Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers | April 9, 2025 | California Law
If you’re facing criminal charges, hiring a lawyer is one of the best decisions you can make. The specific attorney you choose can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. Therefore, understanding the difference between a criminal lawyer and a defense lawyer is essential.
The terms criminal lawyer and defense lawyer are often used interchangeably. However, they do not always have the same meaning.
Criminal Lawyer vs. Defense Lawyer
A criminal lawyer is an attorney who works on criminal cases. They have experience in criminal law and the procedures used in the criminal justice system.
For example, a prosecutor is a criminal lawyer. Prosecutors are attorneys who work for the government to pursue criminal charges against a suspect. Their job is to obtain guilty pleas or verdicts.
On the other hand, a defense lawyer or criminal defense lawyer is an attorney who represents an accused person or organization. They defend their clients against criminal charges.
A defense lawyer may negotiate a favorable plea deal for a client to reduce the charges and/or the penalties for a guilty plea. A defense attorney also represents their clients in court, including arguing for bail and defending them at trial.
Things To Consider When Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in San Diego, CA
When searching for a criminal defense lawyer, you want to choose the lawyer that is best equipped to handle your defense. Your freedom and future are at stake. Before hiring a criminal defense lawyer, consider the following factors:
Areas of Practice and Experience
Even though an attorney is a defense lawyer, it does not mean they have experience handling the type of criminal case you face. For example, if you are charged with driving under the influence, you should search for an experienced DUI attorney. If you are charged with drug crimes, you want an attorney with experience handling drug cases.
Examples of criminal cases include, but are not limited to:
- Drug crimes
- Federal crimes
- Assault
- DUI
- Weapons charges
- Murder
- Domestic violence
- Theft crimes
- Sex crimes
- Juvenile crimes
- White collar crimes
- Sex crimes
Discuss the attorney’s experience handling cases like your case. For example, how many cases have they handled defending someone against sex trafficking or possession of illegal guns?
You also want to ask general questions, including how many years they have been practicing, including practicing in the geographic location of your case. Local criminal attorneys know the tactics prosecutors use and what to expect from local criminal courts.
Reputation and Standing
A good criminal defense lawyer is aggressive and fierce in the courtroom. They advocate for their client. However, they are also professional and ethical. A criminal lawyer with a good reputation and standing in the legal community has a good working relationship with prosecutors.
These qualities can convey credibility and authority during trial and plea negotiations. A good reputation generally indicates an attorney is competent and reliable, which translates into a good track record of helping clients resolve their cases in the best possible manner.
Characteristics That Build a Good Attorney-Client Relationship
You need a good attorney-client relationship with your criminal defense lawyer. Your relationship with your attorney can be an important factor in the outcome of your criminal case. Search for an attorney with effective communication skills, is accessible when you have questions or concerns, and makes you feel comfortable.
You need to be able to trust your criminal lawyer. It is crucial that you tell your lawyer every detail about your case. An attorney cannot provide the best defense if they are unaware of information that impacts your case.
How Do I Find a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
When it comes to your criminal defense, there is no room for error. Do not pick a criminal lawyer at random. Ask people you trust for references. If you know of an attorney who practices in a different area of law, ask them who they would hire if they needed a criminal lawyer. Lawyers often know the other attorneys in their town by their reputation. Contact an attorney today for a free consultation to get started with your case.
Contact a San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer at Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers Today For Help
For more information, please contact the San Diego criminal defense attorneys at Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers for a free consultation, give us a call at (619) 357-4977, or visit our convenient location:
Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers – San Diego Office
255 Broadway, Ste 1740. San Diego, CA. 92101
24/7