tasks
A criminal defense lawyer may also help his client cope with pressure throughout the case, instructing him on conduct himself during interrogations as well as what types of possible outcomes to expect when the case is over. Criminal defense lawyers may assist in preparing for sentencing as well as probation or parole. In addition, criminal defense lawyers may often negotiate with the prosecutors to reduce or drop certain charges.
Employment Opportunities
Possible employers for criminal defense lawyers include both public and private entities. In the public sector, a criminal defense lawyer may work for either the federal government or a given state; working with federal cases usually pays more. In the private sector, he may partner with a large firm or create his own private practice. Those who work in larger firms typically get paid less; however, they benefit from quick and steady employment. Starting one#xB4;s own firm is often a financial sacrifice in the beginning, but it may provide a much larger income in the long run, depending on the success of the firm. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for an attorney in the U.S. in May 2008 was $110,590. However, salaries vary greatly between the public and private sector, with lawyers working for state government the lowest paid at $78,540.
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