HOW TO BECOME A CRIMINAL LAWYER

A criminal lawyer is a person who brings justice to the victim. He practices in the Court of Law but not in the Court of Justice. Criminal law is one of the fascinating fields of law. Being a criminal lawyer takes patience, courage, and the ability to think beyond. “I’m a criminal,” says no one. No one tells the whole truth, even to their lawyers, when it comes to criminal cases. But a criminal lawyer should read between the lines. Reading Perry Mason novels may inspire one to become a criminal lawyer, but in reality, when law destroys a criminal, a lawyer destroys a crime.

What does it take to become a criminal lawyer? Of course, attaining a Law degree is a must. There is no straight answer to this question. Few speak from their experience, and few speak from catching someone’s eye. Criminal lawyers are an essential component of the Indian Judicial System.

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What is Criminal Law?

Criminal law aims to deter and punish conduct which is perceived as threatening, harmful, or endangering to the public, its property, or moral welfare. When government leaders take steps to ban some actions regarding the above, they create crime legislation. Such legislations forbid behaviour, including murder, sexual assault, property damage, theft, and motor offences.

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Becoming a criminal lawyer:

It would help if you enjoyed challenges to become a criminal lawyer because every case has its twists and turns. Criminal law involves a large amount of evidence gathering, sometimes visiting the site where the crime took place.

1. There are broadly two stages in the field of criminal law – trial and appeals. A trial court lawyer defends his client, utilizing pieces of evidence, proving alibis, cross-examining the witnesses, or by submitting rebuttals. In the case of appeals, the lawyer has to see whether the law has been correctly applied or not concerning the facts of the case.
2. There are many fields to criminal law like white-collar crimes, criminal procedure, federal crimes, etc. Choose your area of practice. Take advantage of criminal law classes and read as many guides as you can. This helps to understand various points of view.
3. Criminal Lawyers should spend a lot of time reading and analyzing the law. The scope of Evidence Law got widened in the 21st century. Forensic technology and structural DNA are also playing a vital role in evidence. Reading articles and various journals on criminal law enhance knowledge. A persuasive writer can become a compelling advocate.
4. Internships play an active role in moulding a student’s perspective. An internship program is not restricted to a firm or an advocate. Taking courses under Judges or judicial clerkships also helps. It gives you hands-on experience in various fields of law.
5. Interacting with practising advocates enlightens a novice. Discussion plays a crucial role in building one’s future. These advocates shed light on daily practice in court, how to approach a case, and many other things.
6. Managing emotions is a must and most important trait to become a criminal lawyer. A lawyer should not melt. He must be emotionally intelligent. His mind and feelings should be entirely under his control.
7. A good criminal lawyer should have excellent research skills. Legal precedents are set every day by the courts, and a criminal lawyer could benefit significantly by patterns which rule in the client’s favour.Finding loopholes and being imaginative is essential. Truth to be told, an excellent criminal attorney is good at telling stories and making the judges believe it. The brain should work strategically.

Pointing out the misconduct of the Police Department is the primary duty of lawyers in the Trial Courts. Fighting for a probable cause or not, a criminal lawyer is highly respected in society. It has its effects. Hope India witnesses dashing Criminal lawyers like Ram Jethmalani and KK Luthra in the future.

To be a competent criminal defence counsel, an attorney must be prepared to be demanding, outrageous, irreverent, blasphemous, a rogue, a renegade, and a hated, isolated and lonely person- few love a spokesperson for the despised and the damned.

-Clarence Darrow