Difference Between A Criminal Attorney and A Prosecutor

Oct 14
08:06

2011

Andrew Stratton

Andrew Stratton

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Some individuals aren't sure what the difference is between a criminal attorney and a prosecutor. Here are some things to think about.

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A criminal attorney and a prosecutor are two members of the legal profession who will be in the courtroom during a criminal case. Both of them have similarities as well as differences. Without one or the other,Difference Between A Criminal Attorney and A Prosecutor Articles a trial couldn't happen so they are equally important in the course of courtroom drama. Here are some things to think about:

Similarities:

- Education: Both of these legal eagles have the same level of education. They had to complete four years of undergraduate work at a university before applying to law school. There are more law school applicants than spots so the competition to get admitted is stiff indeed. These applicants must have topnotch grades and be involved in extracurricular activities such as the debate team or law clerking experience.

- Bar Exam: After they've finished with formal education, all lawyers must pass the Bar Exam in order to practice professionally. This is a tough examination and takes a sharp mind and strong backbone.

- Traits: Both defenders and prosecutors must have similar traits to perform in the courtroom effectively. They must be smart, analytical, logical, excellent speakers and observant. They must also be punctual, responsible, and assertive. They need to be excellent writers and have superior oral communication skills on varying levels.

- Income: Both of these types of attorneys are capable of producing lucrative salaries. Some firms and organizations pay better than others. This income variation may be due to region of the country, level of experience, whether they work for a private practice or a municipality and other reasons.

Differences:

- Criminal Defense Attorney: This legal professional defends the citizen who is charged with a crime. He or she will interview witnesses, comb through evidence, check out the way an arrest was handled and more in an effort to defend his or her client and prove innocence.

- Prosecutor: A prosecutor works for the government and presents cases from the state or federal officials' point of view. The government includes lawmakers who make these laws and enforces them. It's a prosecutor's job to initiate charges against individuals who are believed to have broken laws and prove guilt to a jury and judge.

- Examples: One example would be a drug crime. If a person was supposedly selling illegal narcotics to others, he or she would be charged. A prosecuting attorney would try to prove that the accused did indeed sell the drugs. The defense lawyer would be trying to prove that the client is innocent and did not sell the narcotics.

- Types of crimes: There are lots of different crimes that end up being argued in courtrooms. In addition to drug crimes, there are assaults, thefts, white collar offenses, murders, DUIs, juvenile offenses and more.

When a citizen is arrested for any type of criminal offense, it is his or her right to have a criminal attorney defending him or her. If the accused can't afford legal representation, the court system must appoint a public defender. The state pays for the prosecuting side of the coin.

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