Information on a Criminal Defense Lawyer

In order to succeed as a criminal defense lawyer, a person must have a passion for justice. Criminal law is detail oriented, challenging, rewarding, complicated and time consuming. The educational process is lengthy and does not stop after law school; lawyers must stay current on new laws that might prove beneficial in a particular case.  

Advisor and Advocate

Criminal defense lawyers defend people that are charged with crimes associated with drugs, murder, sex, robbery, etc. A criminal defense lawyer is an attorney that serves as both an advisor and an advocate for a client. Serving as an advocate, the attorney prepares a case to prove a client’s innocence and represents the client in court. The client seeks advise from the lawyer on legal personal matters. 

Education Requirements

After high school, a student is required to complete a four-year degree program from a university, generally pre-law, political science, history or even accounting, before enrolling in law school. The student must then pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) with a score that meets the standards at a particular law school. It is important to choose an accredited law school to pursue the actual law degree. To become a criminal defense attorney, the student will specialize in criminal law. It is not unusual for a student to take three years to earn a Juris Doctor before passing the state bar exam.

Work Hours and Travel

Work hours are not set, as an attorney may be required to meet with a client after normal business hours. A large amount of time is spent preparing a case for trial. A criminal defense lawyer travels to courtrooms and meets with clients at a business, home, hospital or prison.