In the past few years a dramatic change has occurred in the public and professional image of the defense lawyer in criminal cases.
It has become nearly as respectable for a lawyer to represent a man charged with burglary as it is for him to handle the tax problems of a corporate client. The top law students graduating from the best law schools, are now frequently found as applicants for staff positions in a public defender agency.
If they do accept a position with a corporate law firm, they often exact a promise that they will be permitted to represent criminal defendants by appointment from the courts. This change has permeated all the activities of the legal profession
Now First of all, the question arises here that what does attorney means? So the simplest and the
The easiest form is that a lawyer or attorney is a person who practices law as an Advocate, barrister and
Attorney at law. Now the point is
an attorney and a lawyer the same thing?
The English word attorney has French origins, meaning
“a person acting for another as an agent or deputy.”
An attorney practices law in court whereas a lawyer may or may not.
Although the terms often operate as synonyms, an attorney is a lawyer but a lawyer is not necessarily an attorney.
Defense Attorney:
Dealing with criminal or civil cases, a Defense Attorney is an advocate for the accused, responsible for protecting their client’s interests. . In both types of cases, it’s the job of a Defense Attorney to represent their clients in court. When individuals or corporations are brought before a court as the defendant, they are at risk of having a judgment made against them.
Duties of Defense Attorney:
Develop strategies to resolve cases as favorably and cost-effectively as possible for clients.
Develop arguments and represent clients in criminal and civil legal proceedings.
Prepare legal documents, such as contracts and pleadings.
Stay informed about current legislation, especially concerning legal specialties.
Find ethical solutions to legal matters.
Types of a Defense Lawyer:
Civil Litigation Defense Lawyers.
Public Defense Lawyers. …
Juvenile Defense Lawyers
Criminal Defense Lawyers…
Defense Attorney in the Criminal Justice system:
A criminal defense lawyer is a [lawyer](mostly [barristers] specializing in the [defense] of individuals and companies charged with criminal activity.
Some criminal defense lawyers are privately retained, while others are employed by the various jurisdictions with criminal courts for appointment to represent indigent persons; the latter are generally called public defenders.
The accused may hire a criminal defense lawyer to help with counsel and representation dealing with police or other investigators, perform his or her investigation, and at times present exculpatory evidence that negates potential charges by the prosecutor.
Defense Attorney Required Skills:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong research and public speaking skills.
- Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work autonomously or with a team of attorneys to develop case strategies.
- Adaptable, with strong attention to detail.