Criminal Law

What is a criminal defense attorney?

Criminal defense attorneys represent people who are facing criminal charges in state and federal court. American citizens are entitled to the presumption of innocence and have the right to an attorney, and criminal defense lawyers protect that right.

What do criminal defense attorneys do?

A criminal defense attorney may defend criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies and represent clients in both juvenile and adult court. They represent clients both in negotiations with the prosecution to settle out of court, and in trial.

On behalf of their clients, criminal defense attorneys may:

• Investigate the case against their client
• Examine and cross-examine witnesses
• Analyze the prosecutor’s case
• Assess potential sentences and advise on the consequences of potential outcomes
• Negotiate reduced charges and sentences
• Represent the client at trial

In addition to purely legal work, good criminal defense lawyers help defendants navigate the fears, stresses and challenges of the criminal justice system. A good criminal defense lawyer is both an attorney and counselor in every sense of the term.

How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost?

Most criminal defense attorneys either charge an hourly rate or a fixed fee. They are prohibited by law from charging contingency fees (that is, fees based on the outcome of a case). The cost can vary significantly between attorneys.

How do I choose the right criminal defense lawyer?

It’s critical to find an attorney who has extensive experience and a practice focused on criminal defense, and who practices in your local jurisdiction (city or county). An experienced local attorney knows the prosecutors, the judges and the quirks of jury selection and court proceedings in their local area, and those small differences can make a big difference when your freedom is on the line.

A good criminal defense attorney should also be approachable, empathetic and prepared to handle your case effectively. Remember, while a lawyer may be costly to hire, the cost of being convicted of a crime can be much higher.