What is a criminal lawyer?
A criminal lawyer is an attorney who either defends or prosecutes individuals or organisations involved in criminal cases. Criminal law specifically governs conduct that is considered harmful or endangering to the public. This may be in relation to the safety of property or moral welfare. Governments define and impose penalties for criminal misconduct, to moderate people's actions and to help them understand the consequences.
Duties and responsibilities of criminal lawyers
Criminal lawyers often need to perform the following job duties:
- Identifying and gathering witnesses
- Conducting interviews of witnesses
- Examining crime scenes and evidence
- Developing strategies for cases
- Building good defences
- Drafting, filing and countering appeals
Criminal lawyers may also take on ‘pro bono‘ cases where they work for the public good without taking payment. Handling high profile cases can put criminal lawyers in the public eye and subject them to media coverage. They may have to give interviews and statements in relation to a case on behalf of their clients.
