by 
The Curious Bag
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Criminal defense attorneys represent individuals accused of crimes--everything from shoplifting to murder. They help defendants ensure that their rights are protected, both in and out of court.
Case Beginnings
Criminal defense attorneys are hired or appointed when an individual is accused of a crime by the state. The lawyers' work may begin soon after the arrest.
Criminal Process
Criminal defense attorneys are experts in guiding their clients' progress through various stages of criminal law process, including arraignment, pleas, pretrial hearings and grand juries.
Trial Work
Preparing for a criminal trial involves investigating evidence, finding witnesses, selecting a jury, preparing arguments and performing other tasks. Once the trial begins, the criminal attorney gives arguments, examines witnesses, offers objections and generally, works with the judge and the prosecution to ensure that the proceedings are fair.
Places of Work
In representing clients, criminal defense attorneys travel from their offices to courtrooms, and from private homes to prisons.
Employers
Some criminal defense attorneys work in private practice, either alone or in practices with other lawyers. Others work as public defenders, appointed to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire an attorney themselves.
Source:
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics: Lawyers
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