Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a criminal attorney? This specialized field of law deals with matters of crimes, suspects, defendants, victims, and more. Criminal attorneys build their careers by understanding and representing those accused of unlawful activity.
What Does a Criminal Attorney Do?
Criminal attorneys are the legal professionals who represent individuals charged with a crime. They focus on criminal law—the rights of the accused, and use various tactics to achieve the best outcome for their clients. Criminal attorneys are in charge of navigating the criminal justice system and presenting evidence in court. This means a criminal attorney must be well-versed in federal and state criminal law, and must be skilled in discovering information about their client’s case that might have been overlooked by law enforcement or the prosecution.
Tools of the Trade for Criminal Attorneys
Criminal attorneys use many different tools and techniques to build a viable defense for their clients. These tools include scientific evidence, forensic evidence, witness testimony, and relevant laws. In many cases, criminal attorneys file pre-trial motions on behalf of their clients. These motions are designed to suppress evidence deemed to be unreliable or inadmissible. Criminal attorneys also negotiate plea deals for clients who are willing to plead guilty or testify against other defendants.
The Importance of a Criminal Attorney
Criminal attorneys play a vital role in the criminal justice system. They provide guidance to the accused about how to best navigate the complexities of the legal system and they strive to ensure that their clients’ rights are not violated or infringed upon. By applying their knowledge of criminal law, criminal attorneys can also sometimes help their clients avoid jail time. Ultimately, criminal attorneys are essential for protecting the rights of the accused.