Criminal Defense Lawyer Job Description, Salary, Responsibilities
Criminal Lawyer, also known as Criminal Defense Lawyer and public defender, defends individuals or organisations who have been accused of committing a crime. They conduct research, analyse cases, and present their findings in court in an effort to gain the defendant’s freedom or negotiate a plea bargain or settlement. Criminal lawyers handle a diverse spectrum of criminal cases, ranging from domestic violence crimes, sex crimes, violent crimes and drug crimes to driving under the influence (DUI), theft, embezzlement, and fraud.
In the United States, a criminal defense attorney okc deals with the issues surrounding an arrest , a criminal investigation, criminal charges, sentencing, appeals, and post-trial issues. Often an attorney will specialise in a niche within criminal defense, such as drug defense or DUI defense.
Criminal lawyer salaries vary, depending on the size and scope of the practice, the clientele the firm serves and the geographic location of the firm. Public defender and non-profit salaries are usually modest (the $30,000 to $50,000 range is common).
Criminal lawyers employed in law firms generally earn the highest salaries; experienced criminal attorneys can earn well into the six figures. The highest paid criminal lawyers are often those that represent high-profile, wealthy defendants in high-stakes cases.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), the salary range for all attorneys, including criminal attorneys, is as follows:
- Median Annual Salary: $120,910 ($58.13 /hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: More than $208,000 ($100/hour)
- Bottom 10% Annual Salary: Less than $58,220 ($27.99/hour)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, 2018
Requirements for a Criminal defense Lawyer
- Juris Doctor Law degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school.
- Passed state bar exam.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- Strong critical thinking and research skills.
- Experience may be preferred.
- Comply with local, state, and federal laws.
- Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work autonomously and with a team of attorneys.
- Occasional travel required.
Typical Responsibilities of a Criminal defense Lawyer
- Interpret laws for clients and help them to understand their legal options.
- Conduct research and analyse a case to determine a probable outcome and devise an effective strategy to defend your client/s in court.
- Present evidence to a judge and/or jury should the case go to trial.
- Aim to resolve cases as quickly and favourably as possible.
- Represent clients at arraignments, hearings, and court trials.
- Prepare and draft legal documents, including legal briefs and appeals.
- Conduct yourself in an ethical and professional manner at all times.
- Negotiate plea negotiations, punishments, and settlements.
- Undergo ongoing training to stay updated about changes and new developments in the legal field.
Job Outlook
Criminal law is a growing practice niche. As crime rates spiral upwards and criminal laws change, the number of people sentenced to prison has risen nearly threefold over the past 30 years. Crime rates have increased and prison populations are exploding across the country. As new criminal laws are codified and more Americans are charged under state and federal laws, the need for criminal lawyers to defend the accused will also rise.
According to the BLS, the growth in jobs for all attorneys, including criminal attorneys, from 2016-2026 relative to other occupations and industries is 8%. This growth rate compares to the projected 7% growth for all occupations.
Work Environment
Most criminal lawyers work in private practice or in a solo firm. Some work for non-profit agencies or for the government as public defenders. Criminal lawyers often work long, irregular hours. They frequently meet with clients outside their office at the courthouse, prisons, hospitals, and other venues. Most criminal lawyers maintain a local practice. However, for criminal attorneys with a national practice, frequent travel is required.
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Work Schedule
Most attorneys work full-time hours and many work over 40 hours each week. Attorneys working either in large firms or in private practice often work extra hours, preparing and reviewing documents, and conducting research.
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