4 Different Types of Defense Lawyers
The practice of law is very prestigious. The Hogle Law Firm in Mesa tries to uphold these high standards. Even in our dealings with clients, we try to offer an educated guess within the confines of reality and ethics. Some famous lawyers can get so carried away with their track record that they forget some simple truths; that a particular verdict is never guaranteed. A DUI lawyer, for example, should never talk up a client’s chances of success in a case.
While law practice is well-known among the masses, many people are not clear about what exactly it is that lawyers do until they face a legal charge. Choosing the right defense lawyer for any case is critical; it could ultimately determine the outcome of your case.
It is crucial to ensure that a defense attorney is licensed to practice in your particular jurisdiction as a prerequisite.
A lawyer’s area of specialty is significant. You are better off hiring an attorney with expert knowledge in one area of law than one who is a “jack of all trades.”
The following are the different kinds of defense lawyers:
1)Public Defense Lawyers
More commonly known as public defenders, there seems to be some confusion surrounding their job description. Some people mistakenly think that public defense lawyers are less qualified than criminal defense lawyers. This misconception stems from the fact that public defense lawyers do not choose their clients, among other things.
Public defense lawyers are usually hired by government agencies to offer legal services for those individuals that cannot afford them.
Due to government service and continuous budgetary revisions, the agencies that employ public defense lawyers tend to experience fiscal limitations. These issues usually translate into lower salaries for these lawyers. Despite this, public defense lawyers are usually able to offer decent legal services to the indigent. Comparative studies have indicated that, on average, public defense lawyers put in as much effort and produce similar results as those in the private sector.
Another misconception is that public defense lawyers may not be as highly skilled as those in private practice. The reality is that the agencies that employ public defense lawyers tend to offer exceptional training programs. It is a known fact that most public defense lawyers do their jobs for a few years then switch to the private sector, supposedly looking for greener pastures. In some jurisdictions, there is considerable competition for jobs in the public defender’s office. Such a scenario means that these government agencies have the luxury of hiring the best and most qualified attorneys for the job.
2) Juvenile Defense Lawyers
Many people, even those within the legal structure, do not seem to understand the politics and practices of the juvenile court system. A minor facing criminal charges could end up being sentenced as an adult, depending on the case’s circumstances and the prosecution’s zealotry.
Juvenile defense lawyers are usually expected to find a rehabilitative pathway for integrating such young criminal offenders. However, some felonies could result in minors facing stiff penalties, much like adult offenders. In this case, a juvenile defense lawyer’s role becomes like that of any criminal defense attorney to secure the best outcome for the young miscreant by attempting to bargain the charges down to lesser crimes.
An experienced juvenile defense lawyer needs to know all the legal pitfalls surrounding a case. For example, in some jurisdictions, a juvenile defense lawyer representing a young offender may not offer his services to other members of the offender’s immediate family.
Such legal nuances mean that a juvenile defense attorney must be well-versed in all applicable laws and variations in a particular jurisdiction.
3) Criminal Defense Lawyers
A criminal defense attorney is the embodiment of most people’s idea of a lawyer. Hiring a criminal defense lawyer usually speaks to the severity of the charges leveled against an individual.
In the complicated world of criminal justice, a criminal defense attorney is a beacon of hope. The lawyers’ code of ethics stipulates that an attorney shall professionally conduct himself at all times while in the service of a client’s best interests. Such guidelines ensure that a criminal defense lawyer acts to help the client off the hook. While such outcomes are never guaranteed, an offender can rest knowing that their defense attorney will do all they (legally) can to mitigate their legal issues.
Public defense attorneys are, technically, criminal defense lawyers. The crucial difference is that the latter group is made up of lawyers in the private sector.
Clients can sometimes have unrealistic expectations about the services and capabilities of criminal defense lawyers. Even experienced attorneys have to work within the confines of reality.
4) Civil Litigation Defense Lawyers
These types of lawyers generally deal with cases that do not involve felonies. Civil defense attorneys, also known as litigators, must accept contention and conflict of interest as part of their jobs.
The nature of civil lawsuits is that the standards for burden of proof are not as stringent as in criminal proceedings. Civil cases can sometimes be complex and protracted, lasting several years. Chemical contamination of a neighborhood, for example, is a classic example of environmental degradation class action that usually takes years. Settlement is usually swift if the plaintiff chooses to pay recompense. In such cases, a civil litigation defense lawyer can work as part of a team.
These are the four types of lawyers. The practice of law is much more complicated than anyone lawyer could handle. Other types of lawyers like immigration lawyers, family lawyers, and contract attorneys also have their areas of expertise, although sometimes these areas tend to overlap.
Facing criminal charges can be a life-altering experience for many people, especially first-time offenders. Getting the right legal advice and expertise starts with hiring an experienced and competent lawyer to handle your case effectively. Get in touch with an experienced attorney at https://arizonacriminalattorney.co/mesa/
The Hogle Law Firm in Mesa
1013 S Stapley Dr
Mesa AZ 85204
(480) 999-5334