The legal profession is an ancient vocation that is considered among the noblest occupations along with medicine and education. Many people aspire to be lawyers because they are considered advocates of the law, but also because it is considered a very lucrative job. This is particularly true in a subspecialty of the profession that is criminal defense. Due to the emotional, psychological, and moral risks faced by a criminal defense attorney, it is believed that they receive a higher than average salary.

criminal defense

Criminal defense is basically a branch of law that deals with crimes, and it is the job of the criminal defense attorney to represent parties accused of crimes to avoid conviction and avoid the dreaded penalties that the law imposes on criminal acts. The job of the criminal defense attorney is difficult because in his hand is the responsibility of handling sensitive matters. Defending a crime is not an easy thing to do. It is not like defending a tort, where the charged crime is committed against only one individual. With a crime, the evil is against the general public. Thus, the defense attorney faces not only a victim, but the entire community. For the average person, the challenge of criminal defense might be motivation enough to pursue that profession, however, many things also come with the promise of a great salary.

Criminal Defense Procedure

The average criminal case across the country basically goes through the same procedure. The individual or group suspected of a crime is arrested by the police. Serious cases come before the grand jury, which decides whether or not there is enough evidence to hold a trial. Although this is not yet the actual trial, the criminal attorney has an important role at this stage because there is a possibility that the defendant will be released at this time, and that could be a breakthrough. Although the jury’s decision has not yet been rendered, the attorney could work to get the defendant released on bail. If the jury decides that the evidence is sufficient to proceed with the case, a trial will be called. This is one part where criminal defense attorneys really work for their pay. The trial will be by jury or before a judge alone, if the jury is not really necessary or if the accused consents.

The trial will be held by jury or before a judge only if there is no need for a jury or if the defendant consents and approves. First, the government would present its case through a district attorney, also known as a prosecutor. The district attorney would prove that the charges on the indictment are true. However, the defense attorney would prove that the defendant is not guilty. This is what most courtroom dramas depict, aside from showing the comfortable life of the lawyer due to a gigantic implied salary. But the job of the criminal defense attorney is not all fame and glory. It takes a better-than-average critical mind to know what to do or say, and to come up with a solid strategy to defend your client’s innocence. A great moral burden is placed on the criminal defense attorney because, in fact, there are chances that the suspect they are defending is actually guilty, and whatever happens, it is their duty to prove that the suspect is innocent. This is not something the average person can do.

Law is a very difficult profession, but for some people, its advantages (high pay and great respect) are enough to pursue that career. But apart from the benefits, the important thing is to have a passion for it.