List of eight types of criminal lawyers
We’ve compiled a list of eight types of criminal lawyers. They include:
- Criminal attorney or criminal defense attorney.
- Criminal defense lawyers.
- Private criminal defense attorney.
- Public criminal defense attorney,
- State criminal defense attorney.
- Federal criminal defense attorney.
- White-collar criminal defense attorney
- Street crime criminal defense attorney.
One disclaimer is that the definitions of these vary widely. Some regulation of terms is needed in the profession.
Criminal Attorney or Criminal Defense Attorney
These terms are used interchangeably to refer to a practicing lawyer who has been admitted to the bar.
Criminal defense attorneys can defend clients in a court of law.
Criminal Defense Lawyers
Criminal defense lawyers or prosecutors are formally educated in law. They can give legal advice or do technical legal work.
However, they cannot represent clients in a court. This type of lawyer may or may not be admitted to the bar.
Private Criminal Defense Attorney
This attorney is bar admitted and employed by a private law firm. They may charge fees.
However, these attorneys can also work free of charge as part of pro bono work.
Public Criminal Defense Attorney
This is a bar admitted, government-employed attorney. They do not charge fees since they are employees of a government or state.
These attorneys are usually referred to as “public defenders.”
State Criminal Defense Attorney
In the United States, a state criminal defense attorney has been admitted to the bar of the state where they practice. They specialize in the state laws of their jurisdiction.
They represent defendants held on charges for committing state crimes.
Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
In the USA, Federal criminal defense attorneys are admitted to the bar of a specific federal court. They work with the U.S. Federal Government, which is the national government of the United States.
Federal criminal defense attorneys represent defendants who have been accused of federal crimes.
A federal crime or federal offense is an act that is made illegal by U.S. federal legislation. Such acts are enacted by both the United States Senate and the United States House Of Representatives.
Federal crimes are documented in the Title 18 of the United States Code.
White Collar Criminal Defense Attorney
These attorneys defend clients accused of crimes that are non-violent and involving money. Examples include money laundering, embezzlement, forgery, fraud, and wage theft.
Street Crime Criminal Defense Attorney
Street crime criminal defense attorneys defend clients accused of violent crimes. Examples of cases include those involving vandalism, assault, drug dealing, robbery, and pickpocketing.
