criminal lawyer
Courtroom defense counsel
A criminal lawyer is an attorney who specializes in cases involving crimes—defending the accused or prosecuting on behalf of the state.
The term most often refers to defense attorneys: She hired a criminal lawyer after her arrest.
Distinguished from civil lawyers, who handle disputes between private parties rather than violations of criminal law.
Opposing party questions witness
- objectionExpression of disapproval
- testimonySworn statement as evidence
- evidenceFacts supporting truth
- witnessOne who attests
judge · jury · bailiff · court reporter · sidebar · opening statement · closing argument · plea
Charge-reading court session
- indictmentFormal charge from jury
- prosecutionPursuing legal charges
- verdictOfficial court decision
- deliberationCareful weighing of choices
conviction · sentencing · subpoena · summons · discovery · pretrial · jury selection · voir dire
One who guards another
- counselExpert guidance offered
- representativeOne who acts for another
- championTop competitor, or advocate
- protectorOne who safeguards others
supporter · public defender · legal aid · pro bono · innocence project · wrongful conviction · exoneration · court-appointed
Defense of location
- reasonable doubtLegal uncertainty requiring acquittal
- acquittalFormal clearing of charges
- exonerationOfficial clearing of blame
- not guiltyCleared of charges
presumption of innocence · burden of proof · mitigation · self-defense · diminished capacity · insanity defense · entrapment · duress
Serious criminal offense
- misdemeanorLesser criminal charge
- white-collar crimeBusiness fraud offenses
- DUIImpaired operating charge
- drug offenseCrime involving illegal substances
assault · homicide · fraud · theft · domestic violence · federal crimes · organized crime · cybercrime
cross-examination
Opposing party questions witness
- objectionExpression of disapproval
- testimonySworn statement as evidence
- evidenceFacts supporting truth
witness · judge · jury · bailiff · court reporter · sidebar · opening statement · closing argument · plea · bench trial
arraignment
Charge-reading court session
- indictmentFormal charge from jury
- prosecutionPursuing legal charges
- verdictOfficial court decision
deliberation · conviction · sentencing · subpoena · summons · discovery · pretrial · jury selection · voir dire · rebuttal
defender
One who guards another
- counselExpert guidance offered
- representativeOne who acts for another
- championTop competitor, or advocate
protector · supporter · public defender · legal aid · pro bono · innocence project · wrongful conviction · exoneration · court-appointed · Miranda rights
alibi
Defense of location
- reasonable doubtLegal uncertainty requiring acquittal
- acquittalFormal clearing of charges
- exonerationOfficial clearing of blame
not guilty · presumption of innocence · burden of proof · mitigation · self-defense · diminished capacity · insanity defense · entrapment · duress · necessity
felony
Serious criminal offense
- misdemeanorLesser criminal charge
- white-collar crimeBusiness fraud offenses
- DUIImpaired operating charge
drug offense · assault · homicide · fraud · theft · domestic violence · federal crimes · organized crime · cybercrime · appeals
- lawyersattorney, defense attorney, defense counsel, counselor, public defender
- Legal Careersattorney, paralegal, solicitor, barrister, counsel
- legal professionalsattorney, barrister, solicitor, counsel, judge
- legal servicesattorney, law firm, legal advice, legal counsel, counsel
- Women in LawRuth Bader Ginsburg, Sandra Day O'Connor, Sonia Sotomayor, Ketanji Brown Jackson, patent attorney
- representativesrepresentative, delegate, deputy, rep, proxy
criminal lawyerprosecutor
Government's trial lawyer
district attorney · state's attorney · public prosecutor · crown prosecutor · prosecuting attorney
criminal lawyercivil lawyer
Attorney for private disputes
corporate lawyer · contract lawyer · tax attorney · family lawyer · real estate attorney
lawyer, criminal, lawyers, criminals, criminality, incriminate, incrimination, incriminating, incriminated