CRIMINAL LAWYER

A criminal lawyer works with the issues surrounding the apprehension, searches of client or property, and arrest of their client (Fourth Amendment), as well as any statements the client may have made. (Fifth Amendment). A criminal lawyer also works with the substantive issues of the crimes with which their clients are charged. Criminal defendants are entitled to the presumption of innocence until prosecutors prove each essential element of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Serious crimes (e.g. felonies) are tried to juries of twelve people and the jury must be unanimous in its verdict to either convict or acquit the defendant. A split in the jury is often called a "hung jury" and may result in a retrial of the defendant. A criminal lawyer actively pursues their client's cause through all stages of a criminal prosecution.

A criminal lawyer who is employed by governmental entities such as counties, states, and the federal government is often referred to as a public defender. They are often fresh law school graduates seeking to gain quick courtroom experience. A private criminal lawyer may be retained by individual clients on a case by case basis.

States

Provinces

Countries