What do criminal attorneys do? Criminal attorneys represent anyone who has been accused of a crime and are being prosecuted by the federal or state government. Most crimes, except strict liability crimes, consist of 3 elements: the act, the mental state, and intent to do harm.

Crimes are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies.  A misdemeanor is a less serious offense in which the punishment is a fine, such as traffic violations or petty theft. For a misdemeanor charge you would hire a misdemeanor lawyer. Felonies are more serious offenses such as rape or murder that warrants a punishment of one or more years in prison.

In regards to criminal law, the suit is initiated not by the victim but by the state or federal government through a prosecutor. It is in this instance you will have to hire a criminal attorney to plead your case. Prosecutors in a criminal case must prove to the judge or jury that the defendant is guilty ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’ of the crime he/she has been charged with.

In a criminal law case you are innocent until proven guilty. Experienced criminal attorneys will give you their personal opinion on whether or not they think the evidence that has been gathered against you is enough to prove that you are guilty. This does not mean your lawyer is right or wrong, they are only giving their opinion based on their experience.

A serious criminal charge may have you fighting for your freedom. You want experienced criminal attorneys on your side.