What Is a Criminal Lawyer?

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A criminal lawyer is a legal practitioner specializing in the representation of individuals and businesses charged with a criminal offense. Criminal defense lawyers deal with cases investigated by federal, state, or local law enforcement agencies for evidence, witnesses, and crime scene evidence. These lawyers are employed by criminal defense lawyers who maintain the clients' innocence throughout criminal proceedings. Criminal defense lawyers are licensed in state jurisdictions and are members of the state bar associations. Click for this service here.

Most criminal lawyers attend law school just as all attorneys do and prepare for the bar exam after passing it with a perfect score. However, some choose to pursue other endeavors while practicing in the field. Many public defenders work as criminal lawyers in private practice and defend clients in the same way that a regular attorney does.

In many states, public defenders also work as criminal lawyers. The role of a public defender is much different from that of a private criminal lawyer. While a public defender may present a case for free as part of the public's duty to protect the rights of people, the cost of such a representation is borne by the client. This means that a defendant may not receive the same defense at every stage of a case as the price for a private trial might be higher. Furthermore, public defenders are paid at a fixed rate by the government. Although the government has the responsibility to provide adequate funding, they cannot increase their staff or create a commission beyond their salaries.

In addition to representing those accused of crimes, criminal lawyers also provide various legal services to help those who have been accused of lesser crimes such as traffic offenses. Traffic violations, such as speeding tickets or DUI's, can be taken care of through a traffic school course. With the growing number of traffic violations on the rise over recent years, many defendants may choose to try their case through the court system rather than pay a fine or face jail time. With this type of alternative, it may be possible to avoid a conviction and the fines that come with it.

To be certified by the American Bar Association, criminal lawyers must pass a special examination. The exam, known as the bar exam, is available to anyone who wishes to take the test. All attorneys must take the bar exam before they can practice in any state, and even then, there are specific requirements that must be met. Once an attorney becomes certified by the ABA, he or she must stay in that position for two years or until the bar re-certifies him or her.

Criminal lawyers represent a wide array of criminal law cases both locally and statewide. Some of the most common cases they represent include murder, arson, assault, DUI/DWI, sexual assault, DUI/DWI defense, hit and run accidents, solicitation and burglary. They work closely with prosecutors and other officials to ensure that their client's rights are protected throughout the investigation and trial. Go to this page for more.