What Do Criminal Law Attorneys Do?

Unlike civil law, which involves private law suits between two or more private entities, Criminal Law Attorneys represent clients who are being prosecuted by the state or federal government for an act that has been classified as a crime. With the exception of strict liability crimes, most crimes consist of three elements: an act (actus reus), a mental state (mens rea) and the intent to do social harm. Crimes are classified as misdemeanors--less serious offenses that are normally punishable by a fine like some traffic violations, petty theft, or possession of a small amount of marijuana, and felonies--more serious offenses that warrant imprisonment of one or more years, such as rape, grand theft, assault and battery, assault with a deadly weapon, or homicide/murder.

In criminal law, the suit is initiated by the state or federal government through a prosecutor rather than being initiated by the victim, as it is in civil law. Plaintiffs in a civil law suit only need to show by a preponderance of the evidence that a defendant is 51% or more liable (responsible) for the damages. But, the prosecutor in a criminal law case has to prove to the judge or jury "beyond a reasonable doubt" that the defendant is guilty of the crime charged.

Can I plead not guilty even if I am guilty?

You are innocent until you are proven guilty. An experienced Criminal Law Attorney may think that the evidence against you is not enough to prove that you are guilty. For more information about your specific case, contact a qualified Lead Counsel Criminal Law Attorney, as listed on this site, to discuss your legal options.

Why should I hire a Criminal Law Attorney?

Generally, the sooner a Criminal Defense Lawyer is brought into a criminal case or investigation, the better potential results for the client. Do not take a wait-and-see approach to a criminal situation. Do not seek answers to questions about your rights and legal status from police officers and prosecutors who do not have a legal duty to act in a suspect’s best interest.

A serious criminal charge can have a defendant fighting for his or her fundamental freedom. Do not gamble while your freedom is at stake! Contact a skilled and knowledgeable Lead Counsel Criminal Defense Lawyer in your area today, who will stand up for your legal rights and fight for your exoneration.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What Happens If I Am Arrested?
  After you have been arrested, there are certain timeframes and procedures that the prosecution and the court must follow.  Usually, the police will advise you of your Miranda rights (the … more
• What Are The Miranda Rights?
  Also known as the Miranda Rule or the Miranda Warning, when you are arrested in the U.S.A, police officers must warn you that you have the right to remain silent, that any thing you … more
• Where Do The Miranda Rights Come From?
  The Miranda rights come from the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the 5th Amendment rule against self incrimination.  In 1966, the U.S. Supreme Court decided the historic case of … more
• When Must The Police Read Me My Miranda Rights?
  The Miranda warning is usually given when a person is arrested. However, the Miranda Rights attach during any “custodial interrogation” (when a person is substantially deprived of … more
• What Do My Miranda Rights Protect Against During A Police Investigation?
  In addition to advising you of your Miranda rights upon arrest, the arresting authorities must respect your Miranda rights throughout an investigation. Once a defendant invokes the right to … more

Free Legal Forms

• Bail Information Sheet (United States District Court)
• Defendant's Waiver of Indictment
  This form is used by a criminal defendant to waive his or her right to prosecution "by indictment" and to give consent to be prosecuted "by …
• Defendant's Waiver of Right to a Preliminary Hearing
  A person charged with a criminal offense offense in federal court, or charged with violating the terms of probation or supervised release in … more
• Motion to Vacate, Set Aside, or Correct a Sentence By a Person in Federal Custody
  To use this form, you must be a person who is serving a sentence under a judgment against you in a federal court. You are asking for relief from … more