Description
Represent clients in criminal investigations, prosecutions, and related proceedings; draft and argue criminal motions and pleadings; negotiate with prosecutors; and advise on rights, defenses, and consequences. May focus on defense or prosecution in areas such as white-collar crime, violent offenses, DUI, or juvenile matters.
- • Advise clients on charges, constitutional rights, defenses, plea options, and collateral consequences.
- • Interpret criminal statutes, case law, rules of evidence, and sentencing guidelines.
- • Analyze likely case outcomes using precedents, evidentiary strength, and sentencing exposure.
- • Present and summarize criminal cases to judges and juries.
- • Evaluate discovery and develop case strategy and arguments.
- • Investigate facts by interviewing clients and witnesses and reviewing police reports and recordings.
- • Represent clients at arraignments, bail hearings, pretrial conferences, trials, and sentencings.
- • Assess the advisability of motions, plea negotiations, diversion, or trial.
- • Select jurors, argue pretrial and evidentiary motions, and examine and cross-examine witnesses.
- • Present evidence in criminal proceedings.
- • Research and apply constitutional and criminal procedure issues, including search and seizure and Miranda.
- • Draft and file motions, briefs, subpoenas, and appellate and post-conviction filings.
- • Negotiate plea agreements, charge reductions, and sentencing recommendations.
- • Collaborate with investigators, forensic experts, and specialized counsel to build the case.
- • Obtain, review, and manage discovery, lab results, body-camera footage, and criminal histories.
- • Supervise paralegals, legal assistants, and investigators.
- • Manage caseloads, deadlines, client communications, and case records.
- • Counsel clients during police interviews, custodial interrogations, and grand jury proceedings.
- • Represent clients at probation or parole violation and revocation hearings.
- • Prepare sentencing memoranda, mitigation packages, and restitution analyses.
- • Coordinate compliance with court orders, diversion terms, or treatment programs.
- • Advocate for policy changes or provide training on criminal law and procedure when appropriate.
Related specializations
Interview options
Interview options
Interviewee gender
Interviewee accent
Interview time
Related Pathways
Public Service & Safety
View
Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
Learn more
Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
