Criminal Attorney Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Criminal Attorney, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Criminal Attorney?

History and Definition of Criminal Attorney

Criminal attorneys, also known as criminal defense lawyers, are legal professionals who specialize in defending those charged with criminal offenses. This includes representing clients in court, negotiating plea deals, and working to ensure fair treatment and protections under the law. The basic goal of criminal attorneys is to defend their clients against charges and prove their innocence, or to reduce the severity of charges and penalties.

The origins of criminal defense as a legal practice can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where legal orators were employed to represent individuals in court, and the concepts of justice and legal defense were first developed. In modern times, criminal defense has become an indispensable field of legal practice, with attorneys representing clients from all walks of life and defending against countless different criminal charges.

Examples of Criminal Attorney

• John's criminal attorney worked tirelessly to defend him against charges of embezzlement, arguing that the prosecution had no concrete evidence linking him to the crime.
• Maria decided to hire a criminal attorney when she was arrested for drug possession, and her lawyer was able to negotiate a plea deal that allowed her to enroll in a rehabilitation program instead of serving jail time.
• After being accused of assault, David's criminal attorney worked with him to prepare a strong defense that included gathering witness statements and medical records.
• When the police arrested Jane for drunk driving, she immediately called a criminal attorney to ensure that her rights were protected and that she received fair treatment throughout the legal process.

Legal Terms Similar to Criminal Attorney

• Defense Attorney: A criminal attorney is also known as a defense attorney, and both terms refer to legal professionals who specialize in representing defendants in criminal cases.
• Prosecutor: The counterpart to a criminal attorney is a prosecutor, who represents the government in criminal cases and works to prove the defendant's guilt.
• Public Defender: A public defender is a government-appointed criminal attorney who represents defendants who cannot afford to hire their own legal counsel.
• Appellate Lawyer: Appellate lawyers specialize in representing clients who wish to appeal a court decision, including those who have been convicted in criminal cases.