Whether they’re prosecuting those who break the law or defending clients accused of committing crimes, criminal lawyers face daily challenges and the heady responsibility of cases with life-altering ramifications. But, if you have the right mindset and are willing to work hard toward valuable goals, it’s hard to imagine a more exciting, diverse, and thought-provoking career choice than criminal law.
After graduating from college, criminal law students go to law school and study the LSAT, bar exam, and the laws of their state or jurisdiction in which they intend to practice. Once they’re admitted to the bar, they may spend time working under a mentor in a prosecutors office or the public defenders department before starting their own practice.
The first step in building a criminal defense is meeting with your client and reviewing the evidence against them. This allows them to share their side of the story and discuss their priorities, concerns, and preferences.
During this process, your attorney should also begin constructing a defensive strategy. For example, they may hire investigators to find witnesses and question them in person. If the investigators discover something that could rebut the prosecution’s case, this can help your case immensely.
If your client is convicted, you may be able to file an appeal with the local court. You can ask an appellate court to review your trial and determine if any involved parties made a mistake that influenced the outcome of the case. criminal lawyer