Facts and Outlook of Criminal Lawyer
Innocent until proven guilty. Have you ever heard this saying? This is the fundamental legal principle in criminal law. This profession helps a lot of people achieve justice, or at least, prove that they are not guilty. If you are aiming to become one of the best criminal lawyers out there, then this article is perfect for you.
Criminal law establishes the definition of criminal offenses as well as the laws and procedures that apply. Criminal law prohibits all kinds of behavior that endangers the public's welfare and property. Therefore, This covers everything from murder, theft, and arson, to motor crime, money laundering, and terrorism.
The criminal justice system serves two purposes. The law is used to regulate citizens' behavior, but it also assists people in understanding the consequences of their acts. This is because criminal law also deals with the punishment and rehabilitation of people who break the rules.
What is a Criminal Lawyer?
Due to the broad nature of the profession and the vastness of criminal law, there is no one blueprint detailing the job description for a Criminal Lawyer. In the subject of criminal law, there are various different sorts of attorneys. These are:
Criminal Defense Attorney
A Criminal Defense Attorney represents someone who is accused or charged with a crime in court, ensuring that their legal rights are protected and that they receive a fair trial.
Criminal Duty
A Criminal Duty Solicitor is another form of Criminal Defense Lawyer. This profession represents those who are suspected or accused of committing crimes but do not have access to a lawyer, whether they are in police custody or not. They provide pro bono (free) services because the Legal Services Commission, the government agency that provides Legal Aid, pays them.
Neither the courts nor the police force hires criminal duty solicitors. Criminal Duty Lawyers work for a group of Solicitors to ensure that they protect the accused's legal rights. A Duty Solicitor can help those who have been arrested or held at a police station, as well as accompany them to their initial court appearance. They can't aid if the accused already has a lawyer, is in court, or has been charged with a crime that doesn't carry a sentence of imprisonment.
Criminal Prosecutor
The UK has what is called a Crown Prosecutor or Prosecution Lawyer. A profession that is in charge of presenting the case against persons accused of a crime. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is a government department that employs them.
A prosecutor's position differs from that of a defense attorney not just in terms of who they represent, but also in terms of whether or not to prosecute the accused and take the matter to court.
How do you become a Criminal Lawyer?
Criminal lawyers, like all lawyers, must first earn a bachelor's degree before pursuing a law degree. The two degrees usually take seven years to accomplish in total. Criminal defense lawyers must pass the bar test in the state where they plan to practice. In the USA, the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification awards board certification to some criminal lawyers.
Criminal Lawyer Job Outlook
As there are new criminal laws and more people are charging under state and federal laws, the demand for criminal defense attorneys will increase. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for all attorneys, including criminal attorneys, is growing 8% between 2016 and 2026, higher than other occupations and industries.
Other career paths in criminal law include:
- Parole/Probation Officer
- Paralegal/Legal Assistant
- Legislator
- Youth Correctional Counselor
- Criminal Profiler
A job as a criminal lawyer is very promising. As the profession is broadly needed not only by people who do not understand the law but also by those people who need to clear their names of any criminal accusation. If you have the passion to fight for someone's innocence, this is the best career for you.
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