A lawyer in private practice who defends individuals charged with crimes from arrest through trial and appeal.
What criminal defense attorneys do
Criminal defense attorneys represent paying clients accused of crimes ranging from DUI to white-collar fraud and homicide. They review evidence, file pretrial motions, negotiate plea agreements, and try cases. Many also handle appeals and post-conviction relief.
Training path
US criminal defense attorneys are licensed lawyers, often with experience as prosecutors or public defenders before opening private practices. Continuing education on criminal procedure and forensic science is standard. Some pursue board certification in criminal trial law.
Practice scope
Practice ranges from solo storefront offices handling DUI and misdemeanor work to elite firms representing executives in federal white-collar investigations. Many lawyers specialize by offense type such as drug crimes or violent felonies.
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Criminal Defense Attorney starts with C and ends with Y. Browse other professions along the same letter.
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