Despite the potential for high salaries and work autonomy, defense attorneys face a number of challenges in their roles, including negative public perception, demanding clients, overwhelming evidence, time requirements, and stress. Even to become a defense attorney and be able to protect the rights of accused offenders, you must finish law school and pass the state bar exam. No matter what they think of a violent client with a history of heinous crimes, the ethical obligations of a defense attorney require fair representation. Consider these 19 pros and cons of being a defense attorney before joining a criminal defense legal practice.
Regardless of what a person has done (or hasn't done), the assistance of a good defense attorney is vital as the judicial process progresses. Private defense attorneys respond quickly to any questions or concerns, such as responding to emails promptly or taking calls outside office hours or even providing you with a private phone number for added convenience. Criminal defense work (whether hired or appointed by the court) involves long working hours, full days to meet with clients and witnesses, appear in court, and assist in high-risk matters. While many people (especially those in physical labor) want to retire as soon as possible, many lawyers are still working (and enjoying their work) well beyond the average retirement age.
Defense attorneys often spend too many hours at night and on weekends working on cases just before, during, and after the trial. People who are outside the law (and even within it) have difficulty separating the defense attorney from the misdeeds of which their client is accused. Defense attorneys rely on the honesty and accuracy of client information to provide the best possible defense. That's why Baltimore criminal defense attorneys offer free consultations, so you can find the perfect option for your care.
If you're a person who loves variety, learning, a fast-paced environment, meeting new people every day, and hard work, you'll find a good home in a criminal defense practice. Defense attorneys help safeguard the constitutional rights of citizens, such as the right to a fair trial, the right to be safe from illegal searches and seizures, and the right to life and liberty. Ethical dilemmas that defense attorneys may experience include deciding how many cases they can realistically handle. If you're someone who has such a strong opinion about certain criminal acts that you can't let go of your personal feelings to focus on your work, then criminal defense is a pretty tough career.
A good criminal defense attorney can make the transition to almost any other judicial practice in the civil world and be successful, due to the skills acquired in the office and in the courtroom. You don't have to settle for a lawyer very quickly either, you can consider a few professionals and choose the one that seems best to you.
