CRIMINAL

A criminal defense attorney is a lawyer that defends a person or persons when they are accused of breaking the law. There are multiple types of criminal attorneys ranging from murder to internet fraud to DWI (driving while intoxicated). Criminal defense attorneys negotiate with prosecuting attorneys and do their best to get the kind of sentence that best benefits their client in a rehabilitative sense to avoid more conflict upon his or her release. Criminal defense lawyers also hire investigators to research the charges and testify on behalf of the defendant against witnesses who may have testified in a less truthful manner.

Federal criminal defense lawyers defend suspects in federal cases in federal courts. Federal court processes are similar to state court process except that federal situations can be more costly and difficult to defend due to the caliber of prosecuting attorney. There are federal defense offices with the appropriate attorneys available for persons unable to secure proper representation. Federal defense cases are specialized cases that require experience with the federal legal system and experience with grand juries. Persons involved with federal investigation usually get a "target" (the person being investigated, or whom the authorities have the evidence against) letter or a "subject" (person who had behavior around the "target" of the investigation) letter. Federal criminal defense attorneys must be familiar with the sentencing guidelines so that they can properly advise their clients as to what will happen to them if convicted.