The criminal defense lawyer acts as a confidant, protector, and guide for the defendant within the context of the intricate justice system. Or at least, that’s the way it’s intended to be.
Private lawyers and court-appointed ones are the two types of defense attorneys you should know about. The defendant pays the previous kind, while the latter’s payment is shouldered by the government.
Defendants can hire their own private defense lawyer if they have the financial means to do so. However, for some people who can’t afford a private attorney – which is true for roughly 80% of all defendants – they can be represented by counsel appointed by the court. Still, there are specific qualifications that need compliance.
Other responsibilities of a criminal defense attorney include assisting in the formulation of the plea, examining and questioning witnesses, assessing potential sentences, analyzing the relevant case, gathering evidence, and reviewing search and seizure. The defense attorney also attempts to reach agreements with the prosecutor.
In this informational video from The Law Academy, you’ll learn about the basics of criminal defense law. First, listen to a short introduction about criminal liability before discovering various issues related to the topic, what defense is, its different types, and how they apply within the context of Actus Reus and Mens Rea. Overall, the video is a comprehensive lesson about the concept of criminal defense.
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